Living in Mallorca is a dream that lays deep within our hearts. The soft and warm sand between your toes, clear waters that allow you to directly look at the fish, or the mouthwatering cuisine of Mallorca, there are good reasons why you would want to live in Mallorca. However, moving can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide about living in Mallorca. This guide will help you to prepare for your new, amazing life.
So, what about the cost of living in Mallorca? In this chapter, I’ll show the different costs of the island. From groceries to properties and fuel, you’ll know exactly what the costs are of living in Mallorca. Make use of this information to make a calculated decision on where you potentially want to live. I think the cost of living in Mallorca will positively surprise you on most factors.
The average house price of hotspots in Mallorca lays around 3.000.000 euros. Exclusive villages like Valldemossa and Andratx have increased their prices massively over the years. But to be fair, the quality of life is extremely high in these locations. It’s still possible to buy properties (mostly apartments) in Mallorca for <300.000. Most of them are situated in Palma or the Northeast of Mallorca. Alternatively, you can look at rural areas where the infrastructure and amenities are a bit less organized.
Pollença and Alcúdia are becoming increasingly popular thanks to the infrastructural advancements of the last few years. The highway connection connects Northern Mallorca with the airport and all the amenities needed. Additionally, Mallorca North has amazing golf courses and watersport activities. You can close the day by visiting one of the many unique restaurants and eating delicious local food. Modern minimalistic properties are in demand and with affordable prices around 1.000.000 and 2.000.000 euros you can get dream houses in Pollença or Alcúdia.
Mallorca East offers beautiful nature and tranquil sceneries. This is the right place if you are looking for breathtaking nature and an escape from the busyness of life. One of the more famous towns is Manacor where Rafa Nadal has his tennis academy. It attracts tennis fans from all over the world. Furthermore, real estate is also booming in Manacor with an average housing price of 1.400.000 euros. It’s certainly a more affordable option and because of the improved infrastructure, Mallorca East is becoming more popular. Apartments and penthouses with sea views are in extra demand in this region.
Andratx, Santa Ponsa, and Portals are still the hotspots of Mallorca. Buyers are especially interested in modern architecture combined with a traditional Mallorca vibe. The price range lays between 8.000.000 and 12.000.000 euros for the premium estates. You can find cheaper locations for around 1.000.000 euros if you want to sacrifice a bit of scenery. The most beautiful homes with a sea view cost around 12.000.000 euros or more. It’s arguably the most expensive region to buy real estate in Mallorca, but for good reason. The demand is very high and the likes of Andratx haven’t let investors down. It has been increasingly popular for over a decade. If it isn’t broken, why fix it?
Apartments are highly desired by investors in the cities of Deia and Soller. They are very attractive for tourists and therefore profitable investments. The prices lay between 370.000 and 450.000 euros for apartments in Soller. This area is particularly liked by people from the United Kingdom and Sweden. The area has great infrastructure and access to luxury hotels, restaurants, and the sea.
No, the prices remained very stable through the Corona crisis. Real estate investors know the value of Mallorca property and aren’t going to panic sell. Additionally, real estate in general has been performing very well. People kept their eyes on the long term when they invest in real estate. Furthermore, Mallorca has amazing health care facilities and therefore there isn’t a reason to get away from the island. Mallorca continues to be the crown of Spanish real estate and it’s not going to be slowed down by Corona.
Looking for a beautiful place to call your new home? Take a look at these high-end luxury homes. Only the best quality of life is good enough, right?
Food is one of the biggest expenses for the cost of living in any place. But what about the cost of living in Mallorca? Does living on an island impact the prices of food?
Fine dining is a high cost if you do this regularly and by no means is Mallorca cheap, however, the prices are high but not out of hand. Compared to cities like Stockholm, the pricing is quite similar and it mostly depends on your lifestyle. If you do a lot of exclusive dinners, then you will pay a lot. But if you visit moderately priced restaurants, it’s very manageable. Mallorca is an island with many faces. People can go as exclusive as they want and pay for luxury and comfort. Or people can budget their expenses and you won’t be paying more than you would in a western city.
So, what about fuel prices? Is getting around the island expensive with your car? Are you better of with public transportation? Let’s have a look at the current fuel prices of Mallorca.
Compared to Northern Europe, Mallorca’s fuel prices are affordable. It’s mainly because it isn’t as heavily taxed. That means driving around the island is economically justified. Alternatively, the public transportation prices are highly competitive and might be right for you if you don’t want to drive.
Mallorca thrives on tourism. Therefore it was a logical step to invest money into the public transportation infrastructure of the island.
The bus is the most common public transportation vehicle.
The bus prices are very competitive and overall it’s professionally organized. They ride following the schedule and the busses are clean. Mallorca knows how to build a proper infrastructure including a solid bus line that goes from A to B without any hassle.
Prices for the train differ per route and company but in general, you’ll pay between €1,60 and €4,10 for single tickets or €3,20 to €8,20 for return tickets. However, some routes are more expensive. It all depends on the distance and the train company you are using.
Mallorca is not the cheapest place to live. The house prices are premium but so is the quality of life. On the other hand, compared to western cities like Amsterdam, Mallorca is on many occasions more affordable. For instance, the fuel prices and alcoholic drinks are a lot more expensive in Amsterdam. Mallorca is an island that offers you what you want. You can either budget your expenses or enjoy life to the fullest. It can get as exclusive as you want. That means that the cost of living in Mallorca is entirely up to you. In most cases, it will be affordable if you have a decent income.
Living in Mallorca is great. The nature, cuisine, it’s phenomenal… But what if I told you there are also business opportunities in Mallorca? Mallorca real estate investing can be financially interesting when done right. In this chapter, we are going to look at the opportunities that Mallorca has to offer. Buying property in Mallorca, the opportunities for saving tax in Mallorca, and more.
Note: this chapter is purely for educational purposes. This is no financial advice nor do we take responsibility for your actions. Do your homework, research thoroughly, and always contact an official financial advisor before you take action.
Buying property in Mallorca might be one of the wisest moves you make in your life. Real estate has proven to be a trustworthy source of income for many. Additionally, Mallorca is one of the most popular holiday destinations within Spain. But Mallorca isn’t a small island. So, how do you find the right investment in Mallorca?
The Balearic Islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations. It’s especially favoured by Germans, the English, and France. Understandably, Mallorca is receiving the most tourists as it’s the biggest of the 4 islands. Mallorca welcomes more than 10 million visitors per year. Staggering numbers for an island that only has 1.2 million people itself.
According to Statista, international holidaymakers are the main driver behind the economic growth of Mallorca. On average, a holidaymaker spends 7.7 days in Mallorca in 2020. Not only for Mallorca but Spain, in general, has benefited massively from tourism over the years. It’s good for a staggering 11 billion euros a year for just Mallorca. In Spain itself, tourism is good for 134 billion euros. The average cost per night is between 170 and 420 euros.
Because of COVID, foreign tourism fell by 87% in 2020. Fortunately, Mallorca is recovering thanks to the vaccines and fewer travel restrictions. The outlook for Mallorca is good as tourism has been growing steadily since 1950 till COVID. That’s why I believe that it will pick up the pace after we leave the whole COVID situation behind us. All of this is to say that investing in Mallorca makes sense, economically speaking.
Just buying a house in Mallorca isn’t going to do the trick. Certain factors can affect the level of success that your property can deliver. Often it’s tempting to buy the cheapest property you can find and renovate it. However, often pricing is justified, meaning that there could be reasons why the property is cheap. After all, your goal is to buy a good investment and not a cheap investment with zero ROI (return on investment).
The 5 factors to look at when you want to buy property in Mallorca are:
Market and demand: in the subheading ‘Mallorca in numbers’ we’ve analyzed the economic prosperity of Mallorca. We concluded that Mallorca’s tourism keeps rising and therefore the economical reasoning behind investing in a property makes a solid case. However, it’s important to go one level deeper. Mallorca is a big island and there are many towns on it. To find the right property in Mallorca, you’ll need to dive into the local prosperity of towns. Ideally, you need to find a town on the rise.
Selecting the right property is all about finding a favourable location, solid infrastructure, and the condition of the dwelling. For instance, coastal areas are more popular because of their positioning near the sea. Furthermore, with the popularity of working at home, there is an increased demand for good internet infrastructure. But also, you’ll want closeness to shops and the mall. Lastly, you want an investment that provides cash flow with minimum costs. Old homes might be a low-cost investment at first, but they can make up for that later on when the repairs come.
Legal duties: if you want to open up your home for holidaymakers, then you need to have a tourism license. This is only applicable if you rent your home for less than 2 months. The proper name is an ETV license which stands for Estancia Turísticas en Viviendas. There are 3 types of ETV licenses. It’s wise to contact a lawyer located in Mallorca to know which ETV license applies to you. There are also many English-speaking lawyers available. Alternatively, you can buy properties that already have an ETV license.
Looking for an experienced real estate lawyer from Mallorca? One of our Baerz & Co lawyers is ready to help you. For instance, José Carlos Frau Greenfield has more than 20 years of experience. He knows the world of investing in Mallorca like his back pocket.
Taxes: to know whether or not an investment is good, you’ll need to consider profits and costs. Taxes are often the biggest cost for investors. So, what kind of taxes are applicable in Mallorca? There is a rental tax rate of 19% for EU citizens and 24% for all the others. If you spent more than 6 months in Spain, you become a tax resident and also need to pay Spanish salary tax. It starts at 19% and can go up to as high as 45%. Luckily, there is also a tax exemption scheme called Beckham law. With this law you can pay a flat fee of 24% on the income you obtain from Spain up to an amount of $600.000. This scheme is only available to foreigners (expats for instance). Additionally, there is the IBI tax which is 2% of the cadastral value of the property.
Laws and numbers change. Always make sure to do your own research before investing in a property in Mallorca. You can always contact Baerz & Co specialists to gain further knowledge.
Your income: real estate has proven to be one of the most reliable sources of income for many people. Did you know that most millionaires come from real estate? If you own a small affordable flat, then you can charge around 800 euros per month. However, if you can afford a more premium home or luxury flat, then you can charge around 2000 euros per month. There are even villas being rented for as much as 10.000 euros per month. These luxury homes are getting more and more interesting because of the whole remote working trend. COVID has changed the way we work and people can work from their ideal location.
I want to end this subject with a couple of ideas for you to research further. By no means is this financial advice. You should always do your own research before investing in one of these cities. However, these are options that I find interesting based on the 5 factors of investing in property. Let’s have a closer look at what kind of real estate investments Mallorca has to offer!
