Dear Guests,

Mallorca has put a lot of effort in improving the quality and appeal of local products such as controlled cultivation and production, quality regulations and refinement. The most impressive example is certainly the development the wine industry has taken over the years. Local wine used to be more or less average in quality and with a few exceptions mass reigned over class. Today Mallorca‘s wines are highly regarded in the national and international market, collecting gold and silver medals on international wine tastings and fairs. So make sure you don’t miss a glass of local wine…

Wines of the following wine makers and vineyards are of excellent quality:

• Miguel Gelabert (Manacor), his brother Toni Gelabert in the surroundings of Manacor, Jaume Mesquida in Porreres, Macià Batle in Santa Maria del Camí, Miquel Oliver in Petra, Hereus de Ribas in Consell, Son Bordils in Inca, Ca Sa Padrina in Sencelles, Anima Negra in Felanitx, Castell Miquel in Alaró or Can Majoral in Montuirí, C’an Vidalet close to Pollensa and Son Sureda between Manacor und Artà. Some bodegas offer guided tour, but pre-booking is essential (e.g. Jaume Mesquida, Santa Catarina, Macià Batle, Hereus de Ribas).

If you want to get an overview and some expert advice, best is to visit one of the following wine stores, which have the best bottles on stock and often the possibility to taste the wine by glass:
Malvasia Botiga de Vins (C/Joan Bauza 43, Palma), La Vinoteca (Pl. Virgen de la Salud, Palma), Isla Catavinos (C/Guillem Massot 45, Palma), Sa Vinya (C/Ronda de Migjorn 79, Lluchmajor), La Casa del Vino (Avd. Salvador Juan 73, Manacor), La Bodega Andratx (C/des Port 114, Port D’Andratx), Finca Gourmet (C/Sa Luna 16, Sóller).

The label Producto Cinco Estrellas (5-star-product) along with a quality seal ("Indicació geografica protegida") stands for quality. Keep that in mind, when shopping for local products like

• Hierbas and Palo, fine digestives and liqueurs (highly recommended are the products of Vidal Catany).
• Olive oil – watch out for the excellent, mild "Aubacassa" oil of Dauro, which is grown and filtered close to Manacor or the spicy and intense Solivellas from the Alcudia and Pollensa bay area.
• Sobrasada – the famous sausage made of pork with lots of tasty paprika. Enjoy it spread on your favourite bread or use it to add an interesting flavour to salsas, gravies or pasta sauce.
• Paté – especially delicious when made from the so-called black pigs “porc negre” (e.g. made at "La Luna" in Sóller, the island‘s oldest sausage and meat factory).
• Cheese – the most famous one is Mahón cheese which is produced in Menorca, but there is also a good selection of cheeses made in Mallorca available on local markets or in the supermarkets (e. g. "S´Atalaia" or "Formatges Burguera").
• Pa de Figo – dried bread made of figs, aniseed liqueur and crushed aniseed.
• Flor de Sal – a delicious sea salt made of the “salt flower” which is collected by hand in the salines of Es Trenc. It is available in many shops on the island either pure or in sophisticated blends, such as Mediterranean, black olives, hibiscus, rose or curry.
• Honey – natural, non-refined honey is for sale on many markets. Watch out for Sa Carrotja honey made in Ses Salines. Try the ones mixed with figs, almonds or chestnuts for a real treat.
• And, last not least, Ensaimada – the sweet spiral yeast cake made with lard and topped with plenty of icing sugar. Purist love the plain version but it is equally delicious filled with cream, topped with apricots and sobrasada (!) or with a soft pumpkin centre ("Cabell d´Angel" - Angels´ Hair). Ensaimada is a popular gift and widely available pre-packed in light cardboard for easy transport.

