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Destination: A Week on Mallorca
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Don’t judge an island by its size. This Mediterranean jewel is brimming with attractions
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BY CHIQUI CARTAGENA
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| Cathedral La Seu in the capital, Palma de Mallorca; a restaurant table at the Portixol Hotel. |
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Located in the western reaches of the Mediterranean Sea, little Mallorca has something for almost every type of traveler. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are pristine beaches, and mountainous trails that lead to breathtaking, 360-degree views. Cosmopolites will find a bustling capital with first-rate restaurants, bars and cafés—plus stylish shops, galleries and museums. Add in some historic ruins and a bevy of family-friendly sites, and it’s easy to see why visitors come here from the world over.
NATURAL RICHES
Mallorca more than deserves its nickname “Pearl of the Mediterranean.” Its defining feature is a chain of rugged mountains called the Sierra Tramuntana, whose peaks stretch for nearly 50 miles across the island’s western end and top out at 4,741 feet. Here recreational hikers will find well-marked trails, including one called La Trapa that’s just an hour’s drive west of the capital, Palma de Mallorca. The climb, named for a monastery that was abandoned by Trappist monks in the early 1800s, culminates with stunning views of the ruins and Sa Dragonera Island. On your way down, keep an eye out for the albino peacock who has taken up residence in a trailside farm.
LA VIDA LOCA
Glorious beaches, historic landmarks, chic bars and clubs—Palma de Mallorca (pop. 401,270) has it all. The city’s most iconic building is the gothic Cathedral La Seu, whose pillars and spires have dominated the downtown port area since the building was completed in 1601. On the restaurant front, be sure to try El Bungalow in the suburb of Ciutat Jardi, where you can dine by the water (2 Carre Esculls; 011-34-971-262-738). The elegant lounge at Portixol, a renovated hotel and restaurant, is also worth a stop (27 Carre Sirena 27; 011-34-971-271-800).
And then there’s the shopping. Avinguda Jaume II and Passeig des Born are teeming with up-market boutiques, while the Centro Comercial Porto delivers a mall experience about a mile from the town center. Of course, you can’t go wrong with Galerias Preciados either, one of the most popular department store chains in Spain.
EASY EXCURSIONS
Beyond Palma, you’ll find many small towns and sites ripe for exploring. Manacor, about an hour’s drive from the Balearic capital, is known for its artificial pearls; visitors to the Majorica factory can see how they’re made. It’s also the birthplace of Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, who still lives here when he’s not on the road competing. Farther east lies the tourist-friendly fishing village of Porto Cristo, a great place for a stroll and lunch by the sea (try the paella at Sa Pedra, located at 4 Calle Verí). The world-famous Las Cuevas de Drach—or Dragon Caves—are also nearby (tours, $14). Here, visitors can follow a path down to one of the world’s largest subterranean lakes and watch a string quartet perform classical music while floating on the lake in rowboats.
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.
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Published: September 5, 2010
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Photos: iStockphoto; Portixol Hotel & Restaurant
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