Even in ancient times, people have chosen this wonderful island in the Mediterranean for life. After going through all the historical vicissitudes and complexities of the Middle Ages and modern times, Mallorca joined Spain, and over time became one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Today it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and to get to know the island better, consider the sights of Mallorca.
Sierra de tramontana
The amazing and beautiful Sierra de Tramonta mountain range stretches across the entire coastline in the northwest of Mallorca. Mount Puig Major rises above the ridge, its height is 1445 meters. It is one of the highest mountains in the Balearic Islands.
A natural complex, including valleys, hills covered with greenery and picturesque mountain landscapes, is included in the UNESCO list of valuable natural and cultural sites of the world.
Dragon cave
We will stay for a short time in the mountains in Mallorca and visit the mysterious and mysterious Dragon Cave, which is located not far from the city of Porto Cristo.
The total length of the unique natural site is 2,200 meters, but for safety reasons the route for tourists is only 1 kilometer.
Since ancient times, the cave has been steeped in legends and myths about countless treasures and fabulous monsters that lived under rocky arches.
One of the oldest architectural landmarks in Mallorca. The first buildings on the site of the palace were erected during the domination of the Roman Empire.
Later, the island was captured by the Moors and a fortress was erected with the residence of the viziers. For a long time the palace belonged to the knights of Mallorca, and later it was the seat of the viceroy of the island.
And today the oldest architectural monument is a royal residence.
Tourists from all over the world come to the Castel de Bellver in Mallorca to admire the majestic building, moreover one of the oldest in Mallorca.
The building, which is unusual for the Gothic round shape, was erected at the beginning of the 14th century as the summer residence of King Jaime II. The best architects and artists of that time were invited for construction and painting.
The castle museum contains unique artifacts of the history of Spain, and the towers offer beautiful views of the surroundings.
Cathedral of Santa Maria, or as it is simply called La Seu, can rightfully be considered business card islands. And they laid it back in 1229 on the ruins, after the liberation of the island from the Arabs.
The cathedral was built in the classical Gothic style with high towers, spacious choirs and massive columns. The architectural monument has felt the influence of other styles, and today it is the most unique architectural monument of southern Europe.
Roman fortress
IN ancient city Alcudia was a fortress, in fact, a city, and began its history with the construction of defensive walls by the Romans.
At the end of the 13th century, Alcudia began its revival, and within 100 years new city walls and watchtowers were built. The fortress was of great strategic importance and protected the inhabitants from numerous pirates.
The most recent fortifications date back to the reign of Philip II, who ruled in Spain and Mallorca at the end of the 16th century.
Capdepera Castle
It so happened that Mallorca has a large number of ancient citadels and castles. Another massive and majestic castle was built during the reign of Jaime II.
Houses began to be built around the defensive wall, and the castle itself performed defensive functions. In the Middle Ages, the castle was abandoned, and was revived only after reconstruction in the middle of the 20th century.
Manor La Granja
Lost among castles and fortresses is a small country villa built in 17th centurywrapped in shady gardens among mountain peaks.
Today at the estate works historical Museum... Its halls contain many exhibits that tell about the history of the island. Here you can fully get acquainted with the rural way of life and the life of local residents, as well as taste the dishes national cuisine in a small restaurant.
The theme park, located on the Calvia beaches, has an amazing attraction - an upside-down house.
The roof of the house rests on the ground, and the foundation is overgrown with greenery. The unusual house is divided into rooms, in each of which magic and mysterious wonders await visitors.
Around the house there is a golf course, and in the building itself you can visit a 4D cinema.
The magnificent and unique garden and architectural complex is located in the village of Bunyola among the mountain peaks. And the history of the amazing complex began in the era of Arab rule.
Tourists can stroll along the shady alleys of orange and lemon trees. There are many fountains, babbling streams, gazebos in the garden.
Numerous restorations have managed to preserve the ancient splendor of this place, where you can relax.
You can take a break from the bustle of the city and breathe in the clean air of virgin nature on the rocky shores of Cape Formentor. The cliffs go into the crystal clear waters of the sea, and the slopes themselves are covered with wonderful, evergreen forests.
Most beautiful beaches Mallorca is located exactly within the amazing promontory. In addition, you can visit and historical monuments... On one of the rocks of the cape there is a lighthouse and watch towerdating back five centuries.
Even along the serpentine road leading to the bay, tourists are amazed by picturesque mountain landscapes and centuries-old forests.
The tops of the mountains are wrapped in a haze of clouds, and below the waves of the warm Mediterranean Sea are splashing. The small beach is surrounded by powerful rocks, and you can look at this splendor from the sea from a yacht, offered for rent to numerous tourists.
Children and adults alike will love visiting this one. They discovered it back in the 16th century, and most likely it served as a refuge for pirates.
One of the main objects of the cave is an underground lake. In addition, here you can look at the waterfalls frozen in stone and huge stalagmites.
We will end the journey at the highest point in Mallorca, where the most ancient shrine of the island - the San Salvador monastery - is located on a hill.
The shrine, built in the XIII century, and today remains the main object of pilgrimage for thousands of believers. Within the monastery there is a functioning church of St. Mary.
A large statue of Christ and a majestic stone cross are erected near the oldest cult site of the islanders.
Conclusion
Mallorca is truly an amazing corner of the globe, where the oldest monuments of history and architecture harmoniously coexist with the modern resort and tourist infrastructure. On the island you can learn a lot from world history, as well as relax on the beaches and parks.
The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo © An Pri / www.flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0 License)
Mallorca is the most visited island in the Balearic archipelago, with an annual number of tourists exceeding 10 million. Most come for the sea, sun and beaches, but Mallorca has much more to offer. With gorgeous beaches, gorgeous mountains and extraordinary caves, it's no wonder this place inspired Jules Verne.
The romantic racing towns of Valldemossa, Deia, Soller and Pollença are scattered along the west coast. Crowning the West Coast is Cape Formentor with its picturesque cliffs and the fabulous Formentor Beach. The east coast is even more outlandish - the Coves Arta caves, Dragon Caves, ancient fortresses and the delightful Cala d'Or beach.
Finally, the island's capital, Palma de Mallorca, is a concentrate of attractions in the midst of wonderful nature.
The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo © cristina camps / www.flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0 License) Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is a vibrant city with magnificent architecture and rich history. Its historical part is a mixture of Gothic churches, beautiful palaces, charming patios and great places to relax.
The vibrant city of Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Photo © santiago lopez-pastor / www.flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0 License) Cathedral of Saint Mary
Palma Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria or La Seu) resembles a huge Gothic ship docked off the coast of Palma. Its construction on the site of the main mosque lasted from 1300 to 1601. The facade of the cathedral was restored after the earthquake of 1851 in the Art Nouveau style according to the designs of Antoni Gaudí.
The entrance to the cathedral is preceded by a museum of paintings on religious themes and items made of precious metals. The most impressive interior details are bright stained glass windows and an extraordinary wrought iron sculpture by Gaudí. Local artist Miguel Barcelo also had a hand in the decoration, painting one of the altars on the biblical theme of bread and fish.
Doll Museum
The Puppen Museum near the Cathedral will please both children and adults. This is a delightful collection of antique dolls, where you can also buy some of them.
Almundain Palace
Almundaina Palace (Palau de l'Almudaina) is a former Muslim fort, reconstructed in the 13th century as the residence of the Majorcan kings. The palace, which still hosts the King of Spain, is open to the public - you can see the courtyard, the chapel with a rare Roman portal and the royal apartments with antique tapestries and furniture.
