Mallorca

Mallorca is Spain's largest Mediterranean island — population 950,000 in the Balearic Islands archipelago (with Ibiza + Menorca + Formentera), 200km off the eastern coast of Spain. Famous for **250+ beaches** + **550km of coastline** + **Tramuntana mountain range** UNESCO 2011 (Cultural Landscape) + medieval Old Town in capital **Palma**.

**Palma de Mallorca's La Seu Cathedral** (Gothic 14th-century built on former mosque, designed by Pere Salvà 1306, Antoni Gaudí worked here 1904-1914 redesigning interior + crown of thorns canopy) anchors the city. Beyond Palma: **Soller** (vintage 1912 wooden train through Tramuntana mountains 27km from Palma + connects to Port de Sóller via 1913 wooden tram), **Cap de Formentor** (lighthouse cliff at island's northern tip — most photographed Mallorca spot + 1.5h drive from Palma), **Caves of Drach** (limestone caves with underground lake + Mozart concert), and 250+ beaches (**Playa de Muro** family-friendly + **Cala Llombards** turquoise + **Cala d'Or** resort area + **Es Trenc** white sand).

Korean Air added direct seasonal flight 2024 — pre-COVID Korean tourists primarily flew via Madrid. Cheaper than Ibiza by 30%. 1h flight from Barcelona + 2h from Madrid + 1h from London. Famous for Rafael Nadal (born + still trains in Manacor — Rafa Nadal Academy nearby).

Iconic Mallorcan + Spanish cuisine: Sobrasada (cured pork sausage with paprika + spices, $10-25 — Mallorcan staple), Tumbet (vegetable casserole — Mallorcan ratatouille, $12-20), Coca de patata (potato sweet bun, $3-7 — Valldemossa specialty), Ensaimada (sweet pastry shaped like spiral, $3-8 — Mallorcan breakfast staple), Frito mallorquín (offal + potato fry-up, $15-25), Mahón cheese (DOP from Menorca, $15-30), Sangria + Mallorcan wine ($25-50/bottle).

Bottom line: Mallorca is canonical Spanish Mediterranean island + 250+ beaches + UNESCO Tramuntana + cheaper Ibiza alternative. 5-7 days hits Palma + Soller + Cap de Formentor + beaches.