Beaches and bays on Majorca / Mallorca
Mallorca has than 200 beaches and small bays. Water quality is generally very good or good, with a few exceptions close to towns or ports. Many beaches are rewarded the Blue Flag every year– the quality sign for excellent water and protection of the environment. Most beaches (except of some small and/or distant bays along the west coast) offer the usual infrastructure like renting of parasols and deck-chairs, beach bars, sports facilities. Prizes vary considerably. For parasols and deck-chairs there is a fee of about 8,00 € to 14,00 € a day. A cheaper alternative is to bring your own parasol and beach towel (available in most beach shops).
Please pay attention to the colour of the beach flags! The red flag means stay out of the water / no swimming allowed, the yellow flag means swimming allowed but dangerous. Only the green flag means green light for water fun. At first sight, the warnings might appear to be exaggerated, especially when the sea seems to be calm on the surface. However, there might be dangerous currents below the surface so trust the experienced judgement of the life guards and follow their recommendations.
The most populare beaches in the South of the island are:
Colónia de Sant Jordi
Of course the wonderful beach of Es Trenc, which begins west of Colónia de Sant Jordi, is the main attraction here, but also near the town, and south of it, you can find many nice beaches. As f.e. Platja d'es Port, directly at the port.
At the town‘s south edge follows the beautiful, nearly circle-like, 1 km large Platja des Dolc (softly descending, suitable for children, kiosk, renting of parasols and deck-chairs), and a little bit further you come across Platja Carbó (300 m large, about 50 m deep, softly descending), Sa Roqueta, and the marvellous beach Es Caragol (about 500 m large, 50 m deep). They all lie about 30, 40 minutes away from the port, and they are all very quiet, because you cannot go there by car, and there a no touristic establishments. Also friends of nudism meet here. Several other, not very frequented bays follow, each of them can only be reached by walking from Colónia de Sant Jordi, or from Cape Ses Salines.
Es Trenc
The beach of Es Trenc, which extends from the north-western edge of Colónia de Sant Jordi to the yacht harbour of Sa Ràpita, is one of Mallorca‘s largest and most beautiful natural beaches. Strictly speaking, there are two beach sections, divided by the holiday settlement of Ses Covetes (and because of that the part of the beach which lies between Sa Ràpita and Ses Covetes sometimes is also called Platja Sa Ràpita). All together the beach is nearly 5 km long, famous for its particularly white and fine sand, and because of its flat access it is also very suitable for children.
The beach is surrounded by a unique dune landscape, without buildings, and grown with pines, Aleppo stone-pines, mastic shrubs, and rosemary, where many water birds sit, and which was declared a protection area during the eighties, after strong efforts of the Majorca / Mallorcan environment organisation GOB. Parasols and deck-chairs can be rented, and near the bordering settlements there are beach bars available, as well as some aquatic sports offers. Friends of nudism prefer the beach section west of Ses Covetes. On weekends also many Majorca / Mallorcans come here. Parking places (subject to tax) are available. To approach there are several signposted possibilities. Tip: You might also combine your beach visit with a little excursion to the salt-pits (see excursions).
Sa Ràpita
Of course most visitors prefer the Es Trenc-beach, which begins south-east of Sa Ràpita. But also north-west of the village there is a nice beach, not as beutiful as Es Trenc, but less crowded: S‘Estanyol. With kiosk, parasols and deck-chairs available.
Cala Pi
Near Cape Blanc. A narrow bay, which cuts deeply inside the country, with a sand beach, that‘s only 50 m large, but about 150 m deep, accessible over a staircase. It‘s surrounded by woods and many bungalows and apartments. Attractive for snorters, but also suitable for children (playground available). Parasols, deck-chairs, beach bar.
