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”

El Pesquero

Located directly on the water. Have tapas with your drink, or be tempted by the set menu of the day. Live music.
El Pilón

Friendly, atmospheric place with hip music and a lobster tank. An extensive menu includes fried artichokes, fresh oysters and tumbet (vegetable stew).
El Sombrero

Palma’s nod to the island’s lesbian visitors. The atmosphere is more low-key than in most of the gay bars, with equal emphasis on conversation as well as fun. Like everywhere else, however, things don’t really get going until at least midnight.
El Vistamar, Portocolom

A fine complex of stylish modern buildings, four pools, various terraces, tennis courts, mini-golf, beauty centre, Turkish bath, gym, sauna and massage salon. There are entertainment programmes, and personal therapists on hand.
Els Calderers

This country house chronicles 200 years of the life of Mallorca’s gentry in a more modest version of Sa Granja. Demonstrations of traditional methods are part of the tour, and you can see historic breeds of Mallorcan farm animals.
Emir of Córdoba

This Muslim leader conquered Mallorca and Menorca in the 10th century.
Ensaïmadas

These unbelievably light and flaky spiral pastries are the pride of the island. They can be dusted with icing sugar or filled with candied fruits or jam.
Ermita de Betlé

Up in the hills northwest of Artà, this monastery has a lovely vantage point, 400 m (1,312 ft) above the sea. It dates from 1804, when a group of hermits decided to rebuild the church that had been destroyed years before by pirates. The church is tiny and crudely frescoed, but it’s worth the hike. Bring a picnic.
Ermita de Bonany, Petra

Set in a Special Interest Nature Area. The five rooms share cold water showers, a kitchen, dining room and outside barbecue areas with picnic tables.
Ermita de la Victòria

A really beautiful and very unique hotel, if you're looking to escape the crowds, like staying in unusual places, like awesome views, nature, great hill walks and quite beaches with great snorkling this place is for you! This place is a converted hermitage dating from 1400 with a chapel underneath the hotel. The rooms are quite basic but fine, what makes the place special is its location and surroundings, it is 6km away from Alcudia on the Cap del Pinar peninsula.

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Hotel price categories

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