Majorca Archives - Page 2 of 2

Why you should choose a villa holiday let in Majorca

August 25, 2017January 9, 2019

Majorca attracts families, couples and party-goers to its balmy shores. Many holidaymakers visit the Balearic island every year for a whole host of reasons. From simple beach relaxation to thrilling cycling routes, the island is loved by people who know what they want from their travels. But even the best hotels in Majorca can’t compete with the freedom that a holiday villa in Majorca provides. Avoid the crowded resorts and, instead, opt for the tranquillity of a villa with a private garden and pool and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

It’s a base for adventurers

Active holidaymakers will appreciate the handy amenities that are available in Majorca holiday villa lets. It may be hiking, kayaking or scuba diving in Majorca that excites you, you can focus on planning your next adventure while enjoying your villa’s facilities. Cook an impressive packed lunch on your very own BBQ or take a dip in the private pool to relax your muscles and you’ll be glad that you chose a holiday rental villa. There should also be plenty of drying space for wetsuits and swimming costumes too. So, don’t worry about squeezing into wet swimwear!

Pick a location to suit your holiday

Want to be within walking distance of the beach? Or would you prefer a romantic, remote property? Perhaps you need at least six bedrooms? Luckily, there are plenty of villas to rent in Majorca across the island and each location has something unique to offer. Cala San Vincente is the smallest resort in Majorca and a favourite destination for peace seekers and avid divers. Dive into your own Majorca villa and find out what you love about the island

Majorca villas can come with extra space

One of the best things about staying in a villa in Majorca is the advantage of extra space. Planning on seeing the island by car? Pick a property with a garage or parking space and explore to your heart’s content without the additional cost of parking.

Are you a keen cyclist? Then you can make the most of the remarkable cycling routes in Majorca without having to worry about where to keep your rented bike. If you want a great bike route choose somewhere in Pollenca, and attempt the circular East Tramuntana Epic Ride which begins and ends in Pollenca and covers over 100 miles!

It’s ideal for families on a budget

Choosing a self-catering villa holiday option is also a fantastic way to ensure that your family sticks to a holiday budget. Having key items like milk, eggs and cheese in your villa’s fridge means that there’s always something quick and inexpensive to eat. Enjoying a few of your main meals from the comfort of your Majorcan villa will make a huge difference to the amount of money you spend on food. Whether you cook a home favourite, use the BBQ or try your hand at some classic Majorcan tapas dishes, cooking as a family is a great bonding exercise that’s sure to become one of your favourite holiday memories.

By Arianne Fabrice, a travel journalist who specialises in the popular resort destinations in and around Europe. Having worked for some of Paris’ premium travel mags, she’s recently moved into English-language publications.

Recipe for delicious tumbet mallorquin

August 11, 2017January 9, 2019

A self-catering holiday doesn’t mean you have to forgo the cuisine of your destination. In fact, by learning a few recipes you can enjoy the flavours of where you are and have a new recipe to bring home! To help you savour the real taste of Majorca, we’ve found one of the island’s tastiest dishes and put together a quick, and simply mouth-watering, recipe for you to try.

Delicious Majorcan cuisine

Local Favourite tumbet mallorquin is a delightfully simple vegetarian dish, perfect for enjoying by the terrace of your Majorcan villa on a summer evening. Like most Mediterranean recipes, the dish benefits from the freshest ingredients – it’s lucky the local produce is just so good! Think ratatouilleor pisto, but with added potatoes and individually fried vegetables. There are few dishes better able to showcase Majorca’s tastiest locally grown veg.

What you’ll need –

Two large potatoes
One zucchini
One aubergine
One red pepper
One green pepper
One onion
Three tomatoes (one tin of chopped tomatoes will do)
Five garlic cloves
Rosemary
Thyme
Olive oil
Flour
Salt
Bay leaves
Sugar

Image by mallorcareise, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Instructions

First, preheat the oven to 180°C. Choose a large pot and begin frying the garlic cloves in the olive oil. Now throw in the tomatoes, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme as well as a good sprinkling of salt and sugar. This will make the tomato sauce. While this simmers away, wash the other vegetables. A key aspect of tumbet mallorquin is that the main ingredients are all fried separately in the same oil one after the other.

First off is the zucchini. Make sure it is thinly sliced, then add it to a pan with hot oil. Once the zucchini is golden brown take it out of the pan and let it rest on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Now do the same with the aubergine. Slice it thinly, frying it in the same oil used with the zucchini and place it on another paper towel once done. Repeat with the potatoes.

The next step is to cut the red and green peppers into rings and fry them, too. Finally, chop the onion into thick strips before frying it in the oil. Now it’s time to assemble the meal. Take a large casserole dish and begin by creating a layer of potatoes at the the bottom, followed by the onions. Add on the zucchini, then the eggplant and finally the peppers.

Next take your tomato sauce, cover the vegetables and bake the dish for around 15 to 20 minutes. After that, you’re ready to tuck in! This dish is as delicious cold as it is hot, so why not save some for a cold snack the next day?

Feeling inspired by this article? Why not take a look at our villas?

