There´s much more to Mallorca than just beautiful beaches, great scenery and wonderful weather alone. As the largest of the Balearics is home to a wealth of visitor attractions. Boasting a rich cultural heritage and a whole host of things to do and see.

So if you have booked one of our villas in Mallorca make sure you take the time to get out and explore.

Palma – the islands capital – is home to many of these riches. Most notably the Cathedral of Palma. Which was constructed in the 14th century on the site of a former Arab mosque. As the Moors were finally forced out of Spain and the islands.

The Cathedral is known as Le Seu in the local Catalan dialect and is the most important and impressive piece of architecture on the island. Legend has it that when Jaume I – the island liberator – set sail for Mallorca in 1229 his fleet was beset by a massive storm. So he prayed for safe passage – promising to build a temple to the Virgin Mary in return. His prayers were answered and his promise bought to life. With the choice of site designed to ram home the victory of the Christian forces over the Muslims.

Construction on the new cathedral commenced in1300 under the aegis of Jaime II – the liberator’s son. With the help of his architect Pere Mates – who created the distinctive three aisle design and built the main structure with locally sourced Mallorcan sandstone. With work continuing for over two centuries until the cathedral was finally completed in the 1600´s. Although ongoing alterations continued to change and shape the building over the coming years.

The most controversial of these new additions and modifications were carried out by the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. When he was engaged by the then Bishop of Mallorca. Who decided that the interior of the cathedral required some modernisation in order to ensure its ongoing appeal in contemporary society.

Gaudi worked on the project for 13 years. Recovering the nave and The Royal Chapel and introducing more stained glass windows to lighten the interior. Before suddenly and mysteriously downing tools and deciding that he’d had enough. With experts postulating that he was apparently sorely stung by criticism of his work by locals. Leaving the Bishop at his wits end – before one of Guadi’s apprentices took up the cudgels and finally completed the work.

Today the Cathedral stands 44 metres high and has a footprint around 7000 square metres. Boasting three separate entrance facades, impressive arches and some fantastic sculptures.

As if there weren’t already enough good reasons to visit the beautiful island of Mallorca an International Film Festival will be launching in 2011. According to recent reports in the Daily Mail.

The event is the brainchild of island resident David Carreras – an eminent Spanish director originally born in Barcelona – and is planned for April 2011. With the objective of placing Mallorca firmly on the international cultural map.

‘The island is stunning, we have beautiful scenery and it would be perfect to hold an international event like this,’ he said.

‘Apart from the exhibition of films and the media attraction for the red carpet, the Festival will organise multiple parallel events such as concerts, performances, and gastronomic shows – ultimately for the international general public to enjoy.’
He said: ‘When you ask people what they think of Mallorca they are very negative, but you change your mind when you go. It is a wonderful place, the interior of the island is lovely.

‘I sometimes wake up and look at the view and I can’t believe how lucky I am to be living there.’

Mallorca is a magical holiday destination. The largest of the Balearic Islands is blessed with over 80 picturesque beaches and pine clad mountains. Offering a peaceful and tranquil retreat for those looking to get away from it all.

There are if course bustling popular resorts on the island, such as Magalluf. But the full English breakfast style of holiday is on the wane. Replaced by a more sophisticated type of tourism that revolves more around fantastic rural retreats and quieter coastal coves.

We tend to favour the north of the island. Which is dominated by the picturesque Tramuntana Mountains and the Sierra del Norte. Which provide an enormously atmospheric backdrop for delightful coastal resorts such as Puerto Pollensa and Cala San Vincente. Where you a large selection of our holiday villas in Mallorca are located.

Both of these charming coastal resorts are ideal for couples and families alike. And lie in close proximity to the former Roman settlement of Pollensa. One of the most atmospheric and historic towns on the island. Boasting pretty squares, cobbled lanes and a wealth of historic architecture dating back as far as the 13th Century. Arguably the best known landmark here is the Calvary Hill with its 365 steps (one for every day of the year). Which lead up to the church.

For a larger dose of history head for the island capital of Palma. Home to La Llotja, a fantastic example of gothic architecture dating back to the 11th Century. Along with the former Islamic fortress and palace that now plays host to the National Heritage Museum, which was built in the 1300´s. And the city´s famous cathedral.

Away from the resorts and the capital Mallorca also boasts a host of natural beauty spots and wonders. Such as many cave systems dotted around the island, where visitors can view huge subterranean lakes as well as beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. Or the impressive scenery of the Formenter Peninsula, offering great views of this rugged part of the coastline.
And the Puig d’Alaro – where a stunning 13th century monastery sits atop a mountain. Or enjoy a ride on the antique mini railway that runs from Palma into the pretty little town of Soller. An ideal spot for a long relaxed lunch.

Mallorca really does offer so much for the independent traveller and this Mediterrenean paradise can be enjoyed from March through until October.