Palma, a trendy destination in the Med

For this summer, one of the hottest cruise destinations is Palma de Malloca or Majorca (depending where you come from) in the Western Med. I have a lot of requests to include some information about this trendy Island in one of my postings. I had a look around and came up with the following information. If this information inspires you to visit Palma, give me a call or drop me an email, so I can assist you in selecting the perfect cruise for you.

Palma belongs to Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, measuring about 75km /47 miles from north to south and 100km/62 miles from east to west. The beautiful scenery, the mild climate and the copious amount of accommodation make the island a major European tourist centre. Any visitor who arrives in Palma by cruise ship discovers a city spread across the curve of a wide bay, with its proud cathedral standing guard like its former days of maritime glory.
Palma, a former Moorish casbah, or walled city, is Mallorca’s prime tourist destination. Offering an abundance of hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, Palma’s harbor is a bristle of yacht masts, a testament to its popularity. The Old Town is an appealing maze of narrow streets that are a delight to explore on foot. Hop on the Soller Railway for a 17-mile scenic trip, visit 14th-century Bellver Castle and Museu d’Art Espanvol Contemporani, home to works by Picasso and Dali, or check out the hot nightlife.

Nightclubs and Bars
Mallorca is famous for its nightlife and you are sure to find a club or bar to suit your tastes. As the day ends and night begins, Mallorca comes alive. Resorts such as Magaluf, El Arenal and Palma are where you will find the hottest action. Well-known clubs in Magaluf can accommodate 5000 people each night and this type of crowd attracts well-known DJs can easily compete with the competition from Ibiza. If you’re looking for exclusivity, then the 2000 capacity club Tito’s will be for you. Located on the seafront Paseo Maritimo, this is one of the most exclusive clubs in Mallorca.

Stag and  Hen parties will enjoy Dorado Night City on the edge of Magaluf. This disco-bar complex is strictly for the young and consists of erotic shows, Miss Wet T-Shirt contests & foam parties. Some of the other more popular clubs are Boomerang’s, Poco Loco, Venue, Banana Joe’s, Pacha, Car Wash and School Disco. Later this year some of the www.cruise.co.uk staff members will travel to this place for a Hen Party!

Palma is fast becoming one of the trendiest capitals in Europe. It is not only a standard holiday destination it has become a weekend break city. This has enabled some of the Mediterranean’s funkiest bars and nightclubs to be voted must visit areas of the island in many holiday journals.

Cap de Formentor
This is a wild peninsula on the northeast tip of Mallorca with the most amazing views and sandy beaches. The drive takes you to the most northerly point where you see huge cliffs 400m tall with strange formations giving the impression that pine trees are growing out of the rocks. If you are a nervous traveler this journey is most definitely not for you!

There are many stories about the area including a story that believes heavens gates are on the most northerly tip. When you reach Mirador des Colomer you will walk up some steps and look out from an old watchtower where you can see the bays of Pollensa and Alcudia. The views are quite spectacular, return to your car and the road will continue up through pine woods and over hanging rocks, you will then go in a tunnel through En Fumat mountain. From here you are able to view Mallorca’s most inaccessible beach. The road leads you to a large lighthouse and do not be surprised when you get clear views of Menorca. If you get the chance make sure you visit the hotel Formentor, this hotel opened in 1929 and is well known around the world.

Castell de Bellver
This is probably the most well maintained royal fortress anywhere in the world. It was built almost 700 years ago and looks brand new. It is a testimony to the architect Pere Salva who was also famous for Almudaina Palace. The castle itself is quite unique as it is entirely round instead of square. It has 3 large towers and a central courtyard. The courtyard itself is split into 2 levels, make sure you climb onto the roof and look down into the courtyard to see how well designed the castle is, then turn around and be amazed of the views out over Palma Bay. The word Bellver means ‘lovely view’ in Catalan.

Lluc
This is known as Mallorca’s most sacred site, and has been the centre of pilgrimage since the 13thcentury. The story behind the site begins when an Arab boy discovered a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary in the rocks. The boy brought the statue back to the church, however upon returning to the church the locals discovered the statue was missing. The Arab boy again found the statue in the same place, this happened on 3 separate occasions where upon the locals decided it was a message from god and built a church to house the statue. When you visit the church today the statue is still visible, and is now encrusted with precious stones. There is also a museum displaying artefacts and telling the story of Lluc.

Castell d’Alaro
This is Mallorca’s most popular walk and is not for the faint hearted. It is very popular even with the locals. From the town of Alaro it is a stiff climb of nearly 2 hours, you will then follow a small path up to a restaurant known as Es Verger. For those of you who are not as athletic you can bring your car this far, so long as you don’t mind the holes on the road and the overhanging cliff. The restaurant itself is renowned for its roast lamb, however be prepared to be served rough and ready. After your meal continue walking and when you eventually reach the castle you will have some of the most amazing views over the entire Mallorcan plain. If at this stage you decide you are too tired to descend there is a small restaurant and bar with simple rooms for overnight accommodation.

La Seu (Palma Cathedral)
This is known as the glory of Palma, a truly magnificent cathedral which stands head and shoulders above the city.