Another Side Of Mallorca

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 46
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Mallorca has a reputation for being a ''Brit''s Abroad'' travel destination, but this in a unfair description that masks much of what the island has to offer. Being the largest of the Balearic Islands, is more than just sun, sand, sea and fish and chips. Its capital city is beautiful, its villages are charming, architecture is attractive, and its rocky coastlines and rugged cliffs prove there is much more to Mallorca than immediately meets the eye.

Start off in the attractive and understated capital Palma de Mallorca. Home to roughly 50% of the island''s 781,000 permanent residents, the city combines Moorish influences with Catholic overtones. Castell de Bellver is a perfect example. It was built on the remains of a Muslim site and although now turned into a museum the building still offers a glimpse into the island''s history.

Wandering through the historic heart of the city, instead of being hot and oppressing as many cities are in summer, it is cool and refreshing thanks to the narrow streets shaded by trees. The Catedral de Mallorca is truly spectacular and definitely worth a visit. Located nearby is the Museo ...
... de Arte Espanol Contemporaneo which houses works by Picasso, Miro, Gris and Dali and admission is free.

The city is best explored on foot as trees and the coastal breeze keep the city bearable even in the midst of summer. The Catedral de Mallorca is truly spectacular and definitely worth a visit. Nearby is the Museo de Arte Espanol Contemporaneo, housing works by Picasso, Miro, Gris and Dali and admission is free.

Once you''re explored the city, head to the north of the island for the island''s most spectacular and breathtaking scenery in the Serra de Tramuntana. The mountains are popular for hiking and biking holidays particularly along the Lluc pilgrimage trail.

Numerous villages are strewn across the length of the mountain range, they include Deia, a village renowned for its mesmerising sunsets that attract artists from all over the world and Valldemossa that even Chopin managed to visit in 1938.

The beauty with these villages is that although they are located in the green surroundings of mountains, they are only moments away from the coast. Sa Calobra and the Torrent de Pareis combined are one of the most visually captivating spots on the entire island. The Torrent de Pareis is a gorge that runs down to the sea at Sa Calobra. The steep rocky walls delay your vision of the gorgeous cove which is revealed as you arrive at the beach.

To fully utilise your time in Mallorca you will need a car. You can hire a car as soon as you arrive at the island''s main airport in Palma. This way you''ll be able to access those hard to reach spots that other tourists miss, giving you a taste of the real Mallorca. Bonny Kominek loves the Balearic islands and has been going to Mallorca for years. Getting car hire in Mallorca is essential, Ritmocars.co.uk offer the service of car hire Mallorca airport.