Mallorca is more than just the stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs I showed you HERE in the previous episode.
Actually, the island’s most breathtaking spots aren’t even by the sea – ha! …They’re hidden in the mountains and valleys in some of the most picturesque villages you’ll ever come across…

Mallorca’s Most Beautiful Villages

I told my boyfriend that some of these villages are so beautiful, but like tooOoOoo beautiful, as in this whole thing feels like a theater show for tourists – a stage that the locals are building every morning and breaking down at night. It’s just the perfect Spanish vibe, where even the flower petals are falling in a perfect way to the ground…

Valldemossa

It’s a ridiculously charming little village in the Tramuntana mountains, with cobbled streets, and stone houses covered in flowers – … and even the street cat has to be a paid actor posing for the tourists for the perfect pictures.

One of the must-see spots is La Cartuja de Valldemossa– the Carthusian Monastery. It was a royal palace and later turned into a monastery where monks lived in silence for centuries. Then in 1838, a famous couple stayed here, Frédéric Chopin and George Sand – aka Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, who was actually a woman, but in the 19th century was much easier to get published using a male name – she has a book about the experience called “A Winter in Majorca”.
Chopin famously wrote in a letter that Valldemossa was “the most beautiful place in the world” – and also “the most suitable place to die.”
Not to be as dramatic as he was, but … I mean, I kinda get it 😂 … I could totally retire here and just chill till my final day.
Aaanyways… Today, you can visit the monastery, see Chopin’s actual piano, and even catch a live piano concert.

Valldemossa

Chopin’s stuff

Sóller

Another must-visit town – and the best way to get there is by taking the old wooden train called ” El tren de Sóller” from Palma. This train has been running since 1912, so this journey alone is an experience and like stepping back in time.
The main square is Plaça Constitució, the perfect place to sip a coffee or some fresh orange juice- since the town is famous for its oranges.
…And if you are lucky, you can catch the tram passing in front of the Sant Bartomeu Church… – Instagram-worthy-pictureperfect-moment incoming in 3-2-1…

Nice.

• Port de Sóller
  This little coastal town maybe isn’t as flashy as some other towns in Mallorca, but that’s what makes it special. If you’re up for some adventure, there are hiking trails leading into the Tramuntana mountains or boat trips to hidden caves along the coast. But honestly? Just walk along the shore, feel the sea, and enjoy.

Fornalutx

There’s not a ton to do here, so it’s perfect for a slow afternoon – it’s quiet, charming, and ridiculously picturesque. This tiny village is often called the most beautiful village in Spain – and it’s easy to see why.

Pollensa

The big must-do here? Climbing the 365 steps of the Calvari Staircase – one step for each day of the year – that leads up to a small chapel at the top of a hill. Yes, your legs will fall off and yes, your ass will burn – but the views from the top are so worth it.

Pollensa

Palma: Mallorca’s Capital

Palma isn’t just the capital of Mallorca, it’s the heart of the island – full of history, culture, and that perfect mix of city energy and beachy vibes. Sadly, we only spent an afternoon in Palma – such a shame, I know… But it was enough to get a bit of taste and obviously decided to come back one day and properly discover the city. So, if you are short on time just like we were, promise me you will take a quick stroll around the port, the old town, and the Cathedral – …at least.
The big star here is La Seu – Basílica de Santa María, Palma’s massive Gothic cathedral – it’s seriously impressive inside and out – totally worth a visit to see the stained glass windows and Antoni Gaudí’s modernist touches – yes, that Gaudí from Barcelona’s Sagrada Família…

Next to it, there’s Palau Reial de l’Almudaina – the Royal Palace. It was originally constructed in the 10th century as a fortress, and today it’s the official residence of the royal family during their visits to the island.

For the best views of the city, head up to Castell de Bellver, a unique castle on a hill just outside Palma. It’s a bit of a climb, but the panoramic views over the city and the sea are totally worth it.

Palma bits

Manacor: The Rafael Nadal Academy & Museum

The Rafa Nadal Academy is located in Manacor, Rafa’s hometown. This isn’t just some fancy sports camp – it’s a world-class training center with top-tier coaching and excellence. – …and if you are lucky enough you can see Rafa himself playing on one of the courts.
The Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience is worth the trip. It’s not your typical kind of museum! It’s basically a playground for sports fans… – it’s interactive, high-tech, and packed with amazing sports memorabilia:

• Rafa’s 22 Grand Slam trophies, Olympic and other medals, and personal items from his career.
• Stuff from other sports legends – Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Usain Bolt, and even F1 racers.
• Simulators to test your skills in tennis, F1 racing, cycling, rowing and more.

Game, set, match – see you there! 🎾

+1 Magaluf

Oh man, here we go… Magaluf…. the trash can of Mallorca. It’s basically just an all-you-can-drink, party-hard kind of spot where people only seem to care about getting wasted and causing trouble.
The beaches? Yeah, they’re not much better. It’s all overcrowded, and there’s trash everywhere. And don’t even get me started on the vibe in general…

You could place this picture into any given corner in England and it would fit perfectly…

Don’t expect anything cultural here, in the epicenter of trash mass tourism. BuuUuUut, if you want some pure livin’ la vida loca and after that at 3am you are in a desperate need of a chicken tikka masala… hey, you are in luck! 👍

Mallorca’s food scene: Local Flavors

Mallorca is also a paradise for food lovers. The island’s cuisine is a blend of traditional Spanish flavors and unique Mallorcan touches – all about fresh, local, and ridiculously delicious ingredients.

Gambas de Sóller – red prawns caught fresh in Sóller’s bay, simply grilled with a little salt and olive oil.

Sobrasada – Mallorca’s answer to chorizo, but spreadable – …ha! – It’s a soft, paprika-spiced sausage cream. Hint: drizzling honey over it is a total game-changer.

Ensaimada – Mallorca’s signature pastry – and Coca de Patata local in Valldemossa

… the orange ice cream from Sóller, and don’t forget the freshly squeezed juice

I’m just gonna leave these here because I can never say no to a good Pescadito Frito or Huevos Rotos…

… and I found this gem in Palma. 🐷

Bottom line… come hungry – Mallorca’s got flavor.

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… as you can clearly see by now – I hope… – Mallorca is THAT perfect mix of sun, sea, and mountains that makes you want to stay forever.
One minute, you’re sitting on a beach, the next you are soaking wet in the refreshing rain, then you’re lost in a picture-perfect village, sipping your local wine and wondering if you should just move here!? – nah, I get it.

The cliffs? Breathtaking. The color of the water? Unreal. The views from Tramuntana? Amazing. The food? Delicious. Nadal? Legend…

… one thing’s for sure: Mallorca gets under your skin, and you’ll never want to leave

Oh, If you missed out on the first part of my Mallorca Diaries you can find it HERE – it’s all about the island’s natural wonders.

Aaanyways,

See you at the next one,

Noémi

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