You can transport yourself back in time by visiting the best places in Ireland and get lost in all that the country has to offer.

County Dublin

1. City of Dublin

If you’re travelling through Ireland, one of the first places you’ll visit is probably its capital, Dublin. Home to over 1 million people, Dublin is a mix of heritage and modernity. You’ll find both cobblestone streets and towering office buildings, often next to each other. Dublin is a great city to find a local pub and enjoy a pint of beer.

2. Guinness Storehouse

One of the best places to visit in Dublin is the Guinness Storehouse, a seven story building that tells the history of this famous drink. Make your way up to the top floor which is home to the Gravity Bar.

Here you’ll receive a complimentary pint of Guinness which you can sip as you gaze out on the city of Dublin.

3. Trinity College

Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I of England, Trinity College still has some of its original buildings. The architecture is truly inspiring to behold. Among the campus is its famous library which houses the Book of Kells, a Latin manuscript of the New Testament from the year 800.

The campus itself is alive with current students that have a definite student vibe. Catch a game of cricket in the local green or enjoy a pint of beer at the pub.

4. St Patrick’s Cathedral

Dublin’s largest church is truly one of the best places to visit in Ireland. Close to the cathedral is a well believed to have been used by St Patrick to convert pagans to Christianity. After St Patrick visited the area a small wooden church was built which would later be transformed into the current cathedral that sits in Dublin in 1191.

While St Patrick’s Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction, it is also an active church. There are daily services that you can attend as well as choir performances.

County Clare

5. Cliffs of Moher

One of the most highly visited places in Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher, and it’s no wonder when you finally arrive at the towering spectacle. Situated on the west coast of Ireland, these cliffs tower 214 meters over the Atlantic Ocean. They can be found near the villages of Doolin and Hags Head and the 8 kilometer walk is one of the most spectacular the country has to offer.

The cliffs were made after a large river delta ran by them, over 300 million years ago. Since then their erosion has offered a glimpse of Mother Nature’s beauty to all who come to visit.

6. The Burren

One of the best place to visit in Ireland is this large limestone mass because of its geological fascination. Around the area you can find over 600 different plant species including 22 of Ireland’s 27 species of orchids. If you love nature and diversity, The Burren is beautiful place that shouldn’t be missed.

County Kerry

7. Ring of Kerry

If you’re up for some hiking, check out the Ring of Kerry, which offers almost 200 kilometres of trail through amazing landscapes. The trail can be found in the southwest of Ireland and passes through meadows, glacier lakes and mountain peaks.

Nearby the trail is the Killarney National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage biosphere reserve.

8. Skellig Islands

Near to the Ring of Kerry, you can find the Skellig Islands, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage area. These pair of rocky mounds rise up from the sea and are home to a 6th century monastery. There is a large number of birds that make the small islands their homes and you can see the likes of cormorants, herring gulls and razorbills.

County Galway

9. Aran Islands

If you want to experience a traditional Irish village, then make sure you come by the Aran Islands. Off the west coast of Ireland, near the city of Galway, you can find a place that has consciously tried to resist modern developments. The roads are car free and Gaelic is spoken by most. You can also find crafters knitting the traditional Aran sweater.

The islands are a natural paradise with miles of beaches along a rugged coastline and ancient forts atop its cliffs.

10. Connemara National Park

This national park is famous for its herd of native Connemara ponies that run through the wild countryside. The park is also home to a section of the Twelve Bens mountain range and includes Benbaun, Bencullagh and Benbrack. In addition to the natural scenery, Connemara National Park also houses Kylemore Abbey, which is a former monastery inside a castle.

11. Kylemore Abbey

Founded in World War I in the Kylremore Castle, this abbey was a sanctuary for nuns who fled Belgium. The castle itself was built in 1871 and contained 33 bedrooms. The abbey is now open to public viewers and the gardens have been restored in a beautiful way.

