Article published on May 21, 2014 in LF Guides
A Guide to Mallorca: stunning coastlines, spectacular countryside and an arresting natural beauty
The beautiful Mediterranean island of Mallorca is one of Spain’s jewels. It is the largest of the Balearic Islands, and its capital, Palma, is also the capital for the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands.
With its stunning coastline and spectacular countryside, Mallorca offers numerous idyllic bays with crystal clear waters, many championshiop golf courses, 25 marinas and a plethora of local and international restaurants.
The island also offers a rich cultural history with many wonderful sights to visit including castles, ruins, cathedrals and monasteries, and a host of art galleries and museums.
Mallorca is only a couple of hours’ flight from most of Europe and this accessibility combined with its natural beauty and climate make Mallorca a popular choice for both residents and tourists alike.
Beaches
Es Trenc
Located in the south of the island, Es Trenc is one of the most famous beaches in Mallorca. It offers 2km of golden sand and crystal clear waters.
Playa de Muro
Playa de Muro is situated on the northeastern coast of Mallorca close to the resort of Alcúdia. This blue flag beach boasts shallow crystal clear waters and golden sands making it very popular with families.
Cala Torta
Cala Torta is situated in the north east of Mallorca, just north of the historical village of Artà. This large wild sandy beach is surrounded by low mountains and boasts turquoise coloured waters. Cala Torta is reached by a gravel road making it largely undeveloped. There is little shade and the water is deeper than some of the other neighbouring beaches so it is not an ideal beach for families but it is perfect for scuba diving.
Cala Agulla
The beautiful blue flag beach of Cala Agulla boasts fine, golden sands and clear, shallow waters. Located in a protected area close to Cala Ratjada in the north east of Mallorca, it is surrounded by pine forests and the mountains of the Llevant Natural Park.
Cala Llombards
The pretty beach of Cala Llombards is hidden in a beautiful spot surrounded by pine forests. This relatively unknown beach is located on the south east coast of Mallorca, and its fine sands and crystal clear waters make it perfect for snorkeling.
Restaurants (Palma)
Patrón Lunares Cantina
Patrón Lunares Cantina is named after a legendary local fisherman. It is situated slightly outside the centre of Palma in the city’s old fishing quarter, Santa Catalina. Located in a former 19th Century industrial building, it has been beautifully restored with a vintage and retro chic style and offers a diverse and eclectic menu.
C/Fábrica 30
Santa Catalina
Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 577 154
Tast Club
Tast Club is one of the undiscovered gems of Palma, free of tourist crowds and mainly advertised through word-of-mouth, making it a popular local haunt. The restaurant interior boasts high vaulted ceilings, glittering chandeliers and intimate dining booths. The menu offers delicious tapas, salads and a range of fish and meat dishes.
C/Sant Jaume 6
Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 710 150
Casa Gallega
The family run Casa Gallega specializes in Galician cuisine offering seafood, meat, fish and a variety of tapas at a reasonable price. Due to its popularity with locals it is very difficult to get a table so you need to make a reservation in advance.
Avinguda del Comte de Sallent 19
Palma de Mallorca
+34 871 948 115
Simply Fosh
In contemporary stylish surroundings, Simply Fosh is housed in the refectory of the 17th Century Hotel Convent de la Missió in the old town of Palma. Simply Fosh offers a Mediterranean menu where the emphasis is on creating simple but imaginative dishes using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients.
C/Missió 7A
Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 720 114
Restaurante Colón
This stylish restaurant situated in Porto Colom, Mallorca’s largest port, is one where people like to see and be seen. Its exquisite cuisine and extravagant ambience make it one of the best restaurants on the island.
C/Cristobal Colón 7
07670 Porto Colom
+34 971 824 783
Bars
Bar Nicolás
Bar Nicolás is a trendy cocktail bar and restaurant located in Plaça del Mercat, a beautiful pedestrian square in the heart of Mallorca’s capital. A relaxing café during the day, Bar Nicolás is converted into a swish cocktail bar at night. There is an impressive bar offering a large range of spirits, a smart restaurant downstairs and tables on the covered terrace outside.
Plaça del Mercat 19
Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 724 078
Amor de Madre
This small, cosy bar is another of Palma’s hidden gems. The bar is not very big and gets very busy, especially at weekends, but the atmosphere is great. Amor de Madre offers an extensive selection of wines and spirits, all at affordable prices, and delicious tapas.
Plaça del Mercat 3
Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 576 102
Ginbo
Located in the heart of Palma, this all day cosy café and cocktail bar offers over 60 varieties and flavours of gin as well as 8 different brands of tonic.
Paseo Mallorca 14A bajos
Palma de Mallorca
+34 667 439 832
Ritzi Lounge Bar
The Ritzi Lounge Bar is an exquisite cocktail bar with a chilled out atmosphere. Located in one of the most exclusive areas of Mallorca, Puerto Portals, on the south coast of the island just west of Palma, it enjoys a privileged position directly in front of the sea with a fantastic view over the marina.
