Travel Diary - Mallorca

I first visited Mallorca on a family holiday as a 6-year old child. I remember long, hot days laying on the rocks listening to my new Tiffany album on my walkman and late evenings eating deliciously oily spaghetti. Re-visiting as an adult I found that little had changed. Unlike neighbouring Balearic island Ibiza, Mallorca has managed to retain its Spanish charm. If you avoid the chaos of Magaluf, you’ll find a beautiful island with wild coastline, majestic mountains, the prettiest villages and a city full of culture and art.

The city of Palma is split into areas that offer different delights. Amble through the old town early evening for incredible architecture and laid-back shopping. Spend a Sunday in a bar down at the water and stay until the sun sets into the horizon or grab breakfast in Santa Catalina with its vegan cafes and charming indie shops.

There are a wide selection of beaches and coves from the sweeping sandy coastline of Es Trenc or the sweet little bay of Cala Pi. Take a hike down to the stunning azure cove at Calo d’es Moro (but go early) or head up the north for a family-friendly beach at Platja de Muro. If you like windy roads and epic views then drive down to Sa Calobra for something utterly special.

The west of the island is my personal favourite and where I now reside on the outskirts of a small Spanish village. Take a car and make your way to Valdemossa where you’ll find buildings dating back to the 14th Century and utterly addictive potato rolls available in every cafe. Drive on to the artist’s village Deia where culture and the mountains meet in splendour - the positioning of this village makes it a perfect place to watch the sunset at the viewing point Sa Foradada.

On Saturdays in Soller is a bustling market with food, art and music in the square and cobbled streets filled with little stores. Take the old wooden train down to the port and back to experience the town’s surrounding scenery. A little further on is the charming Fornalutx, set in the mountains and littered with tiny streets and houses that fit into every higglety pigglety crevice of this lush landscape. There’s not a great deal to do here but you’ll never forget your visit.

In terms of where to stay, I’d advise side-stepping the big resorts and finding your own treasure on AirBNB. And hiring a car is an absolute must to really experience the biggest of the Balearic islands.