And because Mallorcans are proud of their products, they celebrate them on local fairs: e.g. snails (May, Sant Jordi), herbs (June, Selva), melons (2nd Sunday of Sept., Vilafranca de Bonany), Llampuga (the "golden mackerel", end of Sept., Cala Rajada), blood sausage (beginning of Oct., Sant Joan), Bunyols (last Sunday in Oct., Petra), olives (Nov., Caimari), honey (Nov., Llubi), mushrooms (Nov., Mancor de la Vall), partridge (Dec., Montuiri). But the most colourful and important fair on the island is dedicated to wine and held in Binissalem, the most important wine growing area of Mallorca. The "Festa des Vermar" is celebrated a full week at the end of September with processions, the famous grape battle, an open air banquet on the streets and wine tastings.

If you want to visit producers, vineyards and farms yourself you will find a lot of inspiration, information and opening hours on http://www.illesbalearsqualitat.cat. Besides tourist offices and the participating producers stock the official map „Agrorutes del Bon Gust“. This really helpful “route planner” shows all routes on the map plus all addresses, phone numbers and opening hours of the farms and producers on the back.

More souvenir tips: Siurells, these funny little clay statues with red and green dots are pipes at the same time, Greixoneiras, the traditional brown clay pods can be used for cooking or as a baking tin and are sold on the markets at a very economic price, appealing artwork and household articles made of olive wood (i.e. "oliv-art" at Manacor), glass-works by Gordiola, Lafiore and Menestralia, finally, leather products – especially from the centre of leather trade: Inca.

More shopping tips: The most commonly known supermarkets are Eroski and Mercadona. In addition there are the three large Carrefour supermarkets with a wide selection of international food (one in the big shopping mall "Porto Pí", one in Avd. General Riera near Via Cintura, one in Coll D‘En Rabassa, near the airport) and the Alcampo shopping-centre (directly beside the motorway Palma - Inca, just before Marratxi). A combination of shopping and amusement is the Festival Park Marratxi (Motorway Palma - Inca), with more than 100 shops and restaurants on 35.000 sqm. There are outlet stores, art craft markets, about 30 restaurants serving any kind of food from snacks to full meals, a nightclub, a 22-tracks-Bowling Centre, a multiplex cinema, the animal show "Green Planet", a skating centre and a lot more. The chamber of commerce has recently published a shopping guide for Mallorca, listing more than 229 shops which offer a 10 to 20 % discount for users of the guide. The guide is for free and can be picked up at the tourist offices or obtained directly from your tour operator.

Mallorcans love their markets. Not only can you buy almost anything - from food and clothes to artwork, plants and flowers and sometimes even living animals - markets are also popular for meeting friends and neighbours. The markets of the island are busy, colourful and fun. The most interesting ones are Sineu, Santanyí, Lluchmajor, Pollensa or Santa Maria del Camí.

Flea markets

Mallorcans say "Bon Profit" – which means “enjoy”. Lunch or dinner are important events all over Spain and are celebrated accordingly. Especially on Sundays whole families plus friends come together for an extensive lunch which can last for hours. With more than 2500 restaurants on the island it should be easy to find the right place to enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner. Almost every cuisine of the world is present, but make sure you don’t miss the delicious Mallorcan food. It‘s diverse and abundant, made from local produce and with a notable influence of Turkish, Arab, Jewish and Roman cooking. Mallorcan cuisine offers simple peasant meals but also elaborate dishes that are difficult and time consuming in preparation. Local products are key, such as full flavoured tomatoes from Banyalbufar, oranges and lemons from Sóller, lambs and goats from the mountains, fruits and vegetables from the centre of the island, porc, beef and dairy from the south and finally fresh fish and other seafood from the coast. Not to forget the exquisite wines from the different areas.

Tapas! A tapa can be nearly anything: barbecued, cooked, roasted, pickled – with meat, fish, seafood or vegetables. Tapas are served in mini servings ("para picar") or as normal / half servings ("una ración / media ración"). You can enjoy tapas as a starter or order 3 or more as a main course. Most Spanish restaurants offer a standard selection of tapas, but a real treat are the specialised tapas bars, which can offer up to 50 different variations. Locals will usually order tapas for the whole party (enough to cover the table entirely) and will share the food among each other. If the choice is too much go for "tapas variadas", a selection of the most popular tapas served on one plate.

