When considering taking a Majorca beach holiday, the most important factor to take into account will be the exact purpose of your visit. If you are looking for a Majorca beach with good water sports facilities, there are several beaches which would be perfect choices – Platja de Formentor, Cala Tuent and Platja de Sa Coma for example, all have first class water sports facilities. For families with children, looking for safe swimming, and sunbathing, the perfect white, sandy beach might be Colonia de Sant Jordi or Badia d’Alcudia. Naturists heading for Majorca will pick a more isolated beach such as Cala El Mago, one of 3 small coves at Cala Portals Vells. Whatever the purpose of your visit, you should have no trouble finding a Majorca beach which meets your requirements, to take a tour of the best beaches finding a Majorca car hire vehicle would be essential when making plans for your holiday, and booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.
December 8, 2009
Calvia Soller and Deia Mallorca
Three attractive Mallorca towns, which may escape the attentions of holidaymakers visiting the island, are nevertheless worth taking a look at, the towns in question are Calvia, Deia and Soller. Calvia, the administrative centre of a region which contains some of the best known resorts in Mallorca, lies in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, and is set amongst olive groves and fertile agricultural land, take a look at its 13th century church, the Calvia region has a rich historical heritage going back to the times of the Romans and beyond. The picturesque mountain town of Deia, was a popular haunt for expats during the First World War, and will always be associated with English poet Robert Graves who lived there for many years and is buried in the church there, Deia is also the home of the renowned Hotel la Residencia. The last of our towns is Soller, located at the end of the Palma “toytown” train, and dominated by the Puig Major mountain, its coastal arm Port de Soller is a popular holiday resort. Worth a visit in Soller is the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences and Botanical Gardens. If you are holidaying in one of the coastal resorts such as Magaluf or Santa Ponsa then you may need to hire a car in order to visit these interesting towns, although organised trips may be available from your local tourist office. Sporting enthusiasts staying in the resorts of the Calvia area will find plenty to keep them occupied, water sports facilities are plentiful along the coast and golf is especially well catered for with the 3 courses of Santa Ponsa Golf nearby and the Club de Golf de Poniente adijng to the variety.
December 7, 2009
Megalithic Structures of Menorca
Menorca is beyond a shadow of a doubt the most abundant in megalithic sites of all the Spanish Balearics, having many hundreds of stone structures dating from the Talaiotic period (2000BC – 1000BC) many of these ancient sites are still in a good state of repair and well worth the effort needed to see them. The majority of the finest megalithic sites are situated in the south of the island below the route of the ME-1, Mahon to Ciutadella carraigeway, many are decently signposted, others are much trickier to find and require some exploration and a good map, if you are doing the full tour you will need a decent guide book and a detailed road map of the island. Some of the finest and best known sites on Menorca include Torralba d’en Salort, for a great example of a taula (“T” shaped stone structure), Naveta d’es Tudons for a superb example of a naveta (upturned boat type stone structure) and Son Mercer de Baix for the most ancient settlement on Menorca. To have the required freedom to tour these and many other sites you would be best advised to rent a car hire vehicle for at least a couple of days of your stay, this will give you the opportunity to tour the island without any constraints. While touring the historic sites you can also pop in and see a few of the more “out of the way” coves and beaches, or perhaps take a morning for a game of golf at Son Parc in the north and then visit Monte Toro (Bull mountain), Menorca highest peak.
December 4, 2009
Ibiza North and East
The north and east coast of Ibiza, is dotted with some of the most popular resorts on the island and also features some interesting towns and villages. The most northern town and resort on the whole island is Portinatx, a mostly built for tourism resort with very little Ibizan charm or tradition, it is however a popular holiday destination with 4 fine beaches, a wonderful climate, and a decent range of facilities, the main and most popular beach is called S’Arenal Gros an attractive sandy beach with the usual amenities. For a bit more peace and quiet head for the attractive Cala d’en Serra beach set on a pretty pine-laden bay just a short drive from Portinatx. Slightly inland are several interesting little towns and villages, including Sant Joan de Labritja, Sant Miguel de Balansat and Sant Llorenç de Bataifa. Across to the east coast you will find the coastal resort of Santa Eulalia (Santa Eularia des Riu), the 3rd largest resort on the island, popular with families it also has some interesting places to visit. Near to Santa Eulalia you will find the resort of Es Cana, here at Punta Arabi many choose to visit the popular Hippy Market, a good place to pick up a few gifts and mementos. This concludes our short visit to Ibiza north and east a wonderful area to visit if you are holidaying in Ibiza in the Balearic Islands of Spain.
