These days, some of the Balearic islands such as Majorca are associated with the party-havens that are beach resorts. While the music and cocktails might be good, they’re just a fraction of this island’s heritage, which plenty more sights to offer, and for a wide variety of interests. If smoke machines and lasers aren’t your scene, then Majorca still has you covered.
SA COLABRA
The rocky cliff-faces that fence in this pebble beach makes for a striking and beautiful sight. This mesmerising little cove, which is situated in the northwest of Majorca, has only one route into it. You will have to traverse the Tramuntana – a small, 200-meter tunnel, or the way of the Torrent de Pareis. If you’re with the family, then bring some snacks and picnic food, and enjoy some swimming while the tide is out.
TORRENT DE PAREIS
Remember the Torrent de Pareis you’ll need to cross to get to the Sa Colabra? Well, this challenging route is only a few kilometres long, but the surrounding mountains reach up to 400 metres in height. The name derives from the meaning of ‘two streams,’ and is often frequented by avid hikers and rock-climbers. The torrent mentioned above begins the joining of the Gorg Blau and the Torrent de Lluc. Majorca Holidays are always best ended with a nice lie-down, particularly if you’ve been traversing the torrent. The size of the island makes villas incredibly accessible when it comes to local amenities.
LA SEU CATHEDRAL
The legend tells the take that as King James I was sailing towards Majorca, a storm hemmed in on his boat. He prayed that if he landed without any harm, he would build a cathedral in the name of the Virgin Mary. The foundation stone was symbolically laid on the site of the city’s main mosque and work thenceforth continued for 400 years. An earthquake temporarily destroyed the west front, but more touches were added later by the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi. Officially speaking, “It is a Levantine Gothic-style cathedral (characterised by using a German-style hall layout), and it has one of the largest rose windows in the world, known as “the Gothic eye.” Its nave is also one of the highest in any European Gothic cathedral.
SÓLLER BY VINTAGE TRAIN
If it’s a truly unique experience you’re after, then taking a vintage train from Palma to the quaint town of Sóller will provide you with a cutesy thrill. It follows tunnels that slice through the Tramuntana Mountains, which are coated with pine forests and citrus trees. Once you get out at Sóller, you’ll find plenty of Art Nouveau houses, and independent craft stores to keep you occupied. Theres also plenty of restaurants and ice cream vendors to make the trip to this gorgeous town worthwhile.
If culture and good food are what makes for a good holiday, then Majorca could just be your ticket to paradise. With coves to swim in and mountain routes to hike, you’ll look forward to putting your feet up after a day in this stunning Balearic beauty.
