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Alcudia information
Situated on the Northeast coast on the Bay of Pollensa, Alcudia is
renowned for its spectacular sandy beach. The 11km stretch from
Puerto de Alcudia is the longest on the island, and has Blue Flag
status for its fine white sand and clean, shallow waters. There is
an abundance of watersports such as windsurfing, sailing and
water-skiing, as well as a nearby water-park for children, and
away from the water there are opportunities to try horse riding,
and even go-karting. The picturesque area around Alcudia is well
worth exploring too and for nature lovers, there's the famous Parc
Naturel de S'Albufera, where you can go cycling or walking. The
seafront in Puerto de Alcudia has numerous gift shops and
boutiques, and in the back streets you can discover more
traditional Spanish shops as well as a shopping mall at Playa de
Muro. There's even a market every Tuesday and Sunday in the old
town where you can find great ideas for unusual gifts and
souvenirs. Alcudia has a wealth of restaurants, bars and lively
night-clubs mainly centred on the port area where you can also
find a number of waterfront restaurants.
Santa Ponsa Information
The resort of Santa Ponsa is found on the south west coast of
Majorca approx 5km from the infamous resorts of Palma Nova and
Magaluf and 30km from the islands capital and airport in Palma.
Transfer time is around 1 - 1.1/2 hours. The main beach is
reasonably large and has the usual variety of water sports
available for hire. It should be noted that the beach is popular
with both tourists and locals and does become crowded in high
season. There's also a smaller beach, set in its own sheltered
cove, about 15 minutes walk away which can be reached from the
Avinguda Rei Jaume I. Regular boat trips run from the beach at a
cost of around £10 and are excellent value for money. Santa Ponsa
has quite a good selection of cafe, bars and restaurants and
excellent facilities for visitors on self catering arrangements.
The resort benefits from a frequent bus service into Palma, but
beware the buses get very crowded and are a haven for pickpockets.
The resort come alive in the early evening, but is never in the
league of its neighbours Palma Nova and Magaluf. The towns main
square has an abundance of Irish themed bars and live music
catering for families and children. The resort is cheerful, easy
going and is essentially a family resort.
Magaluf Information
Magaluf is probably the busiest and liveliest resort area in the
whole of Majorca and in recent years has undergone a major
transformation. The seafront is landscaped and has a smart new
promenade of shops, bars and restaurants. Magaluf's wide and sandy
beach is still one of the best on the island, with all the
facilities and watersports you could wish for. If the action here
is too much, just a short walk away, you'll find yourself on the
unspoilt Cabo de Cala Figuera, a rugged headland with deserted
beaches and fantastic views or there's nearby Cala Vinas a haven
for relaxation. To keep everyone amused there is a huge Aquapark
and the newer "Western Park" which is a Wild West themed water
park with rides, shows and Jacuzzi. There's even the chance to
take a "semi-submarine" instead of a glass bottom boat trip to
view life under the sea. Nearby at Portal Nous, Marineland makes a
fun day out for all the family, with performing dolphins and seals
as well as huge aquariums. At night this resort is even livelier
than Palma Nova with its vast array of pubs, night-clubs and
discos as well as pavement cafes and restaurants all vying for
your attention. The casino on the outskirts of the town also
offers International shows as well as having a restaurant. In the
summer, this resort is mainly for young singles and families
looking for non stop fun.
Calas de Mallorca Information
Perched high on the cliff top on the rugged east coast, Calas de
Mallorca is a modern purpose built resort with striking scenery
and panoramic sea views. The main attraction is the Playa Domingos
beach with its deep swathe of sand and clean turquoise waters.
Along the headland is the smaller bay at Cala Antena, which can be
reached by the cliff top path. Most of the daytime activity is
centred on the beach or exploring the nearby towns and surrounding
countryside. There are a number of local excursions that shouldn't
be missed including the caves at Drach and Ham, the pearl factory
at Manacor, and the local bus can take you into Porto Cristo
approximately 8 miles away. Ideal for those seeking a quiet
relaxing holiday in the sun Calas de Mallorca has a central
shopping district with a good choice of eateries, cafes and music
bars, but the nightlife is mainly centred on the hotels and a
small number of discos.
