The Hotel Hospes Maricel is in Calvià, one of the most picturesque towns on the island, just five minutes from the centre of Palma de Mallorca. The outstanding monuments in this charming town include the 18th-century Bendinat Castle, the parish church and the Cross of Las Moncadas.

The island of Mallorca, with its outstanding architectural heritage and peaceful rural countryside, is one of the world’s most outstanding tourist destinations. Sand, sea and sun, cuisine, architecture, handcrafts: these are just some of the countless attractions here.

The superb local cuisine is served in restaurants the length and breadth of the island. Typical dishes include trampó (salad with tomato, green pepper and onion); frito mallorquín; tumbet (potato, aubergine and tomato); and coca bread with vegetables. Other typical products include cold cuts such as sobrasada, camaiot and botifarró, as well as sweet ensaimadas.

Popular souvenirs amongst visitors to the island include: tela de Llengües, the most typical Mallorcan fabric, used to make curtains, bed covers and tapestries; siurells, traditional horse-shaped pottery whistles painted white with bright red and green dots; hand-made and blown glass from Algaida; and pearls and furniture from Manacor.

Another attraction for visitors are the markets on the Balearic Islands. These traditional events take place one or two days a week at towns and villages all over the island. Amongst the best known are those at Alcudia (Tuesdays and Sundays), Inca (Thursdays), Binissalem (Fridays) and Santa María (Sundays).

The most outstanding monument in the capital, Palma, is the Gothic Cathedral, built from the 14th to the 19th century. The Cathedral is 121 metres high and 55 metres wide. Inside are altarpieces, tapestries and the largest stained-glass window in Europe, as well as the Cathedral Museum.

Paseo del Borne is a promenade in the heart of the old town, one of the busiest in the city, from which medieval streets lead off, lined by 19th-century Italianate palaces.

Mallorca’s patron saint is Our Lady of Lluc. The Monastery of Lluc stands on one of the highest points on the island, commanding the finest views over the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. Other attractions on the island include: the Palacio Real de la Almudaina, a palace of Moorish origin; Plaza de la Cort, a square in which we find Palma Town Hall; Bellver Castle (the only circular castle in Europe); and the old exchange, or Lonja, which now houses the Museo de Bellas Artes.