County Donegal

12. Glenveagh National Park

Situated in the north of Ireland, this national park is over 14,000 acres large and a place for hikers and fisherman alike. The park offers amazing trails to hike or walk in as well as the Glenveagh Castle, built in the 19th century. Amongst the park you can find herds of red dear as well as the formerly extinct Golden Eagle.

County Louth

13. The Burren

This unique place, north of Dublin, is a product of thousands of years or acid erosion. As a result, the texture of the landscape is filled with fissures and ruts and is akin to walking on the moon. In between the cracks you can find an array of wildflowers that bloom colorful buds during spring.

14. Cooley Peninsula

Just south of the border of Northern Ireland, you can find this peninsula that juts out into the Irish Sea. The area is awash with natural beauty including the windswept coastline and mountain ranges. Make sure to visit the village of Carlingford, a medieval village in the area.

County Wicklow

15. Glendalough

If you’re in Dublin but are looking for a day trip, Glendalough is a short journey away and one of the best places to visit in Ireland. It is the site of a monastery that can be found amongst valleys and lakes. Here you can find the remains of a 6th century Christian settlement.

A mixture of cultural history and natural beauty make up the best places to visit in Ireland. Whether you’re sipping a pint of Guinness at a local pub or hiking a trail overlooking the sea, Ireland has something to offer anyone.

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Of the most popular cities in Europe to visit, Rome would certainly make the top 10 list. But when you finally make it to the ancient and magical city of Rome, the list of things to do might seem endless. Here are some of the absolute must sees as well as a few of the lesser known activities and sites of Rome.

Must See!

To see the world’s smallest sovereign state just wander into Vatican City. There’s nearly an infinite amount of incredible masterpieces in any of the Vatican’s museums. The most noteworthy and famous Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is here to blow away any visitor.

Wandering the museums of the Vatican could take ages, but when you’re ready for a bit of fresh air without saying goodbye to the wonderful history Rome offers, head to the Colosseum and see the vast arena that held some epic and brutal gladiator fights and competitions, and is now known as the iconic symbol of the city. This amazing structure is considered to be one of the most impressive Roman structures in Roman engineering and architecture, and once you are in its presence, it’s very easy to see why. Despite its ruinous state, its colossal windows, huge arena, stadium seating, and unground caverns are humbling to any explorer inside the ancient amphitheater. For an in-depth journey through this ancient wonder, take a Colosseum tour.

For more Roman wonderings the Roman Forum is great spot to see ruins of Roman gods, basilicas, imperial arches, and a host of other Roman remains. The 18th century Trevi Fountain features a beautiful depiction of Neptune guided by Tritons and the Roman Gods of the Sea are the center point of a large pool in which the fountain flows beneath the characters into.

Who Knew?

You have been stuffing your face with the most amazing cheese, the tastiest sauces, and the most perfectly cooked pasta for days on end, wouldn’t it be great to get to know more about the pasta your eating? Of course it would, and the Pasta Museum is a fun place to learn more about it. Here you can also see some of tool used throughout history and even see some art!

After you have had your fill with pasta and pasta knowledge, go work off some of the calories and train to be a gladiator. If you were going to train to be one, what better place than Rome? Gear up in your armor and take a two-hour lesson at the Historic Group of Rome.

For an interesting site, just outside the main city, you might be a bit shocked to find a pyramid. The Pyramid of Cestius is another ancient structure of the city and just so happens to stand at a fork in the road.

Should you be into ghosts and ghouls, maybe you should join a ghost tour. There’s said to be some ghosts that wonder the castles at any given time, some holding their own heads. A few of the others are somewhat shy and only decide to come around a few times a year, like the famous ghost of Beatrice Cenci.

Photo by Storm Crypt and Dennis Jarvis

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Daring the Depths

You have been staring at the water all day and perhaps have even gone for a swim, but what’s below the crystal blue waters? Get PADI certified and dive down to find out. There are spectacular caves and ship wrecks all of which can be seen on either a day or night dive.