Andratx is one of the best destinations to live. Everything you need is in close proximity to each other. From luxury malls to medical clinics, Andratx makes life easy and accessible. Furthermore, Andratx properties are naturally close to the sea, making it highly favourable for tourists. The internet speed is good with an average of 80 Mbps. This is a lot higher than the average national internet speed. In my opinion, Andratx properties are worth a closer look because they score well at all of our 5 ranking factors. However, all this convenience requires capital to invest. Most apartments cost around 450.000 euros and houses start around 900.000 euros but can easily go up to 10.000.000 euros or more. Andratx and the port of Andratx are for people with money. And where money is, money is being spent. Therefore it’s worth researching if you should invest in a property in Andratx.
Valldemossa is arguably the most beautiful location to buy a property. This little mountain village has been the home of the famous Polish pianist Frederic Chopin and writer George Sand. Valldemossa has a romantic and medieval vibe thanks to the beautiful Chartusian monastery. In contrary to Andratx, there is less convenience and for certain commodities, you’ll need to travel. However, Valldemossa is located close to the beach (1,5 km) and within 20 minutes you can reach the city of Palma. Valldemossa has exclusively houses for sale (no apartments) for prices between 1.000.000 and 10.000.000. There are a couple of houses that go for 500.000 and also more exclusive homes for 24.000.000. If you love peace and quiet, and yet be close enough to everything your heart desires, then Valldemossa is perfect for you.
The capital city of Mallorca is certainly a place you shouldn’t forget to research. It’s a very vibrant city that affects the heart of all people. Whether you are looking for a coastal city or a historic city, Palma is right for you. Palma properties are also very suitable for expats as Palma has an average internet speed of 88.4 Mbps which is 71% higher than the national average of Spain. The accessibility of Palma makes life easy. You can find everything you need in close proximity. The house prices are also more diversified in comparison with Andratx or Valldemossa. Apartments can be bought for 250.000 euros or above. Houses are affordable starting at 500.000 euros but for more luxurious homes you’ll pay between 1.000.000 and 3.000.000. This makes Palma a lot more affordable than Andratx or Valldemossa.
Santanyi is a small and charming village in the southeast of Mallorca. In contrary to Palma, you’ll find peace and quiet staring at the waves of the beautiful coastline. It’s rural and it looks like it has never been touched by humanity. I love the raw, natural beauty of the nature around Santanyi. If you buy a property in Santanyi, you’ll also have the opportunity to weekly visit the traditional market. Full of fresh products, it’s a wonderful experience for both your soul and belly. There are a couple of flats and older houses for sale around 400.000 euros. However, most houses (just like Santanyi itself) are more exclusive. You’ll easily pay between 1.000.000 and 5.000.000 euros. It’s more affordable than Andratx and you also get untouched nature. Santanyi is a dream for many who search for stunning nature and fresh food.
Fornalutx has the cutest little village roads. There live only 700 people in Fornalutx which makes it a lovely home of peace and tranquillity. Fornalutx is surrounded by orange and lemon groves which makes it feel like paradise. Furthermore, the luxury homes in Fornalutx have wonderful architecture. Build from beautiful yellow stones and red roofs, the properties have this proper Mallorca feeling. You would own a truly unique home that makes you feel special every single day. As you know, exclusiveness comes with a price. In this case, prices start around 1.000.000 euros but can easily go up to 3.500.000 euros. If you are looking for paradise, you’ve found it. The tranquillity together with the beautiful architecture and mountain views make Fornalutx properties a ticket to paradise.
What if you want to live in Mallorca but you come outside of the European Union? The Golden Visa for Spain is meant for people outside of the EU to get residency in Spain. Spain implemented this visa to help attract foreign investors to put money into the economy. However, we are talking about a serious investment and not a small fee. In most cases, the Golden visa for Spain is requested by someone who invests in real estate. There are also cases of investments being done in Spanish companies. This also allows you to get a Golden visa for Spain.
Did you know that the Spain Golden visa is also known as the Spain Investor Visa?
To be considered for the Spain Golden visa, you need to match a few criteria. Before you are considered at all, you first need to pass the following basic requirements:
With the basic requirements out of the way, it’s time to take a look at the specific requirements for the Golden visa of Spain. To be eligible for the visa, you need to make one of the following investments:
So, how do you actually apply for your Spanish Golden visa? It’s relatively easy. You make an appointment with the nearest Spanish embassy. At this time, you don’t actually need to have invested the amount. You need to commit to making the investment. Obviously, you won’t get the visa if you back out. If all of this sounds like too much work, then I suggest you accept the help of a professional. There are multiple consultancies specialized in the Golden Visa for Spain.
Beckham law is one of the latest Spanish tax decree (2005) to make Spain more attractive for foreigners. The law is named after the footballer David Beckham. Before the law, when you spend 183 or more days in Spain you would be registered as a tax resident of Spain. This means you are obligated to pay tax over your salary. Wealthy foreigners could potentially pay 43% of their salary as tax. Because Spain didn’t want to scare away wealthy foreigners, like Footballers, they came up with the Beckham law. The Beckham law is a tax exemption for foreigners. Instead of paying progressive tax on your salary, you will pay a flat fee of 24% for 6 years up to the amount of 600.000 euros. This means you can save up to 19% on taxes! Which is a staggering amount.
There are a few conditions to be met:
The Beckham law has made Spain a lot more attractive for expats to work and live in areas like Mallorca. I think it’s a clear statement that the Spanish government wants to attract foreign money to strengthen their economy.
Mallorca has many beautiful places to live. A lot of them are close to the coast, so if you’re a sunbather or water lover, you can’t go wrong with Mallorca. And then I haven’t even started about Mallorca’s nature with beautiful mountains and attractive temperatures. In July and August, you’ll get at least 10 hours of sunshine per day. Hence that’s the busiest period of Mallorca regarding tourism. The temperature in Summer usually scratches the 30-degree mark.
This doesn’t mean that summer is the best time on Mallorca. No, because during the winter, you will see an interesting contrast in Mallorca. What happens? A lot of restaurants, shops, and resorts fall into a deep sleep. There’s a lot less traffic and people on the roads. If you appreciate the solitude of Mallorca’s mountains and beaches, Winter is a great time too. Snow in the winter will be very rare. Also during Winter, temperatures are welcoming. It is usually in between 12 and 17 degrees which is very pleasant for certain activities like golfing.
Depending on the Season, Mallorca changes its beauty. This makes Mallorca a wonderful place to live all year round, not just for going on holiday in Summer. When Spring is coming, whole areas of land turn into a pink sea of flowers: almond blossom. Temperatures in Spring usually lay between 19 and 24 degrees celcius. This makes April and May the most popular months of Mallorca. Still, July and August are the most busy. This is because most people can finally celebrate their holiday. The water temperature in Summer is amazing. The water of the Mediterranean Sea warms up to 21 degrees!
Now, let’s dive into the best places to live in Mallorca. We are going to see a variety between exclusiveness, tranquility, and upcoming cities. If you are thinking to live in Mallorca, make sure to take notes as I explain to you all the great things Mallorca has to offer.
First, let’s start with the capital of Mallorca which is Palma de Mallorca, or Palma if you would like to keep it short. Did you know that about half of the population of the island lives in Palma? It is also a quite historical place. Palma is an ancient capital that was originally settled by the Romans. Their prior settlement was located only 15 minutes away from the airport. The capital Palma passed many hands over the centuries, Romans, Vandals, and notably the Moors. And recently Palma has been conquered by tourists. You will find a lot of cycling teams and cruise ship passengers that come to enjoy the beautiful island of Mallorca.
One spectacular building in Palma is the ‘’Cathedral of Light’’. Officially, it’s called La Seu, which means: the bishop’s seat. The cathedral was built on exactly the place where the Arabian main mosque stood during the time of the Moors. The Cathedral of Light is the main attraction of Mallorca. It has a very long history and it took 400 years to build it! In 1230, King Jaume I laid the first stone, and the entire cathedral was completed in the 19th century. Imagine starting the build of this cathedral in the first years knowing that it would be finished only centuries later. The Cathedral of Light is 109.50 meters long, and 33 meters wide.
Next to the Cathedral of Light, there’s the Almudaina Palace. It is the official residence of the King of Spain! Once, the city walls reached the sea and to remind visitors, an artificial lake was created below the Cathedral of Light. This artificial lake is a part of Parc de la Mar which is a popular lake due to the free offering of popular movies during Summertime. Did you know that the cathedral La Seu has room for 18.000 people to walk in there? Still, you’ll never find it crowded in there.
The bell of the Cathedral of Light called ‘N’Eloi’ is impressive. There’s a total of 9 bells, but the N’Eloi alone weighs 4.517 kilos! The entrance gate of the Cathedral of Light is also worth mentioning. It’s called the ‘El Mirador portal’ and it’s 15 metres high. It is one of the most beautiful vestiges of Spanish pointed arch architecture!
A kilometre behind the cathedral, you will find the old town called El Casco Antiguo. The old town of Palma is a highly desirable place to live. But it also comes with higher prices. It’s not crazy to pay half a million euros for 60 square meters and a small balcony. Why is this old town Palma such a desirable place to live? I think it has mainly to do with history.
Near the Cathedral of Light, you can also decide to hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of this old town Palma. You will find lots of cobbled streets and narrow shaded alleys. Especially when you first visit this place, it can be hard to know which way is out. But, especially in the peak of summer when it’s extremely hot, you will enjoy the shadow in all these slender lanes. This is because there are overhanging traditional wooden roofs and tall buildings which give you a good cover during your walk in the old town Palma.
Only a 5-minute walk from the famous La Seu cathedral, you will find Banys Àrabs. It is located in the centre of the Palma. In English, these are called the old Arabic Baths. It is a very small place but you will feel and see how old it is. Mallorca is usually very crowded but in this little place, you will find peace. Banys Àrabs dates from the 10th century and it’s the only remains left of the long presence of the Arabs!
In the Placa de Cort, you will find a 600-year-old olive tree. A lot of visitors try to find faces in its bark – which is a thing, apparently. There’s an impressive town hall and a row of luxury hotels. Plata Mayor and Plata Espana are two principal squares of Palma. Nearby you will find the Carrer de Sant Miquel, which is the busy shopping street of Palma. It’s mainly a very touristy place with lots of terrace cafes. There is a shopping mall which is currently quite empty. In the summer of 2021 there was only one barber left open in the entire complex.
