Talk about name dropping, if islands could do it, Majorca would have an impressive list.
The Spanish island is popular with celebrities, dignitaries, politicians and royalty. Native Spaniards have long been aware of King Juan Carlos' love for the area. He even maintains a retreat and moors a yacht there for his regular Majorca holidays. In fact, the isle is popular with the entire royal family, including King Juan Carlos' son, Prince Felipe, who also holidays there frequently.
Other famous visitors to this Spanish paradise include Queen Elizabeth of England, actress Patsy Palmer, actor Michael Douglas, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, musician Mike Oldfield and more. Celebrities from all over the world have purchased vacation properties and second (or third or fourth) homes on the island.
Majorca is so popular with the rich and famous that it isn't unusual for residents to spot a celebrity on any given day. And though it is the largest of Spain's many islands, at 3700 square kilometers, it isn't the easiest place in the world to hide. Still, with its private beaches and secluded mountain retreats, it offers enough solace to continue enticing celebrities as it has for almost 50 years.
Majorca's year round population stands at less than one million, smaller than many major cities. Yet tourist numbers may double that number on a given day, especially during the peak travel season.
The biggest piece of the tourism pie comes from other European countries and the UK. However, Majorca has become increasingly popular with visitors from North America in the last two decades. In fact, thanks in large part to Majorca's draw of visitors, Spain has become the second most visited country in the world. It is second only to France for the most foreign tourists in a year.
Majorca has invested billions of dollars in the tourism sector since the 1960s. Apparently, the investment paid off and continues to do so today. The island draws over 6 million tourists annually. An astounding 95 percent of Majorca's economy is directly or indirectly sparked by tourism.
Both short-term and long-term holiday-makers are drawn to the area mainly for its sunshine, beaches and breathtaking natural beauty. Hotels do a brisk business in every region of the Spanish isle. Tourists who like to stay longer and visit more frequently (especially the rich and famous) have helped to keep the real estate business booming on Majorca. The politically stable climate of Spain has made its many tourist destinations, including Majorca, popular places to invest in property.
These are just a few of the reasons that the British newspaper The Telegraph recently touted Majorca on its "best of" list.
It noted that the island's 'lovely' geography and natural features make it a particularly worthwhile destination for travelers. Majorca remains extremely popular with outdoor lovers. Both celebrities and the average vacationer alike appreciate the quality of outdoor life that can be found on the island. As long as Spain remains politically stable, Majorca will surely continue to draw visitors from around the world in the decades to come.
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