Cala San Vicente, Mallorca
|
|
|
Cala San Vicente, Mallorca |
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 palace is still used on occasion for political functions and meetings, and was constructed over an older Arab Fortress. The ancient Arab baths are open for your inspection, and the Palace is full of interesting artwork. |
| 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. |
  |
Natural beauty abounds on the island, and
the following are areas that should not be missed. 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. |
|
|
