You can do no better
than start your visit than the capital of the island of Majorca, famous
for its beaches and beautiful sea, has a beautiful historic quarter
where you can immerse yourself in the rich culturals heritage whilst
wandering the charismatic streets. The cathedral, the Palace of
Almudaina, the fish market and Plaza Mayor are some of the places where
visitors will have to stop. Fishing boats, pine groves and palm trees
complement the most beautiful monuments. The coastal landscape of the
island is graced with coves, beaches and cliffs. Inland there are
typical Majorcan towns, as well as sierras 1.500 metres above sea level.
A beautiful, diverse landscape, as well as a rich cultural life, are
most inviting to a journey through every last inch of Majorca, as well
as through the pleasures of its excellent cuisine.
Fiesta de
Estandarte
The Fiesta de Estandarte, or
festival of the banner, in
Mallorca celebrates the arrival
of King Jaume I's troops in
Palma at the end of Moorish
rule. A religious thanksgiving
ritual and civil ceremony takes
place every year in the Plaça de
Cort in honour of the conqueror
King.
Sailing: Ruta de la Sal Regatta- Ibiza
20-23 March 2008
The Ruta de la Sal (Salt Route) sailing regatta is held in the
waters off Ibiza during Easter Week.
The
Royal Palma Sailing Club
Princesa Sofía Trophy
World Cup series
Olympic sailing
15-21 March 2008
Sailing: Princesa Sofía Trophy
Great daytrips from Ibiza -
Spain
The majority of people that
make the summer pilgrimage to this Balearic favourite every year do so
for one thing and one thing only – clubbing. Take a look beyond the
dance floors to find the real, scenic Ibiza and you won’t be
disappointed.
If you’ve decided to come to this favourite clubbing playground this
summer, you will no doubt spend most of your time between the main
clubbing venues of San Antonio and Ibiza Town, with a distance of about
10 miles between the island’s east and west coasts. This is where almost
all of the notorious night venues like Space and Pacha are located, so
it makes to sense to hire a car given the extortionate taxi fares that
mirror the drink prices.
A car makes it possible to see things in the day when most other people
are locked into the familiar beach-club-beach cycle, therefore allowing
you to make the most of this stunning Spanish island. A short trip north
to Sant Joan de Labritjain is an easy drive to some of the most
undeveloped and idyllic beaches on the island, where the elevation of
the coastline rises offering spectacular views out over the
Mediterranean.Hire cars Ibiza
This is an area that used to be very popular when Ibiza first placed
itself on the tourism map back in the 1960s, but has today been eclipsed
by the central and southern coastal regions. A drive around the coast
here provides an opportunity to track down that perfect secluded little
bay and some much-needed peace and quiet before things kick off again in
the evening.
Down at the southern end of the island, Santa Eulària del Riu is a look
at how the other half lives, an area of private villas with pools that
lie largely vacant until the summer arrives. Towns like Port des Torrent
and San Carlos are particularly pleasant and feature some superb beaches
to explore. Las Dalias and Punta Arabi are also worth visiting for their
hippy markets which contrast strongly with the surrounding properties.
The nearby region of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, also in the south of the
island, holds some of Ibiza’s most stunning scenery which can be reached
easily by car from San Antonio, just six miles away. Cheap prices Ibiza
auto hire At nearly 500 meters tall, the highest mountain on Ibiza,
which goes by the same name as the region, lies in this mostly protected
region. In the summer, head up the mountain on a clear day for some
breathtaking views that take in most of the island, stretching to San
Antonio and beyond.
In the vicinity are also the Cova Santa caves which go back some 25
metres into the rock face. Once out of the car, it is possible to
explore this picturesque area on horseback, foot or by bike, all popular
outdoor activities here. The region is also home to some impressive
relics dating back more than 2,000 years to the Punic-Roman era.
