Europe Explored » tramuntana mountains https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Three Top European Cycling Destinations https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/13/three-top-european-cycling-destinations/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/13/three-top-european-cycling-destinations/#comments Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:12:08 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=10581 If you prefer an active holiday over lounging on a sun kissed beach, Europe offers a variety of cycling holiday destinations that suit adventurous cyclists, romantic couples and families. Embarking on a cycling holiday has many benefits. Not only does it keep you fit and healthy whilst on holiday (often we gain a few pounds […]

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If you prefer an active holiday over lounging on a sun kissed beach, Europe offers a variety of cycling holiday destinations that suit adventurous cyclists, romantic couples and families. Embarking on a cycling holiday has many benefits. Not only does it keep you fit and healthy whilst on holiday (often we gain a few pounds on holiday), but a cycling holiday is also an eco-friendly way to travel. Furthermore, a cycling holiday often allows you to view landscapes and landmarks from a unique perspective. If you’re considering a cycling holiday, here’s a list of three top cycling destinations in Europe.

Bike Adventure, Malta
Bike Adventure, Malta by Aldozb

Malta Cycling Holiday

Malta is better known for its azure oceans and blonde beaches than its cycling tracks. However, alongside the coast and more inland, tourists are spoilt for choice with a selection of intimate cycling trails. Malta’s sister island of Gozo also offers a unique cycling holiday for couples. Because it is a small island, only 7km by 12km, the entire area can be explored by bicycle in a single day. Gozo has three hills inland, which provide a spectacular view of the entire island and the blue waters beyond. A circular coastal route is only 25km long, and will take you and your partner past seaside villages, cliff tops and ancient temples. For a romantic cycling holiday, Malta will not fail to reward.

Majorca Cycling Holiday

The island of Majorca has become a well known cycling holiday destination over the past few years, in addition to being the picture perfect bucket and spade beach holiday for the entire family. Its reputation recently received a massive boost when Team Great Britain used the north of Majorca as a winter training site. Majorca as a European cycling holiday destination has something for the entire family. The Tramuntana Mountains boast trails that are ideal for amateurs and enthusiasts alike. North eastern Majorca is often considered to be the best region for a cycling holiday. The terrain is largely flat and is also well sign posted, making trails both accessible and safe to use. Bicycle shops are dotted all over the island.

Amsterdam Cycling Holiday

For a more urban cycling holiday, you simply cannot go wrong with Amsterdam. The Dutch capital is well known for its overzealous cyclists, who along with the pedestrians rule the streets. Amsterdam is small compared to most small cities, meaning that attractions are easily accessible. Try cycle south west of the main tourist area to access the larger museums and parks by bicycle. If you’re searching for a cultural infusion and a cycling holiday in one, Amsterdam is your number one spot.

Penny Munroe is an avid travel writer. Articles include Malta holiday must see landmarks to the best restuarnts in Paris.

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A Few Things to do in Majorca | Balearic islands, Spain https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/17/a-few-things-to-do-in-majorca-balearic-islands-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/17/a-few-things-to-do-in-majorca-balearic-islands-spain/#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:37:11 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6916 If you are staying in Majorca and are expecting to see and do everything then you will need a lot more time than you may think. This is because there is so much to see and do that you may not fit it all in at the first try. Here are a few ideas of places to […]

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If you are staying in Majorca and are expecting to see and do everything then you will need a lot more time than you may think. This is because there is so much to see and do that you may not fit it all in at the first try. Here are a few ideas of places to visit whilst on your holidays in Majorca.

Tramuntana Mountains, Majorca, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Pedro Gonçalves

Tramuntana Mountains

One of the most scenic parts of the island is the mountains of Tramuntana. These mountains are best explored on foot or on a bike. There is so much to see while you climb the trails of the mountains and you may be gob smacked with the views.

