One of the aspects which makes Majorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain such a popular holiday destination is the huge number of attractions available throughout each resort. Because the island receives a great variety of tourists and visitors, there is an extensive selection of things to do and see. With everything from historic buildings and museums to boat trips and animal zoos, there is bound to be something to keep everyone in your group happy while on holiday.
Family-friendly
Children and adults will have an amazing time at Katmandu Park in Magaluf. This interactive theme park is split up into various sections, each one offering an unforgettable experience. Here, you can check out the optical illusions in The House, have a go at the laser shooting game in Desperados, try a round or two of crazy golf at Expedition Golf, enjoy the ride at 4D Experience and go on a journey through an abandoned mental hospital at The Asylum. There are also several themed restaurants and snack bars found throughout the park.
Although Majorca isn't known for its surfing opportunities, the Wave House at the Sol Wave House Hotel in Calvia gives you the opportunity to ride some waves. Here you'll find two wave machines the FlowBarrel Ten is the first of its kind in Europe and creates perfect three metre-high barrel waves. The Double FlowRider makes a sheet wave which is ideal for children and beginners to learn on. You can book an hour session with the onsite team of qualified instructors and pro surfers to learn all the tips and tricks you'll need to start surfing.
Nature's finest
Palma Aquarium in Palma is a great place to spend the day if the weather is a bit cloudy. Not only does the aquarium have more than 8,000 animals of 700 different species to look at, but there is also a children's play area, Mediterranean gardens, jungle, restaurant and a gift shop. Summer is the busiest time for the aquarium, when it holds all sorts of children's activities, like water fights on the pirate ship, face painting, water fountain and diving. You can dine with the sharks in the underwater restaurant or even leave your children there overnight for a sleepover while they learn all about the aquatic animals.
A visit to the S'Albufera Wetlands is a must for any keen nature lover. Hundreds of birds from all over Majorca flock to this wildlife reserve, making it a great spot to snap a picture of rare species or just relax and take in the sights. As well as the bird-watching opportunities, the park is also full of plants and flowers that you won't see anywhere else on the island. You'll find many clearly signposted walking and cycle trails throughout the park, indicating the best paths to take to see the most wildlife.
If you'd like to see some bigger birds, head to Artestruz Mallorca in Ses Salines a park where you'll find a number of ostriches. Multilingual guides are at hand to take you on a tour around the park and tell you facts about each animal and the species in general. You will have the opportunity to feed the ostriches and can even ride one if you're brave enough. For the less adventurous, there is an ostrich nursery where you can take a look at the eggs and even stroke the chicks. There is also a large gift shop at the park, full of leather hand-crafted goods.
Sightseeing
Serra de Tramuntana is one of the most visited sites in Majorca. A must for nature lovers and hikers, this mountain range is a UNESCO world heritage site and stretches along the northwest coast of the island. You can choose to explore the small villages on foot, or drive along the winding mountain roads for the sea views there are several viewing points where you can stop along the way. If you decide to drive, keep an eye out for the goats which cross the roads where and when they wish. Visit during the summer months for great weather and flowery scenery or during winter to see snow-capped mountain peaks.
Cathedral (La Seu) is possibly the most popular attraction in Palma. This Gothic-style cathedral can be seen from almost any point in the city and is located along the lake. If you visit during the day, you'll have the chance to see the church lit up with colour as the sunlight floods through the stained glass windows, whereas if you visit after dark, the church is just as impressive, when its exterior is lit up with huge lights. During Easter, the members of the church hold impressive religious re-enactments. Free leaflets are available inside the church in multiple languages, full of information about the cathedral.
A visit to Majorca isn't complete without seeing Cap de Formentor on the northern tip of the island. This wild peninsula features a number of sandy beaches and fantastic sea views. The best way to explore Cap de Formentor is by driving along the winding roads, where you'll find loads of viewpoints along the way which provide a myriad of photo opportunities. You'll also find several small pathways leading away from the roads through the landscape.
The Caves of Arta situated in Arta are another must-visit attraction in Majorca. There are no restrictions on photography, meaning you can snap as many pictures of the rock formations and columns as you wish. There is a great number of stairs throughout the caves, so you'll need sturdy footwear and plenty of energy to fully appreciate the site. You can join a tour led by a multilingual guide they only take a small group of people per tour and allow you plenty of time to explore each section.
A visit to Bellver Castle in Palma is a great day out for both families and couples. This 14th century castle overlooks the island's capital and now houses a museum where you'll find several small exhibitions featuring paintings and sculptures alongside their descriptions. From the top of the castle, you can enjoy 360° views of the whole of Palma, so don't forget to bring your camera.
