Mallorca island, Spain: interesting sights, how to get there, what to do, travel life hacks. Majorca

After carefully reading our review, you will find out what you should definitely see in Mallorca. Based on the recommendations of experienced guides and reviews from travelers, we will list all the most significant and fascinating attractions of Mallorca.

What to see first in Mallorca

If you want your trip to be unforgettable, take a look at the following excursions in Mallorca:

1. Sierra de Tramontana

Mountain range stretching along the northwestern coast of Mallorca

The name of a mountain range stretching along the coast of the island for almost a hundred kilometers. The object is under state protection and is considered a valuable natural and cultural monument. We encourage you to see its green peaks and fertile valleys in person. In addition, the square with picturesque landscapes houses a large number of man-made masterpieces.

2. Valldemosa town

Mediterranean village in the hills of the Tramuntana mountain range

If you dream of a calm and relaxing holiday, away from the hustle and bustle, go to this small and truly fabulous town. The ancient province was once the place where the famous Frederic Chopin lived. On the territory you can visit, for example, the Carthusian monastery.

3. Port de Soller

View from the hills to Port de Soller BuzzWoof
A vintage tram runs from Soller along the promenade to Port de Soller Marc Ryckaert (MJJR)

Another resort settlement, surrounded by mountains and located on the shores of a colorful bay. The city is connected to the port by an ancient tram line. If you are looking for the best hotels in Mallorca, come here. Port de Soller is also famous for its numerous historical and cultural monuments.

4. Paseo de Born

Paseo de Born has the most fashionable shops, cafes and restaurants in the city Martin Furtschegger

The key tourist center is the capital Palma. Here on Paseo de Born, life does not calm down for a minute. From time to time, grand performances of artists and shows are organized. There are also daily mass evening “promenades”. The street will captivate you with its unusual sculptural groups, ancient cottages, fashionable boutiques, cafes and restaurants. If you don't know what to visit in Mallorca to have fun, come to Paseo de Born.

5. Palma Aquarium

An unforgettable experience for children in front of the Palma aquarium shark aquarium
Powerful jungle waterfall at Palma Aquarium

These are the sights of Mallorca that every tourist should visit. The local aquarium has been repeatedly recognized as the best in all of Europe. The “residents” of Palma are 700 different species of sea creatures of the Mediterranean. The total area is divided into 5 separate areas, each of which has its own theme. The duration of the aquarium tour is about 4 hours.

See the beautiful views of Mallorca in this breathtaking video!

6. Marineland Dolphinarium

Show with dolphins at the Marineland Dolphinarium Silar

What to see in Mallorca in 1 day with the whole family? This wonderful dolphinarium, whose inhabitants are not only seals and dolphins. But also land representatives of the fauna. The complex includes a small zoo, several aquariums and even a water park for children.

7. Kathmandu Park

Kathmandu Park is filled with exciting attractions for children and adults No Frills Excursions

A popular entertainment center located near the beach. On the territory there is a mini-golf course, a 4D cinema, “Upside Down House”, attractions for visitors of all ages. They regularly organize performances with the participation of “pirate” acrobats demonstrating amazing tricks.

8. Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation

Building of the Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation in Mallorca Gunnar Klack
Sculpture on the grounds of the Pilar and Joan Miró Alinea Foundation Gothic sculpture of a man in the park of the Joan Miró Foundation BMK

Where to go in Mallorca for lovers of culture and art? In this museum complex from 1981, created thanks to the abstract artist Miro. The artist painted over 100 canvases and created a huge number of sculptures and ceramic samples. The museum, now under the patronage of the city authorities, was opened through the efforts of his wife. The complex includes an educational center that hosts lectures and talks on art topics, as well as a library.

9. Palma Cathedral

View from the southeast of the Gothic Cathedral of St. Mary in Palma

Your trip to Mallorca should definitely include a visit to this ancient cathedral. It began to be built after the island was liberated from the Moors. The completion of construction work took place only in the 20th century. The majestic Gothic monument preserves the ashes of the rulers Jaime II and Jaime III (it was during their time that the order to begin construction was given).

10. Ljuki Monastery

Luque Monastery in one of the valleys on the slopes of the Sierra de Tramontana mountain range Defisch
Basilica and monument to Bishop Pere-Joan Campins in the Lluca monastery Frank Vincentz

One of the most revered temples of the island, located on a mountain peak. During the year it is visited by approximately one million guests. The complex includes a museum of the same name and a botanical garden. If you are interested in the best attractions of Mallorca, you should definitely come here. The object has a wonderful appearance and an equally remarkable history: it was erected on the site where the image of St. Luke. Despite the fact that they tried to transfer the image to a temple located nearby, each time it miraculously appeared in the same place. For this reason, it was decided to create the Lyuk Monastery, where you can now listen to the children's choir and attend services.

11. Monastery of San Salvador

Monastery of San Salvador on a hill 500 meters above sea level

The attraction was built at an altitude of five hundred meters above sea level. Nearby you can see several impressive monuments: a column with a figure of Christ, 35 meters high, and a huge 14-meter stone cross. Such interesting places in Mallorca should also be visited for memorable photos.

12. La Granja Estate

Rose garden in the ancient manor La Granja Derbrauni
Courtyard of the La Granja estate in the colonial style of Derbrauni

13. Almudena Palace

Swans in the pond near the Royal Palace of Almudena in Palma

You should not refuse to visit the oldest architectural masterpiece of the country - guides in Mallorca advise. The first Almudena building was built in the ancient Roman era. Subsequently, on its remains, the Arabs created a defensive fortress, which has survived to this day. Now the monument belongs to the royal family, but you can visit its territory freely. Guests can explore the premises and their unique interiors, and stroll through the courtyards.

