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Stunning beaches, historic towns, and varied landscapes mean that what was once a quiet island chain has exploded in popularity with visitors from around the world.
During the first 8 months of the year 204,487 American tourists visited the Balearic Islands.
This is a 20% increase compared to 2022 and means that the U.S. is the 8th largest foreign tourism market to the island chain and the biggest tourism market for visitors outside of Europe.
The most popular of the Balearic Islands for American travelers was Mallorca.
Here’s why this European island is growing in popularity with American travelers:
Beautiful Beaches
The Balearic Islands are an island chain that belongs to Spain. There are officially 151 Balearic islands but only 5 of these are inhabited.
Mallorca (sometimes also called Majorca) is the largest of the Balearic islands. It is also the most beautiful, with the most diverse landscapes.
Mallorca is considered one of the best beach destinations in Europe, thanks to its dreamy coastline, golden sand beaches, and turquoise waters.
Mallorca is an island that relies on tourism, and the number of tourists that visit, especially during the peak summer months, is huge. Many of the most popular beaches can be wildly overcrowded as a result.
But there are still tucked-away beaches where you can enjoy peace and quiet if that’s what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and a friendly party feel then don’t shy away from the islands popular beaches too. Beaches such as Cala Formentor, Cala Deià and Cala Varques are only made better by the crowds they attract.
Unique History And Culture
Many American travelers visiting Spain want to explore the history and culture of the city. Madrid and Barcelona tend to be the most obvious choices for this.
But Mallorca has its own unique history and culture that is well worth exploring and which is attracting American tourists in increasing numbers.
Palma de Mallorca is the island’s capital, and it has a beautiful old medieval quarter that is at the heart of Mallorca’s rich historical legacy.
Religious architecture is also a key attraction here, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Bellver Castle are both considered ‘must-visit’ spots on the island.
Culture vultures also shouldn’t miss a visit to Esbaluard, the island’s Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The gallery features more than 700 works of art by artists from the Balearic Islands and around the world.
Fantastic Food
No matter what part of Spain you visit you’ll find incredible food. Spain is well-known for its Mediterranean diet and its rich cuisine.
Each region of Spain has its own dishes and flavor palette. And with food tourism on the rise it makes sense that more and more travelers are visiting Mallorca to try its delicious dishes.
Local specialties include coca de Trampó (flatbread with vegetables), el arrós brut (meat and vegetable rice dish), el frito mallorquín (offal and vegetable stew), el tumbet (roasted vegetable dish) or el pa amb oli (bread rubbed with oil, garlic, and tomato).
One of the most popular dishes with tourists visiting Mallorca is Sobrasada. This is an orange-flavored cured sausage made exclusively in the Balearic Islands.
Great Nightlife
Ibiza is the Balearic island with the biggest reputation for nightclubs, DJs, and big parties. But in the battle of the big night out Mallorca could hold its own!
From dusk to dawn, there is a buzzing nightlife in bars and nightclubs across the island.
Palma de Mallorca is the part of the island with the most active nightlife scene.
Inca and Manacor are large towns featuring year-round authentic bars and nightclubs and are a great place to rub shoulders with the locals.
Escape the Ordinary
Mallorca isn’t a typical Spanish beach destination. Though you can enjoy a traditional sea and sand vacation here, it has so much more to offer.
Its diverse and unique landscape means that you can spend the morning on the beach and the afternoon driving through fields full of almond groves and orange trees.
There are a surprising number of vineyards on Mallorca, and the island also boasts the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As a result, it attracts just as many tourists interested in hiking and outdoor adventure as those who want to spend their days sunbathing on the beach.
The coastal Mondrago Natural Park is also a unique attraction on the island and attracts nature lovers from around the world. It’s clear to see why so many Americans are choosing to visit this breathtakingly beautiful destination.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Lyne Brainerd Erving
Monday 6th of November 2023
Mallorca is fabulous!❤️