About the Island
Mallorca or Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands. It lies in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the South East coast of mainland Spain. Mallorca attracts over 7 million tourists from around the globe per year. It is one of the most popular Mediterranean holiday destinations of the Brits with the flying time being only 2-3 hours from Britain. Mallorca has a population of over 600,000 and over half of its inhabitants live in the heart of Mallorca's Capital city; Palma. Mallorca consists of 1,000 square miles of land and boasts 340 miles of coastline. The unforgettable coastline is the main attraction of holiday makers, but the mountains and more inland regions are increasing in popularity every year. If you wish to explore the island fully then the best way to get around the Island is by car as everything on the island is within a 3 hours drive from the Capital (Palma). The inhabitants of this island are bilingual; speaking Mallorcan; a dialect of Catalan and Castilian Spanish and the majority are also able to speak English.
Mallorcan Climate
The ideal climate of Mallorca is what attracts holidaymakers especially in the summer where the temperature soars to 30 degrees Celsius but generally no higher. Mallorca has hot summers and mild winters with an average annual temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. The winter months can lower to 10 degrees Celsius but rarely drops below this. During the summer months the water temperature can increase to 26 degrees 
Celsius making Mallorca an ideal destination for water sport lovers. The annual rainfall varies across the island from year to year quite radically but the majority of it being seasonal: the rainfall season being during the autumn months of late September and November when 40% of the rain will fall.
Mallorcan Food and Drink
You won't be stuck for food in Mallorca. Traditional dishes are very popular amongst tourists who wish to have an authentic taste of Mallorca. Most traditional dishes will include pork, fish and vegetables with generous seasoning of garlic and olive oil. You will often find pork on the menu as it is the staple meat diet of the island. Llom amb col is a classic Mallorcan dish; a popular winter choice. It consists of Pork loin wrapped in cabbage with pine nuts and raisins. Another traditional pork alternative is Lechona a sada (roast suckling pig). Frit is a specialty of the island and is a fry-up of meat, potatoes, onion and tomatoes. Try Tumbet, a Mollorcan style ratatouille of aubergines, potatoes, peppers in olive oil. Paella ciege (blind man's Paella) will be found on many Mallorcan menus and is very popular, however it is not traditionally Mallorcan, it is traditionally from over the waters from Spain. The local equivalent it Arros brat ('dirty rice'), saffron rice cooked with chicken, pork and vegetables.
Seafood is a very popular on the island, especially sea bass in rock salt which is a specialty.
However the majority of sea food is frozen and imported from neighbouring countries. The seafood includes variations of sardines, prawns, sea bass and lobster. Of course if Mallorcan cuisine doesnot wet your appetite then there is plenty of British food available in resort areas.
Plenty of wines and liquors are widely available, with a variety of imported alcoholic and softdrinks. In resort areas Sangria is very popular with tourists. It contains normally red wine and fresh fruit. A wide variety of scrumptious cocktails are also available in resort areas. Generally tap water is safe to drink but most locals and tourists drink bottles of mineral water.
Attractions/ Things to see and do
Mallorca is very popular for its gorgeous stretches of white sand, numerous beaches and smaller coves. It will please anybody who is after a sun, sand and sea holiday! But Mallorca certainly doesn't have to be just about the beaches. Mallorca has got a lot to offer its tourists. There is something for everyone on this beautiful island. Attractions include a wide variety of things to do and see; here are a few options. There are many boat trips available from every resort on the island for people seeking a relaxing afternoon with breathtaking coastal scenery; you may even spot some dolphins!
The cave tours never fail to impress tourists and prove a very popular attraction, the main ones known as Cuevas de Arta which are North East of the island and Cuevas del Drach which translates to Dragon Caves are located on the South West coast. 
Marineland is one of the most popular attractions visited by families; it is the only attraction on the Balearic Islands to feature performing dolphins and sea lions; a sure winner if you have little ones and sometimes big ones! If you love the thrill and excitement of water sports then this is certainly your island, or you could take a splash and ride at one of the main water parks. There are three main water parks to choose from, all situated at the south of the island.
The Capital city, Palma is a must see and do for every visitor on the island. This unmissible bay is easy to get to via bus or car. It offers historical interest, nightlife, busy harbour, admirable architecture, museums, palaces, gardens, shops, markets and some of the best restaurants on the island. The Cathedral (La Seu) is considered to be the finest example of Mediterranean Gothic architecture. It took over 500 years to build and is known that the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi renovated the interior of the 44 metre high central nave at the beginning of the 20th century. Visit Bellver's Castle (beautiful view Castle) outside down town Palma and remember to take your camera to take photos of this spectacular view over Palma Bay.
Why not travel back in time by taking the train from Placa d'Espanya in Palma up to Soller (North West) for a memorable experience. The vintage carriage takes 5 trips daily through beautiful scenery of olive groves, orange trees, orchards and mountains, including a 3 km tunnel and a series of bends. Try the refreshing freshly squeezed orange juice in Soller. It really is like travelling back in time.
If you want to escape from the busy areas then go inland where you will find mountains, fertile countryside, vineyards and almond groves. You certainly won’t be disappointed with the magnificent scenery on offer in the mountainous ranges of Serra de Tramuntana (Mountains of the North Wind). It offers truly spectacular scenery. It is best to hire a car to fully explore the mountains but if you don't fancy the driving yourself then you can also get bus trips and excursions to and from. If you fancy a mountain walk, try the popular walk to a ruined 15th century castle and hilltop chapel. The walk can start from the town of Alaro but bare in mind the midday sun; an early morning trip is advisable. Allow a couple of hours to get to the top. Alternatively, you can start the walk from Orient, park by the L'Hermitage hotel. If you’re brave enough, you can drive up as far as the Es Verger restaurant and start the walk from there. Once you reach the highest point (the Chapel Hill top) you will find breathtaking view, across to Palma and its bay. On the way back why not have a rest bite at Es Verger restaurant and try some delicious traditional Mallorcan dishes made from local produce.
A memorable excursion would be a drive or bus trip on the mountain road to Sa Colbra; a twisting road around Puig Major, it plunges 800m in just 12km, turning 270 degrees at one point to loop under itself. At the bottom you will discover the beautiful cove of Sa Colbra, unfortunately if you visit at peak season it will be full of tourists however many will argue that it is definitely still 
worth the visit and driving experience. If you walk to the right as you look at the sea at Sa Colbra, you will walk through a small tunnel which cuts through the rock and waiting to be discovered at the other side is the most gorgeous cove surrounded by mountains called Torrent de Pareis. This is one of Mallorca's most well-known beauty spots.
Another memorable excursion is at the northern tip of the island called Cap de Formentor. Take a journey from Port Pollenca to 
Formentor beach stopping at the stunning panoramic views of Cap de Formentor. These coastal views will take your breath away; carry on your journey to Formentor beach (charge 5 Euros to park) which is certainly worth the journey and money. There are a few cafes if you get peckish. Sun yourself up on the idyllic paradise beach and let all your worries wash away. It does get busy at peak times but walk a little further and it will be quieter. If you haven't got a car, there are a few buses going back and fore but check the last buses as they are not too frequent. Alternatively you can get a 30 minute boat ride from Port Pollenca to Formentor beach which is perfect for a few photos.
(c) tuqoo.net / 14 February 2008