Walking In Majorca – Recollections Of The Past

For some, walking in Majorca is both an enjoyable pastime and also a trip down memory lane. Many people who enjoy their holidays to Majorca have been coming since childhood and the island is almost as familiar as their own town. Just how much has it changed over the past few decades?

Early Tourism on the island

It may be hard to believe, but as recently as the early 1960s, the island of Majorca was still comparatively undeveloped and tourism was in its infancy. For those who discovered the island during that time, it was an almost life-changing experience. Some people first went to the island because Spain was still, in those days, a slightly exotic destination for a holiday, and Majorca was even more so. Palma airport, at that time, was a single, very small building and on arrival it would not have been unusual to see a donkey wandering around un-tethered, directly onto the airport's apron. Although there was tourism around the Bay of Palma and resorts such as Arenal, once you left the area and headed to other parts of the island, tourists were still a comparative rarity.

The Mallorcan culture

Majorca possesses its own distinct culture.  In the earlier 1960s, the language widely spoken was Mallorqui, which is a dialect of Catalan, although there was official pressure on younger people to use what was then called 'correct' or Castillian Spanish (a policy since reversed).

In the centre of the island and in inland towns such as Inca, tourism had made little impact and tourists were still treated with great interest and curiosity by local people. Given that tourists were still comparatively rare, it was very easy to get to know the locals, make friends and share their family lives. It was not uncommon for visitors to become friends with a Mallorcan or Basque family and return to stay with them year after year.

Halcyon days?

During those years, comparatively few people had cars and taxis were not in plentiful supply.  
Walking in Majorca was a necessity not a hobby! Buses did exist but were far from regular or reliable.  What this meant for visitors, and people in general, was that exploration and simply getting from A to B was often a case of using foot power. Exploring the streets of Inca, Alcudia town, Pollensa and the stunning surrounding countryside, often in the company of Mallorcan friends, was a truly memorable experience for yesterday's tourists.

The Modern Majorca

Of course, the world of the earlier 1960s is now long gone, yet Majorca is still a marvellous island to visit and explore, particularly if you are able to do some of that on foot. Even though times have changed the island remains a wonderful destination that can only really be appreciated if you are able to do some walking. In Majorca, under the guidance of a knowledgeable tour leader, you can recreate those carefree days of the 1960's untouched Spain. They will ensure that you get the chance to explore some truly amazing countryside, wildlife, unique plants and flowers and those hidden areas of the island that are still authentic and unique to the island.

If you plan a holiday walking in Majorca, you will quickly realise that this island is so much more than just the sun, sea and sand for which is it renowned.  

By: T. Maniscalco

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Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries. Join tours walking in Majorca with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, and you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.