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The Balearic Islands are one of the Catalan-speaking territories designated by the cultural term of Catalan Countries. Majorca and Minorca are the Balearic Islands proper, while the other islands are included in the appellation as part of the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands. The main islands of the autonomous community are Majorca (Mallorca in Catalan), Minorca (Menorca), Eivissa (Eivissa), and Formentera, all of which are popular tourist destinations. Among the minor islands is Cabrera, which is the location of the Parc Nacional de l'Arxipèlag de Cabrera. The islands can be further grouped, with Majorca, Minorca, and Cabrera as the Gymnesian Islands, and Eivissa and Formentera as the Pine Islands.

Mallorca coastline sailing

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Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, the others being Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera

Majorca has two mountainous regions each about 70 km in length. These occupy the north-western (Serra de Tramuntana or Tramuntana range) and eastern thirds of the island. The highest peak on Majorca is Puig Major (1,445 m) in the Serra de Tramuntana. As this is a military zone, the neighbouring peak at Puig de Massanella is considered the highest accessible peak (1,364 m). The northeast coast comprises two sweeping bays: the Badia de Pollença and the larger Badia d'Alcúdia. The northern coast is generally rugged and has many cliffs. The central zone extending from Palma is generally flat fertile plain known as Es Pla.

The climate is Mediterranean, with markedly higher precipitation in the Serra de Tramuntana. Summers are hot in the plains and winters mild to cool, getting colder in the Tramuntana range; in this part of the island brief episodes of snow during the winter are not unusual.

The island is surrounded by two uninhabited small islands: Cabrera (southeast of Palma) and Dragonera (west of Palma).

Cuisine

EnsaïmadesIn 2005, there were over 2,400 restaurants on the island of Mallorca according to the Mallorcan Tourist Board. They ranged from small bars to full scale restaurants. Despite Mallorca’s location in the Mediterranean, seafood is often imported. Olives and almonds are typical of the Mallorcan diet. The island now has over 4 million almond and olive trees. Among the food items that can be truly stated as being Mallorquin are sobrassada, arros brut -saffron rice cooked with chicken, pork and vegetables- and, for the sweet lover, ensaïmada.

In addition, the diversity of the population is reflected by the increasing variety of restaurants.

Do

Beaches - this is what the most people come for. The main tourist areas are on the southern and eastern coast but places may be crowded in high season. More secluded and quiet beaches can be found on the island but expect a difficult route (e.g. cliffs) and minimal parking. A must visit is Es Trenc, near the Colonia de Sant Jordi, but there are also many beaches not that popular worth a visit.

Note - If you find yourself in Palma, looking for a quieter beach than the 5km strand, take the blue bus line all the way to its Western terminus, which is simply called Playa. It is a wonderful little cove set about by rocks, with a local restaurant right on the beach. There are other coves in either direction, but this is the most welcoming.

Hiking - The Serra de Tramuntana offers some fine trails. Cycling - In spring the island's roads are popular with several professional teams in preparation for the next season. Palma - the island's capital offers the famous cathedral as well as a nice city centre to stroll around. Golf - courses such as the Andratx, Alcanada, Canyamel, Capdepera, Poniente, Santa Ponsa 1,2 & 3, Bendinat, Son Termens, Son Vida, Son Muntaner, Son Quint, Son Gual, Maioris,Golf Park Puntiro, Pula, Son Antem East & West. Simply Mallorca Golf provides details of the locations and facilities of all of the island's golf courses. Nature - S'Abulfera is a large salt marsh near the town of Alcudia. Large numbers of bird species can be seen, including many species of heron, waders, ducks and warblers. The cliffs of Fortmentor are good for sea birdwatching and is one of the best places for a chance of seeing the rare Elenora's Falcon. Free Classical Music Concerts - during the summer, free open-air classical music concerts are usually organised on Saturday evenings on the Bendinat Golf Course. Deep Water Psicobloc - the island's unique geography has helped it become the premier destination for rock climbers wishing to experience deep water soloing or psicobloc, rock climbing above deep water. [edit][add listing] Eat Recommend Paella, a saffron flavored dish, especially the seafood version while in Mallorca. Local dishes include Frit Mallorquí and Sopes Mallorquines (a simple, yet healthy vegetable soup with meat, wild mushrooms, etc.). Many dishes are made with Sobrassada, a rather spicy sausage made of pork, paprika, condiments, etc. - also eaten plain on a slice of bread. For breakfast, instead of croissant, try the typical Ensaimada (a spiral-shaped bun), and for dessert the Gató (a cake made of almond) with almond ice cream.

