The Balearic Islands are a Spanish province situated in the Mediterranean east of Spain. Of the 150+ islands in the archipelago, only five are populated. Mallorca (a.k.a. Majorca) is the largest and most populous of them all. Ibiza is a well-known party island, but Mallorca has a reputation among Europeans for being a party island as well. Mallorca is known for its sandy beaches, scenic coastline and wide variety of terrain, from lush lowlands to majestic mountains.

 

  Mallorca’s countryside is distinguished by the presence of over 3000 windmills, some dating back to the 1600s. The grain-grinding mills are noted for their peaked tops and wooden vanes. Most of the windmills were used for water extraction. In some places, a dozen or more windmills are visible from the same point. Most are in various states of disrepair, but the windmills are a distinctive feature of the Mallorcan landscape.

 

  Our tour, titled “Mallorcan Medley” included a rural restaurant where we sampled delicious Mallorcan foods. Sobrassada, a spreadable spicy sausage, is one of Mallorca’s signature foods. We tasted Mallorcan olives, cooked peppers (one of my favorites), empanadas, calamari and several other local dishes. We sampled straight Mallorcan vermouth on ice, some local wines, and Tunel… an unusual liqueur flavored with anise seed and other Mediterranean herbs and spices.

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  Mallorca has been characterized in many different ways. Whether you're turned on by history, architecture, food, scenery, beaches... or you're just looking for a good party, Mallorca has something for you.