A guide for the first time in Mallorca

On your first visit to Mallorca, you will discover the contrasts the island has to offer, from the elegant glamour of Palma, to the charming rural fincas and picturesque secluded coves.

First Stop: Palma

Its historic old town is one of the largest in Europe after Rome. Cobbled streets and fascinating architecture will transport you back in time, discovering historical treasures such as the imposing Cathedral and the ancient Almudaina Palace, home to the Kings of the Kingdom of Mallorca.

In Palma, some stately palaces have been converted into Michelin-starred restaurants and boutique hotels, such as the Hotel Can Alomar, the Hotel Can Cera or the Hotel Sant Francesc. The town is also home to charming cafés, such as Capuccino San Miquel or the legendary Can Joan de S’Aigo, where you can sample delicacies such as the famous ensaimadas, cuartos and panades. If you are looking to try one of the typical bread rolls, the llonguets, Café Riutort is a good place.

To really get to know Palma, head into the narrow streets, where you’ll find unique shops and hidden art galleries. Rialto Living is a concept store where you could lose yourself for hours. At Gallery RED, you’ll discover contemporary works of art, while at its Rouge shop, you’ll find iconic handbags, almost impossible to find anywhere else. The liveliest nights in Palma take place in Santa Catalina, especially on Saturday afternoons. The reference point is the Hostal Cuba and its surrounding bars.

Second Stop: La Serra de Tramuntana

The Serra de Tramuntana is the backbone of Mallorca, stretching from the southwest to the far north of the island. A natural wonder that offers breathtaking scenery, charming villages, a rich history and culture. Some of the best known villages are Valldemossa, Deià and Puerto de Sóller, all of which are within walking distance of each other and can be explored in a single day.

During your visit to the Serra de Tramuntana, don’t miss the Sa Foradada viewpoint, from where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the coast and the famous rock that gets its name from its clearly visible hole. Next to the viewpoint, you will find an atmospheric bar and a restaurant at sunset; in summer, it is a popular place, so it is advisable to arrive in good time.

The village of Deià has become very fashionable in recent years, with its breathtaking scenery, restaurants and cafés, such as Nama or de moniö. If you’re looking for a lively night out, Sa Fonda is the place to be, while for a special evening, don’t miss the concerts at the Belmond La Residencia hotel and dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants, which this year has a brand new Tramuntana Grill.

A little further out of town is Cala Deià. In recent years it has become particularly well known because the restaurant Ca’s Patró March is located here. The simplicity of the terrace next to the turquoise waters of the sea has caused a sensation on Instagram and it is also where some scenes of the well-known miniseries The Infiltrator were filmed.

There are other lovely beaches in the Tramuntana, such as Banyalbufar or, further afield, Cala Tuent or Sa Calobra, a film-like beach reached by a long winding road. Many car commercials have been filmed on this spectacular route.

Third Stop: The North

The north of Mallorca also has its charm. If you like water sports, you should know that from June to September, conditions are ideal for kitesurfing, especially in the bay of Pollença, where the Pura Vida school is located, and on the beach of Muro.

Formentor beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island due to its secluded location. If you have time after a day at the beach, head to the Es Colomer viewpoint to watch the sunset, or even to the even more secluded Formentor lighthouse at the northern end. Reaching this lighthouse will require a long winding road, but the breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs you’ll encounter will be totally worth it. In fact, this is considered one of the most inaccessible and picturesque spots on the island.

Fourth Stop: The South

The south of Mallorca also has a lot to offer. If you are looking for paradisiacal beaches, head for this area. Es Trenc and Es Carbó are the best known, with their long white sand and crystal-clear waters. Next to them, you will find La Colonia de Sant Jordi, where many Mallorcans have their second home to enjoy the summer. Here you will also find hotels frequented by locals and visitors, such as the Hotel Honucai, right in the port, or the Es Turó estate, in Ses Salines.

A very special activity not to be missed in the south of Mallorca is to visit the Cabrera National Park, a deserted and protected island with impressive landscapes and transparent waters ideal for scuba diving. To get here, you can join an organised excursion that leaves regularly from the port of Colonia de Sant Jordi with the company Excursions a Cabrera.

Cala Figuera is a small and charming fishermen’s cove. It is a perfect place to stroll around, enjoy the views and savour the authentic local gastronomy in the restaurants next to the harbour. In the nearby town of Portopetro, you will also have the opportunity to rent a boat to explore the nearby coves, such as Cala Mármol or Es Caló des Moro.