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Discovering Majorca

By: Mark Bartley


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The history of Majorca is an interesting one. Settled since Palaeolithic times, and occupied by the Roman and the Byzantine Empire, Majorca is bursting with history. The villages, farmland and atmosphere of this Balearic Island are a colourful mix of the many cultures and races that have left their mark here.

As a place that attracted all kinds of invaders in the past due its riches, it is ironic that Majorca was once, albeit for a short time, portrayed as just another Mediterranean destination for low cost holidays in the sun. The good news is that the real Majorca isn't like that. This is an island that has provided the world with great writers and philosophers, skilled military leaders, and over recent years a selection of some of the worlds best sporting stars. There's even a Royal Palace on Majorca where it is customary for the Spanish Royal family to spend some of their summer holidays.

Today the people of Majorca speak two official languages – Catalan and Spanish – while various local dialects of these tongues are spoken throughout the Majorcan villages, all adding to the colour of day-to-day life on the island. Crystal blue seas and agricultural areas are part of Majorca's assets. With some of the worlds best almond orchards and olive groves, Majorca is as much an island of idyllic farms and smallholdings as it is scenic coastline and sunny beaches. With peaks over 1,000 metres, Majorca's Tramuntana mountain range run for over 70 kilometres across the top corner of the island.

The weather on the island is frequently impacted by the Tramuntana range. Northerly winds cool over the mountain, creating clouds, then eventually rain, which gives much needed irrigation to the soil. The result is an incredibly green island, and dry and sunny enough to make tourism an important part of Majorca's economy. One of the best features of the Majorcan countryside, and often a pleasant surprise for those visitors who stumble upon them, are the Mountains. An afternoon's drive through the Tramuntana mountain range provides some amazing vistas, and the opportunity to discover plenty of hidden villages, ancient valleys and wildlife.

One of the best places to discover this unexpected side to the island is the monastic settlement of Lluc. There's plenty of local information, with guided wildlife walks available and some excellent nature reserves to explore. The entire Balearic archipelago forms a staging post and breeding ground for a huge range of different bird species, and is also a home to many more. The Parc Natural De S'Albufera De Mallorca is an expansive wetland that supports falcons, herons and is so important to Majorcan wildlife education that every school child must visit the park at least once a year. The coast to is home to an amazing array of bird and wildlife. Rugged in the North, and sweeping sandy bays on the east and south of Majorca, there are also plenty of sports activities to enjoy, as well as finding a nice quiet beach to relax on.

The choice of places to stay in Majorca is huge. No visit to Majorca is complete without staying in accommodation to match the history, culture and visual splendour of the island. With a great range of villas in Majorca to choose from, to suit a variety of tastes and styles, a holiday in the Mediterranean can be as intrepid, relaxing or action packed as you please.

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For such a varied island the choice of villas in Majorca is also full of variation. From seafront positions with views out over the Mediterranean to quaint village homes. Take a holiday in Majorca and discover its many surprises.

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