See the Slopes

If winter sports are your thing, then don’t think Cyprus can’t offer you a great holiday. There aren’t only beaches here. The Troodos mountains are there for you to ski and board down its slopes. Mount Olympus overseas all the other mountains topping up at 1,952 meters.

During the first quarter of the year this spot is covered in snow. Snow boarding and ski lovers can slide down any of the 6 different runs in the area all varying in length. A few of the cross country trails offer some really nice views including the Coast of Limassol and the Salt Lake.

Wine and Dine

When in Cyprus, you eat a meze. This is a traditional and popular dish to have and there are tons to try. A meze is a small selection of many things on the menu and are an excellent way to start your meal. So great in fact, you might not make to to dessert. There is a lot of food!

Your meal wouldn’t be complete without some fabulous wine, right? Cyprus was actually the first European country to produce wine and things today remain the same. There is even the Commandaria Museum to help you with the timeline of decades of wine making and pleasing. There are several wineries all ranging from your mom and pop wineries to top sellers and producers. Enjoy a glass or bottle.

Go to Church

Literally, go to church. There are a group of Byzantine Painted Churches north of Troodos that are magnificent. Although sometimes worn and humbled looking from the outside, these churches on the inside are holding something awesome. Incredible paintings and murals line the walls of these churches. It is said it’s almost as spectacular as the Sistine Chapel. Ten of these churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When going to these churches be aware they some are a bit difficult to get to, however definitely worth the effort. You can check out http://www.thomascook.com/lp/1×7-last-minute-holidays/ for getting your last minute deals booked soon.

Coastal Stroll

For sometime on the beach, taking a stroll on the Limassol Coastal Walk. It’s a fantastic to explore while going for your walk. You will begin at the towns castle, pass the Ancient Amathus, and wander through gardens. There are sculptures along the walkway and when you need a bit of a break, just stop in a cute cafe nearby or do a bit of shopping at the markets.

Photos credit 1 and 2

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Just reading the word Oxford conjures up images of Gothic buildings, rowing on the Thames River, Punting on the Cherwell, Students with colourful scarfs riding bicycles down cobbled stoned streets etc. etc. Back in the Second World War Oxford was spared the ravages of bombing raids and so boasts to be one of the best examples of dramatic architecture in England. History oozes out of the walls and gardens of the 44 colleges, Chapels and stores that fill the centre of the City. Buskers play music on many a corner alongside performers of all kinds as future leaders learn their trade attending lectures from professors who wouldn’t look out of place in a Harry Potter story.

Visiting Oxford could not be easier. You can choose coach travel from London and back leaving every ten minutes or, you can catch a train from Paddington Station which whisks you through beautiful countryside with river views.

Coach travel : http://www.oxfordtube.com/londontube.aspx

Train : http://www.thetrainline.com/

What to do in Oxford

River Thames

Every day the city is buzzing with activity. There are many things one can do to fill the day. If you wish to walk about the place you’re in for a treat. The River Thames slices through Oxford just behind Christchurch College and its Meadow. The colleges practice rowing on this stretch of the Thames and in spring and summer the banks are lined with geese, ducks and swans. You can rent out a punt on the river Cherwell or go on a Thames cruise; you can have a picnic, feed the ducks and take some photographs too. Whatever you fancy there’s something for everyone.

The Covered Market

The English weather can be unpredictable. Oxford has a few attractions that are ideal on a rainy day. The covered Market is full of small shops and businesses. Grab a coffee, eat the best pies in the land at Pie and Mash, browse at souvenirs, visit a charity shop or just wander about in the dry and take in all the sounds, smells and aromas of a typical British Market.

The Ashmolean

Oxford has a wonderful museum or two which are definitely worth a visit. The Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers museums are fantastic and a must on any visitors list if it’s raining. The New Theatre by the bus station has daily shows that are well worth seeing and the galleries dotted all over the place invite the curious to feast their eyes on names like Picasso or Dali.

