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  • 7/30/2019 Hotels4U Majorca Travel Guide

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    AT A GLANCE

    Majorca is a holiday destination thats suitable for everyone.

    While families will love the sandy beaches of Alcudia, hordes

    of young people flock to party capital Magaluf to let their hair

    down with their friends. Couples even have their own retreat

    in picturesque Palma. Majorca really is a failsafe destination

    offering the quintessential sun, sea and sand experience that

    has people travelling back again and again.

    WHEN TO GO

    Whilst the capital Palma is very much a year round destination, holidaymakers will find that many of

    Majorcas popular resorts, such as Cala DOr, are closed during the winter months. Its far better to

    visit during the summer season when the whole island is open to visitors. Summer is peak season,

    but arrive during April or May and youll still be rewarded with great weather, whats more the

    beaches wont be as packed.

    Weather

    Spring: Warm temperatures and less crowded beaches makespring a perfect season to visit Majorca. The lush vegetation

    makes the island popular with hikers, bird watchers and cyclistsduring this season. Arrive during Holy Week for the stunning

    Semana Santa celebrations.

    Summer: June onwards is when the crowds start to arrive. Thebeaches can be busy but with 12 hours of sunshine a day during

    this season, its really no surprise. Grab a deck chair and experience the temperatures that this

    island is famous for.

    Autumn: In September temperatures start to drop but rarely reachbelow 20. Walkers see this season as ideal for mountain trekking and

    highlights include Incas Agricultural Fair.

    Winter: December brings heavy rainfall and few tourists visit duringthis time. However, the end of January sees the island sprinkled with a light

    dusting of almond blossom.

    Images: Majorca Summer by TempoWorld / Majorca Snow by Small Islander

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    THINGS TO DO

    Whether youre looking to entertain the children or simply wish to discover a little about Majorcas

    enigmatic history, the island contains a wealth of attractions:

    Attractions

    Serra de Tramuntana: Get active by hiking around Majorcasfamous mountain range

    Pirates:Majorcas best dinner show is a hit with both adults andchildren alike

    Soller Railway:Often described as one of the worlds most scenicrail journeys

    Golf Fantasia: A miniature golf course set in lush tropical gardens La Seu Cathedral:Palmas Gothic cathedral is a symbol of

    the city

    Parc Natural de Mondrago: A scenic national park withincredible beaches

    Pollentia: Remains of an ancient Roman city can be foundnear Alcudia

    Alcudia Old Town: Get lost in history amongst the 13thcentury buildings

    Nightlife

    If youre thinking nightlife in Majorca, Magalufis the place to go. The main strip is lined with bars

    and clubs and its extremely popular with British visitors. The capital, Palma, also has a great

    selection of nightclubs that are slightly more laidback than Magaluf. Pollensa and Cala DOr are

    perhaps best known for their cabaret shows and themed bars. Puerto Soller serves up classy cocktailjoints, whilst the bars in Soller and Deia are quite low key.

    BCM Dance Planet: Magalufs most famous nightclub is certainly no shrinking violet Titos: Fire-breathers, clowns and famous DJs are all part of the circus-theme Abaco: A beautiful courtyard bar featuring parrots and fountains Riu Palace: Boasts four bars and a huge dance floor Pacha Majorca: The Majorcan outpost of the famous franchise Disco Karussell: Brazilian and Caribbean dancers feature in this energetic hotspot Canny Lad: A Geordie bar renowned for its comedy nights and showing sports Abraxas: Built into a cave, this sophisticated nightspot is decorated with night lights

    Activities in Majorca

    It is possible to spend your entire time in Majorca just at the beach after all, isnt relaxing what a

    holiday should be about? Relaxing isnt everyones cup of tea though, so if youre the sort of person

    that gets restless on a sun lounger then rest assured there are plenty of active pursuits that you can

    try your hand at.

    Horse riding: Enjoy a hack through the Majorcan countryside with one of the many stables in

    Majorca

    Diving: Pollenca and Alcudia are the best places for diving on the island

    Water sports: Cableskiing, windsurfing, parasailing and wet jetting are some of the sports on offer

    Go Karting: There are three go-karting places in Majorca: Magaluf, Can Picafort and Renn ArenaGolf: Majorca is a great destination for golf aficionados, especially Palma de Majorca

