Board on the ferry to Mallorca and visit the "Queen of the Balearic", the largest of its Balearic sisters and one of the most popular summer destinations!
Mallorca (Majorca) in Spain, is the capital of the Balearic Islands (Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, Cabrera), the biggest and by far the most visited from travelers from all around the globe. The beautiful island is composed of 3 parts, the mountain range Serra de Tramuntana, the Hills of Serra de Llevant and the central plain. It is mostly a summer destination that possesses the whole holiday package. It includes sunny golden beaches with crystal clear waters, stunning landscapes, interesting archeological sights, picturesque mountains and traditional villages, lush green nature, a vibrant capital and of course, delicious cuisine (traditional and international). Its coastline streches in an area of around 550 kilometers and is popular for its water-sport infrastructure and facilities.
Mallorca gets extremely lively during summertime (8 million avg. tourists per year), especially by visitors from the United Kingdom and Germany, so it is advisable that you book your ferry tickets in advance so as to secure them and enjoy your vacation in the the Balearic's jewel!
Ferry routes to Mallorca
Ferry routes to Mallorca from the Spanish mainland are frequent and are occurring all year long but increase dramatically in summer due to the island's high demand. There are two ports that accept ships, one in Palma (west) and one in Alcudia (east), with the first being the main and busiest one. The ferries start either from Barcelona, Valencia or Denia and sail directly to Majorca. Have in mind that the particular ships have the advantage of vehicle transportation which is proven necessary for exploring the entire island. Moreover, they provide plenty of other facilities and accommodation options on board in order to make your crossings pleasant.
- Barcelona Mallorca (Palma) ferry: a route that occurs at least 5 times per week and needs 6.5-7.5 hours to dock
- Valencia Mallorca (Palma) ferry: same as the above, the ships depart more than 5 times a week and require around 7 hours to arrive
Please, note that there is usually a stop in Ibiza on the return trip, thus, the ferries require more time to return!
Ports in Mallorca
The are 2 ports in Mallorca which serve departures and arrivals of ships mainly from the Spanish mainland. Puerto de Palma de Mallorca, on the west side, is considered as the major port for its traffic and location in the island's capital, Palma. Port de Alcudia, on the other hand, situated in the eastern part, is significantly smaller but its town remains one of the top attractions of Mallorca.
- Port de Palma, is in a vibrant town with lots of cafe-bars, restaurants and shops around. In the area you will also find the beautiful marina with its parked yachts which gets very picturesque at night. Public transportation services are available towards the island's main regions.
- Port de Alcudia, is part of the most visited town among families. It is a lively territory with a splendid beach and graphical bars and eating places.
Holidays in Majorca
Holidays to Majorca include the whole package. The island fulfills the needs of everyone of every age, from teenagers to seniors to retired ones. To begin with, it is a place with rich and interesting culture and past, involving impressive sites and landmarks. There are 53 municipalities which all contain graphical traditional villages, both mountainous and seaside but also, busy towns with lively nightlife. Furthermore, a good deal of accommodations can be found, for all budgets. Hotels with all inclusive holiday packages, luxurious ones with abundance in facilities (spas, tennis courts, gyms, pools, bars) but also smaller and beautiful budget-friendly ones while also spacious and modern airbnb apartments. As for its coast and due to the fact that Spain is first in the list regarding "Blue Flag" beaches, Majorca is blessed with some of them. Crowded beach bars with sunbeds and loud music to secluded shores for more private moments. Lastly, you cannot visit Spain and not taste the yummy paella in all its alternatives and gazpacho (tomato soup), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), pulpo a la gallega (octopus with potatoes) along with some refreshing sangria.
Hotels in Mallorca
Despite the fact that there are numerous hotels and apartments in Mallorca, it is advisable that you reserve your accommodation as early as you can since the island's demand is extremely high during summertime. You cannot say that there is a best hotel in Mallorca for the reason that there are plenty of attractive options. Below is a list with the most famous ones according to customers' interest:
- Iberostar Playa de Muro
- Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma
- Iberostar Cala Millor
- Iberostar Grand Portal Nous
- Elba Sunset
- Occidental Playa de Palma
- Park Hyatt (Cap Vermell)
- Hotel Mim
- Helios Hotel
- Alua Hawaii & Suites
- Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa
- St Regis Mardavall
- Hotel Magaluf
- Palma Bay Club Resort
- Zafiro
- Sol Calas de Mallorca
- Hotel Molinar
Beaches in Mallorca
There are beaches in Mallorca for all tastes, from golden and soft sanded to pebbly and rocky coves. Furthermore, you can sunbathe either on an organized beach club with sunbeds and amenities such as service or you can swim or dive in the crystal clear waters of a more remote seashore. There is also the opportunity of doing watersports like surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking and more. See the following list with the best beaches in Mallorca:
- Cala Millor
- Playa de Muro (Platja de Muro)
- Cala Figuera
- Calla Llombards
- Playa de Palma
- Can Pastilla
- Canyamel
- Cala Major
- Cala Murada
- Es Trenc
- Cala Pi
- Cala Dór (the 'Golden Bay', known for the jazz festival)
- Cala Moro (Calo des Moro)
- Cala Deia
What to See in Mallorca
There are infinite things to see and do in Mallorca. The island has been inhabited since the Middle Ages and offers a big variety of activities, cultural festivals, stunning sights, art galleries and museums and graphical villages. The full vacation package includes education and a little adventure along with relaxation and travelers to Mallorca are lucky enough due to the fact that they are provided all of them. In the list below, we hand over the secrets of Mallorca:
- Alcudia (splendid beaches, picturesque village)
- Palma de Mallorca (capital, known for its Jewish Quarter, Cathedral, Bellver Castle)
- Manacor (3rd largest town, known for its furniture and pearl production)
- Valldemossa (ideal for relaxation among the Tramuntana Mountains. Chopin and George Sand stayed there)
- Soller (dazzling scenery)
- Serra de Tramuntana (UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of rustic villages and hideaway restaurants which can be found while driving the scenic path)
- Sa Calobra / Torrent de Pareis (Mallorca's Grand Canyon. Renting a car is advisable)
- Deia (beloved by artists)
- Pollenca (Puerto Pollensa, ideal for families, hosting a Sunday market)
- Andratx
- Artà (picturesque and historical village)
- Santa Ponsa
- Can Picafort
- Santanyi
- Sa Coma
- Palma Nova
- Alaro
- Lluc
- Sa Pobla
- Colonia Sant Jordi
- Peguera
- Portals nous (in Calvia)
- Porto Colom
- Bunyola
- Porto Cristo (Coves del Drach and dels Hams)
- El Arenal (Playa de Palma, FAN Shopping Center)
- Calas de Mallorca Complex