The Oxford Canal

The Oxford canal runs for miles out of town and makes for a pleasant bit of exercise after a big lunch. Along its banks you can gaze at colourful narrow boats or go for a cycle ride. Many a folk enjoy sitting by a lock and watching the world go by. You may bump in to an art student painting a scene or a fisherman patiently waiting for a bite on his line.

The White Horse Pub

Pubs are part of the British Culture and many in Oxford are very old with interesting histories. Real ale drinkers will enjoy a few pints in Oxford. Try out the White Rabbit by Gloucester Green or The Lamb and Flag, 12 St Giles’. If you want a real quaint pub that attracts tourists try The White Horse, 52 Broad St. This famous pub is in the centre of town surrounded by college buildings and picturesque shops.

It’s a sunny day in mid-summer and you wish to see as much as you can in comfort and style. Why not take an open topped bus tour around the City. Tickets are easy to purchase. Alternatively you can find a guide hanging out on one of the tourist streets and do it all on foot for only a few pounds sterling.

If you have your own transport why not go for a drive around the Oxfordshire County. It is full of chocolate box villages and pubs where you can stop for a while and relax. There are many attractions to stumble upon too. Hidden away you can find fabulous restaurants and manor houses with gardens to visit and enjoy. If you really like gardens then visit the Botanical Gardens in the city.

For the younger traveller

Oxford has a few good music venues. Catch a pub band down most streets at the weekend or book tickets at The O2 on Cowley Rd to see some bigger names. Cowley Rd caters for students and locals so you can find all kinds of food, drink and entertainment there at reasonable prices. Buses run up and down this road all day. It’s easy to walk to but it’s also easy to catch the bus. Presently Oxford buses sell a 24hr ticket for just £4. You can travel on as many buses as you like within the ring road within the time stated. Bargain! If you fancy a bit of ice skating Oxford has a rink near the train station. Check it out.

Accommodation

Oxford has all types of accommodation. Go online and check out Bed and breakfast at a guest house, a stay at a small hotel or even luxury rooms in an exclusive Hotel. If you like something different then try a night at oxford prison, now a splendid hotel for around £100 a night. Remember it’s only a short journey to London so you may choose to stay in the capitol and visit for a day.

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Why attend the London festivity?

New Year’s Day Parade has the unique distinction of raising charity funds for different institutions in London. So why not join festivities with a good purpose? After all, you will be fulfilling your social responsibility just like corporate institutions do. It will also be an opportune time to join young talented musicians selected to participate in this festivity. The selected musicians also get to play alongside an American High School band, serving to cement the existing between the US and UK. In fact, there are usually more entertainers from the US including acrobats; clowns; March and drum; and more.

Why all the New Year’s Parade enthusiasm?

For one, there is a competitive aura in the whole event with representatives of each of the 32 boroughs competing to place their borough in top ranking. The Londoners enter in an entertaining style and from this they are judged for the grand prize that they later share amongst charities that they choose. To underline the seriousness of the affair is the fact that judges comprise a team of foreign dignitaries. Heroes are also identified from each borough and honoured during this event. There is, therefore, a sense of ownership and pride within the London fraternity.

Which route will the march take?

The parade is expected to cover about 2.2 miles, starting from the Ritz Hotel and ending on Parliament Street. Along the way, you will be able to see the Piccadilly Circus; Regent Street; Trafalgar Square; and Westminster Abbey. The aforesaid are all great London landmarks. The procession also passes by the White Hall and also the Big Ben. This whole extravaganza draws people from various parts of the world including the US and hence serves to boost the economy of London.

Advice for the day

If you are not part of any competing team, get to the scene early and set yourself strategically from where you will follow the procession conveniently. This way you will be able to enjoy yourself without the shovelling of more than a million attendants. The organising team is normally forward looking and erects grand stands of a temporary nature where you can stand and have a clear view of the entire procession.

