- Beaches
- The spirit of history
- Natural attractions
- Things to do in Palma de Mallorca
The capital of the Balearic Islands has become known since the 50s, when the tourist infrastructure began to actively develop here. Today Mairoca is a favorite vacation spot for many politicians, actors, cultural representatives, as well as ordinary tourists. In Palma de Mallorca, there are not only resort areas for every budget, but also the most ancient architectural sights, where you should definitely go.
Beaches
First of all, the city is famous for its beaches and resort areas. They are presented in different categories and are considered to be some of the best in the Mediterranean. Tourists are offered beaches of different price categories with nearby hotels.
Among the most popular beaches in Mallorca are:
- Illetas, located just off the main highway of Palma de Mallorca. The beach is considered the busiest, as locals often come here to sunbathe and swim. The coastline of the beach is distinguished by a gentle entrance and clear water, which are the advantages of Illetas. The beach has everything you need for a comfortable stay: showers, free sun loungers, a small restaurant where you can taste national cuisine.
- Cala Mondrago is located in the famous national park of the same name. Those who prefer active beach tourism gather here. There are several sports equipment rentals on the beach, as well as a diving center. At the request of tourists, experienced instructors will conduct a free trial master class and teach the basics of scuba diving. In the evening, Cala Mondrago hosts discos and entertainment with the participation of various creative teams.
- Portals Nous is considered the most fashionable and expensive. The advantages of this place lie in its remoteness from the bustle of the city, picturesque nature, and a special atmosphere of harmony. For wealthy tourists, 5 boutique hotels have been built on the beach, which are filled with vacationers all year round. Infrastructure Portals Nous includes yacht clubs, diving centers, numerous bars, cafes and shops.
- Formentor is ideal for family vacations thanks to its clear water, shallow depth and gentle entry into the water. The coves surrounding the beach and the nearby pine forest make this place especially attractive. The pine scent combined with the warm sun creates an amazing atmosphere. The infrastructure on Formentor is poorly developed, but it is quite safe here. Rescuers are constantly watching the vacationers, ready to come to the rescue at any time.
- Alcudia is a popular city beach. Despite being close to the city, the beach was recognized in 2015 as one of the best in Europe and awarded the international Blue Flag. Convenient location and well-developed infrastructure allows you to relax on Alcudia at any time of the year. For children, the services of animators and professional swimming coaches are provided.
The spirit of history
Palma de Mallorca was founded in 120 BC, so the city has preserved a significant number of historical monuments worthy of attention. Majorca's architectural masterpieces are recognized as an important part of the world's cultural heritage and must-see.
The Cathedral is the pride of the city and its key attraction. The shrine was built over several centuries, starting in the 13th century. The final work on the design of the cathedral ended only in the 20th century. For such a long period of time, the architectural appearance of the cathedral has practically not changed and harmoniously combines the features of the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. The internal interior impresses with its splendor and luxury: high arched openings, majestic columns, antique candelabra and multicolored stained-glass windows. The entrance to the cathedral is free and is open to the public every day.
Almudena Palace, which during the reign of the Moors in Mallorca was the official residence of the viziers. Despite the fact that the castle was rebuilt during the reign of King Jaime II, the main structure clearly stands out features of traditional Arab architecture. For more than 100 years, the building housed the residence of the knights, after which, by decree of the local authorities, the office of the Viceroy of Mallorca was equipped in the palace. Today, the Almudena Palace has the status of a royal residence, so the entrance for tourists inside is limited.
Capdepera Castle, towering in a mountainous area 3 kilometers from Palma de Mallorca, was built in the 14th century. Initially, the castle served as a defensive function and protected the island from pirate attacks in the 16-18 centuries. During the Middle Ages, residential buildings for local residents were erected on the territory of Capdepera. However, later they became empty, since at the end of the 18th century the castle lost its military status and was given over to the governor's office. For more than 150 years, the castle was abandoned and gradually destroyed. In 1983, the Mallorcan authorities allocated a large sum of money for its restoration.
The Church of Santa Eulalia is the oldest cathedral in the city, dedicated to Saint Eulalia, who is considered the patroness of Barcelona. The building was erected in the middle of the 13th century according to all the canons of the Gothic style. For several decades, an observation post was set up in the six-story building. At a later time, the church was returned to its direct purpose, and it became operational. The facade of Santa Eulalia is decorated with biblical images, and at the entrance tourists are greeted by a sculpture of a saint holding a palm branch. It is considered a symbol of victory over human suffering during a period of illness.
Natural attractions
Palma de Mallorca is surrounded by a picturesque landscape formed by mountain ranges, sea bays and dense forest belts. A tour of the region's iconic natural sites is included in almost all tourist routes.
The most significant natural attractions of Palma de Mallorca are:
- The Alfabia Gardens is a beautiful park that was organized on the slope of the Col de Soller mountain. The best Arab, Italian and French specialists worked on the project of the gardens, as a result of which Alfabia is a rare example of landscape art. Stone streets, colonnades, multi-tiered fountains, ponds and lakes - all this creates a peaceful atmosphere and a harmonious ensemble. You can walk in the park for hours, watching rare birds and enjoying the silence.
- The Mondrago Nature Reserve is the most famous conservation area in Mallorca, where the natural ecosystem has been preserved. The area received the status of a reserve in 1992, after which significant funds were invested in its development. Today Mondrago is a vast area of 800 hectares, where there are farms, forest belts, three bays, beaches and a swampy area. In the reserve, you can not only admire nature, but also see flocks of birds that fly here to spend the winter.
- Dragon Caves, located 10 kilometers from the small town of Porto Cristo. This natural landmark of Palma de Mallorca is considered one of the most visited. A complete survey of the interior of the cave was fully surveyed at the end of the 19th century. However, a route only one kilometer long is open for tourists, containing underground halls with hanging stalactites, lakes and viewing platforms. According to one of the legends, the treasures of the Templars are kept in the cave.
- Art's Cave, discovered in the 16th century, has long been used by pirates as a refuge. In the 19th century, a detailed survey of Arta began, which made it possible to establish the age of the rock formation. In addition, traces of an ancient man's residence were found in the cave. Several spacious halls with a height of 30-40 meters are equipped for tourists in the cave. Along their perimeter, stone waterfalls made of stalagmites froze in eternity. Of particular interest is an underground lake that glows in the dark.
Things to do in Palma de Mallorca
In the city, you can find many places where optimal conditions for active and educational recreation are created.
The Oceanarium, opened in 2007 and awarded a number of European tourism awards, houses 60 aquariums of various sizes, which are home to more than 4,000 species of marine life. The most popular inhabitants of the aquarium are toothy white sharks. The tour lasts about 4 hours and includes a tour of all the aquariums, an interactive workshop for children, and an exciting movie.
Kathmandu Park, which is within walking distance from Calvia Beach, is a favorite place for children's audiences. The territory of the park is equipped in such a way that it is convenient for visitors to quickly move around the park and try different attractions. Children especially love the Wild West ride, which immerses them in the atmosphere of the 19th century. Also quite interesting attractions are the "Upside Down House", "Panic Room", "Mini Golf" and "Pirate Boat".
Traveling on an old train is a popular tourist attraction. The train, almost 120 years old, departs from Palma and enters the town of Sawyer. The main advantage of such a trip is the opportunity to see the picturesque surroundings of Mallorca: orange and olive groves, tunnels, breathtaking mountain serpentines, colorful settlements of local residents.
