Spanish Island: Mallorca
Mallorca is located at the western end of the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest and most populous island in Spain's Balearic Islands. It lies southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, approximately 240 km from mainland Spain. The island enjoys a mild climate with distinct seasons—hot, dry summers and mild, humid winters—making it a famous European holiday destination.
✍️ Mallorca has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. During the Roman Empire, the island gradually developed into an important Mediterranean trading center. In the Middle Ages, it was territory of the Muslim Moors until the 13th century, when James I of Aragon conquered Mallorca and incorporated it into his Christian kingdom.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tourism began to flourish on the island, attracting many artists and writers such as George Sand and Frédéric Chopin. During the winter of 1838, the couple stayed at the Valldemossa Charterhouse to escape the cold. During this time, Chopin completed his "Raindrop Prelude," while George Sand wrote "A Winter in Mallorca."
🎬Main attractions: *Palma de Mallorca: The island's capital, featuring a spectacular Gothic cathedral (Catedral de Palma, image 6), the Royal Palace (Almudaina Palace), and a charming old town. *Port de Sóller (image 8): A picturesque port town surrounded by steep mountains and azure waters. *Formentor Cape (image 7): Located at the northernmost tip of the island, this is a narrow 20 km long peninsula affectionately called "the meeting point of winds" by locals.
✈️: Palma de Mallorca Airport is the main gateway to the island, offering direct flights to major European cities.
🛳️: Regular ferry services operate from mainland Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Valencia to Mallorca.
🥂Specialties and cuisine: Mallorcan olive oil: The island produces excellent quality olive oil, which is an important ingredient in local dishes; Mallorcan wine, especially red wine from several quality wine regions on the island is worth tasting; Additionally, locally cultivated pearls are a distinctive handicraft of the island.