It’s amazing the difference a lunch hour can make. I wrote this blog post just before I headed into Palma for my lunch and before the car bomb went off down the coast in Palmanova.
Mallorca is now in the news for all the wrong reasons. And while this is a very sad day here, tourists, rest assured, this is a very small island, and terrorism cannot exist here.
So here it is – blog post updated and uploaded. Here are my top 10 reasons why you should (still) visit Mallorca this summer (and scr*w the terrorists)! :
1. It’s hot, hot, hot: That’s right, Mallorca has been sizzling for months now. Day time temperatures are topping 30 degrees Celsius and I actually can’t remember when it last rained.
2. You never know who you’ll meet: Mallorca is holiday hotspot for the rich and famous. Not only does the Spanish Royal family spend their hols here, but you’re likely to bump into the likes of Bob Geldolf + daughters, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Boris Becker…. Oh and I also sat next to Pauline Quirke in a café the other week. How’s that for rubbing shoulders with the glitterati?!
3. The sea: Cool off and take dip into the turquoise blue waters that surround the island. Go swimming, try windsurfing, hire a kayak, or just sail. All of the above are our favourite past-times.
4. Visit the cool capital city Palma: Palma is surprisingly Spanish and a great way to get an idea of what life is like for us locals. I won’t point you in the direction of the really cool Spanish bars – you’ll have to wander the Old Town streets and discover them for yourself.
5. Fiestas: Mallorca goes fiesta crazy during the summer months. The smaller towns each have their annual street party but by far the biggest is the Moros y Cristianos (Moors & Christians) festival in Pollensa in August. Residents fill the streets in fancy to recreate the moment when the Christians reclaimed the island from the then ruling Moors. Expect there to be lots of alcohol and general partying.
6. Es Trenc Beach: You’ll need a car (or the patience of a saint to cope with the busses), but Es Trenc a beach/nature reserve gives the Seychelles a run for its money. Yes, it really is that beautiful.
7. Great Gastronomy: Molinar, Portixol and Port Andratx serve some of the best paellas on the island. But don’t stick to the fancy restaurants. Nip into the tiny Mallorcan restaurants and try the Menu del Día for a real insight into the local food here.
8. Sultry Sunsets: Pick a coastal point on the south or west side of the island at around 8.30 – 9pm during July / August and watch the sunset. My favourite point is from the terrace bar El Piñon (C/ Isla de Samos) in Coll d’en Rabassa
9. Nightlife: The Paseo Maritimo is where the party’s at during the summer months as visitors pack out the bars or clubs. Alternatively, and for an altogether more chilled night out, head for the beach with some mates, a few beers and a picnic.
10. Cheap Hotels: start from just £17 per person, per night and what’s more, there’s plenty of availability.
How’s that for tempting. You won’t be disappointed. So what are you waiting for? Get booking now!
Estrenc Beach by http://fincacanbarret.blogspot.com/
