Guide to Mallorca

The jewel in the crown of the Balearics. As the name suggests Mallorca is the largest of the four islands. Bathed in sunshine for most of the year this exquisite destination offers everything from sophisticated city centres to secluded coves and lush green countryside. Swathed in history and culture the seafront capital, Palma de Mallorca possesses a singular beauty. Named the best place in the world to live by the ‘Sunday Times’ UK, Palma is a cosmopolitan city centre, overlooked by a majestic cathedral begun by King James I of Aragon in 1229 but only finished in 1601.

The old town displays influences of its many ancestors, including Roman, Byzantine and Muslim and is a strikingly vibrant jumble of narrow streets and historic homes. Property prices in the city centre are higher due to its exclusivity. Demand for real estate also reach optimum levels in the market district of Santa Catalina with its selection of cosmopolitan bars and restaurants, the old fishing village of Portixol and the quieter area of Palma, Calatrava. Bellver and the northern suburbs of Palma offer more affordable options for property purchase.

Just a short drive from the capital is the illustrious marina of Puerto Portals and no fewer than three excellent golf courses, inspiring the development of luxury homes in secluded locations boasting magnificent views. The town of Andratx in the southwest of Mallorca is rich in both culture and local amenities and except on the Wednesday market day, offers a peaceful environment and slow pace of life. Properties here range from contemporary apartments and townhouses in the centre to ancient fincas on the outskirts.

The peninsula of Formentor, which lies at the most northerly tip of the island boasts a prestigious history of visitors including royalty and Hollywood stars who flocked to the iconic Hotel Formentor.

Very few properties are fortunate enough to claim this location and fewer still are available to purchase. Puerto Pollensa is a favourite destination for visitors from around the world. Starting life as a rustic fishing village, its stunning seafront first attracted tourism back in the 1920s. Tastefully developed for holidaymakers Puerto Pollensa has retained its historic charm alongside its original accommodations such as the Hotel Miramar and Hotel Illa d’Or which both remain perfectly preserved. Inland, the town of Pollensa is graced by 17th and 18th century houses, a handsome church dating from around 1236, and a magnificent 17th century convent. Idyllic Cala Sant Vincens, to the west of Pollensa features an incredibly picturesque bay and, with fewer winter residents offers a secluded off-season getaway.

At the northernmost point of Mallorca Alcudia was founded by the Phoenicians and is believed to be the most ancient settlement in the Balearic Islands. It boasts a picturesque old town featuring a myriad of narrow, pedestrianised streets. By contrast Puerto Alcudia was largely developed in the 1980s and provides many hotels alongside a wealth of facilities for holidaymakers along the length of its sweeping stretch of fine sandy beach which covers 14km to the resort of Can Picafort. This area tends to be popular with the British market looking for holiday homes, due to the excellent range of facilities including golf courses, water sports and cycling routes.

There has, however, been a recent surge in demand for property in this region from the Spanish market. As we journey down the east coast of Mallorca, we see a number of more established holiday resorts such as Cala Ratjada and Cala Millor in the northeast and Porto Colom, Cala D’Or and S’Arenal to the south.