All Articles tagged with "Spain"

Finding Boomer Adventures in Palma de Mallorca Spain is a treasure trove of exciting destinations, and the Balearic Islands are a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the country's rich history and culture. Located off the eastern coast of Spain, these islands offer a unique blend of stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant cities. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the capital city of Palma de Mallorca, where four friends – including our guest contributor Geanie Roake – embarked on an adventure of a lifetime. As we've said before, Spain has endless options for creating amazing travel memories, from bustling cities like Barcelona and Madrid to its picturesque southern region of Andalusia. However, if you're looking for something truly special, head to the Balearic Islands, particularly beautiful Mallorca! With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, Mallorca is a destination that will leave you wanting more. When it comes to exploring Palma de Mallorca, seeing the three major sites in one day is like trying to sample all 20 flavors at a gelato stand – a bit of a challenge, but definitely doable. The city's terrific trio includes Bellver Castle, Almudaina Palace, and the Cathedral de Mallorca. While some may choose to forgo the gelato part of this adventure, no one should miss Palma's iconic landmarks. Our four-person group, including Geanie Roake, had spent a week in Madrid and another in Malaga, and were now based on the island of Mallorca. With only one day to visit the famous city of Palma de Mallorca, we set out early, fueled by bakery fresh rolls and local fruit. Our first stop was the Bellver Castle, a round fortress located just under 2 miles west of Palma's city center – a mere 10-15 minute car or bus ride away. As we arrived at the castle, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at its grandeur. Built in the 14th century as a residence for the King of Spain, Bellver Castle is an unusual round fortress inspired by the Herodium in Israel – a round fortress built by King Herod between 23 and 15 BC. The castle's unique design features an inner circle that's large and open, with an ancient well in the middle. The surrounding arched doorways create a lacy effect reminiscent of grandma's doilies. After exploring the castle, we retraced our steps to the Palma city center, home of the Palace Almudaina and Cathedral de Mallorca. This area is a photographer's dream, with a beautiful park and manmade lake fronting two magnificent structures. While visiting these sites is a must, it's essential to plan ahead – especially when it comes to parking. We arrived at the palace around 11:30 AM, and by that time, the underground parking lot was full. After waiting patiently until the electronic arm allowed us to enter, we circled around for about 10 minutes before finding a park. This experience taught us that planning ahead is crucial when visiting popular sites like this. Our next stop was the Almudaina Palace, a striking edifice with Moroccan-style architecture that transported us to the Middle Ages. The palace has been well-preserved and offers a unique glimpse into life in Mallorca during the 14th century. As we explored the grounds, we couldn't help but imagine scenes from Arabian Knights – a testament to the palace's rich history. The Almudaina Palace is part museum, part living quarters, with an interesting blend of medieval and royal artifacts on display. Visitors can explore the ground floor, which features 15th-century paintings, tapestries, and furniture, as well as the Arab baths and Chapel of Saint Anne. The upper floor contains government offices and a suite of rooms for the King and Queen of Spain – decorated with items from other royal sites of the 17th-19th centuries. After exploring the palace, we headed to the Cathedral de Mallorca, an architectural masterpiece that will always hold a special place in my heart. The sheer beauty of this medieval masterpiece stopped me in my tracks when I first set eyes on it – rows of Gothic towers reaching for the heavens and dwarfing the tiny people standing nearby. One of the cathedral's claims to fame is its distinctive watery reflection, which initially shimmered in the Mediterranean Sea but was later restored after the land reclamation project. The interior is a celebration of light and space, with slender columns soaring 21 meters (70 feet) into the air – an awe-inspiring sight that left us speechless. As we explored the cathedral, we couldn't help but notice the striking contrast between its ancient architecture and modern installations. One such installation was created by sculptor Barcelos and featured human skulls and fish with bulbous eyes popping out of a sea of plaster – a peculiar yet fascinating piece that sparked interesting conversations among our group. After a day filled with history, culture, and breathtaking architecture, we decided to take a stroll down La Rambla. This pleasant tree-lined avenue has a vibrant feel, with plenty of shops, sidewalk cafes, and street performers to keep you entertained. It's the perfect place for a meal or a chat on a shady bench – a great way to unwind after a busy day. As the sun began to set, we returned to the Parke Del Mar and sat across from our new favorite cathedral. We lingered, enjoying the magical sight of the illuminated church and its enchanting mirror image in the lake. The night was balmy, and somewhere in the shadows, a man played a guitar and sang love songs – the perfect end to an amazing day in Palma de Mallorca. While visiting these iconic sites is an experience unlike any other, it's essential to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to exploring Palma de Mallorca. Some may prefer to space their activities over two days, but others, like our group, discovered that the sensory overload method of touring can be just as effective – if not more so. If you're planning a trip to Palma de Mallorca, here are some essential tips to keep in mind: - Bellver Castle: Open from 10 AM to 5:45 PM; plan to spend around 45 minutes. Tickets cost 5 euros. - Royal Palace La Almudaina: Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM; plan to spend one to two hours. Tickets include entrance and an unguided tour for 7 euros. - Cathedral de Mallorca: Open from 10 AM to (4 PM - 6 PM); plan to spend one to two hours. Tickets cost 6-7 euros. Underground parking is available for 3 euros. Remember to check the sites' hours of operation before planning your trip, as they may vary during cultural and religious holidays.