Month: October 2020

Month: October 2020

Manacor to Alcudia

Manacor to Alcudia driving route

Manacor to Alcudia – updated 12 February 2023.

The island of Majorca, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches. The Manacor to Alcudia driving route is one of the most scenic and picturesque routes on the island, providing travelers with a journey through some of the most stunlning scenery that Majorca has to offer.

Starting in the town of Manacor, the route takes you through the heart of the island’s agricultural region, passing through lush fields of almond and olive trees. The road winds through small villages and towns, where visitors can experience traditional Majorcan life and culture.

Manacor is Mallorca’s second-largest city and is best known as the birthplace of tennis great Rafael Nadal and as a centre of furniture manufacturing.

There’s not a lot to see here; however, the Esglesia dels Delors de Nostra Senyora church is worth a visit, so is the Manacor History Museum.

Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience

If you’re a sports fan, then the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience puts the ball in your court. Its simulators and attractions put you at the centre of the action. As well as the tennis legend’s trophies and memorabilia on display in the Exhibition Room there are exciting experiences where you get to call all the shots.

Manacor, Alcudia

The Majorcan tennis ace, Rafael Nadal, presents all his trophies and memorabilia in a museum with a difference in his hometown of Manacor. Head into the Exhibition Room and you’ll find all his achievements, equipment and best trophies from throughout his career, but step through into the Experience Room and you become the protagonist of the show.

There are state-of-the-art simulators that take you on a voyage of different sports, including F1, tennis and more, as well as 3D Eyewear that sweeps you into another world – quite literally. Kids and adults will find something to entertain them, so it’s an ace day out for all the family – Book tickets

Caves of Drach

When you leave Manacor, follow the signs for Porto Cristo where you have the opportunity to visit the Caves of Drach, one of the largest caves in Europe and considered by many to be the 8th Wonder of the World. Within the caves is Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes on the planet; which today plays host to a boat-borne classical music program; which attracts visitors from far and wide.

best attractions Mallorca

Cala Millor

From Porto Cristo follow the signs for Son Servera and Cala Millor, a lovely road; which meanders through orchards until you arrive at Cala Millor; which is a good place to stop for a short beach break.

Capdepera

The route then takes you east into Son Servera and then to Capdepera, largely undiscovered by the majority of visitors to the island. The biggest attraction in Capdepera is the ‘Castell de Capdepera’, it is a quite demanding walk uphill, but the views are outstanding.

Artà

From Capdepera, take the road to Artà, a quiet, attractive rural town with a maze of narrow streets, medieval buildings and pretty cafes with an impressive hilltop fortress built in the 14th century.

Alcúdia

From there, continue along the coastal road around the bay to Alcúdia, a beautiful medieval walled town of quiet charm and character.

Surrounded by mighty walls that contain historic mansions, scenic plazas, cafés with beautiful terraces & warm-stone houses, this vibrant town is a year-round destination, providing a rich taste of history and culture.

Overall, the Manacor to Alcudia driving route is a scenic journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes and charming towns that Majorca has to offer. Whether you are an experienced driver, a lover of stunning vistas, or simply looking for a memorable way to explore the island, this route is a must-see attraction that should not be missed. So, pack your bags, start your engine, and get ready to experience the beauty of Majorca from the comfort of your car.

Majorca tours & experiences

Sa Calobra Serpentine

A Scenic Marvel of Majorca

Sa Calobra Serpentine – updated 12 February 2023.

Nestled in the Tramuntana mountain range, in the northwest of the island, the Sa Calobra Serpentine road is one of the most spectacular and scenic driving routes in Majorca. The winding road was constructed in the 1930s and is renowned for its challenging turns and breathtaking vistas. It is a testament to human engineering and a must-visit attraction for visitors to the island. Just 13km long, the Sa Calobra Serpentine (MA-2141) is one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Scenic drive Majorca

26 hairpin turns

The Sa Calobra Serpentine road is a marvel of road engineering, with a total of 26 hairpin turns leading down to the Sa Calobra cove. The road is just over 12 kilometres long and has an average gradient of 7.1%. The twists and turns of the road make for a thrilling drive and provide breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.

Stunning views

At the top of the road, drivers are treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. As you descend down the serpentine road, the views become even more spectacular, with winding roads leading down to the picturesque Sa Calobra cove, a small pebble beach with turquoise waters.

Best driving route Majorca

The Snake

The route is referred to as ‘The Snake’ by locals but ‘Spaghetti’ would be more apt and was built specifically to avoid tunnels resulting in a road that snakes through the landscape often with a gradient in excess of 7%, which is why it is very popular with cyclists and is mentioned in our ‘best cycling routes’ section.