14. Capdepera Castle

Capdepera Castle of the 14th century, built during the reign of Jaime II

The palace was created in the era of Jaime II. The ruler ordered the construction of a powerful defensive structure that could protect the island from enemy attack. In the Middle Ages, there were over a hundred residential cottages and mansions on the castle square. But gradually the townspeople began to move to the surrounding areas. In the 18th century, the palace lost its original purpose and became the residence of the governor of the island. In 1983, its reconstruction was carried out.

15. Bellver Castle

The walls and towers of Bellver Castle in the form of cylinders of different radii
Arches of the two-tier gallery of the courtyard of Bellver Castle

The largest palace complex on the island, originally a fortress and prison. At the end of the 20th century, a city museum was opened here. Guests are invited to view historical interiors, the objects of which tell about the natives of Mallorca, their way of life and traditions, and the formation of local cities. In addition, the famous symphony orchestra gives performances here, and various festivals and large-scale celebrations are held.

16. Arta Caves

Entrance to the Arta karst caves
Stalactites and stalagmites of the most bizarre shapes and different sizes in the Arta caves

It was in this cave that researchers were able to discover traces of the life of ancient people. Arta itself was found in the 16th century, and at first served as a shelter for pirates and a place of residence for hermits. The territory is represented by frozen waterfalls of stones, huge halls, the height of which reaches 30-40 meters, a giant stalagmite (20 meters) and an underground reservoir. The path to Arta runs through the coastal cliffs.

17. Dragon Caves

Underground landscape of the Dragon Caves in Mallorca

The longest cave in Mallorca, 2 km long. Visitors to Drazon can look at a large underground lake and colorfully illuminated stalagmites and stalactites. Music shows are held regularly.

18. Vintage train from Palma to Sawyer

The vintage Palma - Sawyer train passes through picturesque mountain landscapes
Passengers in a first class compartment of a retro train from Palma to Sawyer

The date of creation of the locomotive is the 20th century. For many years it has been transporting passengers from the center of the island to a settlement called Sawyer. The train travels through the most beautiful areas of Mallorca, allowing you to enjoy superb panoramas. A ride on a vintage train can be compared to an attraction. Travel duration is maximum 60 minutes.

19. Alfabia Gardens

Enchanting swan pond in the Alfabia Fornax gardens
Alley with columns and fountains in the Alfabia Fornax gardens

If you prefer to explore the sights on your own, come to Jardines d'Alfabia. The territory of the architectural and park complex is 120 hectares, on which lemons, oranges, palm trees, almonds and numerous fruit and berry trees and plants grow. In addition, there are calm backwaters, streams and fountains. On the square there is a mansion of the same name with luxurious antique interiors. It is also open for inspection.

20. Albufera Natural Park

Lagoon of Albufera Natural Park

A park complex and the largest nature reserve on the island, spread over 1.7 thousand hectares. It is separated from the coastline by sand dunes. Local residents include all kinds of birds. The territory is “strewn” with swamps. It is strictly prohibited to have a barbecue here, but you can go for walks or bike rides.

Sights of Mallorca: what else to visit in Mallorca?

We have briefly named the main attractions of Mallorca. In addition to them, such wonderful places on the island deserve your attention as:

21. Mondrago Nature Reserve

Beach with turquoise clear water in the natural reserve of Mondrago in the bay of Cala Mondrago

It is located in the south of the island and is a conservation area. The territory of the reserve is about 800 hectares, where you can see swamps, several beaches, farms, rocks and sand dunes. The inhabitants of the complex are all kinds of birds, some of which only spend the winter here.

22. Muro Beach

White sand and gently azure sea on Muro beach
Wooden pier in the western part of Muro beach - a marina for yachts and boats

The beach line is located in the northern part of the island, at a relative distance from its capital. Therefore, the amount of tourism infrastructure here is small. There are also relatively few vacationers (although there are still cafes and restaurants). The area is surrounded by pine forests. If you wish, you can take a short walk to the local nature park. If you dream of a quiet and secluded time, come to Muro Beach.

23. Alcudia Beach

View of the clear turquoise sea from Alcudia beach in Mallorca
Alcudia beach is especially popular among tourists

The natural site is located in the resort of Alcudia, and is a huge success among both guests and residents of Mallorca. The local beach lines are called the most refined and comfortable in the north of the island. You can often see luxury private and commercial jets here. There are regular ferry services to the island of Menorca.

24. Wild Beach Es Trenc

Landscape of the wild beach of Es Trenc GanMed64

The longest wild beach of the island, stretching for three kilometers. Recommended for visiting for those who want to swim in crystal clear Mediterranean water, enjoying the views of numerous coniferous trees and snow-white sand. Now Es Trenc is under the protection of the authorities. Please note that for the most part nudists come here to relax.

25. Sa Calobra Bay

Pleasure boats among the rocks in the bay of Sa Calobra

Clouds, sea waves, mountain peaks covered with shining greenery - you can see all this when you arrive at the bay of Sa Calobra. Local beaches are numerous and well-maintained for tourists. One of the most popular services is yacht rental and sailing on the waters of the bay.

26. Cape Formentor

Tourists at the observation deck of Cape Formentor

The ever-green forests, blue sea waves and steep mountain slopes brought fame to this attraction. The surrounding nature is magical and truly exotic. It’s also worth coming to Cape Formentor for a great relaxation on the white sandy beach. In addition to everything else, the territory has historical and cultural sites, for example, a watchtower built 5 centuries ago, and an ancient lighthouse that still illuminates the way for ships at night. Your vacation here will be entertaining, beachy, and educational at the same time.

We hope that those sights of Mallorca, photos with names and descriptions of which you have just seen, turned out to be interesting for you. When you arrive on the island, be sure to visit at least some of them. Read also about and get inspired for your further travel to Spain.

The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo© An Pri / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Mallorca is the most visited island of the Balearic archipelago, with an annual number of tourists exceeding 10 million. Most come for the sea, sun and beaches, but Mallorca has much more to offer. With gorgeous beaches, stunning mountains and extraordinary caves, it's no wonder this place inspired Jules Verne.

