Sports...
by russian_yaz
The sports facilities in Mallorca have been in a constant phase of improvement in recent years; in addition, a grand incentive was provided by the exceptional circumstances created by the celebration of the University Olympic Games in 1999. These proved to be one of the most outstanding sporting events in the history of the island. The infrastructure resulting from the organisation of the games can be enjoyed by both residents and visitors as well, who are already far from being at a loss for opportunities to do sports throughout the year.
While Mallorca's nautical potential is well known, its gentle climate during the winter, from the point of view of the cyclist, is perhaps less so. A large and growing number of teams choose the island as a winter training ground when the cold strikes other latitudes.
Equestrian sports are also very well established. Show jumping competitions such as the Trofeu de Su Alteza Real Infanta Elena and the trotting races in Palma and Manacor are two examples of the importance of such sport in Mallorca.
The island also offers great opportunities and conditions for minority aerial sports, from hang-gliding and skydiving to flying ultralights.
Nonetheless, the star sports are all those carried out in or on the water. Mallorca has an intimate relationship with the sea, with nearly 20,000 moorings in its marinas. It should then be no surprise that maritime competitions, especially regattas, dot its calendar. Events of recognized international prestige include, among others, the Princesa Sofía Trophy, the Copa de Su Majestad el Rey and the Trofeo Almirante Conde de Barcelona.
If your passions run to diving, water-skiing, game fishing, windsurfing or any other sport related to the sea, you cannot fail to find occasions to enjoy your favourite pursuits or schools in which to sharpen and perfect your skills.
Packing List
by Sgt_Chop
Bring whatever style bags you like but I recommend that you bring enought clothes. Most hotels cost a arm and a leg to wash your clothes Bring your swimsuit and beach stuff. Also bring some dress clothes if you plan on going out to the clubs. BRING some sun lotion. I was there for a week and it was sunny, about 80 degrees, and no rain everyday. Bring extra batteries for you video camera unless you can recharge them on 220 volts. Beaches are great and plenty of sunshine.
Tren de Soller
by Fam_Stoica
Inaugurated in 1905 and electrified in 1929, the Palma - Soller railway has become a popular tourist trip. There are 5 trains daily at 8.00, 10.40 (this is a special tourist train), 13.00, 15.15, and 19.45; the return trips from Soller are at 6.45, 9.15, 11.50, 14.10, 18.20 and the final one at 21.00.
The trip takes one hour and the special tourist trip stops for photography.
Cathedral
by solopes
Started in 1230 and finished in 1601 it's a Gothic church, with the large size usual in that style, dominating most of the views in downtown Palma.
Damaged by an earthquake in the 19th century, the reconstruction of the facade introduced mixed styles in some of its elements.
Palacio de la Almudaina
by Tolik
Palau de l'Almudaina (or Palacio de la Almudaina ) stands opposite the cathedral entrance. The Palace was orginally a citadel built by the Moorish governors. The citadel had a solid outer wall (much of which is still standing today) that sheltered a rectangular building complete with five towers.
King Jaime II modified the original citadel to a large extent to combine the solidity of the original Moslem construction with the rich appointments and comfortable design required by the Majorcan court. Today, the Almudaina Palace houses the "Capitania General", or Harbor Office, of the Balearic Islands. It contains numerous works of art, including Flemish tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries that illustrate episodes from Spanish history; 17th and 18th century Spanish tapestries; and banners decorated with scenes from the battle of Lepanto (1571), which the Spanish and Venetian fleets jointly defeated the Turkish fleet.
The shady gardens with numerous fountains in front of the palace were designed by S´Hort del Rei.
Palau de l'Almudaina (April–Sept Mon–Fri 10am–6.30pm, Sat 10am–2pm; Oct–March Mon–Fri 10am–2pm & 4–6pm; €2.70, but free on Wed to EU citizens).
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Palma de Mallorca
Palacio Real de la Almudaina (Palma de Mallorca,Sp
Urns with trailing fern, palm trees in Garden
La Seu Cathedral, Palma de Mallorca