Local 34-35
07181 Puerto Portals
+34 971 684 107
Fresh Bar
Fresh Bar is part of the uber chic Hotel Zhero in Cala Major near Palma. With its innovative cocktails and regular pool parties, this hip and stylish bar offers some of the finest chilled out nightlife on the island.
Ctra Palma – Andratx 6
07181 Cas Català
+34 971 917 917
Nightclubs
Pacha
Pacha is Palma’s biggest and most famous nightclub. Built into the side of the cliff overlooking the Passeig Marítim, this stylish and chic club attracts the crème de la crème of clubbers and celebrities. It comprises two different areas: the Main Room and the Funky Room that is dedicated to more jazzy house music.
Passeig Marítim 42
Palma de Mallorca
+34 687 570 102
Nikki Beach
Nikki Beach is where Mallorca’s “in-crowd” can be found. Located on one of the island’s beautiful white beaches, and only a 20 minute drive from Palma, NikkiBeach is considered one of the best day party venues in the world.
Avinguda del Notari Alemany 1
07181 Calvià
Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 123 962
Roxy’s Beach Bar
Located in Portals Nous, Roxy’s Beach Bar sits at the far end of the Oratori beach on a small rocky platform. It is a casual, friendly place with great views over the bay and the Puerto Portals marina. Serving drinks and light snacks from 10am to 10pm, its Ibiza-esque vibe and chilled out atmosphere make it very popular with Mallorca’s international crowd.
Tito’s
Tito’s is probably the most famous nightclub in Palma. It opened back in the 1950s when celebrities such as Ray Charles and Marlene Dietrich would be regularly seen here, although today you are more likely to hear a mixture of garage and rhythm and blues. Overlooking the port and the centre of Palma, the club is accessed via a glass lift from the Passeig Marítim.
Passeig Marítim s/n
Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 730 017
BCM Planet Dance
One of the most famous names in Mallorca’s club scene, BCM Planet Dance in Magaluf hosts some of the best known names in the dance music world. With its laser shows, performance dancers and acrobats, and VIP room this is the place to come to hear electronic dance music at its best.
Avinguda S’Olivera s/n
Magaluf
07182 Calvià
Events
Carnival
Each year Mallorca celebrates the onset of Lent with street parties and parades. Most towns will have their own carnival but the largest parties are to be found in Palma. The Carnival is also known as Els Darrers Dies (The Last Days) in reference to the final days during which meat can be eaten before the start of Lent.
Fira del Vi, Pollença
The annual Pollença Fira del Vi takes place over two days in the Cloisters of the Santo Domingo Church in the spring of each year. With over 35 wineries taking part, this is a unique opportunity for both professional and amateur wine tasters to try some of the island’s finest wines.
3 – 4 May 2014
Moros i Cristians, Sóller
Every year during the second weekend in May, Sóller hosts its most important historical festival, celebrating the victory of the residents of Sóller over the Algerian invaders in 1561. The locals dress up as either Moors or Christians and re-enact the battle on the beaches in the port.
10 – 11 May 2014
Ironman 70.3, Alcúdia
The Ironman 70.3, also known as the Half Ironman, will take place in Alcúdia, one of Mallorca’s most beautiful towns on the northeastern coast of the island, in 2014. The 70.3 refers to the total distance in miles covered in the race, consisting of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 run.
10 May 2014
Festival de Pollença
This famous Festival de Pollença was founded in 1962 by the renowned violinist Philip Newman. The concerts take place during July and August with performances from some of the finest musicians in the world.
July and August 2014
Shopping Areas/Centres
Puerto Portals
Puerto Portals offers numerous designer boutiques as well as a large shopping centre with a variety of shops, restaurants and bars.
Port Adriano
Located on the south coast of Mallorca, Port Adriano is one of the Mediterranean’s most luxury marinas. The unique shopping area was designed by Philippe Starck and covers an area of 4,000m². It is home to many luxury shops and restaurants, and features some of the most prestigious international brands.
Avinguda Jaume III
Avinguda Jaime III is one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the city of Palma along with the nearby Passeig des Born. This elegant avenue is home to many up-market boutiques.
Passeig des Born
Passeig des Born is one of the main shopping streets in the city of Palma. This tree-line promenade is home to many mid and high range shops, including Zara, Boss and Louis Vuitton, as well as a great selection of pavement cafés and bars.
Rastro
Every Saturday in Palma, along the Avniguda de Gabriel Alomar, the Rastro flea market sells everything from clothing, leather goods and footwear to artisan speciality food products.
Sports Centres/Activities
Sporting Tenis Club
The Sporting Tenis Club offers 7 tennis courts and 4 padel courts as well as numerous other services ensuring a whole day of fun and games. It is located in amazing surroundings with spectacular views of the sea, just 7 minutes from Palma.
Ctra de Andratx Km 11,8
07181 Calvià
+34 971 675 887
Country Club Santa Ponça
Set in 22,000m² of beautifully landscaped gardens and only a few minutes’ drive from Palma, Country Club Santa Ponça offers everything you could dream of when it comes to exercising, relaxing and dining in a spectacular, tranquil location.
