COME HOLD MY HAND AND WE CAN TAKE A TRIP TO MALLORCA (Balearic Islands)

Member Name: saramac

Product:	Balearic Islands
Date:	07/07/09 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Old town and New town.

Disadvantages: I need to live there and can't

I am having a much needed rest from chocolate and Im sure anyone who has read my last few reviews will be very grateful.

I want to tell you about Mallorca/ Majorca, and its going to be a long tour as I have lots to tell.

Mallorca is one of the Ballaeric islands-
Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca., Formentera, and Cabrera.
They are Spanish islands situated off the Spanish coast.
Infact its the largest of the three and for me it hosts a little of every-thing you could want.
Climate-
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Sunshine is almost guaranteed during the summer months and the temperature rarely drops below 20 deg C (68 F) in July and August.
In January and February it can drop as low as 2 or 3 deg C (35 or 37 F).
May. June, September and October are much quieter months but still enjoy temps of 22 deg C (72 F) to 27 degC (81F).
You can experience heavy rainfall through November and December.
This is why many beach resorts close during the winter and people tend to visit the capital Palma or partake of walking or golfing holidays instead.
It all adds up to an all year round island really.

My experience differs slightly from your usual holiday maker as my sister owns a beautiful farmhouse/finca on the island -well she has to be of use some how,( only joking)
She bought a piece of land complete with its own "ruin" and after many years of building regulations, and the frustration of builders who dont have the urgency that most Brits require- Alleluia we have a beautiful Mallorcan finca, complete with no electricity(that takes about a thousand years to sort out I believe).
So, we are Eco friendly we have solar panels and solar lamps and yes its extremely pitch black at night as theres no street lights.

Its in the most breath taking countryside, nestled below a town called
Campanet
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Is a small town and is most famous for its Caves which are well worth a visit. They are situated in an unspoilt valley which gives you a taste of rural Mallorca.
The caves cover an area of 3,200 sq metres and you can partake of a very interesting 40 minute tour. It has to be seen to be believed another of natures miracles, it houses stalactites and stalagmites sculptured by water throughout millions of years.
After the tour you can warm up again (its cold in dem der caves) on the terrace in the sun and have a wee tipple if you fancy and get mithered to death by the local"moggie mafia" last count I think there were 12 of the cheeky little darlings.
Whilst drinking in the views of the " San Miguel Valley".
What brings a smile to my face every time I think of these caves is their attitude to the other caves sited on the island "The Caves Of Drac", dont they sound dramatic? They are just as fascinating, but are portrayed sooo differently they are like the Walt Disney version, with-
Dramatic coloured light changes
Dramatic music and as they contain the largest underground lake in Europe they host a floating violin concert to top off your hours tour.
They are situated on the edge of Porto Cristo on the East coast.
Both are worth seeing, but they are so different.
I did get the impression (strongly) that our guide didn't approve of their more entertaining approach.

Pollenca-The Old Town.
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Pollenca- is approx 12 miles from the house and we have adopted it as our town.
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Pollenca, not to be confused with Port De Pollenca as they are both situated in the Norhwest of the island and are approx 3 miles apart.


Pollenca is the old town tucked between two hills, each with a Sacred site.
Its described simply as "A Perfect Mallorcan Town" and I agree whole heartedly with that. Have you ever visited anywhere and thought "I belong here"? Almost as if you have lived there once before, well thats how I feel.

Its amazing really as it sees thousands of tourists yet has kept its soul .
Keeping its old style ways has preserved and saved it I think as it closes in the afternoon and reopens in the evening.
At its heart it has an Artistic and Artesan Culture, housing a School For Art, Artshops and many Galleries showing paintings. You can almost feel Art in the atmosphere if thats possible.

The name Pollenca came from the 14 Century when the people from Alcudia(a neighbouring town) named it after their former Roman Capital.
Pollenca is steeped in history from both the Egyptians and Romans.
The Pont Roma- is a Roman bridge on the edge of the town.
The former Jesuit convent that is now the Town Hall.
Municipal Museum was a Dominican convent until 1975 and now displays a vast collection of paintings of the area.

