Puerto Pollensa is a great family resort located on the north coast of Majorca, about 32 miles from Palma and 5 miles from Alcudia. There is a cycle path which runs from Alcudia to Puerto Pollensa, making the area particularly popular with cyclists during the mild winters here.

Puerto Pollensa

The resort is located in a magnificent bay, between smaller beautiful sheltered bays on one side and the Tramuntana Mountains on the other side. The beautiful sandy beach, good restaurants, bars (including British and Irish pubs) and shops here makes the resort a very popular holiday destination. There is a great range of watersports on offer here, including scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing. The resort has a shaded pine walkway where you will find restaurants and bars dotted along its length and a marina which is worth visiting. Boats can be chartered

Pine Walk

 from the marina.

The town of Pollensa is located about 4 miles inland from the resort, close to the Sierra Del Norte and the Sierra De Tramuntana mountain ranges. This is one of the oldest Majorcan towns, with narrow cobbled streets lined with old stone houses, some of which date back to the 13th century. Here you will find traditional Mallorcan restaurants serving some exquisite cusine.  In the main square there are some terrace cafes where you can enjoy a drink and a snack. In Calvari Square there are some bars and a pizza outlet. Calvari Church is found at the top of 365 steps which start in the square and a Roman bridge can be found at the edge of the town. Every Good Friday a figure of Christ is carried down the steps in a torchlight procession. A market is held in the town on a Sunday when the

Old Town

local people trade their goods.

Puerto Pollensa still retains a touch of a traditional fishing village but is still a great resort in which to spend your bargain holidays.

Look-out for all the fantastic holiday packages to the wonderful island of Majorca which are always available throughout the internet.

When laying on the beach becomes a bit ‘boring’ and the family start to get restless, why not try a cycle ride and discover the Majorcan countryside, you won’t be disappointed.

There are different routes to suit everyone, here are just a few that i think are good for all the family, including the kids!

Pollensa Bay

POLLENSA BAY

Pollensa Bay covers about 8 kms of beautiful coastline. This is quite an easy ride as it is quite flat and has plenty of beaches to stop off at on the way.
Pollensa Bay offers all kinds of watersports including sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

CALA MILLOR – PORTO CRISTO

Again an easy ride with lots of beaches enroute and an aquarium to view at Porto Cristo. Apart from the beaches on the way there are also the underground caves of Drach and Ham which are worthy of a visit.

PORTO CRISTO

The Caves of Drach (Caves of the Dragon) offer fascinating rock and limestone formations which reach down from the ceilings of the cave and grow up from the floors.

PALMA – S’ARENAL

A much longer ride, this one starts at the Paseo Maritimo de Palma and continues for 18 kms to the Playa de Palma. After about 5 kms you reach El Molinar where the designated cycle track ends. The ride continues along the beach at Coll d’en Rebassa and then heads inland until you reach Can Pastilla where you will again ride along the beach. This part of the cycle track from Can Pastilla to Arenal can only be used by cyclists, skaters and joggers.

There is lots to do and see when visiting the lovely island of Majorca so why not take advantage of the many holiday deals available throughout the internet.

In the present financial climate we are all looking for cheap holidays, so why not take a break on the beautiful island of Majorca. The island is a popular destination with plenty of sun, beaches, pristine waters, restaurants, bars, nightlife and activities for all the family. When on your next visit to Majorca why not try a spot of diving or snorkelling, you won’t be disappointed as Majorca is surrounded by the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean and has some divine beaches to snorkel and dive from.

The following are just a few of the many snorkelling beaches that Majorca has to offer.

Arenal

Arenal beach has a diving platform, beautiful white sand and shallow water which is warm all nearly all the year round. This is one of the most popular beaches in Majorca.

Cala Agulla

Surrounded by pine clad mountains, the beach here is very busy but ideal for snorkelling.

Cala Morlanda

Cala Morlanda has a private beach that can only be reached by car, making it very quiet and perfect for snorkelling. 

