The island of Mallorca (Majorca) off the east coast of Spain is
the largest in the Balaeric Island group, which collectively form
one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, and
certainly in the Mediterranean. Mallorca took off as a tourist
Mecca in the 1960s, when a development boom spawned the building of
hundreds of high-rise hotels, apartment blocks and shopping centres
which now line most of the island's coast. The capital, Palma,
however still retains some of its historical flavour sporting grand
mansions and a magnificent Gothic cathedral in its bustling centre.
The northwest coast, too, still offers some secluded coves below
the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and several
quaint old towns and villages.
If you visit Mallorca for the sun and fun, it is worth taking a
break from the beach resorts and heading off for a tour of the
island by car, or even bicycle, to discover the romantic fishing
villages, historic monasteries, monuments, museums and spectacular
landscapes tucked away from the madding crowds. The interior is
largely the preserve of a thriving agricultural community, dotted
with windmills, olive and almond trees.
