With its rich history and age-old traditions, Mallorca offers a wealth of cultural events to keep islanders entertained all year round. But for those looking for a less hectic social calendar, pick and choose from our selection of museums, markets and events, and while away the sunny days at your own pace.
An Island steeped in history
The rustic beauty of Mallorca was first formed when the island was discovered by the Romans in the 8th century. For five centuries they brought peace and prosperity, along with wine, olives and Christianity, and constructed cities at Pollentia (now Alcudia) and Palmaria (Palma). Further conquests by Vandals, Byzantines and Moors finally saw the Islanders surrender in 902. Early Roman buildings, public baths, historic towns and villages with their houses, churches and windmills dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries are still prominent today.
Leaping forward through time, past further invasions and civil wars; in 1960 the pulse of mass tourism began to beat in Mallorca, with beaches, hotels and the island's airport proving the pull which would see tourism replace agriculture and fishing as Mallorca's main source of income.
Since the mass tourism bubble burst, a new, more attractive, greener and more sophisticated face of Mallorca has slowly appeared. From rustic property and fincas to luxury villas, Mallorca has something for everyone. And celebrities from far and wide now favour Mallorca's exclusive resorts, stunning coastline and peaceful lifestyle.
With such a long and dramatic history, the museums of Mallorca are a must-visit cultural attraction. Below are some of the best:
Museu Diocesà, Palma
Housed in the former Episcopal Palace, this treasure trove contains archaeological artifacts, ceramics, coins, books and paintings spanning the 13th to 16th centuries.
Museu de Mallorca, Palma
The palace that houses this terrific museum dates from 1634. The collections present a full and well-documented range of Mallorcan artifacts, from the prehistoric up to fine examples of Modernista furniture.
Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani, Palma
Spotlighting the contributions of Spanish artists to the global art scene, here you'll find works by Picasso, Miró, Dalí and Gris, and also Mallorca's greatest modern painter, Miquel Barceló (see Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani, Fundació March).
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró, Palma
A museum devoted to Mallorcan-born artist Miró's work; previously inhabited by the artist himself during his final years.
Museu Municipal de Valldemossa
The range of objects on display is vast and eclectic, such as the history of printing in Mallorca, the work of the Austrian Archduke Luis Salvador, paintings inspired by the mountains of the Tramuntana, and important works by modern masters.
Museu de Lluc
An interesting hotchpotch of prehistoric artifacts, Roman finds, ceramics (including some lovely majolica), religious pieces, and an exhaustive array of works by 20th century Valdemossan artist Josep Coll Bardolet.
Museu Municipal de Pollença
In a former Dominican convent, the museum includes prehistoric sculptures shaped like bulls and an exquisite Tibetan sand painting given by the Dalai Lama in 1990.
Museu Monogràfic, Alcúdia
This small but beautifully designed museum houses all the finds from ancient Roman Pollentia, such as cult figures, weights and measures, surgical instruments, needles, games, jewellery and gladiatorial gear.
Museu Etnològic, Muro
Fascinating glimpses into Mallorca's past include a recreated traditional kitchen pharmacy. There is a fine collection of siurells (Mallorcan clay whistles) featuring men on horseback.
Museu Gordiola
A fine exhibition of how Mallorcan glass is made and a museum dedicated to the history of glassmaking, from ancient Mesopotamia to the very latest high-style creations of the Murano works in Italy or Steuben in the US (see Gordiola Glassworks).
The Spanish are known for their love of fiestas, and the Mallorcans are no exception. As each town or village has its own Saint's day, celebrated by villagers and locals for miles around, you'll never be to far from a fiesta! Some of the biggest and the best can be found below.
January 5th
Parade of the Three Kings in Palma, Port de Pollença and Puerto Portals.
January 17th
Revolta, the feast of Saint Antoni in Palma, Sa Pobla and Artá
January 19th
San Sebastian, the patron saint of Palma
Weekend before lent
Sa Rua, carnival time in Palma!
Easter
Semana Santa, holy week in Palma
Last Sunday of September
Autumn wine festival, Binissalem
For smaller, more localised fiestas, take a look at IBATUR's homepage: www.ibatur.es
There are dozens of weekly markets held all around the island of Mallorca; most begin in the morning, from as early as 8am. Below are some of our favourites:
Wednesday
Sineu - one of the oldest markets in Mallorca. Originally an agricultural and animal market, here you'll find farmers offering sun-dried tomatoes, strings of garlic, cured sausages and local fruit, flowers and vegetables alongside Spanish and African traders selling pottery, lace and their ethnic crafts. Mallorca's only remaining livestock market at Plaça Es Fossar is only a short wander away and not to be missed.
Sunday
Santa Maria & Consell are so close it's worth visiting both together. Although small, the Consell Flea Market houses many a bargain from some truly unique stalls. Move on then to Santa Maria market - one of the best in Mallorca - and you'll find anything and everything from fruit, vegetables and dried meats to shoes, handbags, plants and pets.
General market days, island-wide are set out below:
Monday
Caimari, Calvià, Lloret, Lluc, Manacor & Montuiri.
Tuesday
Alcúdia, El Arenal, Artà, Campanet, Ca'n Picafort - Llubí, Lluc, Porreres & Sta. Margalida.
Wednesday
Andratx, Capdepera, Colónia Sant Jordi, Llucmajor, Lluc, Marratxi, Petra, Port de Pollença, Santanyí, Selva, Sencelles, Sineu & Vilafranca.
Thursday
Ariany, Campos, Inca, Lluc, Ses Salines, Sant Joan, Llorenç.
Friday
Algaida, Binissalem, Can Picafort, Llucmajor, Lluc, Maria de la Salut, Marratxi, Sta. Eugénia & Son Ferrer.
Saturday
Alaró, Buger, Bunyola, Campos, Cala Ratjada, Costitx, Esporles, Lloseta, Lluc, Muro, Santa Margalida, Santanyi & Sóller.
Sunday
Alcúdia, Consell (Flea Market), Felanitx, Inca, Llucmajor, Lluc, Muro, Sa Pobla, Pollensa, Porto Cristo, Santa Maria, & Valldemossa.