Majorca (Spain)

La Luminosa, the 'illuminated', is how the natives refer to Majorca. This label seems primarily appropriate in February when countless almond flowers transform the island into a rose-coloured sea.
However, the island also glows during the summer when the sea shimmers in tones of blue and turquoise and the sun sinks into the Mediterranean in a most glorious manner. In the evenings the lights of discos and bars glare out into the darkness.
Majorca is enjoyable the whole year round. Such was discovered by artists like Joan Miró a long time ago: along with countless others he visited the island for its pleasant climate, the impressive nature, the magnificent light effects and the stylish lifestyle of the inhabitants; it is hardly surprising that some visitors stay forever. The authentic Majorca is particularly to be found inland. Traditional costume, old songs and folklore dances all feature at the traditional festivals.
The most obvious manifestation of the islanders' pride is in the language: the locals put efforts into maintaining their dialect, which distinguishes them from the Spanish. Newspapers have been printed in the local language of Mallorquín since the island was granted large-scale independence in 1983 and the street signs are bilingual: if this task is not carried out by the authorities, then the locals are sure to help out with a can of spray paint.