| Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is so | | | | the next morning. Then for a whole two weeks |
| well-known as to be practically synonymous with sun, | | | | (14-29 January), the Balearic capital of Palma comes |
| sea, sand and summer holidays. Tourists from all over | | | | alive with celebrations of its patron saint, Sebastian - |
| Europe flock to the Mediterranean, and about ten | | | | it's a perfect opportunity for visitors to see and take |
| million each year follow the lead of the Spanish Royal | | | | part in a traditional Spanish fiesta. The festivities |
| Family and spend their holidays in Majorca. | | | | include street parties with live music, bonfires and |
| Visiting Majorca in winter, on the other hand, can | | | | fireworks, fancy dress parades and huge outdoor |
| provide a good way to avoid the crowds and | | | | barbecue feasts. |
| excellent chances to explore more of this beautiful | | | | Prices for accommodation drop by around |
| island, particularly for travellers who are looking for | | | | €20 per night in the 'low season' after the |
| sporting activities and adventures. The mild climate | | | | summer rush. Some of the most tourist-focused |
| lends itself to year-round outdoor activity, so the | | | | establishments may be closed during winter but a |
| popular pastimes of hiking, cycling, horse riding, sailing, | | | | massive selection of quality hotels in Majorca remains |
| diving and watersports - jet skiing is much loved - are | | | | open throughout the year. Along with the scores of |
| still available in the winter months and generally more | | | | three and four-star all-inclusive beach resorts - most |
| comfortable to take part in when the weather is a | | | | suitable for large groups of holidaymakers - there are |
| little cooler. Away from the beaches, the island | | | | some exclusive, five-star designer hotels, aparthotels |
| boasts some stunning mountain scenery, pine forests | | | | and around cities, converted mansions, manor houses |
| and caves to explore. | | | | and villas are found. |
| Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, as | | | | Many of these locally-owned hotels boast excellent |
| with all the Catholic Spanish territories, Majorca has a | | | | cuisine, so are a good place to sample local specialities |
| wonderfully festive atmosphere with lots of | | | | such as seafood paella, the spicy, warming |
| entertainments and treats especially for children. And | | | | Sobrassada sausage, wild mushrooms and olives, and |
| the party is by no means over in January - early in | | | | the locals' pride, almond cake and almond ice-cream. |
| the New Year, Spanish children celebrate the arrival | | | | There are also some fine local wines, mainly using the |
| of the Three Kings (los Reyes Magos), with a huge | | | | Tempranillo (grenache) grape and the local varietals |
| parade in the evening, gifts and sweets being given | | | | Callet and Manto Negro. |