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Mallorca Villas Mallorca Farmhouses The Exclusive Collection The Superior Collection The Essential Collection Late Availability & Special Offers Pollenca Internet Access Heated Pools Private Tennis Courts Articles	Don't miss Mallorca's Festa del Melo Thursday, 29, Jul 2010 08:58 If you're planning to visit the beautiful Spanish resort of Mallorca, you might want to make sure your visit coincides with one of the local festivals to experience the island's fiesta culture. Spain's largest island has long been a popular destination among tourists looking for sun, sea and sand, but for a taste of authentic Mallorca make sure you take a Majorca holiday during the Festa del Melo. Taking place on the last Sunday of September in Vilafranca de Bonany, the festival is held to mark the end of the watermelon harvest in the region. Mallorca has many festivals throughout the year but to catch the last of the summer this event is the perfect option. Part of the Es Pla district, the village is famous for its melons and has been growing dry-irrigation crops for centuries. Vilafranca de Bonany experienced growth in the mid-1600s and boasts points of interest such as an 18th century church dedicated to Santa Barbara. The church has been made over several times and now includes a square bell tower. While you're in the region, you might want to pay a visit to Sant Marti, the oldest country estate in the area, which was established in the 14th century. On your way to the estate, take in the arc-shaped covered Arab well, which translates to viguet, sited at the entrance to the village. Other attractions include the oldest house in the village Casa de Son Pere Jaume and the neo-Gothic style Cases Monges building, which was built in 1897. Don't forget the Moli Nou - the only surviving flour mill in the centre which stopped working around 1915 - and the historical Alcudiarrom Tower, which is thought to have been built to defend the village from attack. When exploring the area you're also likely to come across remnants of the Iron Age, Roman and medieval periods, as well as examples of Islamic influence since Mallorca was attacked by Muslim raiders on numerous occasions. The village consists mainly of traditional architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries and if you're lucky you could find yourself staying in such a property when you book a quality farmhouse in Mallorca. And while you're there, you're sure to want to sample some local delicacies. The region produces traditional cuisine such as sausages and wine, but its melons are second to none, hence the fruit-focused festival every year. The event has been running for about 40 years and entails local farmers taking their biggest, juiciest melons to the Placa Tomeu Penyato to be weighed. The locals compete to have the heaviest fruit, with previous winners' offerings weighing in at 17,780 g, which is getting close to three stones. The chosen winner receives a cash prize as well as a trophy for their efforts. After all the excitement and local wine to celebrate the festival, you might like to head back to your farmhouse for a good night's rest. If you're in the area for a few days as part of a late availability holiday in Mallorca, why not spend the rest of your break exploring the surrounding areas? You might enjoy making the most of the sun and tranquil setting and just relax, but if your feet are itching to get moving there is plenty to see in Es Pla, which is the central part of Mallorca. Much of the area is farmland or used for wine-making, giving you a real taste of authentic, rural Spain. Join in the wine-making and purchase a bottle to take home as a souvenir of your time in the region. Or if you're feeling particularly active, you may want to take a tour of the mountains of Llevant. Scale the heights for a bird's eye view of the island and work off some of that melon from the festival. For another climbing adventure, make your way up Mont-sion with a summit of 250 metres and find a sanctuary at the pinnacle. If you fancy sea views, you could always make your way to the coastline along the bay of Alcudia to take a stroll on white sand and paddle in the clear waters. If it's relaxation you're after, why not explore the local country lanes and fruit groves, or visit the S'Albufera nature park? Or for those with an interest in history, you could take in the sights of Son Fornes - a prehistoric village dating back to the Talaiotic Bronze Age period. And to pick up some local wares, why not take a trip to Sineu Market, held every Wednesday and providing opportunities for holidaymakers to pick up goods like leather, lace and pearls? So, for a taste of authentic Mallorca, take in the Festa del Melo for a real slice of Spanish fiesta culture.

Don't miss Mallorca's Festa del Melo

Thursday, 29, Jul 2010 08:58

If you're planning to visit the beautiful Spanish resort of Mallorca, you might want to make sure your visit coincides with one of the local festivals to experience the island's fiesta culture.

Spain's largest island has long been a popular destination among tourists looking for sun, sea and sand, but for a taste of authentic Mallorca make sure you take a Majorca holiday during the Festa del Melo.

Taking place on the last Sunday of September in Vilafranca de Bonany, the festival is held to mark the end of the watermelon harvest in the region. Mallorca has many festivals throughout the year but to catch the last of the summer this event is the perfect option.

Part of the Es Pla district, the village is famous for its melons and has been growing dry-irrigation crops for centuries. Vilafranca de Bonany experienced growth in the mid-1600s and boasts points of interest such as an 18th century church dedicated to Santa Barbara. The church has been made over several times and now includes a square bell tower.

While you're in the region, you might want to pay a visit to Sant Marti, the oldest country estate in the area, which was established in the 14th century. On your way to the estate, take in the arc-shaped covered Arab well, which translates to viguet, sited at the entrance to the village.

Other attractions include the oldest house in the village Casa de Son Pere Jaume and the neo-Gothic style Cases Monges building, which was built in 1897. Don't forget the Moli Nou - the only surviving flour mill in the centre which stopped working around 1915 - and the historical Alcudiarrom Tower, which is thought to have been built to defend the village from attack.

When exploring the area you're also likely to come across remnants of the Iron Age, Roman and medieval periods, as well as examples of Islamic influence since Mallorca was attacked by Muslim raiders on numerous occasions.

The village consists mainly of traditional architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries and if you're lucky you could find yourself staying in such a property when you book a quality farmhouse in Mallorca.

And while you're there, you're sure to want to sample some local delicacies. The region produces traditional cuisine such as sausages and wine, but its melons are second to none, hence the fruit-focused festival every year.

The event has been running for about 40 years and entails local farmers taking their biggest, juiciest melons to the Placa Tomeu Penyato to be weighed. The locals compete to have the heaviest fruit, with previous winners' offerings weighing in at 17,780 g, which is getting close to three stones. The chosen winner receives a cash prize as well as a trophy for their efforts.

After all the excitement and local wine to celebrate the festival, you might like to head back to your farmhouse for a good night's rest. If you're in the area for a few days as part of a late availability holiday in Mallorca, why not spend the rest of your break exploring the surrounding areas?

You might enjoy making the most of the sun and tranquil setting and just relax, but if your feet are itching to get moving there is plenty to see in Es Pla, which is the central part of Mallorca. Much of the area is farmland or used for wine-making, giving you a real taste of authentic, rural Spain. Join in the wine-making and purchase a bottle to take home as a souvenir of your time in the region.

Or if you're feeling particularly active, you may want to take a tour of the mountains of Llevant. Scale the heights for a bird's eye view of the island and work off some of that melon from the festival. For another climbing adventure, make your way up Mont-sion with a summit of 250 metres and find a sanctuary at the pinnacle. If you fancy sea views, you could always make your way to the coastline along the bay of Alcudia to take a stroll on white sand and paddle in the clear waters.

If it's relaxation you're after, why not explore the local country lanes and fruit groves, or visit the S'Albufera nature park? Or for those with an interest in history, you could take in the sights of Son Fornes - a prehistoric village dating back to the Talaiotic Bronze Age period.

And to pick up some local wares, why not take a trip to Sineu Market, held every Wednesday and providing opportunities for holidaymakers to pick up goods like leather, lace and pearls?

So, for a taste of authentic Mallorca, take in the Festa del Melo for a real slice of Spanish fiesta culture.

Mallorca Farmhouses

Don't miss Mallorca's Festa del Melo