MALLORCA HOTELS
MALLORCA – WHY GO?
BIGGEST AND BEST KNOWN of the Balaeric Isands, Mallorca is a fabulously multi-faceted holiday destination.
While the sea-and-sangria set head for the package holiday mecca of Magaluf on the southern coast, elsewhere Mallorca remains an island of huge beauty and charm. Come here to see dramatic mountain scenery, secluded coves, quaint old towns and hillsides dotted with olive and lemon groves.
The island's big 1960’s building boom has been replaced with a passion for agriturismo and a return to the well-heeled tourism of Mallorca’s vintage heydey. The capital, Palma, is now one of the Med’s trendiest destinations and home to a clutch of drool-worthy designer hotels.
Palma has retained much of its historic flavour, with grand mansions and medieval buildings, a huge Gothic cathedral and a warren of narrow backstreets threading through the old town.
Sun worshippers can head for some of Mallorca’s 78 beaches, though it pays to go the extra mile and find the less crowded spots around the north coast. Cala de San Vicente, four miles north of Pollença, is a lovely beach bordered by pine trees and towering cliffs.
You’ll want to cross the mountains to reach the arty village of Deià, one-time home to writer Robert Graves and other big literary names. Take the winding footpath down to the shingly cove of Cala Deia for clear waters, good snorkelling and a beach café for lazy alfresco lunches.
Also worth exploring is Pollença, set at the northern end of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. There’s a lively market here on Placa Major, and the beachfront at Puerto de Pollença is great for early evening strolls.
Spread at the foot of a 1,400m high mountain, laidback Soller is a town of steep, narrow streets and old mansions. Take the famously slow train from Palma for the full Soller experience, then have a coffee on the town's leafy square before hopping aboard a vintage tram down to the beach.
Other Mallorcan highlights include the Cuevas de arta caves – said to be the inspiration for the Jules Verne novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Walking trails criss-cross the mountains (do get a map before setting off) and great golf courses include Son Vida, a short distance from Palma.
