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There is nothing more exciting than approaching a new country from the air, where you form the long-awaited first impression of your destination and the possibilities it offers. As you impatiently wait for the wheels to touch down, you are filled with nervous excitement and visions of what lies ahead.
This aerial photograph speaks to the stunning beauty of Mallorca. I recently had the opportunity to visit this scenic island and absorb its culture.
Mallorca is located 128 miles east of Spain, a mere stone’s throw across the Mediterranean. It is the largest island in the Balearic Islands and part of Spain. https://www.majorca.com/v/geography/
Many countries offer direct flights to Palma, the capital of the Island. Barcelona is just a 45-minute flight away if you need to make a connection. On landing, you will be greeted by an easy transition to the city with a well-organized taxi system outside the airport.
Our stay was focused around Palma de Mallorca, a beautiful historic port town. This was my first, and long overdue, visit to Spain. We landed in late February and the climate was perfect! Already very mild, in the 60s and 70s, it felt wonderful after enduring February in England.
We were very fortunate to have a family member offer accommodation and knowledge of the city. The Island immediately felt comfortable and safe. Mallorca offers a snapshot of Spanish living in a smaller, cozier environment rather than launching into a major Spanish city. It is an Island which thrives on tourism but has retained its culture and individuality. Don’t expect everyone to be fluent in English! My point of introduction in shops and restaurants was always “Habla Ingles?” It’s not realistic, or polite, to expect everyone to speak English!
Where to Go in Palma
Depending upon where you are staying, a walk along the expansive harbor is a central place to begin. Enjoy the restaurants and shops that line the Avinguda Gabriel Roca, which offers stunning views of the Cathedral! You will notice orange groves, windmills and historic ruins seamlessly intertwined along the route.
Old Town Historic Palma is absolutely beautiful. It is a myriad of narrow, paved streets full of balconied homes, delicious bakeries and charming cafes. The “Plaza” is a common feature, offering more unique shops and restaurants.
The Cathedral of Palma De Mallorca
A stunning Gothic work of art, the Cathedral beckons from every angle of the city. Commissioned in 1229 A.D and finally completed in 1600, every inch of the building is exquisite. There is a nominal cost of 8 Euros to visit; check the link for opening hours.
The Beach!
It goes without saying there are plenty to choose from! We took a short bus ride from the city center to Cala Major Beach, which is one of the closest to the city. This proved to be a charming cove with a lovely soft beach.
During the main vacation season, the beaches are naturally more crowded. Mallorca is very popular with English and German tourists. If you are looking for a busy area with nightlife, Magaluf offers that. If you want a more scenic and quiet location, Soller and Port de Soller is a cooler more mountainous region. There are many options in between. The official Tourist site for Spain offers a wealth of information on everything Palma and Mallorca. https://www.spain.info/en_GB/que-quieres/ciudades-pueblos/grandes-ciudades/palma.html
https://www.seemallorca.com/beaches/ Great link for choosing your perfect beach!
Given more time, these stops would have been on the list too:
Castell De Bellver: A Gothic Castle perched on a hillside which boasts stunning views of the city
Tren De Soller: A scenic train ride running between Palma and Soller
Remember, we just saw one area of the Island. There is an awful lot of beauty to see and many activities for all age groups. This might help narrow down the choices! https://www.seemallorca.com/activities/
Tapas Por Favor!
And for my favorite part of traveling…..the food! I would happily adopt the Meditteranean diet if I lived here. The best things about Spain are the inexpensive, delicious wines, and Tapas. What is Tapas? A small plate of something delicious, such as bread and meat, or olives. In case you were wondering, Spain produces the best olives in the world!
A trip to the local Supermerkat is highly recommended for a look at how the locals shop. Try freshly squeezed orange juice, and don’t forget the wine! Oh, those prices!
And for your dining pleasure, try a wider selection of Tapas…..
There is an impressive selection of restaurants to suit all tastes. My recommendation is to eat food that is unique to the island; start with Paella, then local fish and seafood.
I loved my time on this Island and hope to return to explore more of it. The ferry ride from Barcelona is definitely in my future plans!
Please use the links to learn more, and feel free to contact me with questions.
Viva Espana!
