Rural Paradise in the Island’s Interior

Only a few kilometres from the coastline, Mallorca displays its original, unspoilt side. Dreamy villages lie in the wide plain of Es Plá as windmills' sails turn lazily in the breeze.

Mediterranean serenity in inland Mallorca

The interior of Mallorca is a place to spend a holiday in a rural setting away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Inland you quickly get acquainted with the original Mallorca. Es Plá - as the plain - is called dominates the centre of the island. Surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana in the north of Mallorca in the north and the ridges of the Serra de Llevant in the southeast, the plain covers an area of about 600 km². The mountains in the north protect the region from strong winds while thick rain clouds are prevalent on the northwest flank of the mountains.

The water collects in torrents providing water to the plain. For millennia, the inland of Mallorca has been the "granary" providing crops for the whole island. Corn, courgettes, tomatoes, potatoes and aubergines flourish magnificently in this region due to its favourable climate. Grape vines, olive groves and plantations of Almond blossom in Mallorca characterise the landscape while the locals sit patiently waiting for the harvest with typical Mediterranean serenity.

Holiday homes off the beaten track

Mallorca's tourism focuses largely on the coastal regions, where sandy Bays in Mallorca are a huge draw. The majority of tourists never stay long in inland Mallorca - a secret blessing for the individual holiday makers who want to savour some Mediterranean flair and the peace between the orange and olive groves far from the madding crowd. There are many holiday homes that are completely surrounded by nature. Among the most coveted rental properties are rustic stone fincas with old beamed ceilings and open fireplaces. The owners have converted the buildings with great care and attention into comfortable holiday homes.

Air conditioning, satellite TV and Wi-Fi connection are standard in most Mallorca holiday homes. In the grounds palm trees sway gently in the wind and the flowers of the lemon trees give off a beguiling scent. Most of them have a private swimming pool directly in front of the terrace, which is available for your exclusive use. Additionally these properties have other advantages - you decide for yourself whether you visit the rocky headlands of the west coast or take the Mobile in Mallorca to the Bay of Alcúdia in the north of Mallorca or to the Playa de Palma where you can swim to your heart's content.

Windmills and weekly markets - Mallorcan cultural heritage away from the coast

Windmills play a key role in Mallorca's cultural heritage. There are over 3,000 specimens in various architectural forms across the island and most are located inland. The high density of windmills is unique in the western Mediterranean, with the municipality of Sa Pobla being particularly noted for the prevalence of turning windmill sails. For a glimpse into Mallorcan life in centuries past, head to Els Calderers Open Air Museums in Mallorca, located in the municipality of Sant Joan. An old mansion with foundations dating back to the 13th century has room that have been furnished according to a historical model and fitted with antique furniture.

In the stables, numerous animals are kept, including the typical black 'house pig' of Mallorca. One of the highlights in the interior of Mallorca is the Mallorca Weekly Market Sineu. The marketplace in the centre of the dreamy town turns into a hive of hectic activity on Wednesdays. Farmers from the area offer aubergines, tomatoes, potatoes and olives at their stands, while artisans present bowls of old olive wood and ceramics decorated with colourful paint. Goats, sheep and chickens are sold in the middle of the hustle and bustle and the smell of fresh baked goods, spicy herbs and hearty paprika sausage are everywhere.

Retail therapy in the leather town of Inca

On the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana in inland Mallorca lies the city of Inca, which has 30,000 inhabitants. It is located halfway between the island's capital Palma de Mallorca and the tourist stronghold Alcúdia. The city is a manufacturing centre of leather goods on the island. Shoes, garments, wallets, belts and handbags are made by a range of artisans.

Some companies open their doors to visitors at certain times and give you the opportunity to look over the shoulders of craftspeople at work. Just outside Inca, green vineyards stretch along the southern slopes of the Tramuntana mountains. Even today, there are historic cellar vaults or 'Celles' (as they are known locally) which offer wine tasting in a rustic atmosphere in a scenic atmosphere with wall to wall bulbous wooden barrels.

Hiking and biking in inland Mallorca

For nature lovers and active holidaymakers, a holiday home in the interior of Mallorca is the perfect starting point to discover the scenic wealth of the island either on foot or by bicycle. Popular tours and attractions in Mallorca along the Mallorcan wine route are very popular, taking in ancient bodegas along the way. Why not take the opportunity to sample the typical Manto Negro or a spicy Prensal Blanc en route? Each September during the height of the Harvest the region plays host to a wine festival at Binissalem.

In the southern regions of the interior, the hills of the Serra de Llevant are ideal for excursions through the Mediterranean landscape and in the northwest, you will find the Tramuntana mountain range with challenging routes. An attractive destination on the plain of Es Plá is the 543 m high table mountain Puig de Randa, on whose slopes there are three historic monasteries.# Rural Paradise in the Island’s Interior

Only a few kilometres from the coastline, Mallorca displays its original, unspoilt side. Dreamy villages lie in the wide plain of Es Plá as windmills' sails turn lazily in the breeze.