Balearic Islands, closer...two hours from Mallorca

Mallorca, the island of contrasts. A small continent in 3,600 km2. In the morning you can hike along a trail or cycle on a bike route through carob, orange and olive trees and villages in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, declared a World Heritage Site in 2011. And in the evenings, you can marvel at the colour of the island’s incredible sunsets in a silent cove.

Mallorca’s contrasts also affect our other senses. Dotted around the island are traditional wineries that have been making wine with their own designations of origin (DOs) for years. A couple of examples are Binissalem and Pla i Llevant, which are ideal for washing down Majorcan cuisine’s most delicious dishes, mostly prepared using local km zero produce.

FALL IN LOVE WITH THE GOTHIC CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral of Mallorca, also known as La Seu, is a fantastic example of Gothic architecture. Built between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries overlooking the sea, it provides a unique visual spectacle thanks to its large rose and other stained-glass windows. If you visit La Seu on 2 February or 11 November, you will see an unparalleled natural display of light and colour when the sunlight streams through the cathedral’s rose windows.

SAIL THE ISLAND'S TRANQUIL SEA

Sailing around Mallorca is an experience you can enjoy throughout the year as it has stunning bays protected from the wind. Hundreds of regattas are also held for all sailing levels. That’s why there are several marinas and yacht clubs with everything you need to indulge in your favourite sport. Or simply relax and enjoy the landscape while someone else does the navigating.

DISCOVER MALLORCA'S NATURE RESERVES 

You can discover the island from the sea or explore its marine reserves, for example the one off the island of Sa Dragonera, or the only national park in the Balearic Islands, the National Park of the Archipelago of Cabrera. Birdwatchers will be in heaven in these nature reserves as they are a flyway for migratory birds and a refuge for the islands’ native species.