View of the Almundain Palace, Spain (Photo © PROAntonio Rodríguez Fernán / www.flickr.com / License CC BY-NC 2.0) Bishop's palace
The Bishop's Palace (Palau Episcopal) exhibits a magnificent Christian collection from all over the island.
Es Baluard Museum of Contemporary Art
Es Baluard is a place where bold exhibits are perfectly combined with reinforced concrete walls and remnants of Renaissance fortifications. Inside, there are works by Catalan masters from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as a rotating exhibition of 20th century artists from Oscar Kokoschka to Amadeo Modigliani.
March Palace
The Palace of March (Palau March) belonged to the fabulously wealthy March family. The terrace features bold sculptures by contemporary artists such as Eduardo Chillida and Barbara Hepworth. Inside you will find a rich bourgeois setting, an interesting collection of Salvador Dali, as well as an exhibition of figurines on the theme of Neapolitan life.
Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art
The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art or the Juan March Foundation Museum (Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani) is located in an 18th century mansion. Visitors can enjoy works by Picasso, Dali, Juan Gris, Miro and the sculptor Julio Gonzalez.
Mansion Museum Can Marcus
Can Marques is a beautiful Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau mansion open to the public. This is a unique opportunity to see exquisite furnishings, furniture and household items that date back to the 14th century.
Basilica of Saint Francis
The Basilica of Saint Francis (Basilica de Sant Francesc) on the square of the same name was built in 1281. The majestic facade was made in 1700, and the ashes of the 13th century scientist Raymond Llull lie inside.
House-Museum of Joaquim Torrents Llado
The House-Museum of Joaquim Torrents Llado (Casa-Museo Joaquim Torrents Llado) contains valuable works of the Catalan artist.
Arab Baths
Arab Baths (Banys Arabs) - partially preserved ancient Arab baths with domes and columns.
Stock exchange
The Trade Exchange (La Llotja) is a luxurious palace-like structure in the Gothic style. Now used for exhibitions.
Church of Santa Eulalia
The Church of Santa Eulalia (Iglesia de Santa Eulalia) is the oldest in the city and is famous for its stunning altarpiece.
Palma neighborhood
Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver) is a unique round castle of the 14th century on the western outskirts of Palma. You can get there by bus # 3 with a stop at Plaza Gomiglia, from where the castle is only 500 meters away. From here you can enjoy excellent panoramas of the city.
Bellver Castle, Spain (Photo © Joanot / www.flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0 License) Spanish village
The Spanish Village (Pueblo Español) has embodied the idea of \u200b\u200bcollecting copies of all the sights of Spain in one place. There are 22 buildings here, which you can walk around in 15 minutes and take interesting photos.
Zoo Natura Park
The Natura Parc zoo, 25 in the town of Ses Olleries (Ses Olleries) km from Palma, is small, but most of its inhabitants can be fed and stroked.
Santa Maria del Cami
Santa Maria del Cami is a pleasant old town in the mountains, from where many exciting hiking trails start.
Waterpark Western Park
The Western Park located in Magaluf is a great idea to combine the theme of the Wild West and water activities.
Dragonera Natural Park
The Dragonera Natural Park (Parc Natural de sa Dragonera) is an islet off the westernmost coast of Mallorca, home to a special species of lizard. From the resorts of Santa Ponsa and Paguera, excursion groups start to this uninhabited island teeming with lizards.
La Granja Museum
The La Granja Museum (Museo La Granja) is interesting museum traditions of the island amidst the picturesque nature of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. The museum is housed in a charming 17th century manor house in the town of Esporles, 15 km from the capital.
Majorca landmarks
Valldemossa
Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Mallorca, with narrow old streets buried in flowers. Lovers will appreciate this place hiking and atmospheric photo sessions.
Mountain village of Valldemossa, Spain (Photo © Ramón Sobrino Torrens / www.flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0 License) Alfabia Gardens
The Alfabia Gardens (Jardins de Alfabia) are delightful Moorish gardens and manor house at the foot of the Sierra de Tramuntana. It is nice to walk along the alleys here, to turn on the fountains yourself by pressing special buttons.
Deia
Deia is a pretty village in the mountains that has always inspired artists, poets and musicians. Cobbled streets, old fountains, miniature sculptures, colorful flowers and cypress trees create a special creative atmosphere. A little to the west is the beautiful Son Marroig estate with an amazing terrace.
Soller
Soller is a city in the heart of the Sierre de Tramuntana mountain range, which can be reached by the Orange Express from Palma. This is a cute town, from where many mountain routes start.
Pollença
Pollença is an old town famous for its "Way of the Cross" in the form of a steep staircase of 365 steps. At the end of the pilgrim's path, the El Calvari chapel and wonderful panoramas on the top of the mountain await. The popular resort of Port de Pollença is nearby.
Cape Formentor
Cap de Formentor is the northernmost point of Majorca with stunning rocky cliffs. The final destination is the lighthouse and the Formentor beach, with unusually azure waters.
Alcudia
Alcudia is a family resort with great beaches and a small water park called Hidropark. Nearby is the Museum of the Yannick and Ben Jacobert Foundation with exhibitions of contemporary art and a sculpture park.
Muro
Muro is a town where an interesting Museum of Ethnology (Museo Etnologico de Muro) is located. In the museum you can see furniture, traditional costumes, tools, as well as personally see the work of a blacksmith or shoemaker.
Petra
Petra is the patrimony of the missionary monk Junipero Serra, where time seems to have stopped. Here you can visit all the places Serra has been to, including his house and museum on Carrer-Barrakar Alt street nearby. Also of interest is the San Bernat monastery on the outskirts of Petra.
Arta
Arta is a pleasant town with a beautiful 13th century church of San Salvador and its own "Way of the Cross" that leads to the fortress of Santuari de Sant Salvador. Further to the east are the Koves-Arta caves on a steep cliff. They are said to have inspired Jules Verne to write Journey to the Center of the Earth. You can also visit the ancient castle in the town of Capdepera.
Dragon caves
Dragon Caves (Coves del Drac) - one of the favorites tourist places with an underground lake Martel. A special impression is created by the end of the world and the musicians on the boats.
Dragon Caves, Spain (Photo © Ralf Becker / www.flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0 License) Santanyi
Santanyi is a golden town made of special limestone, which is mined in the local quarries. The main attraction is the Church of Sant Andreu. The city is also famous for its open-air market, which is located in the city center right next to the church. Here you can buy great leather belts, bags, wallets, ceramics, paintings, jamon and more.
Cactus garden
The Cactus Garden (Botanicactus) in Ses Salines is an amazing opportunity to see one of the largest cactus collections in Europe, with over 1000 species on 15 hectares. There is also a bamboo plantation, an artificial reservoir, beautiful palms and trees.
Puig de Randa
Puig de Randa is a mountain 32 km from Palma, where as many as 3 old monasteries are located: Gracia, Sant Honorat and Cura. From the cliffs where the monasteries are located, stunning views open up.
Puig de Randa, Spain (Photo © PROEloisa Ozonas / www.flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0 License) El Arenal
El Arenal is a popular resort with excellent beaches and the Aqualand water park.
Beaches
10 best beaches Mallorca:
How to get to Mallorca
Mallorca can be reached both by plane and by ferry. The ferry runs from Ibiza, Menorca and Valencia. During the high season, there are direct flights to Mallorca from Russia, and the rest of the time, the planes to Palma de Mallorca run from Madrid and Barcelona.
