Mallorca is the largest Balearic island in Spain. More than 260 beaches with a turquoise and transparent water that is normally around 25 degrees. Coves surrounded by scenic cliffs, there are plenty of idyllic places to discover, and if you want to have fun, there are lots of restaurants and bars around, where you can enjoy a delicious meal, have a snack or dance.
But Palma de Mallorca is much more than just fun. For more than 300 years, this island was under Islamic rule and still retains traces of their influence. Even its capital, Palma, still has an Arab Quarter. In 2016, Maiorca took third place in the list of the best islands in the world, a vote by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine.
1. Es Colomer viewpoint at Cabo Formentor
I start visiting the island at the Es Colomer viewpoint, in Cape Formentor. Passing Polença, the road that I took with my dear childhood friend Maria, enters the Formentor Peninsula, in the extreme northeast of the Island. The rout had many curves within a mountainous scenery, that seems taken from a movie. We continued our journey to the end of Cape Formentor, where the lighthouse is located. A stunning vision that embrace us.
The landscape near Cape Formentor is wild but wonderful, just like in the whole mountain range. The lighthouse marks the northeast end of the island of Mallorca and the end of this route through the Serra de Tramuntana. The mountain range is located in the northwest of the island and this is where its name comes from, as tramontana is the wind that comes from this direction. Its origin dates back to the Alps.
2. Flowered village of Valdemossa
Valdemossa has an enchanting beauty and was one of the villages that I most enjoyed visiting. It stands on a hill and here I took magnificent pictures with my friend. The stone houses oscillate between brown and dark yellow, ornamented with colorful flowers which fill it with charm. It was in this village that the island’s most revered saint, Catalina Thomas, lived and inspired many writers and composers, such as Chopin, who passed by it.
3. 365 steps and a magnificent view
Go up the 365 steps to the church of Calvarium in Polença, I went up and felt my effort rewarded when I stopped looking at the magnificent view of the city of Polença and above all the rural landscape that surrounds it. There are musicians in the middle of this tour that make this visit even more enjoyable. The walk is worthwhile, and the church, at the top of the staircase, makes the final goal.
4. Palma Cathedral and Almudaina Palace
In the capital, the Cathedral of Palma rises above an old mosque. It is an imposing Gothic monument, with stunning views of the Sea. The most impressive is that it occupies 6600 square meters, is considered one of the most notable Gothic temples in Europe. In addition, it has a rosette of 13 meters diameter, the largest in the world, through which the sun rays and illuminate it enter. Antoni Gaudí left some of his creations here. Close by, be sure to visit the Almudaina palace, an ancient Arab fortress also stroll through the narrow streets in the center.
5. Northern Mallorca
Located in the bay of Alcudia, in the north of the island, Muro beach has crystal clear turquoise waters and fine white sand. A sandy beach framed by the magnificent natural setting in which it is located, the S’Albufera Natural Park. The North region hides some other paradises, such as Cala Barques. This beach is 7 km away from Polença and belongs to the set of 4 beaches that make up Cala Sant Vicenç.
Interestingly, Cala Sant Vicenç was the scenery for movies, such as Captain Black Jack, directed by J. Duvivier. Here you can visit the prehistoric caves of Alzinaret, which are a great archaeological wealth. On the other hand, Cala Agulla, in the northeast of the island, is a place that impresses for its natural beauty. It was declared a natural area of special interest in 1991, by the Parliament of the Balearic Islands.
6. Island Treasures
It is the south that holds the most surprising places… the first beach we find is Cala Pi, a small but beautiful cove with turquoise waters, surrounded by magnificent rocks. The “Pi” comes from the word pine because these trees are in the area. Towards the east, we still find Es Trenc, a long beach that reminded me of the Caribbean. There are many nudists around here, it seems like a kind of paradise, where most people walk happily as they came into the world. The environment is liberating.
But the secrets of Mallorca don’t stop here, Calò des Moro is little, stunning and difficult to find. There are hidden trails in the mountains, with wooden hatches that will have to be open. I assure you that in the end, it’s worth it, you’ll find a place that looks like it’s carved out of the rocks. To reach this destination, you will have to carefully descend steps made up of stone and sand.Also be dazzled by the natural beauty of Cala Llamp, where there is no sand, only rock, and an overwhelming sea color.
Andratx is close by, and was once a fishermen’s refuge, being currently one of the most tourist spots in Mallorca. I have to mention also Palma beach. Here you can watch the sea join the color of the sky, the water is warm and it occupies an extension that looks more like a giant pool of hot water, in a color so translucent that you can see the entire bottom. Another place that is worth your visit is Sant Elm, a small village overlooking the Mediterranean.
Finally, I underline Mondragó, a nature reserve of almost 800 hectares that encloses two beautiful beaches connected by a stone path: Sa Font de n’Alis, also known as Mondragó, and S’Amarador beach. Be sure to visit this magical island where the blue color prevails!