Heading east, Santa Eularía des Río is a must-see for those that decide
to hire a car. With its idyllic 15th century fort, Puig D'Missa,
surveying the little town and bay below, this is a town with stunning
scenery that can get extremely rowdy for all the right reasons. Forget
the super clubs and beer bottles, the fiestas at Santa Eularía des Río
are the genuine Ibiza article. Come during Easter for the liveliest
fiestas which take over most of the town. A look back at more of Ibiza’s
traditions prior to the arrival of the tourism hoards can be seen at the
Living Museum, which traces the island’s history and culture.
The Ibiza experience for many revolves around the club circuit, but by
hiring a car to explore the island, visitors can get a more complete
view of what this Balearic island has to offer. After 22 hours at the
Space Sunday session, a little peace and quiet can make a welcome change
to the dance floor
Balearic Islands - Fiestas and Folklore
Balearic Islands have a great richdom of archaical traditions, consequence
of their old civilization. Most of their "Fiestas" are very colourful and
attractive for the visitor.
The folklore of Mallorca is characterized by melodious music and
ceremonial dances. And representative for Ibiza are its primitive dances
of very old traditions.
Among the most important "Fiestas" of the islands are:
Mallorca:
The procession of the three Magi, on December, 5 in Palma de
Mallorca.
The Fiesta of des foguerons, at January, 6 is celebrated in Sa Pobla, Artà,
Sòller andMuro with fire and regional dances. The following day, there is
a procession of horse coaches in Muro, and in Pollença a tree is erected
at the square Plaza Vieja. People then try to climb to its top.
Typical for the festival of San Sebastian, at January, 20, are the
numerous small fires lit in Palma.
Carnival in Palma, in February, is a lively spectacle with colorful masks.
During Semana Santa, Easter week, there are processions everywhere. Of
remarkable beauty are those of Thursday and Friday in Sineu.
At the second Sunday of May, is celebrated in Soller the mise en scène of
the fight between the inhabitants of the islands against the Saracens.
Another historical battle, the one between Joan Mas and the pirates who
attacked the island, you can observe in Pollença, on August, 2 during the
celebrations of the Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles.
In July takes place the Jazz Festival of Palma.
Feria of Inca, in November, is an original popular festival, celebrated on
three Sundays. After that, there are more "Ferias" in Santa María la Mayor
and Dijous Bo.
At December, 31 Palma says good-bye to the old year with the Fiesta del
Estandarte, the "festival of the banner".
Menorca:
Carnival of Mahón, in February, is certainly of interest.
The island's most important "Fiesta" is San Juan, on June, 23 and 24,
celebrated almost without changes for 600 years. It's climax is the
so-called "Jaleo", a spectacular performance with horses and medieval
dresses. Also a pilgrimship forms part of this festivity.
On June, 29 Verbenas de San Juan, with regional dances and music, take
place.
The "Fiestas" of San Martin in Mercadal, on the third Sunday in July, and
of Nuestra Señora de Gracia, on September, 8 in Mahón, are both of
medieval tradition. During the latter youcan see another "Jaleo".
Ibiza:
January, 17 the festival of the patron, San Antonio Abad.
Santa Eulalia, on the first Sunday in May, is extraordinarily colorful and
includes a procession of horse coaches.
Nostra Senyora des Neus, on August, 5, and Fiestas de la Reconquista on
August, 8, show the regional folklore at its best.
On August, 24 there are sports and cultural performances in San Antonio to
celebrate the Fiesta de San Bartolomé.
Formentera:
Most interesting is the festival of the Apostle Santiago, the island's
patron, on July, 25, showing all the archaical folklore of Formentera
Angel
Sunday
The Sunday after Easter is known as Domingo del Ángel (Angel Sunday) in
Mallorca, a day celebrated in the capital, Palma de Mallorca, with a
procession, blessings and plenty of traditional food.
