Mallorca, the island that for many people only means sun, beach and sangria, has so much more to offer - if you take a closer look. National Geographic thought so too and dedicated itself to the places that are said to make up the true charm of the island. From Palma to Pollença, from the Serra de Tramuntana to Sa Calobra - the list reads like a hymn to the beauty of Mallorca. But is that really enough to capture the soul of the island?
Palma: The old lady with a new shine
The capital Palma is said to be the heart of the island. With its cathedral La Seu, which towers over the bay like a majestic ship, and the narrow streets that lead to boutiques and hip cafés, it embodies the balancing act between tradition and modernity. Gaudí and Barceló have left their mark here - as if Palma wants to say to visitors: "Look how diverse I am!" But behind the splendor lies the pressure of tourism. Can Palma really still breathe under the weight of so many visitors?
Valldemossa: a village straight out of a picture book
George Sand and Frédéric Chopin spent a stormy winter here - both literarily and emotionally. Valldemossa, with its winding alleyways and famous charterhouse, looks like it was made for postcards. But if you really want to get to know the village, you should venture into one of the small bakeries and try a "coca de patata". Sweet, fluffy and dusted with powdered sugar, it is the epitome of Mallorcan coziness.
The Serra de Tramuntana: untamed and full of stories
A UNESCO World Heritage Site that delights hikers and cyclists alike. But the Serra de Tramuntana is more than just a collection of hiking trails. The GR-221, also known as the "dry stone wall route", leads through landscapes that tell stories of hard work and deep respect for nature. And yet: the solitude that once characterized these mountains is often hard to find today.
Sa Calobra: beauty with a hook
The road to Sa Calobra is not for the faint-hearted, and yet everyone is drawn there. Why? Because the Torrent de Pareis with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water is a natural wonder that must be seen. An insider tip is the annual music festival "Concert de Sa Calobra". But here too, the question remains: can such a beautiful place survive the onslaught of crowds?
Sóller and Alcúdia: two sides of one island
Sóller, with its nostalgic streetcar, has something magical about it. The French influences in architecture and culture give the town a cosmopolitan touch that is charming and unobtrusive. Alcúdia, on the other hand, transports you back in time. Surrounded by city walls and dotted with manor houses, this place tells of a time when elegance and functionality went hand in hand. But behind the facades, one wonders: can the soul of these places really be preserved?
Pollença: The most beautiful village in Mallorca?
National Geographic has named Pollença the most beautiful village on the island. And yes, it's hard to disagree. The Calvari steps, the Sunday markets and the charming alleyways - Pollença has that magic that is hard to put into words. But as with all things beautiful, the worry remains: will the crowds of visitors change this place?
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