Introducing Mallorca
In 1950 the first charter flight landed on a small airstrip on Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands (3640 sq km). The number of annual visitors today hovers around 10 million – most in search of the three S’s: Sun, Sand and Sea, and swamping the local island populace of some 781, 600 people (nearly half of whom live in the capital, Palma de Mallorca).
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However, there’s much more to Mallorca than the beach. Palma de Mallorca (or simply Palma) is the main centre and a charming stop. The northwest coast, dominated by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, is a beautiful region of olive groves, pine forests and ochre villages, with a spectacularly rugged coastline.
Most of Mallorca’s best beaches are on the north and east coasts and, although many have been swallowed up by tourist developments, you can still find the occasional exception. There is also a scattering of fine beaches along parts of the south coast.
Check out websites like www.illesbalears.es, www.baleares.com, www.abcmallorca.com and www.newsmallorca.com.
Orientation
The capital, Palma de Mallorca, is on the south side of the island, on a bay famous for its brilliant sunsets.
Locals refer to what lies beyond the capital as the part forana, the ‘part outside’. A series of rocky coves and harbours punctuate the short southwest coastline. Offshore from the island’s westernmost point is the large, uninhabited Illa de Sa Dragonera.
The spectacular Serra de Tramuntana mountain range runs parallel with the northwest coast and Puig Major (1445m) is its highest point. The northeast coast is largely made up of two bays, the Badia de Pollença and the larger Badia d’Alcúdia.
The east coast is an almost continuous string of sandy bays and open beaches, which explains the densely packed tourist developments. Most of the south coast is lined with rocky cliffs interrupted by beaches and coves, and the interior is largely made up of the fertile plain known as Es Pla.
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Last updated: Feb 20, 2012
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Our Top Picks For Mallorca
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1 Fornalutx & Biniaraix
Discover the villages of Fornalutx and Biniaraix, set amid perfumed orange and lemon groves
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2 Palma
Marvel at the Gothic Catedral, one of Europe’s grandest, and bustling Palma’s old town
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3 Deià
Gasp at the stunning beauty of the high altitude coastal artists’ haunt of Deià
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4 Castell d’Alaró
Cast your eyes over the sweeping plains from the dizzying eerie of Castell d’Alaró
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5 Parc Natural de s’Albufera
Join twitchers for a spot of bird-watching in the Parc Natural de s’Albufera wetlands
Our favourite Mallorca Blogs (beta)
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Secret Palma – Santa Catalina
Blog: photito's blog - 17 October 2011
Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca. Santa Catalina! Our favorite corner of Palma is where you’ll rub shoulders with local fishermen and crooked señoras. It’s a tiny district called Santa Catalina just west of the city center. Why do I like it so much? Santa Catalina has the best views of Palma and the cathedral! [...]
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Where to Eat in Mallorca
Blog: Pommie Travels - 16 May 2011
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea the island of Mallorca, Spain is just a few hour flight from many of the major European cities such as London, Frankfurt, Paris and Barcelona. With 320 miles of coastline and 300 days of sunshine a year it’s no wonder the 700,000 local islanders play host to [...]
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Wallpaper, eat your heart out!
Blog: photito's blog - 28 June 2010
I read magazines. Lots of them – anything from travel to fashion to art and design. One of my all time favorites is Wallpaper *www.wallpaper.com*. They always seem to be at the forefront of what’s happening next, and is a huge source of inspiration. They share my taste and vice versa. On two occasions they [...]