The romantic racing towns of Valldemossa, Deia, Soller and Pollensa are scattered along the west coast. The West Coast is crowned by Cape Formentor with its picturesque cliffs and fabulous Formentor beach. The east coast is even more outlandish - the caves of Coves Arta, the Dragon Caves, ancient fortresses and the delightful beach of Cala d'Or.

Finally, the capital of the island, Palma de Mallorca, is a concentration of attractions in the midst of wonderful nature.

The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo© cristina camps / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a vibrant city with stunning architecture and a rich history. Its historical part is a combination of Gothic churches, beautiful palaces, charming patios and excellent places to relax.

The vibrant city of Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Photo© santiago lopez-pastor / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Cathedral of St. Mary

Palma Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria or La Seu) resembles a huge Gothic ship moored off the coast of Palma. Its construction on the site of the main mosque lasted from 1300 to 1601. The facade of the cathedral was restored after the earthquake of 1851 in Art Nouveau style according to the designs of Antoni Gaudi.

The entrance to the cathedral is preceded by a museum of paintings on religious themes and items made of precious metals. The most impressive details of the interior are the bright stained glass windows and the extraordinary forged sculpture of Gaudí. Local artist Miguel Barcelo also contributed to the design, painting one of the altars on the biblical theme of loaves and fishes.

Puppet Museum

The Puppen Museum near the Cathedral will appeal to both children and adults. This is a delightful collection of antique dolls, where you can also buy some of them.

Almundaina Palace

Almundaina Palace (Palau de l’Almudaina) is a former Muslim fort, reconstructed in the 13th century as the residence of the Majorcan kings. The palace, which still hosts the King of Spain, is open to the public - you can see the courtyard, the chapel with a rare Roman portal and the royal apartments with antique tapestries and furniture.

View of the Almundaina Palace, Spain (Photo© PROAntonio Rodríguez Fernán / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Bishop's Palace

The Bishop's Palace (Palau Episcopal) exhibits a magnificent Christian collection from all over the island.

Museum of Contemporary Art Es Baluard

Es Baluard is a place where bold displays blend perfectly with reinforced concrete walls and the remains of Renaissance fortifications. Inside there are works by Catalan masters from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as a rotating exhibition of 20th century artists from Oskar Kokoschka to Amadeo Modigliani.

March Palace

The March Palace (Palau March) belonged to the fabulously wealthy March family. The terrace features bold sculptures by contemporary artists such as Eduardo Chillida and Barbara Hepworth. Inside you will find rich bourgeois furnishings, an interesting collection of Salvador Dali, as well as an exhibition of figurines on the theme of Neapolitan life.

Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art

The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art or the Juan March Foundation Museum (Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani) is located in an 18th century mansion. Visitors can enjoy works by Picasso, Dali, Juan Gris, Miró and sculptor Julio Gonzalez.

Mansion-Museum Caen-Marcus
Can Marques is a beautiful Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau mansion open to the public. This is a unique opportunity to see exquisite furnishings, furniture and household items that date back to the 14th century.

Basilica of Saint Francis

The Basilica of Sant Francesc on the square of the same name was built back in 1281. The majestic facade was made in 1700, and inside lie the ashes of the 13th century scientist Raymond Lull.

House-Museum of Joaquim Torrents Llado

The Casa-Museo Joaquim Torrents Llado houses valuable works by the Catalan artist.

Arab baths

Arab Baths (Banys Arabs) – partially preserved ancient Arab baths with domes and columns.

Exchange

The Trade Exchange (La Llotja) is a luxurious palace-like building in the Gothic style. Now used for exhibitions.

Church of Santa Eulalia

The Church of Saint Eulalia (Iglesia de Santa Eulalia) is the oldest in the city, and is famous for its stunning altar.

Neighborhoods of Palma

Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver) is a unique round castle from the 14th century on the western outskirts of Palma. You can get there by bus number 3 with a stop at Plaza Gomilla, from where the castle is only 500 m away. From here you can enjoy excellent panoramas of the city.

Bellver Castle, Spain (Photo© Joanot / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Spanish village

The Spanish Village (Pueblo Español) embodied the idea of ​​​​collecting copies of all the sights of Spain in one place. There are 22 buildings here that you can walk around in 15 minutes and take interesting photos.

Zoo Natura Park

The Natura Parc zoo, 25 km from Palma in the town of Ses Olleries, is small, but most of its inhabitants can be fed and petted.

Santa Maria del Cami

Santa Maria del Cami is a pleasant old town in the mountains, from where many exciting hiking trails start.

Waterpark Western Park

Western Water Park is located in the resort of Magaluf - this is a great idea to combine the theme of the Wild West and water activities.

Dragonera Natural Park

Dragonera Natural Park (Parc Natural de sa Dragonera) is an island off the westernmost coast of Mallorca where a special species of lizard lives. Tour groups depart from the resorts of Santa Ponsa and Paguera to this lizard-inhabited uninhabited island.

La Granja Museum

The La Granja Museum (Museo La Granja) is an interesting museum of the island's traditions among the picturesque nature of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. The museum is located in a charming 17th-century manor in the town of Esporles, 15 km from the capital.

Sights of Mallorca

Valldemossa

Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Mallorca with narrow ancient streets surrounded by flowers. This place will be appreciated by lovers of hiking and atmospheric photo shoots.

Mountain village of Valldemossa, Spain (Photo© Ramón Sobrino Torrens / www.flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

Alfabia Gardens

Alfabia Gardens (Jardins de Alfabia) – delightful Moorish gardens and estate at the foot of the Sierra de Tramuntana. It’s nice to walk along the alleys here and turn on the fountains yourself by pressing special buttons.

Deya

Deia is a pretty village in the mountains that has always inspired artists, poets and musicians. Cobbled streets, ancient fountains, miniature sculptures, colorful flowers and cypress trees create a special creative atmosphere. A little to the west is the beautiful Son Marroig estate with a stunning terrace.

Soller

Soller is a town in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana, accessible by the Orange Express from Palma. This is a cute town with many mountain routes starting from there.

