Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearic group in the Mediterranean Sea. Mallorca attracts millions of tourists every year due to its versatility.
Those who prefer beach holidays will be pleased with the opportunity to relax on the white sandy shore. Fans of active entertainment will be able to climb mountains and sink to the seabed. Shopping tours, unforgettable night shows and performances, original culture and traditions of indigenous islanders, authentic cuisine — all this and much more awaits travellers.
Although the island is well explored, exciting facts about Mallorca are still discovered by tourists to this day.
Fact 1. German and English parts of the island
The territory of the island is divided into German and English parts. At one time, German tourists made up the majority of holidaymakers. The German government even considered buying the island. During the tourist boom of the last century, the British and Germans repeatedly raised disagreements and even clashes.
As a result, the island was divided into German and English neighbourhoods. This division is still in place today, and travel agencies accommodate travellers accordingly. Today, Majorca is mainly visited by Europeans. Holidaying on the island is relatively inexpensive, so many young people and students are at its resorts.
Fact 2. The Island of Olives and Wine
Besides being a tourist in Mecca, Mallorca is known for its wine and olive oil production. About 40 per cent of the island's territory is occupied by olive tree plantations.
The first saplings were brought here by the Greeks, but the local trees have developed an original twisted shape over time. The trunks are woven into complex shapes, and local crafters make them unique pieces of art, jewellery and even furniture. You can buy such items only in Mallorca.
It is believed that the older the olive tree, the better quality and tastier its fruit. It is known that Mallorca has preserved plants that are several hundred years old.
Interesting facts about Mallorca: on the island of green valleys and flowering gardens, there is not a single river, only a few springs, and the total length of the beach coastline is 555 kilometres.
Fact 3. An old-fashioned train
Visitors to Mallorca can take a fascinating journey across the island using one of Spain's oldest railways. The railway line was built over 150 years ago. It initially provided a link between remote mountainous areas and the sea coast. That is how the locals transported citrus fruit and dates to where they were sold. Despite its venerable age, the old train continues to operate, transporting tourists over the mountain pass for a minimal fee.
Fact 4. Mallorca's bullfight is the most spectacular in Spain
Mallorca, like the rest of Spain, has a traditional bullfight. The action is not just for the entertainment of visitors: bullfighting is also very popular with the locals. The main bullfighting arena is located in the centre of the island's capital and has a capacity of 12,000 spectators.
An interesting fact about Mallorca: bullfighting on this Spanish island is not only spectacle but also cruel. In other regions of Spain, animal rights activists have done bullfighting without killing the animal, but they stick to the traditional rules in Mallorca. As a result of the fight, the bull is never left alive.
Fact 5. The Island of Famous People
It's impossible not to fall in love with Mallorca. Famous people have always loved to visit the island. For example, the famous writer George Sand has lived on the island for some time. She stayed in a remote mountainous area in a local monastery with her husband, Frederic Chopin and children. At this time, she wrote the story "A winter in Majorca", which Sand dedicated to the hospitable island.
Today, there is a museum of the writer at the monastery. Here, you can see the posthumous mask of the famous composer and get acquainted with the unpublished manuscripts of George Sand. In the middle of the last century, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Princess Diana, Aristotle Onassis and Brigitte Bardot visited Mallorca. The fairytale island and its nature enchanted all of them.
Fact 6. The largest nudist beach in Spain
An interesting fact about Mallorca: according to current legislation, nudism is fully legalised here. That means that on any beach on the island, there will be no obstacles for those who want to sunbathe naked.
Therefore, tourists should be prepared for the fact that some visitors will decide to be completely naked on a crowded city beach. Travellers who want to expose all body parts to the sun will not have to listen to remarks and admonishments. No wonder the largest, most comfortable and beautiful nudist beach in Spain, Playa Es Trenc, is located in Mallorca.
Fact 7. A unique collection of corals and rare fish species
Mallorca has one of the largest oceanariums in Europe. It has the best collection of corals on the entire European continent; in 56 aquariums of the complex live 8000 representatives of marine fauna. The oceanarium not only organises excursions but also conducts serious scientific research.
The original design of the building is made in the form of glass passages between aquariums. An excursion to the underwater kingdom is a good adventure for children and adults.
Fact 8. A musical show underground
An interesting fact about Mallorca: the island has a gorgeous underground lake. It is located in the Dragon Cave and is about 200 metres long and 42 metres wide. The complex goes deep into the mountains for half a kilometre.
Such a musical show, organised on the lake, cannot be seen anywhere else. Musicians sail by on traditional Spanish boats and play classical music. Folk instruments are used in the concert, and one of the boats has a real piano. Tourists are allowed to take photos without a flash.
Fact 9. The Island of Fun Holidays
The people of Mallorca are very fond of holidays and even more fond of celebrating. That is proved by the massive number of holidays and festivals each year. Whenever you come to the island, you will always catch an event. Whether it's an olive or grape harvest festival, a parsley or apricot festival, we can guarantee one thing — it will be fun.
To list all the exciting facts about Mallorca in one article is difficult, almost impossible. It is easy to understand, having visited the paradise island at least once. Each, even the most pretentious traveller can choose the most comfortable holiday for himself. It is not for nothing that the royal family of Spain and presidents of the world's leading powers holiday on this Spanish island. Choose a tour to Mallorca, and you will give yourself an unforgettable time and new impressions.