Platja de Palma
Probably the most popular beach of the island. Beginning near S‘Arenal, it extends over kilometers up to Ca‘n Pastilla. Clean, softly descending, and with fine sand, it offers the best conditions (suitable for children). Along the beach there is this nice modern palm-tree promenade, traffic-calmed and perfect for bikers and inline skaters. At regular distances there are the 15 so called 'balnearios', pavilions that mark the correspondent beach sectors. The most popular, and most frequented zone lies between balnearios 4 and 9, including the famous "German sector" - "Ballermann 6". All touristic establishments, sports, and gastronomical enterprises are available. Good idea: Going along the whole Platja by the little tourist train. The hinterland mainly is built with hotels and apartment plants.
Ciudad Jardín and Cala Gamba
Between Platja de Palma (beginning at Ca‘n Pastilla) and Palma there are further nice beaches, mainly frequented by Majorca / Mallorcans. As f.e. the Cala Gamba-bay (appr. 100 m large, half-round, with marvellous sand beach and few tourists, or the beach of Ciudad Jardín: a wide, beautiful sand beach (appr. 450 m large), with parasol and deck-chair-renting, and as well beach bars. Little minus-point: one is near the airport‘s approach path.
Parks on Majorca / Mallorca
A nice experience for the whole family: a day-out in one of the big aqua parks. Fun and entertainment with slides, pools and dolphin shows is guaranteed. The parks are open from May to October. Kids will also enjoy an outing to one of the nature preserves to observe wild animals, reptiles or exotic birds.
Hidro Park and Super Golf
In Port d’Alcúdia: Smaller than the Aqualand in Magalluf or Arenal but a nice selection of coloured slides in all shapes. Relax in the nicely landscaped gardens or opt for a round of golf on the 18-hole-minigolf-course. There‘s also a restaurant and a café. The park is only open in summer (Port D‘Alcúdia, Avda. Tucán, 971 891672, adults 15,00 €, children 8,00 €.
Palma Aquarium
A really spectacular seawater park which is a one-to-one copy of the natural habitat and ecosystem of the oceans. Discover the spectacular beauty of the sea. 55 fish tanks show an exceptional variety of flora and fauna of the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. Observe more than 8000 specimen of 700 different species in this fabulous underwater world. The aquarium is open all year. (Motorway Palma-Llucmajor, exit 10. Follow the signs to “Can Pastilla”. The aquarium is at the beginning of the street C. Manuela de los Herreros i Sorà - number 21. Opening hours 10:00 – 18:00 hrs. Last entry 17:00 hrs. Adults pay 18,50 €, children (age 4 to 12) 14,00 €
Aquarium Mallorca
Discover the sea: This aquarium in Porto Cristo has more than 115 windows on two levels to observe the flora and fauna typical for the waters around Mallorca. Species include coral fish, rays, tuna or squids, but also typical sea weeds and colourful corals (C/Gambins, 7, in Porto Cristo, 971 820 971).
Underwater world
This aquarium in the small seaside resort Colonia Sant Jordi has its focus on the waters around Cabrera. The official visitor centre opened in 2008 and gives a fantastic insight of flora and fauna of the archipelago, which is one of the most cherished nature preserves of the Balearics. More than 4000 fish and shellfish can be observed in 17 fish tanks. Guided tours will start every full hour, the tour includes 2 short films about the archipelago. The aquarium is open all year from 10:00 to 14:30 hrs and from 15:30 to 18:00 hrs.
Exotic Parque
In the East: The Exotic Parque Los Pájaros just off the country road from Porto Colom to Porto Cristo is home to more than 600 specimen of about 100 different bird species such as parrots, marabous, cockatoos, flamingos, cranes and many more. If you arrive early you can enjoy the daily parrot show from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Not less fascinating are the ancient cactuses growing in the vast gardens, which are up to 4 meters in height. Peacocks swagger around the grounds, there is a petting zoo for children and a nice playground with trampolines. (Cales de Mallorca, 971 183 492).
