Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts

Monday, 21 July 2008

Majorca attracts celebrities on vacation

A look at Majorca and how it attracts the rich and famous...

Majorca - A Favourite Island For Celebrity Vacations by Alcudia Pollensa


When it comes to celebrity tourists, the Spanish holiday island of Majorca has more than her fair share.

And if celebrities weren't enough, Majorca is frequented by royals too.

The Spanish have long been aware of King Juan Carlos love for the area. He even maintains a retreat and moors a yacht there for his regular Majorca holidays. In fact, the isle is popular with the entire royal family, including King Juan Carlos' son, Prince Felipe, who also holidays there frequently.

Other famous visitors to this Spanish paradise include Queen Elizabeth, actress Patsy Palmer, actor Michael Douglas, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, musician Mike Oldfield and more.

Celebrities from all over the world have purchased holiday properties and second (or third or fourth) homes on the island. Majorca is so popular with the rich and famous that it isn't unusual for residents to spot a celebrity on any given day. And though it is the largest of Spain's many islands, at only 3700 square kilometers, it isn't the easiest place in the world to hide. Still, with its private beaches and secluded mountain retreats, it offers enough solace to continue enticing celebrities as it has for almost 50 years.

Majorca's year round population stands at less than one million, smaller than many major cities. Yet tourist numbers may double that number during the peak holidays season.

The biggest piece of the tourism pie comes from other European countries and the UK. However, Majorca has become increasingly popular with visitors from North America in the last two decades. In fact, thanks in large part to Majorca's draw of visitors, Spain has become the second most visited country in the world. It is second only to France for the most foreign tourists.

Majorca has invested billions of dollars in the tourism sector since the 1960s. That investment has certainly paid off - Majorca draws over 6 million tourists annually. An astounding 95 percent of Majorca's economy is directly or indirectly sparked by tourism.

Both short-term and long-term holiday-makers are drawn to the area mainly for its sunshine, beaches and breathtaking natural beauty. Hotels do a brisk business in every region of the Spanish isle. Tourists who like to stay longer and visit more frequently (especially the rich and famous) have helped to keep the real estate business booming on Majorca. The politically stable climate of Spain has made its many tourist destinations, including Majorca, popular places to invest in property.

These are just a few of the reasons that the British newspaper The Telegraph recently touted Majorca on its 'best of' list.

It noted that the island's 'lovely' geography and natural features make it a particularly worthwhile destination for holidaymakers.

La Residencia hotel is often quoted in the European press as one of the best hotels on the continent, and is good enough to draw the rich and famous, and is one of the best Majorca hotels

Majorca remains extremely popular with outdoor lovers. Both celebrities and the average vacationer alike appreciate the quality of outdoor life that can be found on the island. As long as Spain remains politically stable, Majorca will surely continue to draw visitors from around the world in the years to come.


About the Author

Palma Airport Majorca and cheap flight to Majorca deals plus a range of holidays in Majorca with photograph galleries are among the details offered at yourmajorca.net

A Secret Side of Majorca

Here's a great article I stumbled upon today - writer James Scott explored some of the lesser travelled parts of Majorca - including Puerto Pollensa and Soller. Read this descriptive holiday review and you'll feel like you were there!

FindArticles - HOLIDAYS: A secret side of Majorca
Sunday Mirror, Jun 1, 2008, by JAMES SCOTT

Saturday, 12 July 2008

Balearics - Fun in the Sun on Stone Age Islands

An introduction to the Balearic islands:


Balearics - Fun in the Sun on Stone Age Islands

by: Mark Buckingham


Located in the western Mediterranean Sea around 60 miles from the Iberian coast is the archipelago of the Balearic Islands that forms one of the Autonomous Communities of Spain.

Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera can be found to the Northern end with Ibiza and Formentera in the Southwest. These wonderful islands have Palma de Mallorca as their capital city and have two officially recognized languages – these being Catalan and Spanish.

There is no wonder that the Balearics are one of the more favoured holiday destinations in Spain, as with over 300 days of sun per year and some of the world’s prettiest beaches they offer near perfect conditions for getting away from the stresses and strains of modern life.

As close to each other as they are, each of the islands has a personality all of its own. They have a rich cultural heritage and the locals are extremely accommodating, welcoming the influx of tourists (mainly European) each year with hospitality, which is second to none.

There are numerous accounts as to where the islands got their name from, but probably the most interesting is the one which says that they were named Gymnesiae (which is Greek for ‘naked’) by the ancient Greeks as the early inhabitants were often found to be nude or clad only in sheep skins.

