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Mallorca: The Island of Joy
Sometimes, travel experiences are so vivid that the memories of them remain fresh for years. Anastasia Kadushkina, a Supply Planning Specialist at Beko and IHP, shared such a trip with our magazine. She and her family spent their vacation in the distant Mallorca in 2016.
Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea. It belongs to Spain. The capital of both the island and the entire archipelago is Palma, the largest port city.

Anastasia Kadushkina,

Supply Planning Specialist at Beko and IHP

In my childhood, I often heard the song 'May you dream of Palma de Mallorca...,' and in September 2016, the day finally came when my family and I journeyed to this magical island. The memories were so vivid that I feel the need to share them.

St. Mary's Cathedral 

Journey to the XIII century: monasteries, basilicas, cathedrals

Mallorca’s architecture showcases elements from various historical periods. Moorish baths sit alongside Islamic arches, European palaces blend with Catholic churches, and Gothic cathedrals stand next to Renaissance buildings.

On the way from the airport to the hotel, we were already treated to stunning views. The majestic Cathedral of St. Mary, or La Seu as the locals call it, unfolded before us in all its glory. This Gothic cathedral, with its unique facade and numerous stained-glass windows, was built between 1229 and 1601.

Valldemosa is a town founded as early as the 13th century

Of course, we made an effort to visit as many of the island’s ancient landmarks as possible. We explored the remarkable Basilica of St. Francis, with its quirky Gothic cloister and Baroque facade, founded in 1281.

We also visited the fairytale town of Valldemossa, which has been enchanting visitors since the 13th century. Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by the picturesque Sierra de Tramontana mountains, the town’s buildings are adorned with handcrafted clay plaques celebrating the local saint Catalina Tomas. Valldemossa is home to an ancient Carthusian monastery, founded in 1399 on the ruins of a Moorish palace. In the winter of 1839, it became a refuge for lovers Frédéric Chopin and George Sand. Today, their admirers from around the world visit this romantic destination.

Another unforgettable experience was our visit to the Catholic monastery of Lluc (Santuari de Lluc), perched in the mountains at 525 meters above sea level. This active monastery houses the statue of the Madonna of Lluc, miraculously discovered in the 13th century, in a dedicated chapel. The monastery’s museum displays a wealth of archaeological artifacts and historical exhibits, with religious paintings from past centuries being particularly captivating. Surrounding the monastery is a beautiful botanical garden, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Parque de Ses Estaciones is the transportation center of Palma de Mallorca. All transportation is underground!

Where land and sea meet

At the northernmost tip of Mallorca lies Cape Formentor, known as the meeting point of the winds. We were awestruck by its beauty: emerald-green mountains, winding serpentine roads, the crashing foamy waves we adore, and the ancient lighthouse perched atop a hill.

Another remarkable and popular spot is the Dragon Cave (Cuevas del Drach). These are four large caves, 25 meters deep, connected to one another and stretching about 4 kilometers in length. According to local legend, the Templars and pirates used these caves to hide their treasures. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The caves are located on the rugged northeastern coast, near the port town of Porto Cristo. Inside, there are six underground lakes: Martel, Delicias, Negro, and three smaller ones.

We were fortunate enough to attend a classical music concert during our cave tour. The musicians performed on special boats floating across the underground lake, while the audience enjoyed the music from a cozy corner of the French Grotto. The performance was accompanied by a light show that mimicked the rising sun: a soft light emanating from deep within the earth gradually illuminated the entire space around us.

On the streets of Soller

Orange City

We spent the entire day traveling to the town of Sóller on a vintage train, passing through several tunnels along a very scenic route. It is believed that the town's name originates from the Arabic "Sulyar" ("golden valley"), due to the abundance of orange groves in the surrounding area. In Sóller, you can find some of the most striking examples of European architecture from the past 300 years. On Constitution Square, the Church of San Bartomeu, built before 1236 and renovated in the early 20th century as a fine example of modernism, sits alongside the 1909 Banco de Sóller building and the 19th-century-styled town hall. Narrow streets, charming cafes, and plenty of places to stroll and relax.

Mallorca impressed us with its beauty—picturesque bays, rocky shores, sandy beaches, and unique ancient architecture. The weather was perfect—the entire vacation had no cloudy days.
Interesting Facts
1
The city of Palma de Mallorca was named after the palm wreath used by the Roman consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus when the city was founded in 123 BC.
2
The island is conventionally divided into German and English areas.
3
Bullfighting is very popular in Mallorca. The main bullfighting arena, located in the heart of the island's capital, can accommodate 12,000 spectators.
4
Under current law, nudism is fully legalized here. This means that there are no restrictions on nude sunbathing at any beach on the island.
5
The local oceanarium houses the best collection of coral in the entire European subcontinent. The complex's 56 aquariums are home to 8,000 marine species.
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