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”

Pollença

Founded by the Romans in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana, Pollença still has much of its old-world charm with narrow, twisting streets, some good restaurants and a lively Sunday market. There’s a great municipal museum, too (see Museu Municipal de Pollença), while the pride of the town is the beautiful Way of the Cross, leading to a chapel that houses a Gothic statue of Christ. Climbing the seemingly endless set of steps (365 in all), you pass the Stations of the Cross. The statue is carried around town on Good Friday, in a moving torchlight procession.
Pollença to Puig de Maria (Walk)

You’ll find the signpost to Puig de Maria at Km 52 on the main road from Palma to Pollença. A sanctuary, set on an isolated hill that dominates the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia, offers stirring views of the Península de Formentor.
Pollentia

The Moorish town of Alcúdia is built over an ancient Roman settlement called Pollentia. Little more than a few original Roman columns and foundations remain in situ – after being burned by Vandals in AD 440, the antique structures were dismantled to help create the new town (see Alcúdia).
Pork Sausages

Mallorca’s most prized sausage, sobrassada , comes from the island’s famous small black pigs. It’s tender, flavourful and tinged red from spices, and you’ll find various versions of it, including a sobrassada pâté for spreading on toast.
Port Blau, Colònia de Sant Jordi

Uses fish caught around Illa de Cabrera, served up in vast portions in an open dining area on the port.
Port de Pollença

The family-friendly resort situated 6 km (4 miles) to the east of Pollença town, beside a pleasant bay, is an attractive place with a long, sandy beach. Many retired foreigners have made the town their home.
Port de Pollença

The port is a major resort, with beautiful restaurants, unique shops, a lovely pedestrian-only zone right along the water and loads of nightlife. It is a favourite with families year-round, while older visitors flock in winter. A large community of foreign residents, mostly retired British, have made it their permanent home.
Port de Sóller

The lovely bay offers calm waters for swimming, and a pedestrian walk lines the beaches. The resort hotels and nightlife venues cater to both young and old. Don’t miss a ride on the antique tram that scoots to and from downtown Sóller.
Port de Sóller

This small resort, set around an excellent natural harbour, has vibrant festivals (see Festa de Nostra Senyora de la Victòria) and the only beach of any size along the northwestern coast. An atmosphere of low-key chic and family fun prevails. It’s the starting point for boat trips along the coast and a good base for walks – a short climb brings you to the Cap Gros lighthouse with its panoramic views.
Port de Valldemossa

More a cove than a port, the beach here is rocky, the houses are made of rock, and rocky villas are dotted on the hill. Getting here involves a hair-raising series of hairpin bends down a cliff face that’s subject to rockslides, especially after rains. The lone restaurant, Es Port, is a treat (see Es Port, Port de Valldemossa).

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