- Mallorca
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Spain
The journey from Palma to Soller on a lovely rickety wooden train and then by bus to Valldemossa is breathtaking. The Carthusian Monastery in Valldemossa is where George Sand and Frederic Chopin stayed in the winter of 1838/39 and George Sand wrote of their experiences in her book " A Winter in Majorca " The tour of the Monastery is not to be missed.
Google map: bit.ly/nAtVuq
Third Thursday in September an open art exhibition in the old town area of Palma. Not only galleries but public buildings and shops open their doors with an amazing variation of art exhibitions. It all takes place with a lively fiesta atmosphere with people wandering in and out of exhibitions with a glass of wine looking and listening to everything that is taking place.
Old town area in Palma, Mallorca
www.seemallorca.com/nit-de-l%27art--palma-de-mallorca.html
Google map: bit.ly/pFOMR8
Digame Mallorca is a fab website, that has everything that is going on in Mallorca. Whether it be a bar, club, restaurant, activity or music gigs that you are looking for, you can find it here plus much much more. Really user friendly site. They also have a monthly free magazine you can pick up.
A small but lovely Malaysian restaurant in Sóller, on the main shopping street just opposite the Ca'n Prunera museum. The food is fresh and delicious, and, if anything, somewhat underpriced.
Carrer de sa Lluna, 81, 07100 Sóller - Mallorca
+34 971 6336696
www.kopitiam.es
Google map: bit.ly/e3EQZB
This is a wonderful modern art gallery in the heart of Palma, in a beautiful mansion with sweeping staircases and chandeliers. The display spaces are clean, neutral modern products of a sensitive renovation. There are impressive temporary 'big name' exhibitions (Picasso etchings when I was there), and the permanent collection boasts some Dali, Miro, etc. But the real treat is the extraordinary array of Spanish modern art, from artists that few of us Brits have heard of. We loved Eusebio Sempere, Antonio Lopez Garcia, Miquel Barcelo, and the comical surrealism of Equipo Cronica, such as their wicked update of Velasquez's painting Las Meninas, also beloved by Picasso. It's a hidden delight.
Sant Miquel, 11 07002 Palma de Mallorca
+ 34 971 71 35 15
www.march.es/arte/ingles/palma/
Google map: bit.ly/ggNUuf
Mallorca in Easter is cycling heaven. The Mallorcans love cyclists and cycling. You don’t need to take your own bike as all grades and quality of bikes are easily hired locally. The Hotels such as the Pollensa Park in Puerto Pollensa even have bike workshops you can use. There are lots of bike-friendly routes like the long slow climb out from Pollensa up to the Monastery at Lluc with wonderful views of the island all the way up. The Monastery has a cafe filled with cyclists and lots of unique Mallorcan cakes.
The return allows you to spend the height you gained during the climb. You go down into the centre of the island through the olive and almond groves and lovely villages each with their own charm, such as farms decorated with Gaudi mosaics and cafes filled with cyclists.
If you are a beginner or a club cyclist looking for early training, Mallorca has the bikes and the cycle routes for you.
Google map: bit.ly/bSxW5Q
In my experience its really hard to find good information about Mallorca which isn't aimed at the bottom of the market. But this site has a real magazine feel to it and has got some fantastic boutique hotels and hideaways listed. Plus there are loads of descriptions of where to go and what to see.
Open now for over 20 years, this is a Castillian restaurant in the hillside village of Esporles. There are other great lamb places on the island but this one is the best; order one portion less than your party as it's enough. The salad and potatoes are good too, the bread is made on site in the same wood fired oven as the lamb. Better for a chilly rainy day than a sweltering day in August.
Calle Nou de Sant Pere 5, Esporles.
Tel - 971 610 901 (Booking Recommended)
Google map: tinyurl.com/ycyna9f
Opened at the end of last summer, Duke has become the best place to eat in the Sta Catalina district, a relaxed fun atmosphere with genuinely good food from a changing menu. It's a great place to go even on a "quiet" night, because its always bustling and busy. They also do a lunchtime menu.
Calle Soler in Sta Catalina, by the corner with Calle Pursiana.
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
Ca'n Reus is a really nice small boutique hotel in the village of Fornalutx. The hotel is in a wonderful old building. The rooms are small but perfectly formed and there is a wonderful lounge on the first floor with a roaring open fire (we went in November). The rooms look out over an orange grove and up into the mountains. Excellent breakfast and friendly, unfussy service. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it....
Ca'n Reus Hotel
Carrer de l´Auba 26
07109 Fornalutx
Mallorca
T:+34 971 631 174
E: info@canreushotel.com
A very stylish hotel if you're willing to splash out. Think white box with glass walls inside the shell of an ancient farmhouse. Not cheap by any stretch of the imagination but you're in a glorious clifftop location with amazing grounds. There is a great pool and outdoor hot-tubs with views over the sea. The breakfast is amazing and the dinner tasty though not exactly value for money.
Carretera Artà-Canyamel Km 8
Finca Torre Canyamel
07580 Capdepera
Mallorca
T. 0034 971 81 61 10
F. 0034 971 81 61 11
info@cansimoneta.com
A Mallorcan finca converted into a rural luxury hotel, located in the small village of Deia (well know for being the home and inspiration of Robert Graves for many years).
The hotel deco is classic but nice, and it has a good restaurant with fresh fish and local products.
I recommend it to those looking to relax (yoga classes are available) and want to visit 'the other Mallorca', not the one of sun and sangria.
www.esmoli.com
Carretera Deià, Km. 9 of Deià (Mallorca)
Ph. +34 971 639 000 - reservas@esmoli.com
I haven't been to Mallorca for around 10 years and now with two children in tow I was a bit anxious to choose somewhere family-orientated.
I ended up booking a package holiday in Majorca through Thomas Cook.
I have to say we all had a great time - the reps were great and well informed about the area we were staying in, and booking a package holiday took a lot of the stress out of it.
The Mision de San Miguel is a small chic budget hotel in the hearth of Palma (double rooms starting at 90 pound).
I really enjoyed my stay there and it's perfect for a short escapade to Palma, as it's close to Palma shopping, nightlife and restaurant areas.
Can Maçanet 1a
07003 - Palma de Mallorca
Phone:+34 971 214 848
www.hotelmisiondesanmiguel.com
A wonderfully-designed and chic hotel in the Puerto of Soller. Spacious rooms with terrace overlooking the port and a fab bistro.
Avoid if you don't like children.
Es Traves 5
07180 Port of Soller, Mallorca
Ph. +34 971 63 18 50
www.esplendidohotel.com
This area has fantastic walking, nice drives and plenty to explore. The resort is lively, but not too lively, has great food and bars, and a great fiesta in July. Great for a family holiday.
I've put a more detailed guide up on the link belowhttp://www.seanliquorish.co.uk/blog?p=7
Is this your business?Search Been there
