Holidays to Majorca

Majorca - still a holiday paradise

There's an argument to say that Majorca has too many tourists... and if you look at the raw numbers, there's something to that. After all, more than 6 million visitors travelled to Majorca (as at 2010).

But.

All of those people mean that that competition for the tourist dollar is strong. Resorts and hotels go out of their way to keep their offerings up to date. Restaurateurs know that an internet reputation for slack service and poor food will see them sit empty as the place next-door rocks. Tours that are of no value won't be open next year. Food is fresh and plentiful. Economies of scale drives down supply prices, and ultimately, prices for the consumer. The beaches are plentiful and clean - because the local authorities know trash leads to a trashy reputation. Taxi fares are reasonable because there is plenty of business. Local cafes stay open all hours - because there is plenty of business. In short the holidaymaker to Majorca gets it all - great resorts, excellent food and drinks and all at reasonable prices.

Popularity? Bring it on!

Majorca is one of four popular islands in the Belearic Islands towards the northern coast of Spain in the Med. Since the '50s Majorca has been welcoming visitors. In the early days many of the artists and writers who visited the place stayed, giving it a bohemian reputation of sorts. What drew the early tourists remains today - sun, plenty of it, plus magical beaches.

Whatever you desire in Majorca, if it's legal you can find it. The capital of Palma is big, touristy and busy. You're likely to be straight into transport and off to a resort, but there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to keep you fed and watered for a day or two. It's a hive of activity. See a show here, visit a museum. In particular the Can Prunera Museum of Modernism is well worth a look.

Take a ride on the railway - one of the great little rail journeys in the world! The Soller Railway runs from the main railway station in Palma to the town of Soller. This a journey back to a time of epic rail - wooden carriages, sash windows, the smell of dusty leather.

Palma has plenty to see and when you're tired of lying on a beach here's where to head.

Hints and tips for your Majorca holiday

Eating

You'll likely find yourself in Palma or at one of the villages close to your resort. Thankfully Spanish cuisine is among the finest in the world and you're in for a real treat on Majorca.

The budget options - we get it, it's been a big night and you really need a fry up. The place to go is The Foxes Arms in Puerto Alcudia. Kid-friendly and all the good stuff. Really nice for good Spanish food is Restaurant Ca'n Josep in Port de Pollenca. Always reliable and fresh seafood is a specialty.

Mid price options - the No 8 Bar and Grill is in Santa Ponsa and it does the whole special occasion thing really well. The Med-style cuisine is all it should be and there are spicy foods, plain foods where the fresh ingredients do all the talking and service that is spot on. Jardin in Puerto Alcudia does a mean 11 plate tasting menu. This is a must do if you want to experience truly delightful Spanish cuisine. The restaurant is impeccably fitted out and the smiling service great.

Splurge - Porto Cristo hasn't been known for it's restaurants, but Roland Restaurant is putting itself on the map. This is a great restaurant in a quiet side street. The small menu means they focus on a few superb dishes. Try the desserts!

Things not to miss

Majorca has plenty to do besides the pool!

The beach side areas are well catered to for the restaurant and pool crowd, but if you want to explore further afield the hinterland sports hidden towns and excellent scenery.

Soller Railway - this daily train ride takes of from the stylish Art Deco main railway terminal in Palma and rolls its way up to the sleepy little town of Soller. It's actually a trolley so think polished wooden carriages, tinging bells and a close up view of all the scenery on the way. Soller itself is a delightful town with plenty of tapas and refreshments on hand before you make the journey back.

Pirates Adventure Show - this little beauty is at Palma Nova and is a real treat for anyone who loves a bit of theater. It’s fast moving, full of ribald humour and the eats are pretty good too.

Es Trenc - do you want to experience the best beach on the island? Then Es Trenc is your destination. 3 kilometres of white sand, sparkling waters, less crowds, sand that crunches under your feet. Mm mmm. And there are nudists there. What can possibly go wrong?

Alcudia Old Town - get off that poolside banana lounger and venture up to old town Alcudia. It's a delightful little Spanish gem with history coming out its ears. You can just wander the old village and see Spain as it was a century ago. Mottled stonewalls with trees growing out of them. 2 metre thick arched doors, a cemetery, alleyways full of shops, steep stairs and old churches - what's not to like!

Vall d'Or Golf - yup, golf. But in actual fact it's the view that is the real drawcard here. You can crank out a game or just settle in to the swish restaurant for drinks and food and take in the view. They do tapas!

The must see - the scenic drive to end all scenic drives is the Cap de Formentor. Outstanding natural beauty makes this a very special hour or so. It's the drive to the lighthouse that makes this special, not the Cape itself which has a rather desultory cafe. The narrow, winding road is mad - as are the other drivers and nutty cyclists.

Weather in Palma, Majorca

The weather in Majorca or Mallorca is balmy Mediterranean with mild but stormy winters and hot, bright summers. Autumn and spring don't really come in to it.

August can get up to 30 C while it hovers around 16 C for much of December and January. The off-season is quiet but the storms are brief and the ground smells beautiful afterwards!

PALMA WEATHER

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