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Diverse and sophisticated
Majorca’s southwest is the region of exciting contrasts. Here the impressive mountains of the predominantly unpopulated Sierra de Tramuntana face the modern, yet romantic coastal towns. The terraces of the villas and apartments built in the hills, usually offer breathtaking panoramic views over the sea and mountains. The coast is lined with turquoise bays, large and small yachts, lively villages and some offshore islands. Especially for boat owners a paradise. But also supporters of other sports get their opportunitys: golf courses, tennis centers and diving stations can be found here. And many excellent restaurants with Mediterranean and international cuisine invite you to relaxed meals. Particularly popular are the harbor towns of Puerto Andratx, Puerto Portals and El Toro. Noble boutiques, sidewalk cafes and gourmet restaurants line up here. Nevertheless, the unmistakable charm of the island has been preserved: the fishermen go about their business as ever, the tapas bars bring music and smells of local specialties. Savoir Vivre is lived here without a daily question. It is quite lively in Santa Ponsa, Paguera or Illetas. The beautiful and family-friendly beaches, the colorful nightlife and the extensive sports, restaurants and shopping opportunitys offer an irresistible spirit. Those looking for a little more peace will prefer places like Calviá, Sol de Mallorca, Bendinat or Andratx. Hiking, cycling, golfing or simply enjoying nature.
Some places in the southwest
The place Andratx and the same municipality are located in the west of Majorca. Andratx itself has 6,900 inhabitants and is picturesquely situated between the mountains of the southern foothills of the Tramuntana mountains. The small town is dominated by the 13th-century Santa Maria Church and the Son Mas Palace, in which the city administration is located. Four kilometers southwest there is the beautiful little fishing port of Puerto Andratx with its marina, restaurants and small cafes along the coastline. Andratx is located about 25 kilometers west of Palma and is very well connected.
Cala Vinyes is only 15 kilometers from the capital of the island. The place offers surrounded by pine trees tranquility and its idyllic location. The bay of Cala Vinyes offers peace and serenity for those who prefer small bays to large crowded beaches. Cala Vinyes is close to the Poniente and Santa Ponsa golf courses, as well as Port Adriano and Puerto Portals with its refined and elegant appearance, it is a fun visit, just 15 minutes by car. Good links allow a quick exploration of the island.
The town of Calvia and the same municipality are located in the southwest of Majorca. Calvia is located at the foot of the southern foothills of the Tramuntana mountains. Surrounded by extensive forest areas and the protection of the mountains, there is also a very pleasant climate here over the winter months. The municipality of Calvia mainly benefits from tourism in coastal towns such as Santa Ponsa, Costa d’en Blanes, Illetas, Magalluf or Paguera. The municipality of Calvia is one of the richest communities in Spain today. The main town Calvia is only 13 kilometers away from the island capital Palma de Majorca.
Camp de Mar belongs to the municipality Andratx on the southwest coast of Majorca. This vacation spot has evolved into a luxurious place by vacation homeowners. The attractive sandy beach lies between two rock tongues and is thus optimally protected by waves. The village also has an 18-hole golf course, a few shops and nice restaurants. The nearest town is Paguera, three kilometers away. Andratx and Puerto Andratx are less than 10 minutes away by car. The capital Palma is about 20 kilometers away and easy to reach.
Paguera belongs to the municipality of Calvia and is located on the southwest coast of Majorca. The town offers three bays, the Playa Palmira, Playa de Tora and the Playa de la Romana. The region is surrounded by a mountainous landscape with lush pine forests. In Paguera there are numerous entertainment and shopping opportunities in the pedestrianized promenade. The island’s capital Palma is about 25 kilometers away.
Puerto de Andratx belongs to the municipality of Andratx in the southwest of the island. The spectacular natural harbor is located in a sheltered bay that extends about one kilometer inland and divides Puerto Andratx into two parts. One side of the harbor offers cafes, restaurants and shops, on the other side there is a sailing club, further restaurants, cafes, villas and a very popular residential area. The Club de Vela marina, with around 500 berths, is one of the best equipped on the Balearic Islands. There is also a fish market on the pier, where the fishermen’s fresh catch is sold every day. Puerto de Andratx borders on the Tramuntana mountain range, which extends over the entire west coast. Puerto de Andratx is about 25 kilometers from the capital Palma.
Santa Ponsa is grouped around a long bay surrounded by rock walls. Many restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops are separated by a moderately busy street. Just a few minutes from the town center is the picturesque marina of Santa Ponsa. A special highlight is the new and very exclusive marina Port Adriano by the French architect Philippe Starck. Santa Ponsa has along the north and south shore villa districts wealthy foreigners and Spaniards. In addition to the villas, exclusive residential complexes with exotic pool landscapes and often fantastic sea views offer high quality apartments and penthouses in all sizes. Here you can enjoy Mediterranean joie de vivre, meet celebrities, play golf on one of the three excellent golf courses and enjoy the diverse fitness and spa facilities of the sophisticated Country Club. Due to the convenient traffic location, the vibrant city of Palma is within easy to reach. Santa Ponsa is located about 18 kilometers southwest of Palma. The southern foothills of the Tramuntana mountains are also within easy to reach.