Pollensa

Pollença is an ancient city famous for its “Way of the Cross” in the form of a steep staircase of 365 steps. At the end of the journey, pilgrims will find the El Calvari chapel and wonderful panoramas at the top of the mountain. The popular resort of Port de Pollensa is located nearby.

Cape Formentor

Cape Formentor is the northernmost point of Mallorca with stunning rocky cliffs. The final destination is the lighthouse and beach of Formentor with its unusually azure waters.

Alcudia

Alcudia is a family resort with magnificent beaches and a small water park, the Hidropark. Nearby is the Yannick and Ben Jacobert Foundation Museum with exhibitions of contemporary art and a sculpture park.

Muro

Muro is a town where the interesting Museum of Ethnology (Museo Etnologico de Muro) is located. In the museum you can see furniture, traditional costumes, tools, and also see firsthand the work of a blacksmith or shoemaker.

Petra

Petra is the patrimony of the missionary monk Junípero Serra, where time seems to have stopped. Here you can visit all the places Serra visited, including his home and museum nearby on Carrer Barracar Alt. Also interesting is the monastery of San Bernat on the outskirts of Petra.

Arta

Arta is a pleasant town with a beautiful 13th century church of San Salvador and its “Way of the Cross”, which leads to the Santuari de Sant Salvador fortress. Further east are the Koves Arta caves on a sheer cliff. They are said to have inspired Jules Verne to write Journey to the Center of the Earth. You can also visit the ancient castle in the city of Capdepera.

Dragon Caves

The Dragon Caves (Coves del Drac) are one of the favorite tourist spots with the underground Lake Martel. The doomsday and the musicians on the boats create a special impression.

Dragon Caves, Spain (Photo© Ralf Becker/ www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Santanyi

Santanyi is a golden town made of special limestone, which is mined in local quarries. The main attraction is the Church of Sant'Andreu. The city is also famous for its open-air market, which takes place in the city center right next to the church. Here you can buy excellent leather belts, bags, wallets, ceramics, paintings, jamon and more.

cactus garden

The Cactus Garden (Botanicactus) in Ses Salines is a stunning opportunity to see one of the largest collections of cacti in Europe, consisting of more than 1000 species on 15 hectares. There is also a bamboo plantation, an artificial pond, beautiful palms and trees.

Puig de Randa

Puig de Randa is a mountain 32 km from Palma, where there are 3 old monasteries: Gracia, Sant Honorat and Cura. The cliffs where the monasteries are located offer stunning views.

Puig de Randa, Spain (Photo© PROEloisa Ozonas/ www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

El Arenal

El Arenal is a popular resort with excellent beaches and the Aqualand water park.

Beaches

10 best beaches in Mallorca:

How to get to Mallorca

Mallorca can be reached by plane or ferry. The ferry departs from Ibiza, Menorca and Valencia. During the high season, there are direct flights to Mallorca from Russia, and the rest of the time planes to Palma de Mallorca fly from Madrid and Barcelona.

View of Mallorca from an airplane, Spain (Photo© Inge / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

What to do on the island

10 things to do in Mallorca:

1. Look with admiration at the Palma Cathedral-ship;
2. Make up your mind and go around all the sights of Palma;
3. Take a ride on the romantic Orange Express from Malmo to Soller;
4. Try local beer Sullerica in the town of Soller;
5. Venture onto one of the trekking routes along the Sierra de Tramuntana;
6. Relax on the idyllically white Es Trenc beach;
7. Attend an unusual concert in the Dragon Caves;
8. Buy home Mallorcan sausages - sobrasada and coent;
9. Get your own comfortable pair of Camper shoes;
10. Have a photo shoot in the charming village of Deia.

When to go to Mallorca

Mallorca is a year-round resort, but the high season is considered to be from April to October. During this period, an excellent beach holiday is guaranteed - the air temperature remains at 22-31°C. The water is warmest from July to September – 25-25°C.

Between November and March, the air temperature drops below 20°C, so swimming and sunbathing is no longer so comfortable, but you can immerse yourself in excursions. Housing prices during the low season are half as much.

The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo© henrikhallqvistt / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

What and where to eat in Mallorca

One of Mallorca's most famous dishes is roasted suckling pig "lechona asada" with potatoes and apple sauce. The islanders' favorite first course is a very thick and hearty Mallorquina soup with pork and vegetables. It’s also worth trying tumbet, the Mallorcan equivalent of ratatouille.

For dessert, you can treat yourself to twisted puff pastries with cream - ensaymadas. And indulge in the local grejonera de brossat cheesecake and gâteau dameglia almond cake.

Restaurant March Fosh in the center of Palma is a sophisticated gourmet place where you can taste all the best varieties of Spanish cheese. Enchanting presentation and decoration of dishes.

Fish restaurant Ca n'Eduardo Located next to the port and fish market, visitors can expect fresh food and stunning views.

At the tapas bar 13% tucked away on the western outskirts of the Old Town, you can taste original tapas, desserts and wines. Large selection of food for vegetarians.

Restaurant Can Costa Alcudia, located in the historical center of Alcudia, serves delicious Spanish paella and excellent fish. Excellent authentic interior, good prices and service.

Tapas Bar S'estret in Valldemossa - this is an incredibly soulful place where they cook excellent tapas.

Some historical features of Mallorca

The first accurate information about the island is associated with Carthage, which ruled Majorca until 146 BC. Then the island became a haven for pirates until they were dealt with in 123 BC. Quintus Metellus - Roman consul. At the same time, the city of Palmaria was founded - now Palma de Mallorca.

Then the island was owned by the Vandals, the Byzantines, and in 902 the Muslims became the masters of Mallorca, who established irrigation of the lands. Spanish troops under the leadership of Jaime I of Aragon invaded here in 1229.

Mallorca began to experience real prosperity in the 50s of the last century due to the rapid development of tourism. Now the island is visited by millions of tourists.

