Property in Mallorca
Often associated with mass inexpensive tourism, for those turning their back on the bustle of coastal resorts, these islands have their attractions. The countryside and entire old towns lie relatively undisturbed. The Balearics have white villages, wooded hills and caves. Mallorca, a culturally rich island, has mountains to go with its sea and shore. Each of the islands has its own character and climate. Away from the big resorts and foreign-owned enclaves there are towns, untouched stretches of countryside and even shoreline.
These islands have more hotel beds than some countries. They have towns where properties are 75% foreign-owned. But 40 years of tourism has now given rise to a need for change. The locals feel dominance of tourism over local life has become too great. They wish to appeal to a more up-market tourist and move away from the cheap package holiday image. So enter the regional government's tourist tax to get tourists to pay more towards local conservation projects and amenities together with a series of local measures aimed at halting the cycle of uncontrolled building development.
Mallorca is a good choice for living. Access is usually by air, but there are also excellent ferry services from Barcelona, Valencia, or Denia. The west coast, from Andratx to Pollenca and the Gallic influence of Soller, is particularly attractive. Palma, the capital, is a clean, bustling city. So there are two sides to Mallorca. The packaged Mallorca concentrated around the Bay of Palrna and a far more refined Mallorca, found along the northwest coast, in and around old towns like Soller, Valdemossa and Deia.
The northernmost and greenest of the islands is Menorca. It has a cool winter climate and can be prey to powerful north winds. Two attractive old towns lie at either end, Mahon and Ciutadella. Tourism came later here than on the other two islands, and around the coast there are still many beautiful untouched coves and beaches.
