Majorca: soak up its cultural heritage in 4 days

DAY 1: Travel through prehistoric times on the east coast of Majorca

Majorca is a mini-continent that holds archaeological treasures such as the ancient city of Pollentia. Located in the heart of Alcúdia, the Roman ruins of Pollentia are an archaeological treasure that was founded in 123 BC and declared a historical-artistic site in 1974. 

This ancient urban and commercial centre of the western Mediterranean offers a unique window into life in ancient Rome, with well-preserved remains of domus, temples and public buildings. Access easily on foot or by bicycle from Alcúdia and spend a few hours exploring its cobbled streets, La Portella, the forum and the theatre, enjoying an immersive history experience.

After soaking up the Roman culture, head to Santa Margalida to discover the fascinating necropolis of Son Real, located on the north-east coast of the island. This cemetery, with tombs dating back to the Iron Age, offers a spectacular view of the sea.

 Here, over 100 funerary structures await to be explored, each with its own story. Walking among the tombs of Son Real is a breathtaking experience, as you can feel its history in every stone. In addition, the proximity of the sea and the tranquillity of the surroundings make this the perfect place to reflect on everything you have seen during the day.

End the day in Artà to explore the Talayotic settlement of Ses Païsses, one of the best-preserved Talayotic settlements in Majorca. This prehistoric enclave, surrounded by a majestic holm oak forest, will enable you to immerse yourself in the life of the island's ancient inhabitants. As you walk among the remains of the houses and the imposing central talayot, you will feel a connection to a time when the island was home to a unique and mysterious culture. The peace and serenity of the place will enable you to disconnect from the modern hustle and bustle and connect with nature.

You have travelled through centuries of history in just one day. More of Majorca's cultural richness awaits you tomorrow.

DAY 2: Discover the immense cultural heritage of the Serra de Tramuntana 

Today we enter the majestic Serra de Tramuntana, a World Heritage Site, a place where human activity and nature have coexisted in harmony for centuries.  The line between natural and cultural heritage is therefore very blurred.  

In the town of Valldemossa we find the Royal Charter House of Jesus of Nazareth, better known as the Charter House of Valldemossa. Its history dates back to the reign of James II of Majorca, who chose this exceptional site to build a palace for his son Sancho. In 1399, King Martin the Humane donated all the royal properties to the Carthusian monks, who established the Charter House and turned it into a place of retreat and contemplation until 1835.

Over the centuries, this complex has been enriched with a neoclassical church, a historic cloister, beautiful gardens and the rooms of the priory cell, where a valuable historical and artistic heritage is preserved.

The Charter House has witnessed the stay of famous figures such as Frédéric Chopin and his companion, the writer George Sand, who were inspired by the tranquillity and beauty of the place. Today, the Valldemosa Charter House remains one of the most emblematic monumental complexes on the island.

In Valldemossa, you can also discover the characteristics of Serra de Tramuntana olive oil in one of its traditional mills and explore the rich ethnological heritage that surrounds the production of olive oil on the steep terraces of the Serra de Tramuntana. This Majorcan enclave, sheltered by centuries-old olive trees, has been an inexhaustible source of olives and olive oil for hundreds of years. 

The production of this oil is manual in local mills, and has shaped both the landscape and the culture of the region, creating a unique tradition around mountain olive oil. Discovering this heritage is to immerse oneself in an authentic and enriching experience that connects us with the history and preservation of these ancestral practices.

You will be able to see first-hand the traditional process of olive oil production, one of Majorca's gastronomic jewels. 

Finish your tour through the Serra de Tramuntana with a visit to the Jardins d'Alfàbia, a set of historic gardens dating back to the Arab period. Here you will discover a mix of architecture, lush vegetation and refreshing fountains that will make you feel you are in an oasis of peace in the magical late afternoon light.

