Why Mallorca? The not-so-known attractions
The port of Soller, a beautiful spot for vacation and living at the feet of the mountains.
When we first decided to move here, Mallorca was not a clear-cut choice. As a Spaniard, I had vacationed every summer in the levante coast of Alicante. As an adult, I visited family and friends through out the South, including long stays in Cadiz, Almeria and Malaga. So why Mallorca?
Well, the answer might surprise you. Because of the German population. There is the joke among Germans that Mallorca is just another province of their nation, given the many nationals residing and visiting every year. Did you know there are more flight connections from Germany to Mallorca than from the Spanish peninsula?
We already know that Germans love this island, and if you happen to be one of them, you don’t need further explanation. If you haven’t come already to vacation here, you probably have a friend who has, and has spent the weeks afterwards gushing about the wonderful bicycle routes.
What about our friends from the other side of the Atlantic? Can they possibly find something here that they don’t have in the immensity of the American continent? The Sierra Tramuntana is definitely not the Rocky Mountains but it will still surprise you how much mountain you find here. It still amazes me as I continue to discover new places in what should be just a small island. Nestled between the not-so-high peaks are some of the most beautiful and historic towns of Spain: Soller, Valdemossa, Pollensa, Andratx, Puigpunyent…
The Bellver Park, East of the capital Palma, has many paths for hiking and several playgrounds for children to play on the shade of the trees. This photo was taken in April.
Another surprising feature? The trees and the amount of wild-flower growth. This is indeed unusual because the south and middle of Spain have very harsh summers, with high temperatures reaching 40 degrees several days (or weeks) every year. It can be hard for ornamental plants. But not in Mallorca. The coastal weather softens up the extreme temperatures so you will find the blooming season from March (the almond trees bloomed in February this year) to late October and well into November for some plants.
The offer for outdoor sports is also incredibly broad. Cycling is very popular among our visitors from Northern Europe and UK. But less known is that there are also clubs for hiking, rockclimbing, horseriding, golfing and, of course Tennis. Being the homeland of Rafael Nadal, Tennis fans will find plenty of places to practice the sport. The sea sports are assured to be offered, but you might not know that the National Academy of sailing and the most important Sailing races in Spain are based off Mallorca. And they offer a very different way to get to know the island.
If you like photography, you will have rugged coastlines, mediterranean-style stone houses and small villages at the feet of the mountains. It’s not an exageration that this island is a feast for the eyes.
And one last point, echoing many other articles in magazines and news outlets: Spain consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for quality of life when considering education, healthcare, and social structure. And in Mallorca you find that, mixed in with the diverse international culture of its many expats who have chosen to live here too.
In sum, in Mallorca you find the best of the European quality of life with the charm of the rural landscape. You have the possibility to hike a mountain in the morning and see the sunset from the beach. And you’ll hear it from the local expats: the safety and family-oriented culture sets it apart from many of the world-known tourism hotspots. It’s no wonder that many vacationers have decided to make Mallorca their home (as our family did). If you have been here and have felt the same pull from the island, Menzel Mallorca will be happy to assist you in the process. Scheduling an appointment is easier than booking a vacation!
