Majorca Holiday Deals

Is Majorca the Right Place to Go With the Kids?

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:05:00 +0000

Every single year, thousands of families choose Majorca as the destination for their summer holiday. But while many couples both old and young will head out to the island, lots of families with young children will also be on the flights that regularly touch down on the island.

The question is what will there be to do there once you arrive with your family in tow. Will there be enough activities to keep the kids entertained for one or perhaps even two weeks?

The answer is a resounding yes – you won’t have any trouble finding lots to do there. For starters there is a water park on the island called Aqualand. It is only open during the main summer season, but since this is when most families with kids will visit, it won’t be a problem. There is enough here to keep everyone happy for a whole day. Repeat visits may not be out of the question either.

If the kids love crazy golf you will want to seek out Golf Fantasia as well. Many people say this is the best of all the crazy golf venues you will find on the island. Not only are there a whopping eighteen holes on the course, you will also find three complete courses to have a go at. Expect to spend a good few entertaining hours here.

If you are staying anywhere near Magaluf you can try out the go karting that is nearby as well. Everyone can enjoy a day trying to beat each other for the fastest time around the track.

There is no doubt that Majorca is packed with plenty of family orientated activities for everyone to enjoy. The above is just a selection of what you can do, and this is all without looking for excitement and thrills on the beaches as well. Once you’ve had a few days out and about exploring the island, all you’ll want is a lazy day back at the beach so you can relax and enjoy the other thing that Majorca has to offer – plenty of sunshine.

Is Santa Ponsa the Right Venue for You?

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:43:00 +0000

Majorca really spoils us. It is packed with plenty of outstanding resorts that give us what we want from a Majorcan holiday. It lies just twelve miles away from Palma, so when you land on the island it’s good to know you won’t have too far to go to reach your resort.

When you read all about Majorca you will no doubt come across Santa Ponsa as one of the key resorts it has to offer. The very well known resort of Magaluf may be nearby, but Santa Ponsa has an altogether different feel to it. This will make it more appealing to those people who prefer not to visit the island purely for the nightlife. You should be aware that there is a degree of nightlife in Santa Ponsa, but it isn’t as lively as some other parts of the island are known to be.

Certainly Santa Ponsa has an impressive beach on offer for those who are arriving in order to top up their tan. Many of the local hotels and holiday complexes have their own on site pools, but if you would rather head to the beach you will find it very close by.

Another key advantage of Santa Ponsa is that with Magaluf as its neighbour, you will be able to travel the short distance to there quite easily. This means you can enjoy all the attractions in the surrounding areas as well as those you will have close by in Santa Ponsa itself. As you can see this is a bonus in all situations, but it could be particularly handy to know if you are planning to go there with the whole family. The nearby Palma Nova has a great crazy golf course which is also open during the evenings, so as you can see there is plenty to do while you are there.

It’s not hard to see why Santa Ponsa should be so popular among various holidaymakers. If you haven’t been there before you may find you like it so much you’ll be back again next year.

Puerto Pollensa

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 10:56:00 +0000

One of the first tasks that will face you when you decide to book a break to Majorca is to decide where you will base your holiday. One good option is Puerto Pollensa, otherwise known as Port de Pollenca. This is popular for many reasons and indeed some people are known to come back here for a holiday in the future once they have seen it for the first time.

Puerto Pollensa is a very attractive and welcoming place to be based in for a holiday. It is quite large, it has a nice beach and there is plenty to see and do here as well. The word ‘enchanting’ tends to pop up more than once when you are reading about the area, and you will soon find that the word is not overused.

The beach is definitely one of the highlights of the area, but by no means is it the only one. It offers just about everything you could want from a beach though, since it is large and shaped like a horseshoe. This gives it protection from the rougher seas so it is ideal for people who are visiting Puerto Pollensa with younger children. They will be able to enjoy the sea as well as the sand and that means a good all round holiday they will remember for a long time to come.

There is also every opportunity to enjoy a nice meal by the beach itself. Some of the restaurants and cafes here have tables and chairs set out by the edge of the beach. You can enjoy eating and drinking as the sun goes down in the evenings, providing a backdrop to a nice Majorcan meal that is hard to beat.

