There are many things one can do when visiting Mallorca, the biggest of the Balearics Islands (Spain). There is not only sun, beach and sangra in the island. 1. Segway visit to Palma's old town
Cultural sight seen could be somewhat boring sometimes, or maybe one is just too lazy to get a Mallorca guide and walk himself into the old town. Make it funny: get a Segway tour (book at your hotel or call +34 697 574 282) and have a quick 2 hours guided tour into Palma's old town for just 40 euro. 2. Visit Sller, Dea and Valldemossa
A trip for a day. Rent a car or take the old train to Sller which leaves from the centre and visit the villages on the north coast of the Island, along the Sierra de Tramuntana: Sollr, Dea (well known for being Robert Graves home during many years, and now the place for foreign and local artist looking for inspiration) and Valldemossa, once Frederic Chopin< and George Sand home, where they were retired at the Valldemossa Cartuja while Chopin was recovering from its illness. 3. Sailing along Mallorca's coast
If you can, rent a boat with a skipper (ht www.yates-alemanes.de provides a good service). If not, take any of the organized tourist trips along the coast which can be joined for a small amount of money. For the latest, check Cruceros Iberia (+34 971 71 71 90) for a Palma - Sant Elm (and back) morning trip, or Barcos Azules in Puerto de Sller for a north coast sail up to Sa Foradada. 4. Eating tapas
As in other place in Spain, "tapas" (small amounts of food usually shared with other friends while drinking a "chato" -a tiny glass of whatever- of wine or beer) are a must try if visiting Mallorca. There are many places where you can do that, but it's either recommended to go to La Boveda (Plaza La Lonja, in Palma de Mallorca +34 971 714 863) or just simply enter in to the any bar that looks like frequented by locals. 5. Discovering Mallorca's unending and unspoilt sandy beaches
Well, not really discovering, as there is nothing which has not already covered by any of the millions Mallorca visitors. But going to Es Trenc in Campos, which is more than 4 kilometres long (and perfect for sky surfing) or to Cala Varques, a small hidden virgin beach next to Cala Millor, only reachable by walking 20 minutes, is something you must do if visiting the Balearics during the hottest seasons. 6. Visiting any of the Street Markets in the villages
Mallorca markets are pretty different from those at the major cities in Europe. Mostly, they sell food, leather goods and some clothes. There you will find a lot of locals and see the mallorcan way of live. Recommended: either the Sineu one on Wednesdays or the one at the main square in Santa Maria on Sundays. Keep in mind that markets starts early in the morning so be ready to be there by 10:00. 7. Late night drinks and night spots.
In Palma, Pacha Disco and El Garito, both of them near the Can Barbar Darsena in the Paseo Maritimo (the way along the sea front) are a must. In La Lonja, next to the Cathedral, visit the Abaco Bar (a luxurious, impressive and magnificent courtyard bar) or the Atlantico Cocktail Bar, once the place for marines stopping in the island and now meeting point for many expats living in the island. If you are accommodated in Magaluf, Palma Nova or around and like clubbing, you must visit either the BCM Disco Empire or Bananas. If not, just walk around the streets of Punta Ballena which is full of nice bars and British people. In Alcudia nightlife is mainly hotel based. However, the people of Lokita organize great parties at the Menta Disco (Avda. Tucn s/n) during all summer. An inside pool, 7 bar desks and Deejay's like the Groove Armada group for a great night of fun. 8. Having a seaside breakfast
There are many bars, restaurants and hotels by the seaside of Mallorca where you can enjoy a late sunny seaside breakfast after a night out (check www.portixol.com for a hip one). Spanish eat usually late, and breakfast can be taken at any place until 12:00. If you can, try the typical ensaimada (a pastry) with your caf con leche (white coffee). |
