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White beaches, crystal clear sea and nightlife are the main reasons why you choose Mallorca as your holiday destination. But the island, and its capital, can offer much more, with a variety of attractions and beauties that are unparalleled.
Palma de Mallorca deserves special attention, being the hub of the whole island; founded by the Romans in 123 BC, in the Middle Ages it was first conquered by the Arabs and then in the 1229 by Jaime I, King of Valencia and Aragon, becoming a very important commercial port. During the years, dark periods alternated with economic revivals, up to the 1950, when Palma became a very popular tourist destination to the present day.
Here are some of the places not to be missed during your vacation in Mallorca.
CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA
Called La Seu, the Cathedral of Santa Maria is the symbol of Mallorca; fascinating, imposing, it stands on a promontory overlooking the Palma.
The construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century, above the ancient Arab Mosque; the church is an example of Catalan Gothic architecture, and over the centuries has undergone several interventions, the last of which, by Gaudí, between the 1904 and the 1914.
Immerse yourself in this temple of undisputed beauty; maybe, in the late afternoon, after a morning spent at sea. Not to be missed during your vacation in Mallorca.
From the Plaza Major, it takes just under 10 minutes to walk. The nearest bus station is in Piazza de Cort.
The Cathedral is open, in winter, from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 14:15; in summer, from 10:00 to 18:15. On Saturdays, all year round, from 10:00 to 14:15. CLOSED on Sunday.
Official Website: www.catedraldemallorca.org
BELVEDERE CASTLE
Built in the 1300 as the residence of the King of Majorca, this example of Catalan Gothic architecture, rises in the upper part of the city of Palma, and houses an archaeological museum with finds and classical sculptures. Furthermore, it offers a splendid view of the entire bay. It is one of the most famous castles in Spain, and, if you are passionate about art and architecture, it is a site not to be missed during your vacation in Mallorca.
From the center of Palma, the Castle is 4,5 km; you can start from the Intermodal Station and take the Buses, 102, 104, 106, 107, 111, getting off at the fourth stop Av. Gabriel Roca 30; the bus ride takes 15 minutes, once you get off the bus, you’ll have to start a nice climb of about 10 minutes.
The Castle observes the following opening hours:
From April to September, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 19:00. Sunday and holidays, from 10:00 to 15:00.
From October to March, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 18:00. Sunday and holidays, from 10:00 to 15:00.
Always closed on Monday.
The entrance ticket costs 4.00€ per adult, and 2.00€ reduced from 14 to 18 years. SUNDAY ENTER FREE.
SPANISH VILLAGE
El Poble Espanyol is an open-air museum of architecture. Nothing comparable to that of Barcelona, but, being in the center, you can spend a few hours there; the Poble is structured as a village in which reproductions of the major Spanish architectural works are exhibited. The idea is to reproduce a sort of medieval village, as it was originally. During the week there are craft shops, restaurants and bars in the museum.
Open from April to October from 10:00 to 19:00
From November to March from 9:00 to 17:00
Prices: 5€ adults; Children 3€
To reach the site, from Palma, take the Bus n. 102, 104, 106, 107, 111, and get off at the third stop, H.Costa Azul; after about 10 minutes of walking, you reach the destination.
VACATION IN MALLORCA: VILLAGES
Majorca, in addition to being the island with the greatest number of Balearic inhabitants, has typical villages, and small towns that proudly preserve the roots and the Majorcan culture.
Between these, Capdepera is undoubtedly a destination not to be missed during your vacation in Mallorca
The largest and best preserved fortress of Majorca overlooks the village of Capdepera, a small settlement founded in the 1300 in the eastern part of the island at 8 kilometers from Cala Rajada and 9 from Arta; from Palma de Mallorca is 70km The ideal would be to plan a day so as not to suffer the time to reach this part east of Mallorca.
Villages like Estellencs, Valdemossa, Deià, Soller they preserve their medieval structure with simple houses of a sober style, typical of the traditional Mallorcan architecture; this part, to the west of the island, is little frequented by mass tourism, and we are sure that you will greatly appreciate these picturesque towns.
After visiting Deià, you will cross Lluc, an incredible spiritual center, in which we pray beside the image of the patron saint of the island. A particularly beautiful and evocative place.
CAVES
Majorca has many caves, some of which are quite famous; Often, these are authentic beauties, as well as real natural masterpieces.
The caves hide limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and offer a surreal atmosphere, in the limbo … between dream and reality.
Absolutely not to be missed Caves of the Dragon, among the most famous in the world; right here, in a unique setting, classical music concerts take place! Inside the caves of the dragon hide a large underground lake, Lake Martel, considered one of the largest in the world in the genus.
To reach the Drago caves, from Palma de Mallorca, you need to take the Ma-15 road for 60km; arrived in the center of Porto Cristo, you can park in one of the many areas in the area.
Visits every day of the year, from 01 November to 13 March, to 10:45, 12: 00, 14:00 and 15:30.
From 14 March to 31 October, visits to 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00.
The full ticket, from 13 years upwards, costs 15.50€. Children from 3 to 12 years pay the reduced rate of 8.50€. Free for children up to 2 years.
More info on the official website cuevasdeldrach.com
Other caves of particular importance are the Hams Caves, where artificial lighting creates a magical atmosphere; the Artà Caves, where you will admire beautiful stalactites; the Campanet Caves, divided into several rooms, which host a garden from which to admire a beautiful panorama; finally, the Gènova Caves, small but very deep.