Mallorca's center of industry

A Majorca vacation means so much more than just sea, beach and partying - culture and sporting activities are also not neglected in this destination. The perfect place to switch off for a few days and explore the most beautiful corners of the island on one or two day trips is Manacor. Even beyond the tourist centers always good for a side trip.

Manacor on Mallorca

For example, a trip to the town of Manacor in the northeast of the island is worthwhile, after Palma de Mallorca one of the largest cities on the island and an important location for trade and industry. The place was probably settled as early as 2000 BC and is not yet overly developed for tourism.

In Manacor is probably the most famous pearl factory in Mallorca, the "Majorica". The famous Majorcan pearls are not real pearls, but artificially produced imitation pearls.

They consist mostly of sand cores, which receive several layers of a nacreous substance in an elaborate procedure, for example a mixture of fish scales and shell sand. With this material the pearls are covered in 30 layers until the special optic is created, which can hardly be distinguished from real pearls.

In Manacor you can even watch the production of the pearls and marvel at the craftsmanship. Take part in one of the guided tours of the factory and let yourself be enchanted by the sight of the craftsmanship. Of course, the jewelry is also wonderful as a souvenir and memory of a wonderful time on the Balearic island.

Manacor - in German "Hand am Herz" - also has an important meaning for the island in terms of furniture production and has become the commercial and industrial center of the east of the island due to the first railroad line of the island between Inca and Manacor.

The area around the town consists largely of agricultural land, among other things, you can find almond and fig tree plantations. The town's stores invite you to take a leisurely stroll and stroll through the many small historic alleys.

If you like sports, you can explore on foot or by bike the Via Verde, which is about 30km long and runs between Manacor and Arta, inviting you to dream with its extensive flora and fauna.

The rest areas placed along the way allow even inexperienced athletes to explore the route with the necessary breaks and take a break every now and then in the picturesque landscape and get away from the stress of everyday life.

In addition, along the way you can explore the towns of Sant Llorenç, Son Carrio and Son Servera, walking along the path of a disused railroad line. Far from the classic tourist resorts, you will thus explore Mallorca in its original form.

If you are culturally interested, visit the parish church Nostra Senyora dels Dolors in Manacor or explore the historical museum in Manacor in the tower Torre dels Enagistes.

In addition, it is worth visiting the early Christian church of Son Peretó, which is located on the road to Arta and dates back to the 15th century. If you are more interested in sports, the museum of Rafa Nadal, the most famous son of the city, is worth a visit.

To experience the hustle and bustle of the market, a day trip on market day Monday is recommended, where you can buy, among other things, the typical products of Manacor olive wood. In the morning, every weekday, there is also the fruit and vegetable market in Plaça Constitució, where you can stock up on vitamins.

Another special feature in Manacor is the arena, where bullfights still take place on some days of the year. You are welcome to inquire if such an event falls in your vacation time and you can witness this now rare and unique experience.

From Manacor to Porto Christo

Another must-see destination are the underground caves of the area, first of all the famous Dragon Cave in Porto Cristo. It is located about 13 kilometers from Manacor at the Cala Manacor and can be easily reached by car via the MA-4020.

Furthermore, various day trips to the caves are offered. Immerse yourself in the fascination of the stalactite cave and crown your excursion with a boat trip on the underground lake of the cave.

Unforgettable is also the classical concert, what you experience inside the dragon cave and which you will certainly not forget so quickly by the color change and the impressive acoustics.

The capital of Mallorca

A visit to the capital of Majorca is an essential part of Majorca sightseeing. You can reach it from Manacor in about an hour's drive, either by private rental car, public bus or a day trip organized by the tour operator.

Once you arrive in Palma, your first stop will be the imposing cathedral, called La Seu by the locals. If you are not afraid of the 215 steps, treat yourself to the fantastic view from the roof terrace - the climb is worth it!

Afterwards, you can go on an extensive shopping tour through the city, where you will find numerous large retail chains as well as small stores typical of the country. In addition, of course, a variety of restaurants and bars for the physical well-being is provided.

From Manacor to Cala Millor

If, after shopping and cultural experiences, you still feel like going to the beach and the sea, set off from Manacor to the east coast of Mallorca.

The trip takes only about half an hour by car or three quarters of an hour by bus and take, for example, in Cala Millor a sunbath on the beautiful sandy beach or just take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful romantic beach promenade.

Furthermore, excursion boats are available here for various activities, which also drive to the places in the surrounding area. Therefore, Cala Millor also comes into consideration as an excursion destination to explore the other towns of the east coast from here. This includes, for example, the resort of Cala Ratjada, which has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife, especially in the evening.

From Cala Millor you can also take a buggy tour and enjoy the view of enchanted villages, monasteries and castles. Book a guided tour and get an insight into the secrets of Mallorca.

A visit to Portocolom

If you want to explore Mallorca outside the classic tourist centers, it's also worth visiting the small fishing village of Portocolom from Manacor. Like Cala Millor, it is only a short drive away and offers you the opportunity to experience the coast of Mallorca in a more original way.

The place bears its name because of the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, although this fact could not be proven so far. The old town invites you to an extensive stroll through the stores or a delicious meal in one of the many quaint restaurants. Here you should first and foremost enjoy a good portion of fish as a specialty.

Cala Mondrago as an excursion destination

During a day trip to Portocolom you can also make a detour to Cala Mondrago. This offers a particularly romantic spot away from the classic white sandy beach between rock faces and pine trees. Here you can let your soul dangle and enjoy the beauty of nature to the fullest!

Conclusion: Discover, experience and enjoy Mallorca

As you can see, a Majorca vacation has much more to offer than just beach and sea. Also from a cultural and sporting point of view, the Balearic island is worthwhile as a destination.

Especially Manacor is suitable because of its central location in the interior of the island for trips both to the sea and for trips into the interior of the island, where you can still experience typical Mallorcan flora and fauna and partly untouched landscapes. Treat yourself to a break from the stressful everyday life and enjoy just the right mix of sun, beach, entertainment, culture and sports.