Mallorca

Having finally landed in Mallorca, you can't wait to wander around the island and its sandy beaches. But be careful because the distances are great and it would be better to organize your days by zones. So start with the ciudad: Palma de Mallorca.

Wonder through the joyful streets of the city where ancient charm meets art galleries and historic wonders: admire the colored windows of La Seu, one of the biggest examples of Gothic Cathedrals in the world, walk through Passeig des Born, a lively boulevard lined with shops, cafes, and palm trees. Get ready to be mesmerized by Palma's breathtaking sunsets while stopping by Cafè Riutort for a brunch or breakfast and savor, with your eyes closed, an ensaimada, an artisanal pastry filled with pumpkin or creme brulée. For the hungry go for a llonguet with sobrasada, honey, and Parmesan cheese, a typical bread from the Balearic Islands, perfect for tasting the Mallorcan vibes from the very first moment.

Brunch done, you can devote yourself to curiosity, starting from discovering the best artisanal know-how of the island. Your first pit-stop must be Arquinesia Perfumes, a place where fragrances come to life: picture yourself enveloped in unique and distinctive scents for a very special olfactory experience. Then continue your travel of the senses by visiting Mimbrería Vidal, a hidden treasure and magical place that will transport you to a world of traditional craftsmanship showing the ancient art of wickerwork. Weavers transform simple baskets and objects into extraordinary works of art.

Absolutely not to miss for artists lovers: the Foundation Pilar y Joan Mirò. From 1956 until his death in 1983, the artist, in fact, took up residence on the island. The museum's collection mainly presents the works donated by Mirò himself from the four workshops he owned in Mallorca. These include paintings, drawings, graphic works and some of Miró's sculptures can also be admired in the gardens of the foundation. His masterpieces will lead you in a surreal vision and will transport you to a realm of creativity and inspiration awakening your own imagination. 

Just half an hour from Palma, you can then discover your own hotel: Casa Balandra. This retreat is not a conventional holiday accommodation, but an authentic creative space for itchy feet travelers who indeed also appreciate sharing art. The house has been furnished with vintage pieces, local trinkets found at the markets, objects collected along travels and enriched by the traces of past artists passed by during previous residencies. So here you can meet interesting people and take the best advice to explore the island. 

An alternative to the sea, just twenty minutes from Casa Balandra, when one is in the mood for local shopping and art, is to visit Algaida, and in particular the creative hub of the Gordiola family. This is an open-air artisanal glass museum and factory. Upon entering Gordiola, you will experience the finest art of glassblowing, where materials take on wonderful shapes and colors under the skilled hands of artisans.

Follow the North compass for more poetry and wait for Sunday morning to reach the ancient village of Pollença, where you can go back and forth in the narrow streets dotted with cafes and shops and colorful street markets looking for the best souvenirs. 

If you want to spend your day at the beach, you can choose Cala Tuent or you can plan your day granting a quick bath in Cala Deià hoping to find a place in the restaurant on the beach for an aperitif with tapas at sunset at Ca's Patró March. Reserve in advance and don’t waste your time: explore even the little village of Deià and its surroundings.

Go directly to Restaurant Nama if you are looking for a fusion experience of Modern Southeast Asian cuisine in a unique atmosphere & a spectacular view of the Serra de Tramuntana. 

A witty and tasty alternative to dinner could be to purchase something at the tiny shop of De monio where you can find the best wines and also the most unique items for sale from ceramics to orange jam, oil, vegan banana bread and gluten free delicacies and then have a “do it yourself” aperitif with homemade baked goods. 

For another kind of shopping, enter the dome of Datura Studio Isla, a creative hub where you can skim around sustainable fashion and stylish clothes from classic jumpsuits to flower and ethical summer dresses. 

When dusk falls, move to the idyllic village of Valdemossa, nestled snugly in the embrace of the majestic Tramuntana mountains, lovely especially for intrepid hikers. The atmosphere is very charming for its ups and downs reminiscent of Parisian boulevards and lit up with soft, pretty lights that create a very relaxed atmosphere. We recommend visiting Real Cartuja and Palacio Rey Sancho. The first one is a silent and fascinating centuries-old convent made of stone walls. The Palacio Rey Sancho will enchant people with its secret garden, a refined jewel of beauty.

In this charming rural lugar you can find romantic corners and many small restaurants, such as Es Taller Valdemossa, a cozy place with a breathtaking terrace, located in an old mechanic's garage, run by chef Nicolás Gago Aubert, who use local products and spices from around the world to create a menu that is a journey of memories and discoveries. 

