Mallorca
provides a charming escape from
the everyday and provides a splendid
Mediterranean setting for any activity.
The most well known towns include
Palma, Pollenca, Andraxt, Rajada
and Arta. While most people head
for the beach resorts, there are
many locations inland worthy of
attention, including towns like
Alaro, and Valdermossa nestled
in the mountains. The inland areas
are very popular with cyclists.
As well, the island is ideal for
other outdoor adventure pursuits,
with climbing,
caving, canyoning and hiking included among popular
activities. La Reserva is well
worth the visit, an excellent nature
reserve with a marked trail & adventure
park. The park is located in the
west of the island, on the slopes
of Puig Galatzó (4.5km from
Puigpunyent). Also worth a look
are the Caves of l'Alzinaret -
Cala San Vicente, the ancient burial
caves.
The city of Palma on Mallorca
is the capital of the Balearics
and is a wonderful, vibrant Catalan
city with stunning architecture,
an excellent new art gallery Es
Baluard, good shopping, an impressive
Cathedral and Bellver Castle .
Despite having become a modern
day city, Palma has managed to
retain its old town and its ancient
culture and charm. Palma's best
attractions are to be found near
the port, including the Royal Palace,
the Stock Exchange and the Castle
of Bellver that has been a city
landmark since the 14th century.
To get a great overview of the
city, try the open-top, city-sightseeing
bus.
The resort of Port
de Sóller is an attractive town on Mallorca's
north-west coast located about
22 miles north of Palma. This coastal
resort has an impressive mountainous
backdrop offering stunning views
and a horseshoe-shaped bay offering
two small beaches and lighthouse.
The valley and its surrounding
mountain range, the Sierra de Traumantana,
is a favourite destination for
more mature visitors who enjoy
walking, nature, ecotourism, swimming
or for those looking to get away
from the hustle and bustle of the
better-known resorts. Port de Sóller
shares its valley with the village
of Fornalutx, famous for its orange
groves and terraces of ancient
olive trees. The village of Deià is
also just down the coast.
Situated on a hill 32 kilometres
east of Palma de Mallorca is the
monastery
of Randa. From here you
have a view over most of the island.
The monastery has a long history
going back more than 700 years
and the country side and mall village
of Randa is charming, with lots
of vegetation. Many of the big
names in the history of Mallorca,
are connected to Randa including
Ramón Llull who wrote some
of his most famous books here.
For those simply interested in
the panorama, on a clear day you
can count as many as 30 towns and
villages from here. Toward the
northeast you see the bay of Alcudia
and to the southwest is the bay
of Palma.
Lluc monastery which lies in a
valley 500 metres above sea level,
was a very important place for
pilgrims who came to see the "Moreneta",
a dark Madonna said to fulfill
your wishes. Today it is also a
popular place for tourists and
people come by car, on bike or
walking up through the valley on
the famous "old" road
to Lluc. It is possible to stay
the night, but you must book in
advance
When looking for family activities, Aqualand
Magaluf is a fantastic
option for the whole family, having
many original water slides and
an area especially designed for
kids.
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