There is the Castell d’Alaro that is perched on the top of a rocky mountain overlooking the village of Alaro. This is a ruined castle and hilltop chapel that offers amazing views out towards the Tramuntana Mountains, Palma and further away the Mediterranean.

Coastline

The coastline of Majorca is varied dependant on the area of the island that you are visiting. The north is wild and rocky with steep cliffs while the south has coves, caves and ports. If you are looking for long walks along the beaches then the east and west coasts of the island are your best bet.

If you are looking for some privacy then you could hire a boat and sail to one of the quieter beaches that are only accessible by sea. There are many of these types of beaches so you can have some alone time.

Coast of Majorca, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Misty

Palma

Palma has a massive reputation for partying as does Magalluf but if you stray from the norm then you will find that Palma has an old town that is worth a walk around. Discovering the architecture and culture that Majorca has to offer. Palma has a cathedral, ‘La Seu’, that took nearly four hundred years to build but the gothic architecture is amazing.

You could also relax in the ‘Banys Arabs’ (Arab baths). These are remnants of Palma’s Moorish past. Or if you would rather do some shopping then the streets of Palma are the best on the island to grab some retail therapy. There is everything from up-market boutiques to some more familiar high street stores.

Most of the towns in Majorca have their own weekly markets that typically start early in the morning and last until noon, the most traditional of these markets is the medieval town of Sineu.

Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Vix_B

Above All

Be sure to enjoy yourself whatever you decide to do while you are on your get away in Majorca. Whether it is relaxing on the beach or exploring the hills and mountains of the countryside Majorca has everything all on one fantastic island.

Majorca is a lively but mysterious place to travel to and there are many resorts to stay at.

Why not find the perfect location to stay at using Majorcanholidays.co.uk


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Serra de Tramuntana – mountains, lakes, forests and snow on the island of Majorca | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/23/sierra-de-tramuntana-in-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/23/sierra-de-tramuntana-in-spain/#comments Sun, 23 May 2010 21:59:02 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=352 On the island of Majorca, which is situated between Spain and the coast of Africa, one will find the mountain range known as the Serra de Tramuntana. It is the main mountain range on the island and has also played a crucial role in the formation of not just Majorca, but also the remaining islands […]

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On the island of Majorca, which is situated between Spain and the coast of Africa, one will find the mountain range known as the Serra de Tramuntana. It is the main mountain range on the island and has also played a crucial role in the formation of not just Majorca, but also the remaining islands in the archipelago. Due to its cultural and physical importance to the island, the Serra de Tramuntana is an UNESCO site today.

Serra de Tramuntana, Majorca, Spain
Serra de Tramuntana, Majorca, Spain by Antoni Sureda

The tallest point in the Serra de Tramuntana can be found at the Puig Major which is situated more than 1445 meters above sea level. Not only is it the tallest point in the mountain range, but is also the tallest point in the entire Balearic Islands archipelago. The second tallest point which stands at 1364 meters above sea level is that of Puig de Massanella.

It is interesting to point out that the climate upon the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is significantly different than that of the rest of the island of Majorca. On an average, the vast majority of the island receives less than 400 millimeters of rain per year. However, as much as 1500 millimetres of rain are received a year within the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains. As a result, the mounds also play an important role in ensuring that the island has sufficient drinking water. It is also the only point on the island which receives snow during wintertime.

Coastline of Serra de Tramuntana, Majorca, Spain
Coastline of Serra de Tramuntana, Majorca, Spain by waterborough / Public domain license

Due to the fact that the entire mountain range is a UNESCO designated site, it is also protected and is utilized as a nature reserve in order to prevent the further deforestation of the island and ensure that many of the rare and endangered species that call the island home, continue to do so for many more centuries to come.

The picturesque beauty of the Serra de Tramuntana is one of the main reasons why countless people make their way up into the mountains. From many of the viewing positions along the sides of mountain, anyone is afforded some of the finest views of the entire Balearic Islands archipelago. Needless to say, the awe-inspiring views have inspired countless people over the centuries.

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