Algaida is a sleepy old town located in the center of Mallorca and possesses a classic beauty of various narrow streets without pavements and a central square dominated by a sandstone church. Located 20km, or 12 miles, north east of the capital Palma, and the Son Sant Joan International Airport. Few visitors make it into the town centre; the attractions are all on the outskirts, on the Palma-Manacor road. The main one is Ca'n Gordiola, a glass factory housed in a mock castle. The ground floor contains a workshop (though it looks more like a church with its arches and stained glass} where you can watch glass being blown; upstairs there are museums devoted to both glass and perfume. A further 2km along the road to Manacor is a string of well-known restaurants, where the people of Palma head at weekends for old-fashioned Mallorcan cuisine. There are three beaches that surround the Algaida. These are Platja de Palma, Platja Arenal and Platja Ciutat Jardi. If you really want to enjoy the real life of Algaida then you must go to their cafes and bars.

As you would expect, the range of accommodation available around Algaida is very limited, and as far as we are aware the town doesn't as yet feature in any of the major tour operators brochures. As a result, anyone considering a visit here must make provision to either collect a hire car from the airport, or make the journey into the town by one of the many taxis that will be waiting outside the arrivals hall.

For those visitors who do prefer to make the short journey by car, in preference to a taxi ride, the main Ma-15 Carrer de Manacor does run less than 1km to the north of the town, making it quite a short journey.

Lying in the south-east of the island, Algaida is a largely rural municipality, with the majority of those living in the small town of Algaida itself. The little villages of Randa and Pina are the only other communities of any size.

Archaeological remains found in the municipality point to settlements dating back to prehistoric times, but the first recorded mention of it is in 1232 when two ‘alqueries’ (Muslim farms) were recorded under the name of Algaida. The term Algaida is derived from the Islamic word ‘al-gaida’, meaning the wood or forest. Under Arab rule, the territory occupied by the municipality of Algaida was part of a larger administrative region under the name of ‘Juz de Muntuy’, which included the municipalities of Algaida, Campos, Llucmajor, Montuïri, Santanyí and Ses Salines. A reminder of the region’s past can be seen in the many wells and water tanks in the area and descendants of the array of hydraulic structures built by the Arabs to collect water.

The Catalan conquest of the island in the 13th Century reshaped the area and from a very scattered population, the people of the area began to consolidate around certain large farms, and small villages began to spring up.

The terrain in Algaida is made up of rolling hills and although the landscape is primarily farmland with almond and fig trees, pine and holm - oak forests cover the low mountains. Almost 250 hectares of the municipality between the Son Gual and Xorrigo ravines is a designated nature reserve.

There are six small mountains in the municipality of which the highest, at 544m, is Puig de Randa. This magnificent mountain is well worth a climb if you have the energy, especially as the mountainside is home to three beautiful secluded monasteries: On the lower terrace, the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Gracia is a hermitage dating from the 15th Century and has been constructed like a swallow’s nest on the edge of a rocky promontory; on the second terrace lies Santuario lies de Sant Honorat, dating from the 14th Century.

However, perhaps the most impressive of the three, and certainly the most famous, is near the top of the mountain and is called the Santuario Nuestra Señora. It is famous throughout the island as a retreat for the famous writer and philosopher Ramón Lull. Born into a wealthy family in Palma, Ramón was a notorious hellraiser when young, but underwent a religious conversion at the age of 30 and devoted himself to the study of Christianity and to campaigning for closer association between the three major religions of the time - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He was the first scholar to write extensively in the Catalan language, which is the root of the Majorcan dialect. In commemoration of his life and work, a Ramón Lull museum and school dedicated to his teachings are also to be found on the mountain.

Aside from famous hermits, Algaida is also well known as a centre of the Majorcan style of cuisine, known as ‘mallorquinischen’, which is quite distinct from Spanish cuisine. It involves cooking with pork and chicken and lots of almonds, olives and vegetables and there are many restaurants specialising in this type of cookery in the municipality - it is a must for any visitor to give it a try.

Algaida is also home to a rather controversial bull in the form of a statue originally erected as a promotional tool for Osborne, a sherry distiller. Bulls are a national symbol of Spain and as such, the Algaida bull is perceived by advocates of Majorcan independence as a symbol of foreign dominance and has sustained several attacks, although, such is the importance of the bull as a Spanish symbol, it has been rebuilt by the authorities each time. The bull can be seen on the main road out to Manacor.

