MAJORCA ACTIVITIES
Waterparks
Anything that involves water is extremely popular on the island, so waterparks go down a storm with all families, which is why Majorca has some of the finest you'll ever get wet in. The Aquapark at Magalluf is a long established waterpark just on the edge of town, and has pools, slides of every kind, a 'water castle' and numerous exciting rides. One of the world's largest water funfairs is at Aquacity, S'Arenal (Playa de Palma). Here, there are enough thrills and spills to keep the family happy all day. In addition to the water slides and wave pool, there is a mini-zoo, as well as a children's farm, and a parrot show.
Zoos
Whatever you think about animal shows and zoos, there's no denying they're very popular, and Marineland, Portals Nous is no exception. The kids will just love the performing dolphins, sealions and parrots. There is also a penguin pool, a reptile house and a large collection of sharks and tropical fish, plus flamingoes, monkeys and an impressive aviary. Children can also ride on a mock pirate boat and a miniature train. Just in case a trip to Marineland becomes a bit of guilt trip for you, it's worth knowing that profits generated here are put back into various conservation programmes.
Sailing
Majorca has 41 marinas, 30 sailing clubs and mooring for 10,000 yachts. Yachts can be chartered locally and most marinas also have water-skiing and windsurfing facilities. Highlights of the sailing year include the King's Cup in August, the Princess Sofia trophy at Easter, and the Rei en Jaume regatta in July when a flotilla of yachts recreate the 185-km journey made by Jaume the Conqueror when he landed at Santa Ponsa in 1229. If sailing is not your watersport, there are plenty of alternatives to try; from scuba diving; water- skiing; windsurfing; pedal boating. All are available at most of the resorts with qualified training if required.
MAJORCA SIGHTS
Beaches
Majorca is famous for its rugged coastlines, numerous beaches and sheltered coves. Most of the beaches are golden sand and perfect for families. Puerto Pollensa, however, is shingle in parts. One of the dream beaches is at Alcudia (Playa de Palma), an 11 kilometre long playground of soft, silver sand. Cala d'Or Beach is also a lovely spot and boasts a picture postcard sheltered cove. Other good beaches are Playa Domingo (Calas de Mallorca), Magaluf Beach. Formentor (Pollensa), Cala Millor and Es Trenc, a beautiful unspoilt beach.
Caves of Drach
One of Majorca's most popular attractions, the Caves of Drach (or Dragon Caves) make for a fascinating day or half-day out. Set on the east coast near Porte Cristo, this immense warren of limestone caverns was once home to marauding pirates and stretches for over a mile. The guided tours will lead you along two kilometres of eerie, specially lit tunnels, which are crammed full of strangely-shaped stalactites and stalagmites which open up into haunting underground pools. The highlight of your visit comes towards the end, where you enter the massive underground pool of Lake Martel to be entertained by a floodlit, floating violin concert.
Palma
With its atmospheric old town, fantastic shopping and stylish restaurants and night-life, this vibrant, elegant city has much to offer. The capital of the island and the Balearics as a whole, Palma was once a Roman city. Today, the old town has a grandiose Gothic cathedral, medieval castle and atmospheric Arab quarter filled with museums, courtyards and Moorish palaces. In the modern part of town, you will find a vast choice of eateries, bars and pavement cafes to catch your breath in, along with some of the best designer shops in Europe. But make sure you make time to see the waterfront and marina, where the city's beautiful people and luxurious yachts rub shoulders with traditional Majorcan fishing boats.