Avenida del Golf 35
07180 Santa Ponça
+34 971 693 634
Club Náutico Santa Ponça
Club Náutico Santa Ponça offers a relaxing and family atmosphere, as well as modern facilities and services. It boasts a beautiful marina stretching over a narrow bay with more than 522 berths for yachts measuring up to 20 metres long.
Camino de Coll de la Creu 46
07180 Santa Ponça
+34 971 694 950
Club Hípico La Gubia
Club Hípico La Gubia is an equestrian centre situated near Bunyola in the west of Mallorca. Fully qualified trainers offer lessons for all abilities or you can simple take a ride through the beautiful surrounding countryside. Advance riders can also hire experienced horses to participate in competitions throughout the island.
Ctra de Sóller Km 13,8
07110 Bunyola
+34 971 613 693
Scuba Mallorca
Scuba Mallorca is a British owned and operated PADI dive centre and scuba school in the beautiful town of Pollença in the north east of Mallorca. The centre offers a whole range of diving adventures in crystal clear waters for all levels from beginners and children to fully qualified divers.
C/d’Elcano 23
07470 Port de Pollença
+34 971 868 087
Golf Clubs
Castill
Designed by the former German amateur champion, Thomas Himmel, Son Gual Golf opened in October 2007. Set in the grounds of the Finca Son Gual close to the village of Sant Jordi It boasts some wonderful bunkers and more than 1,000 olive trees, providing the perfect golfing experience.
Finca Son Gual
MA 15 Palma – Manacor Km 11,5
07199 Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 785 888
Son Vida Golf
The Hawtree designed Son Vida Golf is the oldest golf course on the island, dating back to 1964. Completely renovated by Kurt Rossknecht in 2001, this is a superb course with pine, palm and almond tree-lined fairways, numerous bunkers and breathtaking views over the Sierra Tramuntana and the Bay of Palma.
Urbanización Son Vida s/n
07013 Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 791 210
Club de Golf Alcanada
Designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr, Club de Golf Alcanada’s 18-hole course opened in 2003. It is situated in the northern part of the island and is surrounded by pine and olive groves. The course boasts stunning views across to the lighthouse on the nearby island of Alcanada from where the course takes its name.
Ctra del Faro s/n
07400 Puerto de Alcúdia
+34 971 549 560
Capdepera Golf
A Dan Maples designed course, Capdepera Golf was opened in 1991. Located in the north east of the island, it is set in beautiful countryside and whilst it is surrounded by mountains it also offers some spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The course is divided into two halves: the first 9 holes are flat with long fairways, while the second 9 holes start off with 3 flat holes before rising into the Artà mountains. Regarded by many as the finest course in Mallorca, it provides a challenging round of golf for players of all standards.
Ctra Artà – Capdepera Km 3,5
07570 Artà
+34 971 818 500
Golf Park Mallorca Puntiró
Golf Park Mallorca Puntiró, situated in a protected natural area just outside Palma, is Jack Nicklaus’ first design in Mallorca. The course was developed using the natural contours of the countryside and much care was taken to preserve the natural vegetation (pines, olive trees and corks). The 18-hole course is designed to be accessible to all.
Ctra de Sineu Km 10
07198 Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 797 330
City Sights
Cathedral Le Seu
The Cathedral of Santa Maria de Palma, more commonly referred to as La Seu, is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral dating back to the 14th Century. Set on the top of a hill, the layout of La Seu is rectangular and covers an area of approximately 6,600m² with space for 18,000 people.
Plaza de La Seu s/n
07001 Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 723 130
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró
Joan Miró spent most of his life in Barcelona but both his wife, Pilar, and his mother were Mallorcan. He always longed to return to the scene of his childhood holidays and so in 1956, aged 63, he bought a house and studio in Cala Major where he lived until he died in 1983. The house now holds a permanent exhibition of his works.
C/Saridakis 29
07015 Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 701 420
http://miro.palmademallorca.es
Canyon de la Calobra
Located on the north west coast of Mallorca, the Canyon de la Calobra is a spectacular combination of rock and sea that forms Mallorca’s version of the Grand Canyon. This incredibly beautiful and impressive area was declared a National Monument in 2003.
Sóller Railway
Since 1912 the Sóller Railway has been running a daily train service along the 27.3km route between Palma de Mallorca and Sóller. The train travels from the hustle and bustle of the city centre past Bunyola’s olive groves and the Alfabia gardens to the peace and tranquility of the Tramuntana Mountains, arriving in the charming town of Sóller an hour later.
Plaça d’Espanya 6
07100 Sóller
+34 971 630 130
Castell de Bellver
C/Camilo José Cela s/n
07014 Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 735 065
The Castell de Bellver is set on a hill 3km north west of Palma. This Gothic castle was built in the 14th Century for King James II and is one of the few circular castles in Europe. For many centuries the castle was used as a prison but today it houses the city’s history museum.