 

Puerto Andratx is a town nestled among the Serra de Tamunan mountains in Majorca's south-west, which has become popular with holiday-makers who want to get away from the main tourist resorts. It was founded in the early Middle Ages as the port of the nearby regional centre of Andratx - which, like many Majorcan towns, was built a few miles inland to protect it against pirate attacks.

Today the town's harbour is dominated by a marina and yacht club, filled with hundreds of luxury yachts taking advantage of the shelter provided by the surrounding hills. Local fishing boats also use the port, unloading the days catch just a short distance from the many excellent seafood restaurants that line the waterfront. In the 13th Century this region was an important centre of Majorcan culture - and King Jaime I of Aragon, one of the most powerful kings of the reconquest period, had a palace here. Almost eight centuries later Puerto Andratx is still a very desirable place to live, and many international celebrities own villas in the town and surrounding hills.

The old buildings and narrow streets of Puerto Andratx give the town an authentic Majorcan feel. The pace of life is very low-key, and it makes an excellent holiday choice for anyone who wants to escape the crowds at Majorca's busiest resorts. The local night-life is generally limited to walking along the waterfront during the warm evenings and dining in its restaurants - but most visitors to this region have not come to party all night. Instead, many holiday-makers use Puerto Andratx as a base to explore the remote coves, beaches and mountain landscapes of the west of the island.

There is just one small beach in the town itself, Ses Bassetes, between the waterfront promenade and the pier - but one of the best beaches in the region is just five kilometres away at Camp de Mar, a small and exclusive resort set in a peaceful sandy bay. Beach-lovers can also reach the small island of Sa Dragonera by boat trip from Puerto Andratx, or from the nearby town of Sant Elm. Sa Dragonera is now protected as a wilderness reserve, but it was once the haunt of pirates and smugglers. Today there is a small settlement on the island, but no tourist accommodations The island is home to several sea-bird species, and was famed in the Middle Ages for the hunting peregrine falcons that nested here. Visitors can take a number of easy walking routes around the island, including a climb to the lighthouse on its highest peak, where they will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Majorcan coastline and mountains.

The inland town of Andratx is very picturesque, with several old buildings and the remains of the defensive wall that once protected it from pirates. The upper part of the town features narrow cobbled streets and the fortress-like church of Santa Maria. The view back over the old town over towards Puerto Andratx makes the walk uphill worthwhile. Compared to Majorca's heavily developed resort regions, there are relatively few few hotels and holiday complexes in the Puerto Andratx area, but there are many private villas and apartments available to let on a long or short-term basis.

Arenal Majorca

Arenal is a seaside resort at the eastern end of the Playa de Palma, a four-mile stretch of sandy beach that begins at Can Pastilla in the west, beside Palma's international airport. Arenal - also known as s'Arenal and El Arenal - is very popular in summer with young German tourists looking for a lively holiday by the beach, and in the nightclubs and dance bars of the town. In the off-season Arenal attracts more Spanish, Dutch and British visitors. In the past the area was more popular with the British, and so there are many British businesses here, including several well-known British pubs along the beach front.

The three main resort areas from Can Pastilla to Arenal are joined by a wide pedestrian promenade. Much of the promenade is lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, and it is a popular place for long walks and bicycle rides beside the sea. There is also a mini-train that runs along the beach-front throughout the day, shuttling visitors to any part of the long beach that they choose. The beach is very popular, with golden sand and a gentle slope into the sea. A series of huts called "balnearios" have been built on the beach itself - these usually have toilets, a shower and a kiosk selling drinks and food. There are lifeguards stationed along the beach, as well as many operators renting out hammocks, sun loungers and sun-umbrellas, and equipment for water sports. Yachting is very popular on this side of the Bay of Palma, and there are marinas at Can Pastilla and Playa de Palma. Water-skiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing and fishing.

At night Arenal is a party town, especially in summer when it is popular with German visitors on "18-30" package holidays. There are many dance bars and nightclubs throughout Arenal, and many more in Playa de Palma and Can Pastilla just a short taxi ride away. But Arenal also also has many quieter bars and pubs, terrace cafés and romantic restaurants. Several local fiestas are celebrated along the beach throughout the year, as well as a big Carnival party in February. Away from the beach, Arenal offers explorers the opportunity for horse-riding, walking and cycling in the woods that surrounding the town. There are also two golf courses just outside Arenal, and several more in the surrounding region.