You should definitely make the time to wander along the Pine Walk. This is one of the most famous parts of Puerto Pollensa, and you can imagine why it has been so named. You can also stop in one of the cafes here to enjoy a nice cool drink and the chance to appreciate the pine lined walk itself. This is just one of the delights that Puerto Pollensa in Majorca has in store for you.

The Palma Aquarium

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:20:00 +0000

Majorca is known for many things when it comes to going there on holiday. But an aquarium is probably not the first thing you would think of. However the Palma Aquarium does attract many visitors during the summer season, and many holidaymakers who do take the time to see the aquarium are glad they did.

If you read up on the aquarium you will find another term is used frequently to describe this unique attraction. Described also as a marine park, this term will give you more of an idea of what you can expect when it comes to visiting the attraction. Although the aquarium hasn’t been in Palma for very long, it has already garnered a wonderful review and has had many repeat visitors. If you are in Majorca with the whole family and you are wondering where to take the kids to keep them amused, this could be the ideal solution. It is wise to spend a whole day browsing round the attraction, because you are liable to miss out on some of the many delights there if you have any less time to devote to it.

One of the highlights of the aquarium is shark feeding time. Yes they do have sharks here and they are fed daily as part of the experience of seeing them. If you have a diver’s license you can even swim with them as part of a pre-arranged experience.

Of course there are plenty of other areas to see too, not just the shark tanks. With various specimens from the Mediterranean and tropical waters too, make sure you don’t miss out on anything.

Outside there is even a chance to climb aboard a pirate’s ship so you can sit back and relax while the kids go wild and make themselves tired (hopefully). There are also a number of so called touch pools, containing harmless creatures that are ideal for introducing to the young ones.

Whatever you decide to see first at the aquarium in Palma, make sure you enjoy a day out with the family you will never forget.

Heading Towards the South Western Corner of Majorca

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:41:00 +0000

Most parts of Majorca are well worth a visit at one time or another. But some places are definitely worth a mention and perhaps even a brief look at online before you go. They could even influence where you decide to head to on holiday when it comes to booking your choice of accommodation.

Santa Ponsa is a classic example of such a situation. If we travel down into the south western part of Majorca we will find Santa Ponsa nestling there, waiting to tempt us. It earns points for being right on the coast, so if you are looking for the traditional beach holiday you might just be in luck here.

The good news is that Santa Ponsa is dedicated to providing everything you need for the perfect Majorcan holiday. Some people like going off the beaten track but if you are not one of them you can enjoy exploring the well developed Santa Ponsa area instead. The main thing to remember is that this is a resort dedicated to making your holiday superb no matter what time of year you visit. As you would expect the summer is the peak of the year, but it can present you with some tempting possibilities for a more relaxing break during the other seasons as well.

The beach is a vast expanse of soft sand that most people head to on a daily basis. The sea isn’t too deep here either, making it a family friendly destination in many different ways. It doesn’t get too deep too fast, nor does it seem to be that rough on a regular basis. What could be better when you have small children who want to go paddling?

As you would expect there are lots of shops and streets to wander and browse around as well. Make the most of every inch of Santa Ponsa while you are there; you will find plenty more attractions just outside of town as well as right on your doorstep. It’s not really surprising to consider that Santa Ponsa is such a popular place to visit.

Are You Ready For The Nemo Submarine?

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:08:00 +0000

Any visit to Majorca is going to be filled with lots to see and do. But of course you want to be sure you don’t miss out on any of the highlights that are an essential part of any trip to the island.

A classic example of this is the Nemo Submarine. Proof positive – if it were needed – that not all must do activities are on dry land, this is an ideal excursion for the whole family to go on. It comes in two parts as well, offering a scenic boat trip to enjoy before you go beneath the waves for the real Nemo experience.

You’ll need to make your way to the south western corner of the island, where the famous (or infamous, if you prefer) location of Magaluf awaits you. This is where the Nemo Submarine trip starts, although you will of course board the boat to reach the submarine to begin with. It takes around twenty minutes to make the boat trip and during this time you will be able to view the coastline of Majorca from the boat itself. Be sure to take your camera – especially when you realise what happens next.

