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”

Cardinal Despuig

The 18th-century cardinal developed the more opulent side of church life on the island (see Raixa).
Carthaginian Conquest

Various peoples, including the Greeks, use the island as a trading post. However, the absence of metal ores deters further colonization until the Carthaginian Empire spreads to this part of the Mediterranean in the 7th century BC.
Carthusian Monastery, Valldemossa

Set in one of the most appealing towns on the island, this former royal residence and monastery has a rich history. Most captivating of all to the myriad visitors who come here is the poignant story of the winter visit of composer Frédéric Chopin, dying of tuberculosis, and his lover George Sand, along with her two children – all of whom left copious records of their experiences.
Casa Bonet

Dating from 1860, this wonderful shop is all about tradition and refinement, selling embroidered goods of all kinds. The traditional Mallorcan style of wares that you find here simply cannot be imitated by machines.
Casal Balaguer, Palma

A Renaissance-style 18th-century mansion is the showplace for local artists sponsored by the Círculo de Bellas Artes.
Castell de Bellver

One of Europe’s most remarkable, fairytale castles was actually a prison for 700 years and now houses an excellent museum.
Castell de Bellver

Standing sentinel on a hilltop, the castle of Bellver is immaculately preserved. Its walls have imprisoned queens and scholars, and they now contain an intriguing museum that evokes the island’s past.
Castell de Bellver

One of just a handful of round castles in the world, and impeccably preserved, this building conjures up images of damsels in distress and bold knights galloping to the rescue. In fact, its history is more prosaic – it was a prison for enemies of the crown for hundreds of years.
Castell de Cabrera

The 14th-century castle on the island of Cabrera, off Mallorca’s south coast, has a chequered history, subsequent to its original purpose as a defence measure for the southern reaches of the main island. At various times it has been a pirates’ den; a crowded, deadly prison for 9,000 French soldiers in the 19th century; and an outpost for Franco’s Fascist forces in the 20th century. Now the island it oversees is a nature preserve, and a climb up to the crumbling old fortress will be rewarded with some stupendous views (see Illa de Cabrera).
Castell de Capdepera

Another wonderful Mallorcan fortress that epitomizes the fairy-tale castle. The approach is a pleasure in itself, as you pass fragrant plants and rocky outcrops, and the views are memorable. It was built by King Sanç in the 14th century.