Sol de Majorca is located between Portals Nous and Santa Ponsa and is the location of the Casino of Palma de Majorca. The place is also known for its beautiful bay below the casino, the “Three Finger Bay”, but there are also more idyllic, almost private coves, with crystal clear water and beautiful sandy beaches. The very quiet place is determined by beautiful holiday apartments and beautiful villas, everything is in very green and well maintained condition. Also natural pine groves can be found here and always beautiful panoramic views of the sea and the entire environment, as the place is slightly elevated to sea level. Shops can be found in about 3 km away. This region is ideal for children, you are not far away from the well-known »Marineland« and the »Aquapark«, riding possibilities are also only 2 km away. Due to the central proximity to Palma and the well – known tourist centers, Santa Ponsa and Portals Nous, Sol de Majorca is becoming increasingly popular and is constantly developing into an independent holiday and recreation area.
Sant Elmo is a small town on the western tip of Majorca and belongs to the municipality of Andratx. The place itself has just about 500 inhabitants. In the bars and restaurants of the small pedestrian area, many Spaniards enjoy the tranquility and the ambience of the resort. Sant Elmo has a small and beautiful sandy beach. The offshore island Dragonera, which immediately attracts attention, towers out of the sea like a sleeping dragon. The small island is approached several times a day by a ship in Sant Elmo.
Pulsating and exciting
The island’s capital Palma, is not only the economic, political and cultural center of the Balearic Islands. With one of the most beautiful and best preserved old towns in the Mediterranean and the exclusive harbor road Paseo Marítimo, it is also a very livable city. Large boulevards, countless shops and boutiques, restaurants and sidewalk cafes are the backdrop for a hilarious and colorful bustle. Visiting the market halls and old cafes of the Casco Antiguo, it is as if time stood still. The Hollywood Mallorcas, as Palma’s northern district of Son Vida is also known, has two 5-star hotels, several golf courses and spas. Here are also some of the most exclusive propertys on the island. Not far from the capital there are popular coastal towns of Portixol, Cala Mayor, San Agustín and Cás Català with their small restaurants, beaches and marinas. Who buys a property in Palma and surroundings, enjoys the flair of a beautiful, vibrant Mediterranean metropolis – and usually also a wonderful view over the old town or the large bay.
Some places in the Palma area
Genova is a suburb of the capital Palma and is located west of the metropolis. This small town is known for its stalactite caves and numerous restaurants serving Majorcan cuisine. The capital Palma is within easy reach, but this place offers the advantage of a quiet and contemplative village life. The elevated position of the village offers a fantastic view of Palma, the sea and the mountains.
The undoubtedly most exclusive residential area in Majorca, Son Vida, is only ten minutes away from the capital Palma. The hillside location of the residence offers a terrific ambience with incredible views over the bay of Palma. The villa area of Son Vida and the Son Vida golf course are situated in wooded hills.
Puntiró and its golf club is located between Palma and Sineu. The golf course is about 16 kilometers away from the capital Palma.
Charming and original
The west around the mountains Es Tramuntana is characterized by its Majorcan character. Here are the romantic places Esporles and Puigpunyent. Fornalutx and the unique and picturesque villages of Majorca, Soller, Deià and Valldemossa .. This region is a paradise for lovers of peace and nature or for those looking for the originality. The mixture of traditional architecture with modern equipment is lovingly combined. Most of the unique West Coast is under conservation.
Some places in the sierra
One reason to move away from the coast are the picturesque inland villages. Fornalutx is considered the most beautiful village on the island and is located in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana, embedded in wild cliffs and bright orange plantations. You can expect enchanted alleys, small stone stairs, colorfully tiled, typical Mallorcan houses and (depending on the season) a colorful splendor of flowers. The main square is Plaza Espana with the parish church Navidad de Nostra Senyora from the 16th century. You couldn’t get more Mediterranean village idyll.
The authentic town of Sóller is located in the heart of the ‘Orange Valley’, also known as the ‘Valley of Gold’, and has a lot to offer its visitors and residents. Here is everything you need to know about this modernist place. Sóller became wealthy in the northwest of Mallorca through the abundant orange and lemon groves in the valley. In the 19th century, when the area was separated from the rest of the island of Mallorca by mountains, the oranges were shipped to France from nearby Puerto de Sóller. Many locals went to France to work and, on their return, used the fortune to build stately, modernist houses that still adorn the city today.