View of Mallorca from the plane, Spain (Photo © Inge / www.flickr.com / License CC BY-NC 2.0) Things to do on the island
10 things to do in Mallorca:
- Take a look at the Palma Cathedral-ship with admiration;
- Make up your mind and go around all the sights of Palma;
- Take a ride on the romantic "Orange Express" from Malma to Soller;
- Taste the local Sullerica beer in the town of Soller;
- Dare to one of the trekking routes in the Sierra de Tramuntana;
- Relax on the idyllic white beach of Es Trenc;
- Visit an unusual concert in the Dragon Caves;
- Buy home Majorcan sausages - sobrasado and coent;
- Get your own comfortable pair of Camper shoes;
- Arrange a photo session in the charming village of Deia.
When to go to Mallorca
Mallorca is a year-round resort, but the high season is from April to October. During this period, excellent beach vacation - the air temperature is kept at the level of 22-31 ° C. The water is the warmest from July to September - 25-25 ° C.
From November to March, the air temperature drops below 20 ° C, so swimming and sunbathing is no longer so comfortable, but you can plunge headlong into excursions. Housing prices are half during the low season.
The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo © henrikhallqvistt / www.flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0 License) What and where to eat in Mallorca
One of the most famous dishes in Mallorca is the fried suckling pig "lechon asada" with potatoes and apple sauce. The islanders' favorite first dish is the very thick and hearty Majorquina soup with pork and vegetables. Also worth trying is tumbet - the Mallorcan counterpart of ratatouille.
For dessert, you can pamper yourself with twisted puff buns with cream - ensaimadas. And indulge in the local Greyjonera de Brosat cheesecake and Gateau Dametilla almond pie.
A restaurant March Fosh in the center of Palma, it is an exquisite gourmet destination where you can taste all the best varieties of Spanish cheese. Enchanting serving and presentation of dishes.
Seafood restaurant Ca n'Eduardo is located next to the port and fish market, so visitors can look forward to fresh food and stunning views.
At the tapas bar 13% tucked away on the western edge of the Old Town, you can taste original tapas, desserts and wines. Large selection of food for vegetarians.
A restaurant Can Costa alcudia, which is located in the historic center of Alcudia, serves delicious Spanish paella and excellent fish. Superb authentic interior, good prices and service.
Tapas Bar S'estretin Valldemossa, it is an incredibly soulful place where excellent tapas are prepared.
Some historical features of Mallorca
The first accurate information about the island is associated with Carthage, which ruled Majorca until 146 BC. Then the island became a haven for pirates until they were dealt with in 123 BC. Quintus Metellus is a Roman consul. At the same time the city of Palmaria was founded - now Palma de Mallorca.
Then the island was owned by the Vandals, the Byzantines, and in 902 the Muslims became the masters of Mallorca, who established the irrigation of the land. Spanish troops led by Jaime I of Aragon invaded here in 1229.
Mallorca began to experience a real heyday in the 50s of the last century due to the rapid development of tourism. Now the island is visited by millions of tourists.
The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo © An Pri / www.flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0 License) Travel life hacks
One of the best places for spectacular photo shoots is the towns of Valldemosa or Deia with their cozy cobbled streets and flower pots.
If you want to combine leisure with shopping, then you need to go to the capital's Palma de Mallorca. The main shopping streets are Avenida Jaime III, streets around Plaza Mayor, Boulevard des Borns and Alejandro Roseio. Here you can find 2 large El Corte Ingles malls. On the western outskirts of the city there is a large shopping and entertainment center Porto Pi.
Great shopping can be done at the market in the town of Santanyi right in the city center.
Sales on the island are held in 2 stages: summer - from July 1 to late August, winter - from January 7 to late February.
What to buy:
- Local brand Camper leather shoes, etc .;
- Leather products;
- Ceramics;
- Olive wood products;
- Jamon, olive oil, Mallorcan almond liqueur, etc.
The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo above © An Pri / www.flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0 License)
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Instead of hotels, you can book an apartment (1.5-2 times cheaper on average) on AirBnB.com, a very convenient worldwide and well-known apartment rental service with a bonus of 2100 rubles upon registrationMajorca (Mallorca) located southeast of the coast of Spain, in the heart of the Balearic archipelago. It has a unique climate with moderately hot summers and mild warm winters, heavy rains in autumn and sunny weather during the rest of the year.
A fairly large part of Mallorca is occupied by mountains: in the center rise the Levante and Tramuntana massifs, between them the fertile Es Pla valley stretches. There are more than 40 natural protected areas on the island, including: protected groves and pine forests, mountain ranges and bizarre caves, sand dunes and swampy areas in which various birds live. The coast of the island is indented with bays and bays; spacious beaches stretch along the coastline. The Mediterranean waters around Mallorca are clean and clear.
Majorca landmarks
1. Cathedral of St. Mary in Palma (Catedral de Santa María de Palma de Mallorca)
The Cathedral of Saint Mary is located in the historic center of Palma de Mallorca. This is the main religious building of the Balearic Islands, which has the popular name "La Seu" (La Seu)which means "Bishopric". The construction of the cathedral began in 1229 on the site of the old mosque by order of King Jaime I, after he was caught in a storm and praying for the salvation of the Virgin Mary, vowed, in case of a successful outcome, to build a temple in her honor. The cathedral was built over three centuries and was consecrated in 1601. In the interior, the main altar of the Royal Chapel deserves attention, which is surrounded by four columns crowned with angels with musical instruments (15th century). At the beginning of the 20th century, a metal canopy by Gaudi was installed over the altar, and new stained glass windows were also made according to his sketches. The museum of the cathedral contains samples of jewelry art, medieval paintings and relics. In addition to divine services, it regularly hosts organ concerts. The address:
Plaza Almoina, s / n, Palma de Mallorca. Working hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:15.
2. Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver)
Bellver Castle is located on a hilltop, a few kilometers from the city of Palma de Mallorca. From the top of the hill, there is a magnificent view of the bay and the island of Cabrera. The construction of the castle was carried out from 1300 to 1311. At the beginning of the 14th century, it served as a royal residence, over 700 years from the date of construction, it changed a lot of owners and was used for various purposes. The castle is a wonderful example of military architecture of the Gothic style and is considered the only structure of this kind with a round shape located in Spain. The central part is a ring with a circular courtyard. Each of the four towers is located strictly to the cardinal points. Currently, the castle houses the City History Museum. In courtyard sometimes they hold various entertainment events. The address:
Calle Camilo José Cela, s / n. Working hours:
Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 20:30, Sunday from 10:00 to 18:30. Tickets:
4 EUR.
3. Almudaina Palace (Palacio de la Almudaina)
This is the oldest building in Mallorca and one of the oldest palaces in Spain, located on the promenade of Palma de Mallorca, next to the Cathedral of St. Mary. The palace was built in 1281 and was intended to protect the city. Now the castle serves as the official summer residence of the Spanish royal family: half of the palace is its private property, while the other part houses the military services and the National Museum. The structure looks like a rectangle with high towers on the sides. One of these towers is called "Angel Tower", on its top there is a sculpture of the Archangel Gabriel, one of the city's patrons. In the palace you can admire the royal chamber, the royal bedroom and a hall with furniture and paintings from different eras, as well as tapestries from the 16th and 18th centuries. Near the palace there is the royal chapel of St. Anne (Capella de Santa Ana), on the walls of which images of mythical animals are depicted. Below the palace are the picturesque royal gardens where you can sit by the fountain. The address:
Avinguda Antoni Maura, 24, Palma. Working hours:
from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:45 (from October to March from 13:00 to 16:00); on Saturdays and holidays - from 10:00 to 13:15. Tickets:
regular - 4EUR, concessional - 2.30EUR, for children - free.
