Vintage Trains In Majorca?
Friday, October 16, 2009

It doesn’t seem very likely, does it? But if you are planning on staying anywhere near Palma when you visit Majorca, make sure you book yourself a seat on the railway from Palma to Soller.

This is no ordinary railway. You will be taken to Soller in old wooden train carriages running on a narrow gauge railway line – and you’ll love it. You only have to watch out the open windows as the buildings of Palma give way to the countryside. And the views are stunning.

You’ve got thirteen tunnels to go through in total along the way, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have much to look at. It only makes the views between them even more memorable as you pop out of yet another tunnel on your way towards Soller.

The train is approaching a hundred years old now, and the people who use it have changed a lot in that time. It used to be a local train that many people living in the area took advantage of, but it is generally left for the tourists to enjoy now. And there are quite a few stops en route to Soller as well, so if you fancy getting off and exploring some of the villages that are dotted about the route, it’s perfectly possible to do so.

Soller itself is well worth seeing, and when you arrive in style on a vintage train like this it makes it even more of an experience to remember. Don’t forget too that Port de Soller is less than two miles from the town, so make the extra effort to visit the port as well.

The port is enclosed and looks amazing from a higher vantage point. There are plenty of restaurants here and it is adept at catering for tourists. It might even make the ideal spot for your holiday base.

But there is no doubt that the highlight is the railway itself. Why travel by modern transport when you can enjoy travelling in a train that makes you feel like you’re a century further back in time?

Posted by Co-op Travel 11:52 AM 0 comments    

C'an Picafort
Thursday, November 30, 2006

C'an Picafort is not a purpose built tourist resort, however, the influx of visitors to the island transformed it from a small fishing village with less than 200 inhabitants in 1960 to an important tourist centre with 8,750 hotel beds at the beginning of the 1970's.

Little now remains of the original fishing village, although the resort has retained a small working harbour from where a number of pleasure trips also depart several times each day.
The resort has a wide traffic free beachside promenade, which is lined with restaurants and bars running from the marina and fishing harbour, to the more modern Son Baulo area of the town, which is a further 2km away to the east.

For beach lovers of all ages, the best of the resorts two main beaches is found in the Baulo district too, where you will also find a small protected nature reserve. Parents with small children should be aware that this area has a large pool of stagnant water and is host to a number of other 'less protected' species of wildlife.

Although again the local council are keen to point out that the presence of Mediterranean tortoises, red pheasants, hares, rabbits, weasels, dormice and Algerian hedgehogs, all of which contribute to making this area of great environment significance.

In all fairness, this beach is very clean and does have good facilities, although you should expect to pay around 10.5 euros for the hire of two sun beds and an umbrella for the day.

Other than the numerous bars and restaurants, the resort really has very little other tourist attractions, and with the notable exception of the two nightclubs in the town, evening entertainment is generally hotel based.

A regular bus service runs along the coast road, running through Playa de Muro into nearby Alcudia. It costs just over one euro per person for the one way trip, but please note that the buses can become very crowded at times, and are known to attract pickpockets. In comparison a taxi for the same journey costs around 10 euros for a maximum of 4 people.

Posted by Co-op Travel 10:41 AM 0 comments    

Cala Bona
Monday, November 06, 2006

Not long ago Cala Bona was a small village in the south west and the economy of its inhabitants was mainly based on fishing. Now, it is home to one of the biggest tourist resorts in Majorca.

With the arrival of the tourism to the island and the grow in the demand of hotels and due to its location on a long beach, this small village passed from being a small fishing harbour to become a highly developed area plenty of services and hotels. However, the area is still healthy and has many green areas.

Located about 65 kilometres from Majorca's airport, the to the resort journey takes about an hour and a half. Taking a bus is not really an option, so if your tour operator has not arranged a transfer to the hotel you must arrange one by yourself or simply take a taxi at arrivals (expect to pay from 60 to 70 euros).

