When we talk about vacation, we tend to think about the beach 🏖️
I felt like there was a lot of inland travel happening during my stays in Madrid in Barcelona, therefore I wanted to toss in some water action 🌊
I knew about Lanzarote and Tenerife which were a bit further. Of course there was Ibiza in mind, but that was not the mood I was going for.
After further research, Mallorca was chosen to be the Spanish island to explore!
Usually people go there because they have heard about it from someone or they have seen something, I just felt like it would be cool to go there, and at the end I was very happy that we went there.
Mallorca location on map
If you hesitate to go there, please do not and just book your plane ticket there!
Before visiting any of the places, I thought Barcelona would be my favorite city in Spain.
At the end, Mallorca was easily my favorite after a few days in. The island has so much to offer for beach, nature and shopping lovers!
If you did not know, Mallorca is the top vacation destination for German and British people.
When I got to the airport, I was surprised to see signs in German on a Spanish island. Someone in Barcelona told me that there are streets in Mallorca with German names to accomodate German people. Depending on where you are staying at, there might be more French or Spanish people.
Another thing that is important to know is that even though the island is called Palma de Mallorca, people casually call it Mallorca. When people use the word Palma only, it refers to the city center of Palma de Mallorca.
Mallorca is famous to have a lot of calas (coves or small bays) aka very instagrammable places where you can dip in the water!
I had a feeling that Mallorca has a strong identity and even though it is part of Spain, it feels a bit different from other Spain cities, the vibes are all about enjoyment and freedom in Mallorca.
Language
The main language is Spanish and Catalan
The hospitality staff usually speak a third or fourth language on top of Spanish and English (most likely German or French)
Currency
Euros
Religion
The majority is Roman Catholic
Words to know
Here are the top words you need:
Hello - Hola
How are you? - ¿Cómo estás?
Very good - Muy bien
Thank you - Gracias
Safety
Mallorca is the safest place I have been in Spain (I was in Madrid and Barcelona before).
ITINERARY
How long?
It would be best to stay in Mallorca for at least 5 days, 7 days is best to fully enjoy the beauty of the island.
What is the budget?
It was more expensive than Madrid and Barcelona or other European cities. Prepare a higher than average budget to live comfortably. Around $200 USD (190 euros) is a great start.
Where to stay?
I recommend staying in Palma (city center). It is a very vibrant and beautiful place to stay at, shops and restaurants are at a walking distance. It is at the center, and the easiest place to travel from in order to discover different part of the island.
If you are looking for something near the famous cove areas, you can check the south-East area also called Migjorn. For the mountains, you can check out the Serra de Tramuntana area. For more remote and calmer areas, you may want to go up North.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Airport to the city
It cost around 40 euros to get from the airport to the city centre (closest touristic area from the airport), so we preferred renting a car that was 69 euros per day (peak season + we required automatic transmission which is usually more expensive since Europe mostly has manual transmission)
How to get around?
We recommend a car to move comfortably. Rent your car from the airport for the cheapest price. We got ours from Europcar.
If you don’t drive, some people use public transportation to get to the beaches - it goes to some main attractions and takes a longer time to get there. If your trip is not time sensitive + you are traveling solo + you don't mind waiting, public transportation might be for you.
Mallorca is a big island, so if you know how to drive and you are 2 people or more, I would highly recommend renting a car to really enjoy the island!
Nice to know things
Book your activities in advance during peak season: it is always best to travel during shoulder season because it is a very famous destination among Europeans.
I remember I wanted to get tickets the day before for a boat activity up North but was not able to do so because it was sold out for the next 2 days.
8 Must-Do Things in Mallorca
Let's get to the thick of it shall we!
1. Dine out on Calle Fabrica in Palma Centre
I loved the city centre, I recommend going to Calle Fabrica for a dinner out on the day you arrive. There you will find highly rated restaurants serving cuisine from all over the word. You can also wander around this neighborhood called Santa Catalina to find other restaurants. Mallorca has the best restaurants in Spain in my opinion.
A little walk on Avenue Jaime III will take you to some shopping places. There is a mini-version of Las Ramblas (famous road in Barcelona for pedestrian walk with attractions around) as well in that area.