By Imogen Bishop, a part time travel writer, part time restaurant critic, and full time mum. She has an affinity for Mediterranean cuisine and can usually be found in the kitchen with a bottle of olive oil in hand.

Drinks to enjoy on your self-catering holiday in Majorca

July 3, 2017January 9, 2019

Choosing a self-catering holiday doesn’t mean you have to forgo the luxuries of a package holiday. In fact, staying at a holiday rental lets you enjoy some of the finer things available no matter your holiday destination. For example, staying at a holiday let in Majorca means you can enjoy the finest drinks that the island has to offer – from the tastiest wines to the best liqueurs – all from the comfort of your own terrace or balcony. So, to help you find your perfect Balearic tipple, here are some of the finest Majorcan drinks.

Image by Vvillamon, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Herbs de Majorca

This famous Majorcan liqueur is a variation of Hierbas, a drink that originated on the island. In fact, Herbs de Majorca has protected status and can only be made on Majorca. The herbal liqueur contains a mixture of aromatic herbs like fennel, camomile, marjoram, and rosemary combined with citrus fruits orange and lemon. Herbs de Majorca is just the perfect digestif, and the true Mallorcan way to cap off a delicious meal in your self-catering apartment. Alternatively, can enjoy it over ice on a hot summer’s afternoon.

Palo de Mallorca

One of the island’s most popular indigenous drinks is Palo de Mallorca. This sweet liqueur has been made on the island for over a hundred years and, like Herbs de Majorca, can only be made in Majorca. It’s a relatively simple drink made from the bark of the quina plant, the roots of the gentiana plant, and sugar. The result is a dark, woody, sweet and slightly bitter liqueur that is a delicious aperitif. The drink also boasts some health benefits too, as it has antimalarial properties. A good excuse for a second glass!

Mallorcan Wine

As with the rest of the Mediterranean, many vineyards in Majorca grow the native grapes callet, manto negro, and moll. Wine has been made on the island since Roman times, but the drink saw something of a renaissance in the 1990s when the local industry saw wide investment. This led to popular varieties like merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay being cultivated on the island.

Some of the best wines to try include bottles from the oldest winery on the island, Bodegues Ribas. This family-owned winery is famous for its Riba red wine made from the manto negro grape. Another worthy winery is the small boutique Bodega Ramanyà in Santa Maria. The winery produces some delicious drinks including the only sparkling wines on the island.

Beer in Majorca

While Majorca isn’t famous for its beer, and the varieties it does brew aren’t as celebrated as its wine and liqueurs, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth seeking out. There are a number of microbreweries on the island, most notably the “Beer Lovers” brewery in Palma, which brews four different types of beer from amber ale to wheat beer. What better way to cool off in the summer sunshine in the garden of your holiday rental than with a local Majorcan beer in hand!

By Shaun Fraser, a former drinks rep, who now focuses on writing about his favourite tipples from Europe and beyond. He credits his good nose to a previous life as a sommelier.

Majorca – Fuelling the wanderlust…

October 14, 2016November 12, 2018

Modern marinas, authentic towns, marvellous scenery, gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, family attractions, water sports, golf courses… you name it, Majorca has it! And with a plane journey time of only 2 hours from the UK, the island is a great place to start for anyone with a desire to travel. The island is easy to navigate, with almost any of the resorts on the east and south coast reachable in around an hours’ drive from Palma Airport. You’ll also find pretty good bus and taxi links between towns too.

So what’s all the fuss about?

Eating out

Keen gastronomists will not be disappointed. The resorts around the north east coast offer everything from authentic eating places to fine dining restaurants. Venturing to the old towns of either Pollensa or Alcudia, you can enjoy a traditional lunch or dinner of tapas or paella. Or, for a completely different dining experience, Puerto Pollensa Marina or Port d’Alcudia both have a number of more contemporary restaurants overlooking the sea.

Beaches

If its sun and sand you’re after, both Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa each have a large sandy beach with clear water, great for families. Or, if the thought of a more laid back, little sandy bay is more appealing to you, Cala D’Or in the south has 7 of them, whilst Cala San Vicente in the north also has 2 small coves.

Places to visit

No trip to Majorca would be complete without a visit to Pollensa. The town square and cobbled streets are filled with quaint shops and traditional cafes and restaurants. In the height of summer, the town also plays host to some of the most popular and lively fiestas in Spain! Plus, the weekly market gives you a chance to practice your haggling skills. And scaling the 365 steps from the square up to the Calvari church is rewarded with some spectacular scenery, a great opportunity for keen photographers.

Similarly, the old town of Alcudia is also well worth seeing. You’ll also find traditional restaurants and shops here, as well as being able to walk along the top of the medieval wall which surrounds the town. Other island highlights include the scenery from the hillside as you journey from Puerto Pollensa to Formentor Beach, the beautiful island landscape from La Victoria Monastery, and a daytrip to Palma City.

Activities and attractions

Thrill-seekers and families are also catered for with a number of activities to choose from. Most of these are water-based and include boat hire, jet skiing, water skiing, paragliding, wake boarding and scuba diving. Any of the beaches also provide the ideal setting for snorkelers. Children will love a trip to the waterpark in Alcudia, which also has mini golf facilities. Golfers will also find a choice of courses in the area and there are plenty of walking and biking trails to be found, including exploring the S’Albufera National Park.

