And it really is a long time dream. Not only Palma de Mallorca, but also all the beauty of the island. Because Mallorca - a paradise where you want to stay forever.
So what is the romantic Mallorca, or otherwise Mallorca? The biggest (unlike Menorca) of the Balearic Islands, which is the mistress of Spain. Island since ancient times resembled a large busy intersection. Return here scurrying hordes of conquerors of different nationalities. There were noted Carthage and pirates, Rome and the Vandals, Byzantines, Muslims and Christians, Moors and Catalans. It hosted the mysterious Almoravides and Almohades. And so it went until 1716, while the Balearic Islands finally became a Spanish province.
In the 50-ies of the island embraced tourism boom and they are significantly transformed, gradually turning into a major international tourist center. Here's the handy all the centuries-old adventure-suffering island of Majorca. They immediately turned his sights. Of course, the one who first came to Majorca, landmark show all: nature (oak groves, pine forests, combined with white sand beaches in the bays), in the village of olive and orange groves, windmills. But I assure you that's not the sights. It is a romantic backdrop against which we try to see them.
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Business Card paradise island
Valldemossa - a picturesque village, famous for the monastery of the Carthusian order of monks. Initially, the majestic buildings of the monastery have been the palace of King Sancho I of the Pacific. Why, he was named the Pacific, history, alas, silent.
Deya - another cozy place located near Valldemossa, about 10 miles north. Deya is known as a reserved place living writers and poets (Carmen Naranjo, Robert Graves, Anais Nin and others) and a sample of the bohemian style. Spain and Mallorca lured to his talent.
Banyalbufar - a unique village with agricultural fields located on the terraced areas. Constructed all this splendor was during the time of Arab rule. Famous for his original village and ceramics.
Fornalutx - a sample of a typical medieval Spanish town. The winding narrow streets, stone-paved, and ancient stone houses contrast silhouetted against the blooming orange groves and each of its turn takes us back centuries.
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Natural parks and reserves
Fabulously good nature reserves and parks of the island of Majorca.
The Botanical Garden, who is also a cactus garden Botanicactus. One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, it affects the diversity and splendor of its flora. Here are the humid jungle, desert with cacti and vegetation typical of Mallorca, which formally incorporated windmill hut of the XV century, and various pergolas.
Galattso Park Reserve - a natural park for the adventurous. Waterfalls, suspension bridges, climbing and rappelling will not let you forget about the rest in these places.
Park "Spanish Village". You are greeted by the whole of Spain. you walk through the streets and squares of all its many provinces and at the next turn will be taken from Madrid to Barcelona; Crossing the road, transported from Toledo to Cordoba, and then in the Arab baths Alhambra in Granada. The park presents a copy of the most famous landmarks in Spain.
Gardens Alfabit documented era of Arab rule (the beginning of the XIII century). The landscape is dominated by fountains, springs and streams in the Arab style. The appearance of the estate and gardens, occupying an area of about 120 hectares, over the centuries has changed many times, but the overall style has survived to our times.
Park Sa Albufera de Mallorca and Sa Dragonera nature reserve - for lovers of wildlife. If the first is a bird paradise, in the second you have plenty behold lizards (here lives an endemic species of reptiles).
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The underground world of caves
Mysterious Caves - the most impressive natural creation in Mallorca.
Caves of Arta. Some names stalagmite underground halls opened in the XVI century, forced a nervous shudder very impressionable visitors: Purgatory, Hell, Heaven.
Caves of Drac. Fascinating spectacle of the underground world far from Porto Cristo. Kilometers of natural stone sculptures, narrow passages and stairs that lead to the well of the Vampires, the halls of Louis Salvador and Louis Armand.
Ams Cave got its name from filling their stalactites and stalagmites. On the Majorcan dialect Ama (Hams) means "hooks, harpoons." Here you can enjoy no less impressive spectacle of underground rooms, mazes and lakes.
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Architectural and historical monuments
And, of course, no way to get around the actual historical sights: the cathedrals, churches, monasteries, - where every stone is a silent witness of his era.
Palacio de la Almudaina, simply put, Almudaina Palace - the ancient palace complex in Spain. Mauritanian creation and residence of viziers-Moors with typical architecture of the time - a rectangle with high watchtowers at the corners. From 1230 to this day is guarded residence of the Spanish royal family. The symbolic name of the citadel towers - Tower with a sculpture of an angel patron saint Archangel Gabriel on top, tower heads - from the XV century it hung heads of executed criminals. And if you get to the palace complex, make sure you look at the chapel of St. Anne, the Throne Room, the Royal Gardens and the ruins of the Arab baths of X century.
