
Cala Esmeralda, Cala d'Or © Spanish Tourist Board
The island of Mallorca (Majorca) off the east coast of Spain is
the largest in the Balearic Island group, which collectively form
one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, and
certainly in the Mediterranean.
Mallorca took off as a tourist Mecca in the 1960s, when a
development boom spawned the building of hundreds of high-rise
hotels, apartment blocks and shopping centres which now line most
of the island's coast. The capital, Palma, however still retains
some of its historical flavour sporting grand mansions and a
magnificent Gothic cathedral in its bustling centre. The northwest
coast, too, still offers some secluded coves below the peaks of the
Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and several quaint old towns
and villages.
If you visit Mallorca for the sun and fun, it is worth taking a
break from the beach resorts and heading off for a tour of the
island by car, or even bicycle, to discover the romantic fishing
villages, historic monasteries, monuments, museums and spectacular
landscapes tucked away from the madding crowds. The interior is
largely the preserve of a thriving agricultural community, dotted
with windmills, olive and almond trees.