December 3, 2009
Es Pujols Formentera
The only tourist resort of any real note on the island of Formentera in the Spanish Balearic Islands, Es Pujols is a pretty laid back place which is ideal for a relaxing, away from it all, holiday. Backed by a beautiful white, sandy beach, the seafront promenade of Es Pujols is dotted with restaurants and bars, though not to the extent that you would expect from a Balearic Islands resort, nightlife is equally low key with plenty to keep the less demanding tourist happy without disturbing those who prefer a quieter time whilst on holiday. Formentera is still a charmingly undiscovered holiday destination (relatively!), no doubt assisted by the fact that it does not yet have an airport. Arrivals are by way of a ferry from Ibiza (or Denia on the mainland) and this in itself is a unique holiday experience. If you need to get around the island then securing a Formentera car hire vehicle will be a must for those seeking anything more than a relaxing beach holiday. Those hiring a car be have the freedom to tour around and see what the island has to offer, you could head into the capital Sant Francesc or head along the coast and visit some of the ancient watchtowers which were constructed to warn of pirate attacks many centuries ago. Whatever you are looking for, you will find Es Pujols and Formentera Island well worth a visit for a somewhat different holiday experience, the weather is similar to that of Ibiza, being pretty reliable during the summer months (May to October) and pleasant though less reliable through the winter.
November 19, 2009
Majorca Resorts Puerto Pollensa
Located on a beautiful bay some 4 miles to the east of Pollensa, the resort of Puerto Pollensa is one of the most popular on the island of Majorca. Situated on Majorca’s north-east coast, Puerto Pollensa attracts families and those seeking a more laid back holiday. The resort boasts a pretty harbour, a fantastic climate and a fine gently sloping, sandy beach, it has plenty of hotels and holiday rental accommodation and a lively, but not frantic, nightlife scene. If you are looking for all night clubs and raves, then look elsewhere in Majorca. Places to visit in the area include the historic town of Pollensa (Pollença) itself, the 330 metre Puig de Maria, and its 17th century hermitage.
October 24, 2009
Puerto Pollensa Majorca
The harbour area for the ancient Majorcan town of Pollensa, is known as Puerto Pollensa. For many years a popular destination for rich tourists to Mallorca, Puerto Pollensa was the subject of a 1936 short story by the famous author Agatha Christie (Problem at Pollensa Bay). The present town still retains much of the charm that it would have had in Agatha Christie’s day and has not been ruined by concrete tower blocks, as has much of the Majorca coastline. The colourful Majorcan fishing boasts are however being largely superceded by luxury yachts, though the hope is that they will not replace them entirely. The attractive Pine Walk which runs beside the harbour of Puerto Pollensa, is a wonderful setting for an evening stroll, before settling down for a delicious meal in one of the local restaurants. The region enjoys a splendid climate and Puerto Pollensa weather is ideal for sunny summer holidays or pleasant winter breaks, so why not visit the picturesque Mallorcan town of Puerto Pollensa soon.
October 19, 2009
Arta, Petra, Sineu and Capdepera Mallorca
Four lesser known towns on the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, that may be of interest should you be visiting are Sineu, Petra, Arta and Capdepera. Some charming little towns, they all have a different history to tell. Sineu, located in the centre of the island was where King Jaime II built his royal palace, much of which exists to this day, and presently home to an order of nuns, you can also visit the Nostra Senyora de los Angeles church originally from the 13th century. Petra was the birthplace of Mallorca’s most famous son Fray Junípero Serra, famous as the founder of California after being sent there to found missions for Carlos III at the age of 58, visitors can see the house where he was born and the font where he was baptised. Arta is a charming little mountain town which was an Arab stronghold during their occupation of Mallorca, the town still has many remnants of its ancient fortifications, the nearby Ses Paisses is one of Majorca’s best know archaeological sites. Lastly we visit Capdepera, another ancient town dominated by its medieval castle – the largest on Majorca, a castle has existed here since Roman times and has been rebuilt numerous times by various civilisations. The nearby Caves of Artà, with immense cathedral sized caverns and interesting rock formations are well worth a visit.
