DK Travel : Mallorca

Known variously as the “Golden Isle”, the “Wooded Isle” and the “Tranquil Isle”, Mallorca is all of these, despite its decades-long dependence on mass tourism. The island is laden with history and sights, from its castles and enchanted gardens to caves and spectacular mountains. The eastern and southern coasts still sport some of the cleanest, most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, and the city of Palma is more attractive, culturally alive and fun than ever.

Mallorca (or Majorca) gets its name from the ancient Roman name for the island, Balearis Major, meaning the “biggest Balearic”

Cana

Cana is the term to use in a bar when you want them to pull you a draught beer; ask for a cana gran if you want a large one. Cervesa (beer) tends to be of the pilsner type, though in Palma you can find a local variety that is black, fizzy and bitter.
Candela

Set on Palma’s lively “restaurant row”. Try the lemon risotto with gambes (prawns) or the rack of lamb with artichokes.
Can’Aí, Sóller

The shady orange groves and small canals surrounding this ancient manor house date back to Arab times. The incomparable setting, in a silent valley ringed with mountains, provides all the serenity guests seek. Rooms are all unique and very charming.
Cap de Cala Figuera Peninsula

Marked by a lonely lighthouse, this undeveloped area is officially a military zone, but as long as it’s not closed or guarded, you can walk out for a view of the entire bay. Nearby Portals Vells is another tranquil area, while Platja El Mago is a nudist beach.
Cap de Capdepera

The island’s easternmost point is a great place to hike around, though the terrain generally necessitates little more than easy strolling. You can go out to the lighthouse on its cape of sheer rock, or check out the pristine coves that lie lined up to the north and south, including Cala Agulla, Son Moll, Sa Pedrusca and Sa Font de sa Cala.
Cap des Pinar

Much of the cape is a restricted military zone, but you can take in the view from the terrace of the Mirador del Victòria, walk to the ruins of the Talaia d’Alcúdia or climb Penya Roja.
Capdepera

You can glimpse this castle from miles away, its rickrack form sprawling appealingly around the crest of its sizeable hill. A citadel of some sort has existed here since Roman times, guarding the sea approach, but the present crenellated classic dates back to King Sanç in the 14th century. You can drive up, if you’re lucky enough to find the right street in the tightly knit little town below, but the walk up from pleasant Plaça de l’Orient is far more fun. Within the walls is a curious little Gothic church, from the flat roof of which you can take in more spectacular vistas.
Capdepera

The extremely large and well-preserved medieval fortress that dominates the ridge above the town is the main reason to come to Capdepera. With its crenellated walls draped over the rolling hilltop, it is certainly a noble sight and one of Mallorca’s finest castles. Some sort of fort has been here since at least Roman times, and more or less continuously used throughout centuries of international squabbles and pirate raids (see also Castell de Capdepera).
Capocorb Vell

This Talayot settlement was probably established around 1000 BC. Originally, it consisted of five stone structures ( talaiots ) and 28 smaller dwellings. The amazing Cyclopean walls, reaching 4 m (13 ft) in places, would have served as protection, but little more is known about the function of the rooms or the lives of the ancient inhabitants. Be sure to have a drink at the visitors’ bar, which is like something out of The Flintstones .
Capocorb Vell

These well-preserved megalithic ruins, from the Talaiotic culture that dominated the island some 3,000 years ago, are similar to those found at Ses Paisses. The word “Talayot” refers to the towers at such sites, which were two or three storeys high. The central round towers are the oldest elements here; around them is an encirling wall and square towers to complete the defensive complex.

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