Mallorca combines historic Spain with a beach vacation

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/YuWur)
Mallorca is the Spain’s largest island; it sits to the west of the mainland in the Mediterranean Sea. It is well known as a European tourist destination, and has rightfully earned its title. Old fashioned train cars still run routes across the island carrying visitors on beautiful tours through mountains, orange and lemon groves, residential villages and quaint downtown squares. Street markets and cart vendors are common while spas and designer stores have also found their places here. This island combines rich Spanish history, traditional culture and modern comforts into the ultimate vacation destination.

The capital of the island, Palma, is located on the southwestern edge of the island. This historical city has a variety of ancient structures to attest to the island’s changing controllers. The Byzantine Empire’s influence can still be seen in the great mosaics of La Seu, Palma Cathedral. Old City is the symbol of the Arab past containing many buildings with apparent Arab architecture, some of which are now open as small museums and galleries. There are also some remains of an Arab bath, as well as the Palau de l'Almudaina, a Muslim castle which was converted into the residence for the monarchy centuries ago. Just across the street from these treasures, there is shopping, dining and nightclubs aplenty.

One beautiful train ride from Palma brings visitors to the northwestern coastal city of Puerto de Sóller. This port town surrounds a beautiful bay filled with boats of all sizes. Walking along the water, visitors find everything typical of a surfside town including hotels, beaches, shops and open air restaurants, cafés and bars. Further inland there is a weekend street market that sells everything from straw hats, and famous Mallorcan pottery to flamenco CD’s and gelato. Rental cars are available, and a drive through the mountains provides a somewhat scary but nevertheless breathtaking view of cliffs, neighboring mountains and the sea below. Also, don’t miss the Cuevas del Drach in Porto Cristo. These underground caves are covered in mineral deposits resembling icicles. An easy hike through the caves is rewarded by a lightshow at the end complete with live music played from a small boat in one of the caves underwater pools.

The Espléndido hotel is a particularly beautiful hotel on the Sóller coast. The 1954 hotel has been renovated and redecorated with a modern and vintage twist and sits in the center of the bay for a beautiful view. Rooms either face a bay or a terraced garden complete with infinity pool, and range from 105 € for a garden view suite to 475 € for their best suite. There is an onsite gym, spa and restaurant, as well as a poolside bar and food service. The drinks are great (try the lemonade made with local lemons) and breakfast in the restaurant is especially delicious complete with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, pastries and more. The hotel can offer many other tourist suggestions to suit any traveler’s fancy.

Mallorca is great for Charlotteans who love visiting Charleston, hiking Crowders Mountain and the staying at the Dunhill Hotel.

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