2. Explore the little charming town of Valdemossa
Valdemossa is a cute little village in Palma where Frédéric Chopin and Georges Sand spent some time there. You must try coca de patata and almendra horchata (almond horchata). I found the horchata very sweet but it pairs very well with the coca de patata. We stayed there for less than 2 hours.
Eating gelato in Valdemossa
3. Discover Deia for a bohemian inspiration
Keep going up to see the famous village of Deia. It is bigger than Valdemossa. You may also want to visit the popular Cala Deia, the area also has many highly rated restaurants if you'd like to stop for lunch or dinner.
4. Take the tramway at Soller
One popular thing to do in Mallorca is to stop at Soller and take the tram all the way down to the port or vice versa. While I personally didn't have the chance to visit, I received enthusiastic recommendations from locals about this must-see destination. Since it might be the last stop at the area of Serra de Tramuntana (Valdemossa + Deia + Soller), you can spend the evening there, watch the beautiful sunset and enjoy great food.
Sunset at Soller are very famous, so I recommend one day trip to Valdemossa, Deia, and then Soller. You can dine at the Port of Soller and see the sunset. If you would like to take a dip, there are some beaches near Soller as well!
5. Have fun at Port Andraxt
I did not go there but it was a highly recommend place to go see by locals, which is why I believe you would enjoy it as well :)
6. Explore Playa de Palma (El Arenal)
It is a renowned destination in Mallorca frequented by tourists. Its allure lies in its beautiful beachfront, making it a preferred choice for travelers seeking a relaxing seaside escape. There is long pedestrian walkway, so you can wander around in the evening.
Note that the area is packed during peak season.
7. Spend the day at Cap Formentor
Cap Formentor stands out as one of Mallorca's most breathtaking locations. Renowned for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and scenic drives, this must-visit destination promises unforgettable and photo-worthy moments. Sa Calobra is known to be one of the best beaches in the area!
8. Indulge in a refreshing swim at Playa Muro in Alcudia
This renowned beach offers soft golden sands, turquoise waters, and a vibrant beach scene.
Here are some calas to visit (recommended by locals, in no specific order):
Cala Es Calabro, Cala Figuera, Cala des Moro, Cala Mondrago, Cala d'Or, Cala Agulla, Cala S'Almunia, Cala Llombards, Cala Pi
Mallorcan Food
Mallorca boasts a remarkably diverse culinary scene, earning its place as a gastronomic gem within Spain.
During my culinary exploration, I found Mallorcan cuisine to surpass the culinary offerings of Madrid and Barcelona.
Let's delve into some of the island's delectable dishes that are not to be missed:
Ensaimada - Mallorca's Most Famous Pastry:
No visit to Mallorca is complete without savoring the iconic Ensaimada. This spiral-shaped pastry is a symbol of the island's culinary heritage.
Sopas Mallorquinas - Dry Soup with a Twist:
Sopas Mallorquinas may defy your traditional soup expectations. Unlike watery broths, this unique dish offers an alternative, featuring bread, vegetables, with or without meat.
Sopas Mallorquinas
Arros Brut - Rice Stew:
This hearty dish combines rice, meat, and vegetables. Its robust flavors reflect Mallorca's rich culinary heritage.
Bunyols - Mallorcan Doughnuts:
These sweet, doughy delights are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether dusted with sugar or filled with cream, they make for a delightful treat any time of day.
Coca de Cuarto - Sponge Cake:
The island's answer to sweet cravings, Coca de Cuarto is a light and airy sponge cake, often adorned with powdered sugar. A perfect accompaniment to your afternoon coffee.
Pa amb Oli - Bread with Oil:
A Mallorcan favorite, "Pa amb Oli" is a simple yet flavorful dish. Start with rustic brown bread, rub with ripe tomatoes, drizzle with local olive oil, and add a touch of garlic and sea salt. Customize with ham, cheese, or olives for a taste of Mediterranean simplicity.
Pa amb Oli with cheese
The food in Mallorca is memorable, and there are much more things to taste that I did not have time to try. These culinary delights merely scratch the surface of Mallorca's gastronomic offerings, and I highly encourage you to try more!
In conclusion, from pristine calas and delectable cuisine to rich culture and warm hospitality, this Spanish island is a must-visit.
Hope this blog post helped you plan your trip to Mallorca :)
Love,
Mica
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