Pollenca is made up of a maze of narrow streets and squares and is known for its "Designer Hotels", there aren't many, but they are all luxurious and quite a few are located above the restaurants.
Again the restaurants are "Top Class" you can expect to pay alot of money but get a truly delicious meal and excellent service in return(its always advisable to book). With French, Mallorcan and Italian to choose from.
But its not known for its "night life" as such ie clubs, discos, its not the place for party animals, more a lovely meal, then to sit outside one of the many cafes and sip a coffee, possibly have a home made ice-cream (so many flavours) and watch the children of all nations have a game of football together.
Its a sight to beheld children of all nations, ages, girls and boys playing football with I might add a few of the local Cristiano Ronaldo wanna-bes.
Yes the ball does land on tables occasionally but it all seems to be taken as good innocent fun.

Shopping- mainly art, furniture, jewellery, shoes and leather goods, some clothes but they tend to be expensive.
Children- its not a town for children really they get bored, as I said the evening football match is fine and eating out but thats about it. We all know if the children are not happy- no ones happy!

Sundays bring a fabulous market, all the streets off the main square are transformed into a massive riot of colour its a sight to see, but you need to be there early as every man and his donkey will appear and a parking space will be as rare as a dry day in Manchester (Im allowed to say that)- fresh fruit and veg ,cheese, olives, clothes, jewellery, hand made hats, toys scarves, beautiful fresh flowers almost everything you can think of....
As you snake your way through the streets twisting and turning to the right then the left you almost become dizzy with the sights and sounds and vast array of colours.
This sleepy little town seems to awaken with a vibrance you dont see any other day of the week and yet as fast as it appeared its all gone dismantled, swept, every street spotless, as if it had never been,a big yawn and stretch and return to sleep for another week.

The Cypress Tree lined steps all 365 of them leading up to Calvari Church with its ancient wooden cross and fantastic views is a massive talking point in Pollenca.
Every Good Friday the figure of Christ is removed from the cross and carried down the steps by torchlight with thousands turning out to be involved.


Port De Pollenca.
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The Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range surrounds and shelters the Port

Port De Pollenca- approx 3 miles from the old town is the total opposite, they couldnt be more different in most ways but it still has a charm of its own.
It boasts "The Pine Walk" a pedestrian promenade that slinks its way past small, natural bays with their own little beaches, a host of different restaurants and the more expensive of the local homes most with a pool and the sea a matter of feet away. I believe alot of people who live inland have these as "holiday homes", how heavenly would that be?

The Port hosts a Marina full of luxury yachts alongside local fishing boats.
All water sports are available for those who want a change from lying around in the sun.
There is a large artifical beach, along with its shallow, warm waters it always proves a massive hit with families, especially as even the smallest of children can paddle safely amongst the cheeky daring fish who with patience will actually take bread straight from your hand.

Theres every shop imaginable in The Port including the large perfume shops, tobacconists and supermarkets, a massive choice of restaurants, bars, nightclubs.....
Yet you still cant help but Love it, maybe its because of the contrast of the sleepy, arty old town and the hubbub of the fast living port the best of both worlds are there for the taking.


Palma.
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In total contrast you have Palma the capital, approx 58kms from the Port, what a cosmopolitan city.
It has a "trendy" ,"modern", "expensive" feel, but hangs on to the ability to appear friendly not too big, it remains quaint in certain areas, but still has the vibrant cafe society.
You will find all the large clothes stores and of course the obligatory "designer" shops for your perusal.
The Cathedral is also a sight not to be missed, towering and majestic in the golden glow of the sun light as if keeping watch on the harbour and all who enter and leave.

So there you have a little peek at Mallorca, hope I havent bored you, theres obviously lots more to be said, but thats for another time.
I know how lucky we are to be able to go and stay at my sisters house and I will be eternally grateful.

Thankyou for coming on my little journey round a slice of Mallorca.

Summary: A beautiful, sun drenched island with something to offer for everyone.