If you have a car, forward through the mountains, try the special organic products of Restaurant Ca na Toneta , a culinary gem located in Caimari, a charming village in the northwestern part of Mallorca. This cozy restaurant is run by two sisters, Maria and Teresa Solivellas, who share their passion for traditional cuisine and love for local products. Enjoy the Summer tasting menu on the fresh and colorful terrace. 

But are you wondering about more beaches in the north? Go back to the cost and you will encounter Platja de Formentor first, then Platja des Coll Baix and Platja de Muro.

If you love hidden treasures, go find Sineu, a village in the interior of Mallorca, still very authentic and off the beaten track. Here you can attend an animal market, every Wednesday, and try nice restaurants such as the Celler Can Font in the little square of Sineu, where you can taste traditional dishes elevated to gourmet perfection.

Nearby, the history enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy by visiting the Museu Etnològic dels Calderers, a captivating destination that offers a glimpse into the island's rural past through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.  And not far from here, you can restore yourself at the Hotel Son Fogueró, an oasis of tranquility and beauty nestled in the countryside. This charming farmhouse and restaurant perfectly combines rustic charm with the lush gardens of the island's interior. Here you can meditate in silence, swim in the pool, reset detox with healthy food and find your relaxing corner. 

To live a private artistic experience with a living artist of the island, you must write a Direct Message to the Artist-Ceramist and painter Jaume Roig on Instagram where you can arrange an appointment to visit his stunning DD studio. 

Finally go swimming in the enchanting and fresh oasis of Cala Agulla, an equipped sandy beach that is also ideal for families. 

In this southern rural side of the island you can reach Es Racó d'Artà, a unique enclave located near the Mallorcan town of Artà. As soon as you step into this realm in balance with nature, a little golf car is waiting to take you around amidst undisturbed sweet donkeys and other animals that live in the property. A place that was born as a dream of its creators inspired by the environment. A melting pot of colors and textures, a thousand and one smells and flavors and nature perfectly in connection and harmony with art and architecture through respect and sustainability. A destination to discover and be inspired in every little corner.

Go straight south to refresh yourself in the Balearic crystal-clear sea and to spend all your lazy hours bathing in the sun of the best beaches of the island. 

The easiest way to explore the littoral is to rent a llaut, one of the most traditional types of boat especially used for fishing. This is the case of Rapita Charter, a business run by father and son who has perfectly restored these kinds of very local and authentic ships. 

So get on board your wooden boat and begin your journey starting from Es Trenc passing through Platja des Dolç, El Caragol, the charming and beautiful Platja es Carbò with its white shiny beaches. 

Embark on an exhilarating adventure from here as you set off on foot, ready to conquer a thrilling trekking trail adorned with a multitude of scenic steps to discover the best beaches of the coast.

Cala Llombards is a lovely equipped beach, the only one here, with a special kiosk by the sea, perfect for families and easily reachable also by car. 

To fully experience Cala s'Almunia, a natural cove that is the most picturesque bay in Mallorca with its breathtaking cliffs and old fishermen's refuge, you will find a series of steps that guide you to the destination. 

Unlike Cala Llombard and Cala S'Almunia, which are easily accessible and nearby,  Caló del Moro presents a more thrilling challenge, requiring a half-hour trek. But fear not, for the journey is well rewarded, as all three, Cala Llombard, Cala S'Almunia, and Caló del Moro, stand as some of the most stunning beaches in Mallorca. 

Moving from here, it’s time for a break. You can reach La Nouvelle Famille, a new lovely spot for “bon vivants” that has a funny menu concept. In fact, the two founders, Marta Expósito and Manuel Paz, decided to re-present the guests the menu of their wedding, that you can try all day long, from breakfast to dinner like in a big family.

Last gem: if you prefer sweet waters to saltiness and you dream of waterfalls in cool glades immersed in lust vegetation, you need to find the Torrent de Cala Pi. The area surrounding the torrent is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for hikers. It offers opportunities for exploring the rugged landscape, with picturesque views of the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea. Embark on hiking trails that follow the course of the torrent and get confused with nature.

To end on a high note, finish your day trip just after stepping by the Restaurante Andreu Genestra, which offers four different menus under the concept of 'Mediterranean' cuisine.

Here you can savor the authentic flavors of Mallorca and bring them back home, in your heart, memory and belly.