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The narrow stone staircase spirals downwards into blackness. A quick inspection soon reveals there is no arrow or sign explaining where it leads. ... |
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They are a reflection in miniature of a life gone by; inviting us to a land that only our imaginations could create. Once cherished by a little boy or girl, now by a grown up, ... |
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Palma takes many by surprise. Home to half of the islands permanent residents, this stylish city by the sea has fast become one of Europe’s most frequented destinations. ... |
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At the end of the road where impregnable mountains meet the sea, less than 10 minutes west of Puerto Andratx, is San Telmo, Sant Elm in Catalan. ... |
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More often than not, the best restaurants tend to be those a little off that beaten tourist trail. Hidden in a backstreet, without a particularly glamorous exterior, one could almost think that the locals wanted to keep these unpretentious eateries to themselves – and who can blame them. |
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From the window of the plane we can see them by the dozen. We have no doubt
about where we are. They welcome us, as we cross Es Pla, the flat central plain. They are by our sides at touchdown. But will we always be greeted by the
Windmills of Mallorca? |
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Whether it be Folk on a balmy evening at a quaint village square, Classical in a fully fledged concert hall complete with air-conditioning, or Rock at Palmas Bullring, the range of live music on offer in Mallorca during the summer months is certainly spectacular in terms of its diversity and location. |
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The “Hanging Gardens of Banyalbufar” have long since attracted visitors to this picturesque municipality situated in the Southwest of the Tramuntana Mountain range ... |
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It was a week to remember for 30 staff members of First Mallorca who travelled to Thailand to celebrate the New Year, a complimentary holiday offered by the company ... |
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The residents of Fornalutx, argue that their village is the prettiest in Mallorca. Situated deep in the heart of the Tramuntana, its winding streets and narrow stoned steps display a delightful array of colourful flowers and greenery. |
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By sea to Mallorca
By sea to Mallorca Sea ferries provide a vital link between the
Balearic Islands and the Spanish mainland. The three large ferry
operators providing a regular service are Acciona Trasmediterránea,
Baleària and Iscomar Ferries.
The fastest vessels have been introduced by Acciona Trasmediterránea
operating throughout the summer season. Its high-speed catamarans take
less than four hours to make the crossing from Palma de Mallorca to
Barcelona during average summer weather conditions.
Acciona Trasmediterránea’s ferry operations in the Mediterranean, have
in addition to their service between the capital of the Balearic
Islands and the capital of Catalonia, services between Palma and
Valencia, Palma and Ibiza as well as Palma and Mahón (Menorca).
Furthermore, this company, which was established in 1917 and then
known as Trasmediterránea, also operates ferries between Ibiza and
Barcelona, Ibiza and Denia, Ibiza and Valencia and Menorca and
Barcelona. In addition there is an international crossing route
connecting the Spanish mainland to Morocco.
A more recent competitor in maritime traffic between the Spanish
mainland and the Balearic Islands and ferry services between the
islands of the archipelago is Baleària. Founded in 1998, the company
has a fleet of ten vessels and just over a year ago they introduced
the fast ferry Pau Casals. This vessel operates a daily service on the
Barcelona – Palma crossing, the craft carries up to 400 passengers and
takes slightly more than six hours. The most recent acquisition on the
part of Baleària is the vessel Meloodia. This ferry was built in 1998
in Germany and prior to its transfer to the Mediterranean it operated
in the Gulf of Finland.
In addition to the Palma – Barcelona route, Baleària operates the
following services:
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Palma - Ibiza
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Alcúdia - Barcelona
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Alcúdia - Cuitadella
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Mahón - Barcelona
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Sant Antoni (Ibiza) - Barcelona
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Ibiza - Denia
- Ibiza - Formentera
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Formentera - Denia
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Sant Antoni - Denia
The third in the trio is Isleña Marítima de Contenedores S.A. or
better known as Iscomar. Founded in 1979, Iscomar started out solely
as a freight carrier. Just under 20 years later the company decided to
expand its field of operations and enter the passenger transportation
business.
Their first sea crossing route was from Alcúdia (Northern Mallorca) to
Ciutadella the earlier capital of Menorca. Later the company expanded
its routes to include the following scheduled services:
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Barcelona - Palma
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Barcelona - Menorca
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Barcelona - Ibiza
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Denia - Ibiza - Formentera
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Valencia and Palma
The company, based in Palma, has a total of six vessels operating
passenger services. Their ships are called Patricia del Mar, Mercedes
del Mar or Pitiusa Nova. The most recent addition to the fleet is the
super ferry Blanca del Mar, which was brought into service in 2006.
This vessel connects the capital of the Balearics with Barcelona and
likewise carries up to 400 passengers. A capacity of 230 beds allows
passengers to relax during the six-hour voyage. This facility has to
be booked in advance. These ships of the ‘white fleet’ plough through
the waves at a speed of up to 24 knots.
The number of passengers carried by Iscomar in 2006 was 335.000, Their
company spokesman Gabriel Malvido estimates that in 2007 there will be
400.000 passengers travelling with Iscomar Ferries. To encourage
travellers, children under the age of two travel free, children
between the ages of two and twelve pay half fare and senior citizens
over 60 years enjoy a 20 per cent discount.
One should remember it pays to check for special offers on the
Internet sites of the the ferry companies. Under ‘Ofertas’ [Special
Offers] offers have included such interesting bargains as one’s car
travelling free of charge! Alternatively, inquire at your travel agent
regarding offers, special terms and conditions.
Contact details:
Acciona Trasmediterránea
www.trasmediterranea.es
Tel: 902 45 46 45
Baleària
www.balearia.com
Tel: 902 16 01 80
Iscomar Ferrys
www.iscomar.com
Telephone number in Spain:
902 11 91 28
Telephone number from overseas:
00 34 971-43 75 00
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