You've likely never heard of it, but I strongly believe Mallorca should be ranking high on your bucket list. I can't remember ever feeling so excited, yet apprehensive to write a blog. I'm about to share with you somewhere that's very dear to my heart. My concern is getting your expectations too high and at the same time, I worry I may not do justice to this exquisite location. Maybe I should give context. Imagine living in Europe: loaded with beautiful cities, but stunning beaches are a rare find. I mean most of the water in these parts is grey. Grey lakes, grey rivers. Imagine trading the grey for vibrant shades of blue. Imagine just getting through a stressful period of deadlines to find calming azure blue waters, palm trees, white sand beaches, charming architecture, the musical trot of house-carriage rides, mysterious stone alleys and spoiled with good food. This is Mallorca, my experience of it, at least. There are three things that make Mallorca one of my absolute favourite destinations. First, it reminds me very much of home (Jamaica). No where else to date has done that! With it's beautiful white sand beaches, mountainous terrain, and laid back vibe sprinkled with a dose of party spirit, Mallorca could easily be dubbed "Europe's Jamaica". Second, I loved how quickly you can get there from mainland Europe, compared to other islands that offer a similar experience. Mallorca is about a 2 hour flight from Germany. The third bonus is the price! I'm passionate about budget trips. At the right time of year, you can get roundtrip tickets from certain European cities (eg. Berlin, Paris, Rome) for as low as 40-58€. Enough pre-ambling though, let's take you to my European Paradise - my home away from home!
FUN FACTS
Mallorca (also called Majorca) is a very popular destination for German tourists. So much so, that there's a running joke in Germany: "How many states does Germany have?" "16, but 17 if you count Mallorca". Mallorca is a Spanish territory off the coast of Barcelona. It is part of the Balearic islands, which are found in the Mediterranean. The other Balearic islands are Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera.
PULL FACTORS: Go if you like: Caribbean-esque beaches, fresh seafood, delicious food, historical surroundings, laid back vibes.
DESTINATION PROFILE
Overall Experience: 9/10 (I really wanted to say 100/10 - yes, you read that right, but there was one factor that deducted a point. We'll get into that soon).
Language Spoken: Spanish, but you can by with English or German (the primary languages of most tourists).
The People: locals minded their own business. By this, I mean, I didn't feel self-conscious about the fact that I was clearly a foreigner. They weren't extremely friendly, but they weren't unwelcoming either. Customer service was pleasant and polite.
Currency Used: Euros
Visa Requirements: Schengen Visa, aside from those with passport from Europe, UK, USA, etc.
Best Suited for: Young Adults, Solo Travel, Family/Friend Trips.
Not so Great for: People who don't fancy relaxing or seeing beaches (who is that ? 😂)
SHOW ME THE MONEY €€
I would say expect to spend a moderate amount in Mallorca. It didn't feel like it was expensive, but I didn't find it cheap, either. The cost of food, especially, felt commensurate with destinations like Berlin (I have the cost of meals I purchased below).
GETTING AROUND: TRANSPORTATION IN MALLORCA
Transportation: This is where Mallorca lost it's sole star with me. Though I loooooove the location, I wish this single aspect was easier to navigate.
Once you've landed, you can get into the city using a shuttle, taxi , rental car or bus. Of course, as a budget traveler, I opted for the bus. I save all my money for the food, guys 😂 Things actually worked seamlessly getting to and from the airport. I found the correct bus quite easily just by following the signage and verifying on Google Maps. So off I was to a beach just 20 minutes from the airport, to escape grey waters! You can take the EMT A1 airport bus to the city (Palma City) or A2 to travel to the resort area (S'Arenal). I took the later. Tickets cost €5. On average the buses depart every 10-15 minutes. Tickets can be bought from the driver. You also return to airport using the same bus, heading in the opposite direction.
Pro Tip: Travel with notes under 20€ to get your ticket. Kids under 5 travel free. Don't wave to get the bus to stop, I read that from one blog, and was utterly embarrassed when the bus driver found it rather comical.
