Mallorca Remains Germany's Top Flight Destination
Mallorca – the object of German longing
The Balearic island of Mallorca is often casually referred to as Germany's 17th federal state. Many Germans own a property on the holiday island or spend their holidays there. When wanderlust becomes too strong, Mallorca seems to soothe that German longing.
What is it that makes this island in the Mediterranean so appealing? Why do more than 100 planes take off from Germany to Mallorca every day? No destination is flown to more often than Germany's 17th federal state.
A wonderfully varied Balearic island
Mallorca is a multifaceted island that consists of far more than just the Ballermann party scene. Small fishing villages and harbour towns, remote hiking trails through the mountains – the island has the right setting for every type of holidaymaker.
Those who fly to Mallorca to party usually land at the holiday resorts on the western side of the island. Magaluf and Playa de Palma are the top spots for German and British tourists who are not primarily interested in the island's beauty. While there are long sandy beaches and wonderful seafront promenades here too, in the evening these two places turn into pure entertainment districts.
Between sea and mountains
On the quiet south coast, by contrast, holidaymakers find the rest and relaxation that is so often missing from stressful everyday life. Set within a narrow bay, the little village of Cala Pí, with its low-rise buildings, draws such visitors. Long sandy beaches also attract many holidaymakers to Cala Santanyí or Colónia de Sant Jordi. Getting to the villages away from the big tourist centres is easy by road.
Travellers who don't necessarily want to relax by the turquoise water will find remarkably beautiful destinations inland. The little village of Artá, with its Sant Salvador fortress, is visible from afar. The Artá caves are one of the many natural wonders Mallorca has to offer. The island towns of Binissalem and Felanitx lie amid wine-growing regions and offer peace and relaxation.
Leisure activities on Mallorca
The Balearic island is home to a football club, and the WTA Mallorca Open, a renowned tennis tournament, takes place on the island. Mallorca is a hotspot for sporty tourists. Various water sports such as kitesurfing, surfing and diving keep young and old entertained along the coasts.
Inland, it is the climbers and hikers who get their money's worth. Cycling is enjoying ever greater popularity on the island. Policymakers are responding to the rising number of cyclists coming to Mallorca with new cycle paths and better infrastructure. An extensive, well-signposted cycle network guides leisure riders and professionals through the landscape. In spring, many professional riders come to the island to prepare for the season. In summer and autumn, it is above all passionate cyclists who appreciate the island's climate and nature. Whether on a mountain bike or a road bike, the possibilities on the Germans' favourite holiday island are enormous.