Mallorca Area Information
Tranquil, relaxing, full of striking landscapes and surrounded by sun dappled Mediterranean waters, this magnificent island has a unique charm and casts a spell that has captivated visitors for centuries.
The limestone peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on the west coast never fail to impress.
Small settlements with their neatly terraced gardens sit haphazardly between fields. Arriving in spring you will be greeted by a sea of white almond blossom stretching across the central plain while later in the year the colours metamorphose into the shimmering gold of wheat fields, the rich dark green hues of maize crop or the vibrant, day-glow yellow of sunflowers.
Much of the unspoilt arable interior is a microcosm of a bygone age. Medieval market towns are surrounded by their patchwork fields of olives and citrus fruit groves, each has its own charm and individuality with the majority offering few concessions to progress or the modern age of consumerism. The windmill pumps of old water wells still litter the terrain.
Centuries old allure
Moving eastwards across the Serra de Llevant the skyline is dominated by the ridge of coastal hills, several of which have monasteries clinging precariously to their summits. The eastern seaboard is an inviting stretch of small sandy 'calas' or fjord like inlets, sometimes totally rural, sometimes a haven to a fishing village. All are just waiting to be discovered.
In the rural south-east, not far from these unblemished coves of turquoise water, our restored farmhouses are part of the natural landscape and way of life. A number lie secluded in the sparsely populated valley by the farming community of Ca's Concos, others are scattered on the ridge overlooking that valley.
A little to the south, Santanyi is a small picturesque Roman town of narrow alleys and houses built from its own famous, light golden stone. Beyond can be found calm straggly inlets of beautiful aquamarine water ending in narrow fine sand beaches with just the mandatory beach bar. The one at Cala Llombards serves fresh fish and some fine chilled whites, whilst by S'Horta the pretty, rural cove of Sa Nau is found at the end of a lane that twists through carob trees.
The striking beauty of Cala Figuera adorns many a postcard with its narrow harbour lined with higgledy-piggledy fishermen's houses. By contrast, the sheltered sandy cove of Cala Mondragó is ideal for swimming. Tiny sheltered bays lie beyond the quaint, old fashioned fishing village of Porto Colom, where the fishermen's homes are as they would have been a hundred years ago.
A little further south, Porto Petro is another unexploited fishing village with a picturesque yacht harbour, a smattering of waterfront cafés and excellent seafood restaurants. To its north, for those with teenagers, Cala d'Or provides the necessary entertainment while at the same time remaining more relaxed than other better known resorts.
Heading northwards, many of our properties nestle in or near to the scenic foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana or close to some very local towns such as Selva, Muro, Lloret de Vistalegre, Campanet and Búger. For lovers of old world charm, cobbled side streets of traditional shops, sophisticated restaurants and a swarming Sunday market, a visit to the old Roman market town of Pollenca must be included in any itinerary.
Close by, along a vast sweep of bay, lies the port of the same name with safe bathing, yachting, fishing, beach side cafés and the curve of a pedestrian palm lined promenade. Along the western shoreline of the Alcúdia peninsula are some sleepy country coves that take a little finding.
Nearby you will discover the sand dunes, pine woods and salt flats of S'Albufera bird sanctuary, rugged mountains to explore and aged market towns such as Santa Margalida. From Pollenca take the scenic drive to the stunningly beautiful towns of Soller, Deia and Valldemossa.
Cuisine
Pork, lamb, chicken and rabbit are favourite staples in dishes such as 'Frito Mallorquin','Lomo con col' and 'Espalda de Cordero'. Across the island, small market gardens or 'hortas' produce all manner of fruit and vegetables, with the emphasis on flavour; the traditional 'Sopes Mallorquines', combines cabbage and bread in a tasty soup. Onions, aubergines, beans, peppers and tomatoes are turned into a rich vegetable stew that is a meal in itself.
'Tumbet', containing courgettes, peppers and aubergines, is often served in restaurants as a starter or vegetable accompaniment. The full flavoured, robust wines of Binissalem make an excellent accompaniment to this traditional fare and the locally produced Cava is excellent with fish and seafood dishes.
Fiestas
All across the island, Saints' Days and feasts are an outstanding feature of a Mallorquin summer. Normally such an occasion unites the whole town in an exuberant celebration of street dancing, eating and drinking. One of the most notable 'fiestas' is held in Pollença in early August when the locals re-enact a battle between Christians and Moors, complete with costumes, props and war paint.
The famous Pollenca summer music festival held over several weeks in the open air of the old cloister is attended by some of the most notable performers in world music and is one of the major dates on the European music calendar.
Climate
Mallorca enjoys a temperate, Mediterranean climate. he spring and autumn months will be comfortably warm during the day and cool at night, whereas the summer months, particularly July and August, are likely to be hot and dry, offset by mountain breezes.
Getting there
At the moment, virtually all the 'no-frills' operators, in addition to British Airways and British Midland offer departures from the London airports to Palma as well as from most UK regional airports.
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