Of course, should you be lucky to have booked yourself in a strategically located hotel, you will be able to follow the events of the day from the comfort of your balcony. Try calling 0871 942 9094 for an early booking at Holiday Inn London Regent’s Park.

Photo by 762_AK

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Looking to visit the city of the queen? Get outside of the theater and into the streets. Map out your tour of London by recreating the scenes of these 12 films with tourist spots included.

1. Near Tower Bridge – An American Werewolf in London (1981)

What better film to start with than one with London in the title? Set the tone for your trip with the haunting Near Tower Bridge featured in An American Werewolf in London. The scene at Near Tower involves a beastly encounter with some tramps, but the only thing you’ll meet here are the massive views of the city. Spy London hotels close by.

2. Big Ben – Trainspotting (1996)

Trainspotting features several rapid-fire montages meant to echo the addled lifestyle of a drug addict. Many of the scenes feature standard London tourist spots such as the Big Ben. This massive clock tower is an iconic part of the cityscape. Find plenty of photo ops at the attached House of Parliament building as well.

3. Borough Market – Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)

The Borough Market is adjacent to the heroine’s flat in the romantic comedy Bridget Jones’ Diary. Shop the independent stalls for food and crafts. Visit the Globe Pub, the current business in place of Bridget’s actual flat featured in the film.

4. Westminster Bridge – 28 Days Later (2002)

Survey the rest of the city from Westminster Bridge featured in 28 Days Later. This bustling bridge is a far cry from the desolate stretch of street in the post-apocalyptic zombie flick. Take in the River Thames on your lazy stroll, safe and away from the walking dead.

5. Abbey Road – A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

Although Abbey Road wasn’t prominently featured in the film A Hard Day’s Night, you can still channel some creative energy. The Beatles spent much of their time at the infamous Abbey Road Studios reviewing the movie’s script. Technically, the road itself was caught on film for their album by the same name.

6. London Zoo – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

We find the London Zoo, specifically the Reptile House, in the wizardly world of Harry Potter. The Sorcerer’s Stone frames this 1926 building as the magical home of a speaking snake. The Zoo itself has the whimsical feel of an otherworldly city, but you won’t find the animals feasting on Butter Beer. Cast a spell on your kids for an hour or two at this family friendly location.

7. London, Various Locations – Spice World (1997)

It’s a girl’s world, London just lives in it. Take the drive of divas when you tour the city by the streets. It’s hard to name just one location from the musical miscellany pictured in Spice World, so why not hop aboard a double-decker bus and tour like the Spice Girls.

8. Trafalgar Square – Love Actually (2003)

Want to take a break? Have a seat next to one of the fountains at Trafalgar Square. Enjoy the romantic landmark area featured in Love Actually. From the buildings’ stunning stonework to the elegantly aged statues, you’re sure to get swept off your feet while you take a moment to relax.

9. Admiralty Arch – Children of Men (2006)

When you’ve finished your break, find the North-East point of the Admiralty Arch. This elaborate building is the center of the war-torn square in the film Children of Men. Observe the ornate architecture that’s muted by the gloomy hues on screen. The walk from Trafalgar Square reveals an excellent view of the Buckingham Palace.

10. Regent Street – Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Regent Street is the perfect place to do the S-word: shop. This major shopping district sets one of the final scenes for the seedy cult classic, Eyes Wide Shut. The dark streets of this strange thrillers key scene may look a bit different in the day. However, if you’re looking for something a little creepy, this may not be the place. Your hopes of hauling all your bags on “the tube” is the only underground fantasy you’ll find here.

11. Chelsea – A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Wander from the main roads and into the neighborhoods of Chelsea. The classic character, Alex, of A Clockwork Orange, wanders through the streets of Chelsea in search of the old ultra-violence. Specifically, he visits the basement of the modern-style Chelsea Drugstore. Unfortunately, the storefront is now home to a McDonalds, but you can still wander the streets in search of mischief – and maybe even get fries with it.

