Illustration of an oversized woman embracing Palma Cathedral

In Mallorca Life’s More Than a Beach

Five facts about Mallorca that will surprise you

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2 min read
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1) Mallorca’s cuisine is world-renowned. From sweet to spicy, the island is a foodie’s paradise. It’s no surprise that not one, but two local dishes have been awarded the prestigious protected geographical indication (PGI) status by the EU: the spicy sobrasada sausage and the sweet ensaïmada pastry. These culinary highlights can’t be produced or bought anywhere outside of Mallorca. 

Illustration on the left: two women, one with a sobrasada sausage wrapped around her neck, the other with the  ensaïmada pastry on her head. Illustration on the right: the Porto Pí Lighthouse with a figure on the beam of light

2) Mallorca has a rich history and the Porto Pí Lighthouse, which is over 800 years old, is part of it. It is the third-oldest working lighthouse in the world, and the second oldest in Spain. 

3) Did you know that the stunning landscapes of the Tramuntana mountains were declared a World Heritage Site in 2011? It’s easy to see why. This mountain range features picturesque towns, challenging climbs, and crystal-clear lakes. 

Left: illustration of a man lying on the beach and thinking of the Tramuntana mountain range. Right: an oversized woman embracing Palma Cathedral

4) Palma Cathedral has what is thought to be the largest rose window in the world, measuring 13 meters in diameter. Twice a year, on February 2 and November 11, this large round window projects a breathtaking pattern of light and color onto the wall in the early hours of the morning, forming a shape that resembles the number 8.

5) Mallorca is home to one of the largest underground lakes in the world. It’s hidden in the Cuevas del Drach, a subterranean cave system close to Porto Cristo that was first mentioned in 1338. Visitors can take a boat trip along the 117-meter-long Martel Lake for a truly magical experience.

Illustration of a submarine emerging from the 117-meter-long Martel Lake
(all illustrations © Sylvia Neuner)

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