The fiesta dates back to the early 15th century, when it was known as
the Festividad del Santo Custodio de Palma. It was celebrated through
the 15th and 16th centuries with a procession and blessing of bread for
the poor. After that the custom seemed to disappear, only to be revived
in 1982 under its present name.
Today it is one of the biggest fiestas of the year, starting in the
early hours of the morning. Hundreds of people walk from the town hall
to the Castillo de Bellver, where there are musicians and people dressed
as giants. The food comes out, the music and dancing begins and there
are special games for children.
Mallorca Tourist Office
Address Plaça de la Reina 2, Palma 07012 (drop-in centre on Sant Domingo
Street, Palma, just near the Cathedral)
Phone +34 971 712 216
Fax +34 971 720 251
Email turisme@a-palma.es
Fiesta La Patrona
2
August Pollenca
The
Fiesta Patrona in Pollença celebrates the 1550 midnight battle between
local hero Joan Mas and the Barbary Pirates led by Dragut Rais. Legend
has it that Mas led his fellow citizens to victory after the surprise
attack armed only with sticks. The battle is re-enacted every year in
Pollença, and celebrations start at 5am with an Alborada (traditional
Pollençan song).
The morning song is followed by a Mass, after which revellers take to
the main square to enjoy the dance of Els Cossiers. At 6pm an image of
the Virgin Mary travels through the streets in a procession led by folk
in traditional period costume from the 1500s.
The real fun starts at 7pm, when the battle against the pirates is
re-enacted. Villagers dress up in tatty pyjamas and face paint, armed
with cutlasses, swords and sticks. Some eight battles take place over
the course of the evening, which reaches its apogee with a victorious
fireworks display.
Mallorca Tourist Office
Location:MallorcaAddress:Plaça de la Reina 2, Palma 07012 (drop-in
centre on Sant Domingo Street, Palma, just near the
Cathedral)Email:turisme@a-palma.esPhone:+34 971 712 216Fax:+34 971 720
251
Family holidays in Ibiza
Ibiza is not only famous as a clubbers' paradise but becomes a
holiday paradise for families seeking warm weather, the beaches and
the choice in entertainment for all ages, which is probably some of
the best in the world.
For those traveling with young children, a good option would be to
take the mini train sightseeing tours. Another option is to take a
boat ride to the nearby beaches, hippy markets and towns. Santa
Eulalia, Figueretas and Formentera can all be reached via boat and a
good starting point would be San Antonio. Or else why not take a
round the island trip by car or mini train. The whole island can be
visited in one day, whilst stopping for refreshments and fun on the
attractive beaches.
The Medieval castle at Dalt Vila is an interesting tour for the
entire family and you can take a break at the many restaurants and
bars around. The Stalactite caves above the Puerto de San Miguel are
another worthwhile visit. Girls will love the hippy markets that
have trinkets, jewellery and clothes for sale. If you are in Ibiza
in July - August you can participate in one the fireworks shows and
fiesta processions which are outstanding events.
There are play parks in most resorts but the one at Playa d'en Bossa
which includes carousels and bouncy castles is a firm favourite with
the little folk. San Antonio Bay and Cala Llonga too have lots of
fun activities with Trampolines, climbing frames and loads of space
in safe enclosed areas. When you visit Ibiza's many beaches don't
forget to armour yourselves with lots of sunscreen and cover ups.
The beaches are full of water sports including diving, windsurfing,
sailing and parasailing. The Aguamar water park with lots of slides
and pools to play in is also worth visiting.
Whether it is to party or to spend some quality time with your
family, Ibiza has something for everyone to enjoy.
Majorca the destination for Sailing and Water Sports
Surrounded by the calm waters of the Mediterranean, Majorca is a
great place to visit particularly if you love sailing or
experiencing the adrenaline rush of water sports.