You will transfer from the boat into the submarine and once you’ve done so it’s time to dive below the waves to see what life under the water is like around the island. This is a magnificent chance to spend the best part of an hour exploring the depths, and although you only go down to twenty metres at most, you will be amazed at what you can see.

This really is worth taking the whole family on; kids will find it fascinating but so will the adults because it really can take your breath away. You’ll probably never have been below the waves before, so it gives you an idea of what goes on around you that you would normally never see.

The fish will usually be fed while you are down there too, to ensure you have the best possible chance of seeing them. Are you ready to make the trip yet?

What Is The Attraction Of Soller?

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:29:00 +0000

As far as a lot of people are concerned, Soller comes to mind when thinking about the vintage train that arrives there from Palma. This narrow gauge railway may be a significant attraction in itself, but you should be prepared for a superb and eye opening experience visiting Soller too.

Firstly Soller should not be confused with Port de Soller, which (as the name suggests) is on the coast. Soller itself is slightly further inland and provides a different experience if you want to discover a bit more about Majorca. However if you do want to pay a visit to the port as well, all you have to do is jump on board the Orange Express. This is the delightful name given to the tramway that joins the two together.

The name of the tramway is actually rather apt, since Soller itself is home to a number of citrus groves. Olives are the other main staple that is grown here. As you can see, the town certainly makes the most of the fertile soil it has been blessed with.

Soller has the feel of a more natural Majorcan destination, rather than one which exists primarily to cater for tourists. Some of the locals indulge in pottery making and other crafts, and you can enjoy browsing round some of the shops here. You might even elect to take a few items home with you as authentic Majorcan souvenirs.

The other notable thing about Soller is the buildings. There are a few notable buildings that stand out, such as the Church of Sant Bartomeu for example. But the other buildings in town also have an attraction of their own. Take a look at the architecture and note the details around the windows for example. Some are more ornate than others but it all has an undeniably attractive and rustic feel.

If you happen to be staying near Palma you’ll have ample opportunity to hop on the narrow gauge railway to reach Soller itself. As you can see it is well worth doing so, if only to see a different side of Majorca to the one you’ll already have discovered.

Exploring Palma Cathedral

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:18:00 +0000

We’ve mentioned Palma Cathedral in passing on this blog before. But mentioning it is not the same as exploring it. It would be akin to wandering past its doors and not taking the time to actually see inside and find out more about it.

So let’s rectify that right now and see what this cathedral has to offer, should you ever find yourself with time to spare in Palma itself.

For starters the exterior of the cathedral fairly begs you to explore it further. This is one structure you will see long before you actually reach it on foot, which is just as all good cathedrals should be. It has a long history stretching right back to 1229, when the very first stone was laid. It took some centuries after that until it was fully completed, and even then it saw alterations taking place over time too.

Today though, it stands as a key sight in Palma itself. Its gothic appearance draws the eye to it and demands for the onlooker to gaze at it and desire to explore it further. There is so much history flowing through this building, it would be wrong to see it and not explore in more detail.

There are many chapels built into the overall structure, which is just over one hundred and twenty metres long. Gold limestone was the material of choice to build the cathedral, and the towers and spires are quite amazing to see. Every part of the cathedral begs to be discovered and appreciated, and indeed many people have done just this over the centuries. Will you be the next one to see inside?

Be sure you have a look for the Bell Tower as well, because this once again forms an integral and fascinating part of the structure. There are nine bells held here, each one weighing an incredible amount.

As you can see there is much to be explored within Palma Cathedral. Find out when it is open and what else you can find inside. To reveal all its secrets here would be unfair, as they are much better to be seen in reality.

Porto Cristo – Worth A Visit?

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:39:00 +0000

Majorca is a popular destination for many tourists each year. But if you have been to the island before, do you always head to the same destinations all the time? Or do you explore the island and take in some different sights as well?

