Mallorca is largest of the Balearic Islands – an autonomous part of Spain made up of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. It’s quickly becoming one of the Mediterranean’s most popular holiday destinations, with over 300 days of sunshine each year, and an average temperature hovering around 21°C.
Imagine an island with a dynamic capital city, rocky mountains, soft golden sands, secluded coves, turquoise blue waters, and lush green vegetation. Being one of the most sought-after summer destinations - the island itself as well as its capital, Palma de Mallorca, are brimming with character, and its beaches are globally renowned. Just a couple of hours flight away from most European cities, Mallorca is the perfect short-haul destination for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
‘Mallorquin’ cuisine is becoming increasingly well known for being some of the best in the Balearics, and the food scene here certainly doesn’t disappoint. Local traditions and ingredients play a vital role, with the majority of dishes centring around pork, fish and vegetables. Garlic and olive oil are also used in abundance, along with almonds, lemons, walnuts and salt from the natural salt plains in the south of the island. There are a number of Michelin starred restaurants on the island that are also worth while visiting.
Try sobrasada, a spreadable spiced cured pork sausage similar to the increasingly popular ‘nduja of Calabria. It's often paired with a slice of local goats' cheese and a drizzle of honey as part of a typical tapas spread. Tumbet is another delicious regional dish, dating back to the 16th century. Traditionally prepared in a terracotta dish, consisting of layers of fried aubergine, potato, red peppers, tomatoes and finished with olive oil before baking. It has a similar texture to ratatouille and is best enjoyed with a hunk of fresh bread or served alongside grilled fish or meat.
Mallorquin wine is also well worth a try and is quickly gaining wider recognition. Winemaking was first brought to the island by the Romans, and there are now some fantastic wineries and vineyards on the island that you can tour and sample. You can often find bodegas in most towns where you can sample the wine straight from the barrels. Chardonnay, Merlot, Muscadet grapes are all grown here, as well as the native prensal blanc grape too.
The island is active year-round, and there’s plenty to see and do regardless of the season. Mallorca is renowned for its beaches, of which there are plenty to choose from – whether you prefer golden sands or sheltered sea swims straight off the rocks, you won’t be disappointed. When you’ve finished topping up your tan, explore the likes of Deia, Valldemossa, Porto Soller or head to the capital city, Palma – there are so many picturesque towns and villages here, each with something unique to offer. Mallorca has a great shopping scene with one-of-a-kind boutiques selling beautiful wares. There are many museums and galleries too, especially in Palma, helping to bring the island’s rich history to life.
If you still have energy to burn, there are some great hikes with amazing views from the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Mallorca is a very popular destination for cyclists, who come to the island to use its winding, hilly mountain roads to practice for key events in their competition calendars. If you don’t fancy heading out with the pros, why not hire bicycles and use them to explore the coastline and as a novel mode of transport to your favourite restaurant for lunch!
You’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to bars and restaurants in Mallorca. Picturesque Deia has a great scene – everything is walking distance so it's easy to go from cocktail bar to restaurant and back again of an evening. Perhaps one of the best-known spots in Deia is the “Ca’s Patro March” beachfront restaurant on Cala Deia, serving up delicious seafood with incredible views. You might also recognise this spot from a scene in the BBC’s TV series adaption of ‘The Night Manager’.
Palma is also a wonderful spot, as you’d expect from the capital city – its full of surprises and has something for everyone, from quiet sundowners to ‘dancing-til-dawn' clubs.
The main season here tends to run from April through to October, with July & August being the hottest months with plenty of sunshine. Spring and Autumn are perfect times to visit for cycling and walking, with slightly cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings (it can still average around 29°C during the day in September!). It’s a great destination in the height of the summer of course, but it's also the perfect place to head to if you’re able to travel outside of school holidays too. April and October can see an increase in chances of rainfall and cooler days, but it still remains warmer than most of Northern Europe, and even if its cooler the chances of rainfall are still very low on this wonderfully sun-kissed island.
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