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Introduction to Mallorca

West of Palma lie delightful little coves with azure blue waters such as Cala Comtessa and Cala Vinyas as well as the lively beach resort of Palma Nova. A short way further west along the coast is the glitzy Port Adriano designed by Philippe Starck and attracting super yachts from around the world to its Marina. At the end of the peninsula is Port de Andratx and its pretty harbour backed by the southern end of the Tramuntana mountains and the start of a walking trail, the GR221,which extends all the way to Pollensa in the north and is becoming more popular each year.

East of Palma are the golden sands of Playa de Palma stretching for some 10 km with a traffic free cycle path the whole of its length. Unheard-of in most other European cities.

Between the Playa and Palma several beachfront neighbourhoods such as Portixol and Cuitat Jardi have become very chic enclaves.

It is easy to see why Palma de Mallorca topped a Sunday Times list of “the best places to live” beating destinations across the world with its “picturesque old town”, “fancy shops” and “slow-paced charm”.

South East Mallorca

Mallorca’s salt flats in Ses Salines is where some of the best salt in the Balearics is produced and is located a walk or short cycle ride from one of the island’s most talked about beaches, Es Trenc. You are also within easy reach of the pretty little town of Santanyi and the hopping off point of Colonia de Sant Jordi for the boat to the island of Cabrera which makes for a great day trip.

North East Mallorca

The east coast has numerous beaches and coves and several historic popular holiday destinations catering for large numbers of tourists with larger hotels such as Cala d’ Or and Cala Ratjada.

Making this your base is all about discovering traditional Mallorcan villages and towns such as Sant Llorenç des Cardessar with its impressive architecture, Artá with its popular market day full of artesan foods and craftwork and the beautiful pocket-sized coastal resort of Canyamel.
This is the rural heart of Mallorca with its rolling landscape of citrus orchards and fig, olive and almonds groves.

North of Mallorca

The glistening double bay of Alcudia and Pollensa boasts sweeping beaches as far as the eye can see with the pretty medieval town of Alcudia on the central promontory. Muro beach, the largest of the sand beaches on the island at 6 km long, is ever popular.

The Port of Pollensa and the town of Pollensa have become very sophisticated in recent years. New hotels have opened both in the old town of Pollensa and the Port which offers a modern beach vibe. The old town of Pollensa is buzzing on a Sunday when it is market day. Not to be missed!

North West Mallorca

Dominated by the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range and offering breathtaking scenery, this area is home to some of the most historic and picturesque towns on the island.

The breathtaking coastal road runs the full length of the north coast, climbing to reveal some of the most dramatic sea views and dropping down into the picturesque villages of Estellencs, Banyalbufar and Deiá and now a popular challenge to the thousands of cyclists including many professional cyclists who consider Mallorca one of the world’s best training locations.

The area is easily accessible from Palma (25 minutes drive) via the mountain road through Valldemossa or Sóller – both historic popular towns.

Approximately half way down the west coast, the stunning Sóller valley cuts a sweeping bowl into the mountains with its four picture-perfect towns and villages. Fornalutx with its narrow cobbled stairways bursting with bougainvillea and voted one of the prettiest villages in Spain. Lower in the valley sits Biniaraix with its art community and leafy square where you can rest with a cool drink after a walk in the mountains.

The largest of the towns is Sóller which is accessed not only by road but also by a 100 year old electric train which makes its way up from Palma four times a day on its rich historic journey. From Sóller you can walk, cycle or take the 100 year old tram to the Port of Sóller, a crescent- shaped bay complete with white sandy beach and yacht-filled harbour.

It may seem a daunting choice to decide where to spend your time, but do remember that everywhere on the island is easy to access when visiting. And it’s good to save some places for your next trip as Mallorca boasts one of the highest repeat visitor numbers in Europe!

History of Mallorca

There are numerous small resorts on the south west peninsula of the island such as Cala Vinyes, each with their own idyllic white sand beaches and über cool beach clubs. Further along the coast is the glitzy Port Adriano designed by Philipe Starck, with its yacht marina and, hugging the western point, Port d ‘ Andratx, a small fishing port which now attracts wealthy residents, celebrities and holiday makers.

