Would you like to be lounging on a pristine beach with the azure waves lapping at your toes? Would you like to journey to a world where adventure and relaxation are two sides of the same coin? Well, there’s a place in the Balearic Islands (huh??) where you can do these things and more. A place that doesn’t usually make it to the top of most people’s travel itineraries.
An island that dances to the rhythm of the Mediterranean. A playground where ancient history meets modern luxury, and where every corner holds a surprise waiting to be discovered. It’s a jewel of an island called Mallorca, and it’s been hiding in plain site from most of us. In today’s blog post, we'll embark on a journey through the enchanting sights of Palma, the sun-kissed bays of Cala d'Or, and the rugged trails of the Tramuntana mountains.
Grab your sunhat and your sense of adventure because Mallorca will sweep you off your feet faster than a flamenco dancer in a whirlwind romance. From savoring mouthwatering tapas to getting lost in the maze-like alleys of the old town, Mallorca promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more. Join us as we unravel the mysteries and marvels of this Mediterranean jewel. Adventure awaits—let's dive in!
First off, what the heck are the Balearic Islands? They’re an archipelago off the eastern coast of Spain, in the Mediterranean.
Four islands make up this autonomous community of Spain –Mallorca (today’s topic), Minorca (the farthest from Spain and famous for its gin and cheeses), Ibiza (a favorite for the rich and famous, known for its all-night clubbing scene), and Formentera (smallest and known for its spectacular diving).
Mallorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational activities that make it a popular destination for travelers from around the world. While the British often call the island Majorca, virtually everyone else calls it Mallorca (there appears to be no reason for this other than the British love the letter J rather than L) Here are several reasons why you might want to add Mallorca to your “to visit” list:
Rich Cultural Heritage: Mallorca's history is reflected in its charming villages, historic towns, and impressive landmarks. Inhabited since prehistoric times, there are settlements and tombs that have been excavated dating back 8,000 years. One that you can visit is the Son Real Necropolis near the town of Can Picafort. The Necropolis contains 143 tombs which include the remains for 400 individuals plus tools, weapons, and pottery.
The Romans occupied Mallorca during their time ruling the world and, under the consul of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus (from whom the islands got their name), founded the capital city of Palmeria – today’s Palma de Mallorca.
Palma: The capital city is home to some must see venues. It’s major architectural landmark is the beautiful Gothic La Seu Cathedral. Begun in 1230, it took 400 years to complete.
It's called the “Cathedral of Light” because there are 61 stained-glass windows, the central of which is the largest in Europe. In the 20th century, renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi added some neo-Gothic flavor to the Renaissance original.
Located opposite the Cathedral is the Almudaina Palace. Originally built in 1281 as an Islamic fort, it was rebuilt in 1309 by King James II of Mallorca and today is the official residence of the King & Queen of Spain when they visit.
The Castell de Bellver, also built by King James II in the 14th century, is the only circular castle in Spain.
Intended as a residence for the Kings of Mallorca, it later became a military prison. We guess if you gotta go to prison, doing time in the King’s residence might not be a bad place to do it. Today it’s home to the city’s history museum.
The Porto Pi Lighthouse, located in the Palma harbor, was built in 1300 – the first to be built in the Mediterranean. It’s the third oldest working lighthouse in the world today.
Stunning Beaches: Mallorca boasts an array of picturesque beaches with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. And we’re sure that if you asked 10 Mallorca experts for their list of best, each would have something different in mind. From S’Aramador, previously selected as the best beach in Europe in a big European vote,
to Es Trenc, which is the most popular beach in Mallorca,
to Porto Cristo, a lovely beach town protected inside a sinding bay,
If you’re looking for sand and sun, you can’t go wrong in Mallorca.
Majestic Landscapes: Inland, Mallorca's landscape is marked by rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. In 2011, the stunning Serra de Tramuntana mountain range was awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO for being an area of great physical and cultural significance.
The mountains offer fantastic hiking and cycling opportunities, with panoramic views of the island's coast and countryside.
Cycling: Mallorca welcomes tens of thousands of cyclists each year for professional training and racing, as well as those that prefer more leisurely biking. The cyclists take advantage of the islands varied and challenging terrain. One of the favorite and most feared routes for serious cyclists is Sa Calobra, a 10 km (6.2 mile) ride that hangs down the side of a mountain. There are 26 hair pin turns climb 668 metres (2200 feeet) at an average 7.1% gradient.
Cuisine and Gastronomy: Mallorcan cuisine is characterized by fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional dishes influenced by Spanish, Mediterranean, and North African flavors. Visitors can savor authentic tapas,
paella, sobrasada (a type of cured sausage),
and ensaimadas (sweet pastries).
You can check out some of the best restaurants in Mallorca here.
Mallorca produces a lot of tasty and fragrant drinks, and their most famous liqueur is called “Palo”. Made from carob pods, ginseng root, and burnt sugar, it’s supposed to have a beneficial effect on the immune system and many drink a glass before meals.
Mallorca is also a paradise for the wine lovers. The red grape varieties - Monastrell, Tempranillo, Manto Negro, and white varieties – Macabeo, Chardonnay, Moscatel can all be found here. There are plenty of the wineries around the island, where you can try or buy Mallorcan wines.
Nightlife: While not having the same international buzz as its neighbor Ibiza, in the evenings, the island comes alive with its own vibrant nightlife scene with many of the bars and nightclubs staying open until the early hours of the morning. Some of the most popular nightlife spots include the Paseo Maritimo area in Palma and the resorts of Magaluf and Palmanova.
As you can see, Mallorca's diverse attractions and warm Mediterranean climate make it an enticing destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, culture, and gastronomic delights. Whether you're interested in exploring historic sites, soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in the island's vibrant culture, Mallorca has something to offer for everyone.
But now we say adios to the sun kissed golden shores of Mallorca. With its rich tapestry of history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Mallorca leaves an indelible mark on all who tread its shores. As we reluctantly depart from this Mediterranean gem, we carry with us the echoes of laughter shared over tapas and Palo, the awe-inspiring vistas of the Tramuntana mountains, and the warmth of the island's hospitality.
But Mallorca's allure beckons us back like a siren's song, promising new adventures and discoveries with each visit. So, until we meet again on its sun-kissed shores, may the spirit of Mallorca linger in your heart, igniting a longing for the next chapter of your Mediterranean romance.
Tell us about your adventures in Mallorca or any of her sister islands in the comments below.
I’ve never considered Mallorca before but will add to our vacation list! Maybe I’ll hop over after I finish the Camino.
You have made it sound very interesting! Nice job!
Wow! Bucket list edited.