MALLORCA - Welcome

M A L L O R C A

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE, MALLORCA

The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, form a captivating cluster of islands off the eastern coast of Spain. Among them, Mallorca stands out as the largest. It’s celebrated for its beautiful beaches, secluded coves, charming villages, and breathtaking natural landscapes, including the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. Despite its popularity among tourists, Mallorca offers a diverse experience for everyone! Whether you enjoy hiking in the mountains to discover hidden sandy spots, savouring local cuisine, dancing into the late hours, exploring quaint villages, visiting art galleries, or learning about its rich history, Mallorca has something to offer every traveller!

GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND

To really soak in Mallorca’s culture and discover its hidden gems, renting a car is the best way to go. With your own wheels, you can explore the island at your own pace and find those special places. From charming villages to beautiful coastal roads, there are plenty of scenic routes to explore. Plus, having a car makes it easy to visit popular spots like the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains.

I highly recommend VIMA rent a car. You can organise this from Palma airport. It’s super reliable and reasonably priced!

WHERE TO STAY IN MALLORCA

CASA BALANDRA

This is for the creatives! Casa Balandra is a special creative residency and guest house in the charming town of Pòrtol, ideal for artists looking for a place to create and collaborate. It encourages a community-oriented approach, bringing together people passionate about cooking, art, and design to share ideas and work together.

The house has 6 bedrooms, a spacious shared kitchen, a lovely swimming pool, lush gardens, and 6 shared studios, providing plenty of room and resources for artists to work. Inside, you’ll find vintage items, local trinkets, and collectibles from previous artists who’ve stayed at Casa Balandra, giving the house its unique character and charm.

Casa Balandra also hosts open-door studio visits. Whether you choose to stay at the residence or simply visit, the creative atmosphere is sure to inspire!

HOTEL CAN CIRERA

This lovely hotel is conveniently situated just a 5-minute walk from the historic “Plaza Mayor.” It’s a beautifully restored manor house, one of the few historic buildings left in Palma. In addition to its historic appeal, the hotel offers a gorgeous outdoor area where you can relax and savour some wine. This peaceful oasis is an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring the city.

SON FOGUERO HOTEL

Son Foguero Hotel, nestled in the countryside town of Pòrtol, is a charming boutique escape. It was once a farmhouse, now transformed into a serene retreat surrounded by lush gardens.

This eco-friendly haven offers nature-inspired activities like daily yoga classes, workshops, detox therapies, and vegan nutrition retreats. The hotel is adorned with beautiful artwork, including amazing paintings by Pere Alemany!

WHERE TO EAT IN MALLORCA

CA NA TONETA

If you seek a dining experience closely connected to nature, “Can Na Toneta” is the ideal choice. This Michelin-starred restaurant is situated in a charming old house in Caimari. It embraces the seasons by using exclusively organic, locally-sourced ingredients or those from their own orchard. Plus, if you prefer outdoor dining in the sun, they offer a lovely patio perfect for al fresco meals.

NENI

If you’re planning a trip to Soller, be sure not to miss NENI! This restaurant offers a distinctive fusion of global recipes and flavours, with a special emphasis on Middle Eastern cuisine. Their menu features meze’s, grilled meats, fresh seafood, and a variety of vegetarian choices. NENI has a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere with a touch of sophistication, and you can enjoy your meal on their roomy outdoor terrace while taking in the breathtaking views of Port de Sóller harbour. Make sure to book your reservation ahead of time to secure your table!

QUITA PENAS VALLDEMOSSA

Discover Quita Penas in Valldemossa, a delightful rustic restaurant that serves up authentic local cuisine, featuring the renowned “Pa amb oli.” Don’t miss the chance to savour the Sobrasada with fig – a personal favourite of mine. Take a moment to unwind and soak in the serene ambiance of their lovely outdoor terrace, where you can relax, enjoy your meal, and embrace the beauty of Valldemossa. Quita Penas is a true hidden gem!

PATIKI

Experience a Chiringuito like no other! Situated right on the beach, this relaxed spot offers scrumptious fresh food sourced from the island and nearby farmers. The menu varies with the seasons and highlights wholesome, flavourful dishes. It’s an ideal location to bask in the sunshine, take a swim, and enjoy a delicious meal.

NAMA

Located in the picturesque village of Deia, Nama is all about Southeast Asian cuisine with a strong focus on using fresh, local, and organic ingredients sourced right from the island. They believe in the farm-to-table approach to guarantee the best quality ingredients in their dishes. Additionally, the restaurant features two terraces that offer stunning views of the Deia countryside.