 

DAY 3: Palma, an inexhaustible source of history and culture

Today you will immerse yourself in the charms of Palma, the capital of Majorca, where history and modernity go hand in hand. This tour will take you through some of the city's most emblematic monuments, offering a rich insight into its cultural heritage.

Start the day at the Cathedral of Santa Maria, also known as the Cathedral of Majorca or La Seu, the majestic Gothic cathedral of Palma, which concentrates eight centuries of architectural and artistic history behind its walls. It is known for its impressive height, its location facing the sea and its spectacular rosette, one of the largest in Gothic architecture.

Don't miss the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, a modern work by the artist Joan Miró, which incorporates an artistic vision of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. In addition, the cathedral museum houses a rich collection of sacred art that narrates the religious and cultural history of Majorca. 

Enjoy spectacular views of the port and the city from around the cathedral, and marvel at the fusion of styles and eras that La Seu encapsulates within its walls.

A few steps away you will find the Palau de l'Almudaina. It was originally an Arab fortress built in the 10th century and later the residence of the kings of Majorca. This unique building, still one of the official summer residences of the Spanish monarchy, elegantly combines elements of Mudejar and Gothic art and houses a vast collection of tapestries and paintings depicting historical episodes of the island. 

Don't miss the Gothic chapel of Santa Ana, with its imposing rosette, and enjoy the gardens of S'Hort del Rei, which offer an oasis of peace with its fountains and lush vegetation.

Continue your cultural exploration in Palma by wandering around its beautiful old town. You will soon come across the Fish Market of Palma, or Sa Llotja, built in the 15th century by the architect Guillem Sagrera. It is a jewel of Gothic civil architecture that served as inspiration for the construction, years later, of the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Market) in Valencia. Its sculpted façade and impressive interior columns make this monument a must for lovers of history and architecture. 

End your day at the Basilica of Sant Francesc, one of Palma's most important religious buildings. This Gothic church, with its impressive façade and formidable cloister, is the final resting place of the philosopher and missionary Ramon Llull. Admire the beautiful rosette and the architectural details that adorn the interior of the basilica. The cloister, with its elegant arches and well-tended gardens, is a peaceful haven that invites you to take quiet strolls and contemplate.

With your mind full of Palma's architectural and cultural wonders, take the afternoon to stroll through the streets of the old quarter, full of tradition, contemporary art galleries and charming cafés and restaurants. More tomorrow!

Day 4: Explore the cultural richness of inland Majorca

On the last day of our cultural trip around Majorca, we invite you to a tour of the island's inland to discover historical sites that reflect its rich heritage. This route will take you through hypnotic bucolic landscapes that will lead you to connect with the deepest roots of Majorca. 

Start your day at the Santuari de Cura, a sacred place for Majorcans. This is a monastery located at the top of Puig de Randa, founded in the 13th century and known for being a place of retreat and study for the Majorcan philosopher and missionary Ramon Llull. In addition to its historical and spiritual importance, the sanctuary offers spectacular panoramic views over much of the island's interior. Stroll around the grounds, visit the church and the museum devoted to Llull and enjoy the peace and quiet that emanate from this important spiritual enclave.

Continue your trip to Porreres, a charming village known for its agricultural tradition and windmills. Here, visit one of the restored windmills, which are a symbol of traditional Majorcan engineering. Historically used to grind grain, mills represent a key part of the island's rural economy. During your visit, you will learn about how they work and the history of agriculture in Majorca, as well as enjoy the rural landscape that surrounds them.

End your cultural route at the roquero castle of Santueri, near Felanitx. They are called roqueros because they were built on high and steep places to protect the population from attacks and looting. The Santueri is located on a steep hilltop and offers one of the most impressive views of the island. 

Walk through its ruins and let your imagination run wild as you imagine the battles and historical events that took place here. The climb up to the castle, although a little demanding, is rewarded with panoramic views of the coast and the inland part of the island.

We hope you have enjoyed this express trip through some of the main attractions of Majorca's cultural heritage. But there is much more! Keep browsing our website and organise your own tour!