Sunrise over Formentor, Mallorca, Spain by Tobias Lindman

Climate in Majorca

One of the great things about Majorca is the climate.  It is typically Mediterranean, with very dry and hot summers.  Temperatures are almost always in the high twenties during the summer and the winters are very mild.  Furthermore, because of the sea, there are few extremes in temperatures and the sea breeze is very pleasant, taking the sting of the very hot days.  Best of all, rainfall is incredibly rare in Majorca, with rain generally only falling from late October to early February.  The climate is but one of the many reasons why Majorca has the nickname of the “Island of Tranquillity”.  It is hard to imagine that an island that has a real party reputation could be classed as tranquil, but it is actually true because it has a mountain scenery that is nothing short of magical, hidden little cove beaches and the most stunning old villages and towns.

North East Majorca

The north east of the island is full of the most amazing cliffs, as well as offering visitors the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.  The mountains are dotted with sleepy, ancient little towns and villages.  The homes are truly tiny and have gorgeous green shuttered windows.  The walls are stone and ancient and wild flowers cascade all over them.  It will feel as if you are Alice in Wonderland and everything around you is really small.  If you venture to the foot of the mountains where they meet the sea, you can spend some time in one of the little local villages and watch the boats sail in.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain by SBA73

South East Majorca

The south east of the island is just as beautiful and enchanting as the north, but this part is full of pastures and almond groves.  There are some beautiful little farmers’ villages, where it feels as if time stood still.  Don’t be surprised to see some people sleeping outside of their home if you have arrived there during siesta time.  There is also a beautiful marina where the jet set seems to gather in expensive luxury yachts.

Culture and Arts in Majorca

Besides sun, sea, sand and – as you now know – beautiful scenery and villages, Majorca is also a great place to soak in some culture and arts.  There are many monasteries and sanctuaries dotted across the island, many of which have long been abandoned.  Some offer accommodation for travellers, so you may even choose to spend the night.  One beautiful monastery is the Carthusian monastery.  This is found in Valldemossa and you will be able to view some works of art by some of the world’s most famous painters.  Francis Bacon, Picasso and Henry Moore are but some of the names you may find here.  Even Palma, the capital and touristic hotspot of Majorca, offers plenty of off the beaten track adventures, with gorgeous little hidden streets in which you will find traditional tapas bars and little craft stores.

Clearly, if you are able to find a cheap Jet2.com flights to Majorca, you should go for it.

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Wookey Hole Cave, England, UK by Jim Champion

The cave is mostly known for the Witch of Wookey Hole which can be seen inside of the cave itself. This human shaped figure according to legend was once a Glastonbury monk who was turned to stone by a local witch hundreds of years ago.

The caves themselves have been inhabited for more than 50,000 years. More recently though the caves have been used as a place for the curing of cheddar cheese. The caves maintain a year round temperature of 11°C which makes them perfect for not just curing of cheese, but for keeping someone cold throughout the hot days of summer.

A number of archaeological discoveries have been made in the cave over the years. The last major inhabitants of the cave were hunters back in the Iron Age. However, discoveries have been found in and around the cave that have been dated back to the Roman Empire.

Cheddar Cheese in Wookey Hole Cave, England, UK by stephen jones

The oldest discoveries in the cave were made back in the mid 1850s. William Boyd Dawkins who had only recently moved to the area heard that some workers had found some old bones in the cave and he went to investigate. Soon, the remains of a man that dated back to the Paleolithic were uncovered.

Where the river finally emerges for the last time, an old paper mill was built. Known as the oldest paper mill in Britain, it was originally built back in 1610 and continued to operate until 2008. However, prior to the paper mill, a corn mill was situated in the area. The corn mill was first constructed back in 1086.

Another popular attraction in the area that surrounds Wookey Hole Cave is that of Ebbor Gorge. While the village can get quite busy during the peak season, many people chose to make their way to the gorge which is a more peaceful and tranquil spot to visit.

Since 1973, the mill and the caves in the area have been owned and operated by Madame Tussauds. As a result, tourism to the area has exploded and millions of people make their way to Wookey Hole Cave every year.

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