Valldemossa is located in the north-west of Mallorca, in the middle of the Serra de Tramuntana region. The tranquil place at over 400 meters above sea level was particularly valued by the former rulers, the kings of the Balearic Islands, because of its tolerable summer climate. King Jaume II even had a palace built in Valldemossa, which his successor Sancho I later expanded to create a place of retreat and “health resort” here because he suffered from asthma. Because it is said that the climate in Valldemossa is also suitable and beneficial for ailments of this kind. Probably the most famous visitor to the place is the composer Frédéric Chopin, who spent the winter of 1838/39 here together with the French author George Sand. Sand wrote her memories of this episode later in her novel “A Winter in Mallorca”, which also impressively depicts the nature of the area in and around Valldemossa. The lovers spent the winter in a former Carthusian monastery from 1399, the Valldemossa Charterhouse. The romantic stay of the two artists came to an abrupt end after just three months due to the renewed worsening of the tuberculosis disease from which Chopin suffered. The village has over 100,000 visitors annually, the majority of which is believed to be due to the stay of the famous couple. The Charterhouse can be visited today after it was rebuilt and prepared for visitors. In addition to “typical” Mallorcan everyday objects, legacies of the Polish composer are also exhibited. The old monastery pharmacy and the monastery garden are also worth seeing.
Local and modern
This part of the island belongs to the region Llevant, the Majorcan word for sunrise. Long sandy beaches, charming almond groves and quaint fincas characterize the picture as well as lively coastal towns and golf courses. Lovers of nature and tranquility as well as active people get their money’s worth. Here, old Majorca meets modern island culture: Centuries-old buildings and olive groves merge with modern cafes, long beach promenades and stylish beach clubs .. Also due to the modern transport links to the capital Palma, which is only 40 minutes away, real estate objects in the region are very sought after, and real estate market in this region is considered extremely stable in value.
Some places in the east of the island
Cala Llombards is located on the picturesque south-east coast of Majorca and belongs to the municipality of Santanyi. The small town has a small bay with one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The beaches of Mondrago and Figuera are also nearby. The town of Santanyi is just four kilometers from Cala Llombards. There are shops, romantic cafes and restaurants.
The municipality of Manacor has about 40,000 inhabitants and forms the agricultural center of the eastern part of the island. The city of Manacor is the second largest city in Majorca. The city is also characterized by crafts and is also called the furniture city, since many furniture stores have settled here. The most famous attraction of Manacor is the pearl factory Majorica. In this well-known pearl factory far beyond Majorca, art pearls are produced according to a certain procedure, which originally existed exclusively in Majorca. Attractions for tourists are the markets where, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, there are also other things that are typical for the area.
Porreres is still the center of apricot cultivation in Majorca. The fruits are halved and dried. The dried apricots also called “orejones”, giant ears, are now wrapped in chocolate and sold as chocolates. Even with wine, Porreres relies on quality. It was the winemaker Jaume Mesquida, who planted French noble grape varieties on the island in the 1970s for the first time. Today, the winery is well known beyond the borders of Porreres.
Porto colom is a port city on the east coast of Majorca. The village itself has about 4,600 inhabitants and belongs to the municipality of Felanitx. The romantic fishing port is surrounded by one of the best preserved old town centers of Majorca. The small fishing village exudes peace and coziness. The city of Porto Colom claims to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. This is reflected in the name of the place.
Porto Cristo is located on the east coast of the island and is a natural grown port town. Porto Cristo is also known as the port of Manacor, to whose community the place belongs. The small fishing village is located 63 kilometers east of Palma and 13 kilometers from Manacor. The region is also known for its numerous caves.
Beach-characterized and natural
The contrasting north coast of Mallorca consists of an alternation of craggy cliffs and miles of sandy beaches. With the windswept Cap Formentor, there is a bizarre natural landscape in this region, which is one of the main attractions of the Balearic island.
On the north coast of Mallorca, you have the opportunity to admire the tremendous creative power of nature. The coastal section is characterized by the mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana, which was included in the UNESCO list of world natural heritage due to its dramatic gorges, diverse vegetation and biodiversity. One of the most famous sights in Mallorca is Cap Formentor at the northernmost point of the Balearic island. Rugged cliffs plunge almost vertically into the sea and at the lighthouse you have an overwhelming view of the glittering surface of the Mediterranean Sea.
The elongated bay of Alcúdia is one of the tourist hotspots on this Balearic island. The light sandy beach stretches for kilometres along the coast. The beach slopes gently into the sea and is ideal as a place to stay for families. Sailors and surfers can look forward to first-class wind conditions.
Some places in the north
Port d’Alcúdia is a lively resort on the bay of the same name, whose kilometre-long sandy beach is heavily frequented in the summer months. The old town of Alcudia is surrounded by a mighty medieval city wall and combines Roman, Moorish and Catalan architectural elements.