Home to around 41 marinas and thousands of yacht moorings, Majorca
offers countless sailing opportunities for experienced sailors and
clueless landlubbers alike! Near the island's various marinas you
can find several companies which hire out boats (with or without
crew) that not only give you a chance to go sailing, but enjoy some
deep sea swimming and fishing as well. A good place to start is in
Pollensa which has several such boat companies, while hires can
range from anything from a day to a week.
The coastal towns of Majorca also offer plenty of exciting water
sport activities (including places where you can learn the ropes).
Some good spots for water skiing and windsurfing include Cala Millor,
Magaluf, Palma Nova and Santa Ponsa. Majorca's Pollensa Bay is also
a great place for kite surfing and wake boarding. The somewhat
expensive free range jet skiing experience is unfortunately only
available for those with a licence (to sail a boat), though in
certain places on Santa Ponsa beach and El Arenal you can have a go
within a demarcated area (yes it is restrictive, but it is indeed
better than nothing)
Majorca also boasts of some exotic sea life and going snorkelling or
scuba diving is a great way to see what lies beneath. If you are
planning to go scuba diving you either need to have a diving
certificate (for deep sea tours) or take a scuba diving course
before beginning. A cheaper option would be to do some old fashioned
snorkelling which can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Be it sailing with the wind in your hair or clinging onto dear life
as you water ski across the ocean, Majorca gives you a chance to try
it all!
Amusement Parks
a
must visit in Majorca
If your idea of Majorca includes quiet beaches, friendly people and
some colourful local culture you would only be partly right. Spread
throughout this lovely Spanish island are several great amusement
and theme parks which make Majorca a must visit especially if you
have the arduous task of keeping kids entertained.
A good place to start is at Marineland which can be found near the
Costa d'en Blanes beach in Calvia. The main attraction is its
dolphin and sea lion shows which both children and grown ups will
love while you will find a large variety of other animals here as
well including penguins, reptiles, sharks and even monkeys.
Marineland's aviary is also worth visiting. Tickets are a bit on the
pricey side and some of the lines can get a bit long, but you do get
lots of stuff to see and do. It is also a good idea to bring some
food and drinks along as you are likely to spend most of the day
here.
Another great amusement park in Majorca is Aquacity in S'Arenal (Platja
de Palma) which is one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
Attractions such as the "Devil's Tail" and the "Grand Canyon" are
worth a visit, while young children will enjoy its mini zoo.
Aqualand in Magalluf with its many rides (even though on water, some
rides do require nerves of steel!) is another great water based
amusement park which provides plenty of fun and excitement even for
hard-to-please teenagers!
Majorca and these amusement parks make for an action packed holiday
with lots of great memories for the whole family!
|
10 Reasons To Visit Majorca, Spain
Tourist Office:
Plaça de la Reina, 2 - 07012
Palma (Majorca)
Tel. +34 971712216
Fax +34 971720251
http://www.illesbalears.es/ing/
balearicislands/home.jsp
oit@conselldemallorca.net
The Balearic Islands’
crystalline waters and almost three hundred beaches boast all types of
services and offer unparalleled variety that ranges from beaches to
untouched coves. To find the beach that interests you, move the cursor
over places on the map or enter any part of the beach’s name in the
search engine.
If you haven't yet
visited Majorca, you've made a big mistake. This wonderful island in the
Mediterranean Sea is a must see, a must do, a must visit in Spain. The
Balearic Isles with Ibiza and Majorca have so much to see, do and enjoy,
you have to include them in your tarvel plans in the near future.
Palma de Mallorca, the capital and the largest city of the island, is
one of the major reasons to visit the amazing island of Majorca. The
city is known for historic sites, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Some of the major attractions include Castell de Bellver, Pueblo Español,
and the historical center of Palma famous for Catedral de Mallorca and
Museo Catedralicio, Banys Àrabs, and Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo.
Port de Pollença is arresting town in the north of the island, in the
foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana. The town is famous for its
restaurants and lovely evenings. The chapel of El Calvari at the top of
the hill and the Good Friday procession from the church to the church in
town are the major attractions of the town.