It should really be the latter, because there are some delightful places to see while you are there. Take Porto Cristo for example. This is worth mentioning for two reasons. Firstly it is not hugely tourist orientated. This is actually a plus point if you want to go somewhere that is quieter and has fewer crowds to worry about. If tennis star Rafael Nadal has a home here, you can guess it must indeed be nice and quiet and far from the madding crowd. The second reason is that the Caves of Drac are nearby, and we’ll explore those in more detail in a moment.

You could actually stay here if you are content to have a nice quiet Majorcan holiday. You’ll need to be able to entertain yourself because there is little in the way of bars and that kind of thing here, but if you really do want to escape this could be the answer to your prayers.

But let’s get back to those caves. Where are they and more importantly, what are they?

You might also see them written as the Caves of Drach, but however you want to spell them you are likely to see more crowds here. They are a famous tourist spot and quite beautiful as well. You can have a one hour tour of the caves which is good in itself, but many people say the highlight is the concert that brings it to an end.

A concert? Yes, you did read that right – at the very base of the cave you are invited to take a seat and listen as a boat comes into the cave. A group of musicians start playing their instruments, treating you to some amazing chamber music. The experience is breathtaking and it really does turn out to be music to the ears. Make sure you don’t miss it.

Visit The Best Water Park In Majorca

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:49:00 +0000

What is it about water parks that make them so popular with countless holidaymakers all over the world, and in particular in Europe? One thing is for sure; there are a few to choose from in Majorca, although the largest of them all is the one at El Arenal.

This can be found along the coast to the east of Palma, so you will find it pretty easy to find. You can even get a bus from Playa de Palma and Plaza de Espana as well, which means you don’t even have to worry about hiring a car if you don’t want to.

There are some great rides here to watch out for as well. For example why not try the Harakiri ride? This is a fairly new addition to the park and you can see that it is great fun because they use double tubes – meaning you can go down them with someone else as well.

Elsewhere there is the exceptionally steep Banzai ride, which drops you straight down and then shoots you off the end of the slide and into the water. Hang onto your stomach – and your lunch – if you want to give this one a try.

The rapids are always exceptionally popular in this Majorcan water park, because you can take your time floating round the pools in between the rapids themselves. But on the other hand if you want a faster ride you can try out the Black Hole – and yes, this whole ride takes place in the pitch black, so don’t expect to see much of anything until you reach the end.

The kids will no doubt love the Mini Park as well, which will enable them to get into the water even if they aren’t quite old enough for some of the big rides. There is plenty to get up to here, and it gives the adults time to enjoy simply relaxing in the sun as well. There are other areas of the park that are good for the kids as well, so as you can see this gives you a real family experience for the entire time you are there.

Fancy A Spot Of Mountain Climbing In Majorca?

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 03 May 2010 09:27:00 +0000

Or more accurately, we are talking about a spot of mountain walking in this case. Not everyone realises that Majorca has its own mountain range, but the Serra de Tramuntana awaits anyone who wants to escape the beaches and head for the higher reaches of inland Majorca instead.

Quite simply this is an amazing area to explore if you like walking and you are prepared for some rugged terrain. You won’t believe you are still on one of the most crowded and best loved islands in the Mediterranean – and you will see an altogether different side of Majorca as you head across this mountain range.

If you are going to head out to Serra de Tramuntana you need to be prepared for the trip. It’s no good heading out for a day trip with no idea of where you are going. As with any other mountain range this one should be respected and you should stick to well known routes and make sure you have plenty of supplies with you. Make sure you have proper walking shoes as well, because they will be far more comfortable for your feet.

Many people who head to this region on a walking holiday avoid the summer months for obvious reasons. The months on either side of this time of year offer better and cooler weather for the walkers, who are not interested in reclining on a beach every day. Watch out in particular for Gorg Blau to Lluc – this is an incredibly popular walking route and it also takes in some good walking country that isn’t too hard to negotiate. As such everyone from beginners to advanced walkers will try this out, and you will probably bump into other people as you walk along the trail yourself.

You can also try trails that are lower down towards the foot of the mountains, as these are less challenging but still offer some sensational natural views. Whichever route you take though, you will see there are plenty of reasons for avoiding the beaches on Majorca and heading to the amazing sight of Serra de Tramuntana instead.