Golf
Vall d'Or Golf is one of the most popular courses in Majorca. Situated in the mountains of S'Horta, this 18-hole, par 72 course is full of hills and dips, so renting a buggy is highly recommended unless you're feeling very energetic. This course is suitable for first-time players and features panoramic views, well-kept greens and a small lake. Golfers can take advantage of the onsite club house, restaurant, bar, pro shop, changing facilities, driving range, swimming pool and paddle courts. On top of the summer competitions, Vall d'Or Golf also hosts a weekly Wednesday tournament open to everyone.
Situated on the coast, Alcanada Golf in Alcudia is ideal for golfers who want to enjoy sea views during their game. This 18-hole course has been named the best course in Europe by the German magazine Golf Journal and is peppered with pine and olive groves. The club house is set in an ancient mansion which houses a restaurant, pro shop and changing rooms. Alcanada Golf also boasts a golf academy, short game area, driving range, flight scope system and video room. At the golf academy, multilingual PGA staff are at hand to assist you and give you some pointers to help you with your game.
Golf Park Puntiró is thought of as one of the finest golf courses in Majorca. Spread across an estate of 165 acres, this 18-hole par 71 course is of average difficulty, although there are a few challenging tees toward the back. As well as the course which features a number of pine, wild olive and carob trees, Golf Park Puntiró provides a driving range with bunkers and a coaching studio for golfers developing their skills. There is also a club house which offers great views across the greens, as well as a pro shop, restaurant, golf club, terrace, equipment storage and buggy renting.
As well as award-winning golf courses, Majorca also features an incredibly popular miniature golf course. Golf Fantasia in Palma Nova is great fun for the whole family. Set in tropical gardens, this attraction is made up of three 18-hole mini golf courses with loads of lagoons, plants and caves. If you keep a watchful eye when you're playing, you'll be able to spot some of the resident animals, which include turtles, fish and ducks. A small onsite cafe is also provided, where you can enjoy a drink or light snack.
Action-packed
If you want to go out on an excursion during your holiday in Majorca, make sure you pay a visit to Experience Mallorca in Can Picafort. Open seven days each week from 9am until 9pm, this group offers ten adrenaline-packed activities for the whole family to enjoy. You can choose between canyoning, cliff jumping, coasteering, scuba diving and snorkelling, abseiling, adventure trekking, caving, climbing, sunset horse riding and trekking along the Torrent de Pareis. A qualified guide will be with you every step of the way and will provide you with all the equipment you'll need, as well as a safety briefing.
A Segway excursion is a great way to get a close-up view of the island without having to use all your energy walking. Segpark in Cala Ratjada offers a number of tours of different durations, so there is something to suit everyone. Your excursion will begin with a practise to make sure you get the hang of the Segway before heading out into the streets. The coastal tour is amongst the most popular and also includes a stint in the forest between the trees. On average, the tours last 90 minutes and are suitable for both adults and children.
Another great way to explore Majorca is by signing up for an Island Tour. This excursion includes rides on bus, boat, train and tram with amazing views and experiences along the way. A qualified guide will lead the tour and will be at hand to answer any questions you have and will point out the most interesting sights and photo opportunities. The island tour lasts one day and covers most of the island, including the Tramuntana Mountains, La Calobra, Torrent de Pareis, Puerto Soller, Soller and Palma.
Showtime
Pirates Adventure Show is the ultimate dinner show in Majorca. Located in Magaluf, this themed performance is suitable for the whole family to enjoy and features world-class acrobatics, gymnastics and dancing. Although the tables are tightly packed together, it enhances the atmosphere and leads to a great night. A main meal, as well as unlimited sangria and soft drinks are included in the price of the ticket, with the option to purchase any additional beverages at the bar. A Pirates Reloaded show is also performed at this venue and is only suitable for adults aged 18+.
Come Fly with Me is another show that comes highly recommended. Also situated in Magaluf, this performance is held at the Globo Balear Theatre and is an incredible mix of acrobatics, swing music and dancing. In this show, more than 35 performers take to the stage to bring the legendary music of Frank Sinatra to life with some of the best choreography the world has ever seen. There are several different tickets available for different prices, including one ticket which includes pre-show dining.
When it comes to nightlife, you can't go wrong with Son Amar in Palma. With the slogan, "the heart of Majorca, the soul of the world" this dinner show is performed by a talented team of singers, dancers and musicians who work together to give the audience an unforgettable evening. The 2013 show is 'Celebration', held in honour of Sol Amar's 50th anniversary and includes popular scenes from theatres across the world, as well as music from some of the globe's most prestigious artists. The price of the ticket includes the show and three course menu or more, depending on the ticket and accompanying wines.
One of the aspects which makes Majorca such a popular holiday destination is the huge number of attractions available throughout each resort. Because the island receives a great variety of tourists and visitors, there is an extensive selection of things to do and see. With everything from historic buildings and museums to boat trips and animal zoos, there is bound to be something to keep everyone in your group happy while on holiday.