In Palma, you can also visit Passeig des Born. Many people call it a great place to start the evening. Passeig des Born is not a great place for shopping, so if shopping isn’t your thing, you can go for a walk here and admire the gardens and the relaxing fountain. These gardens sit outside the impressive walls of the ancient Almudaina palace we’ve talked about earlier. Passeig des Born is a wide, tree-lined avenue full of cafes, pubs and bars with lofty trees shading the largely pedestrianized area.
If you want to get a better view of the Palace, you can follow the Paseo Marítimo lane. It is a busy multi-lane that’s four kilometres long and close to the sea. Also, there you will find hundreds of millions of euros of floating real estate. There’s space for 200 yachts here in this expensive and modern port! I believe it’s one of the best-located marinas in the whole Mediterranean. The boats that can dock there can have a maximum length of 50 meters. Can you even believe there are yachts longer than that?
So why is Palma one of the best places to live in Mallorca? Besides the fact that Palma is historical and has historical properties, the city also offers a range of sea-view, and there are new-build properties that suit a range of budgets. But it’s still a highly desired place, which means you have to pay for more luxurious homes. Recent statistics also show that Mallorca is at the top of the best places to live in Mallorca. It provides you with a comfortable, happy, and entertained life. It is also a safe place to live, as there are very low serious crime rates. That’s surprising for a populated capital.
In the North of Mallorca, you will find Alcúdia. It is about an hour away from the airport in Mallorca. Besides Palma, it is a very popular place to be because Alcúdia is known for its large, and sandy beach. It is ideal for families and small children as the water is mostly very shallow. Usually, there are stronger winds in the North of Mallorca. Therefore, Alcúdia is an ideal place to do windsurfing or kitesurfing. There’s a wide variety of watersports available and the more you get away from the harbour, the nicer the beach starts to look.
A big recommendation to go to when you want to appreciate the beach to its best, is Playa de Muro. It lays in the Bay of Alcúdia and this beach is known for its tranquillity. To get an idea of how large this beach is: it is 6 kilometres long! Hence it’s calmer here compared to other beaches in Mallorca. The North of Playa de Muro turns into the beach of Alcúdia. Also, there’s plenty to see and do in this area too. You can visit the market in Alcúdia or the lighthouse called ‘Cap de Formentor’. By the way, Playa de Muro owns a Blue Flag which stands for the excellent water quality, clean beaches, clean facilities, and attention to nature.
What’s interesting to know is that Alcúdia originally was a fishing village for fishermen. Since the 1960s, tourism has been on the rise. And to this day, there is still a large marina and fishing port around Alcúdia. Imagine that once on these large beaches, lots of fishermen carried their boats, fishing roads, and nets filled with fish. How heavy would that be, especially in the hot summer months?
There’s a market in Alcúdia which is set up twice a week. It’s located next to the Roman city wall, which makes it makes it a unique atmosphere to be in. During the Summer months, a lot of tourists are attracted to this market and the authentic centre of Alcúdia. From June till September, the market is set up in the evenings as well, from Wednesday till Saturday. There are narrow shopping streets which are typical for this city, and the new shopping area near the coast of Port de Alcúdia is also a nice shopping place. You will find most shops and restaurants close to Carretera d’Arta which is the main street of Port de Alcúdia.
The old town centre of Alcúdia is one of the most obvious places to visit. You will walk into the town through the beautiful city gate from Roman times. This will let you see the original structure of the city. There’s also the beautiful church called ‘San Jaime’. This church is from the 13th century, since the arrival of Christianity in Barcelona. The current appearance responds to the reforms of the mid-nineteenth century. The Gothic main door is the only remaining part of the 13th century. The old town of Alcúdia is renovated so it looks very clean.
In Pollentia, outside the city wall, you will find Roman ruins. Back in the Roman period, it was one of the most important towns of the Balearics because of its strategic position in between Alcúdia and Pollença. It can be nice to walk around this Roman excavation side.
And of course, there are also lots of nice bars, restaurants, and shops in Alcúdia. The many restaurants lie mostly in two separate areas: the area near the port, which has typical Spanish dishes. There, dishes are more upscale and pricey. There’s a high chance you will spot some stunning yachts and big boats there. Then you also have the area in the ‘’Greasy Mile’’ which has more budget restaurants and dishes that aren’t typical Spanish, like English food and Chinese buffets.
You can call Alcúdia a watery playground because Alcúdia offers fun water activities like jet skiing, wakeboarding, kite surfing, sailing, and more. Besides the water activities (if you’re not such a water fan – or if you’re bored of going into the water), there are also beautiful walking routes in Alcúdia, and you can decide to take a bicycle to discover the whole town from different perspectives.
And if you’re interested in nightlife, Alcúdia can offer this to you as well. There are multiple nightclubs, and the clubs nearby the Bananas roundabout lay in the most popular clubbing area. If you want to chill there are also beach clubs. In short: over the entire area, there are pubs, bars.
When you are in Alcúdia, it is worth visiting Pollença. It is very close to Alcúdia, and this town dates back to the 16th century. There is a famous church, where you need to take 365 steps to get on the hill where the church is located. Just like Alcúdia, Pollença has a historical city centre with lots of traditional houses.
So why is Alcúdia one of the best places to live in Mallorca? Alcúdia is known for the amazingly large and calm beach, with shallow water, a pretty harbour, and there are beautiful walking routes and options to cycle. It is a great place to live for families, but also for people who retired. The place is safe, just like Palma. You can almost say that you won’t have a problem if you keep your front door open. If you like being outdoors, Alcúdia offers you a great chance to make the most of it.
Sóller is one of the best places to live, located in the North of Mallorca. It is called the ‘valley of gold’, or the ‘valley of oranges’. This makes sense because of the valley’s abundant citrus groves. In ancient times, during the 19th century, Sóller was a town far from the rest of the island. There were several surrounding mountains isolated Sóller from Mallorca. Therefore, most of its inhabitants opted for the export of citrus (mainly oranges), olives, figs, and almonds to France. These were shipped to France from the nearby west coast through Port de Sóller
In the town of Sóller, you will spot beautiful properties that are built with the money made from locals who went to France to work there. This is because these expatriates returned with a certain fortune, which they invested primarily in acquiring houses, possessions, or land. And if this surprises you… most of the heirs can still speak the gallic language to this day!
And if you’re interested in lovely nature you can visit Jardí Botànic (besides the beautiful nature of the island itself, of course). This garden features many Balearic plants and you will find this garden on a short walk from the centre. The centre commercial is the right place to buy locally made artisan products, and there’s a municipal market that’s opened on Saturdays. Sóller is a traditional experience on the island Mallorca and is known the be one of the best-hiking destinations in Europe during the cooler months.
The beating heart of Sóller is Plaza de la Constitución. You will find plenty of cafés and bars, and there’s a grand church called the Sant Bartomeu church. In the town of Sóller, there’s the Art Nouveau building called Ca’n Prunera. You won’t find signposts that lead you to it (as with many interesting places to visit in Mallorca). To get at Plaza de la Constitución, you have to ask locals, or you can try to find it on your own. Within this museum, there’s a valuable collection of art including Picasso, Kandinsky, Warhol, and local artists called Francesca Marti and Miquel Barcelo. They say the Sóller railway station is home to this museum. Another museum is called the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences. In Spanish words: Museu Balear de Ciències Naturals.
When you walk around in Sollér, there’s a high chance that you will see the Tren Sóller or Ferrocarril de Sóller which is the company name. It’s a very famous and historical train, and the tracks are running between the towns of Sóller and Palma. It is an attraction, and it’s estimated to carry over 1 million passengers a year. For example, you can take this tram to Port de Sóller. It is an authentic-looking and historical train that goes over narrow gauge tracks. The train starts at the capital across the plains, goes through the mountains and 13 tunnels of the Serra de Tramuntana (which is a beautiful mountainy area), and ends in the Northern town of Sóller where you’ll find a large railway station.
I know you’re looking for the best places to live in Mallorca, but this hotel can’t be unmentioned because it is one of the best and most historic hotels on the island! And even when you live in Mallorca, this hotel can be a great holiday trip. The Gran Hotel Sóller is built in 1880, and the number one reason why people come to the hotel is because of its rooftop terrace. You will get a stunning view right across the valley.
The hotel made sure the rooms are cool, and that you can sleep away from the heat and sunshine. One of the rooms called the ‘premium room’ even has a living room, with separate bedrooms and a balcony. There’s even one bedroom with its terrace. And of course, there will be a great view of Sóller and the mountains. Gran Hotel Sóller is known for its warm and friendly people, and this is very important. Even for a five-star hotel, these people could make or break your holiday experience. And if you’re looking for wellness, the hotel also has a spa with sauna’s to distress and feel completely relaxed.
Remember the beautiful historical capital of Mallorca, Palma? Port de Sóller is a 30 minutes’ drive away from Palma and it is a must-see when you are in the Sóller area. Port de Sóller is mainly pedestrianized, and if you love walking it’s a great choice to walk along the promenade. The beach Platja den Repic is awesome, and a great place to go swimming. It’s located with large palm trees in the background.
Another beach you can find is a town beach near the charming harbour, which is very child-friendly because of the calm water and low waves. This beach is more than 200 metres long! Compared to Platja den Repic, this beach could be nicer for a lot of people because the first few metres aren’t covered with pebbles. And if you favour sailing or yacht trips: Port de Sóller is a fantastic starting point. You can also go hiking, play golf, do various water sports like kayaking, and you can go for a dive in the PADI dive centre located in the port. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced beginner SCUBA diver. In both cases, you will be able to discover everything underwater… an amazing experience.
Port de Sóller became mainly popular due to its scenic surroundings, large bay, protected harbour and the historic tram called Tren Sóller where we talked about earlier. The old harbour was used by fishermen in the past, and today, you can eat seafood and all sorts of fish there. The waters have been very important for Port de Sóller. It was the only way they could trade, and import and export goods. Port de Sóller was isolated from the rest of Mallorca by the Tramuntana mountain range.
Each year, there’s a celebration of a big folk festival called ‘’Es Firó’’. It’s held in the second week of May in both Port de Sóller and Sóller. What is this festival about? In 1561, a great pirate attack took place. Many fleets of Algerian and Turkish pirates landed on the beach of Sóller, attacking the town’s inhabitants. But these inhabitants succeeded in defending their homes from the attack. They defeated them, and this victory is celebrated during the Es Firo festival. And half a century after this attack, the watchtower Torre Picada was built to be part of Mallorca’s defence system. Torre Picada is privately owned, so you can’t visit it, but when you get closer you will get rewarded with beautiful views.