Le Tour de Majorca – A trip to Puerto Pollensa, Majorca

January 21, 2015March 12, 2019

Having recently enjoyed a more traditional package holiday on the South Coast of Majorca, when I was offered the chance to take a trip to the beautiful town of Puerto Pollenca on my first day at Villa Plus, I couldn’t turn it down.

Majorca is popular with the Brits for its diverse landscape, beautiful beaches and fantastic weather. The short flight time also makes it a popular choice for families, as well as for people wanting to make the most of their time away.

Getting there

We stayed at Villa Carla near Puerto Pollensa, a 40 minute drive away from Palma Airport. Before you go, the friendly Villa Plus team send you directions to find the villa which are very clear and easy to navigate. If you’re travelling with kids, you won’t hear “are we nearly there yet?” as the landmark roundabouts on the way will make the journey time go even faster. We spotted a Cockerel and an Aeroplane amongst others along the way.

There are many ways to reach your villa. We hired a car, but you can just as easily book a transfer from the airport. If you are planning on exploring the area, I’d recommend hiring a car, as it leaves you free to explore the delights that Majorca has to offer.

Our Villa

Villa Carla is a spacious 5 bedroom villa, full of character and plenty of space for the family. If you, like me, are a photography fan, you will be pleased to know the villa is surrounded by picturesque countryside and hills. There are huge gardens filled with fruit trees (the oranges were delicious!) and a spacious sun terrace with a table tennis and pool table, perfect for a competitive game of pool or table tennis with friends. There is so much to explore in the area, we didn’t even find time to finish one game while we were there. There is a large swimming pool, ideal for cooling off in the heat. The villa is private, safe and secure with its own gated driveway and pool fences can be installed if you are travelling with little ones. More importantly, it’s pristine inside and lots of care has been taken with little touches that make it a home from home, check out the garden gnomes! There are lots of restaurants nearby, however if you want to cook, you will find a spacious kitchen and, one for the men in the group, an outdoor barbecue and pizza oven.

Inside the villa, I was pleased to find a piano, and entertained (or maybe deafened) my two colleagues, Justine and Mark, several times during our stay. We also included a Starter Pack with all the essentials, meaning after a long day’s travelling we were able to relax and enjoy a much needed cuppa!

This villa is perfect if you want to get away from it all and relax in the Majorcan countryside.

Puerto Pollensa (picture of promenade and beach)

About a 5 minute drive from our villa is the traditional seaside port of Puerto Pollensa. This is a traditional town with bars, shops and restaurants to cater for everyone. If you like seafood, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the range of fresh fish at Brisamarina and Ca’n Josep restaurants. A great restaurant for all the family is El Bistro, with its bright décor and wide range of dishes from hamburgers to the more traditional tapas (the chicken croquets and patatas bravas were yummy!)

Whether you fancy a relaxing stroll along the promenade, a spot of shopping, sunbathing on the sandy beach, a paddle in the sea or something more active like canoeing or cycling, you can try it in Puerto Pollensa. In fact, on the day we left there was a cycling rally along the promenade.

If you want to explore inland Majorca and take a walk off the beaten track, there are plenty of walks for you to try. The Cala San Vincente and Beca Valley Walks take you out into the mountains and beautiful countryside and to explore some more of the hidden treasures of this beautiful island.

Pollensa

About a 5-10 minute drive from the villa is the historic (and hilly) town of Pollensa. Its windy streets, beautiful architecture, shops, bars and restaurants make it a must see on any Majorcan bucket list. Don’t forget to pack good walking shoes as there are lots of landmarks you can enjoy exploring the town on foot. The beautiful market square becomes a bustling centre on Wednesdays and Sundays where you will find a traditional Majorcan market. You can climb 365 steps up to Calvary church from which the views across the town are spectacular.

Alcudia

If sightseeing and historic towns aren’t your thing, you will still find plenty of things to do in Alcudia (about a 20 minute drive away.) Here you can let off steam by trying your hand at Go-Karting or spend a few hours at the Waterpark. There are lots of shops, bars and restaurants and the area is perfect if you are looking for a more active lifestyle with the family. The beautiful and historical Port D’Alcudia also offers a more relaxed pace of life with bars, shops and a market as well as a lovely bay which you can walk across and enjoy some fresh sea air.

Would I go back?

Without a doubt yes, and I’m not just saying that because I work for Villa Plus. With life in the UK getting busier and busier, it’s lovely to spend a few days getting away from it all, that’s what holidays are for! As a new employee to Villa Plus, the team and reps are on hand 24/7 and their expert local knowledge will help you explore a whole new side to Majorca you never knew existed. If you have any problems (which we didn’t experience) you can call them and they are always happy to help. The villas are well-equipped and looked after. The Majorcan countryside is stunning and offers the perfect contrast and antidote to UK city life. It’s clear to say I loved it. *checks diary* Now, when can I book my return trip?

If you’ve visited Majorca and have any tips or places to see, we’d love to hear them. Just comment below to let us know what you thought of your stay.