Something quite exceptional is the Menu del Día, which is served daily except weekends in all restaurants and which includes a starter, main course, dessert, a bottle of wine, water and coffee. Prices in most restaurants range from 08,00 € to 13,00 €, more sophisticated restaurants usually charge a bit more, but prices will still be below 20,00 €. If you want to try the delicacies served in the island’s top restaurants at an economic price, the Menu del Día is an excellent choice.

Tip: In Mallorca‘s restaurants – like on the Spanish mainland – you have to wait to be seated. Prices shown in the menu don’t include the 7% VAT (I.V.A.). The bill is usually made per table, individual bills are very unusual. The waiter will return your change on a small plate or tray, leave your tip on the plate before you leave (as a guideline about 5% of the total bill).

Our favourite choice in the South of the Island:

Ses Salines, Colonia Sant Jordi & Sa Rapita

Santanyi & Cala Figuera

Arenal, Can Pastilla, Cala Estancia, Ciudad Jardin, Es Molinar, Portixól

Mallorca has than 200 beaches and small bays. Water quality is generally very good or good, with a few exceptions close to towns or ports. Many beaches are rewarded the Blue Flag every year– the quality sign for excellent water and protection of the environment. Most beaches (except of some small and/or distant bays along the west coast) offer the usual infrastructure like renting of parasols and deck-chairs, beach bars, sports facilities. Prizes vary considerably. For parasols and deck-chairs there is a fee of about 8,00 € to 14,00 € a day. A cheaper alternative is to bring your own parasol and beach towel (available in most beach shops).

Please pay attention to the colour of the beach flags! The red flag means stay out of the water / no swimming allowed, the yellow flag means swimming allowed but dangerous. Only the green flag means green light for water fun. At first sight, the warnings might appear to be exaggerated, especially when the sea seems to be calm on the surface. However, there might be dangerous currents below the surface so trust the experienced judgement of the life guards and follow their recommendations.

The most populare beaches in the South of the island are:

Colónia de Sant Jordi
Of course the wonderful beach of Es Trenc, which begins west of Colónia de Sant Jordi, is the main attraction here, but also near the town, and south of it, you can find many nice beaches. As f.e. Platja d'es Port, directly at the port.
At the town‘s south edge follows the beautiful, nearly circle-like, 1 km large Platja des Dolc (softly descending, suitable for children, kiosk, renting of parasols and deck-chairs), and a little bit further you come across Platja Carbó (300 m large, about 50 m deep, softly descending), Sa Roqueta, and the marvellous beach Es Caragol (about 500 m large, 50 m deep). They all lie about 30, 40 minutes away from the port, and they are all very quiet, because you cannot go there by car, and there a no touristic establishments. Also friends of nudism meet here. Several other, not very frequented bays follow, each of them can only be reached by walking from Colónia de Sant Jordi, or from Cape Ses Salines.

Es Trenc
The beach of Es Trenc, which extends from the north-western edge of Colónia de Sant Jordi to the yacht harbour of Sa Ràpita, is one of Mallorca‘s largest and most beautiful natural beaches. Strictly speaking, there are two beach sections, divided by the holiday settlement of Ses Covetes (and because of that the part of the beach which lies between Sa Ràpita and Ses Covetes sometimes is also called Platja Sa Ràpita). All together the beach is nearly 5 km long, famous for its particularly white and fine sand, and because of its flat access it is also very suitable for children.
The beach is surrounded by a unique dune landscape, without buildings, and grown with pines, Aleppo stone-pines, mastic shrubs, and rosemary, where many water birds sit, and which was declared a protection area during the eighties, after strong efforts of the Majorcan environment organisation GOB. Parasols and deck-chairs can be rented, and near the bordering settlements there are beach bars available, as well as some aquatic sports offers. Friends of nudism prefer the beach section west of Ses Covetes. On weekends also many Majorcans come here. Parking places (subject to tax) are available. To approach there are several signposted possibilities. Tip: You might also combine your beach visit with a little excursion to the salt-pits (see excursions).

Sa Ràpita
Of course most visitors prefer the Es Trenc-beach, which begins south-east of Sa Ràpita. But also north-west of the village there is a nice beach, not as beutiful as Es Trenc, but less crowded: S‘Estanyol. With kiosk, parasols and deck-chairs available.