Well, life is good in the Golden Valley. Because you will be surrounded by wonderful nature, and Sóller is rich in history, museums and beautiful architecture. The charming seaport Port de Sóller gives Sóller a strong Mediterranean atmosphere. Sóller is known to be a relaxing, and gentler era of Mallorca. It offers you modern conveniences and comfort in an area with mountains and valleys. You will still have that feeling of isolation and seclusion, which there was in the 19th century because people couldn’t cross the mountains back then. Maybe Sóller sounds calm and quiet to you, but Sóller is still a very active town with fiestas and activities during the year.
Now we arrived at one of the most famous and beautiful villages on the island: Valldemossa. Yes, a lot of villages in Mallorca are beautiful. However, Valldemossa is extra special because it is located in the stunning Tramuntana mountains! Tramuntana mountains is a 90 kilometre-long mountains range, that runs from the very east of Mallorca to the most Northern tip where Cap de Formentor (a lighthouse that’s described earlier) is located. Valldemossa is associated with Frédéric Chopin, and that’s a big part of why it became famous. Frédéric Chopin is a composer that went there in the winter from November till February.
Some call it an extended honeymoon, as he went there with his lover Aurore Amantine Dupin Dudevant (known by her male pen name of George Sand) and her two children. George Sand was a best-selling novelist. She has also made a novel about their winter there, called ‘A Winter In Majorca’. The title makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Firstly, they stayed in Palma de Mallorca, and later in the Charterhouse (monastery) in, there it is, Valldemossa!
This Charterhouse is called the Chartusian Monastery of Valldemossa, which is about 30 minutes away from the capital Palma. The monumental site once was a palace for the king Sancho of Majorca, dating back to 1309. It’s also a beautiful church, and you will find fresco’s from a Spanish painter Bayeu, who’s the brother in law of Goya (who was also a painter). Many monks have inhabited there for 400 years to find peace and rest. A long and beautiful white-arched corridor leads to the different cells they’ve been in. The charterhouse has beautiful gardens with terraces, and one of the most astonishing views of the valley. It also has an old pharmacy, where they’re still ancient pots with medicines inside!
Cell No. 2 for example, even has an art collection inside of some of the greatest modern Spanish and local artists. Names as Miró who found his inspiration on this beautiful Island, and the archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria. He came to this part of the island with his steamship and fell in love with it. It is a very interesting experience to visit this amazing Charterhouse, as you can feel the ambience where these people have lived in.
A reason why Chopin went to Mallorca, is that he had a touch of old tuberculosis. The mild climate of Mallorca would help ease his discomfort. Chopin was disappointed in the first place because his piano didn’t arrive. It was feeling like a miserable Winter for Chopin… But once it arrived, he has worked on some of his finest pieces: Ballade No. 2, and Scherzo No. 3.
What’s typical for Valldemossa, is that every single street starts to get more beautiful than the last. Even though it’s a tiny place, with only a few main streets and a couple of small plazas, you could spend a lot of time going through these little cobbled lanes and alleyways that meander out from them. One of the most famous streets that you can find in many postcards, has lots of potted plants hanging against the wall. Maybe that’s done on purpose, we don’t know exactly why that’s there.
In the heart of Valldemossa, you can also take a walk through the gardens of King Juan Carlos I.
There are a lot of hedges, and decapitated heads of famous people that have lived there or been there in the past. A typical delicacy in Mallorca is the sweet pastry: a light and delicious snack. You will find that in many bakeries and restaurants, but it seems to be extra special in Valldemosa. It is made from potatoes, sugar, and lard. It could taste a bit dry for you, so make sure you also have something to drink.
Did you know that Valldemossa also has a Port? Just like Sóller, you can visit this beautiful fishermen’s harbour located in Port de Valldemossa, where you smell and hear the sea. It is also called a fisherman’s paradise. To get there, it takes kilometres of zigzagging, hairpin bends and passing oncoming vehicles. But keep going, you will get rewarded. You can park beneath in the harbour, but also next to the road once you get into this delightful mariners’ village. The houses here are currently summer residences. This countryside inspires you to engage in diving, climbing, and rambling sports.
Driving from Valldemossa to Port de Valldemossa can take about 20 minutes. It is about 6km away from Valldemossa, and to get there you have to continue down the ‘’Banyalbufar’’ road, and take the first turn off on the right. Once you’re there, it’s also very much worth it to visit the Rei de Teules: a beautiful waterfall!
Valldemossa could be one of the most beautiful places you have ever seen in your life. When you are in Mallorca’s capital Palma, you can easily take a bus at the bus station from Palma city centre to this breathtaking village. This trip only takes about 20 minutes.
Maybe you already felt this coming, but Valldemossa is one of the priciest places for buying a house. This makes sense, because of the awe-inspiring views and the stunning valley. It’s not uncommon to pay half a million euros for a small house, or millions of euros for a house with a swimming pool with enough space for a garden. It is one of the most touristy places normally, but during the pandemic, you will spot fewer people, which is a pretty strange experience for its inhabitants.
In Valldemossa, you will even find real estate called S’Estaca that’s located high up in the Tramuntana mountains. It’s renovated by the famous Hollywood actor Michael Douglas. He bought this estate in 1990 together with his first wife, Diandra Luker, to explore the flora and fauna of the Tramuntana mountains. After all, this real estate called S’Estaca is located high up in these mountains! Later, Michael has redecorated and modernized this Moorish estate himself.
All the renovations that he’s done costed about 7 million dollars! This impressive estate lies on the west coast between Deía and Valldemossa. This huge massive estate was on the market for a cool 35million euros, and they’ve since taken it back off the market again. Maybe because they started to miss their holiday in Mallorca. Michael Douglas and his wife called Catherine Zeta-Jones do a lot for tourism here, and they are very friendly to everybody. It’s a really good presence to have in the village when they come over!
As told before, Valldemossa is one of the most expensive places to live on the island. But it would probably be the most beautiful town you’ve seen in your life. It’s settled in the Tramuntana mountain range, on a massive hill, which makes you feel like you’re in a completely new world. The valley will look like a multi-layered skirt because the terraced lands descend. Many famous artists have experienced it: they fell in love with this place. They got their inspiration from this place. The famous Hollywood star wanted to explore the flora and fauna in this place. If you decide to get a residence here, you will live in a different world.
Peaceful, quiet, stunning. These are the very first words to describe Deía. It is also known to be a magnet for the rich and the famous. As told before with Valldemossa, Michael Douglas and Catherina zeta-jones have a massive estate on the road between Valldemossa and Daía. Just like Valldemossa, Daía is located in a lovely mountainous location. Within this small coastal village and municipality, you will be surrounded by lemon trees and amazing views. Deía is about a 40-minute drive away from the airport.
There are many paths within Deía that you can take to explore. Surprises could be just around any corner. Suddenly you will see boxes of oranges, or people selling ”mermelada de varansa”. These paths lead either up down into the village, or into the mountains. Likely, you will suddenly spot a waterfall on your left. The place has several restaurants and shops, which are combined with a fabulous view. A free but huge bonus, right? These restaurants serve a huge range of local and international dishes as well as great value menus. What’s interesting, is that there is no supermarket. You can buy your products in independently owned shops, which are selling homegrown produce and locally made products.
Before you read that Deía was a magnet for the rich and the famous. Well, Hotel Residencia can explain this to you. It’s one of the most eye-wateringly expensive hotels on Mallorca. For example, when you book a room in this hotel during July, you will pay a little under 900 euros per night. In the capital Palma, this is the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment! There’s also an extremely expensive suite called the ‘’presidential suite’’. You will only pay a good amount of 5000 euros for one night. However, many a-class celebrities see this as a chance to get away from their famous and hectic lifestyles. And I think you can’t blame them… it’s such an appealing, lovely village.
It is hard not to spot hotel Residencia when you’re in Deía. You can see this hotel from many mountainsides. Btw, did you know that Richard Branson once owned this hotel? When he did, he invited princess Diana there to go on holiday. Since then, a lot of famous people have followed, including footballers, the British supermodel and businesswoman Kate Moss, the English singer and entertainer Robbie Williams, and the American actress Gwyneth Paltrow. What’s funny, is that in Winter this famous hotel is closed but the hair salon remains open. So, if you’re visiting in winter and you’d like to have a haircut: make an appointment (you can only get a haircut by appointment)! It usually is a hair salon that cuts the hairs of the rich and famous. Why not get such an experience yourself?
A must-visit could be Robert Graves’ house, also known as la case de Robert Graves. And he’s not someone from the 13th century or something. No, he’s from the 20th century. A British poet, historical novelist, classicist, and critic. Robert Graves has produced more than 140 works in his lifetime. Also, with his stay, he attracted lots of other authors and writers to come today! He spreads the thoughts of being inspired by the wonderful surroundings. Just like famous artists have come to Mallorca to get their creativity and inspiration from the beautiful views on the island. To visit Robert Graves’ house, you can buy a ticket.
In 1934, Robert Graves published a book called I, Claudius which is, as you could guess, a historical novel. This best-selling novel follows the history of the early Roman Empire, narrated by Roman Emperor Claudius from the year 24 BC to his death in AD 54. With character, story, and vivid atmosphere combined, this book is a masterpiece. In 1998, the Modern Library ranked I Claudius as fourteenth on the list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.
People asked Robert Graves where he wanted to be buried after his death. Robert Graves said he wanted to be buried in the Deía churchyard or Westminster Abbey (just like other historic personalities, who dedicated their lives to Mallorca). And so, he’s buried in the churchyard of Deía. You can find this church on top of the village with a little cemetery up there. You can tell this church is blessed with the most stunning views overlooking the valley and coastline. It was originally built in 1497, on top of a former defence tower. When a fire in 1752 had caused a lot of damage to the church, it took almost a century to rebuild it. The presbytery is the last part that has gone through a renovation which was done in 1958. So, from start to the last finish, more than 200 years have passed!
Note that the road toward the Deía church could be a struggle for some people. The road is quite steep, so if you or one of your fellow travellers has a difficulty walking, or problems with the heart it could be a bit hard to get there. Don’t rush it, take your time, because once you get up there you will be rewarded with astonishing views! So it’s worth the struggle. One of the first things you’ll notice is two canons preserved from the 15th century. As said before, this church was built on top of a former defence tower meaning this place served as a defence tower. With these canons, you’ll see a small sculpture of a Balearic goat head. Archaeologist Hendry Wandren, who’s also buried in the churchyard of Deía, had discovered this race.
Even though Deía is very much known for the rich and the famous, it is one of the best places to live and also a great place to appreciate the simple things in life. This place is a source of artistic inspiration, as Deía formed the backdrop to many novels, scripts, and paintings. In contrast to the capital Palma, Deía has a more tranquil vibe. Deía has many cobblestoned lanes and narrow streets, leading either up into the mountains or down into the village, and a tight-knit community of about 700 people (yes, not a lot at all), top-class restaurants, and stunning views.
