Mallorca (or Majorca as it is better known in the UK) has come a long way since the package boom years of the 1970´s and 80´s.  When resorts such as Magaluff were a byword for Full English breakfasts and cheap and cheerful holidays.  These days the island attracts a more upmarket audience.

The island is home to over 700,000 residents – around 50% of whom reside in the capital of Palma de Mallorca (which is the administrative capital of the Balearic Islands too).  Which also lends its name to the islands sole international airport which is located around 5km away.  And was formerly occupied by the Romans – whose imprint and influence is still visible in place names and historic sites.  Before their rule gave way to the Moors – who ruled the island along with much of Spain until the 11th Century.

Today the island is part of the autonomous region of Catalonia with its own distinct dialect, culture and cuisine.
Tourism first started to rake off with the arrival of the first charter flights in the 1950´s.  And developed rapidly around resorts such as Palma Nova, which lies close to the capital.  Before expanding to encompass other parts of the island such as the North East coast – home to popular resorts such as Puerto Pollensa and Alcudia. And along the east coast too.

 Mallorca is also home to six cities other than Palma – in the form of Alcudia, Manacor, Llucmajor, Soller, Felanitx and Inca.  With a topography that is defined by the Tramuntana Mountains – which reach a height of 1455 metres and which dominate the North West of the island.

 Mallorca is easily reached from the UK – with flights taking around 2.5 hours.  And cheap flight deals available from a number of low cost operators.  Visitors arrive at Palma de Mallorca (PMA) airport before onward transfer to their resorts.

 As you would expect from such a popular holiday island Mallorca boasts a large selection of accommodation options – from budget studio apartments through to chic hotels in the countryside.  Offering something to suit all budgets.

Main Tourist Regions

Following the southern coastline from the Atlantic into the Mediterranean the main tourist regions of Spain are the Costa de la Luz, the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca, the Costa Dorada and the Costa Brava, With the autonomous region of Catalonia also encompassing the three Balearic Islands of Menorca, Mallorca and Formentera.

Spain’s inland cities such as the capital Madrid obviously also attract a high number of tourist visitors. Along with the north coast destinations – such as Bilbao and the area known as green Spain, encompassing Galicia and other major tourist sites such as Santiago de Compestela.

Many hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula but still very much part of Spain and the EU lie the seven Canary Islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma. Which are located off the west coast of Africa and which enjoy a semi tropical climate. Enabling them to attract visitors all year round – so helping to establish this archipelago as the second most visited region in Spain.

Rural Tourism

Rural tourism is also an important part of this sector – as Spain boasts a rich and diverse landscape encompassing mountain ranges, plains, wetlands, lakes and an abundance of National Parks. Such as the Picos de Europa National Park and the Timanfaya National Park.

The bulk of visitors to Spain from the UK arrive by plane – with flights to all parts of the country available from main British airports. Internally visitors can get around easily by using the excellent rail network operated by Renfe. Or by hiring a car.

Language & Dialects

Whilst the official language is Castilian Spanish some regions retain their own distinct dialects – such as Basque, Catalan and Galician. And since 1978 when the autonomous regions became officially recognised many of these dialects now co-exist alongside Castilian.

Fiestas & Festivals

Spain is renowned for its colorful fiestas and festivals. Such as Semana Santa or Easter week which is celebrated nationwide. The famous Fallas of Valencia, Holy Week in Seville, Carnival in the Canaries and many more besides. All of which offer an insight into the rich culture of this fascinating country.

Welcome to Spain.