ES TALLER

Es Taller is a welcoming restaurant, once a mechanic’s garage, now transformed into a bright dining space. They serve a creative menu with a fusion of international flavours. The restaurant takes pride in sourcing fresh, local vegetables from their own garden to ensure the quality and taste of their dishes. With an extensive wine list, Es Taller is an ideal spot to relax and savour a glass of wine.

Their terrace is the perfect place to enjoy leisurely tapas while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.

CA’S PATRO march

Seafood lovers, don’t miss Ca’s Patro! This charming rustic restaurant perched above Cala Deia beach offers a delightful selection of locally sourced fresh fish, caught daily and priced per kilo.

Enjoy the stunning sea view from their outdoor terrace, perfect for sunset seafood feasts with wine. To reach the restaurant, choose from a walk through olive groves, a drive to the parking lot, or a boat ride. While it’s a bit remote, it’s worth the journey.

Secure a table by making reservations well in advance, as this popular seaside spot fills up months ahead. Remember to bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards.

SA FORADADA RESTAURANT

If you’re longing for traditional paella in an authentic cliff-top setting with breathtaking views, Sa Foradada is a must-visit. It’s nestled between Soller and Valldemossa, near Deia. This rustic gem perches high on the rocks, providing stunning vistas of the Sa Foradada peninsula and the surrounding seascape.

This restaurant specialises in traditional paella cooked over an open fire, enhancing its charm and appeal. The enticing scent of sizzling paellas, mingling with wood smoke, and the sight of garlic and dried peppers hanging from the ceiling will tantalise your senses.

To reach Sa Foradada, you can opt for a leisurely one-hour walk from the Estate of Son Marroig, following the footpath marked ‘Sa Foradada’ next to the parking area. It’s not a strenuous hike.

Alternatively, Masky boats offer an excellent choice for those seeking more freedom and flexibility. You can rent a private boat in Port de Soller for the day, and the best part is, you don’t need a boating license! You can explore the coastline, discover hidden coves, go for a swim, and have a water adventure at your own pace. It’s the perfect way to explore Mallorca’s stunning coast and create unforgettable memories.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN MALLORCA

ENJOY THE DREAMY VILLAGES OF VALLDEMOSSA & DEIA

Deia and Valldemossa, both tucked away in the stunning Serra De Tramuntana mountains on the western side of Mallorca, are two delightful villages.

Deia, a small coastal village nestled between the sea and the forested hills, is known for its charming, artistic atmosphere. The village features lovely stone houses surrounded by lush Mediterranean greenery, olive groves, bougainvillea, and palm trees, all connected by narrow cobblestone streets. Over the years, Deia has been a magnet for renowned artists, poets, painters, actors, and creative souls.

Valldemossa, just a short 20-minute drive from Deia, is another captivating village. Its serene streets are lined with shops, art galleries, cosy cafes, and inviting restaurants. You’ll find narrow cobblestone pathways, stone houses, and doorways adorned with vibrant plants and flowers, enhancing the village’s unique charm. The natural beauty of the surrounding countryside also makes Valldemossa a favourite spot for hikers and nature lovers.

There are several hotels within the villages, along with boutique-style fincas and old manor house hotels in the surrounding countryside. When visiting Valldemossa, be sure to indulge in the local culinary specialty, the ‘coca de patata,’ which can be found in any bakery.

VISIT THE QUAINT VILLAGE OF FORNALUTX

The scenic mountain village of Fornalutx sits in the Tramuntana mountain range, with breathtaking views over Sóller. This charming medieval village is a must-visit, having earned the National prize for Spain’s most beautiful village. Fornalutx boasts narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses, and terraces with vineyards and fruit trees, creating an architectural gem. Unlike other island villages, Fornalutx is less crowded, offering a more genuine and peaceful experience.

delight your senses at Pollença Market

Every Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM, the delightful town of Pollença hosts its weekly market. With over 300 stalls, it’s a great chance to purchase fresh produce, flowers, crafts, and local goods. You can also savour the delicious local cuisine and soak in the lively atmosphere while strolling the charming, cobbled streets of Pollença

VISIT A WINERY

Bodega Sa Cabana, a charming family-owned winery in Binissalem, Mallorca, combines tradition and a variety of grapevines, including local and European varieties. It’s the perfect place for you and your friends to spend a lazy afternoon, savouring wine tastings in a serene countryside setting.

explore Sa Calobra’s : Torrent de Pareis

I believe that Sa Calobra Road is one of the most beautiful drives in Mallorca and a truly stunning trip to plan. Known as “The Snake Road,” it’s considered one of the world’s most spectacular scenic routes. Located on Mallorca’s northwest coast in the gorgeous Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, this road offers captivating views.

