Mallorca is a beautiful Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the Balearic Islands, which also include Ibiza, Formentera and Minorca. Mallorca’s capital, Palma, is also the capital of the autonomous community of Balearic Islands. Mallorca is a popular vacation destination, in large part because of its gorgeous beaches. What many travelers are just beginning to realize, however, is that the island has much more to it beyond the sandy shorelines. If you are planning a trip to Mallorca, here are a few of the places that you’ll want to include on your itinerary.
- Jardins d’Alfabia. Located near the middle of Mallorca, the Jardins d’Alfabia is a 1000-year-old Moorish garden. The gardens are believed to have belonged to a rich Arab named Benhabet, who lived there during the 12th century. The garden shows its Muslim influence in several ways. The importance of water is one striking feature; the gardens boast wells, cascades, fountains, springs, and pools. Another Muslim-influenced feature is the type of trees and plants that grow here, including lemon and orange trees. The Arabic farmhouse on the grounds features a fascinating library, ancient furniture and picture collections, stunning views of the gardens and more.
- La Seu. Also known as The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, this dazzling 14th century cathedral was built on top of a pre-existing Mosque. It was built by Spain’s King James I, who traveled to the islands through a horrific storm, and vowed to build a grand cathedral if he made it safely to shore. This Gothic church is a popular site for visitors to the island. From the outside, you can admire the church’s facades and elaborate stonework. Inside, you can view naves that hold gold and silver lined shrines, Gothic and Baroque paintings and sculptures, and intricate stained glass windows. The entire building is a true work of art.
- The town of Pollenca. This charming town is host to a variety of interesting events throughout the year. In the summer, the town holds a classical music festival that is known for attracting superior talent from all over the world. In the month of August, Pollenca feature’s a battle reenactment, depicting the victory of the locals over an invasion of Turkish pirates. In the spring time, on Good Friday, you can watch a portrayal of Christ’s body being carried down the 365 steps of the El Cavario church to the sound of drums playing the death march. Any time of year is a good time to visit Pollenca on Sunday, which is market day, to explore the town, mingle with the locals, absorb some of the local culture, and to see and admire various sites and views that the town has to offer.
As you can see, there is far more to the island of Mallorca than beaches (though those are certainly worth visiting as well!) A traveler wishing to see the sights will find many sights available on this remarkable island.
