Quality Holidays For Single Parent Families

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Single Parent Holiday - Extra Information

This page contains some useful information about Majorca, its history and culture, we hope you will find it useful and interesting.

Majorca Information

 
A BRIEF HISTORY
Majorca (or Mallorca to give it its correct local spelling) is part of the Balearic Islands.  The Islands lie in the Mediterranean Sea 82 km east of the Spanish mainland.  As the largest island, Majorca is roughly 100 kms from east to west and at 3640 square km is five times as big as Menorca. (Its sister islands are Ibiza and Menorca).

On Mallorca you will find many ancient towns and villages, wooded hillsides, valleys, mountains, olive groves, sheltered bays and coves and lovely sandy beaches with crystal clear sea.  The coastline stretches for some 555 kms and each year the island attracts in the region of 10 million tourists a year attracted by the climate, the beaches and the beautiful scenery.

The history of Spain starts from 11th century BC; it was colonized by Eastern Mediterranean civilizations, starting with the Phoenicians then the Greeks and the Carthaginians. The Romans arrived in 218BC to fight the Carthaginians, this sparked off the Second Punic War. They harvested the peninsulas agricultural and mineral wealth and established cities with aqueducts, temples and theatres.

Until 1975 Spain was governed by the Franca dictatorship, now Spain is a constitutional monarchy of 17 autonomous communities, including the off-shore territories of the Balearics and the Canaries (off Africa’s north-western shares).

When King Juan Carlos came to power, Spain quickly encouraged the growth of the tourism industry that brought so many of us to her shores. The British have fallen in love with Spain as a holiday, golfing and weekend destination and many British now also own Spanish homes and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle and Spanish culture.

Majorca summers enjoy on average 10 hours of sunshine with temperatures rising to the mid 30s°C during July and August.  Such highs mean the sea waters are also very warm and sea temperatures can rise to a pleasant 26°C at the height of the summer.

Majorca’s calas (or coves) are quieter and very pretty.  They indent the fjord-like coastline especially in the south east of the island where the high, cliffs often shelter white ribbons of sand at the end of these small inlets backed by shady pines.   The waters are blue, clear and ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving, boating and fishing.   Majorcan summers have delighted millions of visitors to the island since the mid-sixties as they unwind and immerse themselves in the beautiful Mediterranean surroundings.

CITY OF PALMA
The beautiful city of Palma is famous for many things, not least its huge marina and popular cruise ship destination.  Probably Palma’s most famous landmark is the awesome cathedral – La Seu.

Situated on the water’s edge, work on the Cathedral began in 1230 and was not finished until 1601, some 371 years later (we all know builders like that!).  When in Palma, a visit to the cathedral should certainly be on your to-do list.

Palma’s Castell de Bellver (Bellver Castle) was begun in 1309 and sits on the hills overlooking the city and the sea beyond.  Framed by thick pinewoods the castle stood as a signal to all-comers that the island’s rulers were firmly in control.  Bellver means good view and that is what you will enjoy when standing on the castle roof.

CALA EGOS
A small, safe and pleasant resort on the outskirts of Cala d’Or and perfect for families.  Cala Egos is not a ‘loud or over the top’ resort which is one of the reasons Small Families chose Cala Egos as a suitable family destination.  The small town centre is less than 3 minutes walk from the Hotel Corfu and has all the facilities you probably need, including banks, ATM’s, internet café, a variety of small shops, bars, restaurants, hairdressers and taxi rank.

There is a pleasant little fairground (Talaia Park) for the kiddies, which include go-karts, motorbike rides, water bumper cars, trampolines, air hockey, donkey rides and much more, there’s also a bar for the parents to relax while the kiddies play.  The area boasts natural beauty combined with a pleasant bustle, safe swimming and a whole range of sports including golf, tennis, snorkelling, fishing, cycling and windsurfing.  

