Mallorca-Balearic Islands, Spain


By: Simon J. Swain

The Mediterranean Island jewel that few Americans know about!

This small Mediterranean island is part of the Balearic Island chain and is part of Spain, albeit a mostly
autonomous region. Mallorquin is the spoken word, and is a derivative of Catalan, however Spanish,
English and German are widely spoken.  This is a place of magic and mystery, and a  laid back retreat
of the rich and famous.  Some of Europe's most beautiful beaches, amazing history, golf, sailing and
SCUBA diving.  Oops, I almost forgot the cuisine!!  There something for everyone in Mallorca.

Atop the hills at the outskirts of the capitol city of Palma
sits Bellver Castle; the jewel of Mallorca's lost kingdom. 
The castle was constructed by King Jaime II of Mallorca
as a retreat and sanctuary after he became ill, and later
served as a prison.  The island itself has passed back and
forth between lost civilizations, the Romans, Christians,
Muslims and even pirates.  For a small place, Mallorca
boasts an amazingly rich historical diversity portrayed within
castles, cathedrals and even primitive culture's cave sites.

                                                    
Click pictures to enlarge

Palm de Mallorca is the home to approximately a third of a million people and the old town is
remarkably picturesque.  The ancient winding streets and back alleys are teeming with people
patronizing shops that offer anything imaginable.  Prices are reasonable compared to much of
Europe, and the atmosphere is pleasant and comfortable.  There are countless street cafe's
and coffee shops to relax in, and the cuisine is consistently good. The old town itself starts
at the Palace de Almudaina and the adjacent Cathedral, which are both open to tours
and are exceptional sites of historical importance.

The beaches are the reason most people come to Mallorca, and the summer months are jammed
with tourists from all over Europe.  Reservations are key, and you are advised to book well in
advance in order to secure accommodations.  Properties include older and modern hotels, all inclusive
resorts, and "Finca's", which are converted farm properties.  Many of the Fincas are quite ancient
some more than 700 years old.  Due to their limited size and quiet surroundings, they make a change
to the typical crowded seaside resorts that surround the island.  Several Finca properties
feature large grounds with working orchards sitting amongst beautiful views of the Tramuntana Mountains.

Torrent de Pareis, a majestic river canyon that was formed
by millions of years of water streaming out of the Tramuntana
Mountains is a stunning natural formation.  A walking tunnel
has been engineered that takes you from a parking area in
the small town of Sa Calobra through the mountain to the
beach at the base of the canyon.  Getting there is half the
adventure as this impressive switchback road drops dramatically
from the heights of the mountains to sea level.  Near the top
you drive one-car at a time through a natural cave formation,
and there are several observation points beside the well paved
road..  While this is a popular destination in the summer season,
we had the place to ourselves in late December.

Mirador d'es Colomer is an area of incredible views and cliffs
on the north side of the Formentor Peninsular, which is at the
northeast point of the island.  The area also has a beach a short
distance away and a lighthouse at the Cap de Formentor. 
Click the image for a larger picture, and you will see several
people atop the cliff; this really gives you a sense of scale. 
Shortly off the base of the cliff is a formation known a El Colom,
which appears to be column of stone projecting from the water.

The areas limestone geology is perfectly suited for the formation
of the many caves found around the island.  We found two locations
of particular interest, both of which are commercially operated and
are well worth the price of admission.  Cuevas
del Drach or the "Dragon Caves" in Porto Cristo, features on
of the largest underground lakes in the world where musicians
play live classical music from several rowboats as they approach
you on the shore.  Next you board the crafts an go across the
Lago Martel to the exit.  This place is really amazing is not to
be missed. 

The Cuevas de Campanet  outside the town of Port d’Alcúdia is another gem, is set in an idyllic rural
location in the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains.  The longest stalactite for its tiny diameter
in the world is a key feature, and the cave formations are lovely.

The island has so much to offer that we can only scratch the surface here, all of the typical land and
sea sports are available and the upper echelon of restaurants provide some of the best meals
I have had anywhere in Europe.

For more photography please visit the IAN gallery.