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