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