A particularly favorable climate, a preferential geographical position and a nature with dry beauty and without concession have made this string of islands in the heart of the Mediterranean, a real center of tourist attraction. The largest of them, Mallorca, benefits from Palma's cultural dynamism but also from a true authenticity, jealously guarded in the heart of the mountains and in the secret of the souls of its inhabitants.
What are the must-see visits to do?
Mallorca is not that big but it is teeming with exceptional sites. Here are some ideas for must-see visits to do!
Visit Alcudia
The city of Alcudia and its medieval ramparts surrounding the old town is not to be missed. Tapas and local wine await you in one of the many stalls and the view from the protective heights is almost unreal!
Alcudia
Rest in Estellencs
The island of Mallorca can be a bit tiring at times in the summer season. If you feel the need for a little calm, we recommend that you set off towards the heights of the Serra Tramuntana, to the beautiful village of Estellencs. Here you will find the true soul of Mallorca and a breathtaking view of the sunset.
Aerial view of Estellencs
Snorkelling in Mondrago Park
Mondrago natural park is a real protective cocoon preserved for the natural species it shelters. Fauna and flora grow here in peace, watched over by old mills and dry stone walls which bear witness to the ancient activity of men on these lands. But it is above all the crystal clear waters of the park's bays that will amaze you with an aquatic fauna unique in the world, visible with a simple mask and snorkel.
Mondrago beach
Explore the Caves of Drach
The caves of Drach are a network of natural underground canals, punctuated by stalactites and stalagmites. For an hour and over a kilometer, you will explore the depths of Mallorca and, if you are lucky and have a sense of timing, you will even be treated to a concert of classical music reverberated by the waters and the walls of the cave!
The caves of Drach
When to go to Mallorca?
Nestled in the gentle Mediterranean waters, the island of Mallorca enjoys a very favorable climate, one of the main reasons for its tourist success. The summer is always hot and dry, ideal for basking the pill on the many beaches which mark out its jagged coasts. Inland, the air is rarer there and you will have to reckon with the overwhelming presence of the sun if you plan to embark on the hiking trails that cross the mountains of the interior.
The mountains of the west coast
For walkers, the spring season is more favorable. Temperatures are gradually rising and the season is not as rainy as fall can be. On the other hand, the nights can be quite cool during the mid-seasons, in particular because of the gales that hit the island regularly. In winter, the temperature never drops below 10 ° C but again some precipitation is expected for the pedestrian traveler. On the other hand, he will benefit from the serenity ofan island of Mallorca less invaded by tourist clusters.
PRACTICAL TIPS : look at the annual climate in Palma (the capital) and choose the best time to go to Mallorca.
What budget to plan on site?
The cost of living in Mallorca is more or less the same as in France. Be careful with seasonal variations. In summer, prices rise as quickly as temperatures, especially in seaside resorts or in the "capital" of Palma. The rates charged by 1-star hotels are the most subject to inflation because they are the most popular, count 80 euros on average but an overnight stay can cost nearly 150 euros in high season!
In the restaurant, plan on fifteen euros for a lunch and thirty for a dinner. Here again, the seasonal variations are important but the different standings allow all the budgets to be nourished. The most modest will be able to limit their expenses by eating at the supermarket. Although an islander, Mallorca shows food prices quite lower than what can be found in France. Finally, be aware that leisure can be quite expensive. An hour of tennis or renting a jet ski will certainly add to the vacation bill, especially in summer!
How to get to Mallorca?
The plane is clearly the most suitable means of transport to reach Mallorca. So much so that Palma airport is the third busiest in Spain! Many companies charter planes from more than 60 cities across Europe. From Paris, you can sometimes find return tickets for less than 100 euros out of season. You will need to be vigilant and compare the offers before you decide.
Palma de Mallorca
The other solution to reach the coast of Mallorca is to take the ferry from one of the Spanish cities of Barcelona, Valencia or Dénia. This solution is interesting if you want to have your vehicle on site, but know that it will not be more economical than a plane ticket. 8 hours of crossing and around 300 euros round trip with a vehicle, or 100 euros for a passenger without a cabin. Especially since most companies only operate from Easter to the end of October and those which maintain it drastically reduce the frequency of boarding.
How to get around the island?
Mallorca has a fairly good road network overall which allows you to travel by car quite easily. The small roads that run along deep ravines near the coast will delight bikers. Having your own vehicle also facilitates travel autonomy, which is sometimes limited by an irregular bus network. Even though it covers almost the entire island, departures are infrequent, especially in low season or on weekends.
Four train lines depart from Palma. The one heading north is particularly popular with tourists, because it is a wooden train that will take them safely to Sóller. The other three lines join respectively Inca, Sa Pobla and Manacor. The train is more pleasant than the bus, and above all, it is less expensive and the departures are more regular. Corn We recommend cycling instead to fully enjoy the charm of Mallorca. The densification of cycle paths and rental points, added to a certain benevolent tolerance of other road users, makes it a truly “bike-friendly” destination!
What to eat and drink in Mallorca?
Despite the seasonal and uncontrollable assaults of tourists, Mallorcans remain very attached to an identity built on the multiplicity of influences that have bathed the island over the centuries. These multiple facets are found in gastronomy. Cold cuts are central in Mallorcan cuisine. We particularly recommend the Sobrassada, a kind of soft chorizo made from pork meat, paprika and different herbs or the essential jamón serrano, a real delicacy.
More Mallorca is also turned towards the sea and its taste miracles. Arros de peix, or fish rice, is perfect for tasting all the flavors offered by the catch of the day. We also like Arros a banda, its variation with squid or Arros negre, a dry black rice enhanced by squid ink. The desserts aren't as exciting, but try the famous Coca de patata anyway. Sugar, potato, eggs and fat, what are the people asking for?
Where on the island to stay?
Most travelers arrive in Palma de Mallorca and many stay there. The city offers many advantages in terms of nightlife and leisure activities, especially since the island is quite small and it will be possible to radiate from the "capital" to explore the other regions that make up the Mallorcan landscape. Many accommodations of all levels are present there but in high season, the tourist influx can be a little exhausting on a daily basis.
Some people therefore prefer to move away from Palma to go to small, quieter villages. The most beautiful of them are found in the north of the island. We recommend in particular Valldemossa which has retained its old-fashioned charm while offering multiple accommodation offers. But the towns of Alcudia and Pollença are just as authentic and welcoming, and above all located near Cap de Formentor, one of the most beautiful places on the island. Finally, those who wish to avoid as much as possible the swarms of tourists from Mallorca will head east, towards Arta and Canyamel. One hour from Palma, we find a little of this nonchalant wild beauty that is ALSO the charm of Mallorca.
Valldemossa
Useful information
- Mallorca belongs to Spain and, as such, does not require any particular health measure or supporting documents to access its territory.
- No vaccine is compulsory.
- When arriving on the island, we advise you to go directly to the Palma Tourist Office. They can provide you with all the necessary information regarding accommodation, the possible organization of excursions, or car rental for example.
- For lovers of cultural visits, we recommend that they bring la SM Palma Card which gives access, for a cost of between 15 and 20 euros, to the Cathedral of Palma, the Convent of Sant Francesc and a few other monuments. There is even a version for 20 euros which gives access to more monuments on the island, such as the Carthusian monastery of Valldemossa, for example.
Mallorca can be enjoyed in all seasons and from all angles!
From the beach to the mountains, everyone will find the way to their ideal vacation! And if you want to tell us about your experiences, requests or tips in Mallorca, do not hesitate to leave a word in the comments!