Arenal makes a good seaside base for sightseeing and shopping in Majorca's historic capital city of Palma, which can be easily reached on public transport. Regular bus services link Arenal and Palma, including the Number 23 bus that brings visitors from Palma to the Arenal Aqualand inland from the town - the largest water-park on Majorca with several large water slides. Arenal is about 20 minutes drive from the airport - a very short transfer time compared to the three hours it can take to the far corners of the island. But the location does mean that some parts of the resort can suffer from aircraft noise. In most weather the jets approach to land from over the sea to alleviate noise over the beaches.

Arta village is located in the northeast of the island 60 kilometers from the capital Palma, 11/2 hours drive from Palma Airport

In the east it borders the Bay of Alcudia and to the north is Mediterranean Sea. The coast has a length of 25 kilometers and remains undeveloped today. Arta has about 6,000 inhabitants.

A characteristic feature of Arta area it is widely unpopulated. The town's name is a derivative of the Arabic word for garden. The enclosed picture of the village with its steep, narrow streets dominated by the medieval walls of the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador sits on top of the village.

Tourism in Arta, although existent is not as extensive as in other cities of Majorca, which gives you the opportunity of a relaxing and peaceful holiday to spend far away from mass tourism of other Majorcan resorts . Arta is particularly popular as a destination for many tourists for sightseeing and other such things. For tourists, particularly the coastal region of the village is interesting located along the vast sand dune is a coastal path.

The Sanctuary of Sant Salvador built in the 14 century is one of the towns main attractions housed on a hill that looks over the town and offers stunning views for those who make the effort to climb the hill.

Under a kilometer from Arta is the Talayot Paisses Ses village, where there is a settlement of the prehistoric culture and Talayotic at the Manor House Sa Canova de Morell, which is close to Colonia de Sant Pere.

In the neighboring municipality of Capdepera you can visit the cave Coves Arta, which is well worth a visit and is popular tourist attraction. But even locals visit this cave several times. The beaches and coves of the community are San Canova, Arenalet the Verge, Sat font Salada, Cala Matzoc, Estrada Cala, Cala Mitjana and Cala Torta.

Another attraction for tourists, the markets, where in addition to fresh fruit and vegetables and craft from the area available. Every Tuesday, including holidays, will be held in the Plaza del Valencia a weekly market. Tuesday morning is on the grounds of Villa Na Batlessa an arts and crafts market, and every year on the second Sunday in September, in the urban area rather than the mass of Arta.

 

Transfer time: Approx 60 minutes

The twin resorts of Cala Bona and Cala Millor on the less-developed east coast of Majorca offer a quieter beach holiday away from the main tourist areas, surrounded by traditional Spanish charm. Unlike many resort developments on the island, Cala Bona is a small fishing village that has grown into a tourist destination while retaining much of its original character. Today the heart of Cala Bona still has narrow streets and many of its old buildings, and the tourist hotels are scattered throughout the town rather than concentrated in one resort area.

The beaches at Cala Bona and Cala Millor are are among the best in this part of Majorca, and well sheltered from Majorca's prevailing westerly winds. Cala Bona's sandy beach is sheltered from the open sea by breakwaters, and separated by small rocky headland from the larger beach at Cala Millor to the south. It takes about 20 minutes to walk between the resorts, and about five minutes on a rented bicycle or pedelo. The beach strip is lined with bars, restaurants and facilities for water-sports, including windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing and water-skiing

The small working harbour of Cala Bona's old village has been restored in recent years, and the nearby town square pedestrianised to create a focal point for visitors: restaurants, bars and cafés cluster around the docks where fisherman unload their catch of the day. Several tour boats leave from the harbour, and from jetties along the beach, including glass-bottomed boats that stops above reefs and at bays along the coast. There are three golf courses just a few minutes drive from Cala Bona, as well as a zoo safari park and go-karting track near the town.

Cala Bona hotels offer a range of entertainment to suit British visitors to the island with  hotels and pubs offering bingo, karaoke, and pub quizzes. Cala Bona is generally quieter at night than Cala Millor, which has a more active music bar and club scene - but visitors who want to party can easily take a taxi for the short distance between the resorts. Cala Millor is more popular with German tourists, and the change in the menus at the tourist restaurants reflects the clientèle: English beer and fish-and-chips in Cala Bona, Bittburger and sausages in Millor. Cala Millor also has a long main promenade along the waterfront above the beach - a perfect place for long walks beside the sea.

Further afield, the coastline around Cala Bona has many small, sheltered coves with fine sandy beaches. Public transport is sparse in this region, and and hiring a car may be the best option for exploring the local region. The bays of Sa Coma and S'Illot both have beautiful beaches and small resort areas.