Cala Varques

Surrounded by pine clad cliffs, this small sandy bay can only be reached by boat or by foot. Hence Cala Varques is never crowded and is one of the most un-spoilt beaches of Mjorca.

Puerto Pollensa

The resort of Puerto Pollensa is nestled under the Tramunta Mountains in the northeast of Majorca. The curved bay here is great for all the family as the water here is calm and shallow, making it ideal for those just learning to snorkel.

Santa Ponsa

This is one of the best places for scuba divers, allowing them access to many different dive sites, including the shipwrecks at Palma and the nature reserve at Dragonera.

The wonderful Spanish island of Majorca is the perfect destination for summer holidays. The region is great for any age as there are plenty of daytime activities which can keep kids and adults alike busy.

Have just stumbled upon a great, informative travel article for Majorca which may help you when planning a visit to this mediterranean island.

Whether you like shopping, sightseeing, a spot of nightlife or just relaxing on the beach, Majorca has it all on one island.

Trevor Butler set up his first ‘travel’ related business in 2004 and has written many other destination articles with tips and information. I have found these articles both interesting and helpful, hope you do too.

This review has been supplied to us by our reader Lauren Parker

“We stayed at the Barracuda at the end of April for my sisters hen do. All the girls thoroughly enjoyed our mad get away, especially as we booked it as last minute holidays and saved a bomb!
Rooms were clean, food was varied and good (we were all inclusive). All the nightlife was close by so we would have drinks by the pool (making the most of our all inclusive deal) and then hit the town. We never got back to the hotel much before 5 but this was fine as most of the people staying there were on hen or stag parties.
Wouldn’t recommend this hotel for families with children (haven’t got children of my own so i could be wrong saying that) as it did become rowdy at times but would definitely recommend it for couples wanting some lively night life, hen and stag parties.
We (just us girls) have decided to book again for next year, can’t wait.”

MARINA BARRACUDA HOTEL OVERVIEW

This fun-packed hotel complex is located 250 metres from the beach (which can also be accessed across a road, down steps and a slope) and a leisurely walk from the lively attractions of Magaluf including its many shops, bars, restaurants and lively night-life.
During high season the hotel can get lively, so it is not suitable for families or guests seeking a quiet holiday.

Accommodation

All 264 rooms have a bath, shower and wc, air conditioning, tv, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace.

Facilities

Swimming pool, free sunbeds and parasols, lounge with TV, air-conditioned public areas.

Food and Drink

Buffet-style restaurant, vegetarian meals, 2 poolside bars, lounge bar.

Activities

Pool table, table tennis, minigolf, watersports available from Magaluf Beach (under separate management).

For Children

Splash pool, play area, mini-disco, Hotel kids’ club (4-12 years), free cots, high chairs (in restaurant). 

Entertainment

Regular day and evening entertainment, shows and animation.

When you want a break from the great Majorcan beaches there are lots of things to do and see on this wonderful island.

Palma Cathedral

Palma Cathedral (La Seu)

Palma Cathedral, built on the site of an Arab Mosque, overlooks the Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean Sea and is protected by the old town walls in Palma Bay. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid by King James I in 1229 with the construction finally finishing in 1601, although further alterations were carried out right up to 1904. King James decided to build the cathedral in honour of the Virgin Mary, in thanks for his and his troops safe return to Majorca after they were caught in a terrible storm.

Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle is located on a hill about 3 kms from Palma. This Gothic style

Bellver Castle

 castle was built for King James II of Aragon and is one of only a few circular castles in Europe. Used as a military prison from the 18th to the 20th century, the castle is now home to  Palma’s History Museum.

Lluc Monastery (Monestir de Nostra Senyora de Lluc)

Over the years many people have taken a religious pilgramage to the Lluc Monastery, in particular to see the small dark statue of the Virgin Mary. The monastery also offers magnificent views of the Tramuntana Mountains.