Majorca (Mallorca)

By far the most popular tourist resorts on the island of Majorca are the ones around the bay of Palma. S’Arenal, Magaluf and Palma Nova are among these attracting thousands of visitors into package tour hotels near the beaches although in recent years there has been a growing trend for more experience, individual travellers to book their own accommodation and take advantage of the low cost airlines. Puerta Pollensa, for example, is a more upmarket and exclusive option and is a popular destination for these independent styles of villa holidays.

Majorca has many beautiful villages, mountains and hidden bays, which are rarely discovered by tourists. The capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca is located here and has a beautiful historic centre overlooked by a Gothic cathedral.

Minorca (Menorca)

Minorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands at 9 miles (15km) wide and 32 miles (52km) long. The capital of the island is Mahon, which has one of Europe’s largest natural harbours with both local and colonial architecture built on a hill overlooking the port.

The coastline of Minorca is one of rugged, rocky coves and inlets, which make ideal and relaxing un-crowded beach holidays.

Unlike the other islands in this archipelago, Minorca and its hilly rural interior has been left almost unspoilt which means that the locals do not have to rely on tourism, which has resulted in a thriving local industry.

There is also plenty of history and culture to be found in this relatively small area, with the most famous of the attractions being the Pipe Organ and some of the many archaeological sites.

Mahon itself can offer its visitors plenty of sights to see for those who don’t just want beaches and sea, such as the mansion house overlooking the bay, once occupied by Lord Nelson, and the Xoriguer distillery where the world famous Menorcan gin is made.

Ibiza

Probably best known as the party capital of the world, Ibiza is a Mecca of a destination for the young (at heart?) who want to stay out late and visit some of the most famous clubs in the world.

Although the holiday resorts are filled by thousands of visitors during the season, there are plenty of other things for them to see and do other than the legendary nightclubs. Some of these attractions include the museums, the festivals and events and more than 50 stunning beaches.

Due to the beauty of the island and the generally guaranteed weather, there are many companies who use the island as photographic and film shooting locations.

Ibiza town, the largest town on the island, also lays claim to being one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Formentera

Most of the beaches of Formentera, the beautiful and unspoilt island in the South-western Balearics, attract nudists from all over Europe in addition to nature lovers and young families seeking safe and relaxing holidays in a tranquil environment.

As there is no airport on the island, the only way to get here is by ferry, which leaves from Ibiza every 2 hours. There are then many transfer buses from the port of Formentera to the towns of La Sabina, San Francisco and La Mola.

The fact that the island can only be reached by ferry means that the it has retained the original Spanish feel and with little mass tourism this gives the visitor a great chance to explore the island and browse through the old shops and villages.

Cuisine of the Balearics

Due to the many cultures that have passed through the archipelago over the years, there are hundreds of different dishes that now make up the gastronomy of the islands of Majorca, Minorca and Formentera with most of them taking full advantage of the islands resources.

Fish and fruit are abundant and occur as an ingredient in many dishes.

Food products you should try...

Olive oil from Majorca, Cheese from Mahón, Artichokes, Majorca almonds, Gin from Minorca, Sobrasada, Majorcan Ensaimada, Aubergine.

Don’t forget to try these dishes...

Black rice, Crayfish stew, Fish 'tumbet', Majorcan vegetable soup, Pork loin with cabbage, Sóller eggs.

Find more articles on Spain here: http://www.rentaccomspain.com/articlelist.asp

Find properties to buy in Spain here: http://www.rentaccomspain.com/searchproperty.asp

Find properties to rent in Spain here: http://www.rentaccomspain.com/home.asp


About The Author

Written by Mark Buckingham for http://www.rentaccomspain.com - Rent or buy your perfect Spanish retreat direct from the owner.

Friday, 11 July 2008

Rural Tourism in Mallorca: Where To Go

Featured article:

Rural Tourism in Mallorca: Where To Go
by: Oscar Riera


Rural tourism has become quite popular on the last years and Mallorca (Majorca) is a good destination for those looking to escape from massified areas and resorts.

There are many rural hotels in Mallorca, some of them offering luxury accommodation with all the facilities for the modern and smart traveller, which is looking for a place to escape and relax, and others are somewhat more agriculture oriented, perfect for those that want to try what living in community is and learn a little more about farms and its kind of life.

In Pollensa, places such as the Son Brull Hotel and Spa that mixes both relax and farmhouse-community style. The guest is here given the option to choose which of these fits more its holidays.

Next to the world famous sandy beach of Es Trenc, in the Campos area, a good and cheap (or at least affordable) option for a rural finca is Finca Sa Casanova which offers activities such as trekking, horse riding and mountain bike, among others.

More in Campos: the Finca Es Palmer, which as been awarded by many traveller guides and offers 10 superb rooms, swimming pool and solarium. It is also really near to the beach as well as to the Golf Sa Rapita.

