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.
October 17, 2009
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.
August 31, 2009
Mallorca Resorts Cala d Or
The chic seaside resort of Cala D’Or lies on the east coast of Mallorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands. Popular with ‘package holiday’ tourists it also has a beautiful marina where countless fine yachts are moored. A super resort for water sports, Cala D’Or has facilities for diving, sailing and windsurfing, it has numerous small beaches and coves along its 4 km of coastline. Holiday makers come to relax and enjoy the superb Cala D’Or weather and dine in the many waterfront restaurants. Cala D’Or Map.
August 28, 2009
Majorca Resorts Cala Bona
If travelling to the east coast of Majorca for your holidays this year, you may want to consider staying at the pretty little resort of Cala Bona (which means “Good Bay”). Less well known than its bigger neighbour Cala Millor, Cala Bona has an attractive harbour and its original network of narrow streets and alleys from its former days as a small fishing village. Lacking a real sandy beach , Cala Bona may not suit all holidaymakers, and if it is a beach holiday that you prefer you may be better advised to head for Cala Millor or one of Majorca’s other big coastal resorts. Cala Bona still has some small beaches, located in little rocky bays and inlets along the coast and it is a good base for exploring the east coast of Majorca and its many attractions. Cala Bona Map.
August 19, 2009
Overview – Balearic Islands
A popular holiday destination in the Mediterranean Sea, the Spanish Balearic Islands have something to offer visitors of all tastes. The four main islands of the group are Mallorca (Majorca), Ibiza, Menorca (Minorca) and Formentera, the largest of the group is Mallorca. People have been living on the Balearic Islands since about 5,000 BC, possibly coming originally from mainland Spain, although the islands history are shrouded in myth and legend, some going back to the times of the ancient Greeks. Modern day visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the club scene of lively Ibiza, the family resorts of Mallorca, the quiet of Menorca and the charm of unspoilt Formentera.
August 18, 2009
Andratx Mallorca
The charming old Mallorca town of Andratx sits in the shadow of the 3,366 foot Puig de Galatzo mountain at the south-western end of the island, overlooked by medieval watchtowers, built to warn of raids by pirates and renegades in centuries past. The fortress like Santa Maria church is well worth a visit if you are in the town. Completely separate from the old town is the equally old port and harbour area, previously just a tiny fishing village, it has been transformed into a popular and exclusive resort, visited by the rich and famous who moor their luxury yachts in the new marina. Andratx has some famous residents including the likes of Tom Cruise and Claudia Schiffer who both own homes there. Andratx and the whole of Mallorca is blessed with a fantastic climate and Andratx weather is particularly pleasant during the summer months, but also quite agreeable during the winter months. Andratx can be accessed from the MA-1 from Palma de Mallorca, you can see a map here: Andratx Map.
August 14, 2009
Mallorca Resorts – Alcudia
Worth visiting on a holiday in Mallorca is the northern town of Alcudia and its harbour area Port D’Alcudia. Less touristy than the southern resorts, Alcudia also has a bit of history to go with its 6 miles or so of coast and beaches. An old walled town, Alcudia was for centuries the target of pirate raids and many of its ancient fortifications can still be seen today, the sturdy church of Sant Jaume (Saint James) forms part of these medieval walls. In the busy Port D’Alcudia you will find fishing and pleasure craft along with Naval and commercial vessels, as this is still a working port, it is also where most of the tourist facilities are located including plenty of bars and restaurants where you can eat by day and party by night. Alcudia is a mostly quiet family resort though, and those seeking a hectic sun and fun holiday should head for the southern resorts such as Magaluf. Many do choose to holiday here however, and those that do are rewarded with the fine weather and a more peaceful and laid back holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the major package holiday resorts. Alcudia Map.
July 28, 2009
Majorca – Interesting and Historic Sights
The holiday island of Majorca in the Balearic Islands is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. The large majority of holidaymakers head for the well known beach resorts and may be missing out on some interesting and lesser known attractions that would add to the enjoyment of their visit. The best prehistoric site on Majorca is located 5 kilometres inland from Cala Pi, this Talaiotic site known as Capocorb Vell takes the form of an ancient village, some 3,000 years old. South of Algaida is Puig de Randa, site of an ancient monastery founded by Ramón Llull a famous resident of Majorca, it was founded in the 13th century. Off the south coast of Majorca about 18 km off Colonia Sant Jordi, you can visit Cabrera Island, now a protected Natural Park, it boasts the famous “Blue Grotto” cavern and some rare species of flora and fauna. Close to Colonia Sant Jordi on the Majorcan mainland is a small town known as Ses Salines, significant since Roman times for the production of salt, which was extracted from local marshes. East of the capital Palma de Mallorca, is the hub of the Majorcan shoe making industry, Llucmajor, which was also the scene of a bloody battle between two Spanish kings, resulting in the death of Jaime III and the end of the Kingdom of Majorca. This is the end of a short journey to just some of Majorca’s interesting places to visit, so if you are looking for something a little more than lazing on the beach, lapping up the fabulous Majorca weather, then the places listed above may be just right for you.