Being an island with medieval monasteries on its north coast, antique towns and villages on its central plain, a beautiful countryside and mild climate, it is no wonder Mallorca has become the settling ground for many famous artists.
To the east stretches ‘Es Pla’, an agricultural plain that fills out the center of the island with ancient towns. To the north lies the ‘Serra de Tramuntana’ along the entire coastline with deep valleys and numerous beach coves. Due to an enormous rise of tourism Mallorca has become the richest area in Spain per capita for its population of 640,000.
Palma de Mallorca is a busy, historic place with large monasteries, majestic cathedrals yet mixed with many modern and hip restaurants and cafes. As with other Balearic Islands, Mallorca has been visited by the Vandals, Byzantines, and Moors all leaving their historic footprints. The landscape is similar to that of Andalusia formed from limestone and molded by time giving the island interesting shapes and textures.
‘Fiestas’ include saints, masses and processions, sailboats and handcrafts.Some other things to do include:
Palma Sóller train – an antique train moving through the mountains to give a view of the landscape from Palma to Sóller.
‘Serra de Tramuntana’ – go hiking on the west coast mountain range trails.
Places to see:
- Deià – a coastal village with cramped ancient stone buildings against a mountain backdrop
- Valdemossa – an ancient monastery and village in the hills
- Ciutadella – an ancient center full of maze-like streets, old mansions, a monastery, and Gothic churches
- Palma Cathedral – a large waterfront Gothic cathedral
References: Rough Guide to Mallorca, Time Out – Mallorca and Menorca