Do you like a nice and large sandy beach, deep inside a rocky bay and surrounded by large trees? Santanyi, located in the southeast of Mallorca, is known for its beautiful cliffs and rocks in the sea. It also has one of the most popular markets in Mallorca, and other several points of interest to enjoy. This town is nestled within agrarian surroundings, and it has an unspoilt and breathtaking coastline. Also, Santanyi has a large German community. Thanks to this, the food and accommodations are of excellent quality.
Santanyi is mostly flat so you won’t experience a hilly environment. If retreating into the mountains or in hilly environments is what you prefer, you should look at the other best places to live that we’ve described. Also, the municipality Santanyi is more populated as it has more than 14,500 people that are spread over 12 areas. Well, that’s something different than the villages with only 600 inhabitants we talked about before.
The southernmost point on the island also belongs to Santanyi, which is Cap de Ses Salines. There you will spot a big landmark lighthouse that’s built-in 1863, and it’s also surrounded by unspoiled sandy beaches. When you reach Cap de Ses Salines, you will be at the most Southern point of Mallorca. There’s not much there, but Cap de Ses Salines attracts a lot of visitors due to the great magnificent view. The sea shows different shades of green and blue and combined with the nearby islands and rocks you can tell why people love it. By the way, can you imagine that these rocks are the same as the Cathedral and Castle in Palma are built from?
There will be a strong wind at Cap de Ses Salines. But this arid landscape is well-suited for hiking. There’s a good chance you will spot indigenous bird species. Migratory birds come here to enjoy their break in the Spring, on their way back to Europe. Sometimes, the water splashes very high. So if you wanted to rest on the rocks, you can, but be prepared to get slammed by a wave.
The question we asked at the beginning if you like a large and sandy beach, was about Cala Santanyi. However, note that this beach is located about 6 kilometres away from the town. To get there the easiest way is to take the car. Once you arrived, the relaxing and unwinding can begin. You will spot pine trees, palm trees, and crystal clear waters. Good to know is that this beach is very child friendly. In the peak summer months, there’s even a lifeguard present there who could rescue you or your child when you get cramps, for example. This makes this beach special, as lots of other (less known) beaches in Mallorca don’t have lifeguards. Especially the pebbled beaches don’t have them.
Anyway, Cala Santanyi is similar to Cala d’Or. Maybe you know that resort area on the southeast of Mallorca as well. It’s known for its large yacht marina. This area is known for its great, sandy, child-friendly beaches with calm waves, crystal-clear water, and so on. Cala Santanyi is like that, but then even better because it’s more spacious! Cala Santanyi is about 130 meters long and 80 meters wide. If you’d like to visit another beach as well, we recommend visiting Cala Llombards which is a very lovely beach too. Close to Cala Santanyi, there is a supermarket to get refreshments and there are a few restaurants and bars.
The Cala Santanyi beach has fine-grained sand, and it offers you good snorkelling conditions along the rocks. You will be able to spot beautiful fish and submerge holes and caves. In the town of Santanyi, there’s a diving centre that arranges trips to many of these spots. Also, this beach offers you excellent facilities like toilets, sun lounges, and sunshades. And if you like, you can rent water bikes at this beach. There’s a large parking space behind the beach so you won’t have any problems finding a parking spot.
And here we have the famous market we talked about before. The Santanyi market is one of the best markets in Mallorca, and also the most visited street market. We will help you understand why this is. Firstly, this market started with fresh vegetable vendors and fruit. But nowadays, there are more than 150 stalls with traders selling anything you can think of. Craftwork, shoes, wine, clothes, pottery, and more. Santanyi is a non-commercial town which makes this market more traditional.
The whole market is spread throughout the beautiful town. It attracts many visitors, as the market has mid-range prices and people love this kind of traditional market experience. It’s held on old streets, and the streets offer much shade from the sunshine. Market Santanyi is there for every budget as it also sells both quality items like merchandise and lesser quality goods.
In any case, you won’t have bargain-basement prices. What’s good too, is that the stallholders are polite so they won’t ruin your day. Market Santanyi is a great way to spend your Saturday or your Wednesday morning, as this market is held on every Wednesday and Saturday.
How does it sound to you to walk through a wonderful nature park, with pearly white beaches and surrounded by pine trees? Amazing, right? If you are a beach lover or hiking lover, this is a must-visit in Mallorca. Most visitors come to Parc Natural de Mondragó for the beautiful beaches. This is because you will find three of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca! The park has surrounding cliffs and everywhere you will have a view of the blue sea.
You can get to Parc Natural de Mondragó in two ways: either by parking at the Cala Mondragó parking place (also known as Ses Fonts de n’Alis), or the S’Amarador parking place (also known as Ca Sa Muda). Both parking places are only 500 metres apart from each other. Anyways, let’s go over these three beaches now.
Cala Mondragó is probably the most-visited beach that Parc Natural de Mondragó has to offer. It is the easiest beach to get to because it’s close to the parking place of Ses Fonts de n’Alis. Besides, this beach offers facilities: a bar and a restaurant. Cala Mondragó shows you a beautiful bay with clear water and a pearly white beach.
This beach is easier to get to from the Ca Sa Muda parking place. From this parking place, you have to walk about 100 metres to get to this fantastic beach. From here, it’s also easy to visit both Cala Mondragó and S’Amarador when you take the walking route next to the water that lies in between those two beaches. And also here, there’s a beautiful bay and you will be surrounded by lovely green nature.
The last beach within this park is Caló des Burgit. This is also the smallest beach, which is the hardest to reach. On the other hand, this could also make the beach the quietest and most peaceful. Therefore, this is your best option if you’d like to enjoy Parc Natural de Mondragó in peace.
Especially if you are a beach lover, Santayni would be one of the best places to choose from. You will live close to some of Mallorca’s most unspoilt and breathtaking coastline. Also, you will live in an upmarket rural town with a traditional market that’s held every week. Santayni has a large German community, but you’ll find smaller numbers of Dutch, Scandinavian, Italian and British denizens as well. The German community also plays a role in the excellent quality of the food and accommodations.
Welcome to Fornalutx, which is voted for one of the most beautiful villages in Europe! And also for the most beautiful village in Spain. Located in the northwest of Mallorca, Fornalutx has won the award twice for being ‘’the most beautiful village in Spain’’. The village is nestled in the mountains near Sollér, and it used to be nothing more than an Arab farm 1000 years ago. In the 13th century, after the Catalan conquest, it started to become a village. Fornalutx is mainly about exploring beautiful Modern Nature. There’s not a lot of attractions or sights to visit. Although, the village has unique features like the Gothic church, and the defence tower – both dating back to the 17th century.
When you are in the capital Palma, Fornalutx is only a 40 minutes bus drive away. As with most bus drives, it is usually very cheap. It only costs about 2 euros and 95 cents to get there. Once you are in Fornalutx, it feels like the surroundings are getting painted whilst you’re walking there. In other words: it’s so beautifully ‘’designed’’. Almost everywhere, you’ll be able to see the mountains, as Fornalutx is surrounded by them. And that’s why the main attraction of Fornalutx is nature itself.
The village only has 700 inhabitants (which is the same as Deía) which are located down the mountainside. Since it started to become a village the population had steadily grown, but even with the influx of a more international community in more recent years, you can see it remains in the hundreds. Wouldn’t it be nice to live perfectly nestled between the mountains, with spectacular views?
Honestly, it’s a dream of a village to live in. Tucked away in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains. And as soon as you walk into Fornalutx, you’ll get why this place has such a high reputation. Within the village, you will see admiring architecture and traditional beauty. Combined with the surrounding beauty, and the most picturesque village you can ever imagine: it’s not strange that Fornalutx attracts thousands of visitors a year.
Fornalutx has beautiful cobbled streets where you can stroll along. What’s interesting, is that a lot of streets are actually stairs, leading to more narrow streets. There are still old stone houses crumbled together, separated by many stone steps. It seems that time has stood still since Fornalutx was founded in the middle ages by the Moors. It’s a silent, peaceful town, that has kept its original beauty and that’s a big aspect of this ancient atmosphere.
Even though Fornalutx is a small village, it has a good handful of restaurants to choose from. So you’ll have no problem finding what you want. The square in Fornalultx, is called Plaza de España. It’s named after the most famous square in Seville. Maybe it deserves to be called like that as well because Fornalutx also has stunning architecture and most of all: you’ll admire the wonderful nature from this plaza. After all, it is a special place. On this plaza, there are a couple of cafes and a small food store. You’ll also find a bakery, and close is the impressive church and town hall. These are notable attractions for Fornalutx, and especially the town hall stands out. In hot summer months, the church will drop a cool shadow on the square in the centre.
The streets above the church perfectly match the church, as these cobbled and pedestrianized streets look nice and exude peace. It seems that people took the effort to maintain the traditional look and feel from the cobbled street to the traditional façade. This makes Fornalutx the best preserve village in Spain. We think that’s the main reason they’ve voted for this village to be the most beautiful in Europe. After all, Fornalutx is completely different and outstanding from the rest. When you walk to the upper part of the town, you will also find fields with lemons and orange trees and cactuses.
As said before, Fornalutx is not the place to go and visit sights and attractions. No, the main attraction is the nature and the look of the preserved village. It more comes down to how everything feels and looks. The feeling of being there in this preserved historical town. One of the most beautiful villages in Europe. Still, there are plenty of activities you could do in this beautiful village. Maybe not things like Scuba diving (as we’re located up high, remember) but you can think of hiking, cycling, and of course: shopping.
There aren’t many shops on Fornalutx. For more, you’ll need to visit the nearby town of Sóller. However, one of the most popular shops there is Tipic. That shop hosts interior design decorations, woven straw basket accessories, and clothes. For cycling, Fornalutx is a great place to start. Fornalutx will offer you challenging road cycling.
A stunning yet taxing cycling route that’s very popular, is the so-called legendary Sa Calobra climb. So when you talk about cycling in Mallorca, then you talk about Sa Colabra. When you haven’t done this ride yet, you haven’t been to Mallorca. Almost every holiday brochure shows this climb. It’s not located in Fornalutx, however, it’s not too far away from Fornalutx either. The distance is about 25km and will take about 30 minutes by car. There’s an altitude gain of almost 2000m! You will cycle through undulating roads between Sa Colabra and Port de Sóller.