Cala Pi
Near Cape Blanc. A narrow bay, which cuts deeply inside the country, with a sand beach, that‘s only 50 m large, but about 150 m deep, accessible over a staircase. It‘s surrounded by woods and many bungalows and apartments. Attractive for snorters, but also suitable for children (playground available). Parasols, deck-chairs, beach bar.

Platja de Palma
Probably the most popular beach of the island. Beginning near S‘Arenal, it extends over kilometers up to Ca‘n Pastilla. Clean, softly descending, and with fine sand, it offers the best conditions (suitable for children). Along the beach there is this nice modern palm-tree promenade, traffic-calmed and perfect for bikers and inline skaters. At regular distances there are the 15 so called 'balnearios', pavilions that mark the correspondent beach sectors. The most popular, and most frequented zone lies between balnearios 4 and 9, including the famous "German sector" - "Ballermann 6". All touristic establishments, sports, and gastronomical enterprises are available. Good idea: Going along the whole Platja by the little tourist train. The hinterland mainly is built with hotels and apartment plants.

Ciudad Jardín and Cala Gamba
Between Platja de Palma (beginning at Ca‘n Pastilla) and Palma there are further nice beaches, mainly frequented by Majorcans. As f.e. the Cala Gamba-bay (appr. 100 m large, half-round, with marvellous sand beach and few tourists, or the beach of Ciudad Jardín: a wide, beautiful sand beach (appr. 450 m large), with parasol and deck-chair-renting, and as well beach bars. Little minus-point: one is near the airport‘s approach path.

City beach of Palma
Perfect for a short refreshing bath during a Palma excursion: Beginning opposite the big GESA building, Palma‘s home beach extends up to the yacht harbour of Portixol. It‘s a softly descending sand beach, suitable for children, with nearly no touristic establishments. Tipp: The Nassau Beach Bar offers a nice variety of snacks, cocktails and chill-out-music on the beach

A pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes and a network of hiking trails of around 300 km make the island a popular destination for hikers. If you choose one of the easy routes or a demanding mountain tour for experienced hikers, there are a wealth of flora and fauna and marvellous views to be discovered.
We recommend suitable outdoor outfit and equipment and please stay on the marked tracks as some will be leading through private estates (signpost: "coto privado") and passage is only allowed on the tracks. If you come across a gate or a fence and passage is allowed, please make sure you shut it after passing. Never light fire and don’t leave any garbage along the way! Summer and late spring and autumn are hot, so always take enough water with you. Another option is to discover Mallorca by bike. The local government has been promoting cycling tourism for more than 40 years and is steadily expanding the network of routes and trails (approx. 240 km currently developed). Bike hires are available in most resorts and offer anything from the simple city-bike to professional mountain bikes (i.e. Mallorquin Bikes in Cala D’Or, www.mallorquin-bikes.de, phone 609 237 637)

