Where can you sleep?
In this island, the second most populated one after Tenerife, you will find many places fit for each different kind of stay. Each of the four cardinal points of this island, as well as in its inland areas, has a special something. The most popular destinations amongst tourists are, without question, in the south of the island where you will find the Bahía de Palma and one of its most famous cities, Magaluf, where all parties last until the small hours of the morning, and the tourist offer is very wide and economical. But you will also encounter places like the beach of Es Trenc, with some of the most breathtaking, paradise-like views in the whole isle, where you will be able to enjoy spending many fabulous days in the beach, as well as hiking. If you are looking for some peace and tranquility, the east side of the island is your place to go, as it is home to its typical, Mediterranean views, surrounded by pine trees. You will find an example of this in the beach of Cal d'Or, where nature becomes one with its iconic white, seaside houses. You will also find, more to the north, the old fishing town of Pollença where, together with your family or friends, you can explore the immensity of its huge beach surrounded by the wilderness. And to enjoy of some history without leaving the sea, there is no place like Alcudia, where you will find the the bay of Can Picafort, surrounded by two natural reserves, an ideal place to go cycling, or to visit its archaeological site. But not eve
What to do in the area?
You will see how the historical frame of Mallorca consists in narrow and pedestrian streets decorated with typically medieval architecture ad patios, not unlike their counterparts in Cataluña. One of its more emblematic monuments is the Catedral de Mallorca, a Christian temple by the seashore that is proud to have one of the biggest Gothic rose windows of the world. The Castillo de Bellver is also built in the Gothic style, and is one of the 3 circular castles of Europe, where you will also find in its surroundings a group of 4 caves in total known as the Cuevas del Drach, open to visitors, and which are connected with each other by the Lago Martel.
The natural greenery that grows in Mallorca is characterised by the mountains of Tramontana, that dominate the territory in the north. Don't be surprised if you spot goat-grazing in this area, as there are plenty of small plants and bushes fit for it, as well as lakes, wonderful hiking routes and other unique places like archaeological sites, or the Monasterio de Lluc and its botanical garden, where you will be able to examine more than 200 different species. You will also be able to go back in time once you step into the Ferrocarril de Sóller, a train from the beginning of the 20th century that connects the capital with the town after which it is named.
What typical foods are recommended?
When thinking about the gastronomy in Mallorca, the traditional 'ensaimadas' come to mind, as you will find here ovens dating from the 16th century,where they were traditionally elaborated, that still nowadays will guarantee you enjoy of this delicious sugar-coated pastry, as well as of 'buñuelos de viento', another sweet delicacy that was already consumed during the time of the Arab invasion.
Nevertheless, these are not the only typical dishes from this island, as you will also find in any bar or restaurant here delicious local products which make up Mallorca's traditional recipe book, such as the so famous 'sobrasada', which apart from being the star meat product of this province, is also the result of the longtime tradition of Iberian pig breeding and grazing in this island.
Part of the recipe book is also the 'frito', a very varied and colourful dish that consists in an assortment of meat and vegetables, which also has a fish verison known as 'frito marinero' elaborated with the local fish from the Islas Baleares, such as squid, cuttlefish or prawns.
To wrap this succulent meal up, nothing like a Mallorca PDO wine to go with it.
Where are the festivities?
The local festivities will be an excellent occasion for you to add some extra fun to your visit here. Each time of the year will be an ideal chance to enjoy of an unforgettable time spent here. Right with the start of the year, between the 16th and the 20th of January, many towns honour San Antonio, the patron saint of the island, holding many different celebrations and activities during those days, with demons and 'glosadores' as the main protagonists. Slightly changing the setting, you will probably have some company if you go hitch-hiking in the mountains or if you decide to plant some trees during the Diada de la Naturaleza, always held in the first Sunday of March.
Easter is also an important occasion celebrated here, especially in the town of Pollença, where its spectacular religious procession will take you to the side of the mountain of Monte Puig, illuminated by dozens of torches.
During the second Sunday of May the Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos is celebrated in Sóller, where several battles and key historical moments are staged all over the city, to commemorate Mallorca's victory over the Moorish invaders.
Nothing like starting a bonfire to welcome summer during the summer solstice, San Juan, in any of the beaches in Mallorca, or in the Parc de la Mar y Ses Voltes, where the bonfires are accompanied by music during the most magical night of the year. Another park in the island, Sa Riera, holds in September the Oktoberfest festival, where you will be able to try so