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serra_de_Tramuntanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serra_de_Tramuntanahttp://www.piratesadventure.com/http://www.piratesadventure.com/http://www.sollernet.com/trendesoller/en1.htmlhttp://www.sollernet.com/trendesoller/en1.htmlhttp://www.golffantasia.com/http://www.golffantasia.com/http://www.catedraldemallorca.info/principal/http://www.catedraldemallorca.info/principal/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKFaQVH7Lpghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKFaQVH7Lpghttp://www.bcmplanetdance.com/http://www.bcmplanetdance.com/http://titosmallorca.com/http://titosmallorca.com/http://www.hotels4u.com/hotels/riu-palace-bonanza-playa-hotel.aspxhttp://www.hotels4u.com/hotels/riu-palace-bonanza-playa-hotel.aspxhttp://disco-karussell.com/http://disco-karussell.com/http://abraxasmallorca.com/newsite/http://abraxasmallorca.com/newsite/http://www.santaponsaridingclub.com/http://www.santaponsaridingclub.com/http://www.scubamallorca.com/http://www.scubamallorca.com/http://www.windfriends.com/http://www.windfriends.com/http://www.kartingmagaluf.com/en/home.htmlhttp://www.kartingmagaluf.com/en/home.htmlhttp://www.majorcagolfcourses.com/http://www.majorcagolfcourses.com/http://www.majorcagolfcourses.com/http://www.kartingmagaluf.com/en/home.htmlhttp://www.windfriends.com/http://www.scubamallorca.com/http://www.santaponsaridingclub.com/http://abraxasmallorca.com/newsite/http://disco-karussell.com/http://www.hotels4u.com/hotels/riu-palace-bonanza-playa-hotel.aspxhttp://titosmallorca.com/http://www.bcmplanetdance.com/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKFaQVH7Lpghttp://www.catedraldemallorca.info/principal/http://www.golffantasia.com/http://www.sollernet.com/trendesoller/en1.htmlhttp://www.piratesadventure.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serra_de_Tramuntana
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    Mountain biking: Take a mountain bike excursion into the mountains and enjoy the rugged

    landscapes

    Bowling: For the perfect evening entertainment option for kids take them to Diverland Bowling

    Complex

    Images: Pirate by Fuzzcat / La Seu by Der Stefan

    SHOPPING

    With high street favourites such as Zara and C&A, Palma is a great shopping destination. It even has

    the Spanish department store El Corte Ingles. However, elsewhere on the island youll find the

    shopping to be more specialised with a focus on local handicrafts. Souvenirs to take home include

    leather items, hand-blown glass and cultured pearls.

    Shopping Areas:

    Palma: Features all the classic high street shops amongst some smallerlocal boutiques

    Manacor: The pearl centre of Majorca here you can buy jewellery ortake a factory tour

    Inca: The shoe making capital of Spain is the best place to pick upleather items

    Arta: A small town in the north-east known for its basket weavingheritage

    Markets:

    Alcudia Market: Takes place on Tuesdays and Sundays. Sample the Majorcan doughnuts Inca Market: One of Majorcas most popular markets. Ideal for leather goods Puerto Pollensa Market: Popular with holidaymakers seeking unique souvenirs Felanitx Market: Ideal for street food and local beverages

    Shopping Centres:

    El Corte Ingles: Spains favourite department store has 9 floors of shopping Festival Park Mallorca: A large mall featuring factory outlets from Mango, Diesel and Nike Porto Pi Centro: A medium sized with a supermarket and many well known brands

    Image: Basket weaver by Free Photos of Spain

    FOOD & DRINK

    Typical Spanish dishes such as paella and tapas are popular in

    Majorca. However, holidaymakers will also find dishes such asramallet, a tomato based dish which isnt available elsewhere in

    Spain. As an island, seafood is extremely popular in Majorca and

    many restaurants by the coast serve salt cod dishes. A local take

    on paella is fideua, which is made from noodles instead of paella

    rice. Sobrassada - the local blood sausages - are unique to the

    Balearics and make a great lunch when served with the local

    grimalt cheese and paamb oli Majorcan bread with garlic,

    tomato and olive oil. A popular destination with British travellers; there are many restaurants

    around if you dont want to forgo your traditional roast on a Sunday.

    http://www.seemallorca.com/activities/cycling/shops.htmlhttp://www.seemallorca.com/activities/cycling/shops.htmlhttp://www.ocimax.com/http://www.ocimax.com/http://www.alcudiascene.com/market.htmlhttp://www.alcudiascene.com/market.htmlhttp://www.seemallorca.com/events/calendar/inca-market.htmlhttp://www.seemallorca.com/events/calendar/inca-market.htmlhttp://portopicentro.es/eng/http://portopicentro.es/eng/http://portopicentro.es/eng/http://www.seemallorca.com/events/calendar/inca-market.htmlhttp://www.alcudiascene.com/market.htmlhttp://www.ocimax.com/http://www.seemallorca.com/activities/cycling/shops.html
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    Popular Majorca Hotspots:

    Palma: Hands down the best place for eating out in Majorca; everything from regional food to

    Chinese

    Puerto Portals: Dine amongst fancy yachts at this millionaires playground

    Alcudia: Cute traditional bodegas sit alongside pizza restaurants and American grillsInca: The town is famous for its old wine cellars which have been converted into restaurants

    Pollensa: Restaurants here mainly cater to tourist tastes. Seek out suckling pig if you can

    Cala Millor: Authentic family friendly restaurants sit alongside brands such as KFC in this resort town

    Image: Fideua by XurXo

    CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

    With many travellers arriving from Britain each year, Majorca and the Balearics are more laid back

    than the rest of Spain. However, as a rule going topless on a beach that doesnt advertise it is

    deemed offensive, as is appearing drunk in public. Like the rest of Spain, Majorca holds siestas from

    2pm-5pm. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is also considered polite.

    Useful Phrases

    Que parla Angles? Do you speak English? Coma Esta How are you? Me puede ayudar por favor? - Could you help me please? Muchas Gracias Thank you!

    Dos and Donts

    DO take advantage of the menu del dia options inrestaurants for cheap set meals

    DONT bother hiring a car; parking can be really expensive DO shop for picnic items at the local mercadillos

    (markets)

    DONT forget to leave room in your suitcase; Majorca hasmany factory shops

    DO try and get a copy of the Daily Bulletin, an Englishnewspaper with a whats on guide

    DONT get caught short! It isnt easy to find public toilets in Majorca DO travel on the stunning Soller railway. The views are incredible. DONT smoke in public as it is illegal in many areas. However, youll find that smoking in

    cafes and bars is fine

    DO go to Marineland in Portals Nous to visit the dolphinsTipping

    Spanish restaurants have to add a service charge onto the receipt by law; however it is customary to

    round it up to the nearest euro if youve received great service. For taxi drivers on the island 5-10%

    is customary and you should tip hotel staff a euro or two for carrying bags up to your room.

    Image: Tipping by Daquella Manera

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    TRANSPORT

    Whilst car hire is a good way of getting around the island parking in itself is quite expensive. This

    means that many holidaymakers have to rely on public transport. Luckily Majorca is well connected

    with many alternative forms of transport to get you from A-B.

    Getting Around

    Buses: All the major towns and villages on the island are servedby an extensive bus network

    Taxis: White taxis can be found and hailed throughout the island Inter-island Ferries: Ferries run from Palma to Barcelona,

    Valencia, Ibiza and Mahon

    Airports: Palma airport is the only airport in MajorcaFare Information

    Taxis: A 15 minute journey in a taxi will cost about 15

    Image: Palma Airport skyview by Curimedia

    HEALTH & SAFETY

    British Embassy in Spain Foreign and Commonwealth Office

    Emergency number: 112

    MAJORCA BLOGGERS TOP TIPS

    Graham -The Trunki Files

    To get away from the crowds, head to beautiful Cala Torta, on the North-east coast near Arta. You'll

    need a car - it's a winding drive across the mountains with wonderful views en route. Park for free

    (try and bag a pine tree for shade) then head through the dunes to the lovely cove of golden sand.

    There are no sunbeds or parasols for hire, so make sure you bring your own. However, in the

    summer months a little chiringuito opens up serving wonderful fresh fish lunches: no need to pack a

    picnic. The sea is calm and wonderfully clear - perfect for children. If you want to stretch your legs,

    you walk along the low cliffs to Cala Mesquida, another tempting stretch of sand, although much less

    of a secret - you can hire a pedalo here.

    Anna Nicholas -Best of Both Worlds

    Every year nearly ten million holidaymakers visit our golden isle but few actually search out the real

    Mallorca. My best advice would be to explore the less visited enclaves-the rural inland towns and

    villages with their vineyards, almond and olive groves-and cheap menu del dias- the beautiful Soller

    valley abundant with oranges and lemons, and the spectacular Tramuntana mountains, on foot.

    Worth visiting too are the ancient talyots, historic houses, botanical gardens, nature reserves-such

    as SAlbufera bird sanctuary and Cabrera and Dragonera islands- and Mallorcas plentiful museums

    and art galleries, many hidden away in tiny back streets.

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