For fans of the golf

• Golf Alcanada – 18 holes, Par 72, 6.477 m, challenging. Marvellous sea views (Ctra. del Faro s/n, Port D’Alcúdia, www.golf-alcanada.com, 971 549 560).
• Golf Pollensa – 9 holes, Par 35, 2.652 m. Challenging, slightly hilly landscape, magnificent views (Ctra.Palma-Pollensa km 49,3, www.golfpollensa.com, 971 533 216).
• Capdepera Golf – 18 holes, Par 72, 6.273 m, challenging. Steadily ascending after hole 14. Panorama views at the end of the course. (Ctra. Artà-Capdepera km 3,5, www.golfcapdepera.com, 971 818 500).
• Canyamel Golf – 18 holes, Par 73, 6.186 m, entertaining and challenging. Shelters, ditches, rocky surroundings, many climbs. (Avda. D´Es Cap Vermell. www.canyamelgolf.com, 971 841 313).
• Golf Son Servera – 9 holes, Par 36, 2.978 m, challenging. Short fairways, fast greens, one of the oldest courses of the island (Urb. Costa des Pins, www.golfsoncservera.com , 971 840 096).
• Pula Golf – 18 holes, Par 71, 6.003 m. About 10-years-old, also suitable for beginners (Ctra. Son Servera - Capdepera, km 3. www.pulagolf.com , 971 817 034).
• Golf Club Vall D´Or – 18 holes, Par 71, 5.824 m. Long fairways, marvellous views over the countryside and the sea (Ctra. Porto Colom - Cala D´Or, km 7,7 near S‘Horta. www.valldorgolf.com , 971 837 001).
• Golf Son Antem East – 18 holes, Par 72, 6.372 m, suitable for beginners. (Ctra. Lluchmajor, km 3,4. 971 129 200).
• Golf Son Antem West –18 holes, Par 72, 6.293 m, challenging, tournament course (Ctra. Lluchmajor, km 3,4. 971 129 200).
• Golf Son Termens – 18 holes, Par 71, 5.272 m. Sophisticated, modern course, built to ecological standards. Short, narrow fairways, wonderful views of Palma (Ctra. S‘Esglaieta, km 10, about 15 min. north of Palma. www.golfsontermens.com , 971 617 862).
• Golf Son Vida – 18 holes, Par 71, 5.740 m. Oldest course of the island (first player ever has been Rainier of Monaco), challenging, beautiful location (Urb. Son Vida, www.sonvidagolf.com, 971 891 210).
• Son Muntaner Golf – 18 holes, Par 72, 6.347 m. Well kept and in a nice location. (Urb. Son Vida, www.sonmuntanergolf.com, 971 783 030)
• Real Club Bendinat – 18 holes, Par 70, 5.650 m. Sophisticated and one of the most beautiful courses on the island, long tradition and long fairways (Urb.Bendinat; C/.Campoamor, s/n, www.realgolfbendinat.com, 971 405 200).
• Golf de Poniente – 18 holes, Par 72, 6.430 m. Appealing design in an unspoilt scenery. (Ctra. Cala Figuera – Costa de Calvià, www.ponientegolf.com, 971 130 148)
• Golf Santa Ponsa 1, 2 und 3 – 18 holes, Par 72, 6.545 m, course 1 allows for a fluent game, 2 and 3 open to club members only. (Urb. Santa Ponsa, www.habitatgolf.es, 971 690 211)
• Golf de Andratx – 18 Loch, Par 72, 6.089 m, sophisticated course with views of the mountains and the sea. (Ctra. Palma – Andratx, www.golfdeandratx.com, 971 236 280)
• La Reserva Rotana – 9 holes, Par 36, 2.815 m. Only for hotel guests, but in peak season also for guests of the restaurant (Ctra. Camí de Avall, km 3, Manacor, www.reservarotana.com, 971 845 685)
• Golf Park Puntiró – 18 holes, Par 71, 5.546 m. Design by famous golf champion Jack Nicklaus. (Cami Vell de Sineu, km 9.45, S’Estanyol de Puntiró, www.golfparkmallorca.com, 971 603 851)
• Golf Maioris – 18 holes, Par 72, 6.000 m. Open to the public only on request and from Monday to Friday, otherwise only for shareholders (Ctra. Cap Blanc, km 6.3, www.golfmaioris.es , 971 748 315)
• Golf Son Quint – 18 holes, Par 72, 6.300 m. Only opened in 2007 this hilly course is next to the Son Vida Golf club. (Crta. Son Vida, www.hotelsonvida.com , 971 783 035)
• Golf Son Gual – 18 holes, Par 72, 6.621 m. Sophisticated course which was opened in October 2007. (Crta. Palma – Manacor, exit Son Gual, www.son-gual.com, Tel. 971 785 888)

If tennis is your sport you will be spoilt for choice and will find clubs open all year round:

Club Tennis Manacor (971 551 160), Club Tennis Felanitx (971 582 264), Club Tennis Cala D’Or (659 689 801), the Robinson Club in Cala D’Or, Tenis Club Colonia de Sant Jordi (971 656 577), Club Sport i Tennis Competicio Bahia Grande (971 741 286), Club Tenis Arenal (971 440 210 oder 677 796 591 www.hotel-sandiego.com, Club Tenis Llucmajor (971 661 660), Tennis at the Hotel Delta, Puig de Ros (971 741 000)

Horse riding has a long tradition in Spain and there are many well-established riding schools around. To discover the island‘s beautiful landscapes on a horseback or take a ride along the beach can be an unforgettable experience. Another highlight is the visit of one of the trotting-races at the Manacor hippodrome on Saturdays (Ctra. Palma - Artà, km 49).

