Mallorca Travel Guide
Whether you’re travelling en famille or you want a romantic getaway, Mallorca has something for everyone. Forget Love Island, who doesn’t LOVE a dip in the sea or the simple pleasure of reading a good book in the sunshine? Those more athletically inclined (not us) can don their lycra and cycle through the Tramuntana mountains while the tapas will keep any gastrophile happy.
WHERE TO STAY
S’Hotel des Puig is glorious and it is no wonder guests return year after year, like old friends. Sunsets here truly make the heart swoon, with a sweeping backdrop over the mountains, and honey-coloured houses down to the glittering sea. A simple affair, with an honesty bar, pool and good rooms.
A luxury hilltop oasis with beautiful views and rooms alike. Verdant terraces, dotted with hammocks and day beds lead down from the hotel to the sea, where there is a private beach. Here, the emphasis is on relaxation and we could not think of anywhere better to spend some well earned R&R.
A setting so special it will stay with you forever. The house lies nestled among olive groves and citrus orchards, with a Florentine fountain at the centre of a cobbled courtyard. This is the perfect place to create lifelong memories with dear friends, gathered around the table enjoying good food. Don’t bother packing any books as their library boasts the most impressive collection.
WHERE TO EAT
Ca’s Patro March is a must for lunch. Be prepared to commando roll at any moment as you rub shoulders with the likes of Olivia Coleman and Tom Hiddleston from The Night Manager. Book ahead, and order gambas de Soller, pimientos del padron, and a compulsory magnum of rosé.
The walk to Sa Foradada is beautiful, and this Paella restaurant has some of the best food and views on the island. The little bay of Cala Tuent can only be accessed by a path that winds down through centuries old olive trees or by boat, from Port de Soller.
A traditional Mallorcan restaurant serving the most divine traditional roast lamb. The drive up is endless hairpin bends with steep drops and is not for the faint hearted but those feeling adventurous will reap the rewards. Book in advance and work up an appetite by walking up to the ruins of Castell d’Alaró, a fifteenth century Hispanic-Moorish castle from which you get the most amazing views.
After lunch, the islands oldest winery Bodegas Ribas is just ten minutes away by car. The Sió and Ribas Negre are just two of the wines for which they are internationally renowned.
WHAT TO DO
Palma
Palma has a rich history, most of which is reflected in its beautiful architecture. We recommend strolling, ice cream in hand, in any direction from the Gothic Cathedral – you’ll find pretty, little streets lined with aristocratic townhouses, that spill out onto vibrant squares. You could spend weeks in this city alone, and still uncover fresh joys every day.
Palma is also home to Catalan artist Joan Miro’s studio, a great place to go if you’re seeking shelter from sun, sea and sand. For the culture vultures among you, this studio is the perfect place – a mixture of profound artworks and wonderous sculptures. Our top tip would be to go after 3 o’clock on a Saturday, when entry is free (because who doesn’t love a bargain!).
Step back in time and board the old-fashioned train from Palma to Soller. The journey is utterly charming and lets you enjoy views galore.
The Beaches
Mallorca’s beaches are incredible. There are the blonde bombshells that flaunt swathes of fine golden sand with water as clear as crystal, such as Cala Llombards. And then there are the secret, sandy or rocky coves, where you can escape the crowds. Es Trenc is the most unspoilt, long beach on the Southern coast of the island, particularly at La Rapita. Whilst Colonia San Pere on the North-West coast is a smaller bay, with beautifully turquoise water.
The beaches of Port de Soller tend to be rather crowded. Locals and savvy holiday goers will go one cove over to Cala Tuent, a secluded spot located at the foot of Puig Major, the highest peak in Mallorca.
Sa Calobra is completely unique and can only be accessed on foot, by a series of tunnels. At this spot, the Tramunatana Mountains dramatically collide with the Mediterranean Sea and the result is absolutely breath-taking. It’s becoming a victim of it’s own beauty so go early to avoid the tourists. The views will have you day dreaming for hours after.
Image credits: vogue.com, cansimoneta.com, sontorrella.com, standard.co.uk, telegraph.co.uk, helencummins.com, abc-mallorca.com, trendesoller.com, civitatis.com, illesbalears.travel, rutasyrutinas.com