4. La Granja Estate (La Granja)
This ancient estate, located 15 km from Palma, has been known since the times of the Roman Empire. It is a mansion turned into a museum, surrounded by a beautiful garden with natural springs. Here you can get acquainted with the traditional rural life of Mallorca, taste local delicacies, as well as stroll through the rooms of the mansion, where you can inspect the antiques used by the owners of the estate. Twice a week, exhibitions of folk crafts are held here, where women dressed in national clothes present lace, embroidery and yarn to tourists. Tired tourists can eat traditional Mallorcan cuisine at a local restaurant. The address: Ctra Banyalbufar, Km 1.5, Esporles. Working hours: daily in summer - from 10:00 to 19:00, in winter - until 18:00. Wednesdays and Fridays: regional dances at 15:00 and icon shows at 16:00. Tickets for a visit with a tasting for adults - 15EUR; for children - 8EUR; visit with lunch in a restaurant: for adults - 25EUR; for children - 14EUR. Official site: www.lagranja.net
5. Valldemosa (Valldemossa)
A small port town, spread out in the center of a small valley, 17 km from Palma, with its narrow streets in flowers looks like an illustration to an old fairy tale. Traditionally, there are ceramic plaques on the doors of houses with the image of the patroness of the city - St. Catalina Thomas. In the 13th century Carthusian monastery of Real Cartuja, the composer Chopin spent the winter together with the writer Georges Sand, who wrote the book Winter in Mallorca. It is worth visiting the former winter residence of the kings of Mallorca - the Palace of King Sancho (Palacio Rey Sancho) 14th century with its magnificent interiors, where the ticket price includes a 15-minute concert of Chopin's works (the concert starts strictly on time, and in case of lateness, the concert hall is not allowed!). The town is famous for its family bakeries, where you can taste the traditional local dish "coca de patata" (potato pie). There is a beautiful garden next to the Chopin Festival Association and a bust of Chopin nearby. Tip: Be careful if it's wet outside, as over time the paving stones have worn out and the stones become smooth, the streets can be slippery. There are two paid car parks in Valldemosa, and it is convenient to get around the city on foot. Not far from Valldemoza is the villa of the Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, who founded the Costa Nord cultural center here.
6. Soller
You can go to this town, famous for its oranges, by retro train from Palma, which takes about an hour (27 km) through the picturesque mountains, orchards and almond groves. The steepest sections are overcome through underground tunnels, and a long stop is provided at the observation deck, from which a beautiful view opens. The design of the seats in the train is interesting: the backrest can be rearranged so that passengers can sit in the direction of travel with their faces in whatever direction the train is moving. The schedule and cost of travel can be specified. In the market square of Soller, you can look into the “Fet a Soller” shop for traditional Majorcan products. Opposite the shop, there is a small natural ice cream factory “Sa Fabrica de Gelats”, which has won numerous international quality awards, where it is worth trying the local orange sorbet made from selected fruits. From the same train station in the center of Soller, where the retro train arrives, an old tram runs to the sea to the port, following almost right next to the orange orchards. Advice:
it is better to take train and tram tickets at the same time at the train station in Palma, while the round trip is cheaper, children have a 50% discount, the time is open. From the port of Soller by boat you can go to the beautiful bay of Sa Calobra (Cala de Sa Colobra)so don't forget to bring your swimwear.
7. Alfabia Gardens (Jardins d "Alfabia)
The Alfabia Gardens are on the way to Sawyer, near the village of Bunyola. This is one of the few private properties in Mallorca open to visitors. The garden and park complex with an area of \u200b\u200b120 hectares and a house of architecture from the 14th century are an excellent example of an old estate that combines fragments of Arab and European styles. The refined atmosphere of the house: paintings, prints and tapestries from the 16th century, immerse in the atmosphere of an aristocratic estate. Thanks to natural springs, the gardens are home to many ornamental plants, as well as orange and lemon trees, forming shady alleys that are comfortable for walking. Fountains and artificial waterfalls saturate the air with freshness and soothe with a pleasant murmur. The gardens are split into two levels and from the observation decks of the upper alleys offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, olive groves and the lower garden that surrounds the estate. In the lower gardens, you can relax by the enchanting swan pond or have a snack in the cozy cafeteria serving refreshing juices from the fruits gathered here. The address:
Ctra Palma - Soller Km 17. Working hours:
from April 1 to October 31 - daily from 9:30 to 18:30; from November 1 to March 31 on weekdays - until 17:30; weekends - until 13:00. Tickets:
6,50EUR. Website:
www.jardinesdealfabia.com
8. Luke Monastery (Lluc)
This monastery located in the north of Mallorca, in the Sierra Tramuntana mountains (Sierra de Tramuntana), is a sacred place: there is a statuette of the patroness of Mallorca - the Holy Virgin Mary Luc, to worship which people come here from all over the island. According to legend, a Moorish shepherd found a black statuette of the Holy Virgin Mary next to a stream. On the same day she was transferred to the church and the population of the town came to bow to her, but the statuette disappeared. She was found next to a stream, where she was first discovered. This was repeated twice, so it was decided to build a church on this site. On the territory of the monastery there is a botanical garden and a museum. There are walking trails around the monastery, and there is a picnic area. Twice a day, the church hosts a service accompanied by the singing of the children's choir Els Blauets, named after the blue robes worn by the choir. The children's choir has existed at the monastery since the 14th century. On the first weekend of October, the monastery hosts the annual Feria de la Sierra de Tramuntana & Agroalimentaria Festival. Every year, on the first weekend of August, at 23:00, a pilgrimage to the monastery begins from Palma from Place Guell. It is believed that whoever walks this path will be forgiven for all the sins that he committed during the year. The address:
Plaza Peregrins, 1, Lluc, Illes Balears (parking near the monastery is paid). Official site: www.lluc.net
9. Alcudia and Albufera Park(S'Albufera)
In Mallorca, you should definitely visit Alcudia - a charming resort in the north-east of the island, named after the ancient city of Alcudia, located 3 km inland from the coast. Here you can stroll along the narrow medieval streets, walk along the fortress wall with beautiful views of the city, sit in pretty cafes and restaurants, buy souvenirs from local shops or local products at the market held on Tuesdays and Sundays in the morning. 7 km south of the city there is the S'Albufera nature reserve - a unique place for a calm contemplative rest, where more than 270 species of birds live on an area of \u200b\u200babout 2 hectares, flocking here to nest from all over Europe. There are hiking and biking trails here (the park is closed for cars), you can also take a walk along the lake, which is connected to the sea by a wide canal. There are signs and an information center at the park entrance. Advice:
when planning a visit to the park, it is worth bringing food and drink, sunscreen and repellents. Visit
the park is free. The address:
Carrer de Martí Girbés, s / n. Working hours:
from October 1 to March 1 from 9:00 to 17:00, from April 1 to September 30 from 9:00 to 18:00. Get
better by car on the C712 motorway (parking is located on the right-hand side of the road between the Playa Esperanza Hotel and the Palace de Muro). Official site:
www.parquealbufera.com
10. Cape Formentor (Faro de Formentor)
Formentor is a picturesque peninsula where natural contrasts are truly impressive. Driving along the mountain highway, you can stop at the viewing platforms and take impressive photos of the panorama of the mountain ranges, sea expanses and the small rocky island of Kolomer. It is worth stopping by and walking through the small cozy town of Pollença (Pollenca). ABOUTfounded by the Romans, it has perfectly preserved its ancient appearance, and the wild beauty of its surroundings turned it into a favorite place for artists, artists, writers from all over the world. Directly from the center of the town, 365 steps run up to the top of the Calvarius hill, to a small chapel, which is a holy place for the locals. The narrow streets will lead you to the Rooster's Spring (the rooster is the symbol of Pollenza), to the Church of the Virgin Mary and the 14th century monastery of Santo Domingo. Further along a narrow mountain serpentine we go to the "end of the earth", to the very north, to Cape Formentor, from which fascinating views open up. Going down from the other side, you find yourself on a truly royal (albeit municipal) Formentor beach (Formentor Playa),marked with a blue flag, with white sand, clear azure sea and spreading pine trees hanging over the water. Near the beach is the legendary Formentor Hotel, built in 1928, where world celebrities, Hollywood actors, presidents and kings have stayed for many years.