Diving fans will appreciate the wild, cliffy coastlines of the west and in the east of the island. Hidden caves, extraordinary rock formations and an underwater flora and fauna of exceptional diversity. For security reasons you should prefer guided diving excursions. There are various diving schools on the island, e.g. in Cala D‘Or, Porto Petro, Cala Figuera, Puerto de Andratx etc..

The sea around Mallorca belongs to the most popular sailing grounds of the Mediterranean. Sailing boats and yachts can be chartered in almost all marinas but a valid license is required. Beginners will find sailing or surf schools in most ports also with English-speaking instructors. Guided boats tours are available e. g. at the `Caribia Yacht Charter´ at Porto Colom (656 288 179) or ask in your local tourist office.

In the following we make some more propositions concerning the South of the island, starting with the cactus area "Botanicactus", continuing with Cape Ses Salines (the most southern point of Mallorca), the day excursion to the archipelago of Cabrera, the salt-pits, up to the ruins of Capocorb Vell.

Botanicactus
About 1 km east of Ses Salines, at the road to Santanyí, there lies Botanicactus, an area of 150.000 skm, with unnumerable mediterranean plants and trees, of course first of all the 12.000 species of cactus plants, that are exuberantly growing and flowering in a desert-like, hilly landscape. There is also a man-made lake, with swans and ducks, there are meadows, palm grounds, and bamboo plants. In the market-garden belonging to it you can also buy a little souvenir cactus.

Cape Ses Salines
South of the little town Ses Salines, the country road PM 611 leads through a private ground of the rich banker‘s family March, down to Cape Ses Salines (with only a few parking possibilities). There you can walk up to the lighthouse (used by the army), and there, at the island‘s most southern point, hardly 200 km away from the African coast, you can let the warm breeze blow around your nose, and watch the sea throwing high waves upon the shore. And you´re also invited for other marvellous walks to the north-western lonely and romantic bays.

Salines de Llevant
The coast between Ses Salines and Cape Blanc is Mallorca‘s driest area, because rain frequency here on the average is one third less than on the rest of the island. Here you can find some of the most beautiful beaches of the island (Es Trenc), with nearly snow-white sand. North-west of Ses Salines (at the road Campos – Colónia de Sant Jordí), salt is gained behind the dunes – by way of evaporation, the traditional method. In April huge quadratic basins are filled with the sea-water. Thus nearly 130 ha of salt lagoons are filled up in every spring. During the summer it "works" in the sun. In September caterpillars carry off the salt crusts, and pile them up to impressively shimmering salt mountains. After that the salt will be cleaned, filled, and sold.
Tip: As the first crusts, the so called "salt flowers", do form themselves (about in June), two hard-working German ladies since two years take away this fine upper crust, thus gaining Flor de Sal, which contains only the best active substances and minerals of the salt. Meanwhile they not only sell it in its natural form, but also in three other refined variations: with herbs, with olive, and with hibiscus. Information under www.gustomundial.com). It‘s offered in good delicatessen, and some of the best restaurants (as f.e. 'Read‘s' with the British chef Marc Fosh) offer Flor de Sal along with appetizers, bread and olive oil. But of course it‘s also a fine thing for amateur cooks!

