Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Mallorca, Spain

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There are many activities to do in Mallorca, which offers wonderful sandy beaches.

The island of Mallorca’s easygoing vibe and beautiful sea vistas have made it a favorite among tourists for decades. Because the sea breeze moderates the region’s often sweltering summers, it’s a haven for sun seekers.
You may already be familiar with the stunning coasts and sandy beaches of Mallorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands. But have you heard of the excellent hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range?
Here are the must-sees on this stunning island.

Discover the old town of Palma

 

Many tourists skip Palma in favor of the beaches in Cala Mondragó and Formentor, but the city is a great starting point for learning about Mallorca’s rich history and culture. Known as the capital of the Balearic Islands and a popular tourist destination, this western Mediterranean metropolis has been home to Moors, Romans, and Catholics since 123 BC.

Santa Mara, the Castell de Bellver, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and the Mercat de l’Olivar, a bright and ancient hall where you can sample wine and tapas, should all be on your list of must-sees.

Explore the Passeig des Born Boulevard

 

Explore the maze of streets and stores along the tree-lined high street. You’ll find several galleries, such as Berlin’s Kewenig Gallery, which showcases the work of many up-and-coming artists, inside the gridlike structure of Passeig des Born.

Visit Terra Cuita to see the vibrant Mallorcan pottery. Stop by Ombú for some cutting-edge tapas and futuristic architecture. Eat at De Tokio a Lima and wash down your white sangria with a stroll through the lively streets of Santa Catalina.

Cocktail bars for before and after dinner

 

Stop by Clandestino Cocktail Club for a nightcap of gin and tonics and call it a day as the Spaniards do. This institution presents itself as a smoky jazz-playing club with a hidden speakeasy menu, so the atmosphere is both relaxing and lounge-like.

Even the bar, which is stocked to the gills with premium liquors, has an air of urban chic. In addition to the traditional gin and tonic, the famous Negroni (€15) is a must-have; it consists of gin, Campari, and vermouth, and it is served over crushed ice with an orange peel. True Spanish? Probably not, but it’s a place where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Fill up on churros at El Rocío Santa Ponsa

 

Remember to load up on a big Spanish breakfast before traveling towards Magaluf beach for an intensive day of soaking in the sunlight. Relax at El Roco Santa Ponsa, located in the tranquil Santa Ponça neighborhood.

Get the patatas bravas (€7.50), a local delicacy of deep-fried potatoes doused in a spicy sauce. They go well with the churros and thick hot chocolate drinks. Visit Le Cafe Flora, a specialty breakfast restaurant and bakery in Magaluf, for an alternative option.

Dive off bone-white beaches in Magaluf

 

Magaluf Beach is best visited in the late morning before the sun gets too high and the first thousand meters of beach, which runs down the coast, become crowded with local swimmers.

Those in need of peace and quiet can make their way to Palmanova Beach, located to the north. Under the same soothing, pale blue sky, you may find miles upon miles of empty, little-visited sand. Relax on the fine white beach and cool yourself in the deep blue water. Bondi Beach Magaluf, inspired by the neighboring Spanish culinary culture, offers you tasty and elegantly presented Paella with an amazing drink menu.

Take on Serra de Tramuntana’s Dry Route trail

 

Get out of Palma on your second day in Mallorca and go north toward the Serra de Tramuntana, a mountain range that runs along the island’s whole northwestern coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Near Valldemossa, the craggy mountain range makes for a great vantage point. Get yourself a trail map that will bring you through olive groves, vineyards, and almond orchards to quaint and ancient towns and villages.

The lengthy Dry Stone Route between Port d’Antratx and Pollença can be toured with a guide.

Some of the routes are advised for experienced hikers only and might take anywhere from three to eight hours. It’s recommended that you bring sturdy hiking shoes as well as plenty of water.

Head to La Lonja for the last dance

 

Many of the island’s most exciting activities take place after dark. Get to the La Lonja neighborhood once the sun goes down. The Jazz Voyeur Club is one of several cozy bars where you can choose from an authentic à la carte menu and drink large measures of Spanish brandy. Or book a table at the Blue Jazz Club, which overlooks Palma Bay. Please make reservations in advance.

Pubs, dive bars, and tourist bars stay open late, so the celebration may continue well after dark. In the morning, when you wake up with a hangover, you can be confident that some of the best Mediterranean cafés will be waiting for you.

Where to stay

In Canyamel’s valley is the 5-star Cap Vermell Grand Hotel, which has a Michelin-starred restaurant and opulent decor. Cala Agulla Beach and the Caves of Artà are both within easy driving distance of the hotel

Getting to Mallorca

The Palma de Mallorca airport is served by several daily flights from major European cities, including London and Manchester. Direct buses go from the airport to the heart of Palma. From the ports of Barcelona and Valencia, you can take a ferry to get here.