12. Coronet Cinema – Notting Hill (1999)

If you’re looking for a truly meta trip, visit the Coronet Cinema featured in Notting Hill. The theatre was formerly a playhouse opened in 1898. This two-screen cinema has been lovingly restored to its current state. Naturally, this beloved romantic comedy – Notting Hill – had to make a date with this location, especially since it’s local to the film’s own title town.

If you’re looking for travel experience, there’s no better queue to follow than the scripts of your favorite films. Find your mark off camera on your next vacation. Want a complete map of London’s film locations? Explore more here. Visit London today to step on the sets the classics.

What are the number one London-based films on your list? Share your picks in the comments below.

Photos by Matt Buck, anthony kell, Bernt Rostad, William Warby, Shane Global, S Pakhrin, Les Chatfield, Giorgio Tomassetti, Garry Knight, Simon Q, Olga Khomitsevich and Gwydion M. Williams

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Shopping Paradise

The shopping experience of Paris is a world apart. Especially in winters during the Christmas the departmental shores glitter with wonderful lights and display of high end designer wears and stylish accessories. You would like your promenade along the Opera district or Saint-German and feast your eyes with window shopping. There are cluster of extravagant and famous departmental stores to fulfill your shopping craves.

The Eiffel Tower

Well talking about Paris and you leave out the iconic Eiffel Tower is an unpardonable crime. The magnificent structure standing 300 meters tall in its full glory is most visited site in France. There are lift services to take you up and down the tower. You have restaurant, café, souvenir shops at different levels. Then, from the viewing platform you get an amazing panoramic view 40 miles across the landscape.

Science Museum

‘Cite des Sciences et de l’industrie’, the name given to this innovative modern science museum is a must-see for all tourists. And the tourists know about it better, as some 5 million visitors set their feet in this wonderful museum each year. Its 30,000 sq. m. areas displays high-tech scale models of satellites, planes and robots. You can have experience of weightlessness of space travel, go through optical illusions, draw 3 D images, and many other amazing features.

Ice Skating

You can enjoy your winter vacations making with your ice skates in the picturesque venues of Paris. Christmas fun loving crowd make the most of it at skating rinks with rock music energizing them for spirited moves. There are many venues which are especially opened up for the winter games. The venue in front of city hall is the most famous spot where people flock in numbers during the Christmas, and have fun in the open-air rink. At night it is more spectacular when the place is lit up with colorful lights. There is separate area for beginner and children so that they don’t feel left out.

You and your family are going to demand for more, hence arm yourself with credit cards as an option to help you out, if you run out of money. Make the smart moves and have a great family-bonding time.

Photos by Trey Ratcliff, Panoramas and Doug

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I think one of my favourite things about frequenting the local bars is that many of the best give you a real insight into the city’s culture. So, even if you’re on an all-inclusive holiday like a cruise (which you can find out more about here), they’re still well worth going to.

Cukurcuma 49

Address: Turnacibasi Sokak 49/A Cihangir

First up is a bar that’s also a restaurant and live music venue. In fact, it’s got a particularly good reputation for its deliciously thin and crispy pizzas. There are a fair few vegetarian toppings on the menu too, which makes this a decent spot for veggies looking for something a bit different to eat.

But, of course, our focus should be on the drinks. The highlight here is the wine, since the bar actually serves up its own, which is bottled on the island of Bozcaada.

Buyuk Londra

Address: Grand Hotel de Londres, Mesrutiyet Caddesi 53, Beyoglu

My next suggestion is in the Grand Hotel de Londres, and it can actually be looked at as two bars. The first, the Lobby Bar, has quite an old-world atmosphere, trying to recapture the bohemian vibe this part of the city was once famous for. Upstairs is the Terrace Bar, which has some great sea views – but bear in mind this is closed in the winter. A good thing about both bars is that they tend not to get crowded, making them a wise choice for a quiet drink.

