Palma
Southwest
West
North
Northeast
Southeast
Centre
Mallorca's name derives from the Latin insula maior, and the later form, Maiorica. In 123 BC the Romans founded a city called Palmaria (Palma) in Mallorca. During the period of Muslim rule it received the Arabic name of Madina Mayurqa. Later on, when James I of Aragon conquered the island in 1229 it came to be known as Ciutat de Mallorca (City of Mallorca).
From 1950 the island started to become a tourist destination. The tourist boom which took place between 1960 and 1970 saw the construction of the majority of the hotels and the development of supporting industries. The remaining industries, such as footwear, and also agriculture, are becoming less important as tourism is the real motor of the Balearics' economy. A key factor in this is the ease of access to Mallorca thanks to the Son Sant Joan airport www.aena-aeropuertos.com which has become Spain's third largest by number of passengers and which has many routes to Europe's leading cities. The number of operations by private planes has also increased significantly.
Number of airport passengers
| Mallorca | Ibiza | Menorca | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 22.7m | 2.57m | 5.6m |
| 2012 | 22.6m | 2.54m | 5.5m |
| 2013 | 22.7m | 2.56m | 5.7m |
It is very hard to find another tourist destination just two or three hours from Europe's major cities which combines everything that Mallorca offers, including its easy access and beautiful natural setting (40% of which is in protected areas where building is controlled).
Mallorca has an area of 3,640.11km² and, according to the 2015 census, a population of 859,289 inhabitants.
It has a typically Mediterranean climate, with high temperatures in summer (over 30 °C) and moderately low ones in winter (rarely below 5 °C). The main sector of its economy is tourism and the island receives some 12 million visitors per year.
The Sierra de Tramuntana, the mountain chain which runs from Puerto de Andratx to Puerto de Pollensa and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2010, www.serradetramuntana.net/es protects the whole island from wind and bad weather. Its highest point is Puig Major at 1,342 metres. This is the part of Mallorca that is most protected from overdevelopment, and the Costa Nord foundation, www.costanord.es, which Michael Douglas founded in order to protect and conserve the environment is based here.
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Marinas
With its 623km coastline, Majorca offers a wide variety of marinas. Boats can be hired from most of them, with or without a skipper, to enjoy the coast, and its coves and beaches.
With its 623km coastline, Majorca offers a wide variety of marinas. Boats can be hired from most of them, with or without a skipper, to enjoy the coast, and its coves and beaches.
Golf
Majorca is a unique destination for enjoying golf, with its 24 courses and the chance to play 365 days of the year. At most of them it is not necessary to be a member or to book days ahead. Golf contributes 160 million euros per year to the Balearics' tourist sector
Majorca is a unique destination for enjoying golf, with its 24 courses and the chance to play 365 days of the year. At most of them it is not necessary to be a member or to book days ahead. Golf contributes 160 million euros per year to the Balearics' tourist sector
Hotels
There are over 1,000 hotels in Majorca as well as many apartments and tourist establishments. The island has a wide choice in the luxury sector with over 40 five-star hotels.
There are over 1,000 hotels in Majorca as well as many apartments and tourist establishments. The island has a wide choice in the luxury sector with over 40 five-star hotels.
Beaches
Tourists and residents alike enjoy Majorca's 208 beaches. Some of the beaches are untouched and others are only accessible from the sea.
Tourists and residents alike enjoy Majorca's 208 beaches. Some of the beaches are untouched and others are only accessible from the sea.
Mallorca International Schools
Most of the 9 international schools of Mallorca are located in the southwestern region of the island and in Palma. They are: http://www.balearesint.net/, http://www.kingrichardcollege.com/, http://www.nace.edu.es/portals/Paginas/default.aspx, http://www.bellvercollege.com/, http://www.queenscollege.es/, http://www.theacademyschool.com/, http://www.dsmallorca.de/, http://www.svenskaskolanmallorca.com/, http://www.cfpalma.net/, http://www.uib.eu/?languageId=1
Most of the 9 international schools of Mallorca are located in the southwestern region of the island and in Palma. They are: http://www.balearesint.net/, http://www.kingrichardcollege.com/, http://www.nace.edu.es/portals/Paginas/default.aspx, http://www.bellvercollege.com/, http://www.queenscollege.es/, http://www.theacademyschool.com/, http://www.dsmallorca.de/, http://www.svenskaskolanmallorca.com/, http://www.cfpalma.net/, http://www.uib.eu/?languageId=1
Theme Parks in Mallorca
Although most are water parks, there are also other types such as Natura Park and even an astronomical observatory in Costitx. For more information see http://www.infomallorca.net/tourism/information/mallorca.en.html?cc=110&tIte=theme-parks&
Although most are water parks, there are also other types such as Natura Park and even an astronomical observatory in Costitx. For more information see http://www.infomallorca.net/tourism/information/mallorca.en.html?cc=110&tIte=theme-parks&