Mallorca: history, pleasure and nature

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Mallorca in the spring

We were in Mallorca a few years ago and were surprised at how many sights the island has to offer. During our stay, however, we only got a glimpse. Sabine Bassier from the Fratuschi travel blog for luxury travel in Mallorca knows a lot better. She travels to the island regularly and has Mallorca travel tips collected that are worth a look. Here she gives us her tips on Mallorca history.

Mallorca history, enjoyment and nature

For many Germans, the Balearic island of Mallorca is synonymous with party and beach vacation. But just dismissing the island as a mass tourism destination doesn't do it justice.

I got to know many regions in Mallorca and take you on a journey of inspiration across the island.

 

 

Watchtower at Cap Formentor
Watchtower at Cap Formentor - witnesses of Mallorca history

 

Mallorca history - witnesses to the past

Mallorca has an eventful history behind it. All over the island you can find watchtowers and defense towers, around 80 in total. From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, the people of Mallorca were often victims of pillage, murder and slavery. In the 15th century in particular, pirates came from the Mediterranean region and terrorized the population. The towers were built as an early warning system along the coast and as a shelter for the population. The towers have only recently been part of the cultural heritage and are now to be restored as far as possible, because only 24 are currently accessible.

 

Torre de Canyamel
Torre de Canyamel

 

Torre de Canyamel - a witness to the history of Mallorca

You can find one of these towers in the east in Canyamel. The 13th century defense tower Torre de Canyamel is now home to a museum in which the history of Mallorca, the life and work of that time is presented. A trip to this museum can be wonderfully combined with the restaurant, which is also on the premises. The specialties of the Porxada de sa Torre include suckling pig and lamb from the finca, which is located directly at the tower. I also recommend the almond cake!

Ctra. Artà-Canyamel, km 5 - 07580 Capdepera

 

View from the Torre de Canyamel
View from the Torre de Canyamel

 

Talaia d´ Albercutx and forced labor ruins - Mallorca history

A tower, however locked and not accessible, is located on the Formentor peninsula. The viewpoint offers a view over Mallorca and is a bird hotspot for ornithologists.

Nearby are ruins, witnesses of the Spanish Civil War. Forced laborers slept here, all of them prisoners who were forced to build roads under Franco.

 

Outlook during a hike in Mallorca
Outlook during a hike in Mallorca

 

Nature walk with a view

I also have a tip for hikers nearby:

The mountain Na Blanca offers a hiking route that is not demanding, but sometimes very steep. But after a stretch through pine forest, you will also be rewarded with views of the east coast and the Tramuntana mountains. The beginning of the circular hike is easy to miss. The entrance is next to a property fence and starts quite steeply.

 

Market in Santanyi
Market in Santanyi

 

Enjoy at the weekly market in Santanyi

The weekly market in Santanyi in the southeast is no longer an insider tip. Still, I recommend you visit there. On Wednesdays and Saturdays from 09:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m., groceries, textiles and handicrafts are offered on the Placa Major. You can also buy the famous Flor de Sal, which is made nearby in Ses Salines, here. The market is so recommendable because the atmosphere of the square and the alleys alone is worth a visit. The church of Sant Andreu from the 18th century directly on the market square is a photo opportunity and houses a baroque organ. You have the choice between a variety of cafes and restaurants to take a break.

How to reach us

Compare and book flights here*. There are airlines that do several times a day fly to Palma de Mallorca*. You can also use the Ferry from Toulon to Mallorca* translate. On the island it's best to rent a rental car. Driving itself is no greater challenge than in Germany. However, I advise you to use a navigation device, as the signage on the streets is sometimes quite unclear.

Travel time

I recommend the off-season in particular to enjoy nature and go hiking. Especially in spring and early summer between mid-March and early June, the weather is usually not that hot. At this time of year the island is green and in bloom. Of course, the temperatures are also pleasant again in the off-season, but midsummer has parched and burned the landscape. As is well known, the almond blossom is worth a visit from the end of January, but many restaurants and hotels are still in hibernation at the time and will not open their doors again until mid-March.

That has to be in the suitcase for the Mallorca vacation

 

Do you fancy island hopping? It's possible with these ferries

 

We would like to thank Sabine for this contribution to the history of Mallorca. It makes us curious to get to know the Balearic island better.

 

Destinations in Spain you find here. discover Slow Travel Experiences .

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Mallorca: history, pleasure and nature

Monika Fuchs

Monika Fuchs and Petar Fuchs are the authors and publishers of the Slow Travel and Enjoyment travel blog TravelWorldOnline Traveller. You have been publishing this blog since 2005. TravelWorldOnline has been online since 2001. Your topics are Trips to Savor and wine tourism worldwide and Slow Travel. During her studies, Monika Fuchs spent some time in North America, where she traveled to the USA and Canada - sometimes together with Petar Fuchs - and spent a research year in British Columbia. This strengthened her thirst for knowledge, which she pursued for 6 years Adventure Guide for Rotel Tours and then for 11 years as Study tour guide for Studiosus Reisen tried to breastfeed all over the world. She constantly expanded her travel regions, but curiosity still gnawed at her: “What is beyond the horizon? What else is there to discover in this city? Which people are interesting here? What do you eat in this region?” These are the questions she is now trying to answer as a freelance travel journalist (her articles have appeared in DIE ZEIT, 360° Canada, 360° USA, etc.), among others. travel writer and travel blogger answers in many countries around the world. Petar Fuchs produces the videos on this blog as well as on YouTube. Monika Fuchs from TravelWorldOnline is below Germany's top 50 bloggers in 2021 Other Information about Monika and Petar Fuchs. Recommendations on LinkedIn from tourism experts Further recommendations from cooperation partners and tourism experts Professional experience Monika on LinkedIn