Cabrera
A commendable day excursion leads from Colonia de Sant Jordi in the South of the island to the 17 km distant and 17 skm big archipelago Cabrera (= goats‘ island). The boats cast off from the harbour rather early in the morning, and one should be there in time because of a big request, even better it is to reserve the passage one day in advance. It‘s also important to carry supplies, because there are no restaurants on the island. 19 small, uninhabited islands belong to Cabrera, it was declared a national park in 1992. The archipelago captivates by its many species of animals and plants (f.e. the island is covered all over with rosemary plants), and as well by its history. Hannibal is said to be born here, a fortress reminds of pirates‘ assaults, and during the 19th century 9.000 French prisoners of war have been brought here, only 3.600 survived. Today‘s day excursions are much more fun... Before the boat in the evening returns to Colonia de Sant Jordi, it does a little wothwhile trip to Cova Blava, the "Blue Cave", on the small island Conills (= rabbits‘ island). This visit of the marvellous cave with its blue light reflections by many visitors is regarded as the enchanting climax of an eventful day...

The fascinating waterworld of Cabrera
This aquarium in the small seaside resort Colonia Sant Jordi has its focus on the waters around Cabrera. The official visitor centre opened in 2008 and gives a fantastic insight of flora and fauna of the archipelago, which is one of the most cherished nature preserves of the Balearics. More than 4000 fish and shellfish can be observed in 17 fish tanks. Guided tours will start every full hour, the tour includes 2 short films about the archipelago. The aquarium is open all year from 10:00 to 14:30 hrs and from 15:30 to 18:00 hrs.

Ruins of Capocorb Vell
Capocorb Vell is one of the biggest Talaiot settlements in the western Mediterranean, and it‘s located at the road from Llucmayor to Cap Blanc, 4 km away from Cala Pi. Talaiots are prehistoric stonehouse-settlements from the age of the so called Megalith culture. The ruins of Capocorb Vell consist of three round towers, dated between 1400 and 1000 b.C., two square towers, which have probably been built in the 6th century, and as well rests of appr. 28 living-houses. During the last centuries, many of the beautiful big stones have been carried away and used for other buildings, f.e. Palma´s cathedral 'La Seu', or the old stock-market 'La Llonja" in Palma. Unfortunately there are no guided excursions, but an information sheet tells something about the excavations and gives explications of the Talaiot culture.

Cap Blanc
Cap Blanc itself, with its beautiful lighthouse, is part of a closed military area, but one should not miss driving along the rugged steep coast in the direction of Cala Blava, passing through a seemingly untouched and uninhabited landscape. You will be fascinated by different fantastic panorama views.

A nice experience for the whole family: a day-out in one of the big aqua parks. Fun and entertainment with slides, pools and dolphin shows is guaranteed. The parks are open from May to October. Kids will also enjoy an outing to one of the nature preserves to observe wild animals, reptiles or exotic birds.

Hidro Park and Super Golf
In Port d’Alcúdia: Smaller than the Aqualand in Magalluf or Arenal but a nice selection of coloured slides in all shapes. Relax in the nicely landscaped gardens or opt for a round of golf on the 18-hole-minigolf-course. There‘s also a restaurant and a café. The park is only open in summer (Port D‘Alcúdia, Avda. Tucán, 971 891672, adults 15,00 €, children 8,00 €, www.hidropark.com).

Palma Aquarium
A really spectacular seawater park which is a one-to-one copy of the natural habitat and ecosystem of the oceans. Discover the spectacular beauty of the sea. 55 fish tanks show an exceptional variety of flora and fauna of the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. Observe more than 8000 specimen of 700 different species in this fabulous underwater world. The aquarium is open all year. (Motorway Palma-Llucmajor, exit 10. Follow the signs to “Can Pastilla”. The aquarium is at the beginning of the street C. Manuela de los Herreros i Sorà - number 21. Opening hours 10:00 – 18:00 hrs. Last entry 17:00 hrs. Adults pay 18,50 €, children (age 4 to 12) 14,00 €

Aquarium Mallorca
Discover the sea: This aquarium in Porto Cristo has more than 115 windows on two levels to observe the flora and fauna typical for the waters around Mallorca. Species include coral fish, rays, tuna or squids, but also typical sea weeds and colourful corals (C/Gambins, 7, in Porto Cristo, 971 820 971).