Deia

Deia

Deia (population about 850 people) is a small coastal village in the northwest of Majorca, about 6 miles from Soller and 10 miles from Valldemossa. The village is backed by the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. The village sits on a hill, complete with orange and olive groves and an ancient church, overlooking the Mediterranean. At the bottom of the hill is the cala (cove) where the village fishermen still cast their nets. The village is well known for its musical, literary and artistic residents, including Virgin Records Richard Branson who has a luxury residence here. With around 20 restaurants, some of which are worthy of Michelin stars, and bars, the village attracts visitors who enjoy fine cuisine. Two gourmet restaurants worth a mention are El Olivo which is built in an old olive press and mentioned in the Michelin Guide, and Bens d’Avall which overlooks the Mediterranean and serves local products.

Valldemossa

Valldemossa is a quaint old village in the mountains with lovely old houses made of stone. The saint La Beata protects the village and on every house there is a ceramic plate with the words Beata, pray for us. Valldemossa is home to a monastery where the composer Chopin lived for the winter from 1838 to 1839.

Caves of Drac

The Caves of Drac ( Cuevas del Drach)

The Caves of Drac are about a mile south of Porto Cristo. There are three chambers inside the caves, the Black Cave (Cueva Negra), the White Cave (Cueva Blanca) and the Luis Salvator Cave (Cueva Luis Salvator). The caves are home to Lake Martel (Lago Martel) which is one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world. On a boat trip around the lake Visitors see beautiful limestone formations, including stalagmites protuding from the rockface and stalactites hanging down from the roof of the cave and are serenaded by musicians performing classical music.

Cap de Formentor

Cap de Formentor is a magnificent bluff located at the northern most point of Majorca. The highest point Fumart is at 384m above sea levels, offering spectacular views across the island and out to sea.

The above are just a few of my favourites from my many holidays spent in Majorca.

Take your family holidays on this beautiful island,  you will not be disappointed and you will return again and again.

For more information on Majorca and to view my latest articles please visit my Majorca Blog.

Deia (population about 850 people) is a small coastal village in the northwest of Majorca, about 6 miles from Soller and 10 miles from Valldemossa.

Deia

The village is backed by the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. The village sits on a hill, complete with orange and olive groves and an ancient church, overlooking the Mediterranean. At the bottom of the hill is the cala (cove) where the village fishermen still cast their nets.

The village is well known for its musical, literary and artistic residents, including Virgin Records Richard Branson who has a luxury residence here.

With around 20 restaurants, some of which are worthy of Michelin stars, and

Cala de Deia

 bars, the village attracts visitors who enjoy fine cuisine.
Two gourmet restaurants worth a mention are El Olivo which is built in an old olive press and mentioned in the Michelin Guide, and Bens d’Avall which overlooks the Mediterranean and serves local products.

Deia is the perfect destination for relaxing, chilled holidays. Direct holidays to Deia are always available throughout the internet.

Review supplied to us by our reader Jenny Evans

“Nice, clean and spacious pool area.  The beach was a short walk away and is sandy but at times could get rather busy as space is limited although you could catch the local bus to Alcudia 5 minutes away which has a beautiful large stretch of beach.
Nice buffet style restaurant.  There was also an a la carte restaurant which required a reservation.
Good size room with balcony.
Enterainment both at night and during the day was adult orientated.
Would recommend this hotel to older couples looking to spend their holidays at a nice hotel in pleasant surroundings.”

Picafort Park Hotel

The Picafort Park Hotel is just 600m from the sandy Son Baulo beach and 1km from the restaurants,bars and shops of Ca’n Picafort. It is surrounded by palm trees and shady umbrella pines and is arranged around a large pool, giving the complex an almost village-like feel.

Accommodation

There are nine 3-storey houses with 234 guest bedrooms arranged around pool and gardens.
The rooms all have a bath, wc, hairdryer, air conditioning, satellite tv, direct dial telephone, WiFi access, fridge or minibar, safety deposit box and balcony.
Superior suites are available in a separate block, with all the facilities of standard rooms plus tea/coffee making facilities and fruit, flowers and wine on arrival.

