Holidaying in the Mediterranean: Majorca’s major pull

Many people like to travel in the winter in search of a bit of sunshine when it is normally absent from the UK. However, with much of Europe suffering the same fate at that time of year, the only viable option to see the best of the continent is to go during the summer — for families with children this is perfect as they are off school for longer periods and in recent years the sun has been a stranger to British skies in the summer as well as the winter.

One area that is traditionally popular with Britons is the Mediterranean. Spain, southern France and Italy in particular see a huge influx of tourists each summer. In recent years the Balearic Islands, just off the east coast of Spain, have become increasingly popular. This island group — consisting of Majorca, Minorca, Formentera and Ibiza — is an autonomous state, with Palma, situated on the island of Majorca, its capital.

The cathedral of Palma — also know as La Seu — is one of the most prominent landmarks of the capital as it boasts one of the highest naves in Europe at 44 metres. The building was founded in 1229 but it took 372 years to complete. Built in a shorter time — started and completed in the 14th century — is Bellver Castle. The circular castle is still in good shape and stands on a hill overlooking Palma. Up until the 1950s it was used as a prison but nowadays it is purely a tourist attraction.

Whilst the sun and the beaches are the main attraction to many holidaymakers, Majorca also has the Serra de Tramuntana — a mountain range that peaks at 1,445 metres. The Tramuntana Range receives significantly more rainfall than the rest of the island and snow often falls on the crest in the winter.

Majorca has also become the home to many celebrities who appreciate the diversity of the island. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have a holiday home there, and Michael Schumacher, Claudia Schiffer and Peter Stringfellow all have homes on the island. One of the most famous Majorcans is tennis star Rafael Nadal — who won his first Wimbledon title in 2008 and in so doing became the first player since 1980 to win both Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year.

With so much to offer, the majority of Majorca holiday reviews are positive, meaning that anyone who decides to take a trip to one of the biggest Mediterranean islands is in for a treat.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.