About Buying a Villa in Mallorca
Mallorca or Majorca, whatever way you prefer to spell it, and whatever way you wish to pronounce it, is the largest of Balearic Islands, and along with its sister islands of Menorca and Ibiza, lies in the Mediterranean Sea off the south east coast of mainland Spain.
Flying time from most UK airports is around 2 - 2.1/2 hours and on arrival local time is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. The first recognisable landmark on the final approach before landing will be the magnificent 14th Century Gothic cathedral at nearby Palma, and the sight of it from the air never ceases to take your breath away. Son Sant Joan, which is the main tourist airport, is a large modern facility, and is located in the south of the island just outside the capital Palma.
Since the onset of mass tourism in the 1960's, Mallorca has without doubt, been one of the most popular holiday destinations for all nationalities, offering a wide range of attractions to suit all tastes.
Restaurants in Majorca cater for a wide range of tastes. In the larger resorts you can get anything from a traditional English breakfast to a Chinese take away. Traditional Mallorcan cuisine makes full use of the islands home grown produce, pork, fish and vegetable dishes are very popular, flavoured with garlic, tomato and herbs.
Majorca is very popular for cycling due to its varied terrain and mild winter climate and offers a wide variety of cycling challenges from 16km climbs to long flat roads ideal for time-trials.
Majorca is also famed for its excellent golf courses. With no less than 14 courses offering a variety of different challenges, and some spectacular sea views, it is fast becoming the "Golfing Mecca" of the Mediterranean. Clubs and trolleys etc, can be hired at most courses at a cost and Whilst shorts are permitted, beachwear is frowned upon.
Mallorca is now the chic new playground of the celebrity jet-setters. Celebrity homeowners include Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, racing driver Michael Schumacher, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Borris Becker, model Claudia Schiffer and the Norwegian royal family.
Public Transport
Trains
There are two railway lines in Mallorca, connecting Palma to Inca and Soller. Palma's two stations are close together beside Placa d'Espanya. Fast trains to Inca take 35 minutes and leave at least hourly throughout the day. The train journey to Soller takes 55 minutes and is tremendous fun.
Island Buses
An efficient system of buses connects Palma to all the main towns in Mallorca, and there are also number of more local routes. Most buses out of Palma leave from the Placa d'Espanya and you can pick up a timetable from the tourist information kiosk on the square. Most services operate at a reduced level from Nov. to Apr. It is worth buying a (Bono Bus) - like a travel card for buses, which can be used on most buses within Palma.
Boat Trips
The best way to see the coastline, and particularly reach some of the remoter coves which are inaccessible by road, is by boat. It's easy to hop over to mainland Spain during your holiday in Majorca, or between the Balearic Islands. Why not take a day trip to Ibiza.
Urban Transport
Only Palma is large enough to have its own transport system with a web of bus services linking the city centre with the suburbs and tourist resorts around it. There is also a tram that runs between Soller and Port de Soller (journey time 30 minutes).
Car Rental
The leading international car rental companies have offices at Palma airport and you can book a car in advance (essential in the peak periods) either direct or through a travel agent. Local rental car companies offer more competitive rates and will usually deliver a car to the airport and your accommodation.
Taxis
Taxis can be hired at ranks (indicated by a blue square with a 'T'), on the street (by flagging down those with a green light), or at hotels. A list of tariffs is displayed at taxi ranks.
