Holidays in Alcudia, Mallorca - Not Just a Beach Resort

When you think of Alcudia in Mallorca, you may have a picture of a sandy beach with lots of hotels and apartment complexes to take care of the number of tourists that flock here throughout the summer season.  

The town Alcudia is located on the northeastern coast of the Balearic Island of Mallorca and is surrounded by 14th century walls which separates it from Pollensa Bay to the north and Alcudia Bay to the south, and when you enter Alcudia you will pass through the Port de Moll gate.

The Orange Groves of Mallorca

The Oranges of Mallorca

In 1869, Tomas Forteza wrote the Hymn of Praise to Mallorca in which he describes the oak trees of the forests of the island of Mallorca, and the fruit trees that can be found around the landscape with particular mention of the orange groves and their fragrance. He was really referring to the area of Soller in the northern part of Mallorca where the tram running from Palma to Soller runs so close you can almost pick the oranges from the trees.

The orange trees were first planted in Mallorca as far back as the 11th century when the Arabs planted bitter oranges to decorate their courtyards and gardens. The bitter orange was also used for medicinal purposes with the peel of the orange used to sweeten the breath by chewing on it and the fragrance from the orange used to dissipate stale air from rooms not ventilated by fresh air. The juice from the orange was even believed to cure outbursts of rage.

Manacor - the Pearl of Mallorca

Visit the second largest city on the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands - Manacor - located inland in the eastern part of the island. Here you will not only find an array or furniture businesses, but the product for which Manacor has become famous, namely the cultured pearl, and is the reason why the majority of people come to this city.

All over the island, you will see shops specialising in the sale of pearls. However he most well known company is Majorica that is easily recognisable as you walk along the streets of the larger resorts.

Deya - An Idyllic Village in Mallorca

Deya - La Residencia Hotel

Idyllic and rural Deya [Deia] is probably the most famous village on the island of Mallorca and is paradise for people who enjoy walking, and who do not wish to spend their entire holiday lazing on a beach. Located just inland on the northwest coast, approximately 32km from the airport you enter into a different world, totally away from the hustle and bustle you expect from other popular resorts around the island. Today, you will probably see many artists sitting quietly amongst the pretty streets and steep paths that lead past houses adorned with vines and flowers, and all this with the dramatic backdrop of Puig d'es Teix standing at a height of 1062m.

It is very difficult to find fault with this pretty village, perched on high ground with the steep terraced hillsides packed with vegetable gardens, orchards of fruit trees, almond and olive trees as well as the occasional vineyard.
  

A Spanish Self-Catering Holiday Will Cost Less

Make your Euro go further

According to a report produced by the Post Office, the best places for value for money on a self-catering holiday are resorts in Costa Blanca, Lanzarote, Menorca and Mallorca.   

It transpires that the Spanish resorts are far cheaper for tourists to carry out their self-catering shop than resorts in other European resorts in Corfu, Turkey, Crete and Cyprus.    The only other destination to come in the top results was The Algarve in Portugal.

Balearic Islands Beaches in Top 10 in Spain 2013

Following our previous blog on the Canary Islands' beaches in the Top 10 in Spain for 2013, the Balearic Islands are also proud of having not only 2 in the Top 10, but also having 1 of these featuring at number 12 in the Top 25 Beaches in the World!

Playa de Ses Illetas, Formentera

Voted in at number 2 in Spain, and number 12 in the World is Playa de Ses Illetas in Formentera with the following comments being made:

• You have emerald water on both sides which makes it unique
• Crystal clear water
• Amazing views
• Feels like being in the Caribbean
• Incredible sunsets

Voted in at number 9 in Spain is Es Trenc in Mallorca with the following comments being made:

• Blue waters, white sands and a cool breeze
• Transparent and warm water
• Uncommercialised - a must see
• Shallow and safe for children
• Like the Caribbean

With both Formentera and Mallorca featuring in the Top Beaches for 2013, how about experiencing a holiday in Formentera for a change and experience a touch of the Caribbean.

Discounts at the Mallorca Rocks Hotel

We are pleased to announce that we have discounts available for the Mallorca Rocks Hotel of up to 20% for stays during the summer season.

Mallorca Rocks in Magalluf

The Mallorca Rocks Hotel is a popular accommodation for the "young and lively" in the busy resort of Magalluf in Mallorca.  Located only 300m from the beach and in the heart of the nightlife and entertainment venues Magalluf has to offer, this will be an ideal holiday for those wishing the relax during the day and then visit an endless selection of clubs during the night through to the early hours of the morning.

The Mallorca Rocks plays host to a number of well known artists as well as DJs playing international music [their full 2013 line-up is still to be finalised].

Your apartment will have a twin bedroom, lounge area with sofa bed, balcony or terrace with furniture, bathroom, fully equipped kitchenette, telephone and safe.   On the complex itself, you can relax around the large swimming pool and enjoy a drink from one of the pool bars.

