Sunny Mallorca has been the scene of many a glamorous holiday. Thanks to its untouched coastline, glorious blue sea, rugged limestone cliffs, and the citrus tree adorned hills, it is a peaceful idyll that feels a million miles from life back at home. The island is geared towards luxury tourism, with everything you need to truly unwind, including many beautiful holiday villas. Before you book a thing, check out our ultimate guide to fabulous Mallorca.
Areas
Though a relatively small island, Mallorca still offers a lot of choice to holidaymakers. For families and those who prefer an established restaurant and bar scene, Palma Nova and Port Pollenca are ideal choices. With family-friendly resorts and purpose-built towns, you are sure to feel right at home.
Palma offers a real city vibe, so for the sunseeker who never sleeps, a city apartment will allow you to party till dawn.
For a more historic Spanish feel, head for Valldemossa. Picture cobbled streets, idyllic vineyards and afternoon bike rides in the sun.
Some of the finest spots on the island are home to spa and golf resorts where you can practice what you trained. Puerto Portals is a prime example, and also happens to be where the super yachts moor up for the weekend. And where the yachters go, glamorous society follows.
Accommodation
There are options abound to suit all requirements. Perhaps you fancy the seclusion of a private villa. Nestled amongst the vineyards, this white-walled haven will provide you and your nearest and dearest an escape from the bustle and some well-deserved peace. A private pool to dive into will mean you’ll barely need to leave if you don’t want to. Dine al fresco, enjoying the best local produce cooked fresh on your barbecue whilst you sip on a glass of something chilled.
Alternatively, if you’d rather everything was taken care of from the moment you land, Mallorca is home to some stunning resorts which will cater to your every whim and desire. From waking up and slipping into your bathrobe for breakfast served on your balcony, to the moment you retire to the terrace for a sundowner, you’ll want for nothing.
Transportation
The train and bus system on Mallorca is easy to navigate. However, the most convenient way to get around is to hire a car at the airport. With plenty of space for all your luggage, plus the freedom to explore on your own schedule, a car is well worth booking ahead.
For little jaunts into town for lunch or an afternoon beer, why not hire bicycles? Roads on much of sleepy Mallorca are super safe, and you’re bound to see much more stunning countryside on two wheels than on four.
Activities
If reading by the pool all day isn’t enough for you, Mallorca is humming with awesome activities to keep you entertained. Thanks to that rugged coastline, sea caving and cliff jumping are popular choices for those looking to get that adrenaline pumping. Or how about a ride in a hot air balloon, to experience the beauty of the island from a whole new perspective.
You’ll have noticed the acres of vineyards that adorn the island, but a private wine tour will see you getting to know those grapes more intimately, and you can even bring home a bottle for sunset. For nature-lovers, the sunrise snorkel tours, and the chance to spot dolphins cannot be missed.
Food
Mallorquin food, as it’s known, has its grounding in Spanish cuisine, but with some delicious regional variations that deserve to be indulged in. As the culinary capital of the Balearics, locals are proud of their dishes and understandably keen to share them. With pork, fish, garlic, olives, almonds, walnuts and those omnipresent lemon trees native to the island, you’ll find food that is rich, healthy and delicious.
Top of our must-try list is sobrasada. A soft, garlic-laced cured sausage that is best spread on thick bread and accompanied by an ice cold beer. For an on the go snack, you can’t go wrong with a coca de trampó, a pastry slice topped with the freshest tomatoes, peppers, onions and parsley. Those with a sweet tooth should save room for ensaïmadas, flakey layered pastries made with pork lard and sometimes stuffed with cream or chocolate. The ensaïmada World Championship in March is an event not be missed. Be sure to wash it all down with a class of Hierbas, the local aniseed after-dinner liqueur.
Nightlife
When the sun goes down, the glamorous head to Palma to play. Nightlife doesn’t kick off in Spain until around midnight, and Mallorca is no exception. Enjoy the early part of the evening with some bar-hopping and people watching, or enjoy the atmosphere at the marina. As the crowds gravitate towards La Lonja and Santa Catalina, so should you to enjoy some expertly mixed cocktails and live DJS. When these establishments close their doors around 2am, the real party animals will hit one of the city’s clubs, partying till the early hours with the yachting set.
Sally is a freelance writer who left Britain’s cold shores in search of sun and adventure. Promising loved ones she’d be home within a few months, she’s still on the road over a year later. You’ll usually find her browsing local markets, photographing fabulous temples, or seeking out the coolest spot to watch the sunset.
