Mallorca – or Majorca – is the largest of the four Balearic Islands, which are located in the Mediterranean off the southern coast of Spain. And adminstratively fall within the autonomous region of Catalonia. Like the other islands in the group such as Ibiza and Menorca, Mallorca is located around a two and half hour flight from the UK. With flights to the island available with most of the leading budget airlines such as easyJet.

When package holidays first took off during the 70´s and 80´s some areas of the island acquired a bit of a downmarket reputation. Thanks to the high jinks of younger British holidaymakers in southern resorts such as Magaluf. But the days of British bars are largely long gone now – as the island instead welcomes independent travellers and a host of VIP visitors instead. Such as the actors Catharine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas. Most of whom tend to favour the north of the island – particularly areas such as Pollensa and Alcudia.

Many of these more upmarket visitors prefer to stay in holiday villas in Majorca rather than hotels. As these properties offer much more privacy and luxury. And there are hundreds of high quality rental villas available. Most of which have been built using the locally quarried honey coloured stone that gives properties here a very traditional look and feel. Villas in Majorca can be booked locally or through a reputable agent, but the best go quickly so don’t leave your booking to late.

Palma is the capital of Mallorca as well as of the Balearic Islands – and this is also where the international airport, known locally as Son Sant Joan, is located. Palma is home to around 400,000 local residents as well as a fine selection of architectural treasures, most notably the Le Seu Cathedral, which was built on the site of a former Mosque in the 13th century – although it wasn’t finally finished until six hundred years later. When famous local architect Antoni Gaudi was drafted in to help complete the project.

The Old quarter of Palma is located behind the Cathedral and is home to a warren of streets – the layout and architecture of which hint strongly at the islands Moorish past. A heritage best exemplified by the Arab Baths which can still bed found close to the Cathedrals Convent.

High season on Mallorca occupies the main summer months of July, August and September. When there is very little rainfall and when the temperatures average out at around 30 degrees. Many visitors enjoy a holiday on the island during off peak periods too such as May and October. When temperatures average at about 20 degrees.

An excellent range of Majorca Villas .

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