Underwater world
This aquarium in the small seaside resort Colonia Sant Jordi has its focus on the waters around Cabrera. The official visitor centre opened in 2008 and gives a fantastic insight of flora and fauna of the archipelago, which is one of the most cherished nature preserves of the Balearics. More than 4000 fish and shellfish can be observed in 17 fish tanks. Guided tours will start every full hour, the tour includes 2 short films about the archipelago. The aquarium is open all year from 10:00 to 14:30 hrs and from 15:30 to 18:00 hrs.

Exotic Parque
In the East: The Exotic Parque Los Pájaros just off the country road from Porto Colom to Porto Cristo is home to more than 600 specimen of about 100 different bird species such as parrots, marabous, cockatoos, flamingos, cranes and many more. If you arrive early you can enjoy the daily parrot show from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Not less fascinating are the ancient cactuses growing in the vast gardens, which are up to 4 meters in height. Peacocks swagger around the grounds, there is a petting zoo for children and a nice playground with trampolines. (Cales de Mallorca, 971 183 492).

Marineland
Southwest: Spectacular dolphin shows are the main attraction of the marineland, but there are also trained sea-lions, dancing parrots and monkeys. The fish tanks include sharks, piranhas and other tropical fish, but also penguins. And the “Casa Tropical” is home to snakes, crocodiles and turtles. More attractions for kids include a playground with a miniature train and a mini-motorbike course. If you would like a break you can take a drink in one of the two cafés, one overlooking the sea, the other one at the flamingo lake. Alternatively you can relax at the nice sandy beach, which is just next to Marineland, and come back later to continue your visit. (C/Garcilaso de la Vega, 9, Costa d´en Blanes, 971 675 125, adults 16 €, children 11 €, www.aspro-ocio.es).

Aqualand Magaluf
Southwest: Waterslides, pools and whirlpools in all varieties will keep your children busy all day. For even more fun there is a playground, trampolines, a kart-course, an adventure river and the lake surrounded by lawns. For refreshments and snacks you can choose from a simple bar, a cafeteria, hamburger-station and a pizzeria. (Ctra. Cala Figuera s/n, 971 130 811, adults 17,00 €, children 12,00 €, www.aspro-ocio.es).

Western Water Park
Southwest. A theme park with cowboy shows, Mexican dance groups, high diving etc. (Ctra. Cala Figuera Sa Porrasa, 12-22, Magaluf, 971 131 203, adults 16,00 € Euros, children 11. www.wester-park.com).

Es Foro de Mallorca
Centre: Close to Binissalem this entertainment park is set around a castle-like main building and includes a waxworks museum, a small water park with slides (less spectacular than the Aqualand parks), a kart-course, a playmobile western town and minigolf, bar, restaurant and a souvenir shop (Ctra. Palma - Inca km 25, 971 511 228).

Green Planet – Reptilarium
Theme park next to the shopping mall "Festival Park", Marratxi. "Green Planet" is a theme part built on 9000 sqm area and one of the most spectacular attractions of its kind in Europe. Enjoy a walk through tropical rain, cross rope bridges, pass waterfalls and temples and feel like Indiana Jones for a day. There are also different sections with animals from Africa, Central- and South-America, Asia, the Mediterranean and the deserts. Crocodiles, turtles, chameleons, snakes – about 6.000 animals in total. Other attraction are the botanical collection of exotic plants, a "Wildlife"-shop, a playground, a cinema, and a picnic ground (motorway Palma - Inca, km 7,1, inside Festival Park Marratxi, 971 605 481, www.greenplanet.com).

Aqualand El Arenal
El Arenal: Another theme park from the Aqualand group. On more than 207.000 sqm visitors can enjoy the latest in wild water fun, the adventure lake "Lago Aventura" (an adventure parcours which would be a challenge for Tarzan), two huge whirl-pools and of course a variety of waterslides. Parents will find an area to relax in the gardens. There are restaurants, ice-cream bars and snack bars, boutiques, spectacular shows with parrots, raptors and reptiles and trampolines. (Ctra. Palma - Arenal, km 15, 971 440 000, adults 20,00 €, children 14,00 €, www.aspro-ocio.es).