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”

Nativitat de Nostra Senyora

Beginning in the town of Alaró, a pilgrimage celebrating Mary’s birth heads up the mountain to the hilltop shrine dedicated to the Virgin. The shrine is located near the Castell d’Alaró and has spectacular views.
Nicke’s Svensk Bar & Café

A full line-up of drinks, nachos, some unusual Swedish-influenced dishes and baked potatoes with various toppings. Closing time is when the last customer leaves.
Nostra Senyora de la Esperança, Capdepera

The story goes that once, when a band of loutish brigands were preparing to attack the town of Capdepera, the townspeople implored the Madonna to help them. A thick fog promptly settled in, confounding the pirates. Since then, the town’s statue has been known as Sa Esperança (“the bringer of hope”). It is housed in a quaint Gothic chapel within the famous castle at Capdepera.
Nostra Senyora de Lluc

Not so much an active monastery today as a place of pilgrimage that also draws tourists and nature-lovers. This is Mallorca’s holiest spot, high in the mountains, and has been a sacred zone since time immemorial. The complex has an attractive church, with a special chapel to house the venerated image, and there are also pilgrim paths to climb and nature trails to explore (seeMonestir de Nostra Senyora de Lluc & Santuari de Lluc).
Nostra Senyora dels Àngels, Pollença

Features include a vibrant rose window with elaborate arabesque stone tracery outside and an intriguing sculpture, located in a side chapel, of St Sebastian, nonchalantly resting on the arrows that pierce his body. Note the floor tiles with rooster heads, the symbol of the town of Pollença.
Nostra Senyora dels Àngels, Sineu

Mallorca’s grandest parish church, at the highest point of a town that was declared the official centre of the island by King Sanç, can be visited only on market day, Wednesday. It has a small archaeological museum.
Old Road to Sóller (Drive)

The drive over the Coll de Sóller, with its 57 hairpin bends, is the most terrifying in Mallorca. But it’s worth it to see what life used to be like before the tunnel opened.
On Bread

The signature bread snack is a crust of baguette with olive oil and maybe other toppings.
Oratori de Montesió, Porreres

Part of a former monastery, this 14th-century hilltop church overlooks the small agricultural village of Porreres. It has a five-sided cloister, an unusual arcaded façade with elegant Gothic lines, and great views out to sea. The setting is a wonderful venue for special concerts sponsored by the town, featuring internationally known talents.
Orient

Again, it is the mountain setting that dazzles: this tiny, remote hamlet of some 40 houses has some of the finest views the island has to offer. It’s also an excellent base for hikers or anyone who just wants to breathe the exhilarating air.