Travel Guide | Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the ultimate European summer getaway - crystal clear blue water, white silky sand, fruit trees, luxury spa resorts, culture and history and shopping. It is a destination for couples and families. Mallorca has the mountains and the sea - what more do you need?! We loved spending 9 days on this island relaxing (as best we could with a toddler), and soaking up the sun. The best time to go is between June and September (July and August are exceptionally busy, so we opted for June and it was perfect). My best advice is arrive early to get a spot at the best beaches, and bring fresh market goodies for beach picnics (fresh fruit, baguette and jamon is the best). The island is quite large and having a rental car is really the only way to see the best that Mallorca has to offer. We split our time on the west side in the mountains and then on the south east part for the top rated beaches. I highly recommend doing this or plan for some long days of driving across the island.
We flew into Dublin first, then direct to Palma, Mallorca because this was the cheapest option coming from Seattle. However, you can fly into mainland Spain first if you want to see the famous cities like Barcelona or Madrid. Then take a flight into Palma. If you can find an affordable flight to Europe, getting to Mallorca from anywhere in Europe is very quick and cheap.
Our Itinerary: Flew Seattle —> Dublin, Ireland | Spent 2 days in Dublin | Flew —> Palma, Mallorca | Spent 2 days at Hotel Bon Sol in Illetas | Spent 5 days in Deia at airbnb | Spent 3 days in Llucmajor at Son Julia Country House Hotel | Flew —-> Amsterdam, NL
Check List for Mallorca:
Rent a llaut, a traditonal wooden boat
Hike in the Tramuntana Mountains
Eat Patatas Bravas
Try a pastry called ensaimada
Swim in the crystal clear water
Shop an outdoor market
Explore the small villages of Valldemossa & Deia
Take a picture by the fishing cottages at Cala Llombards
Ride on a historic train in Soller
Visit the Catedral de Santa Maria in Palma
Stay:
Son Julia Country House Hotel - 5 star hotel in a historic mansion, perfect for families. The restaurant here was farm to table and out-of-this-world good, there are two outdoor pools (one is adults only!), and an indoor spa/sauna area. Beautiful and spacious setting for relaxing. $$
Hotel Bon Sol - fantastic hotel for families. There are multiple pools, playgrounds, sports courts and restaurants. The breakfast is beyond, and the private beach area is so charming and relaxing! An easy 20 minute bus ride into Palma, so it’s perfect if you aren’t planning on renting a car. $
Hotel Corazon - beyond STUNNING design, feels a little bohemian/moroccan inspired, with healthy fresh meals and surrounded by cacti and tropical plants. $$$
The Lodge Mallorca - modern luxury hotel tucked away in the mountains, excellent if you want to relax, eat well and have space to move around. $$$
Es Raco d’ Arta - in the north end of Mallorca, rustic and natural decor, well being retreat. $$
Can Ferrereta - Excellent location in the South East, close to some of the prettiest beaches in Mallorca, tranquil and natural luxury hotel. $$
Deia’s Couple Retreat Airbnb - charming cottage in the hills of Deia (the most perfect village you’ve ever seen!), with a private pool surrounded by olive trees and sheep. Within walking distance of the town. $
Eat:
Lili’s Brunch & Cocktails (Palma) - healthy, colorful brunch in a fun spot of Palma
Xurreria Rosaleda (Palma) - best churros on Mallorca
Fornet de la Soca (Palma) - bakery with traditional Mallorcan pastries
Brunchit (Palma) - flowers on your toast, pancakes that look like a work of art, aesthetic breakfast lovers only
Barbaflorida Cafe (Valldemossa) - coffee and light breakfast foods in a lovely open square
NAMA (Deia) - Incredible modern indonesian food, make reservations
S’Hortet (Deia) - the best healthy breakfast in the area, charming outdoor garden with kids play area
El Olivo (Deia) - upscale restaurant located in the hotel, Belmond La Residencia, top rated, make reservations early
Trattoria Italiana (Deia) - delicious italian food, make reservations in the summer
de monio (Deia) - coffee shop with light brunch food
Miga de Nuve (Soller) - breakfast spot
Mister McCoy’s Island Ices (Soller) - best gelato on Mallorca, unique flavors, expect a line out the door
Casa Alvaro (Soller) - dinner, tapas, cozy small restaurant, make reservations in summer
NENI (Port of Soller) - dinner on the beach, bohemian outdoor restaurant, make reservations
See & Do:
Explore Palma - go see the Catedral Basilica de Santa Maria, shop and eat your way through the cutest narrow streets of Palma
Take the historic train from Soller to the Port de Soller for a beach day
Go to an outdoor market - Santyani has a great outdoor market
Explore Valldemossa - one of the best historic towns, tucked away in the Tramuntana mountains. Where Chopin lived and created music.
Rent a traditional wooden boat called a llaut - one good company that does this is Rapita charter
Go sailing - charter a boat or hop on a tour for the day (many tours leave from Palma)
Walk around the Port de Cala Figuera - picturesque working fishing port, lined with boats and Mallorcan stone houses that look out of a fairytale
Beaches:
*my favorite beaches we went to
*Cala Llombards - popular beach that is even better than the photos on Pinterest. The iconic fishing houses line the side, rocks to lay out and jump off, big sandy beach with a small beach bar.
Cala Deia - beautiful rocky beach with a couple popular restaurants overlooking the water. There is a long windy, narrow, one lane road that makes it hard to drive down and there isn’t a lot of parking. Many people suggest hiking down to the beach, which takes approx 30 mins from the main town of Deia.
*Cala s’Almunia - requires a short “hike.” Great for cliff jumping and snorkling. Not a sandy beach, but incredibly beautiful and worth at least checking out if you go to Calo del Moro.
*Calo del Moro - arrive early as its a small beach. One of my favorite beaches on Mallorca, very popular for good reason. There are unreal views on the walk down of crystal clear water. It takes around 20 minutes to walk to it from parking lot (its a bit of a hike, not hard, but not for strollers or handicap), right next to Cala s’Almunia.
S’Amarador - large sandy beach, beach bar and umbrellas to rent, parking nearby
Cala Santyani - near resorts and restaurants, large sandy beach, great for kids
Cala Pi - sandy beach at the end of a narrow inlet with trails around it for incredible views, small parking lot
Cala Esmeralda - small sandy beach, great for families, near resorts and restaurants, with crystal clear water for snorkeling.
Cala Serena - small sandy beach on a narrow inlet with a small bar and umbrellas to rent. Calm water, great for kids. Snorkeling spot.
Sa Calabra - long winding road down with photo worthy views. Lots of parking available (you do have to pay). You walk through a long tunnel in the middle of a rock to access this rocky beach, its definitely worth making the trek out here for the whole experience. A bit touristy with food and shops for beach supplies.
Cala Formentor - located in the north part of the island. Large sandy beach with trees for shade. Great for spending the day - especially good for families
Cala Tuent - located in the north, a hidden gem. Paid Parking. Calm clear blue water with a rocky beach, perfect for spending the day relaxing. Surrounded by greenery, less popular.