Ten things to do in Majorca

The biggest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca is a popular holiday choice and not just with us Brits, thanks to its warm climate, fantastic beaches and the many activities and attractions available. Other than turning up and plonking yourself on a beach for the fortnight, here’s our top 10 of things to do while you’re there!

Fiestas and Festivals

There are several fiestas throughout the year on the island of Majorca, although each is different, they all have music, dancing, traditional costumes and in most cases fireworks.

If there’s a fiesta happening near you during your stay, don’t miss it, it’s a great introduction to the Majorcan way of life.

Shopping

Palma is the best spot to enjoy some retail therapy with everything from up-market boutiques to familiar high street stores and modern shopping malls to hypermarkets. For those who enjoy a wonder round the local market will find that practically every town has its own weekly market, typically starting early in the morning and finishing by noon.  For a traditional market visit the medieval town of Sineu, here you’ll find everything from livestock and live snails for sale to fresh flowers, arts and crafts.

One of the many courses on the island

Golf

There are currently 20 courses dotted all over Majorca, each varying in difficulty and length, so wherever you’re staying you’re sure to have a golf course not too far away.

Water sports

Majorca’s average of 300 days of sunshine a year along with temperatures of 27ºC in the summer and 10ºC in the winter make the islands coastline ideal for enjoying the countless water sport opportunities with all the major beach resorts offer water skiing, scuba diving and windsurfing facilities.

Hiking

Whether you’re looking for a stroll through some of the islands most beautiful surroundings such as the S’Albufera Nature Park to enjoy its spectacular flora and fauna or want to ascend one of the highest peaks of the Tramuntana mountain range, Majorca has something for everyone.

Cycling

Majorca is a great place for enthusiastic cyclists; the island has some spectacular scenery and country roads taking you to tucked away villages.

Beaches

The main attraction of Majorca is undoubtedly its beaches, with long stretches of sand, hidden coves and rocky bays the island boasts around 180 in total. Some of the best locations can be found on the North Coast in Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa both ideal for families with young children.

Bull Fighting

Perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, though still a major sporting event throughout Spain where the leading matadors are considered national celebrities. Bullfights are held between March and October in the Placa de Toros, a bullring situated in the capital Palma which dates from 1929.

The Cathedral of Palma

Sights

Palma de Mallorca is the island’s capital city and home to a number of monuments including the gothic Cathedral, the Castell de Bellver which dates back to the 14th century, Banys Arabs (the old Moorish bath-house), and the Palau de l’Almudaina which used to be the palace of the Moorish governors and later of Mallorcan kings.

The Soller Railway – the old Soller train has connected the city of Palma de Mallorca with the small town of Soller since 1912, an enjoyable 27km trip along a narrow-gauge track through beautiful landscapes.

Monasteries – The monastery of San Salvador is situated inland from Majorca’s East coast and sits on top of a mountain offering amazing views of the surrounding countryside or the monastery at Lluc featured on many of the islands tours is still a religious pilgrimage for many, who come particularly to see the small dark statue of the Virgin Mary.

Top Tourist Attractions

Cuevos de Drach (Caves of Drac) situated near Porto Cristo these limestone caves are full of thousands of stalagmites, stalactites and weird rock formations created out of water dripping for thousands of years.

The Caves of Drac

The Pirates Adventure with its buccaneer-themed acrobatics, gymnastics and dancing is one of the islands top attractions and has played to over 3 million customers for 21years, it caters both to families and adults with a special Pirates Uncut (18) show.

Water-parks – Always great for a fun day out and fortunately Majorca has four of them you’ll find Hidropark in Alcudia, Aqualand in El Arenal , Western Waterpark and Aqualand both situated in Magaluf .

Animal attractions – Another popular choice, particularly for families, Majorca has several options: Marineland in Costa d’en Blanes which offers Dolphin, Sea Lion and Parrot shows, the Palma Aquarium in Playa de Palma , a small Safari Park in Sa Coma and the Rancho Grande in Son Serra which is a working horse ranch with horse-riding treks, and for those who don’t ride a horse drawn wagon is also available.

Golf Fantasia – Situated in Palma Nova, Golf Fantasia offers great entertainment for all ages, this mini-golf course has a total of 54 holes, set amongst waterfalls, tropical gardens, caves and wooden bridges.