There was a time when holidays to Majorca were classed as a good old-fashioned treat. These days, the island has moved with the times to accommodate everyone from family holidaymakers and retirees, to young party animals and honeymooners. However, with everything from sunshine and seaside, to great food and festivals, Majorca family holidays still remain the favourite, But as well as enjoying all the modern activities that Majorca has to offer, take the family back in time to enjoy some of the more old-fashioned delights.

Tren de Soller

The sleepy little town of Soller is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle on your Majorca family holidays. Tucked away in the mountains, the small and sleepy town is a charming place to spend an afternoon. Go shopping in the quaint boutiques, or sample some tapas before you head to the beach – the beauty of Soller is that all of these places will be less crowded than the main resorts on the island. However, the real appeal of the town is the tram that you take in order to reach it. The ‘Tren de Soller’ runs along a 27.3 kilometre track between Palma de Mallorca and Soller, passing through beautiful countryside and groves of orange and lemon trees. The open and old fashioned wooden decor of the tram allows you to make the most of the fresh air, and enjoy the quaint nature of Majorca.

The Windmills of Majorca

One thing that you can’t fail to notice as you arrive in Majorca is the wealth of windmills scattered
across the countryside. At least one of these is certainly worth a visit on your Majorca family holidays, as they represent a great deal of the island’s history. Whether they are flour milling or water pumping windmills, these buildings hark back to a rustic and old-fashioned way of life. With many of the windmills not being used for their traditional functions today, you can choose whether to take an educational route for the kids by taking them to one of the restored mills, or whether to take them to a one they might find a little more interesting – for example, the one that has been converted into a pizza restaurant.

Cultured Cuisine

Authentic Majorcan cuisine is part of a culinary legacy that has to be tasted to be believed. On your Majorca family holidays, don’t let the kids draw you into the nearest restaurant serving steak and chips, but give them a real taste of Majorca by tempting them with some more traditional treats. The robust, old-fashioned fare of Majorca consists mainly of a peasant style of cooking which uses lamb, pork and fish accompanied by various vegetables and pulses, all cooked in glorious homemade olive oils and stocks. Nothing will show you the true traditional lifestyle of Majorca better than the exquisite ‘menu del dia’ of a small village restaurant.

There are plenty of up-to-the-minute and contemporary adventures to be had on the island, but ensure that your Majorca family holidays provide you with a real taste of the more rustic lifestyle. Travel back in time and off the beaten tourist track with some of the more traditional activities the island has to offer.