The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo© An Pri / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Travel life hacks

One of the best places for spectacular photo sessions is the cities of Valldemosa or Deia with their cozy cobbled streets and flower pots.

If you want to combine relaxation with shopping, then you need to go to the capital Palma de Mallorca. Main shopping streets: Avenida Jaime III, streets around Plaza Mayor, Boulevard des Borns and Alejandro Roseyo. Here you can find 2 large El Corte Ingles breakwaters. On the western outskirts of the city there is a large shopping and entertainment center called Porto Pi.

Excellent shopping can be done at the market in the town of Santanyi, right in the city center.

Sales on the island take place in 2 stages: summer - from July 1 to the end of August, winter - from January 7 to the end of February.

What to buy:

• Leather shoes of the local brand Camper, etc.;
• Leather products;
• Ceramics;
• Olive wood products;
• Jamon, olive oil, Mallorcan almond liqueur, etc.

The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo above© An Pri / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

How do we save up to 25% on hotels?

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Our son is growing up, and we continue to travel together. Since we prefer to vacation at sea at the beginning of May and/or at the end of September, we choose places that meet the following conditions:
a. Europe
b. fly no more than 4 hours
c. the sea is warm enough to swim with a child
d. availability of interesting places for children and parents in the area
not very large - Cyprus, Spain in the Valencia-Alicante area, Bolearic Islands.
At first, as usual, we tried to organize everything ourselves, but after a series of thoughts we came to the conclusion to give the issue of organizing a vacation to a travel agency.
The question remained with the direction:
- Cyprus, with all its advantages, has already become boring (we had a good rest last May and my wife and son spent the winter there in the winter of 2011)
- Holiday options on the Costa Blanca turned out to be not very budget-friendly
As a result, we chose Mallorca and the Iberostar Club Cala Barca hotel. Basically, the choice was made based on the large number of positive reviews on tripadviser.com and the relatively low price. The location of the hotel in a pine forest was also captivating. The tour operator was Natalie Tours. The charter flight is operated by Transaero.

Road
Domodedovo Airport, as always, pleased with the “thoughtful” nature of the passenger disembarkation area and the turmoil and confusion reigning there. After the terrorist attack, everyone entering the terminal building began to be searched, and dog handlers with dogs are constantly present. At the entrance there are guards the size of a good refrigerator and with their appearance they show that they have everything under control.
During check-in, it turned out that there was no need to check the stroller as luggage, as when flying to Rhodes using the same Transaero, which we were incredibly happy about. The flight, lasting almost 5 hours, passed quite quickly. Transaero's planes, of course, are no longer new, and the degree of friendliness and correct communication of the flight attendants leaves much to be desired. Still, despite all the comments and complaints about Aeroflot, they are still much better than S7 and Transaero.
The first thing that struck me about Mallorca was the size of the airport. In the arrivals hall there are about 20 baggage claim belts alone (especially in contrast to DMO, where there are 4 or 5 of them).
Since the hotel is located on the outskirts and you need to get to civilization either by bus, or by taxi, or by rented car, we decided to take a car directly at the airport and not use the operator’s “airport-hotel-airport” transfers.
After studying the offers of rental companies, of which there are a million in Mallorca, the choice was made at recordgo.com (their contacts are in the photo:)

We booked a Renault Scenic online for all 15 days. In fact, there was no Scenic, and the choice was offered of a new diesel Peugeout Partner or Ford C-Max with a range of 7,000 km; naturally, the choice fell on Ford. It also turned out on the spot that when renting for more than 4 days, you need to buy a tank of fuel from the office (that is, you get the car with a full tank, but you can and should return it with an empty one, since the money will not be returned). The overpayment was not particularly large, and this condition was, it turns out, written in small print in the reservation confirmation, so I was not particularly upset. In total, 350 Euros were paid for 15 days (car + tank of gasoline + child seat). All rental cars in Europe are insured, and in case of problems, you only get a deductible, which for this class of car in RecordGo is 300 Euros. Additional insurance was offered in order to eliminate the deductible and include coverage for headlights/glasses/underbody and other things. But, due to the fact that its cost is about 10 Euros per day, I didn’t see the point in buying it.
Having accepted the car and installed an extremely cheap-looking child seat (for some reason I’ve never seen high-quality seats at rentals) we headed towards the hotel. The distance to the hotel from the airport is approximately 55-60 km, a third of this distance is a highway. The rest is a two-lane road of excellent quality. At the end of the route, the navigator decided to take a shortcut and led us along narrow local paths, the width of which does not allow two cars to pass each other in most places. There are a lot of such roads on the island and they are extremely picturesque.

The journey to the hotel took about an hour.

Hotel.
We registered, met the deputy. The manager, Bulgarian Ignat Ignatov, is an extremely friendly and helpful comrade. There are three Russian girls working at the reception, one of whom is always on shift. In addition, the hotel always has a Natalie Tours guide - she can be found either at the reception or in one of the “Russian” buildings.
We received the key and were shown the direction where to go. The hotel consists of a large number of buildings located along the road. Tourists are accommodated based on their nationality and depending on the operator. Russian buildings are located 500 meters from restaurants, swimming pools, reception and other entertainment. On the one hand, such a distance may be a minus for some, but, on the other hand, the Russian reservation has its own swimming pool, its own children's animation, a snack bar, and it is much quieter and calmer there than in the main buildings in which Europeans are accommodated (possibly because the building occupancy rate was 15 percent)
The renovations in the rooms of the “Russian” buildings do not qualify for 4*, as the hotel positions itself, they look poor. But it’s clean, because they clean it every day. The room has a refrigerator and stove, but no dishes.
With meals at the hotel, half-board and All-Incl options are available. The vast majority of Europeans and our compatriots choose the latter option. We traveled on a half-board, since we did not plan to stay at the hotel during the day for lunch. If you booked a trip with half board and then changed your mind, you can pay an additional 18 euros per day per person at the hotel and get an “All Inclusive” bracelet so you can drink and eat unlimitedly.
Despite the beginning of the season, the European part of the hotel was filled with vacationers by 80-90 percent, however, some inconvenience can only be felt in the restaurant, when you cannot find a free table in a hall that can accommodate 700 people.
The hotel is hell for childfree people, since 80% of vacationers vacation there with children, most with two or three.
The hotel has a large children's playground, animation in different languages ​​(including animators from Natalie Tours), children's clubs for both the youngest and older children, slot machines and children's attractions. Every children's evening there is a mini disco with clowns. A 5-minute walk from the hotel is a ranch where you can rent a pony, ride a cart, or just watch the horses.
The food is varied, but like any buffet, it gets boring pretty quickly. Lots of fruits and desserts. Unfortunately, there is no special children's food; according to observation, Europeans do not worry and immediately after bottles of formula they switch to French fries and Fanta. For breakfast, our child ate the porridge we had brought with us, and for dinner we were fed the most neutral dishes available to choose from.
The hotel is located within the Mondrago National Park and the grounds are very beautiful.

