Tradition and beauty in Mallorca,
Spain
Travel
Articles
Mallorca (or Majorca as
it is popularly known in the UK) is one of the Balearic Islands of Spain,
nestling out in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is famous for its beach
resorts, its capital, Palma de Mallorca and gorgeous, sheltered coves with
turquoise water. However, it is also known for its historic Roman and Moorish
ruins, beautiful mountains and quaint and pretty inland villages.
There are plenty of accommodation
options to choose from including everything from modern resort hotels to
cosy bed and breakfasts. There is also a great choice
of apartments and villas in Mallorca, many with swimming pools and
glorious sea views. Here we visit some of the quaint, traditional villages
and towns of Mallorca and find out about their attractions and the activities
available.
1. Pollença
Pollença is a beautiful
town of stone-built houses and art galleries. It is located in
northern Mallorca, close to the Cap de Formentor and the town of Alcúdia.
While the main part of the village is inland, the Port of Pollença
lies 6 km (4 mi) away on the coastline. The name of the town comes from
the original Roman settlement of Pollentia and the remains of that settlement
are located close by in Alcúdia.
Most of the streets of the
original, Medieval town are narrow and winding with pretty stone-built
houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The main square of the town
is Plaça Major, with its many outdoor cafes and bars, and the Esglèsia
de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels (Church of our Lady of the Angels),
which was constructed by the Knights Templar. Pollença is particularly
known for the chapel at the top of Calvary hill, with its 365 steps to
climb, pictured below and not for the faint-hearted!
Photo by Adam Loader/Wikimedia
2. Fornalutx
This authentic Mallorcan village
is located deep in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, at the top of the
Soller Valley. The charming village received a Silver Plate award from
the Promotion of Tourism of Mallorca in 1983, due to the well-maintained
streets and all other aspects of Fornalutx.
Set on the side of a hill,
the narrow streets include stone steps and pretty potted plants. The town
also has citrus and olive groves and a wonderful mountain backdrop. Enjoy
the walking and cycling trails up to the foothills of Puig Major, the highest
mountain in Mallorca. Retail therapy is available in the form of traditional
Mallorcan arts and crafts, sold at many of the small shops. Outdoor cafes
and restaurants are also to be found.
Photo Mike Lehmann/Wikimedia
Fornalutx started out life
as a Moorish farm, but after the Catalans took it back in the 13th century,
the village started to take shape, with the stone-built houses and narrow
streets we can visit today. The streets also house the town hall, with
its 17th-century defence tower, while the Gothic church in the town also
hails from the same era. The church is a charming mixture of the original
Gothic, mixed with Baroque elements in later years.
3. Deià
Located in the Serra de Tramuntana,
Deià sits on steep cliffs among olive and orange groves and overlooks
the Mediterranean Sea. This pretty village is known well for its musical
and literary residents of the present and past, including English poet
and writer Robert Graves, who died at the age of 90. The Robert
Graves House is open for visitors and has his original furnishings
and a pretty garden. There is also an auditorium where a presentation of
Graves’ life can be enjoyed.
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Photo by Anna &
Michal/Flickr
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Photo Robert Graves'
house by Retogenes/Wikimedia
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Deià views
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The Archaeological Museum
and Research Centre is housed in an original, converted mill, which is
one of the oldest buildings in Deià. Exhibits include finds from
many of the archaeological sites on the island, including Son Mullet Caves.
Stroll down to the beautiful cove, with its rocky beach and turquoise sea.
There is a restaurant and bar for refreshments after a day of swimming.
Photo Cala Deià by Chixoy/Wikimedia
For those with sufficient
energy, head off down a hiking trail from Deià to Sóller.
The hike takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and heads through gorgeous
scenery in the Serra de Tramuntana.
Enjoy your stay in lovely
Mallorca, exploring the pretty villages and enjoying the beach and
lovely turquoise water!
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