The largest of the beautiful Balearic Islands, Majorca has never lost its appeal amongst British holidaymakers. Lying in the Mediterranean off the south east coast of mainland Spain and little more than a two hour flight from most UK airports, Majorca offers virtually guaranteed sunshine throughout the summer months and for much of the year.
As Majorca has been one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations for decades, the island is an experienced host to the less mobile and so accessibility and facilities are generally very good. The island’s beautiful beaches and holiday atmosphere continue to attract tourists from right across the world. All the resorts offer an excellent range of local bars, cafes, restaurants and shops and there is plenty of nightlife. The south coast of the island tends to be livelier, but is also popular with families and older people alike.
The capital, Palma, is well worth a visit. It was founded by the Romans and includes the magnificent 14th century Gothic cathedral. Palma is also a shopper’s paradise and has a bustling city centre. However, if you prefer to get away from the crowds, then take a trip to the picturesque villages nestled in the shadows of the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana Mountains. Here you’ll be surrounded by olive and almond trees, as well as romantic windmills set amidst stunningly beautiful countryside. The island also offers many other interesting attractions such as ancient monasteries, excellent museums and idyllic fishing villages.
RESORT INFORMATION
Currency Euro
Time Difference (from UK) +1 hour
Flight Time (from UK) 2 hours
Voltage 220V, 50Hz AC
Shop Opening Times 0900-1300 & 1630-1930 Mon-Sat (1000-2000 department stores)
Bank Opening Times 0900-1400 Mon-Fri, 0900-1300 Sat (except during the summer)
CALLA MILLOR
Accommodation in this area:
- Cala Millor Gardens Hotel
General Description:
A modern purpose-built resort with little local character, dating from the 1950s and clinging to an impressive length of beach. The central part has a fine seafront promenade, lined with plenty of trees; a clean wide pedestrianised artery runs parallel. Most of the nightlife is found here – plenty of British and German pubs, karaoke bars and fast-food eateries. Son Moro (adjoining to the south) is somewhat smarter and quieter. Overall, though, it is a varied destination with something to please most holidaymakers. The entire bay is nearly 4 miles long and contained within largely unspoilt headlands. One of them, the Punta Amer, has been declared an area of special natural interest. It has a 17th-century watchtower from which the coastal area may be admired.
Location:
On the east coast, 12 miles east of the town of Manacor. 44 miles east of Palma; a little less from the airport.
Shopping:
"Artesanias" (handicraft shops) sell tourist bric-a-brac and there are some unremarkable boutiques, leather and jewellery shops. Market in Son Servera on Friday; Porto Colom on Tuesday and Saturday; Cala Ratjada on Saturday; Arta on Tuesday; Manacor on Monday. The latter also has a renowned pearl factory
Eating Out:
Nothing out of the ordinary: fish restaurants and international cuisine, including German, Chinese and Italian, plus the odd pie-and-chips pub and fast-food joint. Plentiful choice, but because the resort stretches right along the coast, it could take some time to locate the restaurant that takes your fancy.
For the less mobile traveller:
Calla Millor is a substantial resort with numerous bars, restaurants and many other attractions. The main promenade is very flat and wide and the sandy beach can be accessed from several points by wooden platforms leading to sunshades, also beach wheelchairs are available to enable access in to the sea. Kerbs are high with limited drop downs, but generally the area is well maintained. Please note this resort closes in the winter months from November through to March.
PLAYA DE MURO
Accommodation in this area:
- Viva Blue Aparthotel
General Description:
Picturesque Playa de Muro, is one of Majorca's newly discovered destinations and will give you the opportunity to recharge your batteries! Holidays centre round the breathtaking white sandy beach and there's a wide range of water sports, with shallow, warm waters making it a great place for little ones. If you want to explore a little further a field, the S'Albufera Park on the outskirts of Playa de Muro is delightful, and birds from all over Europe flock here to nest every year.
Location:
On the NE coast, 34 miles NE of Palma and the airport by way of a good, mainly straight road.
Shopping:
There’s a selection of shops, bars and restaurants and keen shoppers will enjoy wandering around the Saturday morning market, selling fresh produce and hand-crafted goods.
Eating Out:
Eateries to suit most budgets, with the emphasis on casual dining and northern European cuisine. Fast food in most parts but many good restaurants, too.
For the less mobile traveller:
Playa de Muro is situated on a main strip, which is split by a main road, which can be crossed safely in parts. One side being beach front hotels, with accessible beach points and the other side has an array of bars, restaurants and shops, which are mostly accessible. Please note kerbs are high and drop downs are limited, but side roads are relatively quiet therefore it is safe to wheel in the road. Please note this resort closes in the winter months from November through to March.
