Mallorca, Spain
August 12, 2010 9:45 pm places to visitI travelled to Mallorca, Spain, on an all-inclusive Thomas Cook holiday. I recommend them as a travel company and if I’m not travelling independently, always choose them for package tours. Click on the image below to check their competitive prices:
La Seu Cathedral, Palma, Mallorca
Perched above the town, Palma's Gothic cathedral is visible for miles around. It was begun in the 13th century, but has been remodelled several times, most famously by Gaudi in the 20th century. There is a small admission charge, but it is worth paying just to see the stained glass windows.
La Seu Cathedral interior
The main altar has the addition of a circle of lamps that hang down from the ceiling. When the sunlight floods through the stained glass windows, they cast jewel-like colours on the floor.
Palma's Cathedral interior
Contemporary artist Miquel Barcelo created this artwork. If you look closely, fish appear to be swimming and poking out from the walls.
Palma's Cathedral interior
The interior of Palma's Cathedral is a mixture of old and new, which blend well together. Artist, Miquel Barcelo completed his work in the cathedral in February 2007.
La Seu Cathedral, Palma, Mallorca
You can stroll around the outside of the cathedral, before walking along the harbour front.
Arab Baths, Palma de Mallorca
The Arab Baths are not far from the cathedral. Inside there is a small courtyard garden. When you walk through the doorway you can still see the ancient baths inside.
La Rambla, Palma de Mallorca
La Rambla is an attractive avenue where you can buy flowers or just sit and watch the world go by.
Palma de Mallorca Harbour
The Passeig Maritim starts near the cathedral and you can stroll along it until you reach the ship terminal at the end. This is a pleasant walk both during the day and in the evening.
View from the train to Soller, Mallorca
There are amazing views on the train to Soller. You will see fruits growing on trees, including oranges and lemons.
Banco Soller
There are some interesting buildings in the main square of Soller, including this old bank that is elaborately decorated on the outside.
Main Square in Soller, Mallorca
Enjoy lunch in the shady main square of Soller, before strolling around the narrow streets. At some points during the day, tourists seem to outnumber the locals.
Village street in Soller, Mallorca
The main square leads off into narrow, attractive streets. You can't get lost, just head back towards the spire of the church, which is in the main square.
Picasso/Miro galleries, Soller
The train station in Soller is at the top of a hill and you walk down into the small village. At the train station is a small museum with Picasso ceramics and Miro paintings.
Picasso Ceramics
The Picasso ceramics are beautifully presented and due to its location you can look at them while waiting for your train.
Picasso Ceramics
This Picasso ceramic has a white relief design on a white background.
Port de Soller
At the Port de Soller, you can walk right up to the lighthouse situated at the edge of the port.
Port de Soller sketch
I sketched this while sitting at a cafe in Port de Soller. I used Inktense pencils and a black pen. You can add water to the pencils to create an ink wash effect.
Cafe at Port de Soller
Cafe's line the harbourside at the Port de Soller. You can get a tram from Soller.
Aqualand, Mallorca
Waterparks, such as Aqualand, are situated not far from Magaluf or Palma Nova.
Marineland, Mallorca
Marineland is near Magaluf or Palma Nova. Here you can see penguins, sea lions, turtles, dolphins and parrots.
A brief visit to the island of Mallorca, Spain
I spent five days in Mallorca, a small Spanish island that attracts many European tourists. Party animals head for Magaluf and Torrenova, which are in the south of the island of Mallorca. For those wanting a quieter life, Palma Nova is a family resort, calmer in nature than its neighbours Magaluf and Torrenova. It mostly consists of hotels, a long busy beach and cafes, bars and restaurants. Palma Nova can be reached on the many frequent buses from Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the island where the airport is located.
If you head up to the north of the island of Mallorca, it’s a different story entirely. The north of Mallorca is a lot quieter and you can experience the beauty of the island. Those tourists wanting a more independent holiday, hire a car and make the most of touring the north of Mallorca.
Palma de Mallorca
My favourite place by far was Palma de Mallorca, the capital. There’s lots for artists to discover here and many stunning photo or sketching opportunities.
You can spend a day rambling around the old part of Palma, stopping for cafe con leche (coffee with milk) or sangria and tapas at the many cafes, restaurants and bars along the way.
I visited the Banys Arabs (Arab Baths), which is a peaceful little oasis, tucked away in the backstreets near the famous Mallorcan landmark, La Seu Cathedral. There is a small admission charge for the Banys Arabs and it is signposted.
La Rambla is one of the city’s main promenades, a tree-lined avenue where you can buy flowers. You can also walk along the Passeig Maritim (seafront promenade) and admire the many yachts.
Soller and Port de Soller
It seems to be on every tourist’s agenda, to take a ride on a rickety old train from Palma de Mallorca to Soller, wander about for a few hours and then take an old tram from Soller to the Port de Soller. Even though Soller seems a bit of a tourist trap, its charms still make it a worthwhile place to visit.
Pablo Ruiz Picasso and Joan Miró i Ferrà visited and spent time in Soller. The train station in Soller houses two exhibitions, one with graphic works by Miró and the other has ceramic works by his friend Picasso.
On a hot day (and there are many in Mallorca), you can sit in the main square for hours in one of the many cafes and watch the tram tootle up and down the square heading for the Port de Soller. Or you can peruse the selection of interesting shops, ranging from jewellery, shoes, fabric, Mallorca pearls to art materials and small galleries.
brian :
Date: April 19, 2012 @ 6:09 pm
Thanks for the photo of the canopy. I’m a Gaudi/Jujol freak who did not get a chance to see this in person yet, hoping to go this spring.
Diane :
Date: April 19, 2012 @ 8:04 pm
I recommend seeing it. It’s amazing. Thanks for your comment. Diane