Discover ancient Mallorca
Go beyond Mallorca’s beaches and visitors will discover the island’s fascinating history, Moorish past, ancient architecture including castles and monasteries, plus centuries-old farmhouses and character properties to stay in. Accommodation and self-catering specialist, Mallorca Farmhouses, picks out historic places not to miss and nearby accommodation for a truly authentic Mallorcan holiday. What’s more, the company is offering up to 50 per cent off selected properties during autumn.
Palma Old Town - Dominated by the impressive 13th-century Gothic Cathedral, Palma’s old town is a maze of narrow lanes and cobbled streets filled with tapas bars, leafy squares, Renaissance palaces and beautiful churches. Evidence of Mallorca’s Moorish past can also be seen in the original city walls. Simply stroll on foot to enjoy the architecture and don’t miss the 14th-century medieval Bellver Castle and the museum of contemporary art.
Stay: San Pere is a one-bedroom apartment located in a Mallorquin Moorish Palace in La Llonja, dating from 900-1200 AD. Beautifully renovated, it has a master bedroom with en suite, spacious sitting room with a private terrace and is right in the heart of the old town. Prices start from £706 per week, sleeps two.
Pollenca Old Town - Although Pollenca has become one of Mallorca’s most popular tourist spots, its residing feature is that it still appears unspoilt with narrow streets flanked by tall honey-coloured stone houses with wooden shutters, pretty churches, a large square surrounded by restaurants, and all of this with the dramatic backdrop of the Tramuntana Mountains. Don’t miss the tree-lined walk up the 365 steps to the Calvari Church where the views over the city are stunning.
Stay: The four-bedroom Finca Bennassar is one of the finest character farmhouses in the Pollenca area, owned by the Bennassar family for more than 200 years. Expertly restored and oozing charm and traditional features, it has a private 13 metre pool, large grounds with olive and almond trees, a separate BBQ casita with covered dining terrace and an ancient well feature. Prices start from £957 per week, sleeps eight.
Felanitx - The finest building in this bigger town is the church of San Miguel with a large rose window which overlooks one of the main squares. However, just outside of Felanitx is San Salvador Monastery, perched on a ridge at the top of a hill over 500 metres high. It’s the last of Mallorca’s monasteries to lose its monks in the early 1990’s and now houses a church and café. But it’s also one of the most scenic view points in the area and well worth a trip.
Stay: The eight-bedroom Finca Son Rito is a large country estate, with parts of the original semi stone-clad house dating back over 400 years. Completely modernised and extended, the main house has four bedrooms, while the newer annexe houses a further four bedrooms and an additional living room. Plus there’s a huge pool house with a separate kitchen, BBQ, games area, sound system and shower. Prices start from £2,917 per week, sleeps 16.
Mallorca Farmhouses is offering up to 50 per cent discount on last-minute bookings in September and October. For more information, visit mallorca.co.uk.