You can also rent a car in Mallorca's Airport and drive by yourself to Cala Bona. If you do not mind driving, renting a car is a good idea if you plan to visit other areas in the island. Public transport in Mallorca is not really good and you cannot rely on it, and while it works fine in Palma's city, the rule for inland buses is to sit and wait, no hurries here. Driving to resort is pretty easy if you have a map.

Cala Bona does not look like the typical tourist resort and has been built with no plans around the city, it still keeps its little streets which get you wondering how people drive through them.

Hotels in Cala Bona are well equipped and many of them have not only the typical facilities such as the swimming pool, but also leisure sports areas such offering tennis courts, paddle and mini golf. Some also have organized activities to keep you a bit busy with and to have some fun.

Posted by Co-op Travel 11:45 AM 0 comments    

Jet Ready to Win Free Flights With Monarch
Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Low fares airline Monarch continues to fly the flag for quality low-cost travel from Luton Airport, and as we approach the winter months, now is the time to think about escaping for some winter sun.

With destinations in the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal available, Monarch is one of the biggest players in European travel from Luton.

As well as low fares, which include complimentary daily newspapers and a refreshing hot towel service, Monarch offer a unique range of tasty hot and cold meals available with prices from 3 pounds.

Seats can be pre-booked at 5 pounds per one-way flight to avoid the last minute free-for-all, or you might prefer to try one of the 48 extra-legroom seats which offer up to six inches of extra space for just 15 pounds each way.

Regular travellers are rewarded too, with a range of benefits through the airline's loyalty scheme, Vantage Club.

Monarch flies up to 60 times per week from Luton Airport and fares start from just 40 pounds and 99 pence one way (67 pounds and 99 pence return), including all taxes.

The Croydon Guardian has teamed up with Monarch to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of return flights to any of the destinations served by Monarch from Luton Airport, which include Alicante, Faro, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malaga, Menorca, Palma and Tenerife!

Posted by Co-op Travel 9:32 AM 0 comments    

Beaches in Majorca
Monday, October 09, 2006

Majorca has more than 70 beaches from wide, sandy bays packed with tourist facilities to tiny rocky coves only accessible on foot or by boat. Go banana riding at Magalluf or seek out a fresh fish restaurant in one of the tiny coves untouched by tourism.

The main tourist beaches offer every kind of water sport and leisure activity imaginable - beach volleyball, water ski-ing, jet ski-ing, windsurfing, parasailing and much more besides. Explore the coast by catamaran or marvel at the multi-million pound yachts moored in some of the world's swankiest marinas.

Posted by Co-op Travel 1:46 PM 0 comments    

Overview of Magalluf and Palma Nova

Magalluf and Palma Nova are two bustling resorts offering a wide choice of activities for holidaymakers of all ages. They are not just for the young as many people believe.

Situated in the liveliest part of Majorca, ten miles (16km) west of Palma and 15 miles (24km) from the airport, the neighbouring resorts of Magalluf and Palma Nova are the largest and most popular on the island, offering wonderful long white beaches, a wealth of entertainment and an exhausting nightlife.

Much has been done to improve Magalluf over recent years with some of the 60s apartment blocks being demolished and a new palm-lined promenade being created, however it is still very much a party town popular with 18 to 30s looking for sun, sand and the odd San Miguel. Quieter areas can be found on the outskirts of Magalluf, in the suburb of Torrenova and in neighbouring Palma Nova.

Posted by Co-op Travel 1:43 PM 0 comments    

Clubbing in Magalluf

Magalluf is Majorca's entertainment and clubbing capital. Most hotels have organised entertainment for those who aren't necessarily into the clubbing scene.

Most are free with the exception of Pirates, which is a must for those who aren't easily offended.The largest nightclub on the island is BCM, which attracts top DJs from around the world. Other clubs include Bananas, School Disco, Boomerang and Carwash (60s and 70s music).

Most clubs don't get going until around 11pm, but there are lots of good bars nearby which offer good music and large jugs of sangria. Popular ones include BCM Cafe, Panama Jacks, Bar 29, Lennon's and Eva's.

Posted by Co-op Travel 1:42 PM 0 comments