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Mallorca
Peppered with smaller beachside getaways, the island of Mallorca
provides a breath taking view while the rocky northwest coast
and rugged Serra de Tramuntana mountain range make up the
other Mallorca. The lovely and the famous old fashioned Deià
and Alcúdia with its Roman ruins, is crowded during
high season.
One of the most typical Serra de Tramuntana village is Valldemossa,
it's spectacular beauty and Gothic churches magnetic enough
to attract luminaries such as Frederich Chopin and George
Sand. Not far from Valldemosa is Deia, a village that has
been occupied by artists, musicians, and writers for nearly
half a decade.
Further one cannot help but admire the beauty of nature that
surrounds the magnificent island.
Menorca
Menorca, the second largest island, is perhaps the least overrun
of the Balearic chain. Now a Biosphere Reserve, it boasts
several unique ecosystems, including the S'Albufera d'es Grau
wetlands, and some fabulous archaeological sites. Impressive
prehistoric stone formations dot the island, and more than
90 caves dug into the coastal cliffs may have served as mausoleums
or family homes.
Menorca's main city, Ciutadella, (also known to Muslim's as
Median Minurqa) is a 17th-century vision that arose from the
ashes of the 1558 Turkish motto, invade-and-raze. Sometimes
referred to as 'Vella i Bella' (the Old and the Beautiful)it's
an atractive and distinctly Spanish city with a picturesque
port and an historic old quarter.
The Town Hall
This 17th century building is charming and full of character.
Surrounded by stone benches, it is popularly visited by the
locals. The only way to see the old town is by foot and you
can be sure that around every corner is a quiet plaza or park
to rest in. Palma is accessible as a day visit on one of the
thousands of coaches that arrive here every day.
Unwind yourself after the tiring climbing, enjoy the wonderful
sceneries around, or visit the nearby restaurants that serve
appetizing food. You can spend an evening out here and have
a delightful experience.
The Castell de Bellver (Pictured
right)
Traveling to Palma, this castle is a must-see. Built in 1309,
it is a masterpiece and unique in style. This is the only
castle in Spain that is totally circular in design. At the
beginning, the castle housed as a summer Royal residence and
later transformed to a prison.
The graffiti on the walls, carved by French prisoners of war
shows their anxiety and anger during their term of detention.
The castle also houses the principal museum and often used
for concerts. The castle is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
A nominal admission fee is charged.
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