A Quieter Time Is Available In Alcudia

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:09:00 +0000

Alcudia may not be a destination you have heard of in Majorca before. This could be because it is located on the northern coast of Majorca in a quieter spot than some people head for.

But if you want somewhere quieter to enjoy a relaxing holiday then Alcudia could be just the ticket. Just because it is relatively quiet it doesn’t mean there is nothing to do here. Instead you will find all the facilities you could want, and that means there is a lot to look forward to.

There are plenty of places you can book to stay in as well, including the many hotels and other venues which have settled into the Bay of Alcudia. These give you an ideal spot close to the beaches, and you can enjoy a nice short journey down to the sand every day if this is what you have in mind.

There is an older part of Alcudia to see as well though, so make sure you see this as well. It gives you further insight into Alcudia’s past and this particular part of Majorca. It is known rather fittingly as the Old Town and while it is a couple of miles from the modern version of Alcudia you should take the time out to see it.

There is transport here you can use if you wish, but many people opt to take their own way and walk around the area. There is a lot to be said for doing this and since the weather is so nice many people are happy to walk rather than sit on a bus for a while. If you plan your day and ensure you don’t have too much to carry to the beach you will find it an easy journey to take.

In short, if you are looking for a nice resort which is suitable for the whole family and not for those looking for a loud night out, Alcudia could just be the best thing you have come across. Explore it online first – and then explore it for real.

Head For The Western Park For A Slice Of The Old Wild West

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:45:00 +0000

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Wild West? Horses, cowboys and Indians perhaps? Whatever you think of the chances are good that it won’t be water rides.

But that is exactly what you will get when you visit the Western Park in Magaluf, Majorca. The park is open throughout the height of the season between May and October, so whenever you are planning to pay a visit to the island you can pencil in a day at this sensational attraction for the whole family.

One of the first attractions you should head for when you get through the gates is the Mega Slide. This is one for the whole family because you can all clamber into a huge round raft and slide down a giant half pipe that goes on for a full two hundred and sixty metres! And if you love it as much as most of the other visitors do, you’ll be heading back to the start to try it again.

A similar ride is available elsewhere in the park – but this one takes place in the dark. The Big Hole is the name given to this ride, but it could just as easily be called the Black Hole as you won’t see a thing until you reach the very bottom and splash down into the pool that awaits you.

Two people get to ride the Huracan together, which takes its name from the hurricane. The name alone should give you an idea of what to expect, but be ready for a sensational journey from top to bottom – and make sure you hang on.

With no raft to sit in and no one to share the ride with, you might think the Tijuana Twins isn’t worth riding on. But here there are two identical slides next to each other, so with a friend riding the other one you can race each other to the bottom.

With so much to see and do here you’ll love every minute of the Wild West theme.

Why Visit Cap De Formentor?

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:11:00 +0000

You can’t visit Majorca without heading to some of its best beaches. And if you want to see the best of the lot you should head straight for Cap de Formentor.

You’ll find this particular beach on the north eastern tip of the island. It is part of a small area of land that juts out of the main island, and that means you will see plenty of stunning views before you even get near the beach itself. In fact the route that takes you down to the beach is well known for putting people’s hearts in their mouths – you’ll see why when you give it a go yourself. Just make sure you have your wits about you at all times.

There are various lookout points available, such as the one at Mirador es Colomer, as well, so make the most of those before you head down to the beach. This is a top spot for budding photographers and also for those who want to watch out for local birds nesting along this fabulous bit of coastline.

But however frightening you find the drive to Cap de Formentor, you’ll love every minute of being on the beach itself. It provides a nice sheltered area to make the most of, with beautiful waters that are fairly calm and nice for the whole family to swim in. The beach also benefits from having a range of trees running along the back of it, so if the sun gets too much you can always move back and enjoy some of the plentiful shade on offer.

Many people view this beach as one of the best – if not the best – on the whole island. One visit usually convinces new visitors that this is indeed the case. This means that going there earlier in the year is the best bet if you don’t like crowds of people. Many visitors recommend April as a good month to go.

But whenever you visit Cap de Formentor you will find it was worth the effort to go. Just make sure you are prepared for the dramatic journey to get down to the beach itself.

