5 Things To Do On The Island of Mallorca

Winter in Europe can be a bit of a drag depending on where you live. After bearing the cold weather for six months in Northern Spain, I wanted to escape and soak up some sun on the largest island in the Balearic islands, Mallorca. Here are some gems I came across during my three day stay.

Wander Around Port d’ Alcudia

Located in the northeast of the island, this port has a marina, variety of shops, tasty restaurants, a number of water sports to choose from, and a white sand beach with sparking blue water waiting to be swam in.

Stroll Through the Pollença Market

Visiting one of the many markets in Mallorca will give you great insight into the culture, food, and goods, that are valued on this island. If you head north on a Sunday morning, not to far from the port, you will find yourself at the Pollença Market. In the center of this quaint town, vendors, farmers, and artist sell their goods. If you aren’t in the mood to shop around, order yourself a fresh cup of “zumo naranja” (orange juice) and vibe out to the live music and lively atmosphere.

Order an Ensaïmada

The most popular pastry on this island is the ensaïmada. Made from flour, water, sugar, eggs, dough, and pork lard, this makes for a perfect morning breakfast or afternoon snack. They’re quite large, coiled, and pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. You’ll have a variety of ensaïmadas to choose from. The original, llisa, is plain, while the others come filled with cream, turron, apricot, and sobrassada.

Drive to the Village of Valldemossa

Located in the Tramuntana moutains on the west side of the island, lies one of the prettiest towns I’ve ever seen, Valldemossa. This town is filled with beautiful plant lined streets, cafes, galleries, and boutiques. If you would rather be one with nature, you can hike on one of the many trails and admire the town from afar. You can spend a full day here but I suggest visiting for only a few hours and taking time to visit a former royal residence turned monastery, Real Cartuja, where Chopin spent the winter of 1838. Throughout the town you will see many photos and plaques of the patron saint, Santa Catalina Thomas, who was beautified in 1792 and canonised in 1930 by Pope Pius XI.

Visit the Capital, Palma de Mallorca

Take a drive to the south of the island and you will come across the largest city, Palma de Mallorca. There’s a rich history here of multiple conquest and different religious control over the years. It’s a trendy city offering it’s tourist a number of restaurants to eat at, shops to splurge in, art to admire in galleries and museums, and plenty of bars and clubs to get down in at night. Keep your eyes open for the many medieval buildings and modern architecture around the city,  roam around La Seu which took 500 years to build, and make sure to eat, eat, eat!

 

Published by lyna

Quiet but outgoing, adventurer and daydreamer, California native, former NYC resident, ex Spanish expat, frequent Berlin visitor, spending my time getting lost in new cities.

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