Majorca

Majorca has an area of 3,640 sq km. It's a very large island and it's absolutely advisable to rent a car. Roberto and I set off for Majorca on 5 August 2000 (for 2 weeks) from Verona because there was no more room in Bologna. We stayed at the Hotel Emperador (address GERONA 17, EL ARENAL 07600), a nice and relaxing complex. The restaurant is very large, we had half board and breakfast and dinner were buffet. A very varied choice. The hotel's position isn't directly on the sea but with a short walk you arrive directly on the beach of El Arenal, full of life and shops selling everything. Very lively are the venues along the seafront that offer unlimited sangria and play music until late. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy the legendary paella de marisco.

TO SEE: Cabo Formentor: a very beautiful panoramic point of the island that will grant you moments of tranquillity simply by admiring the splendid panorama you enjoy from up here! Sa Calobra: enchanting beach in the northern part of the island, part of the Serra de Tramuntana, in which, before arriving, you'll walk on the bed of a (dry, in August) river (Foce del Torrent de Pareis), flanked by splendid rocky peaks, to then arrive in the splendid Sa Calobra with its turquoise sea and white pebble beach! Before reaching the river bed you have to take a panoramic walk that at some points takes place inside a cave from where, in the crevices, you can enjoy truly beautiful views. Other beaches to see are Cala D'Or (south), Es Trenc (south-west), Playa de Formentor (north-east). Not to be missed is a visit to the capital Palma de Mallorca.

Beautiful is the Gothic cathedral, La Seo, which is located in the ancient Portela district of Palma. Very majestic, its spires dominate the seafront of Palma. Also beautiful is the circular Bellver castle on the port and the village of Valldemosa where famous artists live. The historic centre of the city is rich in shops and very pretty little places. We took part in a boat excursion that went around the island and took us to see the lighthouse of the island of Toro. Lunch on board based on paella and swims in the most beautiful coves! To be advised against is Magaluf as it's a cluster of drunk young Germans who rather snub us Italians!

In conclusion Majorca is a beautiful island that combines both sea life and cultural visits to the city and the caves but in my opinion it's too big and touristy, especially in August. Better are its smaller cousins Formentera and Minorca. Annalisa