Reception:

Main square, restaurant and swimming pools:

Natalie-Tours buildings:

Territory:

Entertainment available to adults:
tennis courts (free, but by appointment. Rackets can be rented for some ridiculous money)
ping pong tables,
a 25-meter pool in which you can try to swim normally, in the morning or in the evening (during the day, swimming there resembles slalom)
several winding pools for a relaxing swim,
rental of all types of bicycles (hardtail, two-suspension, road bike - from 18 Euro per day, you can take a child seat - 3 Euro per day),
there is a dive center that even issues PADI certificates,
at the ranch you can take riding lessons for reasonable money or just ride a horse,
gym,
SPA center with reasonable prices, but not a very wide variety of programs,
Cycling, water aerobics, etc., etc., to overcome the consequences of all-inclusive.

There is a small supermarket, shops with small items and souvenirs.
If you are traveling with children for two weeks, then most likely you cannot avoid doing laundry - the issue is resolved for a reasonable 3 euros per wash, for which you need to buy a token in the supermarket to turn on the washing machine. There are mini-laundries near the main building and near the Russian part.

If you still want to go and see the surrounding area, you can do this either by bus at the following prices:

Either by taxi or by renting a car. Rental at the hotel offers new Citroen C4 for 40-45 euros per day.
The beach at the hotel is not very good. There are a lot of people, and the beach is small and not equipped (but clean, except for algae). Therefore, it is better to go to the beaches located within a 10-minute walk through the forest. The path is good, but difficult to walk with a stroller. Alternatively, you can travel by bus for about 1.5 Euro. On the beach there is a rental of sun loungers, a cafe, and a shower.

The beach closest to the hotel (but no longer on site):

Beach 10 minutes from the hotel:

Nature
Of the islands I visited (Crete, Tenerife, Cyprus), Mallorca seemed the most green and pleasing to the eye. Pines, sea, rocks and white sand are a very beautiful combination. There are countless beaches, both comfortable and wild. There is a feeling that even during peak season you can find a beach where there will be no one but you. There are many more photos below:

Entertainment for children.
There is children's animation on site (including in Russian). Equipped children's playground.
Next to the hotel there is a ranch where you can rent a pony (about 5 euros for half an hour). They give you a reason and you walk on your own. There is a Belarusian working at the ranch, who will explain in his native language how to behave with a pony.

You can also take your child on a carriage ride.

Among the places that seemed interesting for a 2-year-old child we visited:

Marineland Park.
They give performances of seals, dolphins and parrots, and there is also a small zoo and a water park for children on site.

Safari Zoo- a wonderful zoo and a kind of auto-safari. It is a winding road about three kilometers long, along which you drive in your car and watch different animals grazing without enclosures. Deer, gazelles, buffalos, zebras, hippos, monkeys and all of them can be seen from the car window. Monkeys behave especially brazenly - when approaching their territory, two or three individuals jump on a car, sit on the mirrors and begin to intensively beg for a treat. To tell the truth, I said goodbye to the 300 euro deductible for the broken mirror, since under the 15 kilogram carcass it began to crack menacingly and lean in an unusual direction towards the ground J. But, in general, the mirror remained intact, and the claws of the monkeys left no scratches on auto. So, entertainment can be considered relatively safe.
At the end of the safari part, you arrive at a regular zoo, where in enclosures you can find lves, elephants, tigers, monkeys and other animals. There is a children's mini-zoo where you can go with your children and see/touch goats, geese and similar domestic animals. Children can spend the rest of their energy on a couple of playgrounds. One of them has a somewhat unusual slide.

Aquarium in Palma
A very decent aquarium, consists of an indoor and outdoor exhibition, where there are several open ponds with fish and sharks, as well as an imitation of the jungle.

Entertainment for parents
Unfortunately, our child does not have the opportunity to travel far (his maximum in the car is 1 hour). So we drove along the south coast.
Cala Figeira is a small town with a beautiful bay.

Cala"D"Or- a typical tourist town. With a standard range of entertainment in the form of a mass of small shops, cafes and bars. The beach is small and crowded. There is a surf station where you can rent a wind surf or take a course.

Colonia St jourdi- a resort town with an excellent beach. Another surf station.
The city administration is apparently very greedy, because... It was not possible to find any free parking spaces at all. Parking is either prohibited or paid everywhere. A lady stands vigil next to the parking meters and immediately issues fines for expired parking tickets.

Porto Colom- a large harbor and many boats, it’s nice to walk along the embankment.

Porto Petro- We drove past the city itself and didn’t notice anything special. It's worth a trip for the Dragon Cave and the Safari Zoo.

Dragon Cave- a rather popular tourist attraction, but worth a visit - the interior of the cave and the scale of the halls are impressive. A classical music concert taking place on an underground lake and completing the tour is also quite good.
Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside, so there are no photos.

Santanyi- a cozy town. (The closest town to the hotel after Porto Petro) With good restaurants in the square.

