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'OH THIS year we're off to sunny Spain….' If you are
one of the thousands of Northern Ireland holiday makers who have
fallen in love with Spain then Majorca must be a favourite.
 Since the package holiday hit the market in the late
70's the island of Majorca has been a major tourist magent with
plenty to offer both young and old.
Capital of the island, famous for its beaches and
beautiful sea, Palma, has a beautiful historic quarter, deeply
marked by history. The cathedral, the Palace of Almudaina, the fish
market and Plaza Mayor are some of the places where visitors will
have to stop. Fishing boats, pine groves and palm trees complement
the most beautiful monuments. The coastal landscape of the island is
graced with coves, beaches and cliffs. Inland there are typical
Majorcan towns, as well as sierras 15,000 metres above sea level. A
beautiful, diverse landscape, as well as a rich cultural life, are
most inviting to a journey through every last inch of Majorca, as
well as through the pleasures of its excellent cuisine.
 Saratoga
Hotel Palma De Mallorca
The hotel is situated in a central but quiet location near
one of the most popular and prestigious commercial avenues -
Avenida Jaime III - close to the Paseo Maritimo Promenade,
the Cathedral and the port. 187 elegantly decorated rooms,
fully equipped with satellite TV, air conditioning, bathroom
with hair-dryer, Internet connection (Wi-Fi), mini bar and
balcony. The restaurant is spacious and is situated in front
of the swimming pool area. It offers a large variety of
national and international dishes. Facilities include 2
swimming pools, one in the garden and one on the roof, a gym
with stunning views over Palma and a beauty SPA. This hotel
comes recommended to those looking for a hotel right in the
centre of Palma with a high quality standard.
>> click here for last minute offers
>> click here for year round hotel reservation
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Palma was coveted by Romans, Arabs and Berber pirates. It was
Catalan monarch Jaume I who put an end to Muslim rule in this
Mediterranean island in the 13th century and the ruler responsible
for the most important buildings in Palma.
Behind the eighteenth-century walls that kept pirates and
privateers away, the historic quarter is concealed, within a bay
that shares its name with the city. Old churches, palaces and
stately mansions speak of a prosperous past.
The cathedral of Palma (Sa Seu) enjoys a spectacular location, on
the shore of the bay and fishing port. This elegant Gothic temple is
quite harmonious, in spite of its huge size. The cathedral, with its
very high vaults, was ordered by King Jaume I, who had it built on
top of the old mosque of the Medina of Mayurqa.
Across from Sa Seu is the Palace of L'Almudaina. A former Arab
palace and later residence of the Majorcan monarchs, the building is
presently a museum. The fact that it resembles an Arab fortress
contrasts with the ornate flamboyant Gothic Chapel of Santa Ana,
located inside.
City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Tour of Palma
de Mallorca
Explore the ancient Mediterranean port city with this 24 ticket
aboard an open-top double-decker bus. See all the main sights of
Palma de Mallorca as you hop on and hop off 15 conveniently located
stops around the city. Listen to the multilingual commentary and
learn interesting facts. Spend as much or as little time at places
of interest before jumping aboard for the next stop - the choice is
yours!
Sa Llotja (the fish market) is located in the nearby Passeig
Sagrera. This ancient exchange, which is presently an exhibition
hall, is one of the best examples of civil Gothic architecture in
Spain. Its spiral columns and orgive vaults do not cease to
surprise, for a non-religious building. Next to the Exchange is the
Consolat de Mar (The Sea Consulate), whose Renaissance arches house
the Autonomous Government.
Two kilometres away from Palma's city centre is the Castle of
Bellver. The castle is located on top of the wooded hill that
dominates the bay. Its unusual, circular floor plan and the delicate
arches inside lend it an ornamental, rather that defensive,
appearance. The precinct is the current home of the Municipal Museum
of History.
 Stil
Aucanada Apartments Mallorca
Situated in Alcanada, in the most peaceful setting in the
Bay of Alcudia, Stil Aucanada Apartments is very close to
the salt-water lagoons of Alcudia and Pollensa. The old
Roman city of Pollentia, which still has parts of the
metropolis, theatre and ramparts are also situated close by.
Apart from wonderful sea views, all the 45 apartments also
provide a kitchen, complete bathroom and a huge terrace.
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From Palma, a journey around the island of Majorca offers a
myriad of different landscapes. The peaks of Sierra of Tramuntana
reach 14,000 metres. This steep mountain range dives into the
Mediterranean sea, creating unforgettable spots like the coves of
Deià and Sa Calobra and the Port of S"ller. Beyond Andratx is the Sa
Dragonera Nature Reserve. To the northeast are the bays of Alcúdia
and Pollença and the Formentor peninsula, which are important
tourist areas where the pine groves go all the way to the beach.
In Alcúdia, the old walls are still preserved, as well as the
ancient Roman city of Pollentia and the amphitheatre.
One of the most famous hot-sports is Magalluf, it forms part of a
continuously built-up area with the neighbouring resort of Palma
Nova, arbitrarily separated here for convenience. It is boisterous
and noisy, but its notoriety is only partly deserved. The Lager Belt
includes all the flat ground at the centre and back of the resort,
as well as the base of the Torrenova promontory. Outside this area
are more peaceful enclaves, including Cala Vinas and Torrenova, a
quieter, greener and more scenic suburb. Major street landscaping,
pedestrianisation and tree planting have been carried out and these
undoubtedly improve the look of the centre. On the end of Torrenova
promontory is a stone watchtower, derelict and on private land;
this, along with some prehistoric remains on the road to the casino,
is all that remains of Magalluf's past, before the rampant
development of the 1960's onwards.
The market targets a younger lively crowd, singles and many
families, mostly European and British, throughout the high season.
Mature holidaymakers tend to take over in the low season. Has
something for all, though the focus is still on the younger crowds
who come to enjoy the active nightlife.
Beaches here are the largest on this section of coast and,
indeed, on the South side of the island. It is broad and deep, with
fine white sand, though it is still often overcrowdws. It's safe to
swim here, the currents are not too strong and the waters fairly
shallow, lifeguards are present from May to Oct. Some areas have
lines of sun loungers and sun umbrellas, water sports and boat trips
(including a trip to small Porrassa Island). Attempts to widen the
beach at the Torrenova end failed, as the winter seas scour the
additional sand away.
For dining, a huge number of pubs and ex-pat British bars compete
with local restaurants, fast-food joints, pizza parlours and varied
international-style eateries. Choices include many local Majorcan
and Spanish options, plus Mexican, Italian, pizza, fresh fish,
Chinese and continental. If those don't appeal, there's always the
tasty egg, beans and chips. Just like home.
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