So things worked seamlessly getting to and from the airport by bus, but I had overwhelming moments and got lost trying to get around the city. While trying to get from the Can Pastilla area to Palma, it was hard to find bus stops and Google Maps wasn't very helpful. I resorted to just following people, looking like a stalker and hoping for the best. After trialing them to find the closest bus stop, the next task was to determine which side of the road I should be on, to head in the right direction. I made the wrong choice and had to come off a few stops later. I had to cross to the opposite bus stop, wait for what seemed like quite a while in hot weather for the next bus and I also bought a new ticket (I couldn't figure out if I needed to, so I just did to be on the safe side). If it sounds stressful, that's because it was. Finally I got to my desired destination. All that to say, if you can rent a car, please do so! Also I was told by a friend that the north of Mallorca is the most beautiful and it's best explored by car.
TOP PLACES TO SEE IN PALMA, MALLORCA
My experience in paradise only lasted about 10 hours. Huh? Yes, I am a daytrip lover and hopefully I'll write a blog about that soon. I arrived in Mallorca at around 8:00am and left by about 6:00pm! So I'll readily admit that while I am no pro on Mallorca, the following locations are worth seeing.
1) Playa Can Pastilla - just 21 minutes and 2 bus stops away from the airport, this was the perfect beach to get my feet wet (pun intended). This is a more laid back, quiet beach. It has a relaxing resort feel, perhaps because there are several hotels nearby. The beach is usually adorned with sand sculptures and is equipped with huts for shade.
The stretch of beach is very spacious and runs for what felt like miles reminding me a bit of Jamaica's 7 mile beach in Negril. There's a paved foot path for sand-free strolling, changing rooms and several restaurants nearby with affordable options.
The water was beautiful initially, but entering by the shore revealed a pool of seaweed. Once I got over that (literally and figuratively) I noticed that the sand quality felt spongy and almost slimy. These factors would have probably been unnoticed by most visitors, but sorry, as a Jamaican, being a bit of a beach snob is somewhat inevitable. I never really plan for it, it just happens! Aside from those factors though, I enjoyed my swim.
2) Platya de Can Pere Antoni - found in Palma the main city, this beach provides a little of everything. With a scenic backdrop including the famous cathedral and the cityscape, its perfect for that postcard shot! Here you'll also find a party vibe and several upscale dining options.
This spot was also more loud and crowded. It was so amazing how this beautiful beach is literally across the road from a bustling city. The water was even more beautiful than Playa Can Pastilla, with no visible sea weed and more superior sand quality.
3) Palma Old Town/ Square- this was utterly charming and unexpected. In this area you'll find inviting alleys, stroll by pockets of parks, witness beautiful architecture up close, stand before larger than life doors, stumble into hidden shopping districts, while bypassing the occasional horse-carriage ride. You might ask yourself if you're in some kind of movie! Look out for Passeig del Born, a historic street with high- end shopping.
4) Cathedral-Basilica de Santa Maria de Mallorca - this Catalan Gothic style church, in the eyes of some comparable to Paris' Notre Dame, will rank high on your list if you are into history and architecture. It's also a great spot to savour a view of the coast and skyline; it's terrace is lovely for viewing the sunset. Entry to the Cathedral and Terraces is approximately 20€.
5) Royal Palace of La Almudaina - feel like royalty as you set foot into one of the official residences of the Spanish royal family which dates back to the 14th century. It is deemed to be one of the landmarks of the island. Tickets will cost you 7€.
6) Banys Arabs´- experience a different flavour of the island as you tour these ancient Moorish baths with serene gardens. Entrance is 2.50€
7) Mallorca Museums- for such a small landmass, Mallorca is laden with museums. Majorca Museum allows you to explore the history of the island. Here you can dive into archaeology, fine arts and a library of ancient texts.
*Because of my short visit and the fact that beaching was my priority, I only got through #1-3. However, I recommend the other sites if you have enough time.
FREEBIES: THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN MALLORCA
The Beaches- the ones mentioned above were both free!!!
Mallorca Free Tour - various companies offer the oppotunity to explore the city on foot in a guided group tour. Usually an all-knowing local shares the history of the city, cultural norms, fun facts and even the best places to eat. Though it's free, a tip is expected. These tours usually last 2 or more hours so be sure to dress comfortably and come with lots of energy and time!
Royal Palace of La Almudaina - you can get free entry to the palace on Wednesdays & Sundays from 3pm-7pm. Woot! Live like royalty for free! What a deal!
S'Hort del Rei - enjoy these beautiful gardens at no cost.
Jardi del Bisbe - a traveler's oasis. This spot is great for flora lovers with its flower and fruit plants. The area provides welcomed shade from walking in the sun. There is also a pond with fish. It's a small spot, but good to see.
