Located in the Mediterranean, Mallorca (also known as Majorca) is the largest
of Spain’s Balearic Islands. The island is best known for its beach resorts, limestone mountains and Roman and Moorish remains. From the capital, Palma which has its famous cathedral, art galleries, cafes and nightlife to its sleepy mountain villages and coastal resorts full of tourists and gorgeous beaches, this island has it all...
Soller Town
Nestled in a lush valley of orange and lemon groves and surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana. The main plaza oozes charm and has a great bustling holiday feeling. Rolling through the middle of the plaza is the vintage wooden tram which runs from Port Soller. This is a great experience and although a little touristy- totally worth doing (€7 return) Whilst in Soller town we would highly recommend trying the ‘Soller Split’ which is made with local fresh orange juice, ice cream, almonds and whipped cream, it is delicious, otherwise please try an orange juice!
Port Soller
Arrive into the port by boat and wander the streets before having a seafood lunch, freshly caught in the port. One of the most popular attractions is to journey on the vintage wooden tram to Soller Town, which then you can travel to Palma on the Tren De Soller which has been in operation since 1912
Valdemossa
Driving up and around winding roads within the national park when over to your left clinging to a hilltop there is a cluster of stone coloured buildings and an enchanting church, Parroquia de Sant Bartomeu. Valldemossa is Mallorca’s highest and quite possibly the most visited village, and certainly one of the prettiest villages in Mallorca.
Simply stroll through the pretty cobblestone streets which were lined with shops, boutiques and plenty of restaurants and cafés. You can visit inside the famous monastery, La Cartuja, which was first built as a palace in the 1300’s for King Sancho of Spain, it was made famous as the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and his lover, the French writer George Sand, spent the winter of 1838/9, staying in rented rooms in the monastery. Do not miss the courtyard to the right of the monastery, the gardens are overflowing with flowers and fruit. Be sure to wander out to the viewpoint which has stunning views over the surrounding valley and terraced terrain
Fornalutx
Orange and lemon groves set against stunning mountain landscapes set the scene for the tiny village of Fornalutx. It is regularly voted as being the most beautiful village on Mallorca and is one of the most stunning in the whole of Spain, and you will not disagree! The village oozes so much charm and warmth, wander the narrow and winding cobbled streets which are adorned with stunning flowers and potted plants
Formentor
From Port de Pollença you can see the road to Formentor- it is jagged and winds its way around the hillside. Within a few minutes of leaving Port de Pollença you will be in hairpin bends- sharing the road with keen cyclists and large buses. The route from Puerto Pollença to Formentor is 17km. At the most northern end of the west coast is Formentor, here you will drive round twisting roads clinging to the cliff edge, and visit coves, beaches, and a lighthouse. There is an amazing viewpoint -Mirador Es Colomer as you travel up the winding roads from Port de Pollença, be sure to pull over and take a walk along the pathways and take in the panoramic views.
Note cars are not permitted 10am- 7pm past Formentor Beach, there is a bus service however to get you to the Lighthouse
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Pollensa Town
Here you are located at the bottom of the Serra de Tramuntana in a town first built in the 13th century, with many houses built in the 17th and 18th century, Pollença Town (also referred to as ‘the old town’ in relation to Port de Pollença) is a popular destination in Mallorca and is a wonderful place to visit with its gorgeous buildings and quaint streets, with many restaurants, cafés and boutique shops. There is the famous El Calvari (Calvari Steps), which are 365 steps, one for each day of the year and were a pilgrimage route. At the top you are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view over the town and across the land below. Treat yourself to a large gin and tonic (they are free poured) in one of the many restaurants in the square. Visit Pollensa Town anytime, but it really comes alive on Sunday’s for the weekly market, here there is an abundance of local fruit and vegetables, plenty olives, flowers, handicrafts, and souvenirs
Port de Pollença
A popular resort for tourists and expats. Port de Pollença is situated around a horseshoe bay with the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains providing a backdrop to this small town, there is a beach with sand imported from the Sahara Desert! Boutique shops, cafés, restaurants line the ‘Pine Walk’ a lovely walkway covered in pine trees. There is a weekly market on Wednesdays and nighty entertainment in most bars
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Cala San Vicente
Over the mountains from Port de Pollença is the resort of Cala San Vicente, there is a walk which takes you over the mountains or you can go via bus or car
Palma
The capital city, Palma is a laid-back and vibrant and bustling city with cafes and high-end shopping. It is a great place to stroll around the narrow streets and lose yourself until you arrive at the impressive Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, more commonly known as La Seu
The Road To Sa Calobra
The road to Sa Calobra is one of the most beautiful drives you will ever take- it is narrow, hair pins bends which twist and turn around the steep drop offs of the Serra de Tramuntana. The drive has the most incredible views, even if it can be a bit hair raising at times. We recommend doing this route very early morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour buses, unless of course you are on a tour bus (which we took as part of our island tour with No Frills) You’ll love the views of the road winding its way down the mountain the ‘top of the knot’ where there is a café and great spectacular viewpoints- just be careful of the cyclists! This route is a cyclist’s haven
Es Torrent de Pareis
At the end of the road is the town of Sa Calobra, from here head to Es Torrent de Pareis, one of the most impressive gorge walks in the Mediterranean, with a hidden sandy cove surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also an easy walk to complete and one you will definitely be glad you complete, did we mention it is stunning!? It is!
