THINGS TO DO
CYCLING
Bradley Wiggins calls it a “Scalextric set for cyclists” but one look at the twisting, looping hairpins on the Sa Calobra descent and climb also brings to mind the Hot Wheels Mega Loop Mayhem Trackset. Let’s face it, by the time you reach the top you won’t know which way is up either. Sun, smooth quiet roads, twists, climbs, endless descents, coastal roads, little traffic and respect from drivers..Mallorca is a cyclist’s dream.
SOLLER
The town of Soller in the northwest of Mallorca became wealthy because of the valley’s abundant citrus groves. In the 19th century, when the area was isolated from the rest of Mallorca by mountains, the oranges were shipped to France from the nearby west coast Port de Soller (or Puerto de Soller). The tram here will take you from Soller to Palma in a visually stimulating ride for an hour and the market on a Saturday is a delight to visit too!
PALMA CATHEDRAL
Tradition has it that a storm arose as Jaume I was sailing towards Mallorca. He vowed that if he landed safely he would build a great church in honour of the Virgin on New Year’s Day 1230, a day after the fall of Palma, the foundation stone was symbolically laid on the site of the city’s main mosque. Work continued for 400 years - and had to resume in 1851 when an earthquake destroyed the west front. More touches were add- ed this century by the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi.
HORSEBACK RIDING
The beautiful mountains of the Tramuntana make the perfect backdrop for rides of 60 minutes, 90 minutes or longer excursions including lunch. www.hipicaformentor.com
60 minutes 25€ / 90 minutes 35€ / Longer excursions 85€
VALLDEMOSSA
The prettiest of towns, each doorway and street is lined with beautiful green plants and flowers making the town one of the most beautiful in Mallorca. Many doorways of houses feature a religious symbol of Mallorca’s patron saint, Saint Catalina Thomas to protect their houses from harm, a tradition set many years ago. Make sure you try the local ‘coco de patata’, a potato cake traditonally eaten here with thick hot chocolate!
BEACHES
CALA FORMENTOR
Surrounded by a lush pine forest, this crescent-shaped beach is one of the hottest spots in north Mallorca. Take a dip in the warm and crystal clear waters, or get a tan going on the sandy (and pebbly) shore. The pine trees offer plenty of natural shade from the sun and the beach is lined with loungers and umbrellas you can rent. This small beach can get quite busy at midday, especially during summer, so get there in the morning or late afternoon to snag a good spot. There are also several nearby beach bars and waterfront restaurants for food and drinks.
ES TRENC
One of the most famous beaches in Mallorca and the last large natural beach, which is not spoiled by big hotels and dozens of restaurants. The tropical blue water here is super salty and calm due to being in the protected nature site next to the salt flats of Mallorca.
CALA DES MORO
An incredibly beautiful beach situated deep inside a bay with sheer cliffs. It is a small beach covered with fine-grained, bright sand. The water is crystal clear and shades of beautiful turquoise. After parking your car, there are a few hundred metres on foot. You will pass the beach Cala s’Almunia on the way, but Calo des Moro is the most beautiful one of the two. There is a steep flight of stairs down and no facilities - not even close to the beach.
ALCUDIA
A stunning sand beach which is 10 km long and up to 100m wide with beautiful golden sand usually completely calm shallow water. For those with a great photo eye, you could be in the Maldives! For the adventurous, hunt down Coll Boix beach which can be found by boat 8km from Alcudia.
SA CALOBRA
Officially Sa Calobra has one beach but you will find two. The unofficial beach is right in front of the small village in the bay La Calobra. The official beach is situated between the cliffs a short walk from Sa Calobra, partly through spectacular rock tunnels. The beaches have a mix of sand, gravel and small stones. The water is very clear and has different shades of turquoise, in particular the beach by Torrent de Pareis.
PLAYA DE MURO
A powder soft sand and turquoise water beach. 30 minutes from the middle of the island. It has plenty of restaurants and is a family friendly area.
CALA MURTA
Close to Cap de Formentor (worth a visit for sunset), a coarse sand cove where the water is simply beautiful.
FOOD & DRINK
RESTAURANTS
A CASA MIA
Palma
This cosy Italian restaurant and bar – open daily except Mondays – is a family business: mamma (Fabrizia Giannandrea) is in the kitchen creating the tasty food; her two sons and a nephew run front of house, with plenty of Italian spirit and warm hospitality. One of the guys comes to explain each one – making them all sound so good the choice becomes even harder! Fresh market produce is used to create Italian cuisine with Mallorcan influences.
BENS D'AVALL
Soller
A stunning sunset restaurant 4k from Soller. The owner’s mother is french so expect delicious gastronomy; Carpaccio of red prawns from Soller is a typically elaborate starter or perhaps you might find caramelised foie gras, spiced fig bun and fine frost pumpkin before noble rock fish with fresh almond cream and citric artichokes or lamb from Sierra de Tramuntana. Time your visit for sunset and walk down the little path to the crashing waves below before dining.
CA'S PATRO
Deia
A fresh fish restaurant in a beautiful location perched above the blue waters and massive rocks of Cala Deia, Cas Patro March serves fish caught that morning by local fishermen, grilled seafood platters are a speciality.
RANDEMAR
Soller
Situated in a rather fabulous Mallorcan mansion, it would go down very well in St Tropez or Ibiza. The main dining terrace is in front of the house, along with a chill-out zone with sofas and Moorish lighting. Fresh salads, steaks, pizzas and cocktails are the go to suggestions.
LUA
Soller
With a fabulous location overlooking the pretty harbour in Port de Sóller, eating here feels really special. The locally-caught fish is simply grilled, then served with tasty sauces.
BEACH CLUBS
PURO BEACH
A slick, luxury beach club in the privillaged position jutting out into the sea. Expect Ibiza style parties, balearic beats and a beautiful jet set crowd.
ROXY BEACH BAR
A slither of a little gem in the Portal Nous area. It feels like a private beach bar, with rocks to perch on as you sip a margarita. It’s hid- den away which makes it one of our favourites.
PATRON LUNARES CATINA
In the up-and-coming Santa Catalina neighbourhood. Try the signature Daiquiri Patron. Thursdays is music day, featuring different bands throughout the day.
BEACH CLUB TERRAZES
Las Terrazas works because they have found the balance between beach bar, chillout lounge offering food and drinks at excellent value.
GRAN FOLIES
Puerto de Andratx’s chic beach club in a stunning location, delicious cocktails and friendly service.
BRASSCLUB
The leading cocktail bar in Palma. The establishment recreates the atmosphere of the prosperous years of cocktail bars in New York,
Madrid and Barcelona.