Top Mediterranean Islands For 2011 Holidays - Majorca
New places to discover on a holiday is often tempting
, and with cheap flights available for many destinations for many people affordable, but a recent poll shows that the traditional favourite locations are winning when it comes to a good holiday experience.The poll, conducted by Conde Nast Traveller and reported by Opodo shows that it's not Egypt, Turkey and Morocco that people have enjoyed, but Majorca, Sicily, Capri and Ibiza - islands that have seen tourists visiting for decades now, with many returning time and again, often after trying a new location to see how it compared.
A surprise to many, including perhaps the locals themselves, is that the Isle of Sky in Scotland also made it to the top ten island holiday destinations.
Opodo comment that 'The largest of Scotland's Inner Hebrides group of islands, Skye is well-known for its strong cultural scene, and especially its strong folk music tradition.'
Majorca has been popular for fifty years, from when jet travel allowed a large section of the population to consider a trip overseas, and holidays in Majorca have had enduring appeal ever since - but for first time visitors what can they expect to find?
A surprise for many is that the island isn't just about hotels, relaxing during the day, evenings out and the beach. Majorca is rich in culture and history such as the cathedral in Palma and many of the churches, as well as museums. Many architectural ruins and buildings date back more than a thousand years.
And there's first class live music for the younger generations who visit. The Mallorca Rocks Hotel opened to great reviews earlier this year. Based in Magaluf and sister hotel to the well known Ibiza Rocks, it's live shows between the end of May and mid September will attract many visitors, and serves as one of the best hotels in Majorca for the younger generations. With 330 rooms and world class acts it's quickly establishing itself as a summer destination in its own right.
The island is also good for families because of the number of amusement parks on the island. Aqualandia El Foro in Palma is a water park with mini golf and a wax museum as added attractions. Aquapark is another water park with a water castle and go-kart track that is generally enjoyed by all ages. Hydropark is a water park with a primary focus on the enjoyment of younger children. Aquacity S'Arenal is one of the largest water parks in the world. It features several water rides, a parrot show, petting zoo and mini golf. The Auto Safari is another major attraction for families, especially those with young children. The tour showcases many animals including monkeys, giraffes and zebras while the mini zoo gives an up close view of baby animals and reptiles.
For those who like the beach and the Mediterranean, there are a good number of blue flag beaches - awarded to the best holiday beaches in Europe for cleanliness and facilities. One of the best is Playa de Muro, close to Arinsal, and it's easy to access by car or public transport.
Another reason for the island's enduring popularity with tourists from the UK, Germany, Ireland and other European countries is that it's not a long flight, and the price of flights to Majorca has come down in recent years, with low cost airlines operating out of regional airports cutting the cost of flights to Majorca to make it affordable for many families.
As well as the traditional beach holiday, the number of people taking holidays in the island's countryside has increased, with farms and fincas often offering accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with some also offering evening meals and lunch too. For those who are close to the beach but want to see some of rural Majorca, a good way to see it is on the train that runs between the capital Palma and Soller.
In 2011 don't be surprised if Majorca is well within the top ten for holiday destinations again!
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