This is a guest post from Liah S Thorley.
So which is it, Mallorca or Majorca? To the Spanish there is no question; the latter is nothing but a touristic invention. But it’s not only in the name that this island is that complex, like a coin there are two sides to Mallorca. The first is the common perception of home from home cuisine and the pub down the road with the big screen TV. The second is a beautiful island of rugged coastline, stunning beaches, historical architecture and classy real-estate.
Bellver Castle
Before we even touched down on this glittering Mediterranean jewel I realised why so many people come here. From the plane window I spotted the majestic golden spires of Palma Cathedral, rising up to the heavens like a fairytale castle of gothic architecture. I love history and this building didn’t disappoint on interior inspection. Its giant rose window beams down fractures of colour like a rainbow over vast columns and Gaudi’s unfinished crown of thorns.
La Seu Cathedral, Palma de Mallorca
If nature is more your thing, there are a rich array of wonders to explore and the good thing about a stunning view is it’s generally free. Walking and hiking along the coastline can be a little dicier than you’d expect so if you’re not as steady as a mountain goat then do choose your route carefully. One such location is the beautiful Cap de Formentor on the Northern tip of the island. A photographers dream, the views all along the path with take your breath, just remember to wear a good pair of shoes as the footpaths are somewhat lacking in places.
Calo des Moro near Santanyi
One of my favourite sites on our trip was the caves. Not something I enter lightly as I’m a total claustrophobe. Heights I can do but small closed spaces, not on your nelly normally! But I’d been told of a couple of caves that just ‘had to be braved’ and I’m sure glad I plucked up the courage and took the advice. If you only get chance to visit one, make it the Caves De Arta.
Not so called because they are artistic, though I can assure you the title is apt, but because of their location near the town Arta. The moment we stepped inside, every paranoid notion of being trapped vanished. Jagged stalactites stab down from the roof to clash and fight with the rising columns of the stalagmites, conjuring up a startling image like some other worldly dream.
But what about where to stay I hear you ask? There are so many hotels in Mallorca that I would hate to have to count and to suit all budgets, literally from top of the range to bargain basement.
And to eat out in Mallorca is as easy as finding a clothes store in a shopping mall. There are hundreds of options, from specialised organic to mainstream burger joints. Just head out and you’ll come across something you like in less time than it takes to read the menu.
Author Bio: Liah S Thorley is a travel writer and novelist from the UK. She has travelled extensively and particularly enjoys
history and the arts.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great overview of Mallorca! It tends to get a lot of tourist-oriented coverage, but there is a “local” side of the island that is worth discovering!
Like most places I guess!