Deia
UNESCO world heritage site that is Deià. The idyllic village is made up of yellow stone houses clinging to the hillside of the Serra de Tramuntana which overlooks the coast. It is an exclusive place with literary and musical artists living there and many famous holiday makers too
Cala Pi
Located on the extreme southeast of the island is Cala Pi a lovely town and one of the most gorgeous beaches. The only way to reach the small and secluded beach is to take the 150 steps down from the cliff edge, also check out the cute boat houses. If you stay on the cliff path, walk around to reach a 17th century defence tower a testament to when Mallorca was under threat from North African pirates
Es Pontàs, Santanyí
Do you remember the Azure Window in Malta? Es Pontas is Mallorca’s version, a large, natural arch formation made from rock which stands out to sea. It is worth a little bit of your time as the area is gorgeous
Cala D'or
Once a small fishing village, Cala d’Or is now a popular holiday destination. The town is centred around the marina which is a great place to spot yachts and enjoy a cold cerveza. Along the coastline are numerous beaches, making Cala d’Or a great place for a family holiday
Cuevas del Drach and Mancor
Mancor de La Valle is municipality with an authentic village on the slopes of the Sierra de Tramuntana with a rustic charm. Visit for your own pleasure, ours was to see where tennis player Nadal was born and the Love Island villa – although it must be said there are some amazing villas around. Nearby on the east coast in the town of Porto Cristo you will find Cuevas Del Drach (Caves of Drach). These are four vast caves which are a depth of 25 metres below ground level. The stalagmites and stalactites are beyond impressive as you walk around this 4 km underground wonderland. You will also watch an amazing orchestra on a lake before taking to the lake yourself on a short boat ride
Montuïri
If you want to visit a traditional village that has not been touched by tourism then please make a detour to Montuïri and spend a short time wandering the pretty streets and admire the Església de Sant Bartomeu catholic church
Alcudia
Another popular tourist resort is Alcudia, known for its medieval city walls, remains of Roman settlement, its beaches and markets as well as Plaza de Toros an old bull ring which is now home to a flamenco show, and you can visit and wander around here for free if you buy a drink at the bar
Tramuntana Mountains
The mountain villages mentioned of Fornalutx, Valldemossa, Deia, Pollenca are part of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains which run almost 90km on the north west coast of the island, with the whole range being declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historical, cultural, and environmental importance. You can chose to drive, hike or cycle these roads and passes and they are dramatic and beautiful
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Es Trenc
Es Trenc is yet another beautiful beach at 2km long, and as it is not attached to a resort it feels more natural. It is however one of the most busiest beaches and parking can be a complete nightmare if you arrive at any time other than first thing in the morning or late afternoon. However nearby you will spot salt pans and massive heaps of salt. Es Trenc is home to natural and organic certified salt which is preserved and nourished by this unique environment. You can take a tour or just visit the shop and cafe. The salt makes a great presents to take home with you
Cúber & Gorg Bleu
From Fornalutx you will travel towards Puig Major the tallest mountain in Mallorca, by now you are around 1000 metres from sea level, so be sure to stop off at the lookout ‘Mirador Ma-10’ which has views panoramic views across the landscape. You’ll know you are at the lookout because there will be other cars pulled into the side and there is a tunnel going through the mountain. After the tunnel you will pass by the Military area of which Puig Major belongs to (so you cannot climb it, but you can climb the second highest mountain Puig de Massanella) carry on passed another bend and you will find another lookout point, this one better than the last ‘Mirador Del pantà de Cúber’ has it all; mountain views, nature and the gorgeous ice blue lake / reservoir of Cúber. Continuing in the car around the bends of the road for a few minutes, you will arrive at the first of two car parks, where you can park up and have a stroll to the lake side or turn it into a bit of a hike should you wish. You may come across roaming sheep and cows. (We have since heard stories of thieves operating in the area, so take valuables with you on your walk). You are now in the valley between Puig Major and Puig de Massanella, it is such a lovely drive here with mountains and trees lining the roadside. After around 5 minutes you will find another car park, where you can stretch your legs as you walk across Torrent de Gorg Blau, or there is another car park just up the road where you can stand right next to the lake. Along with Cúber they give water to the city of Palma and surrounding areas.
Let us know if you have been to Mallorca and wher your favourite area was!
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