Cala Bona Activities

Further south, the town of Porto Cristo is the gateway to an extraordinary cave system known as the Caves of Drach - the Dragon - one of the most popular tourist sites on the island. The caves have been a tourist attraction since the 19th Century - and in 1878 three people got lost and wandered for more than 30 hours. Today visitors can follow a guide along the well-lit trail through 12 major chambers of the cave system, through chambers dripping with stalactites and other limestone formations, to Lake Martel - one of the largest known underground lakes in the world.  Photographs are not permitted within the caves, but are well worth a visit. Check with tourist information for times of the tours, as the tours are only a few times a day and last almost an hour. Another popular day trip from Cala Bona is to Punta De'n Amer situated between Sa Coma and Cala Millor. Punta De'n Amer is a 200-hectare nature reservere where a 17th century watch tower is positioned

Transfer time: Approx 60 minutes

Cala d'Or, situated on the southeastern coast, in Majorca riviera. Once a small fishing village which has developed into a tourist resort covering 4km with lots of numerous small sandy beaches and bays ideal to go swimming in. The Cala Gran beach is the largest and most popular beach which gets very busy during the summer months. So an early rise is essential if you require a sunbed or parosol. Cala Llonga is biggest coves in Cala d'or and one of the most up-to date and chic Yacht Marinas on the Island.

Cala De Mallorca - Majorca

While Island conditions are not always warm, the sun seems to shine its favor on Cala de Mallorca (sometimes referred to as Calas de Majorca(Mallorca)) all year long. A popular tourist destination, Cala de Mallorca is just one of nearly a dozen resorts on the highly favored island of Majorca(Mallorca) in the Mediterranean Sea. It is true that this resort does lend itself to a more relaxed pace, and finds many families utilizing the slower pace and pristine beaches as a means of leaving a world of stress behind.
Cala de Mallorca Beaches

Cala Mandia is a small resort about 5 kilometres south of Porto Cristo, on the east coast of Majorca. It is also also known as Porto Cristo Novo, and sometimes as Cala Romantica ("Romantic Beach") after the main beach in the town.

 The town is built around three small rocky bays. Each shelters a fine sandy beach with a long and gentle slope out into the bay that is perfect for young children and inexperienced swimmers. The beaches at Cala Mandia are smaller but less crowded than the beach at neighbouring Porto Cristo - especially during the busy summer months when Porto Cristo is filled with tourists who come to visit the nearby cave systems, Cuevas del Drach and Cuevas del Hams. Cala Mandia usually escapes the attention of the crowds.

As a result, Cala Mandia has kept closely to its origins as a quiet seaside area. The tourist developments in the area are relatively new, and most are oriented towards families on holiday and older couples. There is a wide range of accommodations available, from independent apartments to luxury resort hotels. The night-life in Cala Mandia is generally limited to the hotels, restaurants and bars - but the major resort areas of Cala Millor and Cala Bona are just a short taxi drive away for visitors who want to party. A frequent local bus service connects Cala Mandia with nearby Porto Cristo, giving visitors easy access to the wider range of shops and restaurants there, as well as to the famous caves and other tourist attractions such as the Porto Cristo aquarium.

The coastline south from Cala Mandia is a sparsely populated and unspoiled landscape of rocky coves and sheltered sandy beaches. Cala Varques and Cala Magraner, a few kilometres to the south, have the reputation of being two of the most beautiful beaches on the island, and feature on many postcards of the island. Cala Varques is surrounded cliffs that plunge directly into deep water, which are a favourite spot for jumping and diving. This part of the coast is rural and undeveloped, and so there are no facilities for tourists on these beaches - visitors are advised to bring their own food and water.

About six kilometres further south, the purpose built resorts of Cales de Majorca and Cala Murada have three sandy beaches where of beach-side activities for visitors are on offer, as well as numerous restaurants targeted to foreign tourists. These beaches are clean and sandy, but not large - and so they do become crowded. The main beach of Cala Marcal is staffed by life-guards, and has a gentle slope and shallow water - making it an excellent place for children to swim.

This stretch of coast ends at the seaside town of Portocolom. The town retains much of its original character as an important fishing harbour, but has become popular as a destination with tourists who want to experience a part of Majorca that has escaped the mass commercialisation. Portocolom is also the site of one of the best preserved ancient burial sites on Majorca, and the scene of a major archaeological investigation by the University of the Balearic Islands into the local prehistoric peoples.