Playa de Palma Information
Playa de Palma is one of the first developed resorts on the
island, and stretches 2.5 miles round the bay from Ca'n Pastilla
in the north to the hectic resort of Arenal in the south. The long
curving beach has fine golden sand shelving into clean appealing
water. The beach promenade is car free but you can travel the
length in a horse drawn carriage or tourist tram! The resort
attracts a European clientele, mostly families seeking a safe and
wide beach or the young and lively who are looking for non- stop
action and the wild party atmosphere found in Arenal. Out of
season however, this area also appeals to older couples, who can
stroll along the promenade with its flat terrain. During the day,
there are all manner of activities such as water sports including
the famous Aqua City water park on the edge of the resort, horse
riding, cycling and even pedal powered cars are popular. There are
an enormous number of pavement cafes and eating establishments
including seafood restaurants along the seafront and a wide choice
of tourist shops, as well as markets held every Tuesday and
Friday. Its close proximity to Palma means an easy bus trip, or 4
miles south you can visit the undeveloped little resort of Cala
Blava
Cala D'Or Information
The chic resort of Cala d'Or lies on the South East Coast of
Majorca approximately 1.1/2 hours drive from the airport. The
original fishing village has developed into a thriving modern
purpose built resort, which has now spread out over 4 kilometres,
incorporating the nearby sandy coves. The tiny beach in Cala D'Or
itself is surrounded by trendy boutiques and cafes, which form
part of the pedestrianised centre of the town. The smart marina
attracts the luxury yacht brigade and is an upmarket spot to walk
and dream. The scenic coastline around Cala d'Or is a mixture of
deep inlets and beautiful, sandy, sheltered coves dotted with
hotels and apartment complexes. The little tourist train operating
in high season, links many of these bays and is a relaxing, albeit
slow means of seeing the sights. As can be expected in such a
stylish resort, there are no shortage of quality restaurants,
music bars, designer shops and art galleries. The nightlife is
generally low key, however there are late night discos for the
night owls amongst you! Several buses operate daily into Palma,
but to really enjoy this corner of the island, car hire is highly
recommended.
Palma de Mallorca Information
Situated on the south of the island in the centre of the bay,
Palma de Mallorca has become a vibrant capital city with a rich
mix of culture, history, shopping and nightlife. The Old city was
founded in medieval times and was originally walled until the
20thc, however there are many historic buildings that no visitor
should miss. Bellver Castle dominates the city skyline from its
hilltop position 3 kms from the centre, and Palma cathedral and
the Royal Almudaina Palace are the most prominent landmarks. The
old city is a fascinating area with a warren of narrow streets and
ancient buildings many of which are still homes or quaint shops.
You will also find the covered market selling a wide range of
produce from fish to vegetables. The commercial port is where you
will see the cruise ships and ferries to other islands and the
mainland, and around the bay, is the marina with private luxury
yachts and smaller pleasure craft. They are linked by the Paseo
Maritimo, a tree lined but busy harbour-front promenade, where you
will also find the most prestigious hotels and pavement cafes. The
city is host to numerous cultural events including the ballet, art
exhibitions, festivals and live performances at the theatre. When
night falls, the choice of where to eat and drink is vast, and
there is something for all tastes, especially in the El Terreno
club district. There is so much for visitors who prefer the
convenience of this central location, but the beaches in either
direction are only a few kilometres away, and are easily reached
by the excellent public transport.
Cala Vinas Information
Cala Vinas is set in a scenic cove with a sheltered beach
surrounded by a rocky coastline and affords a quieter alternative
to the nearby thriving resort of Magaluf. There are a small
selection of shops and a few bars and cafes but the emphasis here
is on peace and quiet in a beautiful relaxing setting. The Casino
is on the outskirts and there is a bus stop approximately 80
metres from the resort with good services into Magaluf, Palma Nova
and beyond. The nearby village of Calvia has a Monday market, but
for serious shopping take the bus into Palma. Outside of the
hotels, nightlife is low -key.
Illetas Information
This tiny picturesque resort is tucked in off the main road, just
6 miles from cosmopolitan Palma and appeals to those seeking a
quieter, more sophisticated location centred around their chosen
hotel. The small sandy beach nestles between low cliffs, with
rocky outcrops and the clear sparkling waters of the bay of Palma.
A couple of tiny coves can be found either side, fringed by
pinewoods. Illetas is an idyllic retreat with landscaped gardens
and scenic walks along the hilly roads and coastline. With just a
few exclusive hotels and villas, the accent is on relaxation
although there are shops and a selection of restaurants within
walking distance towards Cala Mayor, a much busier spot. The
Bendinat golf course is a few minutes drive uphill and the Puerto
Portals marina within easy driving distance. There is a frequent
bus service running into Palma or in the other direction towards
Ca?s Catala and onwards to Palma Nova and Magaluf. |