When you reach Sa Calobra, make sure to explore the lovely cove, which has charming shops and restaurants. Then, take a relaxed walk to Torrent de Pareis, a beautiful gorge known as one of the most incredible natural wonders in Mallorca.

Torrent de Pareis is set between towering cliffs and boasts breathtaking scenery. It’s the deepest canyon in Europe and was declared a natural monument in 2003. To reach the hidden beach, you’ll need to take a short walk from Sa Calobra, including passing through impressive rock tunnels. However, be aware that it can get crowded during peak season and on weekends, so it’s best to go on a weekday or arrive very early!

To get to Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis, take the MA-10 road toward Escorca, passing the lovely Gorg Blau reservoir. Just before you reach Escorca, turn left onto Ma-2141, which will lead you to the coastal harbour of Sa Calobra. Remember to bring cash, as it’s the preferred payment method at the carpark.

DICOVER ART

Baró Galeria and Galeria Pelaires are two amazing art galleries in Mallorca that showcase a mix of emerging and established artists from around the world.

Fundació Miró Mallorca, you’ll dive into the world of Joan Miró with 6,000 of his works. It’s like a treasure trove donated by the artist himself, including sculptures, a library, and his very own studio.

Museo Sa Bassa, in Alcudia, is where art, nature, and architecture meet in perfect harmony. Explore various art collections, stroll through a sculpture garden, and unwind at the café.

BEACHES IN MALLORCA

MONDRAGÓ NATIONAL PARK

The Mondragó National Park is located on the southeast coast of Mallorca, specifically in the Llevant region, near the town of Santanyí. This park is undeniably one of the island’s greatest natural treasures, renowned for its idyllic beaches, turquoise waters, forested areas, dunes, lagoons, stunning coves, and hiking trails. Mondragó National Park offers a diverse range of beaches and hiking trails to explore. Some of my personal favourites include:

Mirador des Pontàs, S’Amarador, Caló des Borgit, S’Almonia, Cala Mondragó

CALA LLOMBARDS

Cala Llombards, located in Mallorca’s southeast near the charming village of Es Llombards, is a natural gem featuring white sandy shores, crystal-clear turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and lush pine and Mediterranean scrub surroundings. The addition of quaint fisherman’s cottages along the bay enhances the area’s romantic charm.

A leisurely cliffside stroll towards Cala Santanyi presents Es Pontás, a magnificent rock arch popular among climbers, with breathtaking sea views from the cliffs above.

CALA VARQUES

Cala Varques is a hidden gem in Mallorca. It’s a bit off the beaten path, making it something of a secret paradise. One of the best ways to experience its beauty is through a scenic hike.

To get there, you can start your journey at Cala Romantica, another lovely bay. The trail offers a moderate, two-hour round trip along the coastline. But the stunning views make it all worthwhile. Along the way, you’ll encounter Cala Falco, a little cove perfect for swimming and having a break. Lastly, don’t forget to admire the natural rock bridge above the sea, a perfect place to soak in the scenery!

CALÓ DES MORO

Caló des Moro, near Mondragó Natural Park in the southeast of the island, is famous for its stunning beauty and clear turquoise waters.

However, it’s worth noting that Caló des Moro can get quite crowded, especially during the peak season. To make the most of your visit and enjoy a quieter experience, I suggest going either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Additionally, the area offers excellent hiking opportunities with a network of trails leading to picturesque viewpoints.

To reach this idyllic spot, you can park your vehicle at Cala Llombards and follow the signposted path, which should take you about 15 minutes. For the more adventurous, there are opportunities for cliff jumping along the way!

Cala Agulla

On Mallorca’s northeast coast, you’ll find Cala Agulla, a natural wonder. This gem offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a Caribbean-like setting. Plus, it’s been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status. Be sure to arrive early during peak season for the best spot, as it can get very busy!

cala pi

Cala Pi is a gorgeous cove located on the southern coast of Mallorca, near Sa Rapita and the famous Es Trenc beach, in the Llucmajor district. The bay is created at the mouth of the “Torrent de Cala Pi,” which flows only after heavy rains. The picturesque white and olive-green fisherman’s huts, the vivid turquoise waters, and the lush greenery all combine to create the distinctive beauty of Cala Pi. Even though it’s in the tourist area of Cala Pi, the beach itself is a natural wonder. However, during the peak season, especially on weekends, Cala Pi beach can get crowded, so it’s advisable to go early!

HIDDEN COVES

8 hidden coves off the tourist path

Cala Matzoc

Caleta Des Capellans

Cala Murta

Cala Magraner

Cala Tuent

Calo des Marmols

Calo des borgit

Cala Sa Nau