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”

Luna de Miel, Port de Pollença

Vast, colourful and popular Chinese restaurant offering everything from squid with bamboo to chop suey.
L’Aquila/Can Rei

Two striking examples of Palma’s Modernista architecture. L’Aquila combines Catalan Modernista elements with Viennese tendencies, while Can Rei owes much to Antonio Gaudí.
L’Arcada, Cala Figuera

Has the most central spot on the port, with the best views. Fresh fish dishes depend on the day’s catch. Also pizza, vegetable dishes and Mallorcan food.
L’Hermitage, Ctra. Alaró-Bunyola, Orient

Very off the beaten track, but worth the trip for the soaring views and some of Mallorca’s best cuisine. The setting, in elegant medieval rooms and terraces nestled amid luxuriant copses, is also unforgettable. Prepared by a top Swedish chef, dishes such as loin of lamb with dried apricots and a crispy vegetable roll are a must.
Mammals

You should see plenty of wild mountain goats in the more remote areas of Mallorca – and they’ll certainly spy you. Rabbits, hares, hedgehogs, civet cats, ferrets, weasels and other small creatures may take longer to spot. The Mallorcan donkey is also an increasingly rare occurrence – having been cross-bred with its Algerian cousin, there are less than 75 registered members of the unalloyed species that exist at present.
Manacor

Mallorca’s second city is famous for artificial pearl factories, of which Perlas Majorica is the best-known, producing 50 million a year. The method, involving fish scales, repeated baking and polishing, can be witnessed on the free tour. Also look inside the Església de Nostra Senyora dels Dolors to find a figure of Christ with scraggly hair and a skirt, and pilgrims lining up to kiss his bloodstained feet.
Manacor Pearls

The unprepossessing town of Manacor is notable for its manufactured goods, with pride of place going to its world-famous artificial pearls. The standards of fabrication are exacting, as a free tour of the factory will reveal, and the shimmering colours and variety of shapes indistinguishable from true pearls (see also Perlas Majorica, Manacor).
Marcus

The subdued lighting in violet tones and the classical statuary dotted around may seem a bit passé, but there’s always a good turnout, usually of 30- and 40-somethings. It’s a quiet alternative to the mostly frenetic life in the other bars and clubs.
Mare de Déu dels Àngels

Another, even longer battle between the Christians and the Moors, this time in Pollença. The town spends a whole year preparing for the event, in which hundreds of youths dress up.
Marianisa, Port d’Andratx

A shop selling fishermen’s shirts, swimwear, underwear and accessories.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- over €50