So, if you want to party the night away then contact Corona Holidays for up-to-the-minute prices and benefit from our 20% discount on accommodation prices.  Remember you can book the Mallorca Rocks with or without flights - the choice is yours.  Call us on Freephone 0800 5 677688 or its 01582 421117 from a mobile.

For an idea of prices, we have 7 nights on self-catering for just £355 per person including flights departing the UK on 4 September 2013.

Top 3 Water Parks for Family Days Out

One of the most popular days out in the summer for families is a visit to a water park.   Here's our top 3 places to go for a proper dunking:

SIAM PARK IN TENERIFE
Siam Park is located in the resort of Costa Adeje, Tenerife, which is just a 10 minute drive from Playa de las Americas.  It is one of the largest water park in Europe and has the general appearance of the ancient kingdom of Siam in Thailand with slides set amidst tropical vegetation.   Ride highlights include:
Tower of Power - a 28 metre almost vertical drop.
The Dragon - spins riders in a 4-man raft
The Volcano - a whirling crater
It also has a great man-made beach, a wave pool which features 3 metre high artificial waves together with a selection of bars and restaurants to keep the whole family amused. 

WESTERN WORLD IN MALLORCA
Located in the popular resort of Magalluf in Mallorca, this water park has been inspired by the wild west and has an excellent range of rides, pools and rivers.  Ride hightlights include:
The Beast - a kamikaze slide with a vertical drop
Wild River Rapids
Kids' WaterlandWestern World is centrally located just minutes from the main hotels in Magalluf.  A complimentary bus service runs from Magaluf, Santa Ponsa and Paguera.

WATERWORLD IN CYPRUS
Located in the popular resort of Ayia Napa, Cyprus, the park has an ancient Greek theme this is an award winning park and the largest on the island of Cyprus.  Ride highlights include:
Drop Atlantis - the only water ride in the world which features light, sound and visual effects
Fall of Icarus - a boomerang ride
Mount Olympus - a 75 metre vertical drop
Thunderbold - new for 2012 with sharp twists and a steep drop 

Swan Lake and Don Quijote in Palma

In Palma de Mallorca on the 12 or 13 August?   The Moscow Ballet will be performing Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake at the Palma Auditorium on the 12th and also Don Quijote on the 13th.

Performances start at 21:00.

La Piedra Fair in Binnisalem, Mallorca

If you are on your Mallorca holidays and would like to visit La Piedra Fair on the 28/29 May 2011, then head for Binissalem [approximately 25-30km from Palma on the Ma-13 towards Alcudia]. 

Since 2004, the town of Binissalem has been hosting the La Piedra and Artesania Fair [Stone and Craft Fair]which is organised by Fira de Maig - a group that presents exhibitions from companies dedicted to working in stone which is a traditional Balearic occupation..  Present will be quarrymen, layers and experts in marble.

The fair will feature exhibitions of how stone is worked, guided tours to see some of the most symbolic houses, and ending in a traditional fieuada which is assisted by the sponsorship of a number of restaurants. 

Mallorca Rocks

Dizzee Rascal, Madness and Fatboy Slim are among the big-name acts lined up to perform at Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks this summer.  The party hotels have released their full programme of outdoor gigs.  BBC Radio 1 DJ, Zane Lowe, is taking on the role of music director for the brand.

London-based indie rock band - the Vaccines - who released their debut album this week, will perform at both hotels.  Others set to appear include the Wombats, dance punk trio Friendly Fires and Tinie Tempah.  Scotting rockers Biffy Clyro, who picked up an NME award last month, are also returning to the Rocks hotels this summer.

Plan B will kick-start the programme on 31 May at Mallorce and 1 June in Ibiza. 

Take a look at the Mallorca Rocks, or give us a call if you would like us to arrange flight and accommodation for you.

Mallorca International Classic Car Rally

Mallorca's International Classic Car Rally is an event which attracts rally teams and car enthusiasts from all over Europe with vintage vehicles racing along a 600km route with 14 stages, including a scenic coastal section.  There are 2 stages on Thursday evening and 6 stages on each of Friday and Saturday.

Held from the 10-12 March 2011, this is the 7th Rally and this year has a total of 76 teams.  The departure ceremony will be held at the Plaza de las Golondrinas with new sections beeing introduced for participants along the west coast of Mallorca. 

Prizes are awarded for the best presented cars.

Cycling Ride up the Puig Major

If you are on your holidays to Mallorca and are in the Alcudia area on Sunday 26 September you will be able to see one of the most important cycling events in Mallorca - the ride up the Puig Major which is the island's highest mountain [1436m].  Although part of this is used by the miliary and is closed to visitors, the steep slopes are covered with sweet smelling wild rosemary and is home to goats, sheep and rare birds. 

