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