11.Capdepera Castle (Castle of Capdepera
Capdepera Castle - castle in the municipality of Capdepera, Mallorca, Spain. It stands on a mountain in the northeast of the island, 2.5 km from the coast of the strait that separates Mallorca and Menorca. Built in the XIV century.
In ancient times, the territory belonged to the local people who settled on the mountain slopes in this area. In the X century, the Moors built fortifications here, of which only the lower part of the tower has survived. In 1229, the fortifications were seized by the King of Aragon Jaime I. In 1231, the Capdepera agreement was signed in the tower, according to which Menorca was taken over by Jaime I. In 1300 Jaime II built a fortress here, inside which he founded a settlement. At first, 50 buildings for various purposes and 200 residents were planned. Therefore, Capdepera is more a fortified village than a castle.
In 1342, the walls and gates were built. The towers were completed in 1386. In the XVI-XVII centuries, pirates regularly attacked the island. This period saw the heyday of the settlement. At the end of the 17th century, the settlement expanded beyond the fortress, and in the 18th century, after the reorganization of the island's defense, the population moved to more adapted places. Only the garrison was left in the fortress.
The fortress is located on a mountain 130 m above sea level in the north-east of the island. From this point, several nearby bays and the strait between Mallorca and Menorca are visible.
12. Art's Caves (Cuevas de Arta)
located in the north-east of Mallorca, 11 km from the city of Arta near the town of Canyamel. These huge caves, whose vaults reach 40 meters in height in places, were discovered in the 16th century. Here is the world's largest stalagmite (22 meters). Especially for tourists, a network of paths and stairs has been created, which allows you to walk through halls with interesting names: Paradise, Purgatory, Hell, Theater and Diamond Hall. At the end of the underground journey, an amazing light performance awaits everyone on the observation deck: for a few minutes the hall is illuminated with bright colored light and chamber music is played. The address:Carretera de las Cuevas, Canyamel, Balearic Islands. GPS: N 39.656075 / E 3.450908. Working hours:april, May, June, October - from 10:00 to 18:00; July, August, September - until 19:00; from November to March - until 17:00. Tickets: for adults - 14EUR, for children from 7 to 12 years old - 7EUR, children under 7 years old - free. Official site:www.cuevasdearta.com
13. Dragon Caves (Cuevas del Drach)
The Dragon Caves (Drak Caves) are located in the eastern part of Mallorca, on the southern outskirts of the town of Porto Cristo. Here you can see one of the largest underground lakes in the world - Lake Martel (Martel), according to which excursions are held every hour to the accompaniment of Chopin's classical music, the route of which is about 1.5 km, surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. The lake is remarkable for its lighting effects: the architect Carlos Buigas, who built the "magic" fountain, created a unique imitation of dawn using various lamps and lights. Boats with musicians gliding on the smooth lake and the gentle light spreading through the underground hall create an unforgettable sight. Among the stone halls of particular interest are the Louis Caves, the Main Hall, the Hall of Louis Armand, the Vampire Well and observation deck Cyclops. The address : GPS: N 39º 32 "7.72" "/ E 3º 19" 49 "". Working hours: from March 14 to October 31 - 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00; from November 1 to March 13 - 10:45, 12:00, 14:00 and 15:30; December 25 and January 1 - The caves are closed. Tickets: for adults from 13 years old - 15EUR, for children from 3 to 12 years old - 8EUR. Official site:www.cuevasdeldrach.com
Entertainment in Mallorca
1. Cactus garden Botanicactus (Botanicactus)
It is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world and the largest in the Balearic Islands. It is located near the town of Porto Cristo and covers an area of \u200b\u200b50 thousand square meters. Here you will see a huge variety of cacti, as well as pomegranate and almond trees, olives, pines, cypresses, orange groves, eucalyptus and other Majorcan plants. This is a great place for leisurely, contemplative and educational walks. There is an artificial lake where you can go boating and places to relax. How to get there:
by public transport from Palma by bus 502 to Ses Salines, from where about 1 km on foot. The address:
Crta. Ses Salines-Santanyí, km 1. Working hours:
daily from April to August - from 09:00 to 19:30; from September to October - from 09:00 to 19:00; from November to December - from 10:00 to 16:30; from January to February - from 10:30 to 16:30, in March - from 9:00 to 18:30.
Tickets: 9EUR, children - almost 50% cheaper. Website:
www.botanicactus.com
Mallorca beaches
Mallorca has a huge selection of great beaches, from quaint coves with just a few holidaymakers to large beaches in popular resorts. In the north of Mallorcathere is a mountain range, which is more than 100 km long, so the water here is slightly cooler compared to the southern part, the beaches are mostly long sandy, but there are also small coves that are great for snorkeling. In the south of Mallorcawhere the climate is hotter and drier, there are beautiful but more commercial beaches offering a range of different activities. On the east coast long beaches are separated by numerous cozy bays, very different from each other: there are both long sandy and small cozy ones, on which there are not many tourists. West of Mallorca is a mountainous area with tiny beaches hidden in coves, some of which can only be accessed by boat. The most popular is considered southwest coast with nearby Palma de Mallorca and modern, highly developed infrastructure
Playa de Palma (Platja de Palma) - one of the largest beaches in Mallorca with a length of 4.6 km, located 10 kilometers east of Palma de Mallorca, between the resorts of Can Pastilla (C'an Pastilla) and El Arenal (S'Arenal). The main beach, up to 50 meters wide, has been awarded the Blue Flag, has golden-white sand, clean sea and shallow waters suitable for families with children. The beach has a wide variety of water sports. There is a rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, toilets and showers, access for the disabled and a lifeguard on duty. Behind the beach there is a pedestrian promenade with various bars, cafes, restaurants and a bicycle path. You can park your car for free on the streets behind the beach. It can be reached by various buses regularly running from Palma and the airport.
Cala Estancia(Cala Estancia) resort of Can Pastilla (C'an Pastilla) officially part of Playa de Palma, however it is actually a separate beach located just a few steps from the main beach. The beach is quite small, 200 meters long and 35 meters wide with soft white sand. The artificial breakwaters built around this beach create a small cove that provides a calm sea. On the beach you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers, there is a lifeguard booth. Also, the beach is equipped with devices for easy access for disabled people. It is worth noting that the beach is located at the end of the airport runway, so if you are sensitive to noise, then you should choose another beach for relaxation!
Alcudia (Platja de Alcudia) marked by the Blue Flag, stretching from Porta de Alcudia along the "golden mile" of the best hotels on the coastline. The beach is especially popular with vacationers with children, who can play in the safe shallow waters. With a beach length of 3.4 km, its width reaches 80 meters, which is not typical for Mallorca. The back of the beach is equipped with wooden walkways for easy wheelchair and disabled access. This beach does not have the best sand on the island, but there are various restaurants to choose from, you can leave your car in the free parking lot or on the road behind the beach. To the soft sand and quiet corners you need to go to the top of the bay towards Playa de Muro (Playa de Muro)... There is a municipal bus to the beach. Water sports are very popular here. Many boats offer half-day cruises or full-day dives. Lifeguards are on duty at the beach during high season. Pets are not allowed. There are numerous toilets and showers.
