
The tiny resort of Sant Elm is situated in South-West Mallorca.It is reached via a winding country road that threads its narrow way through low cultivated hills.There are two hotels and several decent restaurants lining its single street.
The place to stay is the friendly, family-run Hostal Dragonera. It has double rooms from 57 euros in high season which come with ample buffet breakfast served in a dining room overlooking the gorgeous, sheltered bay. There is a sun terrace with free sunbeds from where steps lead down to what is essentially a private sandy beach seperated by rocks from the village's main strand.
Great part of the city - lots to do. I found some fantastic tapas restaurants. It is unmissable if you are spending any time in Palma. You can find it in the centre near the Palma Cathedral. One restaurant was particularly good, La Boveda, the tastiest olives I have found anywhere before or since. I stayed at the Catalonia Majorica Hotel which had beautiful views.
You can find it in the centre near the Palma Cathedral.
The best road trips are where the drive is as exhilarating as the destination, and Mallorca offers one of the finest drives in Europe. Simply hire a car from Palma airport (relatively cheap) and drive due North to Soller where the arid plain of Es Pla (fertile ground for figs, almonds and melons) erupts into the rugged Serra de Tramuntana. Spend a night or two exploring the orange-growing capital of Mallorca and feast on spiny lobster stew before heading west along the spectacular coastal road, where the mountains tower above you and fall off into the glittering azure sea.
Take the first day easy and stop a few miles along the road in the beautiful village of Deia – the spiritual home of Robert Graves and home to some of the best restaurants in the Balearics. Go wild and blow the budget at Es Raco des Teix for some of the best food you’ll ever eat – seriously! There are also lovely walks through the pine-scented forests with spectacular views of the sea, or down to Cala de Deia for a swim and huge plate of frito misto with a beer. Leave Deia and continue West along the coastline for the most dramatic views of land and sea, stopping off at spectacular natural beauties such as the Mirador de Ricardo Roca, which will test your nerve and driving skills on the route towards Port de Andratx.
After a night in the Andratx marina at the Hotel Brisnar you can dash back to Palma along the fast central motorway and rediscover fifth gear (if you’re really enjoying the open road keep going to the Camper shoes sale warehouse in Inca). Palma itself is beautiful and miles away from the Brits Abroad reputation it gained in the 80s. Make sure you visit the cathedral and walk the cobbled streets before a final feast of beans and clams at the historic tapas bar La Boveda - the jamon is so good only one man on the staff is allowed to carve it!
www.esracodesteix.es
C/SA Vinya Vell 6, Deia
971 63 95 01
Closed Tuesdays
A break from the standard Tapas - we'd eaten our fill of cheese and pig by this stage of the holiday. Lots of the dishes on offer were Asian inspired and we really enjoyed eating here. It was packed, even in the middle of November, when most other restaurants were deserted.
Sant Joan 8 (La Lonja)
07012 Palma
Mallorca
T: 971 717524
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