MALLORCA is the largest of the Balearic Islands and the most varied. For many years Mallorca was synonymous with mass tourism but in recent years it has become a quality destination offering a wide range of holidays, notably for villas and apartments.
Whilst some areas of the coast in the south and east have been overdeveloped with exuberant resorts, the capital, Palma still retains much of its historical flavour sporting grand mansions and a magnificent Gothic cathedral in its bustling centre. In the north of the island, nestling below the peaks of the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range are the charming historic towns of Pollensa and Old Alcudia, and the family friendly resorts of Cala San Vicente with its stunning location and Puerto Pollensa, fronting its wonderful bay, sparkling waters and long sandy beach.
Mallorca is an island of immense variety with all the ingredients for an unforgettable stay - dramatic mountain scenery, golden beaches, hidden coves, timeless villages and ancient monasteries, an excellent range of sports both on land and on water, plus a distinctive and varied cuisine.
CALA SAN VICENTE - just 6 km northeast of Pollensa boasts an attractive setting along a wooded ravine set amongst rocky outcrops that plunge into the sparkling sea.
Grouped around four sandy coves - the Calas Molins, Carbo, Clara and Barques - two of which have blue flag status, the resort is renowned for a number of good restaurants and bars with a small range of shops making it perfect for family holidays.
There are a number of interesting places to visit nearby:
Historic Pollensa, lies in the lee of the Tramuntana Mountains and is a peaceful old town that has been largely unaffected by tourism. Pollensa is now one of Mallorca’s most celebrated cultural towns with much of the historic medieval centre remaining intact, particularly around the attractive Plaça Major.
Puerto Pollensa is an attractive family resort which stretches along a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay lined with sandy beaches, set against the backdrop of the Boquer Mountains. The celebrated Pine Walk overlooks the beach and the bay, dotted with the colourful sails of yachts. Some of the best fish restaurants in Mallorca are found along the promenade, along with cuisines to suit every taste.
The nearby Formentor Peninsula, the bony northern spur of the Tramuntana Mountains is an area of great natural beauty with wooded valleys, plunging cliffs, magnificent seascapes and a wonderful beach, the Playa de Formentor.
Old Alcudia, not to be confused with the modern resort 3 kms to the south, has a fascinating history. Settled by the Phoenicians and Greeks; the Romans made it their capital; destroyed by the Vandals; rebuilt by the Moors, and liberated in the early 1200’s by the Spanish who fortified the city with massive walls. Today within the old city you will find a number of enticing restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries.
Further afield there are many other places of interest - LLUC, renowned for its monastery, beautiful DEIA home to many artists, the ancient hilltop town of Arta; and Palma itself.
SPORTS enthusiasts are well catered for - the wonderful sandy beaches offer a good selection of water sports, ranging from wind surfing to snorkelling whilst on land there are two golf courses, tennis; and opportunities for cycling, walking and horse riding.
