Mallorca and I will always have an endless love affair. We have this connection, Mallorca and I, that keeps me up at night — tossing and turning as I reminisce about those serene, slow-paced Mediterranean summers. I close my eyes and drift off to another world, where I can feel the heat radiating off the coast of North Africa as my sun-kissed skin is gently cooled from the ocean spray of turquoise waters that cradle this island.
Known as the reigning queen of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a part of the archipelago consisting of over 150 islands dotted off the coast of Spain. Despite being the largest, its sister islands of Ibiza and Formentera often get the spotlight, known for some of the best clubs, parties, and yachting in the world. On the other hand, Mallorca has this sophisticated, bohemian, and unquestionably European personality woven throughout the island. Mallorca unapologetically dances to the beat of her own drum.
The Queen of the Balearic Islands
Geographically speaking, Mallorca is incredibly diverse. Along the coast, you’ll find 262 beaches that rival the waters of the Caribbean. At its north, towering mountain and canyon ranges dramatically drop into electric blue water with fantastic hiking and road trip options. At its heart, never-ending wheat fields stretch past the horizon, dotted with olive groves, citrus trees, and ancient stone walls set amongst the countryside. If you enjoy a bit of city life, look no further than Palma de Mallorca, the island's charming capital. Michelin-rated restaurants, award-winning hotels, endless boutique shops, and local delicatessens line the cobblestoned streets.
I never expected to fall in love with Mallorca, but isn’t that true with the best relationships in life? In retrospect, the first time I visited felt like a blind date. Estiven asked if I was interested in spending a few weeks here one summer — and I just said yes. I had no idea where Mallorca was on a map or even which country it belonged to. I was just game to travel and ready to live life in the fast lane. But that's the funny thing — Mallorca slows you down to appreciate what "slow living" truly means.
Where Design and Gastronomy Meet: Palma de Mallorca
Rich in culture, entertainment, and gastronomy, Palma de Mallorca is the blonde-stoned city that looks out over the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. Beyond the grand Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca that seemly watches over the marina and city below, you’ll find enchanting streets that wind around sweet gelaterias, tapas eateries, and local boutique shops lining the charming area known as Palma’s Old Town.
Check in to Hotel Sant Jaume or Hotel Nakar, and surrender yourself to the pace of the island as you kick back a few Aperol Spritzes, indulge in Mallorcan cuisine, and watch the Spanish sunset fall over the horizon from one of the many rooftop vistas.
Valldemossa: What Romantic Destinations Are Made of
Set in an idyllic valley amongst the Tramuntana mountains, Valldemossa transports you to a quaint village that exudes an old-world charm that feels suspended in time. Ancient stone homes dot the mountainsides, gently nestled amongst silvery green landscapes of olive, oak, and almond trees that have embedded their roots here for generations.
The natural beauty of the countryside and wooded hillsides makes Valldemossa a popular romantic destination. It’s also an excellent home base for nature enthusiasts with many hiking trails. You’ll find several boutique-styled fincas, my favorite being Mirabo de Valldemossa. It’s the kind of place where you’ll wake with the morning sun gently shining, kissing your cheek as you lay in bed with the faint sounds of birds chirping in the trees above.
Daydreaming in Deià: The Artist's Retreat
Close your eyes and imagine a quiet mountain village of shuttered, honey-colored houses perched in olive and almond tree groves along the sea. Historically, Deià was known to be an area where artists and creatives retreated, which still remains true today. Several art galleries, restaurants, and even some of the world’s most affluent residents hideaway in this part of Mallorca. Out of this entire list, Deià reigns as the must-see destination for the best of Mallorca. Be sure to visit Ca’ Patrós March, one of my favorite (and casual!) seaside restaurants worldwide. Make early reservations during peak season — or be good at sweet-talking the hostess.
Trekking the Serra de Tramuntana Peaks
Running the length of Mallorca’s northwest coastline, you’ll find the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Claiming some of the island’s most magnificent scenery, this area was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2011. Running from Andratx to Pollença, this mountain range offers unrivaled hiking and cycling opportunities that occupy 30% of the island's terrain.
The mountains are best seen slowly on foot. It allows you to smell the wild rosemary, hear the sheep bells, say hello to mountain goats, breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the rugged coastline with pine-covered slopes leaning into the sea. Mallorca has recently become known as one of Europe’s top hiking destinations. There’s an impressive selection of hiking routes available for all levels of ability, from steep climbs to gentle coastal routes. One of my favorite spots on the island's north side is Cala de Sa Calobra.
The Heart of Mallorca: Sant Joan
Sant Joan is centrally located in the heart of the island, known for its windmills, agriculture, and true Mallorcan roots. You’ll find excellent boutique fincas here, such as Agroturisme Gossalba, where we stayed for a few days. While the area does not have direct access to the sea, the beaches of Son Serra de Marina, Colònia de Sant Pere, or Es Trenc (a nude beach with my stamp of approval) are a short drive away.
The beauty of this region is that you’ll encounter the “real Mallorca” with commercial tourism on the other side of the island. Country roads, stone-walled pastures of vineyards, grains, and nut trees cover the landscape.
Mallorca is synonymous with endless sun, sea, and sangria. The island is one of those places that I fully admit my intoxication — and infatuation towards. I’ll keep dreaming of you in the clouds. Until next time, Mallorca.
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