With upwards of 8 million tourists visiting each year, the island of Mallorca rates as one of the most popular European destinations for those searching for a Mediterranean escape. Like the other Balearic Islands (most notably its sibling Ibiza), Mallorca has a reputation for being a party destination, and while the nightlife often gets the most attention there’s a whole other side to explore – and it’s a world away from sunburn, sambuca and sand in your socks.
In fact, Mallorca has a surprising amount to offer no matter your interests – the island’s wild and varied terrain ranges from sunlit coves and green plains to mountains in the north, and to stick to the beachside resorts is actually doing the island a bit of a disservice. To really get the best of Mallorca, figure out what you’re really looking for and we’ll give you the insider’s scoop on how to get straight to your dream getaway on this remarkably versatile island.
Palma Rainbow, Mallorca
We’re hardly going to advocate not letting your hair down once in a while, of course. If you’re in the mood for it, the vibrant nightlife and endless possibilities for eating and entertainment in Palma are worth diving into, with the popular restaurant La Juanita being a great place to sample some memorable eats (if you manage to snag a table!) Palma Rainbow sleeps 14-24 (a perfect partying number) and is only a brisk walk away from the town so you can start the night off before coming back to the house for the real party!
Generally, the further inland you go on Mallorca, the quieter and simpler life becomes. You’ll certainly feel the pace of life slowing on the Pla de Mallorca, which takes up much of the centre of the island and is characterised by flatter and arable land. Further north, however, is the Serra de Tramuntana, a coastal region characterised by steep volcanic landscapes that make for some amazing hiking – as well as activities that require a little more adrenaline and gumption! The beautifully rugged Villa Fiol lies on the eastern side of the region, and makes for a sumptuous place to collapse back to after a day of exertion.
One other upshot of Serra de Tramuntana’s volcanic past is the relative scarcity of beaches in the region, which goes some way to explaining the absence of any of the more cramped resorts found closer to Palma. However, what beaches there are tend towards the idyllic and unoccupied, and you could find yourself with your own personal cove for an afternoon.
Alcudia Relax, Mallorca
As you’d expect, Palma charts fairly high in the list of the best places to pick up a bargain on Mallorca. There’s a great range of boutique-style shops, and whether you’re looking for new clothes or a cheap and cheerful souvenir you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. It’s worth noting that you can get some beautiful leather goods and porcelain in Mallorca too – you might find yourself a great bargain to bring back home!
If you really want to go high-end (and perhaps max out your credit card) head to Puerto Portals, a small marina near Portal Nous. You’ll find luxury brands, haute couture and even the chance to buy yourself a yacht. On the other side of the coin, make sure you check out the local markets. Almost every town on Mallorca has a market, selling pretty much everything from bric-a-brac to fresh produce. Alcudia hosts a great market on Tuesdays and Sundays, but bear in mind they open early and will have wound down by around 1pm. The stunning Alcudia Relax is only a 15-minute walk from the town so you can head to the market for a spot of Sunday shopping.
The aforementioned La Juanita in Palma is worth a trip for some surprisingly reasonably-priced dinner, though Palma itself is crammed with cafés and restaurants to cater for any craving and a wide range of budgets. If you want to go all out, the Michelin starred Simply Fosh in Palma is Mallorcan dining at its very finest, but expect prices to match. The real hidden culinary gem of Mallorca, however, is Binssalem, a Cathedral city towards the island’s north side. You’ll find many fine restaurants in the town’s compact but romantically picturesque streets.
Staying in Palma, those with a nose for history would do well to explore the city’s old town, where buildings date back to Arab settlements and the cool, close-knit network of streets are as much an adventure as they are a walk back through time. Arrange a guided tour to get the most out of this fascinating area, and the seaside cathedral is well worth looking around too.
If your tastes are a little more contemporary, however, the Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo has a wide range of work from Spanish luminaries including Picasso, Dali and Miró. Better yet, entrance is free! Ajuga Fonto is perfectly located to enjoy easy access to the delights – cultural or otherwise – of Palma while being just far enough away to enjoy peace and tranquility.
The total opposite (and antidote) to Mallorca’s wilder side is indulging in the island’s more traditional side. As we’ve mentioned, the further inland you go the more rural your surroundings become, and while you might be slightly further out when it comes to the brighter lights and the more popular bars, there’s guaranteed to be a local place with a free table for you!
The stunning peace, quiet and tranquility of mainland Mallorca is an absolute tonic, too. Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted not to even stray from the confines of your villa as you idly switch between enjoying the view (or a good book!) from the terrace, taking a dip in the pool and maybe grilling up something tasty on the barbecue. Finca Lau Deluxe makes for the perfect countryside Mallorcan break, and even comes with its own Jacuzzi.
Because of Mallorca’s huge popularity with visitors from all over the world, those wishing to visit with the family in tow are amazingly well catered for. Larger towns will be used to accommodating kids in restaurants and shops, and you’ll find playgrounds and other kid-friendly facilities in parks and gardens throughout the island. There’s also a huge assortment of day trips and activities that are perfect for the kids, including waterparks such as Aqualand, inland farm visits and even a submarine trip from Magaluf!
And as well as a huge range of family activities to do on the island, there’s a huge range of great accommodation for families too. We’ve got a great range of family-friendly villas across the island, but our favourite has to be Villa Lationa. Sleeping eight, the property is gated for safety and you’ll find cots and high chairs for the younger end of the spectrum, and as it’s all on one level it makes a perfect destination for the whole family no matter their age!
Take a look at our full range of luxurious and great value villas in Mallorca, and if you’ve got any questions or enquiries just get in touch with our dedicated concierge team or give them a call on 0800 133 7999!
Photo Credits: Photo of Serra de Tramuntana courtesy of MARIA ROSA FERRE via Flickr. Photo of Mal Pas courtesy of Tuscasasrurales via Flickr. Photo of Palma shopping street courtesy of Strange Luke via Flickr. Photo of Aqualand courtesy of No Frills Excursions via Flickr.
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