The Price Is Right On Mallorca!
Written: Jun 08 '01
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Pros: Climate, history, natural beauty and price!
Cons: The crowds!
The Bottom Line: Easily accessed by ferry, these islands offer plenty at most reasonable prices! A popular vacation spot for Europeans, crowds can be an issue!
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| whalewatcher's Full Review: Balearic Islands |
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands situated off the East coast of Spain, has been a popular holiday resort for decades, appealing primarily to vacationers from those European countries, where sand and sun is hard to come by and the temperatures remain cool even in the summer.
An excellent ferry system links Mallorca and it's neighboring islands Ibiza (to the southeast) and Menorca (to the northwest) to the mainland. Tourists arrive in droves, bringing cars, motorcycles and campers, giving them the opportunity to better discover all the island has to offer. The down side of this is, of course, that traffic on Mallorca can be very congested and is, at times, an unpleasant distraction from the beautiful surroundings.
We visited Mallorca by ship, arriving in Palma de Mallorca's huge harbor, filled with literally thousands of fancy yachts, sailboats and other pleasure crafts, leaving no doubt that this is a playground for the rich and famous. The harbor stretches for miles along the 'Paseo Maritimo', a wide street and promenade following the Bay. Already from a distance, the imposing structure of the famous Cathedral comes into view, certainly Palma's most popular attraction. Nothing short of an architectural wonder, this magnificent Gothic Cathedral dates back to the 14th century and took almost 400 years to complete. It's strategic location, so close to the sea, makes it all the more impressive. There is a small admission charge to view the interior which is remarkably beautiful and shouldn't be missed! You'll find artists displaying their paintings in the narrow streets outside the Cathedral, take a look, as some of them were quite good and surprisingly inexpensive.
Mallorca, as all of Spain, is a bargain for American tourists. Just recently the exchange rate was 180 pesetas for 1 dollar, giving you considerable purchasing power! Food and drink (especially wine), clothes, transportation including taxi fares, are all very affordable if not outright cheap.
In downtown Palma you'll find yourself in a maze of narrow streets, criss-crossing the city's center in a confusing pattern, making it very easy to get lost. It's wise to stick to the larger streets which are lined with outdoor cafes and chic boutiques.
Take a cab (only $5 from downtown) to Bellver Castle, perched on Palma's most advantageous viewpoint high above the harbor. Designed as a royal residence, the 14th century circular stone structure was built around a huge central courtyard. Particularly beautiful are the many Gothic arches and the view from just about everywhere is superb. Still in excellent condition, the Castle now houses the Palma History Museum and a collection of classical sculptures. But most come here for the exceptional view of the Bay and the island itself, surrounded by the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Pack a lunch (no food or drink available here) and stay a while.
Another point of interest is Valldemosa on the North coast, where the Costa Nord Foundation, belonging to actor Michael Douglas, is dedicated to protect and preserve the delicate environment of the beautiful Tramuntana Mountains, where the landscape is still rugged and beautiful. Along the coast, steep cliffs meet the sea and this is where you'll find the famous Na Foradada rock formation.
Valldemosa, a favorite of many painters and musicians, is a lovely little village. One of its most famous visitors was Frederick Chopin, who used to come here with his mistress, a French Novelist, and you can still visit their apartments, fully furnished in period style!
Like many other Mediterrranean Islands, Mallorca has seen its share of conquerors and invaders, all of whom have left their mark here and contributed to the rich history. Today, of course, it is tourism which makes this island flourish.
Mallorca also produces excellent wine, which was introduced to the island as early as 123 B.C. by the Romans. During Moorish rule, however, the drinking of wine was forbidden, and it wasn't until the 15th century that extensive wine production resumed. Mallorca is also known for its production of pearls and glass. Popular tourist attractions are the Orquidea Pearl Factory and the La Fiore Glassworks Factory for those who like to hunt for a bargain!
The Balearic Islands' relatively close proximity to North Africa can bring the southeast Sirocco, a wind carrying with it the red sands of the African deserts, depositing a fine dust on just about everything, more of a nuisance than anything else. Luckily we were spared and apparently it does not happen very often.
It's easy to understand why this island has gained such popularity over the years. It has much to offer to the vacationer, all at an affordable price!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Member: Claudia Testa
Location: Charles Town, West Virginia
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Travel fever is chronic. I hope no one finds a cure!
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