The fascinating marina (Cala Llonga) is home to some amazing yachts and power boats and is well worth a visit and a relaxing drink.  The marina can be reached easily on foot from the Hotel Corfu or in minutes by taxi or the regular tourist ‘Noddy Train’.  Cala Egos is just a one hour drive from Palma and is reached on excellent roads.

Language 
Spain has a rich linguistic heritage. There are four official languages; Castilian Spanish (the most commonly spoken), Catalan (used in Catalunya and the Balearics), Basque (spoken in the Basque regions of both France and Spain) and, finally, Galician. As if that weren't enough, there are a number of local dialects such as Valéncian and Andulucian. This is all part of the diverse culture of Spain.

Wine
Spain is the world’s third largest wine producer.  Rioja is Spain’s best loved variety; it’s a highly distinctive, full bodied wine available in both red and white.

 THINGS TO DO / PLACES TO GO - (CALA D’ OR / CALA EGOS)

Glass bottom boat
A daily trip boat which you can board right from the beach outside the Hotel Marina Corfu, no pre-booking is required, just pay onboard.  There are three different itineraries to choose from, ranging from 2 to 4 hour cruises visiting the numerous coves en-route.  Refreshments and wc’s are available onboard. 

Sea Rider 1 and 2
High and very high speed boat rides.  Sea Rider operates from the marina and range from 35 mins to 60 mins trips at speeds of 40 and 65 knots respectively.  These are truly quick boats! 

Car / motorbike / moped / bicycle hire
These are all available locally or can be booked via the reception in the Hotel Corfu.
 

 THINGS TO DO / PLACES TO GO - (PALMA)

Western Water Park – Magaluf
Situated on the outskirts of Palma, Western Water Park has every waterborne ride you could possibly want and then some!  Ideal for the young and the not so young, plenty of sunbeds, snack bars and restaurants. A great day out.

Aqualand – Magaluf
Similar venue to the water park with some great rides. For more information check out www.aqualand.es

Marineland
A fabulous centre with amazing animals. For more information check out www.marineland.es

Nemo – Magaluf
Majorca’s tourist submarine.  Safe state of the art submarine.  Dive to 90 feet and experience another world.

Pirates
World famous and truly unique with a 22 year run.  The most exiting show Majorca has to offer with an international cast.  Pirates break through the generation gap with an experience you’ll never forget. www.piratesadventure.com

Son Amar
An amazing spectacular show, music, dance, fabulous food and much more.  Not the cheapest night out but one you’ll not forget in a hurry. www.sonamar.com

All the above listed excursions can be booked individually through the Hotel Corfu.  However, as part of our service, your Small Families host will be happy to arrange any of the above as a private excursion just for our group and with our own private transport, (subject to sufficient numbers wishing to book).  Such an arrangement gives us total control in respect of how we wish to schedule the excursion.

GOLF IN MAJORCA
In Majorca there is an extensive range of beautiful golf courses located across the island.  The closest course to the Hotel Corfu is at Vall D’Or www.valldorgolf.com  located between Cala d ‘Or and Porto Colom.  

There are 15 courses in total dotted all over Majorca, so there is never one far away.  With the all year round weather Majorca has become one of the top destinations for a golfers and golfing holidays.  To check out other golf courses in Majorca go to www.balearnet.com/mallorca/wheregolf.htm   

 GENERAL INFORMATION

• The Currency used is the Euro
• Majorca runs one hour ahead of GMT.
• Visa's are not required if you are a member of the EU, as long as your stay is below 90 days.
• Water is safe to drink, but not recommended due to the taste!  Bottled water is widely available.
• The Spanish Embassy number is; 020 7235 5555
• Cash machines are widely available.
• The Voltage in Majorca is 220V – and requires European adapter.
• Shops (except most tourist shops) generally close from 1pm to 4.30pm, but then remain open until about 8pm.
• Banks are generally open from 9am – 2pm Monday to Fridays
• Be aware of ticket touts, they may be selling illegal trips on the streets and beaches.