



I was interested to discover how the island had changed and whether it had kept some of the charms which so appealed to me all those years ago. My destination was a farmhouse in Son Carrio close to Manacor abd the holiday resorts which cluster around Cala Millor. Sa Riba, Son Carrio . A wise choice as it transpired. The farmhouse catered for two people (a third if needed) comfortably. It was well equipped and even had a well. I have never had that before.

It was well situated for the unfinished railway line which these days offers a perfect route to run or cycle towards Manacor or Arte. I did both but not to the full extent of the track.









It is quite some time since I was last in the largest of the Balearic islands, Mallorca. There are so many places in the world to visit I had left it alone after spending so many of my holidays there 20-30 years ago.One of my desires for this trip though was to complete a journey I had hitherto failed to accomplish. That was to journey on the preserved railway line between Palma and Soller. Soller Train This did not disapoint. Carriages and locomotives dating from the early 20th centure pass into the hills of South East Mallorca from the capital. The website is easy to navigate and we were able to buy tickets on the day. The only proviso was to specify a return time. This is to avoid a mad rush for the final train of the day.Once in Soller there is time to explore the small town centre before completing the journey to the seaside resort of the same name (Puerto Soller) by tram.You have to admire the far-sightedness of those on the island who kept the railway line open. The tourists flock to it and in doing gives life and vitality to the two towns. Of course where would Mallorca be without her beaches? There are many to choose from and part of the joy is to discover one which works for yourself.That might be a popular well-resourced beach like the ones at Cala Millor or Sa Coma where the sea front is lined with bars, cafés and restaurants or the coves close to Cala D'or or Porto Cristo.This picture is of Cal Mesquida in the north which has a bust beach bar and restaurant to compliment its very find sand and beautiful sea. KIt is also reasonably accessible by road but is enormously popular in the high season. Choices - choices.Away from the coast, Mallorca has a host of attractions from castles Castell Capdepera to shopping complexes. Shopping Inca It also has a modernised electrified railway line from Palma to Manacor via Inca.The charm of the old town of Pollenca is undimmed complete with its many steps from the heart of the town to the church which overlooks it and the rest of the countryside.If you can spare the time, the small beach at Formentor where Winston Churchill, F Scott Fitzgerald and Grace Kelly have holidayed is still accessible for non-celebrity holiday makers. Be careful though. The adjacent car parks are incredibly expensive.Mallorca has been a popular destination for holiday makers, especially those from northern Europe, for decades and its popularity is undimmed.It caters for those who want a giant hotel close to the beach and visitors who prefer a rural retreat. But being relatively small it is quite easy to get about. However there some pinch points these days. Avoid, if you can, the C'an Picafort/Alcudia road as the resorts have grown beyond their capacity. Insead travel across the island via Inca. It is longer in terms of miles or kilometers but quicker in time.I hope, like me, you have a splendid holiday