Popular as a Roman colony and later conquered by the Vandals, followed by the Byzantine empire, the Moors, invaders from North Africa and finally the forces of King James of Aragon in 1229AD, the island of Majorca’s present incarnation is as holiday heaven for sun-starved northern Europeans. The largest of the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, Majorca has been a hub for tourism since cheap flights ushered in the package holiday era in the 1950s. Nowadays, over eight million visitors arrive for their summer getaways each year, with the coastline of the entire island given over to resorts, hotels and facilities for fun in the sun.

Majorca’s endless white-sand beaches and their crystal-clear waters are the main attraction, with the busiest and most popular strands the closest to the charming, historic Balearic capital of Palma de Mallorca, famous for its long heritage and delicious food. Other popular resort towns include Magaluf, a favourite with Brits escaping chilly, wet summers, and the smaller beach resorts of Ses Illetes, Cala Major and Puerta Pollensa, popular with families. Beaches, of course, equal water sports, with a fabulous selection on the island including windsurfing, snorkelling, diving, sailing, fishing, sea-kayaking and water-skiing.

Outdoor sports on the island aren’t just confined to watery activities, with a huge choice of land-based sports including hiking, biking, horse-riding, golf, rock-climbing, caving, hang-gliding, canoeing and hot-air ballooning. Hiking and walking trails across the island’s mountainous northwestern region may be challenging at some points, but offers spectacular views and a chance to get to know the real Majorca, away from the tourism hotspots. For serious golf aficionados, courses here are set in magnificent surroundings and maintained to a high standard.

Given the island’s impressive history, it’s no surprise to find glorious heritage sites scattered across Palma de Mallorca and the many small towns and villages along the coast and inland. History and heritage buffs are in heaven here, with much to explore from all eras of Majorca’s chequered history. The massive, magnificent cathedral in the capital is a good place to begin, and the medieval Castell de Bellver, looming over the city in its unique circular design, holds a fascinating museum as well as superb vistas across the bay. The 13^th century Valldemossa Monastery set high in the mountains was originally a royal palace and now holds the Musee Municipal Art Contemporani.

For most holidaymakers, shopping and dining out in exotic locations are essential enjoyments on a foreign holiday, with Majorca holidays scoring high on both. Palma de Mallorca is a shopaholic’s dream destination, with everything from factory shops offering fashions at budget prices, specialist stores selling traditional local products for the home including colourful ceramics, embroidery and basketwork to wines, local foods and delicious pastries. The weekly markets held in towns and villages across the island give great opportunities for people-watching as well as stalls selling jewellery, leather goods, souvenirs and much more at great prices. A sunset supper sampling Majorca’s delicious seafood and its local wines is the perfect end to your day.

There are a number of operators who offer fantastic deals to sunny Majorca, Thomson Holidays and Thomas Cook Holidays are two of the main agents with a range of package holidays and flights for you to enjoy this beautiful island.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, October 23rd, 2011 at 2:01 am and is filed under flights, holidays, hotels, Majorca, Spain, tourism, travel, vacations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.