COVID-19: Mallorca opens phase 2
Yesterday, on Monday the 25th of May, 2020, Mallorca opened to phase 2 in the reopening process after the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Balearic Islands, along with the Canary Islands and big parts of Andalusia, have all shown great social responsibility during this terrible crisis and, in return, they can now get a smell of normality.
The key changes that come with phase 2 are:
- Opening of beaches
- Opening of Swimming Pools
- Reduced physical distance
- Opening of some shops
- Opening of some restaurants
- Opening of some hotels
Phase 2 will also allow social gatherings of more than 10 people, visits to retirement homes and visits to residential centers to people with disabilities. It is the autonomous government of the Balearic Islands that is in charge of determining the specific conditions for phase 2.
Beaches and swimming pools
Access to beaches is now allowed again, although a security distance of 2 meters between each set of towels or sun lounger is a requirement. For bathing in the sea there is no security distance needed. Swimming pools and recreational areas may open up 30% of their total capacity.
Restaurants and bars
For restaurants and bars, phase 2 of the reopening process means that they can now open 50% of their total capacity. Half of their indoor capacity and half of their outdoor capacity.
Shops
Certain shops can also reopen again, including those located inside shopping centers. Shopping centers will be limited to only be 40% open, and shops inside must have individual access from the outside of the shopping center to reopen, as common spaces in shopping centers will remain closed.
Cultural institutions
Cultural institutions such as cinemas, theaters and auditoriums may too reopen, although it is required that seats are preassigned and only a third of the total capacity is used.
Churches and sanctuaries may now open to 50% of their total capacity. Weddings and other ceremonies can too be held, although the number of guests is limited to 50 indoor and 100 outdoor.
As for museums and exhibition spaces, the number of visitors is limited to 50% of the total capacity.
Other outdoor activities
Phase 2 also allows for certain outdoor activities to be resumed, such as hunting and sports fishing. Moreover, active tourism and nature tourism will now be expanded to allow larger groups of people to do activities together.
Visits to monuments will be allowed but restricted to a third of the total capacity.
Visits to nature parks will limited to a maximum of 20% of the total capacity.
Mallorca's Top sightseeing attractions
Palma Cathedral
Palma cathedral La Seu is an amazing sight, both from the inside and outside. Palma cathedral is one of the biggest in Europe, and great artists like Gaudi have worked on the amazing temple. There are guided tours and you can even visit the rooftop terraces offering magical views.
The Antique Train
The antique train is a great attraction for young and adults. The ride takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the Tramuntana, passing through orange plantations, olive groves and green valleys. The authentic feeling of the old marhogany cars bumping along the rails completes the experience.
Castell de Bellver
Castell de Bellver is a unique castle, due to its round shape and splendid location on a hilltop above Palma's bay. Much of Mallorca's most dramatic times are linked to the Bellver castle, and you will also find Palma's historical museum here. It's a great attraction for all ages.
Cuevas del Drach
Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) is a great attraction to visit for all ages. Inside the stalagmite and stalactite caves in Porto Cristo, you will meet a true wonder of nature, along with the biggest underground lake in Europe on which an orchester will play a beautiful live concert on before you can enjoy a short ride.
Santuari de Lluc
Santuari de Lluc is a monastery situated deep in the highest areas of the Tramuntana, in divine natural surroundings. Lluc is a great attraction for everyone, you can discover the ethnological museum, enjoy a concert by the famous child choir, visit the botanical gardens and see the holy Madonna.
La Granja
A visit to the ethnological museum of La Granja in the mountain village of Esporles takes you on an interesting journey back in time to discover how life in mallorca was for the wealthy landowners and their servants. La Granja is a museum suitable for all ages, there is plenty to see and do here for young and adults.
Sa Dragonera
Sa Dragonera is an island and protected nature reserve just off the coast of Sant Elm, Andratx. Sa Dragonera is home to indigenious lizards that are very human-friendly, and has become a trademark of Mallorca. About on the beautiful island, you can walk along multiple trails to some of the most amazing vantage points and find ancient watchtowers from the time of pirates.
Almudaina Palace
The royal Almudaina Palace is closely linked to multiple epochs in the history of Mallorca. The ancient palace was built as the seat for the Moorish governor back in the 10th century, and was the first building in the city of Palma as we know it today. Inside you will discover an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and artworks, along with the authentic surroundings of the palace that is now used by the royalties of Spain when visiting the island.