Knotted Tie

With an 800m descent over 12km and the infamous 270-degree loop known as the ‘Knotted Tie’ and incredible mountain views of Mallorca’s highest mountain, Puig Major, the road to Sa Calobra is an adventure in its own right.

Sa Calobra Serpentine

Antonio Paretti

The Sa Calobra Serpentine was manually built in 1932 and was created by the engineer Antonio Paretti and is a masterpiece of twists and turns; however, it is one of the most dangerous roads in Spain with no marked central line and no guardrails and much too much traffic especially during the summer.

Extremely slippy

At times, the road is very narrow and impassable for 2 cars at the same time and on rainy days, the asphalt becomes extremely slippy. It should not be attempted by those who don’t know how to reverse. 

Sa Calobra Serpentine

Despite the road’s popularity, it is still relatively isolated and untouched. There are no service stations, shops, or restaurants along the way, so it’s important to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and that you have enough supplies for the journey.

50 Curves

The 25-minute route is an unforgettable and sensational experience but definitely not for anyone who is nervous of steep, winding descents. It has more than 50 curves with the majority of those being hairpins and the gradient can reach as high as 11.5%.

Sa Calobra Serpentine

Cycling

The Sa Calobra Serpentine road is a popular destination for cyclists and motorcyclists, and in recent years has been featured in the Vuelta a España, one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world.

Sa Calobra Serpentine

Sa Calobra

Sa Calobra is a small village on the coast that is widely regarded as having the best unspoilt cove on the island. It also has a hidden beach and an incredible gorge – Es Torrent de Pareis. Tourists flock to this location in their hundreds all year around to admire the jaw-dropping scenery and to enjoy the incredible journey there with its twisting roads and spectacular views.

Overall, the Sa Calobra Serpentine road is a true wonder of Majorca, a testament to human ingenuity and a marvel of natural beauty. Whether you are an experienced driver, cyclist, or simply a lover of breathtaking landscapes, the serpentine road is a must-visit attraction that should not be missed. So, hop in your car, put on your seatbelt, and get ready to experience one of the most scenic drives of your life!

Majorca tours & experiences

Palma Arab Baths

Arab Baths

Palma Arab Baths – updated 13 February 2023.

Banys Arabs, also known as the Arab Baths, is a historic site located in the heart of Palma, Majorca. These baths are a well-preserved example of the Islamic architecture that once thrived on the island of Majorca during the Arab domination from the 10th to the 13th century.

The Banys Arabs were built in the 10th century as a private bathhouse for the city’s Muslim population. The bathhouse was part of a larger complex that included a mosque and a palace, but those structures were lost to time. The bathhouse remained in use for centuries, even after the Christian conquest of the island in the 13th century, until it was abandoned in the 15th century.

Palma Arab Baths

Domed roof

The bathhouse is a simple yet elegant structure, consisting of several small rooms arranged around a central courtyard. The most striking feature of the building is the domed roof of the main room, which is supported by twelve columns. The columns are decorated with intricate carvings, and the dome is adorned with decorative plasterwork.

Palma Arab Baths

Audio guide

Visitors to the Banys Arabs can explore the various rooms of the bathhouse, including the hot and cold water pools, the changing rooms, and the heating system. There is also an audio guide available to provide a more in-depth explanation of the site’s history and significance.

Arab Baths

The Banys Arabs are an important part of Palma’s cultural heritage and a must-see for anyone interested in the island’s history. The site is open year-round, and admission is very affordable. Additionally, the bathhouse is conveniently located in the city centre, making it easy to include in a day of sightseeing.

Nearby attractions

In addition to the Banys Arabs, visitors to Palma can explore other historic sites, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Almudaina Palace, and the Bellver Castle. The city is also home to many museums, art galleries, and shops, as well as a vibrant culinary scene featuring traditional Mallorcan cuisine.

Palma Arab Baths

Palma’s Arab Baths are located on Carrer de Can Serra, just behind the Museum of Mallorca. It’s easy to reach the Baths on foot from downtown; they are about five minutes’ walk from Palma Cathedral.

In conclusion, the Banys Arabs in Palma, Majorca, are a fascinating historical site that provides a window into the island’s Islamic past. The beautifully preserved bathhouse is a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage, and a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or culture.

Things to do in Palma

RCD Mallorca

Real Mallorca

RCD Mallorca – updated 12 February 2023.

RCD Mallorca, also known as Real Club Deportivo Mallorca, is a professional football club based in Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands. The club was founded in 1916 and has since become one of the most successful football clubs in Spain.