Muro beach (Playa de Muro) - a quiet 6 km long beach with a width of about 25 meters. The sand here is shallow and soft with a smooth entrance to shallow water, safe for children. Compared to the beach, Alcudia is windy here. In the west (closer to Alcudia), the beach is well equipped, there are bars and restaurants, showers, toilets, sun lounger and umbrella rental, access for the disabled, lifeguards are on duty. The beach stretches east to the S'Albufera Natural Park, the places become wilder without buildings, and are called Es To (Es Comu) ... This is a virgin-clean area of \u200b\u200b1.5 km with sand dunes, pines and juniper bushes in the depths. Access here is a little more difficult, it is best to approach from the Casetes des Capellans, which is 1 km from Can Picafort ( Can Picafort) or from the side of Es Brac (25 km along the Ma-12 along Arenes street). There is parking on both sides. On the Picafort side, there are more tourists on the beach and it is known as Es Capellans (Es Capellans) , popular for sailing as well as water sports. A wooden pier in the western part of the beach acts as a marina for yachts and boats, there is a rental service.
Es Trenc (Es Trenc) - not related to any resort, rather isolated, for its 2 km of golden sand and crystal-clear waters received the title of Caribbean in Mallorca. Thanks to its shallow water, it is good for children. The beach is 20 meters wide, so it can be crowded here in high season. Here you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, toilets, ramps for the disabled, restaurants, lifeguards are on duty. Es Trenc has long since become an unofficial nudist beach since the puritanical Franco era. For all its faults, it is very calm and non-commercial compared to many of Majorca's beaches. Behind the beach are sand dunes and wetlands that are home to migratory birds and marine plants. You can get here by car or bus. You can drive up from Ses Covettes and through the salt marshes in the south. Parking is cheaper at Ses Covettes. Es Trenk restaurant offers parking for 10EUR, which is later deducted from the cost of lunch (given the high cost and not too high quality of food, we do not recommend it). The beach is great for fans of windsurfing and the beauty of the wild, but you will have to look for a quiet place. Here you can stay in the resort of Colonia St. Jordi (Colonia St Jordi) or in a village house at a very good price in the Campos area (Сampos).
In Spain, on the island of Mallorca, in its central part, one of the oldest cities in Europe, Palma de Mallorca, lives and develops. It was founded in 120 BC by the Roman people and was the site of active maritime trade. Today, Palma de Mallorca is a large seaside resort known throughout the world.
Throughout the year, thousands of tourists come here to enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate and see the main attractions of the city, which contain the cultures of various civilizations.
One of the main attractions of Palma de Mallorca is located in the southern part of the city. The Catholic cathedral was built for several centuries, the construction of the cathedral began in 1229, the construction was completed only in 1587. Thanks to this fact, the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles are involved in the architecture of the building.
All architectural styles are subtly intertwined with each other and form a magnificent architectural ensemble. La Seo Cathedral is recognized as one of the largest architectural monuments in Southern Europe. The temple is truly a gem of the city, it works seven days a week and the entrance to it is absolutely free.
Location: Plaça de la Seu.
This fortress was built by the Arabs in 902 and was considered the defensive center of the city. Today the building is conditionally divided into two parts, one is open national Museum... It keeps many exhibits within its walls and tells about the history of the city and the island. The other part of the palace belongs to the royal family of Spain, they use it as summer residence... As you know, the patron saint of Palma de Mallorca is the archangel Gabriel, and a sculpture is installed in his honor at the top of the fortress.
Location: Carrer del Palau Reial.
The visiting card of the city, the central street of Palma de Mallorca. The wide street starts not far from cathedral, in its shade you can take a break from the midday heat. The street ends at a square with a small fountain.
A favorite place for recreation and walking for both city guests and local residents, there are many green spaces, flowers, benches and cozy cafes. It is on the central street that shops and boutiques of branded items are collected. The Paseo de Born hosts mass festivities, music and dance festivals.
On the northwest coast of Mallorca, a mountain range spreads. The locals nicknamed him "the ridge of Mallorca". The highest point of the mountain is 1445 meters. In winter, the mountain peaks are covered with a small amount of snow. Since 2011, Serra de Tramontana has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its amazing landscape and natural value. Guided mountain hiking and trail running activities are available. The area is also suitable for cycling enthusiasts.
This cave is recognized as the longest on the island, its length is more than two kilometers. Excursion tours are held in it, the tourist descending into the cave, amazing stone silhouettes and pillars are revealed.
Inside the cave there are magnificent underground lakes, the largest of which is Martel, and it is also recognized as the largest underground lake on the planet. It is 177 meters long and 40 meters wide. For tourist attraction, the lake is illuminated and a musical performance is staged over the water.
Location: Ctra. de les Coves.
The largest castle in the city, it is located on a high hill, located on the outskirts of Palma de Mallorca. Locals recommend visiting this famous palace. The guest is given the opportunity to completely walk around the palace, walk along its stairs, look into the rooms, enjoy the architectural heritage.
The entire city is visible from the roof of the palace. The castle was built in the Gothic style in the 14th century. Since 1976, a museum of the city's history has been operating in the palace. Cultural events and festivals are organized in the castle courtyard. The Balearic Islands Symphony Orchestra often performs.
Location: Carrer Camilo José Cela.
Catholic monastery illuminated in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church was built on the slope of the Sierra de Tramontana mountain range in the 13th century on the site where the shepherd found the statue of the Virgin Mary. Luke Monastery is the spiritual center of the island.
Every year, on the first Saturday night of August, a festive procession of thousands of pilgrims to the monastery starts from Palma de Mallorca. The church has a blooming botanical garden and a museum that housed an art gallery and ceramics.
Location: Plaza Peregrins - 1.
A large aquarium center has been operating in the city since 2007. The townspeople are proud of the Palma Aquarium, because more than 700 species of marine animals from the Mediterranean Sea, Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans live here. The largest and deepest shark aquarium in Europe is located in Palma, its depth is more than 8 meters. The largest collection of corals is also collected here.
Location: Carrer Manuela de los Herreros i Sorà - 21.
In the city of Palma de Mallorca on Carrer de Sant Nicolau Street, a church was erected in the 14th century, illuminated in honor of St. Nicholas. The temple is furnished in the Gothic style. Thousands of believers come to pray at this ancient temple.
In addition to its centuries-old history, the church is also known for the fact that a "holy stone" is installed near its walls. According to legend, Saint Catalina prayed at this stone. Now, according to legend, in order for a dream to come true, you need to throw a small pebble at this stone.
Location: Carrer dOrfila - 1.
One of the oldest churches in the city. The temple is lit in honor of the patroness of Barcelona, \u200b\u200bSaint Eulalia. The religious building was built in 1236 in the Gothic style. On the balcony wall of the building, symbols of the struggle between good and evil, sin and virtues are depicted. A statue of a saint with a palm branch in his hands greets visitors. The palm branch symbolizes the victory over torture. The church is distinguished by a rather high bell tower: the tower has six floors, and, according to historical data, in the early centuries it was used as an observation post.
Location: Plaça de Santa Eulàlia - 2.
