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.
