RFI: Majorca/Minorca

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We're contemplating a vacay on one of the above next spring with another couple with kids. It's all about the beach and whatnot, so who can complain, but preliminary research makes the former sound a bit horrible in terms of resort-y-ness while the other sounds a bit desolate and dull. Compare and contrast? Must do's or must don'ts?

― Lee G (Lee G), Monday, 17 November 2003 15:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Minorca home of GIN. And Garlic Mayonaise (and indeed Mayonaise). I've not been to the Jorca but I liked the Norca. The big problem is that the most interesting bit (Port Mahon) is the other side of the island to the beachy bits. But purty.

― Pete (Pete), Monday, 17 November 2003 15:27 (twenty-two years ago)

Mayo rocks.

― Spinktor the Unmerciful (mawill5), Monday, 17 November 2003 15:29 (twenty-two years ago)

Majorca does have a few patches of extreme nice-ness, but can indeed be resort hell. Not sure if that will be such a problem in Spring, though.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Monday, 17 November 2003 15:30 (twenty-two years ago)

I have only been to Majorca, and in the winter to boot. The beach part that I saw was indeed dreadful English/German pub-tacky. I understand other, more remote parts of the island are nicer.

BUT, the city of Palma de Majorca is stunning. One of Europe's best kept secrets that is, of course, not a secret at all. Beautiful cathedral, beautiful smaller churches, arab ruins from the 13th century, a winding, narrow cityscape based on the old arab city, orange trees. I was really surprised and charmed by the city.

So if you have a chance to take a day to walk around the Palma old town, I suspect you'd be glad you did.

― Skottie, Monday, 17 November 2003 15:30 (twenty-two years ago)

I would go to the latter. It's a very pretty island, but I guess it depends what you want out of a holiday.

― Pinkpanther (Pinkpanther), Monday, 17 November 2003 15:33 (twenty-two years ago)

Well, as mentioned, it's two couples with young kids. Nightlife is not so much a concern, but it'd be good to see a sight or two and spend a little time in a nice town in between dips.

― Lee G (Lee G), Monday, 17 November 2003 15:44 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh, and early June is more likely than actual spring.

― Lee G (Lee G), Monday, 17 November 2003 15:46 (twenty-two years ago)

Menorca is pretty dull i must admit - i go there most summers cos i have family there but probably wouldnt go otherwise. Having said that i quite like boring places and lie down and do nothing kinds of holidays.

Cuitadella in the west and Mao in the east are both interesting but wherever you are you will be near one or the other. For what its worth i have been round quite a few resorts on menorca and i would reccomend Cala'n Bosch for a decent balace between scenic-ness and stuff to do for kids and adults.

― jed (jed_e_3), Monday, 17 November 2003 15:49 (twenty-two years ago)

just went to majorca/mallorca a few weeks ago on a lastminute type deal. chose it because it was really cheap and sunny.

the 'town' we were in was really quite terrible, but i knew what to expect. kids would probably enjoy that kind of stuff. the beaches were lovely there.

but we hired a car at the airport, and saw more of the island and i was really impressed. especially with the town of pollenca (the bit on the water, not inland), which seemed less tacky, oriented to watersports and beach, and just nice.

we also drove into the mountains on the west coast and swam in a clear cove that was just beautiful.

i guess i'm just trying to say that you can escape the touristy stuff if you want to, i really enjoyed myself!

― colette (a2lette), Monday, 17 November 2003 15:56 (twenty-two years ago)

That helps. Gracias all around.

― Lee G (Lee G), Monday, 17 November 2003 21:20 (twenty-two years ago)

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