During this ride, which is about 75km long, you will be taken over Puig Major and Coll dels Reis. Coll dels Reis is a climb that’s 10.1km long and has an average gradient of 6.5%. When you get to the top of the ascent, you will be located at 682 meters above sea level! Puig Major is the second most popular ride after Sa Colabra and has a gradient of 6%. It starts at sea level, but you will be 800 meters up when you follow the road. It ends with a tunnel at the top, and after the tunnel, it even goes further. But you can’t get there as it is a part of a military base (which is not accessible for cyclists).
During the Sa Colabra Climb, you will find impressive views and wonderful landscapes. When you go downhill, it feels like you’re cycling through a well-constructed roller coaster. Overall, during this climb, you will find the most beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea. Especially uphill, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views.
When you join Fornalutx, you will be part of a small group of inhabitants (700 people) who enjoy peace and tranquillity. So if you also enjoy that then you’ll be a good fit to live there! Besides, one of the main reasons to live there is that you will get to live in the most preserve village in Mallorca. The admiring architecture, traditional beauty, the Plaza de España that’s covered by the shadow of the beautiful Gothic church – and being surrounded by mountains, Fornalutx is a wonderful place on earth.
This is a village where everything is built on the edges of the mountains, overlooking the sea. If you’re looking to buy a property in Mallorca, with an overlook on the sea, this could be your favourite spot. Besides, if you’d like to get away from the touristy side of Mallorca, then this village is a great choice as well. Banyalbufar is such a dreamy place where you could never get enough. Hence it’s a very popular area to go hiking. So, if you’re a hiking fan, you can’t go wrong with Banyalbufar. Besides, there’s a lot of history too. Banyalbufar is founded in the 10th century, and there only lives a small amount of 600 people! A small community, but so big in beauty.
In the background of this village, you will see the peaks of the Sierra de Tramuntana in the background. This picturesque village is known for the winding village streets, and lies between smaller mountains, with farms and vineyards located on these heights. And the higher go, the more beautiful it gets. Even though the local community of Banyalbufar is small, this village still attracts a lot of visitors. Banyalbufar has a lot of hidden spots to show, and it’s filled with history and authentic cultures.
What’s typical for Banyalbufar, is that every road and lane is lined by ancient blonde stone buildings. These sone buildings contribute to the ancient feeling you’ll get when you walk through the village. This also makes Banyalbufar one of the last remaining authentic coastal villages in Mallorca!
Banyalbufar is also home to a working fishing port called Es Port des Canonge. This is an extremely small little village close to the sea. Only a few roads are going up and down. However, it has a beautiful view and there’s usually nobody around. That makes sense, as only a few people live there. Therefore, Es Port des Canonge is a great choice for you if you don’t like crowded places. And if you want to get some food, this little village has a few fish restaurants. The beach there is 70m long and 20m wide. Keep in mind that it’s not a soft, sandy beach. It’s a pebbled beach. So if temperatures are good, I recommend bringing a sun lounger with you.
Still, there’s not much room for sunbathing on Es Port des Canonge. Small fishing boats can occupy a part of the beach. But you can still take a refreshing swim in the sea here. Es Port des Canonge is still unspoilt, apart from the small village that has been built. The marine and underwater conditions aren’t safe for anchoring boats, due to the strong winds blowing from the northeast and west. You can walk to Es Port des Canonge, or take the car as there are enough places to park your car.
As said before, Banyalbufar is an amazing location to do numerous hikes and going to the fishing village is one of them. It can take about 1,5-2 hours to walk from Banyalbufar to Es Port des Canonge. So when you go back and forth, it could take 3-4 hours. What’s typical for Banyalbufar, is that the hiking paths are marked so you’ll never get lost. But even then, you can decide to take detours. This way, you will explore more of this amazing area. Just make sure you get back to the main path if you want to prevent getting lost!
Banyalbufar has multiple coves and beaches where you can go swimming or sunbathing. These are called Son Bunyola, Es Corral Fals, and Cala Banyalbufar. Keep in mind that Banyalbufar doesn’t have a sandy beach, so if you prefer that, you should have a look at the other best places to live in Mallorca that we’ve mentioned. Besides, not far away from Banyalbufar, there’s another village called Estellencs, and the slopes of the Galatzó mountain. Both are a must-see. Estellencs only has 300 residents! That’s half of Banyalbufar. You can also start many amazing hiking trails from there.
Let’s get you to know why Banyalbufar is a historical place as well. First, we’ll start with the name. Banyalbufar means: founded by the sea. It’s a combination of Catalan and Moorish. The Arabic name of this village means ‘vineyard by the sea’. This was because Banyalbufar was famous for its Malvasia wine. In the 10th century, Banyalbufar was cultivated and inhabited by the Moors. The Moors developed the land surrounding Banyalbufar and divided it by drystone walls.
Besides, they created around dry stone 2000 terraces on the mountain slopes! You can still see them to this day. It’s a great accomplishment, creating farmland out of inhospitable cliffs. Each generation added a further tier to the landscape. This was the custom, until recently, as they stopped doing that. Nowadays, all these terraces are mostly used to grow fruit and vegetables. The most famous crop of Banyalbafur are tomatoes, and Banyalbafur still has a few vineyards. Also, the Moors created a sophisticated irrigation system of aqueducts. And that one still works to this day. It’s crazy to think that that’s more than 1000 years later.
During the Middle Ages and up until the 15th century, Banyalbafur was ruled by the Barony of Banyalbufar under an absolutist government. Locals devoted themselves almost exclusively to agriculture and hence the area became famous for the Malvasia grape, which was used to create the Malvasia wine. This wine was so good, that the Malvasia wine was one of the motives for the re-conquest of Mallorca. Wait, what? Yes, Jaume I who wanted to conquer Mallorca loved this sweet wine. But then, a virus called Phylloxera caused devastation and ended the production of the Malvasia wine. Luckily, local vignerons worked successfully on re-establishing this grape variety in recent years.
One of the most valuable Baroque organs in the world is located in the church called ‘La Nativitat de Santa Maria. This also contributes highly to the ancient feel of Banyalbufar. Many artists agree that Banyalbufar could be the next Deía. Remember that Deía was a magnet for the rich and the famous? Deía attracts many artists, writers, and musicians. Yet, Banyalbufar is not known to be as touristy as Deía. Banyalbufar is one of the best-kept secrets in Mallorca. In Deía, there are more tourists than residents in the peak Summer months.
On the western cliff of Banyalbufar, you will find the Torre del Verger. This was once used to warn the island’s inhabitants of incoming pirates and invaders. Nowadays, this tower is a great place to get one of the best views and sunset spots as it is located on the edge of the cliff. Usually, the tower is quite secluded and not touristic at all. But the colourful and nice views are worth getting there. Some people call it one of the best places to be on the island and a must-see of Mallorca.
The quaint village Banyalbufar could be your dream location to buy a property. Why? Because Banyalbufar looks directly at the sea, meaning there’s a high chance that you have an amazing overlook on the sea when you decide to live here. It’s ideal if you’re looking to find peace and retreat to the mountains. The little village has about 600 inhabitants, is an amazing place if you love hiking or cycling, and is still without mass tourism. The village is very peaceful, as there’s not much action going on.
Originally, Andratx used to be an ancient fishermen shelter. But nowadays it is one of the most popular and luxurious areas in Mallorca. It’s a residential tourist destination where also celebrities, actors, and affluent people walk around! This is not surprising, as Andratx is known for the stunning views, amazing villas and the lively Port Andratx where many luxury boats are moored. Life in Andratx is made very easy as well, like banking, the medical clinic, the pharmacy, the post office, and more are within blocks of each other. Andratx is known for its luxurious villas, and these can cost anywhere from 1 to 10 million euros. This makes Andratx relatively expensive compared to other places on Mallorca.
Andratx is also known to be a great place for sailing. And from all the ports that we describer earlier, Port Andratx is probably the most beautiful of them. Andratx is located on the southwest tip of the island, and it’s only 28km away from the capital Palma. It is one of the best places to live and to enjoy the sea and the mountains. You’ll experience the shade of Puig de Galatzó which is the highpoint of the mountain range Serra de Tramuntana. Furthermore, you will also be surrounded by almond trees and pines which gives this place a sub-tropical feeling. Hence it’s such a popular place.
Fun fact: Andratx is one of the municipalities of Mallorca with the highest percentage of foreign residents. More than 11.000 people are living in this municipality. That’s something different compared to the little villages we talked about earlier, with only 600 inhabitants or so. Also, Claudia Schiffer used to have a family home in the exclusive area of Camp de Mar, which is near Andratx. She was in love with the island and came to Mallorca when she was a child.
With an 8 minute drive away from Andratx, you will arrive at Port Andratx. A huge, wide port with so many yachts and houses located onto the hills with different heights. As soon as you walk through Port Andratx, you will experience a relaxed atmosphere. Port Andratx is also known for its stylish yacht club with more than 450 berths. This yacht club is well-maintained, stylish, and the view of the wonderful boats, as well as nature, is why a lot of people consider Port Andratx the most beautiful port in the Mediterranean.
In Port Andratx, you will spot palm trees next to the road and for such a small town, there’s a surprisingly large choice of restaurants. Do you want to grab a quick bite to eat? Or would you like to be served some of the best food Mallorca has to offer in haute-cuisine establishments? Both are possible. Cappuccino port, for example, is a typical place where people come for breakfast, lunch, and drinks. You can look at this port as a Starbucks of Mallorca, but then a local one. But it also comes with a view that is just perfect. And if you’re looking to go shopping then you can find small street shops, gift shops, jewellers, designer clothes and more. Port Andratx seems to sell almost everything.
Nowadays, fishermen still catch all sorts of seafood that will be brought down to Port d’Andratx. These kinds of seafood are brought to the market where you can buy anything fresh and delicious. When you walk through Port Andratx you will experience a very relaxed atmosphere around you. Also, if you want to experience different beaches, you can go from Port Andratx to beaches like Cala LLamp, Cala D’Egos, or Cala Moragues. And if you want to see even more luxurious boats (and cars), go to the marina of Portals Nous which is a 20-minute drive from Port Andratx.
Andratx wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t have a golf court: golf Andratx. It is a perfect activity to feel happier and relaxed, as golf helps to alleviate stress. You will release natural endorphins mood-enhancing chemicals. Well, it is worth a shot! No matter if you are a celebrity, actor, or someone who wants to relax and is also up for a challenge: Golf Andratx could be a great choice. Golf Andratx is one of the most challenging golf courses in Mallorca!
