Majorca
Majorca or Mallorca in Catalan is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea, one of the Balearic Islands. It is the largest by area and second most populated island of Spain after Tenerife. The capital of the island, and all of the Balearic islands, is Palma. The average temperatures in Majorca are 12c in the winter and 26c in the summer. Majorca's own language is Catalan although the two official languages of the island are Catalan and Spanish. There is local dialect of Catalan called Mallorquí, and this can be heard mostly in the more remote villages.
There is a mountain range running from the north to the south west, and to the north of this range the coast much more rocky than other parts of the island, but the views can be spectacular. The centre of the island is relatively flat and used mostly for agriculture.
Most of the holidays resorts are located in the south of the island although there are few popular ones on the north east coast. The islands airport is just inland from the south coast not far from the capital Palma, and there are good roads to all the resorts. Palma itself has a bustling port, a beach with a backdrop of hotels along the frontage and a stunning cathedral at the end. At the other end of the bay is a castle standing guard on a hill overlooking the town. The town is a draw for all tourists as it has a large selection on shops, restaurants, bars, etc. and makes a day out from the usual sunbathing on the beach or hotel grounds.
There are many quality resorts dotted all the way around the coastline. Most in the south, east and north east, and these are beach orientated. Those few on the north west coast tend to be more coves than beaches and are places for a quiet relaxing holiday without too much hassle and bustle. Valldemossa is one of those quiet towns in the area where Frederic Chopin retreated to, and found relaxation (and apparently a lot of rain in the winter).
The main holidaying resorts tend to be either side of the capital Palma on the south coast. Here there are beaches by the dozen, rocky coves by the score and hotels by the thousands. Some of these resorts are reasonably acceptable for family holidays, while others such as Magalluf can only be described as manic. The further you go along the south coast towards the west, the more attractive the scenery, There are many sandy coves with headlands covered with pine trees.
Alcudia - holidays here cater for all ages and tastes. For action-packed holidays there is a water park offering a variety of slides, from kamikaze to parallel, as well as wave, beach and infant pools.
C’an Picafort - Here there is a lively but friendly atmosphere that suits couples and families alike.
Puerto Pollensa - a pretty resort that is an attractive choice for beach holidays with both couples and families.
Cala d’Or - If you like the sound of pine-fringed headlands and pretty bays then holidays in may be the perfect choice for you.
Santa Ponsa - This resort is located in a beautiful bay and attracts holiday makers for its daytime activities and nightlife. White sands stretches the width of the bay that are perfect for swimming and water sports.
Magaluf - holidays here are famous for their fun-filled nights with buzzing bars and nightclubs attracting thousands of young holiday makers each year. But it’s not just about the nightlife. The beach is a broad stretch of fine sand lapped by safe, shallow waters - perfect for basking in the sun,
Palma Nova - The options here are very similar to Magaluf but perhaps more suitable for families.
