Explore Mallorca
How to explore Mallorca, Spain, without a car
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic islands off the east coast of Spain nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, it beckons travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the rugged cliffs and hidden coves of the coastline to the charming streets of its picturesque towns, this Spanish island offers so much to be explored by car, but here’s how to get the most out of your trip without renting a vehicle.
We visited the island in April, which promised us warm sunny days and cool nights, and while the ocean water was still on the chilly side, we enjoyed baking in the sun without over heating and could still enjoy gelato and a cold cocktail.
Palma de Mallorca
The city of Palma is, well just that, a city. I was expecting palm trees and bungalows- which much of the island is - but Palma adds a gorgeous heritage and culture of an interesting yet laid back city.
Whilst there are a number of resorts and swanky hotels, I visited in the shoulder season, which meant it wasn’t over run with tourists. While the water wasn’t warm enough to swim, the sand was warm enough to work on a good tan.
Start your trip with a Palma Old Town walking tour, this is always a great way to gain some knowledge and history about the city and usually the guide will give you some local hacks, best spots to eat, foods to try and tourist traps to avoid. I booked through Guru Walk which is free to book and you tip what you think the guide is worth- between €10-€20 is a good amount for a two hour tour.
Old Town is fabulous to wander through all the narrow streets, old and colourful buildings. The main street, Carrer de Sant Miquel is full of shops but the side streets have all the local shops and you can avoid fast fashion and instead support small local businesses- not to mention finding some unique items!
Zapaori has the best shoe collection I’ve ever seen, and you must try the empanada (pastry with a savoury filling) and empadias (a sweet pastry filed with cream or pumpkin jam) from Horno Santo Cristo bakery, the shop front was not only a beautiful building based of the Gaudí one in Barcelona, the food was also divine and a cheap and delicious bite.
The best coffee shops were La Molienda, Surry Hills (Described as “specialty brunch and Aussie style coffee” and BATX which not only had good coffee but great vibe with lots of art and plants and a handsome waiter too.
Santa Catalina is another great neighbourhood to explore, some dinner spots includeTapas at La Perra Goda or some Mexican from Nola. More locals live here and it’s a great spot for pumping night life if you want a good dance or some cocktails on a night out.
Illetes, beach side village
ILLETES is about 35 minutes from Palma on the main bus lines, and will take you to some stunning beaches! The best beaches close to the city.
Travel tip - Make sure you have some change for the bus, there are a limited number of ticket machines that take card and a lot of them were out of order. Cash is preferred everywhere on the island.
The Turquoise waters along the coast line are so inviting- but we went to soak up the sun and read a book. Head to Playa de Illetes for a swim, and walk out to the point near Cabo Tocinillo, theres a hidden archway that leads to a secret cove. The continue around the coastline to Cala Clavijo for a photo spot.
For lunch, get yourself a seafood paella from Balneario Illetas Beach Club.
Travel tip - it’s a risk, but because there were two of us, we booked our hotel last minute and to split it was the same price as a hostel each for three nights over the weekend (a moment of silence for all us poor solo travellers out there getting hit with such a brutal singles tax these days). We also got lucky with an upgrade to their 4 star resort (Hotel Palace Bonanza). You’d be unlikely to get this deal in peak season, but you might have a win on shoulder season!
VALDEMOSSA
This town is about 30 minutes from Palma and can be explored in half a day. The drive itself is gorgeous as you transition from the rocky lowlands into the greenery of the mountains. It’s a medieval village and romantic enough for a movie or book setting.
Perch yourself for an afternoon in the sun drinking wine and eating tapas. The place we went was fantastic, and so rustic it doesn’t have a listing on google, but if you head to the corner of Carrer Uetam and Carrer Cami Antic A Palma, you’ll see an outdoor eating area with a spectacular view.
PORT DE SOLLER
PORT DE SOLLER is a wide horseshoe bay on the eastern side of the island. A more touristy destination that has kept its quaint character, as up until the 90s it was difficult to get to until the tunnel was built through one of the main mountains dividing the island.
Fortunately it hasn’t been overrun with the mass infrastructure of the 70s and 80s. Stroll through the cute shops and grab a gelato from Beach House Port Soller, the apple strudel flavour was delish! We walked to the white Lighthouse which offers the perfect photo opportunity to capture the whole bay and behold the dramatic cliffs that line the tunnel.