Exploring Palma

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:30:00 +0000

Majorca is an island of beaches and relaxation. But you can explore the one major city on the island as well – and that is Palma.

And as you will see it is well worth going there for the day to see what you can find. The answer is another side of Majorca altogether.

The city is hundreds of years old so you will find lots of different historic sights here to enjoy. Not least of them is Palma Cathedral, a stunning and very large building that is generally lit up at night. The stained glass windows make for an amazing view both inside and out, so do make sure you go inside and have a proper look round. You will find it is also referred to as Le Seu.

But high above Palma there is another majestic sight you should definitely see. This is Bellver Castle and if you want to get some photos of the whole of Palma you should definitely make your way here to get them. It dates back to the 14th century and you can spend ages wandering around and exploring the tunnels and walkways. Be prepared for a fair bit of walking though, even if you drive there!

And of course back in Palma itself you can also take full advantage of the sightseeing buses that are an integral part of the city. They are brightly coloured and very easy to spot, and give you the chance to see all the best bits of Palma from the comfort of a seat. You can then go back on foot and see them in more detail if you find you have missed a particular sight you want to visit.

Don’t miss the chance to wander round the old streets in the Old City either. These are very different to some of the other parts of Palma, and offer an insight into Palma’s history. You can easily spend an hour or two wandering round here and enjoying the atmosphere.

As you can see Palma has a lot to offer when you are staying in Majorca, so don’t miss it.

Vintage Trains In Majorca?

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:52:00 +0000

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?

C'an Picafort

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:41:00 +0000

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.

Cala Bona

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 11:45:00 +0000

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.

Jet Ready to Win Free Flights With Monarch

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 09:32:00 +0000

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!

Beaches in Majorca

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:46:00 +0000

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.

Overview of Magalluf and Palma Nova

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:43:00 +0000

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.

Clubbing in Magalluf

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:42:00 +0000

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.

Palma Nova and Magalluf - Suitability

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:40:00 +0000

Although the two resorts of Magalluf and Palma Nova are usually best known as lively resorts during the summer months, hotels that are set slightly on the outskirts of Magalluf and the quieter area of Palma Nova are suitable for families and couples who are looking for a lively holiday with plenty to do but away from the 18-30 crowd.

However from the end of October to around Easter the following year, Palma Nova does go through somewhat of a personality change. As the families and the 18-30's leave the island, the tour operators and hoteliers then market the resort very strongly towards middle aged couples and others who are able to take advantage of long winter breaks in the Majorcan sunshine.

Although many of the cafes and restaurants do remain open, the more lively music bars and nightclubs that you associate with the area, close during the week, and only open again at weekends in response to the small number of stag and hen parties that invade the town.

Although it may be hard to appreciate now, Palma Nova was actually one of the earliest purpose built holiday resorts on the island. The original fishing harbour still remains, but fishing boats are now in the minority when compared to the large expensive yachts moored in the nautical club and marina.

Waterparks in Magalluf

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:39:00 +0000

Aqualand is one of Magalluf's water parks. Its wide range of facilities include state of the art attractions such as the Boomerang and the Tornado. The Mini Park, the water park for children, includes the brand new Enchanted Castle among other modern attractions.

Open from May to October you can find something for all the family here and it certainly makes for a fun (if a little wet!) day out.Also a fun day out is the Western Water Park which is slightly larger than Aqualand and proves incredibly popular too.

Fantasia Golf

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:37:00 +0000

Golf Fantasia in Palma Nova itself, is set amid waterfalls, caves and tropical gardens, and is without doubt one of the best mini golf courses in Majorca. There is a choice of three very different 18 hole courses, although you will be allocated a specific course on buying the ticket in an attempt to minimise waiting time during play.

If you have had enough of the golf there are also coin operated machine games area as well as a well stocked cafeteria for those who have built up an appetite! This attraction becomes very popular during high season with most of the major tour operators running trips here from all over the island.

They are open every day throughout the year from 10am to 2am the following morning.This is a must-do for adults and children alike, in fact you'll normally spot more of the grown ups having a go! An interesting and fun way to spend a few hours of your holiday, all for a reasonable price.