In Fornalutx, a small village with less than 600 inhabitants the Fornalutx Petit Hotel offers interesting rates for accommodation in this small and unspoilt village. Unfortunately this small charming hotel seems to offer only its pool and sauna as pluses. However, be pretty sure that in familiar hotel like this their staff will help you in organizing your activities.

At Alaro, the rural hotel S'Olivaret also offers activities such as trekking, hiking, tennis and the like. S'Olivaret perfectly conjugates history and tradition with comfort. More in the north of the island, in Soller, the Rural Finca Ca's Sant offers peace, tranquillity and calmness surrounded by more than 30.000 sq. metres of enviable beauty.

And in Llucmajor, the Finca Son Guardiola offers authentic Mallorca accommodation in an old by completely refurbished area with more than 50.000 square metres of its own property.

The finca Sa Torre is situated in Santa Eugenia, next to the Santa Maria villa and could be a good choice if you plan to visit Palma during your holidays, as it is only 15 minutes driving from Palma de Mallorca. This village is still really small and keeps it Mallorcan character. Every body still greets you while walking although they do not know you. Also, on Sunday you can visit the Santa Maria market, which in my humble opinion is one of the best to be found around the island. And by the way, is not more than 20 minutes driving from Palma.

Mallorca is not only sun, beaches and sangria, but the smart destination to escape from major cities. And rural tourism the way to find the real Mallorca.



About The Author

Oscar Riera has been working in Mallorca hotels for more than 12 years and has given advice to thousands of travellers during that time. Now, he is also the webmaster for Best of Mallorca (www.bestofmallorca.net), an online tourist to guide to the island.

This article was posted on October 28, 2005

Source: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_869.shtml

Thursday, 10 July 2008

Majorca Family Holiday Activities

Majorca Family Holiday Activities

Author: Daniel Eyre

A cheap Majorca holiday is a fantastic getaway for the whole family, and there are plenty of ways to entertain all ages with these great Majorca family holiday activities, with highlights ranging from pirates to parrots. Hold on tight!


The Magaluf Pirates Show

The Magaluf Pirates Show is one of the most popular days out for Majorca family holidays - just make sure that you pick the child-friendly version if you're bringing the kids! This stunning show features world-class acrobatics and impressive dancing from actors, dancers and acrobats from eight different countries.

With former World Champions, European Champions, British Champions, World Games Silver and Bronze medallists, European silver medallists and Commonwealth Games competitors, the Magaluf Pirate Show is an amazing spectacle. Dinner is included with the ticket, which is reasonably priced if you're aiming for a cheap Majorca holiday.


Aqualand, Magaluf

Aqualand, also in Magaluf, is arguably the best water park in Majorca, featuring a variety of water rides and activities for waterbabies of all ages. The park has 16 water-based slides and attractions, from the fearsome Boomerang to the more sedate Congo River.

But Aqualand's most famous attraction is The Tornado - a tubular slide that sweeps the most daring guests down a giant whirlpool, whirling them around with the water before hurling them down into the swimming pool below. A brilliant way to re-energise on a cheap Majorca holiday!


Majorca Auto Safari park

As the island's only dedicated zoo, the Majorca Auto Safari offers tourists a unique experience. The 4km drive across open countryside, punctuated with unusual wildlife, provides an ideal day out for family holidays to Majorca. Monkeys, giraffes, zebras and flamingo are amongst the animals to be spotted by park visitors in the drive, and there is a baby zoo with baby elephants and crocodiles. Aaah!


Marineland, Majorca

A regular highlight for family holidays, Majorca's Marineland offers a fantastic day out for adults and children, featuring dolphins, sharks, reptiles, penguins, sea lions and several exotic birds. The dolphin show is the highlight of the park, rated amongst the best in the world.


Go Karts in Majorca

Karting Magaluf is an excellent attraction for those looking for something a little different. Trying to replicate the experience of real racing, the course is perfect both for amateur and professionals and will inject a high-adrenalin rush into your cheap Majorca holiday.

Karting Magaluf is highly recommended for families and groups of friends, as the experience is great fun when racing against people you know. There are also karts (and a practice course) for children as young as three years old.


Fantasia Golf, Palma Nova


If you're at all interested in improving your swing then this enormous crazy golf complex is very enjoyable for all levels of golfers with its novelty waterfalls, caves and tropical gardens. Fantasia Golf at Palma Nova is considered to be the best mini golf course in Majorca, with three different 18-hole courses. It is extremely popular with tourists of all ages and perfect for a day out on a family holiday in Majorca.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/majorca-family-holiday-activities-434058.html

About the Author:

Daniel Eyre is the Product Manager of Search Travel Online.
Search Travel Online is part of the Co-operative Group, specialising in cheap Majorca holidays.