| asked what they think of as a traditional sports | | | | Marsh one of the finest wetland areas in Europe |
| holiday many people would suggest a skiing trip to | | | | makes Puerto Pollensa a favoured destination. A |
| the Alps or a sailing holiday in the Mediterranean, but | | | | typical weeks bird watching in Majorca during early |
| there are all kinds of other sports that attract | | | | spring can include guided days to the Albufera Natural |
| thousands of enthusiasts to holiday destinations that | | | | Parc which since 1988 has been designated a natural |
| are specifically setup to cater for the sport in | | | | park by the Government and is a strictly protected |
| question. | | | | part of the island’s ecosystem. |
| The island of Majorca is one destination that has | | | | Winter golfers in the colder parts of northern Europe |
| worked hard to widen it’s appeal from just | | | | looking for some warm sun will often book a cheap |
| the traditional beach holiday during the summer | | | | flight to Majorca to escape for a long weekend. The |
| months of June to August. The holiday season in | | | | island is not as famous as it’s mainland |
| Majorca now thrives from early Spring to late | | | | counterparts of Malaga, Murcia and Andalucia, but |
| Autumn by offering sports and hobby related breaks | | | | Majorca now possesses 14 full length courses, with |
| for, amongst others, bird watchers, artists, kite | | | | the majority located in the south west corner of the |
| surfers, walkers, mountain bikers, road cyclists, | | | | island. Courses such as the well known Santa Ponsa |
| golfers and motor cycle tourists. | | | | and the relatively new, but highly regarded Son |
| Each sport may seem relatively niche but if you visit | | | | Antem West course attract thousands of golfers |
| Majorca outside of the peak summer months | | | | who fly in to improve their skills and relax in the |
| you’ll find thousands of people enjoying the | | | | warm climate of the Ballearics. |
| warm climate and island hospitality at the same time | | | | For the more energetic sports enthusiast, cycling has |
| as pursing their favourite pastime. | | | | become a major part of the Majorcan tourist industry |
| Take kite surfing for example. As a relatively new | | | | during spring. The warm weather attracts a variety |
| sport there are few specialist centres around Europe | | | | of professional cycling teams from January and the |
| but many Majorcan surfing and windsurfing centres | | | | island even runs it’s own professional race, |
| have added kite surfing to their portfolio already. | | | | the Tour of Majorca, in early February, but it is the |
| It’s not a sport that works on a busy | | | | period running from March to early May when the |
| beachfront during the peak of summer, so the mild | | | | roads of Majorca become packed with groups of |
| climate and reliable winds of many resorts in Majorca | | | | cyclists from all over Europe. A small micro-economy |
| are ideal. The long sandy beaches of Palmanova, | | | | has built up over the years, with cycle hire and cycle |
| Alcudia and Can Pastilla are already establishing | | | | touring businesses in abundance and many hotels |
| themselves as centres for kite surfing. | | | | gearing their offerings to attract the cycle tourist. |
| For a more relaxed pastime, Majorca has long been a | | | | Even the main airport at Palma, the arrival point for |
| favoured destination during the spring and autumn for | | | | many cyclists taking cheap flights to Majorca is used |
| bird watchers as migratory birds pass through on | | | | to dealing with guests arriving not just with standard |
| their route from and to Africa. The island is home to | | | | luggage but with bicycles in all kinds of containers. |
| many species not seen in other parts of Europe such | | | | There’s nothing worse that a treasured cycle |
| as the Black Vulture and Audouin’s Gull and | | | | being damaged by baggage handlers, so with a trip |
| the 4 National Parks provide protected environments | | | | to Majorca at least the ground staff are used to |
| in which they can flourish. The nearby Albufuera | | | | dealing with cycling specific luggage. |