Alcúdia is fascinating town surrounded by 14th-century walls. It is
perfect place for beaching and cycling. Situated on the outskirts of
Alcudia, S'Alubufera National Park is the best bird watching location on
the Island. Roman ruins and Old town are other attractions.
Cap de Formentor is Majorca's most northerly point. Here, you can have
nice views from the lighthouse. Home to numerous species of birds, the
place is great attraction for bird lovers. Some of the common birds that
you can watch here include falcons, rock doves, rare black vultures,
grey, night and purple herons, reed warblers, and several types of
plover.
Valldemossa, the charming village in the Tramuntana mountains, is one of
the must see sights of Majorca. The 14th-century monastery at
Valldemossa, in the northwest, was home to Polish composer Chopin and
the French feminist writer George Sand and her two children in 1838-39.
The Monastery at Lluc is nestled in pretty countryside dotted with oak
and cypress trees in the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains. The islanders
undertake the pilgrimage to Lluc to see La Moreneta (The Little Dark
One), a tiny and reputedly miraculous statue of the virgin on 12
September each year.
Majorca's Caves are the major tourist attractions. The Dragon Caves
(Coves del Drach in mallorquin) are the most visited caves. There are
about 200 caves on the Island, but just a few are open to the public.
Featuring underground lakes and stalactites, some caves have really
become tourist traps.
Majorca's Cuisine is wining, dinning, and enjoying. You can enjoy the
ultra-traditional pa amb oli (bread and oil) comes in many forms, either
simply served as local bread doused in oil or served with toppings such
as ham, chorizo or local cheese. At tapas bars, you can enjoy frito
mallorquin, a tasty mixture of fried vegetables, potatoes, meat and
herbs. Some of the local dishes include ensaïmada, a pastry made with
pork lard (saïm), and sobrassada, sausage with lard and paprika.
Majorca's beaches are the finest expressions of the placid beauty.
Majorca offers you one of the quietest beaches. The beaches aren’t often
busy, but you can enjoy a number of beach activities at beaches. The
beaches are often kissed and fondled by the crystal-clear waters.
Majorca is best known for peaceful beach vacations.
Aquacity, located at the resort of S'Arsenal in Majorca, is the place
where you can find several large pools, fast and exciting slides and
playgrounds. You can really have nice time here with your kids.
Marineland is the only amusement park in the Balearic Islands featuring
performing dolphins and sea lions. The dolphins are always “eye
catchers” at the Marineland.
The
Balearic Islands can be found in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the
east coast of Spain. The four islands that make up the Balearics are
Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera. Foreigners also commonly know
Mallorca, the local name for the island, as Majorca. A name that
conjures up images of never ending sunshine, beautiful beaches and a
party atmosphere that never ends. The real Mallorca can be quite
different if you wish to look for it.
The islands together make up the Autonomous Community of the Balearic
Islands of which Palma de Mallorca is the official capital. Catalan is
the official language spoken on the islands with each having its own
dialect, which the locals are fiercely proud of.
With an average of 300 hundred days of sunshine per year, the Balearic
Islands offer a wonderful destination for holidays in Spain. As well as
a favourable climate there are also fantastic beaches, cities of great
architectural design and rich vegetation to suit both beach and rural
holidays. Palma de Mallorca with its cosmopolitan atmosphere is also
considered to be one of the best cultural cities in Europe.
Ibiza Island - Beaches and Holiday Nightlife Ibiza is known for its all
night party atmosphere, but it also offers white sandy beaches and
crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Many young people visit
Ibiza Island looking for its legendary nightlife and popular clubs and
bars, which cater for the entertainment accordingly. There is also
another side to Ibiza with 72 beaches, wonderful countryside and great
restaurants to choose from making it a great all-purpose holiday
destination. Ibiza Town is the island's capital and coastal harbour,
with cobbled streets nearby offering many fine restaurants and shops,
which attract both the rich and famous not only to visit, but also to
live.