The centre of the island has a seemingly endless choice of small hotels for singles and couples seeking the peace of the interior. The Tramuntana Mountains which tower over the Sóller Valley and the Port de Sóller attract an international mix of travellers of all ages for cycling, beach time and year round walking.

Palma is pocket sized and a perfect short break destination. Very easy to get around and within easy access of the airport just 10 km away, there is an abundance of accommodation here from boutique hotels tucked away in the old town to larger hotels on the sea front.

Wherever you decide to hang your sun hat, you will not be disappointed. Everywhere is very easy to get to.

For a more authentic experience, often with a local island host, you could book one of the hundreds of agro tourismos on the island, traditional farmhouses converted into stylish rural hotels. This type of accommodation is also on the increase and the standard is exceptional.

For glitz and glamour and the opportunity to bump into a celebrity, you will need to book yourself into one of the international hotel groups such as The Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel or Belmond La Residencia in Deiá.

There are numerous villa rental companies offering accommodation ranging from small city apartments to film star standard finca estates with staff.

Airbnb rentals are strictly regulated and you need a licence to let your property. Only certain areas are deemed touristic for letting purposes but there is still a good selection to choose from. There are no campsites or caravan parks on Mallorca.

The weekly markets in every town and village are published in the local English language newspaper, The Majorca Daily Bulletin. These markets are a hive of local activity where you can experience the rich rural history of the island. Don’t miss the Wednesday Sineu Market which has been trading since the 14th century.

The coastal wetlands of S’Albufera Nature Reserve near Pollensa is an oasis for many rare birds such as the Eleonoras’s falcon and home to many species of migrating birds.

There are several underground caves on the island, the largest of which are the Caves of Drach in the town of Porto Cristo. Made up of three vast chambers, the largest which contains an underground lake, Lake Martel where classical music floats across the waters as boats appear into view with musicians playing for your entertainment.

This is just a small favour of places to visit on the island and, if you miss them first time round, you can always see them next time you visit.

For families there are two huge waterparks that will keep everyone entertained all day , a high wire forest climbing park, the Katmandu Attractions Park complete with the brain teasing upside down house and over 250 beaches to choose from. Several boat companies offer day trips from Palma, Porto Cristo and Pollensa and of course you can also charter your own boat for the day with a skipper.

Take to the skies for a hot air balloon ride with a unique opportunity to see a silent Mallorca from the air. Or ride high and fast with one of the helicopter sightseeing companies which offer scenic tours of the island or transfers from Palma airport to selected accommodation across the island.

There are several cookery schools in Palma offering hands-on classes following a market shop for a real life experience. And you get to eat what you have cooked. On a similar theme in the countryside you can also take part in a unique culinary tour which guides you through the history of cultivation and how it blends into the cuisine of the island. Culminating in a feast cooked for you in the fields.

Take a tour of an olive oil estate and learn about the harvest and production techniques which are now some of the most advanced on the world.

Oh, and lets not forget wine! Wine production on Mallorca dates back to Roman times. In recent years Mallorca has earned a name for its award winning wines. Enjoy a day on a wine train, a cycling wine tour or a walking wine and tapas tour in Palma. Each offering superb memories to take home.

The Majorcan black pig native to the Balearic Islands and the main ingredient in ‘Sobrasada de Mallorca de Cerdo Negro’, is a delicacy that has been made in Mallorca since the 15th century. This pork cured sausage made with sweet paprika is delicious on crackers or bread for lunch.

Mallorca boasts many varieties of wild mushrooms ( bolets) and mushroom picking is a favourite autumn pastime.

The island is buzzing with food projects and initiatives such as the regeneration of the Son Moragues Estate in Valldemossa where they harvest the same olive trees as their ancestors. The extra virgin olive oil made in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana results in a unique taste.

The olive oils of the island are the main ingredient in pa amb oli ( rustic bread with oil) served with jamon serrano, local sheep’s cheese, rubbed with Ramalllet tomatoes, with a sprinkling of Flor de Sal, from salt pans on the south east coast of the island.

Of course we cannot talk about food without talking about the local wines and Mallorca is proud that many of the 65 bodegas are now organic and hand pick the grapes giving awarding winning distinctive flavours.

