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”

Pickled and Cured

The easiest finger-nibbles: olives (sometimes very salty), miniature pickles and possibly pearl onions. A cured favourite is salted cod.
Plaça Cort

With its elegant façades, including the town hall, and ancient olive tree, this is one of Palma’s loveliest squares.
Plaça Weyler

Several interesting examples of Palma’s Modernista output are found in this square. The Gran Hotel was Palma’s first luxury hotel when it opened in 1903. Designed by Catalan architect Lluis Domenech i Muntaner, it was the building that began the craze for Modernista in the city and is now an excellent art gallery (free) with a permanent display of paintings by Hermen Anglada-Camarasa and a major venue for temporary exhibitions. Across the street is the wonderful façade of the Forn des Teatre pastry shop next to the old-fashioned Bar Central (see Bar Central).
Platja de Canyamel

If a tranquil resort is what you’re after, this might be the place to come. Even in high season, it remains a quiet, family-oriented place – just a long, curving sandy beach backed by pine forests, with a few tasteful hotels here and there.
Platja de Formentor

Daytrippers from Port de Pollença love to come here, either by car or ferry, to partake of the same pristine sands and pure waters as the guests of the grand Hotel Formentor. The unspoiled views here are among the very best on the island (see Hotel Formentor).
Platja de Muro

Just to the north of C’an Picafort and south of Port d’Alcúdia, this beach is a congregation point for gays.
Platja de Palma

At the height of the holiday season, this 5-km (3-mile) long beach near the airport becomes exceptionally busy. Numerous hotels, apartments and clubs crowd behind a row of cafés and bars next to the beach.
Platja El Mago

Near Portals Vells and Magalluf, on the western end of Palma Bay, one of the island’s recognized nude beaches and popular with gays.
Platja Es Trénc

The island’s finest unspoiled beach, a place for nudists and alternative sun-worshippers of all sorts.
Platja y Dique del Oeste

Located at Porto Pi, near downtown Palma, this is a noted gay-friendly beach.