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5 REASONS TO VISIT PALMA DE MALLORCA
After traveling all over Europe and experiencing a wide variety of cultures, it takes a lot for me to truly fall head over heels in love with a place. But, there is something breathtakingly beautiful about Palma De Mallorca, that makes it deserve a place at the top of any travellers bucket list. So why should you consider a holiday to Palma?
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1.The Weather
Sun, sun, sun! We visited during the last week of October, going into November and still found ourselves at the beach, enjoying the warm Spanish weather almost everyday! Yes, some mornings were chilly, but as the day progressed we found ourselves picking up a rather lovely tan, dipping our toes in the warm Mediterranean sea and gazing up into the beautiful cloudless blue sky.
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2.The Architecture
There is so much gorgeous architecture to admire in Palma. Lets start with the grandest and largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, surrounded by a gorgeous, well kept Old Town. Old Town in Palma, spreads in each direction for a few miles. There is a wide variety of architecture around every corner, that can be viewed as you walk around the busy market streets and down into the quiet restaurant alleyways. The different variations of style show you the true beauty of old Spanish buildings.
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3. The Food
Take a casual stroll outside and you are bound to stumble into a few delicacies. Mallorca is a Spanish island, so expect tapas around every corner, emanating a beautiful aroma. In the less touristy areas, it is well priced and oh so delicious! The delicatessen cafes offer a spectacular range of chorizo and salamis, cheeses and wines. Or if that’s not to your taking, you are by a port, so the fish is the freshest around.
What’s better is that everything is fresh! A stumble into a local market will leave your mouth watering at the fresh produce, all from the island itself. From the most delicious olives, to fresh fruit and veg, and meats and cheeses. The spice selections alone will leave you lost for choice!
If that's not enough, then Spanish gelato is refreshingly delectable. There are amazing ice cream shops all along the busy streets, with beautiful colours drawing you in. You could choose any flavour of your dreams! My top note was Cherry Cheese Cake and my toddler Evie loved her Kinder and Cookies Dream.
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4. Things To Explore and Do
There are so many things to explore and do in Mallorca. The island of Mallorca offers a beautiful coastline. You can take full advantage of this by hiring out bicycles in Palma, and riding the designated bike path. The bike paths take you all along the coast, past beautiful local harbours and beaches. There are plenty of eateries en-route too, so you can make a day of it and stop for a delicious lunch.
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Even my toddler loved sitting on the back of my bike and watching the birds and people go by. Another great spot for kids, is the local aquarium. A short bus ride to the outskirts of Palma, takes you to meet the fish, sharks and a whole other range of aquatic life.
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Palma itself has so much to see on foot. Local attractions, such as the Cathedral, make a beautiful visit, but if you want to add a bit more magic to your holiday, why not hire out one of the local horse and carriages to take you around the city? There is one thing that should be at the top of every list when visiting Palma. Catching the Old Orange Train to the beautiful port of Soller. The train passes through the mountains and valley and the views are breathtakingly beautiful.
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In Soller we managed to find time to splash about on the beach, grab an ice cream and indulge in a delicious meal by the harbour. Fresh fish cooked to perfection. If you fancy going further afield, then on the other side of the island, at Porto Cristo, you can watch a musical performance by boat in the Underwater Caves! This magical experience will leave you with a desire to go back for more.
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Oh and of course, let's not forget the high street shopping, right through and around Old Town. Top designers and brands can be found here, offering you a gap to fill in your wardrobe. We managed to get a little shopping done, and snapped up a few lovely bits for the up coming winter season.
5. The Landscape
If you aren't already sold on the first four points, then last but not least is the landscape. The island of Mallorca is stunning. With rugged coastlines, views at every turn, vineyards and fruit farms going up and down the hills and mountains, all winding down to the sea below. The beaches are golden and the sea is bluer than blue.
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You won’t regret renting a car for at least a day and just driving around the coastline. It only takes a couple of hours to get across the entire island and in between you can stop off at vineyards, castles and other local attractions. We found the scenery to be more green and lush than most places we have been. It is the perfect backdrop for any holiday.
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Has Palma found a spot on your bucket list now? Where is your favourite family holiday destination? Would love to hear your thoughts.
I was in Spain over the summer and it was HOT. Especially Seville and the south. I can imagine it'd be lovely in Autumn/early Winter. I also loved those stunning hills. I'm already sold on the rest of what Spain offers!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that all the food is fresh and produced right there on the island. WOW. Sounds like you have literally arrived in paradise. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is over twenty years since I have been Mallorca as I now just associate it with drunken 18 - 30s (Ha ha those days are gone for me now!). Your post has definitely got me thinking of returning though as it looks stunning and I am sure there are plenty of boltholes in the mountains I could escape to. Even better I could go in winter.
ReplyDeleteGreat food, great beaches and that fascinating Orange Train. I'd be there. Mind you, Palma de Mallorca is on my list already;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty place Palma is, I would love to take a train ride tour to soak in all the beauty and the aquarium looks like a blast, I do still enjoy going to those! But at last you will most probably find me on the beach. What I like about it is that it seems quiet compared to other beaches photos of more popular places in Spain which is good for family travel
ReplyDeleteI've visited Spain twice and can never get enough of it. I'd love to go back and visit Mallorca. The landscape looks gorgeous and the beaches look refreshing!
ReplyDeleteI have long wanted to visit Palma de Mallorca, and your post made it sound even more enticing. Were you able to actually swim that time of year? I'm of planning a trip for the beginning of September. I want to be warm, but I also want to travel in the off season to avoid crowds. What's a girl to do?
ReplyDeleteI liked how they have something for kids too. I like old monuments, glad Palma De Mallorca has something for me too. I have seen old Spanish buildings in Cordoba, I would love to see more.
ReplyDeleteI have visited Mallorca since the age of 2 and I intend to go back in 2017. It's a fantastic place. The food, architecture and weather are great as you mentioned. I love the relaxed atmosphere and people are so nice. It really is a bucketlist island
ReplyDeleteWe loved Majorca when we went. So much to do. However we didn't get to go to Palma, so we will go there next time we go.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Majorca for winter and had fun... I have visited entire Balearic Islands and I tries a dish from the Balearic Islands Ensaimada probably the most famous traditional product of Mallorca.. Its tasty and yummy.
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