The event is organised each year by Trencagarrons and on this occasion the organisation hopes to exceed 400 participants.  A chance to enjoy riding up this mountain and to take part in one of the annual cyling-touring routes on the island.

Andrea Bocelli & Elton John in Mallorca

Interested in going to a unique concert in Palma de Mallorca on the 4 September?   Andrea Bocelli and Elton John will be performing live together this summer in what is said to be one of the most elaborate concerts in Europe.  Preparations are currently in progress to transform the ONO Stadium in Palma. 


Andrea Bocelli starts the evening at around 7:30 and will perform for approximately 2 hours with the Balearic Symphony Orchestra.  Elton John and his band will then perform for a further 2 hours.

Corona Holidays are offering a 2 night package at the Castillo Hotel Son Vida in Mallorca which includes preferred category tickets to the concert.  For more details see our details on the Mallorca Concert.

Releasing the Ducks in Can Picafort

If you are on your holidays in C'an Picafort, Mallorca, on the 15 August then head to the beach in front of the Sol y Mar Hotel at about midday to watch the annual "releasing of the ducks" when around 3000 spectators attend to watch approximately 350 rubber ducks being released from boats for people to grab.

Until recently, live ducks were used.  However due to protests being made, the little yellow rubber ducks were introduced in 2007.

So for something different to do on your holidays to Mallorca, Corona Holidays recommends this event - and it's free.

Palma's Changing of the Guard

If you are in Palma de Mallorca on Saturday 31 July, head for the Almudaina Palace.  At midday there will be a changing of the Guard of Honour of the old Palma Volunteer Regiment which was raised by the Marquess of Vivot in 1808 to fight in the Spanish War of Independence.

Starting at 12:00 midday there will be a parade and formation of the Guard of Honour followed at 12:30 by a changing of the guard and at 13:00 the parade departs.  All this takes place at the front of the Almudaina Palace which is located next to Palma Cathedral.

A bit of history behind the Palace ... Aludaina means citadel in Arabic.  This royal residence of King Jaume II was built after 1309, using the walls of an Arab fortress.  The Gothic palace includes Moorish-style arhes and carved wooden ceilings and is King Juan Carlos's official Palma residence.  The museum here includes the Santa Ana chapel with a Romanesque portal and a Gothic drawing room which is sometimes used for official receptions.

Balearics - La Virgen del Carmen Festivities

If you are on your Balearic Islands holidays this weekend then Corona Holidays suggest that take advantage of the local festivities which will be going on over this weekend ...16-18 July.
This Festival pays tribute to the seafarers and is held mainly on the Sunday - 18 July.  The main event consists of a maritime procession and a floral offering at the seashore in memory of seamen.  Mass is then held in hour of the patron saint of seafarers - the Virgin of Carmen.

Festivities take place in all the towns and cities that are located close to the coast.

MALLORCA
Head to places such as Palma, Cala Ratjada, Colonia Sant Jordi, Colonia Sant Pere, Port d'Andratx, Puerto Pollensa, Porto Colom, Porto Cristo, Sa Rapita

MENORCA
Ciutadella [starting at 20:00 18 July]

FORMENTERA
Es Pujos, La Savina

10th Porto Cristo Craft Fair in Mallorca

If you are on your Mallorca holiday on the 9 July 2010 then head to the resort of Porto Cristo where you will find the 10th Night Time Craft Fair being held where you can buy local crafts and where typical products from this part of the island of Mallorca will be on display.

Visitors will be able to sample traditional foods in Sirena de Porto Cristo Avenue and then enjoy a long night of traditional crafts.

Waterpolo in Palma

If you are on your Mallorca holidays and are in Palma de Mallorca between the 25 and 27 June 2010, then pay a visit to the Son Hugo swimming pools complex in Palma where the II Open Waterpolo Trophy competition is being held.

The competition aims to promote waterpolo in the Balearic Islands.


The following teams will be taking part:

Proinosa Mallorca Waterpolo Club
Club Waterpolo Campus Esport
Club Natacio Ciutat de Palma
City of Cambridge Waterpolo Club
CP Albacete
CN Pozuelo de Alarcon
XN Sant Andreu
Waterpolo Estiu Gironi

Monarch - More Flights to Mallorca

If you are looking to go on your holidays to Mallorca and like to travel from Gatwick airport, then from the 17 July this year, Monarch will start to fly 3 times a week to Palma - on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Mallorca, or Majorca, is the largest of the Balearic Islands and is a popular destination due to the almost guaranteed fine summer weather and excellent beaches.  There's a wide range of accommodation on the island, as well as as excellent restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities.   A 2 hour flight from the UK takes you into Palma de Mallorca - the island's capital.  Palma is a bustling city with a Gothic cathedral and a medieval castle.  There's also a very chic marina packed with yachts.

Take a look at our holiday deals for Mallorca - we can arrange flights from all the major UK airports.