Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is so well-known as to be practically synonymous with sun, sea, sand and summer holidays. Tourists from all over Europe flock to the Mediterranean, and about ten million each year follow the lead of the Spanish Royal Family and spend their holidays in Majorca.

Visiting Majorca in winter, on the other hand, can provide a good way to avoid the crowds and excellent chances to explore more of this beautiful island, particularly for travellers who are looking for sporting activities and adventures. The mild climate lends itself to year-round outdoor activity, so the popular pastimes of hiking, cycling, horse riding, sailing, diving and watersports – jet skiing is much loved – are still available in the winter months and generally more comfortable to take part in when the weather is a little cooler. Away from the beaches, the island boasts some stunning mountain scenery, pine forests and caves to explore.

Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, as with all the Catholic Spanish territories, Majorca has a wonderfully festive atmosphere with lots of entertainments and treats especially for children. And the party is by no means over in January – early in the New Year, Spanish children celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings (los Reyes Magos), with a huge parade in the evening, gifts and sweets being given the next morning. Then for a whole two weeks (14-29 January), the Balearic capital of Palma comes alive with celebrations of its patron saint, Sebastian – it’s a perfect opportunity for visitors to see and take part in a traditional Spanish fiesta. The festivities include street parties with live music, bonfires and fireworks, fancy dress parades and huge outdoor barbecue feasts.

Prices for accommodation drop by around €20 per night in the ‘low season’ after the summer rush. Some of the most tourist-focused establishments may be closed during winter but a massive selection of quality hotels in Majorca remains open throughout the year. Along with the scores of three and four-star all-inclusive beach resorts – most suitable for large groups of holidaymakers – there are some exclusive, five-star designer hotels, aparthotels and around cities, converted mansions, manor houses and villas are found.

Many of these locally-owned hotels boast excellent cuisine, so are a good place to sample local specialities such as seafood paella, the spicy, warming Sobrassada sausage, wild mushrooms and olives, and the locals’ pride, almond cake and almond ice-cream. There are also some fine local wines, mainly using the Tempranillo (grenache) grape and the local varietals Callet and Manto Negro.

About the Author:

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/winter-on-majorca-is-fiesta-time-266046.html

The Hotel Aimia in Puerto Soller on the northwest coast of Mallorca received a nomination as one of four contenders in the Most Excellent European Value for Money Award. Many of the Aimia Hotel’s rooms face the Puerto de Soller and offer breathtaking views of Mallorca’s white sand beaches. Nearby Port De Soller is the only commercial seaport in the Serra De Tramuntana.

Porto Petro Beach Resort Hotel, just opened in 2005, is neatly tucked into two beautiful, sandy coves along a half mile stretch of Mediterranean coastline in Porto Petro. This 300 room waterfront resort was nominated for the Most Excellent European Value for Money Award in 2007.

Porto Petro Beach Resort offers the Blaudi Club for Kids. Kids ages 2 to 17 can play all day in age-appropriate playgroups, play in the pool and other sports in an area especially designed with kids in mind. In nearby Lake Martel, the Caves of Drach offer visitors the opportunity to take boat rides or enjoy classical concerts in one of the inside chambers of the cave. Lake Martel is one of the world’s largest underground lakes.

La Residencia hotel received second place in Best Leisure Hotels in Europe, Asia Minor and the Russian Federation via the 2007 Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. In addition, La Residencia also received:

* #34 in the 2007 Conde Nast World’s Top 100 hotels

* #2 Best Hotel in the 2007 Conde Nast Travel and Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World

* #4 Best Hotel Spa in Europe in the 2007 Conde Nast Traveller’s Best Spas in Europe

* El Olivo Restaurant, La Residencia Restaurant, Best Restaurants in Spain in the 2007 Restauradores Awards

* Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in the 2007 Wine Spectator Awards

La Residencia, set in 30 acres of citrus groves, offers 59 rooms and suites housed in two manor houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The La Residencia hotel, elegantly furnished in Mallorcan antiques, houses three restaurants including the award winning El Olivo Restaurant.

Mallorca has been a major summer holiday destination for several years. Many people don’t realize the magnificent deals to be taken advantage of during the winter months as well. Winter visitors can stay at the same beautiful, award-winning hotels and resorts for a fraction of the price. Winter time is also the season when you can enjoy newly ripened citrus fruit from the local groves. Wintertime holiday packages can be booked for as little as 325 euros.

Many people prefer the slower paced winter holidays to the hustle and bustle of the busy summer holiday season. Temperatures in the winter season range from 6 degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit) to 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit). These mild temperatures help make Mallorca the perfect wintertime destination for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and mild winter weather.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/award-winning-mallorcan-hotels-322963.html

About the Author:

For holiday information about Mallorca, including Mallorca hotels visit YourMajorca.net

The Mallorca holidays guide includes a map, today’s weather and airfare deals for Mallorca flights

The majority of visitors to these resorts are British package holiday makers looking for fun in the sun, and few leave dissatisfied. Palma Nova has three sandy beaches, each with blue flag status, water sports and boat trips and plenty of sports facilities, particularly golf courses in the vicinity. In addition to this, in adjacent Magalluf you will find more watersports including jet skiing, kite surfing and scuba diving, a giant waterpark and a Wild West theme park.