Whilst golfing, you can admire the fabulous views of the sea and the landscape. Golf Andratx has the finest quality white sand, fairly narrow fairways, and seven lakes that are utilized over six holes. The golf course opened in 2000 and was designed by the famous Gleneagles resort in Scotland. The 6th hole is where a lot of golfers look forward to. This is because it’s the longest hole in Spain: 609 metres! After hole 8, you will have a spectacular view of the bay in Camp de Mar and its surrounding hills.
Golf Andratx is well maintained as you could probably guess from the ‘’finest quality white sand’’ and such. Good to mention is that there’s also a highly rated Italian restaurant. Furthermore, you will also get a small vehicle called a ‘’buggy’’ to drive around and carry your golf clubs (or yourself). It’s less effort than walking.
Close to Port Andratx, there’s an uninhabited islet which is currently a natural park, located just off the west coast of Mallorca. It belongs to the municipality of Andratx. You can visit the island of Sa Dragonera by boat! Combined with this boat trip, you can go snorkelling, and watch lizards and pirate towers. Sa Dragonera has more than 360 different plant species and more than 20 endemic species!
For example, Sa Dragonera is known to be the habitat of a rare colony of Eleonora’s falcons.
The name Sa Dragonera is based on a dragon. Why? Because of the unique shape that Sa Dragonera has. This shape makes the islet that’s 6km long look like the back of a dragon. And if you’d like to view this islet from the land, you can go to the town Sant Elm which is a short drive away, to have the best views of this natural space.
Castle San Mas gives you an idea of medieval life. When Andratx was being reconquered by Jaime I, Andratx was fortified with many defence towers. Caste of Son Mars did have a useful role, especially during the 15th and 16th centuries when Andratx suffered multiple attacks by Saracen and parents and Maghrebian insurgents. The castle had a defence tower that was made in the 16th century. Castle Son Mas still rules over the valley of the town of Andratx today. It is located on top of the hill and well worth a visit. It houses some very important paintings by Tintoretto and Durer. Also, the city hall has an interesting botanical garden.
The church of Santa Maria de Andratx is also worth a visit. It’s founded in 1248 and constructed just like other small repopulation churches erected in Mallorca during that time. The real construction of the church happened between the 14th and 15th centuries. After that, it started to change to the beautiful church it is nowadays. From Santa Maria, you will be also able to see Port Andratx. Next to the church, you will spot a defence tower to help against pirate attacks.
Andratx is one of the most populated areas in Mallorca. This is not surprising, as living there is made super easy. Everything you could need from a medical clinic to a car repairman: it’s all located within blocks of each other. The stunning coastline, the beautiful Port Andratx, and its location at the base of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range combined with all outdoor activities that Andratx has to offer makes Andratx one of the best places to live in Mallorca.
Mallorca offers a wide arsenal of activities for you e.g. family occasions, business trips, sports, wine tasting, and much more. Mallorca has truly developed itself into a dish with many flavours. Equally enjoyed by all kinds of well-established people. Mallorca thrives thanks to its tourism and attention from the upper class. Therefore, Mallorca has many businesses on the island that offer various activities. In this chapter, we’ll give you a taste of what Mallorca has to offer you.
You probably know of the beautiful beaches and the mouthwatering cuisine, but what if you want to do a bit of sport after all that relaxing? I can’t imagine that a warm, tropical island can sustain high-quality grass for golf, can it? Well, surprising as it may seem, Mallorca does offer one of the best golf courses in Spain. You will play on wonderful courses which are both challenging and enjoyable at the same time. For instance, Club de Golf Alcanada offers arguably the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever witness.
Club de Golf Alcanada located in Port d’Alcúdia offers you a wonderful experience. Not only can you enjoy the sports of Golf but you’ll also be seduced by the amazing scenery and atmosphere. The course looks directly at the Mediterranean Sea and has a real lighthouse! And I can tell you, this is not by accident the best golf course in Mallorca. Club de Golf Alcanada was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 2003. Jones is known as a famous American golf course architect who remodelled over 250 golf courses.
Club de Golf Alcanada offers:
The pro shop allows golfers to wander through a 400-year old Mallorcan styled shop. It offers the highest quality golf clothing and equipment to help you stand out from the crowd. There are many well-known brands you can choose from like Nivo, Rohnisch, and Lindeberg. There are also a bit more modern brands like Adidas or Lotusse. Furthermore, the shop has helped out thousands of people that forgot accessories like clubs or umbrellas.
What is a day of golfing without a lovely dinner? Club de Golf Alcanada’s restaurant has a marvellous combination of local and international cuisine. You can go as fancy or simple as you like. For example, you can get a hamburguesa Royal or calamares which are the royal hamburger and squid. Both are priced at 14,50 euros. For vegetarians, there is also plenty of choice like for instance the homemade vegetable lasagna. And don’t forget to taste the homemade tiramisu, it’s marvellous.
If you’re like me, then you know there are no friendly matches. When you play golf, you want to be good at it. It’s a good thing that Club de Golf Alcanada has its golf academy. Especially because the course has challenging parts. You can get either private or group lessons. Just imagine, fine-tuning your game while looking at the lighthouse and breathing the clean ocean air. Isn’t that a thing?
The rates vary per season but you’ll pay a price between 105 and 145 euros for 18 holes. 62 and 82,50 euros for 9 holes. And lastly, for accessories like a buggy for 18 holes you’ll pay 42 euros and rental clubs for 18 holes cost 36 euros. For more prices, visit the rates page of Golf Alcanada.
Golf Son Gual is the second golf course I want to show you. The location doesn’t have a lighthouse like Alcanada, however, it’s still truly marvellous. Son Gual is a private, family-run members’ golf club located in Palma. Guests are welcome but there are strict etiquettes to guard the quality of the course. Son Gual is featured in prestigious magazines like Golf World and Swiss Golf Magazine. The telegraph describes the course as ‘millionaires paradise’. And I think that’s the best way to describe Son Gual, it’s more limited and offers a modern, high-quality course.
You can find the Son Gual pro shop within the clubhouse. When I say clubhouse, it’s not what you picture. This clubhouse is truly magnificent and gives you Spanish manor feelings. When you go shopping in the Son Gual pro shop, you’ll get a unique shopping experience. The exclusive Son Gual sweaters, shirts, caps, and balls are from high-quality materials. It’s a lovely souvenir to materialize your amazing golf experience with.
A couple of the brands that are sold:
Is fashion not your strong suit? Don’t worry, the Son Gual staff is very friendly and highly professional. They will help you to get what you need.
The restaurant offers you a wonderful Mediterranean ambience combined with the most exclusive delicacies made by Son Gual’s chef. You’ll get to taste delicious Mallorquin fish specialities or tasteful traditional meat dishes. Exclusiveness is in the blood of Son Gual, therefore, they only work with fresh ingredients from the best local suppliers. Whether it’s on the course or in the restaurant, golf club Son Gual wants you to have an unforgettable experience.
The golf academy of Son Gual is highly impressive. They make use of all-around support throughout the year. In the winter months, you can be working on your technique and physique to prepare yourself for the upcoming golf season. It’s their goal to support you throughout the year and help you reach the next level as a golf enthusiast. It doesn’t matter what your current skill level is, Son Gual wants to support you on every level. From technique training to mental training, you’ll get better when you join their academy.
The rates differ per season but you’ll pay a price between 85 and 140 euros for 18 holes. For 9 holes, you’ll pay between 45 and 75 euros. Accessories like a golf car cost 40 euros and rental clubs (Callaway X-series) cost 35 euros. For more information about the rates or membership, see the website of Son Gual golf Mallorca.
Our living in Mallorca guide wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t include famous Mallorca wines. Wine has been at the centre of Mallorquin history. Grapes were introduced in the time of the Roman Empire and continued to be cultivated when the Moors took over (even though it was banned by the Koran). However, it was almost completely wiped from the face of the earth by a grape-eating bug in the 1900s. Luckily, the vineyards were replanted and the Mallorca wine production was back in business. Nowadays, Mallorca wine production is one of the key tourist activities.
If you want to experience wine tasting in Mallorca, then it might be a good idea to join one of the many wine tasting tours. There are independent wine tour companies that organize wine tasting in Mallorca, but there are also bodegas that offer wine tours themselves. In this topic, I will show you a couple of excellent options.
Mallorca Wine Tours makes tailor-made wine tours for their customers. Their focus lays on quality rather than quantity. They are working together with traditional Mallorquin Fincas. These Fincas have been making their wine for centuries and offer a unique experience. Mallorca Wine Tours has found the perfect combination of history, craftsmanship, scenery, and food tasting. Their wine tours feel special and they will stick with you forever. The Prices start at €125.00 per person. A competitive price if you consider the tailor-made approach that Mallorca Wine Tours operates with.
Sa Clasta Wine Tours is an independent wine tour company. They allow you to visit up to two bodegas and 3-4 wine tastings per visit. People are very fond of how well everything is organized by Sa Clasta Wine Tours. A statement that is being backed up with a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor. It doesn’t have a single negative review. They will take you to Vins Nadal, SON PRIM Bodega, and Celler Tianna Negre. Which are old and well-established wine companies in Mallorca. The prices start at €150.00 per person, a fair price for two bodegas with 3-4 tastings, delicatessen, and a lunch.
Bodegas Vi Rei is a winery that organizes wine tours for itself. Bodegas Vi Rei is founded in 2014 and can be found on the estate of Sa Bassa Plana. In the time of the Romans, it was the first place on the island where grapes were planted. Miguel Pascual is a successful creator of wines and has proven himself long before he started Bodegas Vi Rei. He was a longtime collaborator of Michel Rolland and Carlos Falco. For Miguel, wine is an art and he takes it most seriously through the whole process. The quality must be excellent, every single time. The tours are very affordable and cost you only €10 per person. And the Mallorca wine tasting costs €5.
So, what are the most popular wineries in Mallorca? This is a question asked by wine lovers and Mallorca enthusiasts. In this topic, you’ll get to know famous wineries, ancient vineyards, and exclusive cellars. Because that’s what living in Mallorca is all about: premium living.
Bodega Ribas, a family winery founded in 1711 by Pedro Ribas de Cabrera. For three centuries, the winery is producing wine at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains in Mallorca. It’s the oldest winery on the island and it still produces top-notch quality. Even after three centuries, bodega Ribas is still being managed by a Ribas. María-Antonia Oliver-Ribas leads the winery together with her children Araceli and Javier.
How did bodega Ribas survive and even thrive through history? Because they respect history and invest in research. The Ribas family never stuck with how things were, but rather invested a lot of time and money into research. From concrete tanks to selling in bulk, bodega Ribas always tried new ways to improve on both technical and economic grounds.
