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”

Santuari de Son Fe, Alcúdia

Located in foothills amid cultivated fields and spruce and pine forests. It’s ideal as a spiritual retreat or a base for excursions. All rooms are double, and there’s also a pool, tennis and even heating.
Santuari del Puig de Maria, Pollença

High on the Puig de Maria. There’s a kitchen with a coal fire, and a dining room with a fireplace and restaurant. Bathrooms are communal, and only one of the showers has hot water (see Ermita de Nostra Senyora del Puig).
Sassecador, Portocristo

Decorated with Moroccan tilework, Tiffany-style lampshades and pictures of old Mallorca. Enjoy a view of the marina while you partake of a traditional Mallorcan meal.
Sea Bass Baked in Rock Salt

The Mallorcan version of this classic is the pièce de résistance wherever it is served. The salt pack keeps the moisture and flavour safely inside, and when it is cracked open you find the most delicate, succulent fish, with just a hint of saltiness to add piquancy.
Ses Covetes

Midway along the beach at Es Trénc is the site of what were probably ancient Roman burial grounds, where ashes of the dead were placed in small niches. It is called a columbarium (dovecote) because it resembles a pigeon house, with small openings lined up in rows.
Ses Covetes

These days there’s no trace of the “small caves”, presumed ancient Roman burial niches, that inspired the name. Located at the northern end of Es Trénc, the island’s finest, longest, totally undeveloped, clothing-optional beach, this place resembles more of a dusty shanty-town than anything else.
Ses Païsses

These Bronze Age remains form one of Mallorca’s most impressive prehistoric sites. The defensive wall, composed of huge square blocks, is an example of the Mediterranean Cyclopean style – so-named by later cultures who believed that only a giant like the Cyclops could have built such a structure.
Ses Paisses

A link with the Mallorcans of some 3,000 years ago, these Bronze Age ruins of a Talayot village include a massive Cyclopean portal formed from three stone slabs weighing up to eight tons each. Inside are several rooms and an atalaia (watch-tower); and the entire settlement is surrounded by a Cyclopean drystone wall.
Ses Rotes Velles, Campos–Colònia Sant Jordi

Immaculate lawns set off beautiful flower gardens, a vibrant counterpoint to the rich ochre of the bungalows. The food is some of the island’s best.
Since 1945

Generalissimo Francisco Franco instigates the development of mass tourism, which brings a much-needed influx of foreign money. This transforms Mallorca from a backwater to one of the 21st century’s choicest venues of international stardom.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- over €50
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