Very beautiful city!

Rough parking:

Of all the attractions we visited only Bellver Castle.

We wandered the streets, ate ice cream, and played at the local playground.
One of the areas of street creativity is blowing bubbles. With the help of simple devices, bubble blowers entertain children and earn a euro or two. Their bubbles are simply gigantic.

From a shopping point of view, we can recommend the Porto Pi shopping center at the end of the port, when you exit the highway towards Antratx. In principle, the selection of stores is not much different from those in Moscow, but Spanish clothing brands are 40 percent cheaper. There are many children's attractions in the center, so stock up on euro coins.
The Festival Park outlet is also advertised. We didn’t find anything interesting, prices are higher than in the city, there are not many shops, the only plus is that they are open on Sunday, which is extremely rare in Spain, where shops on Sunday look like this:

Sollier
The only city on the northern coast that we could get to was Sollier. Traveling on an antique (1929) train, in good weather, judging by the reports, looks much more pleasant. But since we had no choice (the weather was cloudy the entire second half of our stay on the island), we drove in the rain. Unfortunately, it was not possible to get any vivid impressions. Sollier is a nice town, but nothing more.

Restaurant Grill
We stopped at this restaurant on the recommendation of friends - a great place to relax after the beach and eat grilled meat, fish and seafood. There is a beautiful garden in the courtyard where you can take a walk while the owner prepares your order. The restaurant is located next to the nice beach of Es Trenc. In general, I recommend:

Additional Information:
Parking in cities costs, on average, 1.8 euros per hour; during siesta (14.30-16.30) parking is most often free; there are many underground parking lots in Palma, with approximately the same tariff. If you are not too late for the paid time, they will put a receipt under your wiper with a small fine (Euro 3-4), which can (and should) be paid at the same parking meter. In the PortoPi shopping center, parking is free for two hours, then about 2.4 euros.

Internet.
The Internet can be found in the form of WiFi in some cafes/restaurants, or you can buy a local SIM card in order to use decently working 3G from Vodafone. The pleasure will cost approximately 20 Euros per week (if you have your own modem. Unfortunately, I don’t know how much Vodafone devices offer)
http://www.vodafone.es/particulares/es/internet-y-tv/internet-movil/internet-movil-prepago/tarifas/

Products.
Food prices are approximately the same as in Moscow. Except for wine, cheese and jamon. All this costs pennies and is of excellent quality. Spanish wines are sold for 3-4 euros per bottle; 6-8 is considered very decent.

In general, Mallorca left me with the most pleasant impressions and a desire to return. Which we will definitely do.

What does the phrase “trip to the island” mean for a child? Boundless expanses of sea, sandy shores, hot sun, lush vegetation (palm trees with bananas and coconuts are a must) and continuous adventures, including meetings with pirates.

This is exactly what the Spanish island of Mallorca looks like. True, to all the beauties of the landscape there is also a well-developed tourist infrastructure and safety. And, of course, the warm, sunny climate contributes to family holidays.

One of the priority areas of the tourism industry is holidays with children in Mallorca. This is the focus of services in hotels and restaurants, entertainment, and healthcare services. Kidpassage has collected all the most important information about the resorts of Mallorca. Find out, when is the best time to come to the island to sunbathe, and how to choose a good place to relax with a child.

Mallorca on the map of Spain

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. The distance from Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the island, to Valencia and to Barcelona by sea is 275 km.

From the main city of Mallorca to the resort towns of Playa de Palma and Can Pastilla - 8 km, to Illetas - 13 km, to Palma Nova - 15 km, to Magaluf - 18 km, to Santa Ponsa - 22 km, to Paguera - 25 km, to Cala d'Or - 65 km, to Alcudia - 60 km.

It is easy to find on the map where Mallorca is located. Although it is smaller than the island of Sardinia, located 400 km away, it is still impossible not to notice it. The island had been noticed before: armies of different nations fought for Mallorca, until in the 18th century the Balearic Islands became part of Spain.

Vacation with children

Holidays in Mallorca are exotic and ordinary mixed in the right proportion. On the one hand, this is an island whose history is covered in legends about pirates. On the other hand, Spanish everyday life means excellent hotels, clean beaches and delicious food.

In many ways, holidays in Mallorca with children are very similar to holidays in other resort regions of Spain. The usual “constructor” works here: there is everything necessary for passive relaxation, for active travel, for a fun pastime. All this can be arranged at your discretion.

And yet it should be noted that Mallorca will be most appreciated by those who like to rent a car and travel around all the surrounding areas, get acquainted with non-resort life, and get away from the noise of the city. The island is devoid of large-scale attractions, but it is not short of natural beauty.

At the same time, there is also plenty of entertainment for children in Mallorca. True, in order to organize a varied entertainment program, you will have to go to several neighboring resorts.

But we need to pay tribute to a quiet pastime. If you want to relax with your child in a quiet resort, where there is a good beach and a comfortable hotel, Mallorca is perfect. On the island There are enough places where you can come with a baby and enjoy the silence.

The only drawback is the difficulty of the transfer. Most trips to Mallorca involve connecting flights, although there are direct flights during high season.

When is the best time to go?

Fact: throughout the year, Mallorca hosts several dozen holidays, festivals, and fairs, and most fall in winter and early spring.

But still, the high season in Mallorca is primarily a beach season, and therefore a wave of vacationers rolls onto the island from May to September. There are especially many tourists on the island in July-August: Hotels for this time are booked almost a year before the trip.

Holidays in May and the first half of June have their own characteristics. The first is a rather cold sea. A swimming pool at a hotel or water park can be a help here. The second is the small number of regular international flights. You may have to look for a suitable charter or fly with a transfer.

It is wise to arrive at the opening of the season in Mallorca if you want to travel around the island rather than lie on the beach.

The weather at the end of spring favors active travelers: it is not yet hot, rain is rare, and the sun is not too hot on your head yet (nevertheless, a hat is a must for a holiday in Mallorca).