Zeplin Pub

Address: Moda Caddesi 11, Moda

Zeplin Pub has become a top destination for local beer lovers, thanks to its excellent selection on tap. Those available either on draught or bottled include Leffe, Kasteel and Hoegaarden. Indoors is simple but comfortable, cosy and welcoming, while there’s some decent outdoor seating too, which is perfect for enjoying those warm evenings.

360

Address: Istiklal Caddesi 311, Misir, Apartman floor 8, Beyoglu

360 is one of those venues whose charm lies largely in its location. You see, as it’s located high above street level this bar offers some utterly amazing panoramic views of the city. That said, I don’t want to imply that the drinks here aren’t great, because they are – some of its original cocktails have even won awards – but the scenery is, for me, just as much of a draw as the drinks.

Susam Cafe

Address: Susam Sokak 11, Cihangir

I thought I’d save my personal favourite ’til last. Susam Cafe is a great little venue that has a reputation for being popular among a really diverse clientele – it seems there’s no-one this bar can’t charm. Full of mismatched furniture, Susam Cafe has a really homely, welcoming feel, while still having a buzzing atmosphere. Due to its popularity it gets especially busy on weekends, when you’ll nearly always see the outside seating packed with locals. Be sure to try the cocktails, while there’s also a decent selection of snacks on offer if you get peckish.

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In fact, Majorca is a great place to visit if you love trying new flavours, as you can sample Spanish favourites like tapas alongside meals with a more Majorcan twist, like its range of pork options.

To get you in the mood for an indulgent stay in a hotel in Majorca, we’ve singled out a few of the best dishes that you simply have to try while you’re staying on the island.

Pork-based meals

One thing you’ll quickly notice if you head away from the resort you’re staying in and venture into the countryside is that there are a lot of pig farms around and, indeed, pork is an important part of the Majorcan diet.

The island produces several kinds of sausage, such as sobrassada (made from minced pork and paprika, as well as other spices) and botifarro (made from cured pork and blood).

Frit Mallorqui is another pork dish that’s popular here, although it can also be made using lamb. The main ingredients are pork sweetbreads (so things like lung and liver), potatoes, spring onions, hot peppers, green peppers, fennel, garlic and laurel leaves, which are all fried and then mixed together.

Llom amb col is another meal that features pork. This time the meat is wrapped in cabbage with pine nuts and raisins; a truly unique flavour combination.

Vegetarian meals

If you’re not a meat-eater then you don’t need to worry, as Majorca caters very well for vegetarians with its traditional cuisine, despite the islanders’ love of pork! Sopes Mallorquines is a classic example, with this typically consisting of seasonal vegetables served with very finely sliced country-style brown bread that’s been left to soak up the broth that the vegetables are cooked in.

Another Majorcan classic that will appeal to vegetarians is tumbet. This is similar to ratatouille and is made using aubergines, potatoes, courgettes and peppers that are fried in olive oil and then served in a casserole-style dish with a delicious tomato sauce.

Seafood meals

While seafood will be on the menu in most Majorcan resorts, there are fewer fish specialities than you may be expecting on this island. One of the best – and simplest – dishes on offer, though, is fresh sea bream baked in rock salt.

Sardines, prawns and lobsters are just a few of the other common seafood options in Majorcan restaurants.

Pastries and sweets

Panades are one thing to look out for in Majorca’s bakeries, with these pastries similar to pies. Traditionally they were only baked at Easter, but you can usually find them on sale all year round now.

There’s no strict recipe for panades, with each family adopting their own fillings and tweaking the recipe. The dough can be sweet or savoury and it will usually be stuffed with a pea and meat filling (often pork or lamb), although it is possible to find fish panades too.

Another baked snack that you can’t leave Majorca without trying is ensaimada, a type of sweet bun. Originally, these were just left plain but you can now buy them with all manner of fillings, including custard cream, pumpkin jam, chocolate and cream. They’re a popular breakfast food on the island that you’ll find available at most cafes and bakeries.

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