Mallorca

Background

Mallorca lies in the western Mediterranean. It is the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands and the seventh largest island in the Mediterranean, and its capital is Palma. The cultural landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana on the north-west coast was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2011; Palma Cathedral stands beside the sea, and the island is dotted with megalithic sites of the Bronze Age Talaiotic culture. The Romans occupied the island in 123 BC, and Palma and Pollentia were founded during their rule. In 902 the island was conquered by Muslim forces, and Palma was expanded as Medina Mayurqa. In 1229 King James I of Aragon landed with his army, took the city by the end of the year, and the following year annexed the island to the Crown of Aragon. In 1983 the Balearic Islands became an autonomous community of Spain, with Palma as its capital.

Local customs

• See the cathedral and the Almudaina Palace in Palma's old town
• take the vintage train to Sóller
• drive or hike along the Tramuntana mountain roads and find a cove for a swim.

Travel tips

• Admission and opening hours are subject to the official websites
• summer accommodation is tight, so book in advance
• a hire car is the most flexible option, and mountain roads are narrow, so drive slowly.
• Palma airport is one of Spain's busiest, with flights to many European destinations
• the island has buses and a small train network, while remote coves are best reached by car or taxi. May to October suits beaches and hiking, and summers are hot and dry
• October and November are the wettest months
• winters are mild, good for the mountains and the old town.