| Mallorca |
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Mallorca Despite the white-sand beaches, singsong sound of seagulls and washing of waves against the shore on all sides, Mallorca – or Majorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic islands – contains a vast swath of verdant, mountainous countryside and farming villages that come close to resembling the pastoral tranquility of the Alpine or Pyrenees countryside. Of course, it’s the beach resorts and high rise hotels which have made Mallorca infamous as a package vacation destination, but for those who love to explore beyond the tanning bodies, loud techno and beach volleyball tournaments, Mallorca is a goldmine for explorers.
The historical attractions found throughout Mallorca are a testament to this island’s rich past. On Palma, the capital of all the Balearic Islands, the La Seu Cathedral towers high and hearkens to centuries yore, it was completed in 1600. Even that hardly scratches the surface of the history. Like most Spanish cathedrals, La Seu was first a mosque before Catholic conquest had done over with a church. The intense rainbow-violent color of the gaping interior is caused by blinding bright Mediterranean light spilling in through panes upon panes of richly colored stained glass windows. In Calvia you can find the mysterious caves where the stones were extracted for the construction of the church.
Stay in Palma and check out the Almudaina Palace, a well-preserved relic of Moorish rule centuries ago. The Bellver Castle is also an incredible testament to medieval Majorca. Those interested in a more modern view of Majorcan history should head over to the town of Deia and check out the Son Marroig, an aristocratic, Hapsburgian manor from the 1800’s.
Moving on to the crasser, yet infinitely delectable pleasures offered up by Majorca, the Palma beach of Es Trenc gets crowded precisely because it is not overdeveloped, and weekend crowds of locals and tourists alike tend to congregate there in glee. Sa Canova is another untouched wonder that you’re bound to enjoy. Water sports and land-based sports abound, especially at resort beaches, and you are advised to check with your hotel concierge about group activities and excursion tours being offered.
Not surprisingly, golfing is big on Majorca, in Calvia the Majorca Royal Bendinat and in Palma the Son Vida offer up a stern challenge with a scenic, watery backdrop to add beauty to the championship-level challenge you will face. |
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