Majorca Island - Largest of the Balearics Majorca is the largest of the
Balearics and the most affected by mass tourism having been a popular
holiday destination since the 1960s. Along the coast much of the
countryside has been replaced with hotel and apartment complexes to
cater for the many thousands of holidaymakers, but there is still much
of the original Majorca to be found. Palma de Majorca is the
cosmopolitan capital where over half the islands population live. It is
also a fantastic place to experience the local cuisine and culture. The
city offers many holiday attractions including its Gothic Cathedral, The
Castell de Bellver and its 17th Century Town Hall (Ayuntamiento).
Menorca Island - Hidden Paradise Menorca is the second largest island of
the Balearics and receives far fewer tourists than its larger sister
island. Having escaped the worst effects of mass tourism, much of the
its beauty remains unspoilt. The small resorts along its rugged
coastline are perfectly suited to cater for holidaymakers who wish to
take advantage of the many idyllic beaches hidden within the small coves
and inlets. Mahon is the capital of the island and has one of Europe's
largest natural harbours. There is also a good selection of bars and
shops around the harbour, and also pavement cafes offering a lively
nightlife.
Formentera – Smallest of the Balearic Islands Formentera does not have
an airport of its own, and so has to be visited by either boat or
hydrofoil from the regular daily service that leaves Ibiza Town. It is
the most unspoilt of the Balearics and there are tight governmental
restrictions to restrict the number of hotels allowed on this tiny
island that measures just 30 square miles. There is not too much to do
on the island unless you are interested in sunbathing, windsurfing or
scuba diving in the clear blue waters.
It is no surprise that many visitors to the Balearic Islands often wish
to return, with a fair few taking up permanent residence on the islands
themselves. With so much to offer, you are certain to find an island
that offers the perfect holiday destination for you.
Family
holidays to Menorca - the 'Caribbean of the Med'
The natural environs of Menorca, the second largest of the Balearic
Islands is well known as the Caribbean of the Med for several reasons –
the crystal clear water ideal for scuba diving, plenty of opportunities
for great outdoor sports activities and other maritime excursions,
fantastic beaches, beautiful landscapes and a leisurely pace.
This combination is ideal for a family holiday and in Menorca a holiday
generally consists of lazing on the beach getting an enviable tan,
enjoying delicious meals, romantic walks along the scenic coast and
shopping, of course. The tranquility that prevails in Menorca is another
reason why it's popular with travelers looking for a relaxing break with
most visitors enjoying an idyllic getaway on secluded shores or enjoying
the glorious family friendly beaches of Arenal d’en Castell, Cala’n
Bosch and Cala Galdana which are highly recommended. Moreover, Menorca
is overflowing with centuries of cultural diversity with cities like
Ciutadella and Mahon, the capital of Menorca which is rich in history,
reflecting the influence of British occupation. Mahon also introduced
Mayonnaise to the world and it’s offered with almost all dishes in
Menorca.
All of the resorts in Menorca are family oriented, with some more
lively, offering a wider range of facilities. So if you are accompanied
by fun loving teens, make sure you base your family in or near Cala en
Porter which is offers more entertainment for teens. Menorca is one of
the most tranquil amongst the Balearic Islands, but holiday
accommodations are still plentiful offering a varied choice to suit
different budgets and requirements. A great first, second and third
choice for a family holiday abroad, Menorca will enthrall you with its
simplicity and charm.
A good time of the year to visit Menorca is from May to September. So
pack your bags, gear yourselves with plenty of suntan, travel light and
be on your way to experience Menorcan hospitality.
Pirates
Show in Majorca
If you are looking for something fun to do with the family when in
Majorca, then you should make a date to visit the Pirates Show. The show
which is titled "Pirates Adventure" as you may have guessed is based on
pirates and adventure on the high seas which the kids will love.
