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”

Marinated

All manner of seafood, including anchovies, sardines and shellfish, steeped in pale green olive oil.
Marine Birds

Birdwatchers come from all over Europe to see rare migrants, especially at the S’Albufera wet-lands (see Parc Natural de S’Albufera), including marsh harriers, herons, egrets, stilts, bitterns and flamingos. Seagulls (including the rare Audouin’s gull), sandpipers, cormorants, ducks, ospreys and terns live along the rocky coasts.
Marineland

Children love the displays of dolphins, seals and sea lions showing off their acrobatic and aquatic skills. Kids can also swim in a pool of gentle rays, which feel like velvety gelatine.
Marqués del Palmer, Colònia Sant Jordi

Set on its own crescent of sugary beach, with absolutely nothing else around. There’s also a large pool built out on a deck over the sea. The rooms are smallish, but most have sea views. Very popular with families, with lots of activities on offer for kids. Guests are mostly German.
Maundy Thursday

Setmana Santa (Holy Week) in the capital city is observed by a solemn procession of some 5,000 people parading an icon of the crucified Christ through the streets.
Mayolet, Manacor

Attached to the Reserva Rotana, whose pool it shares, this old farmer’s stone house has been updated for every comfort. The rooms are large and rustic, and like a home-from-home.
Menta, Port d’Alcúdia

Done up like a lavish Roman villa, with terraces, fountains and even a swimming pool. Party nights include Latin, African and Roman Toga.
Menta, Port d’Alcúdia

This is a well-run club with an exciting range of rooms and areas for full-on partying, having a quiet drink with friends, or even taking a nighttime dip in a pool fit for an emperor. It’s a beautiful and inviting place, run with an unerring sense of style and good taste – it’s glitzy, of course, but never tacky. The location is a bit off the beaten track, but it’s worth whatever it takes to get there.
Mestizo, Port d’Alcúdia

Resembling something you might find in the American Southwest, with warm adobe colours and desert decor, this place is just a block off the beach and popular for cocktails, coffee and cakes. Internet access is also available.
Mirador de Mal Pas

This viewpoint is the first stop on a tour of the Península de Formentor.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €50
- €50–€100
- €100–€150
- €150–€200
- over €200