Drink

Drinking is allowed if you are 18 or older the same as in the rest of Spain. While alcohol is widely sold, pursuant to local laws only bars, restaurants, discotheques and the like are allowed to serve it after midnight.

Spanish people go out quite late and, while in the main tourist resorts you can find people drinking and chatting from early hours, you will not see many locals before 24:00.

The main nighttime areas are:

Magaluf: well known to be the British capital in the island, this is the place for clubbing. Bananas Disco and BCM Empire Disco are a must. Palma de Mallorca: most of the places can be found at the Paseo Martimo, the main road by the sea. Abraxas (former Pacha) and Tito's are the main discos where everybody goes. El Garito, and old bohemian bar now reconverted into trendy club are also worth a visit. Gay oriented bars can be found around Plaza Gomila (must visit: Hotel Aries Pub and the Black Cat Disco). Also, you must know that while drinking in the street is allowed, big groups drinkings are not tolerated and the police will fine you if you leave any rubbish in the street. In any case, is better to carry a plastic bag for any rubbish you could have.

Wines

You should consider trying the Sangria, a mix of wine, fruit juice and brandy. Another option are the excellent local wines. Many bodegas offer tours with free tastings.

Ses Nines Negre, Binissalem D.O., a real bargain, this pleasant red wine will accompany your barbecues. €5. José L. Ferrer Blanc de blancs, Binissalem D.O., a light and tasty white wine to drink with a fish soup or grilled sardines. €7. Mont Ferrutx Pla i Llevant D.O., a solid red wine bottled by Miquel Oliver [2], to accompany a grilled pork chop. €7. Macia Batle crianza Binissalem D.O., a fine, tasty and elegant red wine, bottled by Macia Batle [3] in Santa Maria del Cami. €10. Mortitx Vi negre, Vi de la Serra de Tramuntana, a deep red wine with red fruit taste. [4]. €10. Moli de Vent Blanc, Pla i Llevant D.O., a fine white wine with a subtle citrus fruit parfum, bottled by Jaume Mesquida [5]. €10. GVIVM Merlot-Callet, Pla i Llevant D.O., a strong red wine with character, bottled by Pere Seda. €15. Negre de sa Colonia Pla i Llevant D.O., a fine red wine with a deep oak taste, bottled by Toni Gelabert. €20.

Sleep

Accommodation is mainly for the package-tour tourist who wants a room near the beach. Most of these hotels are cheaper if booked by a travel agent. But over the past few years, the number of alternative accommodations for more experienced, individual travellers has steadily been growing: designer hotels, fully equipped apartments, aparthotels and fincas to name a few.

Fincas

Rural tourism: Also known as "Agroturismo". Refers to farmhouses and country estates built before 1960, still being used for agriculture but, of course, fully refurbished and modernized. Just perfect for families with children.

"Rural Hotel", "Turisme d'Interior" and "Petit Hotel" on the other hand are generally former mansions and manor-houses located in smaller towns such as Sòller, Lloseta, Deià or Campanet. They offer a limited number of rooms for guests, mostly 4 star service with an excellent cuisine, Spa services, etc.

Hotels

Although the vast majority are 3 and 4 star hotels, the island does offer excellent 5 star hotels and resorts, small and trendy Designer Hotels next to Palma's shopping district as well as charming city hotels in the old city centre of Palma de Mallorca.

If you prefer to stay in your own apartment, but don't want to miss the hotel's daily entertainment programme, sports and shows in the evening, then consider staying in an aparthotel. Most of them are located in the north (Alcudia, Playa de Muro) or on the east coast of the island (Cala Millor, Cala d'Or) and offer a wide range of services.

Camping

There are no commercial camp grounds in Mallorca, but there are some recreation areas with toilets and sometimes with showers where camping is allowed.

Villa rentals

Renting a villa is an excellent, if often expensive, way of enjoying Mallorca's more secluded locations. These are generally found on the western and northern sides of the island.