Europe Up Close

Formentor, Majorca’s Hidden Bay

Published/Revised June 12, 2014 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

When you think of Formentor in the northeastern section of the island of Majorca (Mallorca), picture a secluded, sheltered cove, a beautiful beach, swimming in crystal clear water, and being surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Getting To Formentor Bay Although scary, the view alone makes the drive to Formentor Bay on the famous Peninsula Road unforgettable. There are high cliffs ... Read Full Article

Cala Figuera – Mallorca’s Sleeping Beauty

Published/Revised August 21, 2009 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Cala Figuera, a tranquil and picturesque fishing village situated in a bay surrounded by cliffs, is one of the most scenic spots on the island of Mallorca and a world away from the tourist crowds. The setting is postcard picturesque with houses hanging off the cliffs above whitewashed boat houses with green colored doors. In the harbor below, sail boats peacefully rest on crystal clear turquoise ... Read Full Article

Valldemossa, Mallorca – an Inspirational Hideaway

Published/Revised December 28, 2010 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Drive the 17 km of winding roads from Palma and you will reach one of the most famous villages in Mallorca – Valldemossa. At 437 meters above sea level and with a beautiful setting in a valley surrounded by mountains – the village looks like it is taken from a fairytale. Painters come here for the wonderful light, writers and musicians for the inspiration. The famous pair Frédéric Chopin and ... Read Full Article

Spain’s Sophisticated Sóller, in the heart of Mallorca’s Tramuntana mountains

Published/Revised June 12, 2014 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

You need to travel to the north west side of Mallorca to find two of the most beautiful and sophisticated towns on the island  – Sóller, and the more chic beach resort Port de Sóller.  The Arabic name Sóller means “golden bowl” and it aptly describes the town’s breathtaking setting in a valley of orange, grapefruit and lemon trees. To get to Sóller, many tourists take the historic railway train ... Read Full Article

Palma de Mallorca – Pearl of the Mediterranean

Published/Revised June 12, 2014 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic islands, has it all - fantastic sandy beaches, hiking trails in the mountains, jetset harbours, ancient buildings and lots of history. If you are traveling in Spain, consider hoping on the ferry from Barcelona or catch a short flight to beautiful Palma de Mallorca. You will not regret it. Palma de Mallorca, the cosmopolitan capital of Mallorca with more ... Read Full Article