Palma is also home to La Seu cathedral. This Gothic building is truly awe-inspiring to look at, particularly when viewed from the sea. The interior is just as impressive and it contains a range of features, including a giant organ, chapels, two pulpits and three levels of decorative stained glass windows. Many of these elements were designed by Antoni Gaudí and Miquel Barceló.
It’s also well worth making the trip to the town of Sóller, which is located around 17 miles from Palma. This picturesque settlement makes a great spot for some shopping and sightseeing, and you can stop for refreshments in the Plaça Constitució. By far the best way to reach the town is by the unique wooden train. The route passes through tunnels in the Tramuntana mountains and you’ll get to see citrus orchards, pine forests and olive groves.
Another of Majorca’s highlights is the village of Binissalem, where many of the island’s wines are made. This is not on the typical tourist map, so it’s a great place to experience authentic local culture. If you find yourself there towards the end of September, you’ll get to see the grape harvest in action, as well as the lively celebration known as the Fiesta of La Vermada.
To get up close to some of the island’s flora and fauna, take a trip to the S’Albufera nature reserve. Based on the north-east coast, this wetland covers approximately 4,200 acres and it’s superb for cycling and walking. You can also take your binoculars and get stuck into some bird watching. Around 200 species inhabit the reserve, including kestrels and herons.
The idyllic sands and welcoming temperatures are just part of the picture when you come to Majorca. With a little planning, you can enjoy discovering the alternative side to this thriving Spanish island and maybe even surprise yourself in the process.
(Photo by Alastair Montgomery via Flickr)