The Pirates Show is held at its own theatre which stands next to
Majorca's Aquapark. The show itself revolves around swashbuckling
Captain Morgan and the dastardly pirate Jacques Lafitte as they battle
each other in an epic struggle for supremacy. The show is done on large
scale and apart from plenty of great stunts, lighting effects and
theatrics, you also get a huge life size pirate ship which makes it that
much more exciting. There is also plenty of audience participation as
you are expected to cheer or jeer the different characters.
The Pirates Show includes dinner which comprises roast chicken, barbecue
sausages and "Treasure Trove Salad". There are two main seating sections
for the show which are the Main Deck (50 Euros for adults and 28.50
Euros for children) and the Quarter Deck (65 Euros for adults and 43.50
Euros for children). If your budget allows it, the slightly more
expensive Quarter Deck is worth it. The ticket prices mentioned are
those for the high season (normally July and August), the rest of the
year you can get in for less.
You will probably spend a little over 2 hours at the show which makes
for an interesting night out. There is also a special performance called
"Pirates Uncut" which is for those over 18 years and basically follows
the same pattern, but with profanity, hence the "Adults only"
restriction.
Caves in
Majorca
Majorca is a great place to visit if you appreciate natural beauty
and in particular, underground caves.
Easily one of the most popular attractions in Majorca is the Caves of
Drach ("Cuevas del Drach") or Dragon's caves which can be found near
Porto Cristo. These caves have, over time, amassed an amazing collection
of stalagmites and stalactites which in plain English translates to
spectacular limestone and crystal formations which will have you totally
spellbound! The Caves of Drach have around 12 halls some with their own
names such as Jacob's Stairs and Diana's Bath.
Towards the end of the tour you will arrive at the underground Lake
Martel (Lago Martel) which is one of the largest of its kind in the
world. At Lake Martel you are treated to a live performance of some
haunting classical music as well as a chance to end the tour by taking a
boat ride. A visit to the Caves of Drach takes about an hour and can get
a bit crowded in the afternoons. It is also a good idea to bring a
jumper or jersey with you since the inside of the caves can get a bit
chilly.
If a visit to the Caves of Drach leaves you thirsting for more, then you
should definitely head to Majorca's Caves of Arta (Cuevas de Arta) which
can be found in the Cap Vermell. Located near the sea, these stunning
limestone caves are somewhat like a huge underground cathedral, with
some of the stalagmites reaching amazing heights of up to 22 metres!
You do not have to be a naturalist to enjoy the caves of Majorca which
provide a rare opportunity to enjoy some magical interior designs by
Mother Nature herself.
Holiday
in Majorca with children
The island of Majorca (near Spain's east coast) is an ideal holiday
destination, especially if you're with children. Home to several kid
friendly beaches, Majorca is a great place for children and has a wide
range of attractions which the whole family can enjoy.
Water parks abound in Majorca and are great places to spend the entire
day. Aqualand El Arenal (near the El Arenal beach) is one of the largest
in Europe and its attractions which include the "Devil's Tail" and the
"Grand Canyon" will be a definite hit with the kids. Aqualandia / EI
Foro de Majorca (in Binissalem) with its adventure playground and the
western themed Wild West water park (in Magaluf) are also worth a visit
and make for a memorable holiday.
Wondering where to head next? Majorca also has many animal based
attractions. A good place to start is at Cala Millor's "Auto Safari"
which apart from a safari park has a baby zoo as well (look out for the
adorable baby elephants!). The somewhat pricey Nemo Submarine ride (in
Magaluf) is a unique 2 hour underwater adventure in an actual mini
submarine, while Marineland (in Portals Nous) has dolphin and sea lion
shows which will keep children enthralled from start to finish.
Other popular family friendly attractions in Majorca include Palma
Nova's quite wonderful 54 hole, crazy golf course (called Golf Fantasia)
and spectacular Pirate Show, the Calvia Pony Club (in Calvia) and the
Magaluf Karting go-kart track (near the aquapark) which is a favourite
among older kids.
