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“We received excellent, efficient service...
Knowledgeable and obliging staff returned our calls and advised an appropriate property for all our needs.
...we were extremely appreciative of the Vintage 'welcome pack' of groceries.
Many thanks.”
Mrs S Gale, Retford.
We say...
“It is said that "home is where the heart is" and having lived on Mallorca for over 40 years this is very true. I love this beautiful island, the sea and coastline which has such a calming effect, the spectacular Tramuntana mountain range and the "real" Mallorca - those unspoilt pockets of traditional island life which are still
found in abundance.”
Gill Chater
Island manager Mallorca
Explore... the Coves de Campanet, discovered by a shepherd about one hundred years ago. This small but impressive complex of beautiful caves generously bestowed with impressive stalactites and stalagmites is surrounded by tropical gardens.
Wander... around the old Roman town of Alcúdia. Attractively restored, it is encircled by ancient walls penetrated by the vast Porta de Moll. Within is a network of narrow streets opening onto large squares. Stop here for a coffee and a pastry or try one of the many restaurants for dinner.
Sample... local wines fromthe José L Ferrer distillery in Binissalem, one of the principle wine producing areas of the Balearics. The interesting tour of the premises offers a chance to witness the production and storage process.
Discover... Palma. This city offers so much: a grand sweeping promenade along the seafront, lined with restaurants; the imposing Gothic cathedral which dominates the city; the Castell de Bellver, situated on a pine clad hill overlooking the port, it is moated and features a circular courtyard enclosed by a two storey arcade; or visit theMuseu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani where artists such as Picasso, Miró and Dali have works exhibited.
Visit... Llucmonastery, the spiritual centre of Mallorca and a place of pilgrimage for the last 800 years or so. If you're lucky you may catch a performance in the church by the Blauets school choir (the name derives from their uniform of blue cassocks). The drive leading up to the monastery is surrounded by greenery and provides a wonderful view of the Tramuntana Mountains.
Enjoy... delicious Mallorcan cuisine at La Granja, a finca near Esporles. The estate is now a museum of folklore and the restaurant serves irresistible homemade jams, 'sobrassada', fig cake and cheese.
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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, dayglow 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 Mondragól is ideal for swimming. Tiny sheltered bays lie beyond the quaint, old fashioned fishing village of Portocolom, 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 water front 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, Costitx, 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 Pollença 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, beachside cafés and the curve of a pedestrian palmlined 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 Pollença take the scenic drive to the stunningly beautiful towns of Soller, Deiá 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 'stir fry' 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 Pollença 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. The spring and autumn months will be comfortably warmduring 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 time of writing, 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.
Book your villa holiday online or telephone: 00 44 1954 261 431