Marineland
Southwest: Spectacular dolphin shows are the main attraction of the marineland, but there are also trained sea-lions, dancing parrots and monkeys. The fish tanks include sharks, piranhas and other tropical fish, but also penguins. And the “Casa Tropical” is home to snakes, crocodiles and turtles. More attractions for kids include a playground with a miniature train and a mini-motorbike course. If you would like a break you can take a drink in one of the two cafés, one overlooking the sea, the other one at the flamingo lake. Alternatively you can relax at the nice sandy beach, which is just next to Marineland, and come back later to continue your visit. (C/Garcilaso de la Vega, 9, Costa d´en Blanes, 971 675 125, adults 16 €, children 11 €, www.aspro-ocio.es).
Aqualand Magaluf
Southwest: Waterslides, pools and whirlpools in all varieties will keep your children busy all day. For even more fun there is a playground, trampolines, a kart-course, an adventure river and the lake surrounded by lawns. For refreshments and snacks you can choose from a simple bar, a cafeteria, hamburger-station and a pizzeria. (Ctra. Cala Figuera s/n, 971 130 811, adults 17,00 €, children 12,00 €, www.aspro-ocio.es).
Western Water Park
Southwest. A theme park with cowboy shows, Mexican dance groups, high diving etc. (Ctra. Cala Figuera Sa Porrasa, 12-22, Magaluf, 971 131 203, adults 16,00 € Euros, children 11. www.wester-park.com).
Es Foro de Mallorca
Centre: Close to Binissalem this entertainment park is set around a castle-like main building and includes a waxworks museum, a small water park with slides (less spectacular than the Aqualand parks), a kart-course, a playmobile western town and minigolf, bar, restaurant and a souvenir shop (Ctra. Palma - Inca km 25, 971 511 228).
Green Planet – Reptilarium
Theme park next to the shopping mall "Festival Park", Marratxi. "Green Planet" is a theme part built on 9000 sqm area and one of the most spectacular attractions of its kind in Europe. Enjoy a walk through tropical rain, cross rope bridges, pass waterfalls and temples and feel like Indiana Jones for a day. There are also different sections with animals from Africa, Central- and South-America, Asia, the Mediterranean and the deserts. Crocodiles, turtles, chameleons, snakes – about 6.000 animals in total. Other attraction are the botanical collection of exotic plants, a "Wildlife"-shop, a playground, a cinema, and a picnic ground (motorway Palma - Inca, km 7,1, inside Festival Park Marratxi, 971 605 481, www.greenplanet.com).
Aqualand El Arenal
El Arenal: Another theme park from the Aqualand group. On more than 207.000 sqm visitors can enjoy the latest in wild water fun, the adventure lake "Lago Aventura" (an adventure parcours which would be a challenge for Tarzan), two huge whirl-pools and of course a variety of waterslides. Parents will find an area to relax in the gardens. There are restaurants, ice-cream bars and snack bars, boutiques, spectacular shows with parrots, raptors and reptiles and trampolines. (Ctra. Palma - Arenal, km 15, 971 440 000, adults 20,00 €, children 14,00 €, www.aspro-ocio.es).
Historical Sites and Towns in Mallorca
Although Mallorca does have some great beaches, it is also an island of amazing beauty with a fascinating history. From the grandeur of the Le Seu Cathedral, to the picturesque village of Fornalutx and the wind-swept Cap de Formentor, there is far more to this beautiful island than just sandy beaches and sunshine. Monastery at Lluc
In the northern Serra de Tramuntana mountains, halfway between Soller and Pollença, is the spectacular Monastery of Lluc. An important place of pilgrimage for Mallorcan, the Monastery at Lluc dates back to the 13th century. Legend has it that a young boy (Lluc) found a statue of the Virgin on the banks of a stream and immediately took it to the local church in Escorca. However, the next day the statue disappeared and was once again found by the stream. This happened several more times. Eventually a chapel was built where she was originally found to house the statue.
The Basilica at Lluc was built during the late Renaissance (1622 – 1691). It is laid out as a Latin cross with one central nave and three chapels on either side of the nave. There is a barrel vault and a dome at the centre of the cross. The elegant Baroque design of the Basílica de la Mare de Déu de Lluc makes it a truly an impressive building.
