When you think about a late holiday deal to Majorca, you probably think of the usual recreational activities: water parks, partying, and enjoying the beaches and warm weather. One often overlooked option by parties heading out to the sun is Majorca's growing reputation as a sporting haven. True, breaking a sweat may well be the last thing on your mind when you touch down in Palma, but all the same, the perfect climate, great scenery and top facilities all make the island well worth considering. Here are a few suggestions before you head off into the sun...
Golf in Majorca
Although the island is not known for its golf, Majorca's reputation for the sport is improving all the time. The island now has 18 golf courses to play on, catering to all sorts of abilities. Best of all, clubs are hireable, and all you need to bring is yourself and suitable attire (collared shirt and tailored shorts), although your handicap certificate may come in handy when it comes to booking tee times.
The top courses in Majorca are Golf Son Vida, Golf de Santa Ponsa, Golf Andratx (not for novices!) and Pula Golf.
Football in Majorca
It's safe to say that many parties heading to the sun this summer will break out a football for a kick-about at some point over the course of their holiday, and fortunately there are plenty of fields which make a good location for an impromptu round of Cuppies!
Of course, if you need some inspiration from the pros, then watching the famous Majorca football team - Real Mallorca - in action could be the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening. The Spanish season runs from September to early June, and while not the most famous Spanish football side, Mallorca do have the tantalising prospect of playing host to massive teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid over the course of the year. They have also featured in the Champions League and Cup Winners Cup in the last 10 years. You may see some of the stars of the future - Samuel Eto'o, Diego Tristan and Miguel Angel Nadal have all warn the distinctive red and black kit of Majorca's football team in the past.
Tennis in Majorca
With the popularity of tennis in Majorca, it's no surprise that the island can now boast a world famous local star in Carlos Moya. If you want to play a few sets on your visit to the island, there are plenty of options. You may find your hotel has facilities for their guests, but if not there are plenty of clubs spread throughout the island, with the choice of grass or clay, depending on which feel most at home with.
Of course for the indecisive, Majorca once had a tennis court which was half grass, half clay. The structure was there for one match between Roger Federer and Raphael Nadal - for those curious, Nadal was the eventual winner!
Diving in Majorca
Whether you've never dived before or feel uncomfortable outside of a wet suit, Majorca has diving opportunities for you. In many ways, Majorca's diving environment is ideal with pleasant water temperatures all year round (13°C in winter, 25°C in summer), good visibility (30-40 metres in summer), varied sea life (coral, eels, octopi, barracudas and rays) and plenty of variety (caves, shipwrecks, reefs and more), this is the perfect time to get your 'diving wings'. The south west of the island has the best spots for diving with plenty of marine reserves and a secure rocky sea bed.
Cycling in Majorca
When you think of the perfect conditions for cycling, what comes to mind? Warm weather with hardly any rain? A nice mix of hills and flat land? Beautiful scenery? Hardly any motor traffic? Cycling in Majorca ticks all these boxes, and its no surprise that professionals are beginning to make the island their first choice for practicing for tournaments. If it's good enough for them, then it's good enough for most people enjoying a late holiday deal to Majorca. Of course a bicycle isn't something you want to have to pack with your luggage, so you'll be pleased to hear that cycle hire is easy and relatively inexpensive on the island. Not only is it pleasant, but cycling in Majorca a sensible way of navigating between the island's idyllic settlements.
So when you book a late holiday deal to Majorca, remember that if the constant partying and beach relaxation begin to get samey, you're in a perfect position to get up and get active in an island paradise that feels designed for sport!
