Our trip to Mallorca we'll begin from information of its geographical situation. It is also useful even for those who also know its location: you can refresh your knowledge.
The Balearic Islands' archipelago is situated south-east of Europe, in the central part of the western Mediterranean basin and is a part of Spain. The most famous islands of the Balearic Islands' archipelago are Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, Minorca and Ibiza. The name Mallorca derives from Latin "insula maior", later "Maiorica". Mallorca in Catalan and Spanish, it is also the name most frequently used in English, although "Majorca" is quite common as well.
Palma de Mallorca is the capital, major city and port in the island of Mallorca and capital city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain. It is situated in the south coast of the island in the bay of Palma. In 2003 the population of the city of Palma proper was 367,277, and the population of the entire urban area was estimated to be 462,010. Almost half of the total population of Majorca lives in Palma.
The island is a popular tourist destination. In Mallorca there is a modern airport, situated 9 km from the city, which transport almost 20 million passengers a year. This shows us the popularity of the island.
Palma now becomes a hot destination in its own right. With a costly restoration program in the old city over the last five years, Palma gets better and better. Chic boutiques, avant-garde art galleries, modernist architecture and a magnificent cathedral; harbour in Palma with mega-yachts, leafy promenades, pavement cafes, tapas bars, excellent restaurants and buzzing nightlife. And best of all, Palma is small enough to explore on foot. Easy access makes it perfect for a week-end away.
There are a lot of places to visit in Mallorca. You can take a sightseeing bus - the most convenient way to see Palma de Mallorca during all year. You'll see Bellver Castle, Pueblo Espanol; drive along the Paseo Maritimo and througt the centre of city.
Sa Calobra is one of the most spectacular nature formations in Mallorca and also very popular destination among the tourists. Here you'll find 3-400 meter vertical rock formations, a small beach and crystal clear water. To get there by car take the Soller Lluc road. You can also sail from Puerto de Soller along the coast, where there are several return trips daily.
There are many interesting excursions in Mallorca and based upon your preferences you always can to choose that one which fits you.
We also cannot but say about traditional Mallorquin cuisine. It is hearty peasant food, however, during few years some really excellent restaurants were opened, offering imaginative fine cuisine. In Palma you'll find plenty of buzzing tapas bars where you can eat reasonably cheap. Locals usually lunch around 2 pm. Dining is never before 9.30 pm.
Typical dishes in Mallorca are sobrasada (sausages of minced pork and hot peppers), Tumbet (local-style ratatouille of aubergines, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, garlic and olive oil), Sopes Mallorquines (thick broth of bread with vegetables) and other tasty dishes but the true speciality is the Ensaimada - a large pastry spiral, dusted with icing sugar which you dunk in your breakfast coffee: feather-light, but very sweet and very fattening. Mallorquins aren't big sweet tooth. The choice in local restaurants is usually limited to fruit, helado (ice-cream), crema catalan (flan) similar to creme caramel and almond cake if you're lucky. Better to have a cafe con leche (coffee with hot milk). Anyone of the locals is able to make his own Ensaimadas.
Our first acquaintance with Mallorca is nearing its end. Stay with us and soon you'll know more about entertainment in Mallorca and heap of interesting things!