Us Brits just love a bit of Majorca. So much so, in fact, that we anglicised the name and slipped a Double L in there for good measure. But in all seriousness, the biggest island in the Balearics has been delighting British holidaymakers since Skegness, Butlins et al lost their appeal as a glamorous getaway, and the continent called out. Indeed, more than 2.3 million British tourists flocked to the island last year, accounting for a quarter of the entire tourist industry.
Yep, Mallorca is a holiday destination that appeals to families, adventurers and beach lovers alike, with a thriving foodie scene, stunning countryside and thrusting capital, Palma. If you’ve not yet been, then what are you waiting for? Here are 5 IDEAL reasons to make Mallorca your next holiday.
YOU CAN PREDICT THE WEATHER
Mallorca enjoys predictable, reliably pleasant weather for the majority of the year. Perhaps that’s why us Brits love it so, with our own climate being so inclement and inconsistent. Indeed, from March to mid November (that’s nearly half the damn year), it’s T-shirt weather, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C, with an average of 300 days or more are around 21°C or higher. That, combined with the consistently humid climate, means that sea swimming is do-able (and enjoyable) throughout the year. Bliss.
A BEACH TO SUIT EVERY TASTE
It’s said that the beaches of Mallorca are so popular that 25 tonnes of sand is taken away each year in shoes, bags, hair and other crevices. That’s not to say that all of the island’s beaches are packed to the rafters with peeling tourists; there are still plenty of secluded spots to discover. More than 200, in fact, with at least 60 coming with Blue Flag accreditation to boot.
In the North of the island, Playa de Formentor is peaceful and untroubled by crowds. And Cala Estellencs, around an hour’s drive north west from Palma, though pebbled, is serene all year round. One word of caution; a fair few beaches in Mallorca are nudist-friendly and proud. Ask around with locals to check.
NATURE FEELS
Mallorca’s underground scene is amazing. And nope, we’re not talking about music, or raves, or something insalubrious. We’re talking about being literally underground. With 200 cave systems to explore, complete with stalagmites and stalactites in situ, Mallorca boasts some truly intriguing nature and natural wonder.
The National Parks are incredible, too. With more than 200 species of birds and plenty of plants to admire, the Albufera National Park is a big draw for budding David Attenboroughs. Or perhaps you prefer indigenous lizards? Then hop off the island and onto neighbouring Sa Dragonera National Park, a six mile long island which the wall lizard proudly calls home. It’s only a fourteen minute ferry right from Sant Elm, and on it, you’ll find rare flora, fauna and 18 species only found in the Balearic Islands. Amazing.
A CYCLING PARADISE
The varied terrain of Majora, complete with challenging hills and hair raising descents, brings thousands of cyclists to the island every year. Yep, the Telegraph even went as far as to say the island is ‘the world’s greatest destination for cycling’. The Southern Tramuntana coastal road is perhaps the highlight of a very crowded field, with blissful views from start to finish and rolling hills providing a decent – rather than excessive – workout. If you’re looking for something to really get the pedals going, Sa Calobra has sharp bends and a heavy descent before its climb. Whatever your experience on two wheels, you’ll find something to suit you here.
A THRIVING FOODIE SCENE
Mallorcan food is having something of a moment, with its restaurant scene lauded across the continent for its fresh yet bold flavours, and the highest quality produce.
On the street, you have to seek out sobrasada, a local speciality sausage that comes with a kick of paprika and is similar to chorizo. Another great snack is the coca, a Mallorcan pizza, if you will, but really a flatbread (no cheese) with vegetable toppings given the treatment of wood fire. And running with the vegetable theme, which are fantastic here, we also love pa amb oli, the island’s version of pan con tomate. Also must try are ensaimadas, the island’s delicious sweet pastries that come in a coiled shape and are dusted with icing sugar.
Away from the streets and the markets, the high-end restaurants are also getting long deserved recognition as heavy hitters. We love Aromata in Palma, which does traditional Mallorcan food with flair and finesse whilst staying true to the heart and soul of the island’s cuisine. Or, if you’re looking for a blowout, two Michelin starred Zaranda uses the finest local produce to create modern, gastronomic delights. Something to suit every taste, we think.