A mass is held every morning at 11am to celebrate the Virgin Mary and is sung by six choir boys. They are nicknamed Els Blauets or ‘the Blues’ because of the blue cassocks they wear. The Blautes choir is one of the oldest choirs in Europe.
The Monastery at Lluc also has a museum which is open daily (10am -1pm and 2:30pm – 5pm) and costs €4. The museum houses some important archaeological finds from the Talayotic and Roman periods, as well as religious ornaments and paintings, and a collection of majolica ceramics. Several works by the artist José Coll Bardolet are also on display.
The Monastery complex also includes a lovely botanical garden, with both local and exotic plants. A walk through here is a great way to round off your visit to Lluc. Open daily 10am -1pm and 3pm -5pm. Miramar Monastery
The monastery in Miramar was founded by King Jaume II in 1276 as a missionary school following a request by Ramon Llull (a 13th century theologian and philosopher). In 1872 the building was bought by the Archduke Ludwig Salvatore of Austria. Recently a museum was opened which now houses several pieces of work and documents relating to either Llull or the Archduke.
A visit to Miramar Monastery starts with a small entrance room (the Archduke’s map room) and continues through the garden and cloister. On the way into the house you past several columns, which are all that remains of the original monastery built for Llull. Once inside, you’ll see a few items connected to the Archduke (such as a partial reconstruction of his yacht). Next you come to the Ramon Llull Hall exhibiting a collection of Llull’s work and related documents. Out in the garden are some geometric figures which are meant to have been drawn by Llull, as well as a stone shrine built as a tribute to Llull by the Archduke. The views of the coastline from the garden are a real treat. The Miramar Monastery is open Tuesday to Sunday and costs €3 for adults. Valldemossa and its Monastery
One of the most popular sight in Mallorca has to be the Real Cartuja de Jesús de Nazaret (Royal Carthusian Monastery of Jesus of Nazareth) in Valldemossa. The building and surrounding lands originally served as a royal palace for King Sancho in the early 14th century. However, in 1399 King Martin el Humano gave all the royal possessions in Valldemossa to the Carthusian Monks who founded the Monastery. In the early 1800s everything at the Monastery, except the church, became privately owned. Several famous personalities have stay at the monastery including George Sand and Frédéric Chopin, as well as the Nicaraguan poet Rúbin Darío.
The Church is neo-classical dating from the mid-1700s and is decorated with works from the period. Beyond the church are the cloisters - one of the oldest parts of the present building. The next along the tour is the pharmacy with its ancient glass and majolica jars of medicines. From here you pass through the garden and on to the Priors Cell showing a library, a chapel and a bedroom. This area gives you an insight in to how the monks would have lived. In cells 2 and 4 there are some memorabilia of George Sand and Frédéric Chopin’s stay at the Monastery. The municipal museum (also part of the complex) has an exhibit of contemporary works by local artists of the Tramuntana Mountains.
Across the Monastery Square is the Palace of King Sancho, a luxurious mansion that still has elements of the old monastery such as the staircase, defence tower and the cloister. For the past 20 years there has been a Chopin Festival held during the summer at the Monastery. A walk around the lovely gardens completes your visit to the Valldemossa Monastery. Archaeological Sights
The Roman town of Pollentia:
Located on the edge of Alcúdia’s old town are the ruins of the Roman town of Pollentia. It is thought that Pollentia dates back as far as 123 BC. Indications are that this was a prosperous town with economic connections to Rome, Hispania and North Africa.
Thus far excavations of the 12 hectare site have yielded two residential streets, the remains of several houses, a forum and a public square with a temple. Some of the artefacts found include a bronze girl’s head and several coins. These are now on display at the Monographic Museum in Pollentia. Also at the site is a fascinating 1st century Roman theatre.
Both the old town centre of Alcúdia and the Roman town of Pollentia have been classed as being of important cultural and historic interest thereby helping to preserve these sites.
The Roman town of Pollentia is open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and 10:30am to 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is closed on Mondays and holidays. A visit costs €2 and includes the Monographic Museum.