October 17, 2009
Valldemossa Majorca
One of the big attractions on the cultural tourist route of Mallorca is the small town of Valldemossa, which sits in the mountains north of the capital Palma de Mallorca. What makes this place so special is that for a short time in the winter of 1838-39, it became the home of French novelist George Sand and her lover composer Frederick Chopin, who went there to escape the gossip of Paris, and also in the hope that it would aid Chopin’s bad health (he suffered from tuberculosis). Ironically that winter Valldemossa weather was not kind to its new visitors and it remained wet and windy for most of their stay. The celebrities were also apparently given the cold shoulder by the locals as they were not married, and George Sand wrote a derogatory book about their stay called “A Winter in Mallorca” in which she called the local inhabitants savages and thieves. Their visit has still not been forgotten and the book can still be found on sale in the town! Valldemossa Map.
San Antonio Ibiza
Nowadays one of the most popular resorts on the island, San Antonio Ibiza was formerly just a small fishing village which has existed since Roman times when it was known as Portus Magnus. Developed during the 1950’s and 60’s as a tourist resort, San Antonio went into decline in the 1980’s but sprang back again during the 1990’s as Ibiza became the clubbers capital of the world. Still popular as a family resort and as a ferry port (ferries arrive from Denia on the mainland), it is nonetheless mainly frequented by young clubbers who head for some of the most renowned clubs on the island such as Mambo, Eden and Es Paradis and party until the early hours (or even into the next day). This famous holiday island enjoys a wonderful climate and San Antonio weather is pretty reliable during the summertime when most visitors arrive, the winters are quieter and this could be the best time to visit if you are not looking for the clubbing scene. The attractive San Antonio Bay and busy fishing harbour are a popular place to visit, there are some fine beaches such as Cala Bassa and Cala Conta, and there are some interesting places to visit nearby. San Antonio Ibiza Map.
September 14, 2009
The Weather in Ibiza Spain
If you are looking for a place to visit with a great climate all year round then Ibiza in the Balearic Islands of Spain could be just the place for you. For spring or summer holidays, the island is perfect with Ibiza weather being sunny and dry most days between May and September, the temperature range is around 25° to 35° Centigrade and the water temperature is also excellent making it an ideal time to visit for families with children. In October and November things change a little with lower temperatures, more chance of some rain but still sunny for most of the time and still temperatures reaching the mid-twenties. In December and January you can still expect the weather in Ibiza to be sunny, though days are often crisp and fresh, making it great for hiking and cycling. In February, March and April, expect a little rain and some cool breezes but as Spring breaks and things start to hot up, summer is heading you way again. So whenever you are visiting Ibiza you can expect some excellent weather with plenty of sunshine to make your days brighter and more enjoyable.
September 11, 2009
Menorca History
Just 25 miles to the north-east of Mallorca, lies the second largest of the Balearic Islands – Menorca (often called Minorca in the UK). Smaller and quieter than its better known neighbour, Menorca has a resident population of just 88,000 and mostly attracts visitors looking for peace and relaxation. Noted for its rugged coastline, Menorca has over 120 beaches, almost as many as Mallorca and Ibiza combined, many are located in secluded coves, well away from the popular resorts, the other big attraction of course is the climate, with the weather being pleasant all year round, with warm dry summers and mild winters.
The main towns of Menorca are the capital Mahon (Mao) and the former capital Ciutadella, Mahon is an attractive town with one of the best natural harbours in the Mediterranean, Ciutadella also has a busy harbour and is very picturesque, with its narrow, winding streets and grand palaces.
Menorca is particularly rich in megalithic structures, which provide evidence of the earliest inhabitants of the Balearic Islands. Possibly settled as early as 4000 BC, a civilisation known as the Talayotic flourished between 2000 and 1000 BC. The Talayots built many stone structures throughout the island, in the form of three main types – Taulas, consisting of 2 stones making a ‘T’ shape, possibly used as altars, Talayots, square or circular rock buildings which could have been dwellings or tombs, and Navetas, in the shape of upturned boats, again possibly used as dwellings.
Menorca and the Balearic Islands were later to become part of the Carthaginian trading empire, recruiting many of the islands famous ‘stone slingers’ into their armies as war approached with Rome. The islanders skill with sling and stone was legendary and it is likely that the name of the island group is derived from the Greek ballein “to throw”.