Can Picafort is also located on the Bay of Alcúdia and is popular with holidaymakers and families alike. Numerous shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs can be found on the promenade and in the adjacent streets.
The resort of Port de Pollença, which has one of the largest marinas in Mallorca, is located directly on the sea. At the harbour quay, enjoy a cappuccino in a café and watch the hustle and bustle on the imposing sailing and motor yachts.
Dream beaches and salt depot
The south of Mallorca stretches from the market town of Santanyi to the bay of Palma de Mallorca. The south is relatively sparsely populated and there are few holiday resorts. The coast is mostly rocky and inaccessible. Then again, you can hike wonderfully here, with a beautiful view of the sea. Behind Sa Ràpita there are spectacular long sandy beaches. One of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca is also located here, Platja es Trenc. The landscape around Es Trenc is under nature protection and may not be built on. This beach is located between Colonia de Sant Jordi and Ses Covetes. There are also beautiful long sandy beaches south of Colonia de Sant Jordi, such as Platja Es Carbó. Some of these can only be reached by long walks on the beach and therefore are not so popular.
In the hinterland, salt is extracted in large collecting basins. A particularly large number of windmills can be found between Colonia de Sant Jordi and Campos.
Some places in the southern part
The rural-looking town of Campos is 10 kilometres from the south coast of Mallorca. It is also the administrative seat of the municipality of the same name in the southern Migjorn region. Campos has a medieval town centre full of stately mansions and some lovely historical buildings. Outside the centre you can admire some elaborately restored windmills. Most of them are still in use today and are used to irrigate the fields. Agriculture, especially cattle breeding, still plays a very important economic role in the area around Campos.
Santanyi is a small town in the southeast of Mallorca that has retained its original Mallorcan charm to this day. The Mediterranean beaches are four kilometres from the city centre. At first glance, Santanyi appears like a single piece. The cityscape is characterized by medieval and modern buildings made of golden yellow Marès sandstone. The sandstone is extracted exclusively in quarries in the vicinity of Santanyi and gives the city an unmistakable face. Atmospheric contrasts emerge when green palm fronds sway gently in the wind on Plaça Major in front of the sandstone-coloured house facades and the azure blue sky.
Sa Rapita once served as a bulwark against pirate attacks. To this day, the Son Duri watchtower is in the harbour at Club Nautic de Sa Rapita. From the 16th to the 19th century, it was part of a whole series that lit warning fires along the coast to send a message as far as the city of Palma that it should be on guard against invading pirates. In the 20th century, the area around Sa Rapita began to be developed and second homes were made available to agricultural workers. Today Sa Rapita with the extraordinary beauty of its coastline attracts quite a few individual tourists and ‘initiated’ locals.
Original and extensive
From Algaida to Sineu to Binissalem: In the centre of the island, the “other Mallorca” rules, as individualists call the original regions beyond the tourist strongholds. Vineyards, windmills, fields, idyllic villages, homemade delicacies, traditional handicrafts, and much more is on offer in the centre of Mallorca to offer.
Here you can cycle through blooming meadows, feast in rustic hostels, and taste excellent food at huge wineries, relax on picturesque plazas, make pilgrimages to local monasteries and experience the hustle and bustle of the “real” Mallorca.
Some places in the interior of the island
Binissalem is considered to be the wine capital of Mallorca, as Mallorcan viticulture in this area has a centuries-old tradition. Binissalem wine is the only grape variety in Mallorca that bears the Denominación de Origen label. Binissalem was built during time of the Moors in the 10th century, which can still be seen today in the picturesque buildings of the municipality. The old wine cellars, built from the regional Binissalem stone, can still be visited today.
Inca, the city to the north of Palma has around 30,000 inhabitants and is best known as the centre of the region’s traditional shoe and leather craft. Inca is considered to be the seat of the oldest shoemaker’s guilds, the founding of which can be traced back to the 13th century. Many famous shoe brands are made here today. A wide selection of leather goods such as handbags, shoes, belts or gloves can therefore always be found at the weekly market.
Santa Maria is not only known for the Sunday market, but also for the vineyards in the area. Since the end of the 19th century, Mallorcan wines have been grown together with the neighbouring towns of Binissalem, Alaró and Santa Eugenia, and in 1991 they were the first wine-growing area to be awarded the DO designation for ‘Denominación de Origen’.
For more than 700 years, every Wednesday from eight o’clock in the morning on Sineu’s “Placa Espanya” you cannot even hear your own thoughts – because of all the cackling, cooing, crows, croaking and chirping. If you want to hear bleating, mooing and neighing, you should come early. Because the trade in horses, donkeys and cows is over quickly. Then the farmers sip their “sopes mallorquines” in the cellar restaurants, and hundreds of poultry take over the sole regiment. Acoustically, the sellers are in no way inferior to their cackling goods. A real experience – again and again!
