Majorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, and is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful sandy beaches, glorious sunshine and vibrant nightlife scene. But there’s far more on offer in Majorca than just tanning opportunities! Escape from the beach for a day and soak up some culture with our guide to Majorca’s top cultural attractions and activities.
Alcúdia Old Town
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Majorca is the old town of Alcúdia. Surrounded by impressive walls and towers dating back to the fourteenth century, the Old Town is full of old buildings and narrow streets to explore as well as lots of cafes, restaurants and boutiques selling hand-made goods. It’s well worth visiting at night to see the walls and towers illuminated.
A stark contrast to the island’s modern resorts, a wander around the Old Town is a must and there are plenty of attractions to discover including an old bell tower and church as well as the Pollentia Monographic Museum.
Arab Baths
Islam was one the predominant religion in Spain, and one of the best examples of Muslim architecture can be seen at the Arab Baths in Palma. The baths are one of only a few examples of architecture from the period, and have been preserved almost without any renovation. The ruins are also surrounded by a lovely garden with a dwell.
La Seu Cathedral
Located in Palma, La Seu is one of the world’s largest Catholic cathedrals, measuring 121 metres in length by 55 metres in width. Founded by Jaime II in the fourteenth century, this beautiful Neo Gothic building also features an imposing bell tower, housing nine bells.
The most famous of these is ‘N’Eloi’, measuring two metres in diameter and weighing 5,700kg. Other highlights of the cathedral include the choir area which features 110 walnut choir stalls as well as the Mirada Portal, a Spanish Gothic masterpiece dating from between 1398 – 1401. The cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting Majorca.
Deià
Built on a hillside in a valley surrounded by the Tramuntana mountain range, the beautiful village of Deià houses lots of old buildings to explore as well as an ancient church on the top of a hill. Dating back to the Moorish times, the valley also boasts a system of open irrigation channels as well as the beautiful Cala Deià at the bottom. You can reach this on foot using a path that takes you past the olive groves. The network of paths surrounding the village also makes it the ideal place for enjoying a stroll in the sunshine amidst picturesque surroundings.
Situated on the north west coast of the island, the village has a population of 650 people and celebrates a fiesta of its patron, St. John the Baptist, on the 24th June. During June and July, there is also a music festival, Festival Internacional de Deià, for the friends of classical music.
You can reach the village by car, but do bear in mind that parking spaces are limited, especially during the high season.
