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