Mallorca can’t be summed up in one holiday or a month of Sundays. Its diverse and beautiful landscape is reflected in the myriad of ways to spend your precious holiday time. The capital Palma is a cosmopolitan city filled with boutique shops, buzzing bars and enough cultural activities to fill a weekend. The Tramuntana mountains are a hotspot for cyclists worldwide, seeking the thrill of the zig-zag climbs and sweltering views. The rugged coast is marked with coves filled with boats of all sizes, old fishing villages with decade old rustic tavernas and luxury marinas bedecked with glamorous bars and restaurants.
Towns away from the sand, like Arta or Pollenca, have squares lined with family-friendly restaurants, bunting and stages for live music and – at certain times of the year – the most bizarre and magical celebrations of the island’s history that are well worth including in any itinerary. An absolute must is lunch at Ca’s Patró March, Deia’s iconic waterside restaurant – made famous by that scene in The Night Manager – where reservations are as hard to get as Glastonbury tickets. But that requires a totally different wardrobe to a drink at the cosy but lively Gibson’s bar in Palma’s buzzing Plaza del Mercat.
With the island being so small and easy to travel around (rental cars are relatively cheap, the bus network efficient and there’s even a wooden train) packing for a trip, however long, requires thoughtful planning. Plus the ease and efficiency of Palma airport means that the pull of going hand-luggage only is strong and multi-purpose, space-saving items come into their element. Mallorca’s turbulent Mediterranean weather can throw in the occasional biblical storm, but mostly the climate is blue skies, bright sun and baking heat. So lots to think about!
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What to wear for shopping in Palma
The island’s capital is a perfect stop for any visitors to the island who want a busy urban fix, with lots of bars, independent shops, and tourist sights to fill any itinerary. It’s not too big, but comfy shoes are important for navigating the cobbled streets and a light layer is useful for shady spots and air-con heavy churches.
