If you’re interested in trekking in the Alps, you might want to consider extending your trip to one of Europe’s other destinations. You could even head down to Morocco for a trek in the High Atlas Mountains and a few days in Marrakesh.
Affordable extensions are possible with the bargain airfares offered by the low cost carrier EasyJet. There are flights to numerous destinations including Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Rome, and Lisbon. For my trip I decided to visit Majorca, only 80 minutes from Geneva by air. A round trip flight in April cost me only $70! It is an extremely affordable way to add a visit to a Mediterranean paradise after spending some time in the snow covered Alps.
Majorca's Northern Coast
Majorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic islands located approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Barcelona in the Mediterranean. Besides relaxing on the beach or exploring beautiful coves, visitors can hike in the mountains and explore the island’s towns and cities.
The largest city is Palma de Mallorca and boasts attractive pedestrian streets, a beautiful waterfront, and an impressive gothic cathedral. While in Palma you can do as the locals and enjoy Spanish wine with tapas.
Palma's Cathedral
While in Palma you should also venture out to the Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation where the Spanish painter and his wife spent several years of their lives living and working. You can explore Miro’s two studios, enjoy looking at many of his paintings, sculptures and prints, and take in the contemporary art exhibited in the galleries.
The island also offers excellent hiking. You can follow trails from the charming village of Lluc (pronounced “Youc”) up toward the highest peak on the island at an elevation of 1400 meters. The views from the mountains of the coast and sea are spectacular.
Hiking above Valldemossa
Another larger town with a trailhead is Valldemossa, located much closer to Palma. Hikes above Valldemossa can take you on top of breathtaking cliffs that drop down to the villages along the coast. Along the way you’ll appreciate the oder of pines and rosemary bushes and maybe even see some wild goats scampering about on the limestone summits. Back in Valldemossa you can enjoy a well earned lunch, relax in a cafe, and visit the carthusian monastery where the French writer Georges Sand and the composer Frederic Chopin spent a winter together in 1838-1839.
If you are more interested in biking you can join the thousands of tourists who come here to go road biking between the mountain towns. It is easy to find good bikes to rent due the popularity of the activity. As with hiking, biking is an excellent activity for the cooler temperatures in the spring and fall.
Running on the beach near Can Picafort
Of course you can also take advantage of the island’s beautiful beaches. For long, sandy beaches try the area near Can Picafort on the eastern side of the island.
After my time in Majorca I am heading to Morocco, but that is the subject for some future blog posts. Stay tuned for updates on trekking in the High Atlas Mountains and other travel options in Morocco!
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