RCD Mallorca

Copa del Rey

The club has a storied history that includes a number of notable achievements. In the 1990s, RCD Mallorca rose to prominence under the management of Héctor Cúper and achieved a series of impressive results, including reaching the UEFA Cup final in 1999. The club also won its first major trophy, the Copa del Rey, in 1998.

In the early 2000s, RCD Mallorca continued to compete at the highest level of Spanish football, finishing in the top half of the table and qualifying for European competitions. In 2003, the club reached the UEFA Cup final once again, but this time was defeated by Portuguese side Porto.

La Liga

The club's fortunes began to decline in the late 2000s, and it was eventually relegated to the second division in 2013. However, RCD Mallorca bounced back in 2019 and secured promotion to La Liga after finishing second in the second division.

Fans

RCD Mallorca has a passionate fan base, and its home ground, the Son Moix stadium, has a capacity of over 23,000 spectators. The club's colors are red and black, and its crest features a stylized depiction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria, one of the most iconic landmarks in Palma.

Off the field, RCD Mallorca is involved in a number of community initiatives and is committed to promoting the development of football in the Balearic Islands. The club has a strong youth academy that has produced a number of talented players over the years, including Daniel Güiza, who went on to play for the Spanish national team.

RCD Mallorca traditionally play in red shirts with black shorts and socks.

Visit Mallorca Estadi

If you’re just visiting the island but enjoy football and if the club are playing at home when you are there, we recommend that you try out the hospitality at Visit Mallorca Estadi. There’s a choice of the VIP corner, the luxurious PayPal Presidential Lounge or premium private boxes.

The VIP Corner is an exclusive fully-catered seating area and when the final whistle blows the behind-the-scenes access begins with attendance for the manager’s post-match press conference in addition to two players’ reaction to the match. You’ll get to eat, drink and meet the players.

The PayPal Presidential Lounge package is an incredible matchday experience. At half-time you are provided with a personal escort to a private bar and seating area, where you will be served food and drinks with the principal figureheads of the football club.

Besides the players’ changing rooms, the VIP boxes are the only private place suited to hosting groups of up to 12 people at the Visit Mallorca Estadi. A space you can call your own on a matchday, you and your party will be seated in comfortable balcony surroundings, receive attentive personal service and have access to the Presidential Lounge before and after the game.

Overall, RCD Mallorca is a key part of the sporting and cultural landscape of the Balearic Islands. The club has a rich history and a bright future, and its success on the field is a source of pride for the local community. Whether you are a fan of football or simply interested in the history and culture of the region, RCD Mallorca is a club that is well worth following.

For information about the history of the club, the first team, ticketing and event and much more, please visit the RCD Mallorca website.

Exhibit Show by Son Amar

Exhibit Show

Exhibit Show by Son Amar – updated 11 October 2022

Son Amar is famous on the island among both residents and visitors and has been entertaining guests for more than 50 years.

Son Amar Estate

Located within a purpose-built hi-tech theatre on the Son Amar estate, the show is a world-class, high-energy programme of dance, music, magic and comedy set on impressive stage sets with spectacular costumes.

House of Son Amar has been bringing its brand of entertainment spectacular to the shores of Majorca for over 45 years. And this year, it’s back bigger than ever. With a cast of artists and acrobats formerly of world-famous Cirque du Soleil and a soundtrack set by Europe’s top DJs, Exhibit is an all-new show set to dazzle audiences.

VIP Experience

Step into the grounds of a grand Majorcan manor house, and you’ll be greeted by a Las Vegas-style Bellagio fountain show before being seated in the theatre. You can opt for show-only seats, add a touch of class with the cava and chocolates option, or choose the VIP Experience – you’ll get the best seats in the house, comfy sofa-style booths, plus Moët & Chandon champagne.

Once the show begins, you’ll be toe-tapping, laughing and dancing all night long. Expect glitz, glam and plenty of glitter as the cast combine live music numbers, classic cabaret and acrobatic feats in a star-studded evening the whole family will enjoy.

A taste for all the senses! Daring acrobatic feats gelled together with spellbinding choreography and a cutting-edge soundtrack.

BOOK TICKETS

Exhibit Show by Son Amar with Transfer

Do this because

  • Experience Exhibit, House of Son Amar’s brand-new show
  • See a Las Vegas-style fountain show
  • Enjoy huge performances from a cast that includes former members of Cirque du Soleil
  • Three seating options to choose from
  • Table service included with every seating category

The Son Amar show is located on the Sóller road near the village of Palmanyola, just 11 km from Palma.