Make sure to end on a sweet note with a coffee accompanied by the spiral-shaped ensaïmada sweet pastry or a slice of locally made almond cake. Heaven!

Buses connect every town and village and are very reliable and good value. There are three fast train routes in Mallorca covering about 80 km, the main route T1 which runs between Palma and Inca. The central station in Palma, the Estació Intermodal in Plaza España, is the interchange between the bus and train network.

A trip to Mallorca would not be complete without a ride on the 100 year old Palma to Sóller train which operates at a slower pace, offering a breathtaking journey through the mountains over a magical hour, with the opportunity to travel on to the Port of Sóller on the old tram.

There are several sightseeing boat trips across the island. From Port de Sóller you can take a ferry north along the spectacular coastline to Cala Tuent and Sa Calobra and in Pollensa in the north of the island across to the Formentor peninsular.

There are larger car ferries from Palma connecting to the other Balearic Islands namely Ibiza and from there onto Formentera and also to Menorca from Alcudia.

Spring arrives early in Mallorca. Coastal hotels start to open up and sea temperatures are rising. By March Mallorca is in full bloom with wild flowers and corn daisies of yellow and white carpeting the valleys and plains. The roads are quite empty and while it may not yet be warm enough to lie on the beach, the temperature is just right under blue skies with longer sunshine hours.

The island really gets going at Easter time and Semana Santa is one of the most important weeks in the Mallorcan calendar. There are dramatic and colourful processions in every town and village.

Summer is hot and hotel prices are high as it is peak season. The Nit de Foc (Night of Fire) is celebrated all over the island at the end of June but the biggest party is in Palma. Celebrated on the eve of Sant Joan, you will see bonfires, hear fireworks and witness ‘devils and demons’ running through the streets.

July and August are the busiest two months of the year with around 9 million passengers passing through Palma airport, heading to one of the island’s 260 beaches to stay cool.

Beach clubs are open and there are concerts across the island ranging from classical ( the annual music festival in Déia) to rock, pop and jazz and even a few top-line artistes.

September is a lovely month to visit and heralds the grape harvest celebrated each year by the nine-day Festa del Vermar’, one of the oldest fiestas in Spain. The prefect excuse to enjoy a glass of local wine. The weather stays warm well into October and you can return from a day at the beach, followed by eating alfresco. The island feels calmer and is less crowded.

Coastal hotels close their doors around mid November. At the same time, Palma prepares for Christmas and New Year which is magical. All the hotels decorate for the festive season and offer Christmas and New Year menus for residents and for locals.

Bathed in winter sunlight this beautiful Mediterranean city sits beside the palm-fringed blue sea and has a festive atmosphere like no other.

There are nine restaurants with Michelin Stars on the island which would all need to be prebooked. All speak English and you can telephone or email before your visit. You might also take note that eating out in the evening starts much later and most restaurants will only take reservations after 7pm.

In high season the yacht charters can get busy so it would be recommended to pre book this before your arrival. A number of hotels offer packages for the Opera season which takes place in the summer months. There is a musical festival in Deiá each year and tickets are available on their website.

For the sports travellers the Rafa Nadal Academy offers group tennis coaching as well as one to one and you can stay at the academy hotel. Golf is very popular on the island and if you wanted to improve your game many of the the Golf Clubs can provide private coaching.

For those staying in villas there are a number services available such as in villa catering, which Marc Fosh / Michelin Star chef offers as well as any number of yoga and pilates teachers who will travel to your villa.

After fending off invasions for centuries, the Mallorcans are staunchly patriotic and are proud of their own flag and official anthem the ‘Balanguera’ sung on one knee across the island at significant events.

In terms of culture, this is an island of seasons and saints. The locals come together to celebrate the passing of the months and to honour their saints days with fiestas and holidays, from the Three Kings in January, to Es Firo in Sóller in May and the grape harvest festival in September. The Mallorcans know how to party!

But they also know when to rest and family and tradition is at the heart of every community. The Mallorcans are the kindest and most welcoming of people you will find anywhere.

Weather in Mallorca

Visiting Mallorca soon? See below for the latest weather forecast for Mallorca.

MALLORCA WEATHER