Mallorca was first inhabited by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, followed by the Carthaginians, then the Romans in the 1st century BC, the Muslims in the 1st century AD, and the Christians in the 2nd century. The history of the Mallorca is much more complex and colorful than I can explain here and worthy of serious separate study.
The largest island in Spain, Mallorca has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. With mountain peaks as high as 1,445 meters (4740 feet), there is actually occasional snow on the island.
We exit the ship at a serious marina and walk along the waterfront to to the royal palace, Palace de l'Almudaina, next to the cathedral.
Big marina
Beautiful walk along the harbor to the palace
Palace walls and fountain
Changing of the Guard at the palace
The royal palace has been on this site since the days of the Muslim governors of Mallorca and elements of Islamic architecture, such as the Moorish arches, remain to be viewed. We walk around the palace, through the beautiful gardens and fountains alongside, to find the changing of the guard between the palace the the cathedral.
After the ceremony, we wander down the narrow streets behind the palace and cathedral for some atmosphere and shopping.
Streets, shops, and lunch
We shop for pearls and find many to choose from. Mallorca pearls are man-made under strict control, formed of glass balls coated with layers of pigment and protective coating. They are beautiful, plentiful here, and reasonably priced.
Coming around the other side of the cathedral from the royal palace, we see the spectacular frontal entrance facing the harbor. It is said that there was a large storm as James I sailed toward Mallorca and he vowed that, if he survived, he would build a great church . He did survive and built the cathedral on the site of the city's former main mosque, a major feature of the harbor.
La Seu Cathedral, facing the harbor
We walk back along the harbor to our ship, about 6km (3.7 miles), enjoying the beautiful weather and sites on our last full day in Spain. Tomorrow we land early in Barcelona and head immediately to the airport to catch a flight to Frankfurt, where we can connect to a flight heading home.
Walking back, lest we forget where we are!
It's been a great trip, but reality strikes and it's time to go back to work and plan the next adventure! The Windstar brochure calls this trip "a unique blend of East and West,... a world of sun-drenched magic" and they are right! We loved every second of it and will be back for more!
Leaving for Barcelona
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