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”

Papillon

The age of the denizens tends to be in the 20s, but there’s also a good representation of older revellers at this upbeat disco. The music keeps the mood light, in accordance with the name and the decor. There’s no cover charge, and its always shoulder-to-shoulder crowded.
Parc de la Mar

The park next to the cathedral is a popular spot, with a lake, cafés and open-air concerts (see also Palma’s Walls (Walk) & Parc de la Mar, Palma).
Parc de la Mar, Palma

With its artificial lake, section of city walls and great views, this is a lovely place to stroll at any time. At night, the sparkling city lights and warm glow of the nearby cathedral and palaces add a magical quality (see Palma’s Walls (Walk).
Parc Natural de Mondragó

Marked as a protected area in 1992, the park incorporates marshes, rocky coasts, beaches, dunes, farmland, pine forest and scrub. Country lanes and easy trails provide access. Look out for herons, egrets, puffins, coots, ducks, finches and rabbits.
Parc Natural de Mondragó

One of the newer preserves established on the island, this one is part nature, part heritage site. It incorporates a full range of island terrains, from wooded hills to sandy dunes, as well as an assortment of rural structures. Come here for hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, swimming or simply getting a feel for old Mallorca.
Parc Natural de S’Albufera

Pliny wrote of night herons, probably from S’Albufera, being sent to Rome as a gastronomic delicacy. The wetlands were drained for agriculture in the 19th century. What land was left has now been restored and turned into a nature reserve – the Mediterranean’s largest wetlands.
Parc Natural de S’Albufera

The wetland south of Port d’Alcúdia was once a swamp, most of which was drained in the 1860s. The remaining marshes, overgrown with reeds, can be explored via marked trails. A major conservation project, this is an excellent place for bird-watching.
Passeig de la Rambla, Palma

Built on what was once a seasonal river bed, this long promenade doesn’t hold a candle to Barcelona’s famous Ramblas, but is lined with flower stalls and definitely worth a ramble.
Pâté

Another signature island dish is pork liver pâté.
Pedro, Son of Jaume I

Jaume I’s violent son Pedro and grandson Alfonso III tried to take Mallorca away from the rightful heir, Jaume II.