It is only natural for anyone to ask if anyone famous came from or presently lives in a city one is about to visit. After all, you’ll never know who you could bump into at the local fish market or basking under the sun with a glass of margarita in one hand lying next to your beach towel.
Despite the tiny size of the island Mallorca has produced its own share of popular celebrities and has been (and is considered) a second home to many others who are still alive today. Writer and philosopher Ramon Llull (or Lully) is one of the famous Spaniards who was born and raised in Palma, Mallorca. Blessed Junipero Serra, the Franciscan friar who founded the mission chain in Upper California (Alta California), also hailed from Mallorca, Spain. In the realm of politics, 19th century military commander Joaquin Jovellar y Soler and Spanish Prime Minister Antonio Maura y Montaner were originally from Palma, Mallorca.
Because of the beauty of the island, many foreigners have considered Mallorca to be their second home. Composer Frederic Chopin and his long time partner George Sand (penname of female French novelist Amandine-Lucile-Aurore Dupin, later Baroness Dudevant) stayed at Mallorca for a short time. English poet and novelist, Robert Graves relocated to Mallorca after completing his autobiography and remained in the island until his death in 1985. Esteemed Spanish surrealist painter Joan Miro was born in Barcelona, but transferred to Mallorca where he stayed until he passed away in 1983.
Since it is unlikely that you would cross paths with the deceased, just be on the look out for famous (living) celebrities who call Mallorca their home. Hunky tennis players Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya both live in Mallorca. Catherine Zeta Jones and her husband, Michael Douglas spend most of the year at a residence on the northern part of the island. Supermodel Claudia Schiffer, chanteause Annie Lennox, Julian, the son of John Lennon, and ace F1 race car driver extraordinaire Michael Schumacher are just some of the other celebrities who have decided to make the island paradise of Mallorca their home.
If you are planning to spend your holiday at Palma de Mallorca, you are in for a treat. You will realize that you don’t have to go far to experience the culture that is uniquely Mallorcan, you just need to look around you. Most living accommodations in Mallorca do not conform to the antiseptic international standards that make modern hotels devoid of any personality. At Mallorca, you have the option of staying at quaint bed and breakfasts, practical apartments, historical hotels and charming little fincas (private properties) in and around the city. If you are hesitant about staying in private accommodations and would rather book rooms in a hotel, the recommended hotels are Hotel Born, Hotel Ca Sa Padrina and Hotel Dalt Murada, all located within the city of Palma.
Located at the heart of town is Hotel Born, a 2-star hotel that has been getting rave reviews from travelers the world over. Hotel Born was originally a 16th century palace owned by the Marquis of Ferrandell (Can Maroto). It was restored to its full grandeur in the 18th century with the addition of a mallorcan yard. All rooms are equiped with central heating and airconditioning units, telephone, satellite television and have ensuite bathrooms.
The Hotel Ca Sa Padrina is also another historical hotel situated at the centre of Palma. This hotel, which was built as a private house in the 19th century can only accommodate a maximum of 12 people. Thruogh the years, it has been restored several times but the original structure of the property has remained the same. What makes Hotel Ca Sa Padrina unique is the fact that all the guest rooms are different from each other, each with its own unique character.
Another old house that has been converted into a hotel is the Hotel Dalt Murada which is quietly located in the gothic part of Palma. Slighly larger than Hotel Ca Sa Padrina, Hotel Dalr Murada can accommodate 16 people and guests can partake of traditional Mallorcan cuisine at the Dalt Murada restuaruant on the ground floor. The hotel has three double rooms and five suites – all of which are equiped with air conditioning units, televisions, minibars and ensuite baths.
Many agree that the best way to explore the unique city of Palma is by foot. Not oly is this good for your health, you will see much more of what the city has to offer, and will have a better chance of imbibing the culture if you take a leisurely stroll than if you hurry past all the sights in a motor vehicle.
When you’re ready to take a walk, you must make sure that you pass through the ‘el Passeig des Born’ the most important and commercial street in Palma. This tree-lined boulevard is dotted with bars, shops, restaurants, hotels and other retail establishments. It is a great place to see the locals as most residents of Palma consider this street as their favorite meeting or gathering place. Other streets of equal importance that you should not miss out on are the Ramblas and the Avenida Jaime III.
Walk a few more minutes and you may find yourself transported back in time. The city of Palma has an area which is considered as the old part of town, primarily because all of the mansions and building erected in that area date back to the 17th to the 19th century. The old part of town is also the site of many quaint little churches and chapels.
If you want to spend some time at the beach, you can walk to your destination, depending (of course) on how far your hotel is from the nearest watering hole. The distance, however, from the Palma Port to the ‘el Arenal’ is about 16 kms long. It may seem like a long walk but with beautiful fine sand and deep blue water as scenery, why wouldn’t you want to walk?
Other sights that you can enjoy while on your walking tour would be the Basilica de Sant Francesc (a 13th century massive sandstone church), the Mercat Olivar (local market), La Lloyis (a 15th century seafront building that used to be the city’s exchange centre) and the Poble Espanyol (a Spanish Village Theme Park which is similar to the Spanish Village located in Barcelona).