Shopping in Palma Nova and Majorca is probably what you would expect from such a tourist oriented place, with plenty of gift shops, convenience stores and shops selling beachwear and souvenirs. Better shopping is available in the islands capital Palma, a short bus or taxi ride away.

The long promenade in Palma Nova provides Chinese, Italian and Mexican restaurants along with Spanish bars serving tapas during the day. In Magalluf there is also a wide selection of restaurants, many of which cater to British tastes; there are several that even serve Sunday roasts, bangers and mash, fish and chips and other British favourites. As these resorts are generally favoured by young budget travelers, there are also the usual fast food outlets available.

There is a huge amount in Magalluf and Palma Nova to keep night owls and other party animals entertained. In Palma Nova you can expect to find late night bars with DJ’s and dancing, English style pubs and karaoke bars while Magalluf boasts some top class night clubs well known on the European club circuit and competes with Ibiza as the clubbing capital of the Mediterranean.

Both Palma Nova and Magalluf can get very busy during peak season and beaches and sidewalks can become crowded. As such, this area of the island will probably not be a good choice during the summer months for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing break from their Majorca holiday.

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About the Author
Harry Lawrance is an experienced writer based in the UK.

However, there are plenty of places on Majorca where you can escape the crowds. Deserted sandy coves, where mountains meet the sea, and remote beaches, only accessible by boat or on foot, are perfect for a quiet holiday. In the traditional rural villages, surrounded by olive and almond groves, with their centuries-old monasteries and delightful bars and cafes, you can mix it with the locals and get well away from the crowds.

If you’re short of time, you don’t have to head for remote parts of Majorca to escape the masses. Not far from busy Palma, Illetes has two pine-lined coves with beautiful sandy beaches. And in the west of the island, you can follow in the footsteps of poet Robert Graves, who used to take the coastal path across to Lluc Alcari. Stop for a swim in the deep azure waters of Cala Deia, where weathered rocks form amazing shapes, and continue to the seaside village of Port Soller for refreshments.

The north of the island, where the Tramuntana mountains meet the sea, near the resorts of Port de Pollenca and Port de Soller, you’ll find beautiful, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and much less competition for that spot on the sand. On the east coast, the little bays of Cala Mesquida have good waves, and are popular with surfers in the know. At both Port de Pollenca and Port d’Alcudia are more idyllic fine sandy beaches, and further southward, Cala Rajada has more small bay beaches that are easily accessible.

Some of the most isolated places are away from the coast, and the mountains offer some great walks. Starting from the central northern village of Selva on the eastern flanks of the Tramuntana, you can trek cobbled cart tracks to the lovely monastery at Lluc. Along the way check out the pretty village of Caimari, an important centre of olive cultivation, and continue on through a dramatic steep-sided canyon. In the eastern part of the island, recently declared a nature reserve, you can walk from the secluded beaches at Estreta and Torta, along lanes, coastal paths and horse trails to Cala Rajada and rarely meet another walker.

The hottest summer months of July and August are the busiest time on Majorca, and resort and villa accommodation is at a premium. Crowds are obviously less than at other times of the year, and the weather is often still pleasant in May, June, September and October, when swimming is still possible. Even in the middle of winter, January and February, there are beautiful sunny days, although the nights can be very cold.

The best way to enjoy a holiday on this special island is to rent your own Majorca villa. Villa operators offer great value rental properties, each with a private pool. These villas are located all over the island, with easy access to un-spoilt coastal beaches and the small villages and mountain regions in the interior of the island. But you are never far from major towns, where there’s plenty of shopping, fine dining and exuberant nightlife should you need to see crowds again

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About the Author
Rod Ritchie writes for many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. Solmar Villas offer holiday villas in Majorca. Book online from a selection of quality Majorca villas.

Alcudia boasts a six-mile long coast, and its crystal clear waters and stunning sandy beaches mean that sunbathing is naturally a popular pastime for holidaymakers in the town. However, many visitors to Alcudia choose to spend their time walking through its historic old town. The narrow streets of Alcudia’s inner-walled town are serene and tranquil and its pedestrianized areas are home to some beautiful squares in which you’ll be able to find places to eat and drink. Alcudia’s old town also plays host to a market every week, so you’ll be able to pick up a few bargains on your travels as well.

Alternatively, take a walk down to the Port D’alcduia, from which you’ll be able to take boat trips around parts of the island and catch daily ferries to Menorca and Barcelona. Here, holidaymakers will also be able to find some high quality shops in which to buy local porcelain, jewellery and other items. What’s more, you’ll be able to find secluded coves north of Alcudia’s town walls that provide perfect opportunities for snorkelling or sunbathing away from the beaten track.

If you’re keen to hire a car in Alcudia, you’ll be able to explore the town’s surrounding areas with ease. For instance, take the ten minute drive south along Alcudia’s beach and into Playa de Muro, where you’ll be able to visit S’Albufera. S’Albufera is a nature reserve that is popular with bird-spotters, and can provide some much-needed relaxation from the busier beaches of the town. You’ll also be able to drive to the Roman town of Pollentia, which lies just outside the town walls, and visit the smallest Roman Amphitheatre in Spain.

So whether you decide to spend your holiday in Alcudia walking along its peaceful historic streets or driving along its breathtaking coastal spots, you can rest assured that this town will provide you with a Majorcan holiday experience that’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the south!

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About the Author
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist who lists travelling and rugby among his interests.