Mallorca Travel Guide

I have to be honest. Mallorca stole my heart.

I didn’t have many expectations when it came to this trip. Megan and I found a flight deal a few months back and I couldn’t resist adding another destination to my bucket list. I just got back from Ibiza and Madrid a few weeks ago but only heard briefly of Mallorca. I couldn’t find many Mallorca travel guides or people who have been so I wasn’t sure what to expect other than gorgeous blue beaches from a few photos I found on the gram.

We hadn’t done much research or planning which is totally out of the norm for me but it felt good to explore a new place with open eyes and an eagerness to experience something new for the first time.

I fell in love almost immediately. The only way I can think to explain Mallorca is that it’s the perfect balance between European and tropical. Think charming Parisian streets blended with palm trees and salty air. It’s perfect. The views are stunning. The sangria is flowing. The culture is bursting at the seams.

I loved it. All of it.

Check out my Mallorca Travel Guide and a quick video + itinerary of our week in Mallorca below. And if you’re planning on going or need any tips or recommendations, feel free to shoot me an email or comment below!

---

Mallorca Travel Diary

---

Mallorca Travel Guide

Where to stay in Mallorca

We stayed at the HM Gran Fiesta. We booked this pretty last minute (as in one week before we left) so I think our options were a little bit more limited. This is apparently a very busy time of year to visit Mallorca (we went end of August) but were overall okay with our choice. I probably wouldn’t recommend this is my top choice – the all inclusive drink package was pretty weak and the housekeeping wasn’t all that great. BUT, the hotel was so cute, we had our own private terrace and the rooftop pool made up for every little hiccup.

All in all, I would still suggest staying in the Playa de Palma part of the island which is right on the beach. If that’s your thing. We knew for sure that we wanted to stay in this area although it was about a 15-20 minute drive into the city center of Palma de Mallorca. But we also knew that for us, this was more of a relaxing, sun-friendly vacation and we would be doing more sin bathing than anything else.

What to do in Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca:

Whether you’re staying here or somewhere else and have to grab a taxi into the city, this is definitely a place you want to visit a few times. With so many shops, restaurants and beautiful architecture, we could have spent hours each day walking around and exploring. This is where the Cathedral is located – and you’ll definitely want to make time to see this along with some of the other amazing landmarks and touristy-sites like the marina and cool street performers.

Bodegas Ribas:

One of my Instagram followers suggested Bodegas Ribas which is Mallorca’s oldest vineyard. I am so glad we had an opportunity to visit. It was about 25 minutes from Playa de Palma but so worth the mini commute. The property is gorgeous and rustic and everything you could look for in a winery and vineyard. The wines were incredible and enjoying a glass outside in their garden was the perfect way to spend the afternoon. We did the standard tasting for 15 euro/person but you can also add on cheese and food platters if you’re looking for a little extra yumminess.

Nikki Beach:

On our last day, we decided to take a break from the pool and exploring and have a little fun. We ventured over to Nikki Beach which was a little bit of a trek of Playa de Palma but we had so much fun. I’ve been to the Nikki Beach in Ibiza and Miami so I loved getting to see this different location. It’s pretty much a beach and pool Club with great music, dancing, food, drinks and day parties – so what’s not to love. We ended ur purchasing a pool bed that came with a bottle of champagne. It was so worth the price to have a place to sit back and relax and call our home base. Also…champagne.

The best beaches in Mallorca

The beach at Playa de Palma was pretty – blue water, not extremely crowded but not quiet. However, we really came to Mallorca for the beautiful coves. We rented a car for the day and ventured down to the southeast part of the island. After asking around and doing some quick research, we came to realize that this is where all of those gorgeous, stunning beaches were located.

Our first stop was my absolute favorite: Cala Llombards. I mean, it was breathtaking. Turquoise waters. A quiet cove. Cliffs for jumping, Colorful umbrellas sprinkle don the beach. Topless sun bathers. I could go on. I loved everything about it.

Our second stop was Calo des Moro and Cala s’Almunia. These coves are located directly next to each other. Be warned, you’ve got a long walk ahead of you. While these were both gorgeous beach, they were both pretty small and extremely crowded so I would suggest getting there pretty early to get a set and soak in some o the peace before it gets crazy.

Where to eat in Mallorca

For the most part, we grabbed quick bites as we explored different parts of the island. BUT, there were a few restaurants that stood out. I’d definitely add these to your list.

 Ginger Beach:

This was located in Playa de Palma and I think we went here three times over the five days we were there. A super cute, bohemian meets rustic waterfront restaurant, they had everything from smoothies and fresh juices to great salads and pastas to even better sangria and spritzes.

La Perla:

I found this on the one travel guide I came across using my research and couldn’t wait to try it. Located in Santa Catalina in Palma de Mallorca, this little restaurant is perfect in every way. Italian. Check. Cute decor. Check. Intimate. Check. Delicious. Check and Check. We lucked out on getting a table but only because someone canceled their reservation. I definitely suggest booking ahead of time (like weeks)

Cafe Rialto:

We stumbled upon this adorable cafe after an afternoon of shopping and I’m so glad we did. Sandwiched between two boutiques, this cafe has gorgeous sunlight beaming in and the best iced coffee I’ve ever had. Cold brew poured over vanilla ice cream with whipped cream on top. Yup, it was amazing. They also have salads and cocktails and sandwiches.

Brox:

Simple. Get the nachos and the sweet potato fries. They have burgers, salads and other yummy dishes but seriously – get these as your starters!

Cuba Sky Bar:

If you’re looking for a great rooftop, great view and great drinks, hit up Cuba Sky Bar as Hostal Cuba. We didn’t stay for very long -we were so tired – but it was the perfect nightcap.

A few things to know about Mallorca

Playa de Palma is apparently known as the “German” area. I would say the tourists were about 90% German and many of the restaurants lining the beach have a heavy German influence. Nothing bad or good here, just a heads up as we were pretty surprised.

The people, in general, were not as friendly as we would have liked. Not overly welcoming or patient. But, we definitely didn’t let this ruin our trip. We kept our smiles and laughed away the frustration.

---

Checkout the Mallorca Travel Guide Photo Diary!