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Mallorca isn’t a huge European destination on the map for most American travellers. And honestly, it’s a shame. Mallorca is STUNNING. While I may be slightly biased, it truly is a magical place. This Mallorca travel guide will show you the beauty of this magical island.
Since September 2020, I have called this little island home, and I absolutely love it! I moved here by accident, honestly. I just sort of found myself here one day, and now, over a year and a half later, I’m still chilling. I now have an apartment and a routine and all that stuff—like, WHAT?! I even go to a yoga studio r e g u l a r l y.
But jokes about how I can’t settle down aside, Mallorca is full of stunning scenery, delightful vineyards, and a unique cuisine and culture completely different from the rest of Spain. It’s European but runs strictly on Island time.
Mallorca is much more casual than other European destinations, and the lifestyle reflects that. Palma is the largest sailing yacht hub in the med, and while Mallorca’s little cousin Ibiza gets all the attention for her party scene, it would be a mistake to just go there and miss the other islands in the Balearics.
April – June & September AVOID July & August if you aren’t a fan of big crowds with massive heat. Most of the tourists on the Island are German, English, and Swedish, and tend to visit during these months, making the island very busy and prices skyrocket.
Spain uses the Euro. I have a Revolut Bank account to easily transfer currencies and see current exchange rates- it’s like an amazing version of Paypal and Venmo all at once! Sign up here!
August is the hottest month, averaging about 75F/24C (according to the internet…I don’t believe it). January and February are the coldest, usually hovering around 50F/10C. October and November are the rainy seasons.
The average nightly cost for a hostel will start around €35 a night.
Starting prices for hotels:
1* €100
2* €150
3* 200-250
4* Hotels €250-400
5* Hotels €500+
VISIT LOCAL WINERIES & OLIVE FARMS
DRIVE THE SERRA DE TRAMUNTANA
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IBIZA
MENORCA
VALENCIA
NICE
View this profile on InstagramBéns d’Avall Restaurant (@bensdavall) • Instagram photos and videos
Ordering from either the tasting menu or as a la carte, Béns d’Avall is one of the most fabulous restaurants on the Island. Take the wine suggestions from the waiter as you go through a culinary experience at this Michelin Star restaurant. They just celebrated 50 years in business, and once you taste the food, you’ll realize why.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made here.
Located steps away from the Borne in the historic center of Palma, El Bandarra is just off the beaten path enough to avoid heavy foot traffic.
Their menu is distinctly Mallorcan, but everything has a twist and comes with El Bandarra’s unique flavor.
I’ve had a lot of Patatas Bravas in my day, but El Bandarra’s are the best.
Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
Low key seafood, head to Bon Bar in Cala Figuera. There are several restaurants in the area, and while the Pura Vida restaurant arguably has the best views, Bon Bar is tucked into the stunning little cove and is a great place to people and boat watch. Even my parents loved it. No reservations, but come early (aka 1:30 pm in Mallorca) to try and get a seat before it fills up.
These classic Mallorcan dishes are a sure way to put a smile on your face! Any of these local staples are traditional and known in Mallorca…so enjoy the cuisine!
PEPINO DE PEDRÓN – Pedron Peppers
ENSAIMADA
PANADES
SOBRASADA
PA’AMB OLI
BLACK PIG / SUCKLING PIG
HEIRBAS
MALLORCAN FRITO
MALLORCAN ESGARGOT
TUMBET
Fly into the Palma de Mallorca airport (PMI) in the morning and pick up your rental car.
Head to Cala Deia for lunch at the restaurant where “The Night Manager” was filmed – C’as Patro March. Spend your time exploring the little city of Deia.
Head to your hotel for check-in; if you are staying in Palma, head to El Bandarra for dinner.
If you are staying outside of Palma this evening I recommend visiting Ben D’Avalls for an incredible tasting menu dinner. (Reservations required!)
Start your day off by driving out to Soller and Port de Soller. (If you didn’t rent a car, you can take the Soller Train and make this a day excursion).
Drive through the Tramuntana to Port de Pollenca and take in the scenery.
Explore these quaint towns and have lunch by the port in Soller NuNu is a good option.
Head back to Palma for a sunset sail on board a local sailing yacht.
Have dinner at one of my favorite local spots in town for some amazing Sushi, Mar Chica (reservations recommended).
Hire a driver in the morning (if it’s Wednesday – Saturday, starting at 11 a.m.) to take you to Binigual Vinigroteca for a wine-tasting and tapas experience. It might seem like a weird choice for “breakfast,” but you’re on vacation.
Head out to Cap Rocat for a delightful lunch at the on-site restaurant Sea Club, which offers stunning views and amazing seafood.
Nestled in the heart of Palma de Mallorca, St. Francesc will wow you. A newly-renovated 19th-century mansion, it is sophisticated yet simple.
The rooftop pool and the onsite bar and restaurant are sure to win you over.
Tucked into a tranquil valley at the foot of the Tramuntana, Cap Vernell is a delight.
With an amazing bar and one of the spots to eat at Cap Vernell, the Michelin-star restaurant VORO is on site. You almost never need to leave the resort (we wouldn’t blame you).
If you can tear yourself away from the food, the pool is absolutely stunning, and the 142 guest rooms all offer private balconies and panoramic views of the countryside.
You can never go wrong with a Belmond, and La Residencia is no exception. A jewel among Mallorcan hotels, not only is the resort traditionally stunning, but it also has its own 30 acres of olive groves that produce olive oil.
In the summer, enjoy a complimentary boat excursion, a mountain trek with the friendly resident donkeys, or a game of tennis with the professional coach.
Mallorca doesn’t have many public transportation options. There is a bus line and a very small train system, but taxis are widely available. The best way to explore the Island is by car.
Radio Taxi Palma is the name of the local smartphone taxi app in Palma. There is no Uber or Lyft on the island.
There are tons of little towns, caves, and hideaways to explore on the island, including Caves del Dracht, Valdemossa, and Cap de Formentera. Don’t be afraid to explore.
While Mallorca has a much more relaxed and “island vibe” than other parts of Europe, you still need to wear clothes. Walking around in bikinis or shirtless doesn’t sit well with the locals. Also, save the flip-flops for the beach.
Learn a few phrases in Spanish. “Please” and “Thank you” go a long way. Many locals outside of the tourist areas will not speak English or German, so it is best you know at least a few phrases, like how to order coffee or water, where the bathroom is, and if there is space for two. When in doubt, Google Translate is a great resource!
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