Cathedral of Majorca is a true example of Gothic architecture of the XVII century. This is Spain, with its unique architecture in its purest form. The cathedral contains a unique artifact - the ark of the True Cross. But especially the cathedral is famous for the fact that the interior trim and exterior lighting designed by Antonio Gaudi himself.
Carthusian Monastery. This is the Monastery of Valldemossa. The terraces and fountains of the monastery, hanging over the abyss - a spectacular sight not for the faint of heart. Church, pharmacy, gallery - all breathing the old days, all covered with legends. One such legend is based on real facts, on Valentine's Frederick Chopin and George Sand, are particularly proud of the locals.
Church of St. Eulalia - an elegant Gothic building of the XV century. Like many other churches, it was built on the foundations of an Arab mosque (according to some historians) or the early Christian Church (according to others). Famous because it holds the image of Jesus Christ, which never left the king-conqueror of the island Jaime I (aka Jaume I).
But the Basilica of St. Francis is directly related to Jaime II (Jaume II). The complex is in the Gothic style consists of churches, galleries and outbuildings. Observe stands on a closed gallery - cloister and the sarcophagus containing the remains of the monk-writer Lull. Patio Basilica growing it cypresses, lemons, oleanders and palm trees, reminiscent in style patio Moorish rulers.
Lluc Monastery (Santuario de Luke) - a beautiful architectural ensemble, consisting of a church, a museum and farm buildings, beautifully situated in the garden. Built in the XVIII century on the spot where, according to legend, a shepherd found the statue of the Virgin Mary, the monastery is the religious center of the island and the ultimate goal of many pilgrims coming to the island of Mallorca. In the monastery, to the image of the Virgin Mary in a mountain valley at an altitude of 525 meters above sea level, rising believers and pilgrims in the ordinary and holidays. He is known as his monastery choir boys.
Another pilgrimage center of Mallorca is considered to be Ermita de San Salvador - a shrine known 7-meter figure of Christ and the palaces of Bethlehem.
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Castles and Fortresses Islands
Particularly noteworthy are the castles of the island of Mallorca. Many of them were built as a fortress for the defense of others - playing the role of fortified settlements.
Bellver Castle - the only kruglostenny Gothic castle. Spain can be proud of this unique structure, which has no analogues on its map. Built in the XVI century on a hill, it is a perfect solution for defense fortification with a broad overview of the surrounding area and the bay. Royal residence and later a military prison, and now the Historical Museum of Palma de Mallorca - all his incarnation attract a lot of visitors from around the world.
Capdepera Castle - now the Castle Museum, located on the mountain, near the strait that separates the island of Mallorca and Menorca. In 1300, Jaime II (Jaume II) built a fortified settlement for the defense of the local domains from pirate attacks.
Castle Alaró difficulty can now claim the title of defensive structures. First, there was a Moorish fort to keep the defense from Christians. Then, in the XIII century, the castle was built to defend against foreign invaders. We have heard only historical evidence of its former glory and ruins - silent witnesses of the inexorable passage of time.
Well, here we toured the main attractions and can now afford to relax a bit and go for a ride on a vintage train from Palma to Soller. In an unforgettable journey along a narrow track laid in the mountains, through tunnels and bridges, slowly, giving enjoy the panoramic views, you will take away to the north of Mallorca Classic Retro Express. The end point of the trip - the city of Soller. Charming old town with narrow streets. Corner of Majorca, where the emerald mountains through solar-orange plantations tend to the turquoise sea.
And after a walk on the train, you can afford to relax completely and forget for a while about the wonderful attractions of the island.
But ... let him cast a stone at us someone who does not think the world-famous golden coast of the island of Mallorca its next landmark.
A total of 200 beaches around the island. The total length of the coastline - more than 550 km. The coastline of most beaches - a combination of sun and shady pine oak woods with steep rocky slopes to the sea.
More than 30 white sand beaches of Majorca on the right marked "blue flag", confirming the striking purity and safety of the coast.
Tourist Areas Cala Mayor, Arenal, Cala San Vicente and San Agusti Magaluf are considered the best on the coast.