Swimming pool

The hotel has a large figure-of-eight swimming pool, complete with sunbeds, pool bar with tables and chairs and a bar service to the terraces.

Activities and Entertainment

Tennis court, basketball and 5-a-side football.
Evening entertainment includes dancing to a live band or watching professional acts, bar, lounge with WiFi, cinema-style TV room with large-screen TV and a card room.

Cabo Blanco is located on the southeast coast of Majorca, 16 kms from Palma airport and 23 kms from Palma city.

Cabo Blanco

Flanked by the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by a Mediterranean pine forest, Cabo Blanco is the ideal spot for your quiet, relaxed summer holidays.

For those wanting a less relaxing holiday there plenty of watersports and activities on offer here, including sailing, snorkelling, diving, golf, horse riding and cycling.

The beach here is accessed via a rocky descent, however the sandy beaches of El Arenal are just a short distance from Cabo Blanco.

El Arenal

Cala d’Or (Golden Cove) is located 90 minutes from the airport on the southeast coast of Majorca. This purpose-built resort is perfect for families and couples looking for those last minute holidays.

Cala d’Or

The resort, developed around a quaint fishing village, is spread around seven coves, all within the space of two miles, and has become an elegant resort, with excellent sandy beaches, great shopping and a lively marina. One of the middle coves is the original Cala d’Or whose name is synonymous with the tourist resort that grew up around it.

Characterised by whitewashed, Ibizan-style villas, the resort is less high-rise than elsewhere on the island.
The biggest beach is the pine-fringed Cala Gran to the east of the actual Cala d’Or. On the other side of Cala d’Or is Cala Longa, the largest of the coves and

Cala d'Or Marina

 has the principal marina.

The pedestrian zone behind Cala Gran and Cala d’Or is the heart of the town, with lots of restaurants, open-air cafes, bars and shops.
Cycling, riding, golf, tennis, windsurfing, birdwatching and jeep safaris are available in Cal d’Or.

The nightlife is quieter here than in the south-west and is usually geared towards hotel entertainments, however there are a few disco’s, but not many.

THINGS TO DO

The Calas
Explore the rocky coves and small sandy beaches which are known locally as calas. The most popular is Cala Gran, which has the largest beach, safe swimming and sheltered sunbathing. There is a children’s playground and restaurants here.
Cala de sa Torreis is more secluded and has a 17th century watchtower.
Cala des Homos Morts is a small pretty cove, mainly visited by local tour boats.

Es Trenc

Other coves include Cala de ses Dones, the tiny Cala de ses Egos and Cala des Pou near the marina.
Cala Esmeralda is the most undeveloped cove.
A bit further afield is Es Trenc, a long beach popular with nudists.
 

 
Excursions
Santueri Castle, near the village of S’Horta offers good views.
For children there is the Aquarium de Mallorca, next to the Caves of Drach.
Visitors to The Caves of Drach can see the Black Cave, the White Cave and the Luis Salvator Cave. The Luis Salvator Cave features La Ventana, a natural window looking onto a huge underground lake.

The Caves of Drach

The Caves of Hams, near Porto Cristo, has fantastic stalactite formations known as the Fish Hooks, and a wonderful lake called the Venetian Lake.

Glass-bottom boat trips from Cala d’Or are a refreshing change from the beach.
 

Activities
Vall D’Or Golf is an excellent 18 hole golf course near the Caves of Drach.
Horse riding and cycling are a great way to explore the area and there are guided bicycle tours which visit the gardens of the valley of S´Horta, the resort of Porto Colom, and the secluded coves along the coast.
Other popular activities include hiking and watersports, including sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

CLIMATE
Cala d’Or is typical of the wonderful Majorcan climate, with 10 hours of sunshine in the summer and 5 hours in winter. 
Summer temperatures average 29C in July and August, but are a lot cooler in the evenings. From May through to October the temperature remains around the 20′s.
Winter temperatures in Cala d’Or often hit 15C in December and January!