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”

Coves de Campanet

A cave complex with a crystal-clear lake and the thinnest stalactite on record, 5 mm (1/5 in) thick. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is less crowded than other cave tours.
Coves de Gènova

Though they pale in comparison with the larger caverns on the eastern coast, these caves, discovered in 1906, are close to Palma and feature some interesting formations. A knowledgeable guide will show you around.
Coves del Drac

Mallorca’s most spectacular cave system is beautifully lit and can be toured in a gondola-style boat.
Coves del Drac

The island is peppered with fantastic caves, and these are the biggest and best. Spectacularly lit, the chambers echo with lilting classical music, played live from boats on one of the world’s largest underground lakes.
Coves del Drac

Take a quiet walk through an underground fairyland. The visit incorporates a concert on the large underground lake, with captivating lights reflected in the mirror-like waters. Then take a boat to the other side and continue your exploration.
Coves d’Artà

These caves have inspired many over the centuries, especially since they were studied in the 19th century. In summer, you can take a boat cruise to them from Cala Rajada and Font de Sa Cala – the seaside exit is very dramatic.
Coves d’Artà

During the Christian Conquest, Jaume I found 2,000 Arabs hiding with their cattle in this extraordinary network of caves. However, it was not until 1876, when geologist Edouard Martel entered the grottoes, 46 m (151 ft) above the sea at Cap Vermell, that they were studied. Another early visitor was Jules Verne, whose book Journey to the Centre of the Earth is said to have been inspired by them.
Coves d’es Hams

The lighting in these caverns is more carnival-like than the others, and there’s also a subterranean lake, with boat rides and a light and music show as part of your tour. Guides will give enough information to delight a speleologist, and the peculiar cave-dwelling crustaceans will be pointed out.
Coves d’es Hams

These caves are less interesting than the Coves del Drac or Coves d’Artà. Their name means “fishhooks”, which the stalactites are said to resemble. You get a guided tour and a concert.
Cultivated Plants

Some of the flowering plants you see around the island are actually cultivated for decorative purposes: for example, the oleander, purple morning glory, agapanthus, bougainvillea, Bignonia jasminoides (commonly called the trumpet vine, with both orange and pink blooms – used as cover for pergolas), geranium and wisteria. Grapes and olives have been a feature of the Mallorcan landscape since Roman times.