TOP FOODS TO EAT IN MALLORCA
1) Tapas - it's Spain why wouldn't you? Tapas are small bites of a dish. You usually order several so you can fill up on a variety of options. This is a great way to taste different Spanish dishes without spending too much. This way you're also guaranteed to find at least one thing you'll like!
2) Ensaimada - spiral-rolled, soft pastry with plain or filled varieties. Popular fillings are custard, apricot, cream, chocolate or apple.
3) Coca Mallorquina- think of this as an open empanada, similar to a flatbread pizza. Common toppings are garlic, red peppers, tomatoes, pine nuts and olives.
4) Sangria - I like to think of this as the official drink of the region. Sangria is a cocktail made of red wine, sugar, liqueur and then infused with chunks of fruit. Drink one overlooking the beach for that perfect Spanish vibe!
5) Tumbet- comparable to France's, Ratatouille, this is a vegetable dish made of gently fried vegetables, which are then baked. Expect to find veggie blends such as potatoes, zucchini, egg plant and bell peppers in this healthy dish.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN MALLORCA
Of course, I didn't get around that much, but here are my recommendations. I dedicated much time researching where to eat before my arrival, especially because I had such little time.
1) Joan de S'Aigo - a lovely, antique cafe founded in 1700. Such history! This is a great spot to try an Ensaimada. Just a tip, if you're gonna have hot chocolate with cream like I did, perhaps go for a plain ensaimada as my pairing was too sweet (I had a custurd filled ensaimada). Together both items were 4.80€
2) La Botana - stop here for great tapas! The staff was friendly and were helpful in terms of guiding me through what to choose. The food was served very quickly, it was delicious and reasonably priced. Great value for money and I felt all kinds of fancy! I spent 10.55€ for 3 tapas and bottled water. I ordered a Sobrasada & grated Goat Cheese with Honey, Mini Burger with Bacon & Caramelized Onions, Shrimp au gratin with aioli garlic cream mousse (photo above in the Tapas section). See why I felt fancy?
What I loved about these two restaurants is that they're in the old town, so just walking there was an opportunity to feast my eyes before feasting my tummy.
Pro Tip: Opt to buy Sangria in S'Arenal instead of on the beach at Palma! Prices at the latter are extravangant!
BEST PHOTO OPPS IN PALMA, MALLORCA
-The Terrace of Cathedral-Basilica de Santa Maria de Mallorca
-Palma Old Town
-The Cityscape by Platya de Can Pere Antoni
-Sand Statues at Playa Can Pastilla
HELPFUL TIPS
-Rent a Car- this will help you avoid the transportation drama I experienced. I have friends who visited the island and explained that getting car allowed to the see much more of the island with greater ease.
-Don't wave at the bus- yeah, just don't it. Save yourself from announcing "I am a tourist and I have no idea what I'm doing". Despite what you may read elsewhere, the bus will stop without a frantic wave.
- Carry a towel to lay on at the beaches mentioned, beach chairs were not readily available on some beaches or you may have to rent them.
-Prepare yourself to see nudity on the beach (in particular topless females), this is not unusual in Mallorca and in other parts of Europe.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT MALLORCA
-The beauty of the beaches - it felt magnificent to find what felt like the Caribbean in Europe without having to fly a long distance or pay a heavy sum.
-How close everything was to the airport . This allowed me to do so much in such little time!
-The allure and charm of the old town - I felt like there was a surprise at every corner!
-The food- in general Spain tends to offer fresh and great quality food without a hefty price tag.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT MALLORCA
-The Bus System- which felt stressful to figure out at times.
-The Topless Beach Experience- if you're not used to it, it can be uncomfortable, especially because where I'm from (Jamaica), there are designated "clothing optional" beaches, so you know and choose what to expect. But if you just focus on the beautiful water, you'll be ok.
-Feeling a bit hassled by some fellow black brothers on the beach, who tried forcing me to patronize them.
MY REGRETS
I wish I had stayed longer! There are so many marvelous hotels in Mallorca, I would have loved to stay at one of them. From the accounts of others who have visited, I also clearly missed out on the beauty of the north of the island. I would have also loved to try more foods.
I hope I did justice to this gem of an island! What's one new thing you learned about Mallorca? Are you gonna add it to your bucket list? If you've already visited, I'd love to hear a bit about your experience in the comments!
Check out my video on Mallorca:
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