Mallorca

What do people living today retain from the past millennia? If one were to examine the human genome of Majorca’s indigenous islanders, one would find traces of the first settlers in their genes, as well as of the Romans, the Moors, the Aragonese, etc. We’re making it easier for ourselves. We want to see with our own eyes the visible traces that people of past times have left behind. First settlement of the Balearics Majorca, a big island in the Mediterranean, is far off the mainland. Even today, the ferry from Barcelona – the nearest point on the mainland – takes 10 hours to reach the harbour at Palma. Despite this great distance, people came to the island long ago: the first arrived at the steep coastline of the Tramontana Mountains in light, fragile wooden boats during the Neolithic ...

Mallorca-lovers have long appreciated the appeal of Palma. It comes as no surprise as the city has everything: the climate, the beautiful and simultaneously modern Old Town, excellent dining and shopping options, art and culture, as well as a long beach and beautiful harbour on the doorstep. Palma has it all and is not only perfect for vacations, but also to live and work in. Known as an especially trendy neighbourhood is Santa Catalina with its charming small, former fisherman’s cottages and many bars and restaurants from around the world. Additionally, the two suburban areas near the sea, Portixol and El Molinar, are among the top favourites, and Portixol has already been compared with primary Saint Tropez. But the city is evolving and continues to grow with new neighbourhoods show...

The German Blog “Mallorca Talks” invited bloggers to the first Mallorca Blog Parade – an exciting story, which of course I wanted to be part of! There are two questions to answer: “What is Mallorca’s greatest treasure” and “Your ultimate Mallorca experience”. Here’s my own personal answers. Mallorca’s greatest treasure The whole world celebrates the wonders and treasures of Mallorca. These miracles are the pink and white blossoming almond trees in spring, the calas lapped by the azure waters in the summer, the brightly coloured trees in autumn by the Tramontana, the snow covered peaks which can sometimes be seen in winter at Puig Major. The almond bloom begins in late January in Mallorca signalling the start of spring. The t...

Mallorca has grand buildings and true architectural gems. But here neither the Cathedral nor the Art Nouveau and Gothic buildings will be spoken of. Instead, we take a look at exceptional contemporary architecture and its most famous builders. Can Lis and Can Feliz by Jørn Utzon “Can Lis” constructed by Jørn UtzonSource: Torben Eskerod Not everyone knows that the Danish architect and builder of the Sydney Opera House, Jørn Utzon has lived many years with his family in Mallorca and has created two monuments here. As one of the most important architects of the 20th century, he has left his mark on the world, and also designed two houses in the southeast of the island: Can Lis on the coast between Porto Petro and the Mondragó Nature Reserve and Can Feliz inland at Horta. ...

A city tour with a difference Palma’s old town has two faces. At first glance, we are enchanted by the medieval city palaces, the magnificent patios, and the elegant Art Nouveau façades. But today we didn’t meet on the Plaza Mayor to follow the tide of tourists. Instead, we allow ourselves to be led through the narrower, darker laneways to the Sa Gerreria quarter. This is where the city reveals its second face which exudes an unexpected, morbid charm. Street art on a garage door in Palma’s Calle Can Pueyo   Palma’s second face   Even close to the Mercè Church, there are countless empty houses waiting for investors willing to renovate. Until they arrive, the dilapidated façades serve as canvases for urban artists such as Manrique Daniel Durán. The Argentinian’s studio is i...