These are the traces of the Arab civilization preserved on the ground of the city. Baths were one of the main elements of Islamic life. The construction of the baths dates back to the 10th century. In modern times, tourists can see only a part of the preserved bathing rooms. This bath complex used to be part of the palace of a wealthy Muslim. The bathhouse was built in the Arabian style and is imbued with oriental culture.
An interesting attraction for the whole family. The park introduces the guests of the city to its inhabitants, these are dolphins, sea lions, various fish and others. These amazing animals are real artists, a show is arranged with their participation, where their intelligence and ingenuity are demonstrated. There are also reservoirs with sharks, rays, sea turtles in the park. There is a nursery for birds and snakes. The park is decorated with a tropical garden. Marina Land has cafes and its own access to the sea.
Location: Carrer Garcilaso de la Vega - 9.
A religious art collection is kept within the walls of the museum. The Diocesan Museum was opened in 1918 in the bishop's palace, the building stands on the seashore. In this museum, unused religious items were collected from all the monasteries of the island. The museum exhibits sculptures, ceramics, archaeological artifacts and other valuable exhibits.
Location: Carrer del Mirador - 5.
The hotel was built in the early 20th century in the Art Nouveau style in the historic city center. The Grand Hotel is majestically located on Weiler Square. It currently hosts cultural events and an art gallery. The exterior of the building is luxurious and amazing. The Grand Hotel adorns the central street of Palma de Mallorca. Its facades are richly decorated with sculptural and ceramic elements.
Location: Plaza General Weyler - 3.
The guides offer an exciting trip around picturesque places... The trip is carried out on a wooden train that has been operating for over 100 years. The route is built from Palma to Sawyer and back. The train passes through rolling hills, lemon and olive groves. The train is going through the tunnels. During the trip, you will have delightful views of the magnificent nature of Majorca. The tourist plunges into the atmosphere of the past.
Location: Plaça d'Espanya - 6.
Palma de Mallorca is famous for its interesting sights, gorgeous beaches, palm tree alleys, excellent cuisine, wonderful climate and wonderful energy.
The son is growing, and we continue to travel together. Since we prefer to relax at sea in early May and / or late September, the choice of places that meet the following conditions:
a. Europe
b. fly no more than 4 hours
c. the sea is warm enough to swim with a baby
d. presence in the area interesting places for child and parents
not very large - Cyprus, Spain in the Valencia-Alicante region, Bolear Islands.
At first, they tried, as usual, to organize everything on their own, but after a series of reflections, they came to the conclusion to give the issue of organizing the rest to a travel agency.
There was a question with a direction:
- Cyprus, for all its advantages, has already become boring (we had a good rest last May and my wife and son overwintered there in winter 2011)
- Vacation options on the Costa Blanca turned out to be not very budgetary
As a result, we opted for Mallorca and the Iberostar Club Cala Barca hotel. Basically, the choice was made based on a large number of positive feedback on tripadviser.com and relatively low prices. Location of the hotel on site pine forest also won over. The tour operator was Natalie-Tours. Chartered flight performed by Transaero.
Road
Domodedovo airport, as always, pleased with the "thoughtfulness" of the disembarkation zone and the turmoil and confusion reigning there. After the terrorist attack, they began to inspect everyone entering the terminal building, in addition, cynologists with dogs constantly walk around. At the entrance, there are guards the size of a good refrigerator and by all their appearance they show that they have everything under control.
At check-in, it turned out that it was not necessary to check in the stroller as baggage, as when flying to Rhodes by the same Transaero, which we were incredibly happy about. The flight, lasting almost 5 hours, passed quite quickly. Aircraft at Transaero, of course, are no longer new, and the degree of benevolence and correct communication of flight attendants leaves much to be desired. Still, despite all the comments and claims to Aeroflot, they are still much better than S7 and Transaero.
The first thing that struck me in Mallorca was the size of the airport. In the arrivals hall, there are only baggage claim belts for 20 pieces (this is especially contrasting in comparison with DMO, where there are 4 or 5).
Since the hotel is on the outskirts and you need to get to civilization either by bus, or by taxi, or by a rented car, we decided to take the car right at the airport and not use the airport-hotel-airport transfers.
After studying the offers of rental offices, of which there are a million in Mallorca, the choice was stopped at recordgo.com (their contacts in the photo:)
We booked a Renault Scenic online for all 15 days. In fact, Scenic was not there, and the choice was offered by new diesel Peugeout Partner or Ford C-Max with a range of 7000 km, naturally, the choice fell on Ford. It also turned out on the spot that when renting for more than 4 days, you need to buy a tank of fuel from the office (that is, you get a car with a full tank, but you can and should return it empty, as the money will not be returned). The overpayment was not particularly large, and it turned out that this condition was written in small print in the booking confirmation, so I was not particularly upset. In total, 350 Euros were paid for 15 days (car + gas tank + child seat). All rental cars in Europe are insured, and in case of problems, you only get a franchise, which for this class of car in RecordGo is 300 Euro. Additional insurance was offered in order to exclude the deductible and cover the headlights / windows / underbody and other. But, in view of the fact that its cost is about 10 Euro per day, I did not see any reason to buy it.
Having accepted the car and installed an extremely cheap type of child seat (for some reason I have never met high-quality seats in the rental), we moved towards the hotel. The distance to the hotel from the airport is about 55-60 km, a third of this distance is the motorway. The rest is a two-lane road of excellent quality. At the end of the route, the navigator decided to take a shortcut and led us into narrow local paths, the width of which does not allow two cars to pass in most places. There are many such roads on the island and they are extremely picturesque.
The road to the hotel took about an hour.
Hotel.
We registered, met with the deputy. the manager of the Bulgarian Ignat Ignatov is an extremely friendly and helpful comrade. There are three Russian girls at the reception, one of whom is always on the shift. In addition, the hotel always has a Natalie-Tours guide - she can be found either at the reception or in one of the "Russian" buildings.
We got the key and showed us the direction to go. The hotel is a large number of buildings located along the road. Tourists are accommodated based on nationality and depending on the operator. Russian buildings are located 500 meters from restaurants, swimming pools, reception and other entertainment. On the one hand, such a distance may be a disadvantage for someone, but, on the other hand, the Russian reservation has its own swimming pool, its own children's animation, a snack bar, and it is much quieter and calmer there than in the main buildings in which Europeans are settled (perhaps because the occupancy rate of buildings was 15%)
Renovation in the rooms of "Russian" buildings does not last for 4 *, as the hotel positions itself, they look poor. But neat, because they are cleaned every day. The room has a refrigerator and stove, but no dishes.
Half-board and All-Incl options are available with hotel meals. The vast majority of Europeans and our compatriots choose the latter option. We went on a half-board as we didn't plan on staying at the hotel for lunch during the day. In case you booked a ticket with half board and then change your mind, you can pay an extra € 18 per person per day at the hotel and wear an All Inclusive bracelet so that you can drink and eat without limit.
Despite the beginning of the season, the European part of the hotel was packed with vacationers by 80-90 percent, nevertheless, some kind of inconvenience can be felt only in the restaurant, when you cannot find a free table in a hall that can accommodate 700 people.
The hotel is an ad for childfree, since 80% of vacationers rest there with children, most with two or three.
The hotel has a large playground, animation in different languages \u200b\u200b(including animators Natalie Tours), there are children's clubs for the little ones and older children, slot machines and children's attractions. Every evening children for children mini-disco with clowns. A 5-minute walk from the hotel is a ranch where you can rent a pony, ride a cart or just go horse riding.
The food is varied, but like any buffet, it gets boring pretty quickly. Lots of fruits and desserts. Unfortunately, there is no special children's food, according to observation, Europeans do not take a steam bath and immediately after bottles with the mixture switch to French fries and phantom. For breakfast, our children ate the porridge they brought with them, for dinner they were fed the most neutral dishes available to choose from.