After the defeat of the Carthaginians by the Romans in the Punic Wars, the islands became an outpost for the Roman Empire, Menorca was renamed Balearis Minor, but seems to have held little importance for the Empire, which had more interest in the mainland. The Romans were replaced by the Goths, who were in turn replaced by the Vandals and the Visigoths, and there was little stability for the island until the arrival of the Moors in the 9th century. Arab rule continued until the 13th century, when Menorca finally came back under Christian control. Menorca and the other Balearic Islands suffered constant attacks by pirates over the following centuries, the fine harbour of Mahon being one of the main targets, in fact this was one of the priorities of the British when they took Menorca in 1708, during the War of Spanish Succession, in the process obtaining the superb harbour for the continued use of the British Royal Navy. Menorca was finally handed back to Spain in 1802 under the Treaty of Amiens. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), Menorca remained Republican while its neighbour Mallorca was held by the Nationalists under General Franco.
Menorca today is a popular holiday destination, which has mostly escaped the ravages of mass tourism, its peaceful family resorts and friendly population clinging to their ancient traditions and customs. Lingering British influence from their time there can be seen in the islanders preference for gin as opposed to wine which is normally favoured by the Spanish. The airport is located to the south of the capital Mahon (Mao) and is within easy driving distance of all of the main resorts and tourist centres, it is certainly worth hiring a car, so that you can locate some of the more out of the way beaches and also take a look at some of the best historical sites. Menorca Map.
September 6, 2009
Formentera Balearic Islands
Smallest of the main Balearic Islands, with a resident population of less than 5,000, Formentera is also the quietest and least spoilt of the islands. With an area of only 82km2, this is a tiny island, its big brother, Ibiza is only 4 kilometres to the north and its lack of an airport is no doubt the reason for its unspoilt nature. Formentera is being discovered by more and more people each year and at the moment is mostly chosen by those wanting to escape the overcrowded destinations such as Ibiza and Mallorca. Part of the Pitiusas group of islands along with Ibiza and a number of islets, Formentera was discovered by the Greeks, occupied by the Romans and later by the Moors, and fortified by the Christians after the reconquest. The main attractions apart from the tranquillity are the splendid beaches and the crystal clear water, Formentera has some of the best beaches in the Balearics and also the least crowded, at times you would think you were on an isolated tropical island. The lack of an airport means you will have to arrive by ferry, your landing point will be La Savina and you will most probably be coming from Ibiza Town or Denia on the Spanish mainland. The climate is much the same as Ibiza, a temperate Mediterranean one, with Formentera weather being suitable for holidays throughout the year. While the traditional beach holiday is popular and emerging resorts such as Es Pujols are growing, walking and cycling holidays are also desirable as is scuba diving. To see the main architectural heritage of the island you may want to head for the capital Sant Francesc where you will find a fortified 18th century church and the interesting Ethnological Museum with a variety of tools and implements on show. If you fancy a holiday with a difference why not try the peaceful island of Formentera. Formentera Map.
Can Pastilla Majorca
Ideally located on the Bay of Palma, the popular family resort of Can Pastilla is a good spot for a holiday or a winter break, its safe sandy beach is ideal for children, gently sloping into warm Mediterranean waters. The beach is backed by a palmed promenade which stretches all the way to the neighbouring resort of El Arenal, along the promenade you will find plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and arcades for your entertainment and amusement, and in the evenings the promenade comes alive and offers great views across the bay to the neon light capital Palma de Mallorca. Not to be missed is the pretty little harbour, with luxury yachts moored alongside traditional fishing boats. There are a decent selection of hotels to choose from in the resort one of the most popular being the Linda Hotel Can Pastilla, which is located near to the beach and facilities, other hotels include the Hotel Balear, the Hotel Balmes, the Hotel Bari and the Hotel Baltic. The weather in Can Pastilla is of course typical of Mallorca in general being hot and dry during the summer and generally mild during the winter making it an all year round location. Can Pastilla Map.
September 2, 2009
Ciutadella Menorca
An attractive town with a picturesque port and a charming old quarter, Ciutadella was the former capital of Menorca until the British arrived in 1708. originally founded by the Carthaginians, Ciutadella later became an important trading centre for the Moors until they were ousted by the Christians in the late 13th century. Sacked by the Turks in 1558, all its citizens were sold into slavery in Constantinople. Largely rebuilt during the 17th and 18th centuries, Ciutadella is a typically Spanish town with some beautiful squares and some fine architecture, its 13th century cathedral was all that remained from the Turkish invasion, was built on the former site of an Arab mosque. Ciutadella was replaced as capital by Mahon, as its deepwater harbour was considered superior by the British, it did however remain as the religious capital of the island. Ciutadella Map.