Majorca caters to children of all ages (including the young at heart!)
and is a great place for a memorable vacation.
Calendar of Local Festivities voice | print | send | edit
JANUARY
5th January: Cavalcade of the Three Holy Kings - Arrival of the Kings at
19:00 hours at the Port Vell (old harbour)
6th January: Three Holy Kings Day - At 12:00 hours at Ses Voltes:
performance of Llorenç Moyà's work "The Three Kings from the Orient".
On 16th and 17th January: Vigil and Sant Antoni Abat Day. Celebration of
the traditional blessing of animals (beneïdes), lighting of the popular
bonfire (foguerons) and carriage cavalcades.
From the 14th until the 29th January: Sant Sebastià Festivities.
On the 19th and 20th January. Vigil and Sant Sebastià Day. Patron Saint
of Palma. The night prior to the Sant Sebastià Day is being celebrated
with numerous concerts taking place on the city squares and with bonfire
lighting. Furthermore, many additional activities will being offered on
that day: the Sant Sebastià Festivities' programme includes a cycling
tour and a meeting of giants.
FEBRUARY
Sa Rueta and Sa Rua: Palma celebrates at the beginning of February the
last few festive days before Lent. Sa Rueta is a carnival celebration
especially organised for children, while Sa Rua is the Carnival
festivity as we know it. Sa Rua includes numerous carriages that parade
through the city's streets.
MARCH
1st March: Day of the Balearic Islands. Open Door Events at the Sea
Consulate (Consolat de Mar), headquarters of the Government of the
Balearic Islands. On this day, several concerts will be taking place on
the Plaça d´Espanya. All programmed events within the scope of this
festivity, offering cultural and sport activities, will end a few days
after the festivity itself.
APRIL
Holy Week. Ram Sunday: commemoration of the Jesus Christ's arrival to
Jerusalem. The most traditional about the festivity is the blessing of
olive branches and palm leaves that are brought to the procession. Holy
Thursday: this is the day on which the most ostentatious procession
takes place, the carrying of La Sang virgin, that has numerous followers
in Palma.
Good Friday: representation of a poem written by Llorenç Moyà:
Viacrucis.
Easter Sunday: Procession of the Meeting.
Angel Sunday: This festivity is being celebrated at the Bellver Castle
on the following Sunday after Easter. The original festivity blessed the
bread for the poor (pancaritat). However, the festivity celebrated
nowadays is a mere reminiscence of the original festivity. These days, a
huge number of people will gather together at Bellver Castle's woods to
share a meal.
JUNE
Spring Festivities - The Corpus in Palma: This festivity combines the
religious aspect, featuring the procession of the corpus as the main
point of interest, with the cultural and participative aspect in the
form of concerts and guided visits to the most emblematic patios of our
city.
23rd June. Sant Joan Night. Concerts and bonfire in different areas
within the city, such as at the Ciutat Jardí beach or at the Parc de la
Mar.
SEPTEMBER
Mare de Déu de la Salut Festivities. Patron Saint of Palma. A
procession, parades, flowers and fruit offerings as well as a solemn
mass are the main activities taking place during this festivity.
Numerous musical and theatre events are being offered too.
DECEMBER
Christmas Festivities. These festivities start on the 26th November at
18:00 hours with the lighting of the Christmas illumination at Plaça de
Cort, accompanied by the singing voices of the Cap Pela group.
A guided itinerary through the different Nativity Scenes of Palma will
be offered.
Celebration of New Year's Eve festivity as well as the traditional bell
strokes at Plaça de Cort.
31st December: Estendars Festivity - Historic Commemoration. Celebration
of the anniversary of the Christian conquest of the city by King Jaume
I. Civic and religious festivity. Solemn mass at Palma's Cathedral,
music and dance from Majorca.
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