PORT D’ALCUDIA
Accommodation in this area:
- Alcudia Gardens Aparthotel
- Viva Tropic Aparthotel
- Botel Alcudiamar Hotel
General Description:
The resort of Port d'Alcudia is situated in the north of Majorca at the top of a long curving bay with an endless white sandy beach. It is 2 miles (3km) south of the historical old town of Alcudia, from which it takes its name. The sprawling, purpose-built resort, together with its neighbour Playa de Muro, stretches for 5 miles (8km) either side of the coast road and is particularly popular with British, German and Scandinavian families. It is a vibrant resort with many shops, bars, restaurants and a large pedestrianised marina with accessible facilities. It has a fairly relaxed atmosphere; its spectacular beach is the major attraction, though it is also well placed for exploring the attractions around the north of the island. Please note this resort closes in the winter months from November through to March.
Location:
On the NE coast, 34 miles NE of Palma and the airport by way of a good, mainly straight road.
Eating Out:
Eateries to suit most budgets, with the emphasis on casual dining and northern European cuisine. Fast food in most parts but many good restaurants, too. Waterfront eating in the port.
For the less mobile traveller:
Alcudia offers a flat resort, however the pavements are old and uneven and have not been regularly maintained, thus certain areas will be difficult to negotiate without assistance. Drop kerbs are also very limited in this area. Whilst the resort offers one of the best beaches on the island which has a promenade hugging the coastline, it too is uneven in parts and is constructed of contoured paving slabs which themselves can cause wheelchairs to have an uncomfortable ride.
PUERTO DE POLLENSA
Accommodation in this area:
- IPA Cervera Apartments
- Vista Boquer Apartments
General Description:
Stretching for around 2 miles along the edge of a crescent-shaped bay, Puerto de Pollensa is an established resort with several hotels dating back to pre-war years and a port which has succeeded in keeping much of its character. The generally low-rise town also has the considerable benefit of a 1½-mile seafront promenade, much of it pedestrianised, attractively lined with palms and pines and offering good views across the bay to the rugged headlands. The little square set back from the marina has been paved, planted and equipped with old-fashioned lamps, and there are numerous pedestrianised lanes full of bars and restaurants, all of which contributes to the resort's relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Location:
Near the NE tip of the island near Cape Formentor (12 miles). 38 miles NE of Palma and the airport. 3¾ miles NE of Pollensa. 5¼ miles NW of old town of Alcudia.
Shopping:
Small selection of shops along the promenade, concentrated near the marina and extending to the streets behind. Good shops for leather, footwear and Lladro porcelain plus the usual seaside souvenirs and selection of basic food stores. Wednesday market on the square; Sunday market in old town of Pollensa.
Eating Out:
Good choice along the sea front and in the streets behind; besides varied local fare, there are Chinese, German and Italian options.
For the less mobile traveller:
The resort is split either side of a famous marina, one side is pedestrianised with an array of eating areas, which are mostly accessible. To the other side of the Marina the main street is parallel to a narrow sandy partially accessible beach. The town itself has narrow streets, high kerbs and very few drop downs. In addition Puerto de Pollensa can offer a public swimming pool, which has a pool hoist. Please note that the route to the swimming pool has limited drop kerbs.
SANTA PONSA
Accommodation in this area:
- Jardin del Sol Suites & Spa Hotel
- Hesperia Playas De Mallorca Hotel
General Description:
A densely developed resort with few traces of the village that stood here before the massive expansion of tourism in the 1960s. Many of the hotels are located in the flat area behind the main beach, where there is a lengthy frontage of souvenir shops backed by long, rather characterless streets. The sloping ground and roads to the northwest and southwest are generally more attractive, some offering panoramic views of the bay, and there is a lively area of bars and fast-food outlets at the northern end of the beach. On the southern headland is a narrow inlet leading to the nautical club and moorings. Near here you can find a stone cross commemorating the landing in 1229 of King Jaime of Aragon, who drove the Moors from the island.
Location:
On the south west coast, in the Calvia region. 13 miles south west of Palma and 19 miles from the airport by fast road. 3 miles south west of Magalluf across a broad headland.
Shopping:
A large supermarket on the main road from Palma; a good supply of minimarkets distributed among the apartment complexes and in the main resort centre. Many banks and other essentials. Not exactly a shopper's paradise, but a good choice of small outlets and stalls, including clothes, beach wear and accessories, arts and crafts, souvenirs and jewellery shops; a few designer outlets. Serious shoppers should head for Palma.
Eating Out:
Plentiful restaurants and eateries serving local Majorcan, Spanish, Chinese, Italian and Indian; one can even have ostrich and kangaroo steaks. Variety ranges from fast-food outlets and kebab houses to A La Carte dining with sea views.
For the less mobile traveller:
When you enter into Santa Ponsa it is flat with good wide pavements, offering a selection of shops and restaurants to choose from. The beach is accessible with wooden platforms leading to sunshades. Beach wheelchairs are available to enable access into the sea. From this point the road inclines up the coast where amazing views can be enjoyed from the elevated position, but wheelchairs may find it hard negotiating the hill. Electric wheelchairs or a strong pusher would be recommended.
