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Majorca or Mallorca, whatever way you prefer to spell it, and whatever way you wish to pronounce it, is the largest of Balearic Islands, and along with its sister islands of Menorca and Ibiza, lies in the Mediterranean Sea off the south east coast of mainland Spain. Flying time most most UK airports is around 2 - 2.1/2 hours and on arrival local time is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. The first recognisable landmark on the final approach before landing will be the magnificent 14th Century Gothic cathedral at nearby Palma, and the sight of it from the air never ceases to take your breath away.
Son Sant Joan, which is the main tourist airport, is a large modern facility, and is located in the south of the island just outside the capital Palma and a little to the north of the resort of C'an Pastilla. However, when flying out from the island please be aware that the departure gates are a considerable distance from the check in desks, so be warned, allow plenty of time for the walk to the aircraft!
Once you have cleared Customs Control and collected your luggage, there are always large numbers of taxi waiting outside of the arrivals hall, although during busy periods you should also be prepared to stand and wait your turn in a queue for the next one to become available. Taxis on Majorca do represent good value for money by European standards, and can instantly be recognised as being the large eggshell/white cars with a green light on the roof. One thing that you should be aware of is a standard taxi on the island is only licenced to carry a maximum of 4 passengers plus a "reasonable" amount of luggage, so for larger groups of travellers, or those with special needs, it is our recommendation to make provision for a pre-booked taxi to be waiting for you at the airport, and clearly specify at the time of booking that a larger, or specially adapted, vehicle is needed for the journey.
Since the onset of mass tourism in the 1960's, Mallorca has without doubt, been one of the most popular holiday destinations for all nationalities, offering a wide range of attractions to suit all tastes. As a generalisation, the resorts on the islands south coast are the more lively and perhaps more suited for groups of young singles, or those seeking an active nightlife.
Street Markets
Although this may seem like common sense to most people, we would take this opportunity to point out a couple of the major differences between street markets in the UK and those throughout all of Spain. Traditionally markets in Spain start quite early in the day, and will begin to break up shortly after lunch before the heat of the Spanish day becomes over powering. Also, and perhaps more significantly, in order to secure the best bargains you will be expected to haggle with the traders. A couple of words of advice, do not start to negotiate if you have no intention of buying, but do not be afraid to say "no" and walk away if the prices do not fall to a level that you are prepared to pay for an item. Common sense as we say, but still easy to forget.
The Llotja del Peix is an early morning fish market that takes place Monday to Saturday throughout the year at Es Moll de Pescadors. You'll need to get there early as the night's catch of mullet, prawns, sardines and sea bass goes on sale at 6am. For more information telephone +34 971 721 182.
The Mercat Artesanal is a lively craft market which takes place on the Placa Major throughout the year. During the summer months it is open Monday to Saturday from10am to around 2pm, and during the winter on Fridays and Saturdays. Certainly during the summer months there is always a friendly atmosphere as it attracts a number of buskers and other street entertainers, whilst others just prefer to sit and watch the world go by from the open-air cafes.
The Mercat Olivar is Palma's main produce market, and is held Monday to Saturday 7am to 2pm in a hall in the Plaza Olivar, which is near to the Placa d'Espanya. The market is spread over two floor of the hall with fresh produce on the ground floor, plus meat and cheese upstairs.
Although the Pere Garau livestock market is not likely to hold much appeal for most of the visitors to Palma, it is nevertheless certainly worth a mention here. The market is held Monday to Saturday 7am to 2pm in the Placa Pere Garau, which is to the east of the city centre. Contact details for more information telephone +34 971 273 283.
As with its larger namesake in Barcelona, the Rambla is a flower market that takes place Monday to Friday 8am to 2pm, and again in the evening from 5pm to 8pm in the Passieg de la Rambla.
The Rastro is a flea market that has over recent years become somewhat of a Palma institution, growing to the point where it now takes over part of the Avinguda Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga ring road every Saturday morning. There's always plenty of bargains, but there'll be well hidden amongst lots of junk too.
Finally in this section is the Santa Catalina fruit and vegetable market that is held in the Placa Navegacio, which is just to the west of the city centre, every Monday to Saturday from 7am to 2pm.
