Majorca

Trip preparation

Majorca is the largest and most populous of the Balearic Islands, an automatous region of Spain located in the Mediterranean. The Balearic Islands are about 170 kilometers from the Iberian peninsula and Barcelona. The capital of Majorca is Palma, which is at the same time the capital of the Balearic Islands. Majorca has a population of more than 860 thousand inhabitants. However this multiplies in the summer months when about 12 million tourists visit the island.

General

Airports/ Car rental The Palma de Mallorca airport, also known as Son Sant Joan is situated about 8 km east of the capital Palma de Mallorca and is one of the three international airports in the Balearic Islands (Ibiza and Menorca). It is advisable to rent a car to get around the Islands. Car rental is available from the airport.

Language

The official languages of Majorca are Catalan and Spanish. However, most people in the resorts also speak the languages of the major tourist groups (German or English).

Best travel time

The climate in Majorca is subtropical. Inland, temperatures can rise to 40 º C in summer. Winter is mild. It December and January it is cooler and rains a lot, it can even sometimes snow. The swimming season begins in late May and ends in September. The average water temperature in July and August is 30 º C. The landscape of the island is more attractive in spring and autumn.

History

It is generally believed that the first settlers arrived on the island between 3000 and 1300 BC. These were small agricultural tribes that lived off the land. In 1300 BC came the Arab villages on the island and occupied the island until Quintus Caecilius Metellus conquered the island for the Roman Empire in 123 BC. In 425 AD the Germanic Vandals began to pillage the island. The Germans dominated the island to 534. Then the Byzantine general Belisarius invaded and occupied the island. In 707 the Moors invaded the island. The Arabs influenced the culture of the island, with the arab baths still locate here. The troops of the Crown of Aragon, under the command of James I, regained the Balearic Islands on September 12, 1229 and occupied Palma on 31 December. In 1715 King Philip V banned the Catalan and destroyed the institutions in place. In 1977 democracy was introduced again. The Statute of Autonomy of 1983 established the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands.

By bus

It is possible to reach the island by ferry from mainland Spain and the other Balearic Islands. The Island also has two historical railway lines, one to Soller and the other connecting Manacor and Sa Pobla. The capital, Palma also has a subway connecting various parts of the city, including the university. There are also several bus lines that connect seamlessly to the capital and other major cities. Unfortunately it is difficult to reach the secluded beaches via public transport.

Sights

The magnificent Cathedral of Santa María de Palma de Mallorca Bellver Castle Mallorca Museum Sea Park Manacor with the beautiful church of Our Lady of Sorrows Majorca has over 80 beaches. In addition several water parks. For sport lovers there are lots opportunities. Especially for those who love to play tennis or golf. Santa Catalina is a known area and ideal for the nightlife. It is also worth a stroll along the marina. We recommend the promenade of Palma, where there are many clubs, discos and other entertainment venues.

Events

The patron Saint of Majorca is celebrated on the 20th of January. In the summer there are many outdoor festivals, including jazz, classical and modern music.

Food

The local cuisine is very diverse, serving dishes characterized by the use of large amount of olive oil and garlic. Local specialties include: tumbet (a dish of peppers, aborigine, tomatoes, and potatoes)  arroz brut (rice with vegetables and various types of meat) frito Mallorquin (finely chopped offal, vegetables and potatoes)  Jamon Serrano  allioli (garlic mayonnaise)