When is the best time to go to Mallorca if a beach holiday comes last for you? In this case, you can safely choose a low season, full of exciting events, for your trip.

After the Christmas and New Year holidays, a series of new celebrations begin on the island: on January 18-20, Palma celebrates the day of St. Sebastian, the patron saint of the city. At the end of February the Sa Rua Carnival takes place. Its integral part is Sa Rueta, a carnival for children.

On the first day of March, Balearic Islands Day is celebrated with festivities and fun. In April, the Princess Sofia Trophy sailing regatta is held. October and November are devoted to all sorts of agricultural fairs, including pumpkin, olive and wine fairs.

The main events of the high season are the Moors and Christians festival in May, the night of fire and the Bonfire of St. John in June.

Weather and climate

Mallorca's climate is typically Mediterranean, with sunny summers and mild winters. We can say that the island has only two seasons: hot summer, which lasts from May to October, and warm spring (or autumn) from November to April.

Those who have been yearning for beaches over the winter can plan a vacation to Mallorca as early as early May. The average daily temperature in May is +23°C, but sometimes surprises are possible in the form of heat above +30°C or, conversely, cold temperatures down to +18°C. In any case, it is worth taking warm clothes on vacation, because at night in Mallorca it gets cold to +12-15°C.

People usually come on holiday with a child no earlier than June, because in May the sea does not have time to warm up enough. And since with the arrival of summer the air temperature rises to +27-28°C, the water soon becomes warm.

The heaviest heat in Mallorca occurs in July-August. Thermometers show +30°C already in the morning, and by noon the air heats up to +35°C.

The heat is not so noticeable due to moderate air humidity and a refreshing breeze, but for a beach holiday it is still better to choose only the morning and evening hours. By the way, summer evenings in Mallorca are pleasantly cool: the temperature drops to +20-24°C.

And if you think that the main conditions for a good holiday are not too hot weather, a warm sea and the absence of crowds on the beach, then choose September for your trip.

In September, the period of mass holidays is left behind, the air temperature drops to +26°C, the sea retains the heat accumulated over the summer - perhaps You can't imagine a better holiday in Mallorca with children.

But the October weather is unpredictable, and in a good way. Usually in mid-autumn the temperature stays at +22°C, but October often resembles real summer in terms of heat and number of sunny days. At this time, you can come to Mallorca with your baby without fear of the heat and scorching sun.

From November to April the temperature in Mallorca drops to +14-19°C. Unlike summer, when there is almost no rain, late autumn, winter and early spring are rainy times. But even during this period, the number of gloomy days is no greater than the number of sunny ones.

Sea water temperature

There are no cold weather as we understand it in Mallorca, but the beach season here opens only in May, and the swimming season even later. For example, in May, the beaches of Mallorca are already full of sunbathing, but almost no one is swimming: the sea temperature barely reaches +19°C.

In June the situation changes for the better. By the middle of the month the water warms up to +23°C. In July-August, the water temperature in Mallorca is +25-26°C, and during periods of prolonged heat it can rise to +28°C.

Throughout September the sea remains very warm, although the water temperature gradually drops to +24°C. Often the swimming season lasts throughout October, because the water maintains a temperature of +22-23°C and only by the end of the month it cools down to +20-21°C.

Nutrition

Meals in hotels in Mallorca are rarely included in the room price. Tourists usually eat outside hotels, in local restaurants, especially since the culinary traditions of Mallorca appeal to children.

A dish called Pa amb tomàquet is perfect for a quick snack: it's toasted slices of bread spread with a mixture of tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. You can put sausage or cheese on this bread.

And among Mallorcan desserts, children really like ensaimada - a sweet bun made from yeast dough rolled into a spiral.

If you prefer to cook yourself, you can buy all the necessary products in supermarkets. They are found almost everywhere, but in some towns only small shops operate. Also, all resorts have their own market day, when trade in fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and cheeses opens.

Transport

Public transport in Mallorca is both common and surprising. Its system includes buses, the city metro in the capital and two trains - a modern one and an ancient one. All this is managed by TIB: its website has detailed information about routes, timetables and fares.

The most convenient form of transport in Mallorca is buses. They can take you anywhere on the island. There are about a hundred routes, and almost half of them operate only in the high season, when tourists need to get to the resorts.

Bus fares depend on the distance. For example, a ticket from Palma to Santa Ponsa costs 3.40 euros, to Alcudia - 5.40 euros, to Cala d'Or - 8.40 euros. Tickets are sold only from drivers. For frequent trips, you can buy a T20 or T40 card .

Its price depends on the coverage area and is 16.80-51.40 euros for a card for 20 trips, 25.20-77.25 euros for a card for 40 trips. The zoning scheme is relatively complex, but the TIB website lists each route as to how many zones it crosses.

There is no discount for single tickets for children, but you can buy a youth card that gives a 50% discount on travel. The youth card can be used by people aged 4 to 25 years. Children under 4 years old travel on buses for free.

City buses are only available in the capital of the island, and several can take you to the nearest resorts.

City bus number 3 goes from Palma to Illetas, numbers 15 and 25 to Can Pastilla and Playa de Palma. The cost of travel around the city is 1.50 euros, to the port - 3 euros, to the airport - 5 euros.

The metro in Palma de Mallorca connects the city center with the suburbs inland. This is rather an excursion transport, like the trains going to Inca, Sa Pobla and Manacor. And only the decorative old train Palma - Soller will take you to the coast (albeit the northern one, not a resort, but very picturesque).

Whether to use a taxi to get around Mallorca depends on the situation. For example, the only way to get from the airport to the resort at night is by taxi. The cost of the trip consists of a landing fee (about 4 euros) and for each kilometer of travel (about 1.5 euros).

For active travel, it is convenient to rent a car. The roads in Mallorca are good, there is a lot of parking, there are even free ones. Offices of car rental companies are located at the airport and at all resorts.