The hotel is located on the territory national park Mondrago and the grounds are very beautiful.
Reception: 
Main square, restaurant and pools: 
Natalie Tours buildings: 
Territory: 
Of the entertainment available to adults:
tennis courts (free, but by appointment. Rackets are rented for some ridiculous money)
ping-pong tables,
pool 25 meters in which you can try to swim normally, in the morning or in the evening (in the afternoon swimming there resembles a slalom)
several meandering pools for a relaxing swim,
rental of bicycles of all types (hardtail, full suspension, road bike - from 18 Euro per day, you can take a child seat - 3 Euro per day),
there is a dive center, it seems, even issuing PADI certificates,
on the ranch, you can take riding lessons for good money or just ride a horse,
gym,
SPA center with humane prices, but not a very wide variety of programs,
Cycling, water aerobics, etc. and so on, to drive away the consequences of all-inclusive.
There is a small supermarket, shops with small things and souvenirs.
If you are traveling with children for two weeks, then, most likely, washing cannot be avoided - the issue is resolved for a sane 3 euros per wash, for which you need to buy a token in the supermarket to turn on the washing machine. There are mini-laundries near the main building and near the Russian part.
In case you still want to leave to see the surroundings, then you can do this either by bus at the following rates:
Either by taxi or by renting a car. The rental at the hotel offers new Citroen C4 at 40-45 euros per day.
Things are not very good with the beach at the hotel. There are a lot of people, and the beach is small and not equipped (but clean, except for the algae). Therefore, it is better to go to the beaches located 10 minutes walk through the forest. The path is good, but it's difficult to go with a stroller. Alternatively, you can take a bus for an amount of about 1.5 Euro. On the beach there is a sun lounger rental, a cafe, a shower.
The beach closest to the hotel (but not on site anymore): 
Beach 10 minutes from the hotel: 
Nature
Of those islands where I have been (Crete, Tenerife, Cyprus) Mallorca seemed the most green and pleasing to the eye. Pines, sea, rocks and white sand a very beautiful combination. There are countless beaches, both comfortable and wild. There is a feeling that even at the peak of the season you can find a beach where no one else will be there. Then there are a lot of photos:
Entertainment for children.
The hotel has animation for children (including in Russian). Equipped playground.
Near the hotel there is a ranch where you can rent a pony (something in the region of 5 euros for half an hour). You are given a reason and you walk on your own. A Belarusian works at the ranch, who will explain in his native language how to behave with a pony.
You can also ride a carriage with your child.
From places that seemed interesting for 2 year old child visited:
Marineland Park.
They give performances of seals, dolphins and parrots, in addition, there is a small zoo and a water park for children on the territory.
Zoo SafariZoo - a wonderful zoo and a kind of auto safari. It is a winding road about three kilometers long, along which you drive your car and observe different animals that graze without enclosures. Deer, gazelles, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, monkeys and all of them can be seen from the car window. Monkeys behave especially arrogantly - when approaching their territory, two or three individuals jump on the car, sit on the mirrors and begin to beg for food. To tell the truth, he said goodbye to the 300 euro franchise for a broken mirror, since under a 15-kilogram carcass it began to crack threateningly and lean in an unusual direction to the ground J. But, in general, the mirror remained intact, and the monkeys' claws did not leave scratches on auto. So, entertainment can be considered relatively safe.
At the end of the safari part, you come to a regular zoo, where you can find lions, elephants, tigers, monkeys and other animals in the enclosures. There is a children's mini-zoo where you can go with children and see / touch goats, geese and similar domestic animals. Children can spend the rest of their energy on a couple of playgrounds. One of them has a somewhat unusual slide.
Palma Aquarium
A very decent aquarium, it consists of an indoor and outdoor exposition, where there are several open ponds with fish and sharks, as well as an imitation of the jungle.
Fun for parents
Unfortunately, our child does not give the opportunity to travel far (his maximum in the car is 1 hour). Therefore, we drove along the southern coast.
Cala Figeira is a small town with a beautiful bay.
Cala "D" Or is a typical tourist town. With a standard set of entertainment in the form of a mass of small shops, cafes and bars. The beach is small and crowded. There is a surf station where you can rent a windsurf or take a course.
Colonia St jourdi - a resort town with an excellent beach. Another surf station.
The city administration is apparently very greedy, because it was not possible to find a place for free parking at all. Parking is either prohibited everywhere, or it is paid. Next to the parking meters, an aunt is on guard, immediately writing out a fine for expired parking tickets.
Porto colom - a large harbor and a lot of ships, it's nice to walk along the embankment.
Porto petro - the city itself drove by, nothing particularly noticed. Worth the trip for the Dragon Cave and Safari Zoo.
Dragon cave is a pretty popular tourist attraction, but worth visiting - the interior of the cave and the scale of the halls are impressive. A classical music concert taking place on an underground lake and the final inspection is also quite possible.
Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside, so there is no photo.
Santanyi - a cozy town. (The closest city to the hotel after Porto Petro) With good restaurants in the square.
Very beautiful city!
Harsh parking: 
Of all the attractions, only Bellver Castle has been visited.
We wandered the streets, ate ice cream, played at the local playground.
One of the directions of street art is blowing bubbles. With the help of simple devices, bubble blowers entertain children and earn a euro or two. Their bubbles are just gigantic.
From a shopping point of view, the Porto Pi shopping center at the end of the port, at the exit to the highway towards Antratx, can be advised. In principle, the set of stores does not differ much from the Moscow ones, but Spanish clothing brands are 40 percent cheaper. There are many attractions for children in the center, so stock up on euro coins.
Outlet Festival Park is also advertised. We did not find anything interesting, prices are higher than in the city, there are few shops, the only plus is that it is open on Sunday, which is extremely rare in Spain, where shops on Sunday look like this:
Sollier
The only city on the north coast where they could get was Sollier. Traveling on an old (1929) train in good weather, judging by the reports, looks much nicer. But since there was no choice (the weather was cloudy for the entire second half of our stay on the island), we drove in the rain. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to get any vivid impressions. Sollier is a pretty town, but nothing more.
Grill Restaurant
We stopped at this restaurant on the recommendation of friends - a great place to relax after the beach, eat grilled meat-fish-seafood. There is a beautiful garden in the yard where you can take a walk while the owner prepares an order for you. The restaurant is located next to the nice Es Trenc beach. In general, I recommend:
Additional Information:
Parking in cities costs, on average, 1.8 euros per hour, in siesta (14.30-16.30) parking is most often free, there are many underground parking in Palma, with about the same rate. If you are not too late for the paid time, you will be shoved a receipt under the janitor with a small fine (Euro 3-4), which can (and should) be paid at the same parking meter. In the PortoPi shopping center, parking is free for two hours, then about 2.4 euros.
The Internet.
Internet can be caught in the form of WiFi in some cafes / restaurants, and you can buy a local SIM card in order to use decently working 3G from Vodafone. The pleasure will cost about 20 Euro per week (if you have your own modem. How much does Vodafone offer, unfortunately, not in the know)
http://www.vodafone.es/particulares/es/internet-y-tv/internet-movil/internet-movil-prepago/tarifas/
Products.
Food prices are about the same as in Moscow. Except for wine, cheese, and jamon. All this costs a real penny with excellent quality. Spanish wines are sold for 3-4 euros per bottle, while 6-8 is considered very decent.
In general, Mallorca left the most pleasant impressions and a desire to return. What we will definitely do.
