Mallorca is the largest of Balearic Islands. Along with its sister islands of Menorca and Ibiza, lies in the Mediterranean Sea off the south east coast of mainland Spain. The first recognisable landmark on the final approach before landing will be the magnificent 14th Century Gothic cathedral at Palma. Son Sant Joan, which is the main tourist airport, is located in the south of the island just outside the capital Palma.

My sister and her family live in Santa Ponca, which is situated between Palma (NE) and Magaluf (N). In between the beach and the port is a simple monument that commemorates the landing of James I of Aragon in 1229 when he arrived to re-conquer Mallorca from the Moslems. Santa Ponsa has a Celtic flavour, with a number of Scottish and Irish themed pubs and bars.