The Balearic Islands, Mallorca
The Balearic Islands are located in the Mediterranean Sea, less than 100 kilometres from the coast of Alicante. The islands are divided in Gimneasias in the North and Pitiusas in the Southwest. Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera belong to Gimnesias and Ibiza and Formentera to Pitiusas. Mallorca is the biggest of the Balearic Island with its 3640 square kilometres and the smallest is Cabrera. There are 983 131 (2005) inhabitants on the Balearic Islands of which approximately 15% are foreigners.
The Balearic Islands enjoy more than 300 sunny days a year and that is why it is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. You can also enjoy the magnificent beaches and the many sights of cultural interest.
The Island of Mallorca has also attracted many artists. Before the Spanish Civil War the French author Aurore Dupin, better known as George Sand and her lover the composer Frédéric Chopin spent a long time on the island. George Sand wrote a book about her visit "Un invierno en Mallorca" (A winter on Mallorcalla), the first book ever written about Mallorca.
The island offers plenty to see. In Palma the Cathedral and its surroundings "The City of the Arabs" the Plaza Sant Francese, the castle of Bellver, the Palace of Almudaina and the Foundation of Pilar and Jose Miró are places worth while visiting. In Valldemossa you will find the monastery de la Cartuja where George Sand and Chopin spent the winter 1838-1839. On the East coast, near Port Cristo you will find the stalactite caves of Drach and Artán. In the caves of Drach you can enjoy classical music by an underground lake. Approximately 30 kilometres west from Palma you will find the village and port of Andrtrax where the idyllic atmosphere of an old fishing is well preserved. A romantic dinner in one the excellent fish restaurants of the Port is an unforgettable experience. From the village along the coast side runs an old mountain road to the north-east ending in the look out spot of Cap de Formentor with breath taking mountain and sea views. From Palma you can take a wooden train to the charming village of Sóller. (The wooden train was inaugurated the same day the Titanic sank, according to the conductor of the train). The train passes through the olive and almond groves of small mountain villages. In Sóller you can spend the day by getting to know the old part of the village. The trip to the harbour is worth while doing by tram!
In Mallorca there are 12 golf courses and most of them are of full-size. The island is also popular amongst the cyclists. In spring time you can see cyclists from Spain and all over the world training in the fresh spring weather.
