ONE Brit has shared her top spots in Majorca, after she was due to stay there for just six months… yet is still there 26 years later.
Diana Winskill originally left the UK for Spain back in 1999, for what was supposed to be a short stint as a TUI rep.
Yet, fast forward 26 years, she is still in Majorca.
She said: “I came here when I was 23 for what was supposed to be six months.
“I met my English born husband Chris here, we had two daughters, Imogen and Amelia and I’ve now lived in Majorca longer than I ever lived in the UK.”
She has even seen in that time what Brits love to do when in Majorca, including the all-inclusive holiday options.
Read more on travel inspo
She added: “And then there’s bingo.
“Without fail, we have our loyal customers who love their bingo every evening.
“That’s never changed in my 26 years.”
When it comes to her favourite things to do in Majorca, Diana recommends heading to Sant Elm, which is a quiet coastal village in the south west of the island.
Diana said: “Sant Elm has a very relaxed vibe and beautiful turquoise waters.
“You can relax on the small sandy beach, enjoy lunch and sangria in one of the small restaurants or hop on a boat to Dragonera, a protected uninhabited island where you can find unique wildlife and great hiking routes.”
Another top spot for the TUI rep is Palma city.
She said: “You can’t miss the spectacular cathedral, but many people don’t know about the 11th century Arab baths just around the corner.
“It’s well worth the small entrance fee to experience this little piece of history and interesting architectural elements.”
She added that if you happen to visit Palma on the last Saturday of every month, then you can see the changing of the guard at the Almudaina Palace – which is next to the cathedral.
“This is a fantastic sight where soldiers from the Light infantry regiment of Palma recreate the historical guard shift wearing historical 18th century uniforms,” Diana revealed.
The ceremony includes muskets, sabres and drums and it takes place at midday and 7:30pm in July and August.
For another hidden spot, head to Inca, which is known for having the biggest weekly market on the island.
Or you could head to one of the most varied, vibrant and historical markets in Majorca – Sineu market – which takes place each Wednesday.
Diana shared: “Dating back almost 700 years you’ll find amazing local fruits and vegetables, farm animals, leather products and much more.”
Finally, Diana recommends going for a ride on the historic wooden train that started operating between Palma and the mountain town of Sóller in 1912.
She said: “Beautifully preserved, this charming train journey takes you through stunning countryside and up into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tramuntana mountains.
“From there you can take the vintage tram to the port area, and then a boat to the breathtaking Sa Calobra bay.
“It is a very spectacular day of sightseeing in the most untouched part of the island.”
Diana works at the adults-only Hotel Globales Santa Lucia, which is located between two sprawling beaches.
The resort is then just a five-minute walk into town and it has an indoor and an outdoor pool, a buffet restaurant and two bars.
She has also noticed how Brits want to do more excursions, such as seeing the markets in Majorca and experiencing the local culture.
She said: “TUI have so many to choose from with local guides who know the island back to front.”
And on the TUI app, travellers can see all their transfer times and can book experiences on their phones.
She added: “Even in winter, the average temperature only drops to 13 degrees, and you still get the most beautiful sunshine even in the colder months.
“My colleagues have become my family, and honestly, working around people on holiday is infectious because everyone’s so positive.”
In other Spanish news, there will be vintage train to connect two cities next year – with a seaside stop along the way.
Plus, Spain’s ‘best coastal town’ set to ban smoking, pets and loud music on its beaches.