The old cellars, located near the 18th-century family home, are still being used for the storing of the red wines. The modern cellars are on the other side of the old cellar. That’s where the production, ageing, and bottling of all the other wines happen. The climate is highly favourable for the production of wine. Mild winters and dry hot summers are providing the grapes with 2700 hours of sunlight per year.
Bodega Ribas can handle up to 200.000 bottles with their two production rooms. Each grape variety has its specific tank to optimize fermentation. They even have a laboratory to safeguard the quality control of the wines. Additionally, this is also the place where bodega Ribas are experimenting with new variations to stay ahead of the competition. Quite remarkable this mixture of history and modern science. That’s why I expect the Ribas family to stay around for at least another three centuries. Most old companies fail to innovate but Bodega Rivas has been doing this since 1711 and is still doing it in 2021.
Vins Toni Gelabert is a small winery run by the Gelabert family. Toni Gelabert founded the winery on the island of Mallorca in 1979. It started as a hobby from a minimalistic person who just enjoyed the thrill of making his own wine. It was a far dream and passion but all of that changed… Because Toni Gelabert didn’t just make decent wine. No, his wine was mind-blowingly good. Encouraged by his daughter and other relatives, Toni continued planting more in his vineyard and producing more wine.
Nowadays, Mallorca wine and Toni Gelabert are spoken of in one breath. Praised by wine experts and fans, Toni Gelabert wine is highly popular and yet Toni isn’t focusing on growth. No, he keeps his focus on the quality of the product rather than expanding his business. The vines are cordon-trained and produce three kilos of grapes per year. Wine in Mallorca is all about quality, one of the reasons why Toni only uses biological nutrients to grow his vines. Only the best is good enough for Toni Gelabert.
Something I find truly remarkable is the fact that Toni has great respect for emotions. He tries to transmit his feelings into the wine he is making. Additionally, he equally respects the lands from which he cultivates. Toni acknowledges the power of nature and how it has an important role in the taste of his wines. When you buy a bottle, you’ll notice the beautiful pictures on the labels. These are been drawn by one of Toni’s friends. They represent his love for the land and his vines.
Bodega Tianna Negre is founded in 2007 and is named after its founder. When she was a young woman, Tianna inherited a small and old vineyard in the village of Consell. She planted exclusively Manto Negro grapes and traditionally cultivated them. She would care for the vineyard with a lot of love and passion. Something that the family remembers till this day. It’s partially the reason why Tianna Negre Wine is making sure that every grape lives up to its full potential.
When you visit the website you’ll see a beautiful and modern wine business. And that’s exactly what Tianna Negre is. It has innovated through the years to exceed in this modern age. For instance, the entire vineyard and wine production is been done organically. Bodega Tianna Negre believes in the science of agriculture to ensure the best grape quality is being produced.
There are numerous controls and analyses throughout the year. Everything to measure the performance of the vines and to forecast whether there is a quality harvest or not. Besides the focus on agricultural science, Tianna Negre respects the wine making tradition and does her utmost best to preserve the local grape varieties. Additionally, Tiana Negre is doing a lot to take responsibility for the environment. The cellar of Tianna Negre is designed to be integrated with the environment and it has an optimized workflow, reducing the energy costs and environmental footprint.
Do you want to experience their lovely wines yourself? Bodega Tianna Negre offers tastings. It’s recommended to try this out as it’s a great experience. For 35 euros per person, you’ll get to taste amazing wines and local delicatessen. However, bear in mind that you’ll need at least 6 people to be considered. Alternatively, you can order their wines online through the webshop. It’s an affordable, high-quality Mallorca wine that receives many positive reviews.
Founded in 2006, 4 Kilos Vinicola is the creative baby of Francesc Grimalt and Sergio Caballero. Francesc is a winemaker and former partner of the Anima Negra Cellar in Mallorca. He is famous for preserving the local grape named Callet. Callet is a dark-skinned variety and native to the Balearic Islands of Mallorca. Sergio is the creative brain behind 4 Kilos Vinicola. Originally, he is a musician and you can tell. Sergio makes use of his creative network to organize wine & music events. Furthermore, Sergio is largely responsible for the unique branding of 4 Kilos Vinicola.
So, 4 Kilos Vinicola? What an odd name right? Well, there is a relatively logical explanation for the name. 4 Kilos is a reference to the initial investment of the two friends into their new business. Each partner contributed a sum of 4 million pesetas which is approximately 24.000 euros. It’s amazing what the two friends have realized with such a small investment. Passion and love for a product can bring you far. 4 Kilos is a perfect example of this.
The vineyards are located through the different northern and southern regions of Mallorca. The main reason is the fact that these vineyards don’t belong to any particular D.O. There are multiple vines grown such as Callet, Cabernet, Sauvignon, French Fogoneu, Monastrell, and Shyra. 4 Kilos makes use of native vegetation to get more concentrated grapes, better ground porosity, and optimal microbial population. It’s important to the two friends to respect the ground on which they plant their grapes.
The winery is located at a former sheep farm. They converted the sheep farm into a modern winery from which they started their wine production. There was the successful 12Volts wine concept born. A red wine made from Callet blended with Syrah, Cabernet, and Merlot. It’s a deliciously mild, easy-drinking wine that matches perfectly with lamb or chorizo. The prices vary per supplier, but in general, you can get a bottle for 16-20 euros.
Vins Miquel Gelabert was founded in 1985 in Mallorca by Miquel Gelabert and his wife Maria Miquel. It started as a hobby which they started with the family vineyard. Not expecting it to turn out the way it did, Miquel and Maria originally wanted to produce wine for their restaurant. However, the quality was exceeding expectations. Vins Miquel Gelabert has earned 150 awards for the 27 unique wines they produce. Quite exceptional I would say.
Vins Miquel Gelabert has 11 vineyards to produce grapes for their wine. Most vineyards are located around Manacor, a few in Felanitx and Petra. They are all registered in D.O.P. Pla I Llevant from Mallorca. Vins Miquel Gelabert only uses their grapes and do not import any third-party grapes. The vineyards enable the winery to produce approximately 40.000 litres per year. Which is not a lot but that’s been done on purpose. Miquel and Maria want to keep in touch with the small business personality of their winery. Quality above anything else!
If you want to know more about Miquel Gelabert or the wines they produce, please have a look at their website. It’s a very modern winery with a great e-commerce website. You can have a look at all 27 wines with their many awards. For everyone, there is a suitable wine. A Son Caules Blanc 2020 for only 7,90 euros or a more exclusive Colom de Penya 2016 for 72,60 euros. Wines are solely available in boxes of 3 and 6. Mixing is allowed. For more questions about their wine: info@vinsmiquelgelabert.com
What if I told you that you can stay with Miquel Gelabert? Yes, it’s possible. You can rent a house located in the vineyards of Miquel Gelabert. It’s only 10 minutes away from the beautiful virgin beaches of Mallorca. It will cost you 120 or 150 euros depending on the season you visit. It might not be the cheapest stay, but it’s one of the most rememberable stays. You’ll live between the vines and as a bonus, guests will get a key to one of the wine cellars where you can find and taste rare Miquel Gelabert wines.
A paradise for hikers, that’s how Mallorca is also known. When you read the numerous villages we’ve described earlier, you will understand. The beautiful unspoilt coastlines, the two mountain ranges called Sierra de Llevant and Serra de Tramuntana, and the overall natural beauty makes it an excellent island for hiking. Mallorca has also made it easy for you to hike. Because spread throughout the whole island, they have organized well-tagged routes and good access through roads and footpaths. Be aware that this is not always the case. You won’t be the first one that has to be rescued by the fire brigade or Guardia Civil. When you take detours, make sure you won’t get lost. And if you don’t have an experienced guide with you, a good map will help.
The different terrains and views within Mallorca make sure you won’t lose interest in hiking there. Forests, mountains, the sea: three beautiful and completely different surroundings are waiting for you! For example, what about a hiking trip through valleys of fruit trees? Or a hiking trip through pine forests? You can walk over mountain ranges full of boulders, and through charming authentic villages filled with history, and admiring architecture. Even a walk through a beautiful little village can be a hiking trip on its own.
Many villages in Mallorca offer interesting sights to include in your hiking trip, such as the church in Deía where you’ll have to walk on a steep road to get rewarded with beautiful views on top (and a historical church where the famous novelist Robert Graves is buried). There’s a lot of history still on Mallorca to explore and walkthrough. Think about the 2000 dry stone terraces made on the mountain slopes in Banyalbufar by the Moors in the 10th century, and the vineyards that were well-known for Mallorca’s popular wine. No matter what you choose, you won’t get disappointed. Make sure you have good footwear!
Do you love fishing? Well, fishing on Mallorca will give you a special fishing experience. Because it’s not very usual in Europe to fish on a rocky coast and maybe catch your supper. Whilst fishing, you experience the comforting temperatures of Mallorca and you could also have a stunning view of the mountains. Mallorca offers places where the water is only ten metres deep or more, where you can get the best catches. Logically, because the fish doesn’t have a chance to hide at the bottom of the sea. But if you want to catch the big boys, you could take a deep-sea fishing tour.
Maybe you’re curious what kind of fish you could gather on Mallorca. The treasures of the Mediterranean are mullet, hake, grouper, and gilthead bream, for example. Most common around the island is the types of sea bream. Think about striped bream, golden gill bream, red bream, and more. They could weigh up to 5 kilograms and could be quite challenging to hook, as these fishes seem to be good at freeing themselves. There are enough fishing shops and fish markets around the island to buy bait. The most common types of bait are shrimps and sardines, but ringworm can also do.
Ever dreamed of catching your own tuna? Tunas are known to be one of the toughest and strongest fishes to catch. Bluefin tunas can weigh up to 400kg! You can find them the whole year around the coasts of Mallorca, and you’ll get the best chance of catching them during this deep-sea fishing tour. To catch tuna, people sometimes also use rubber fish or soft plastic. And that has worked, but maybe you have a better idea to catch them.
Be aware that you’ll need a fishing permit, and good to know is that these are included in the price of this tour. When you decide to go fishing off the coast, off the jetties, or in the harbour entrances, you have to get a fishing permit as well. You can get one from the Fisheries Authority in Palma de Mallorca. Note that this fishing permit is not transferable, and is only valid with your passport or national identity card.
The sea in Mallorca is like turquoise water. The sea shows beautiful different shades of green and blue. Wouldn’t it be a great idea to do a boat trip? You’ll get to see the island from a distance, sail past the breathtaking unspoilt cliffs and discover many types of fish swimming around you. As the water is crystal clear, it’s easy to look through it. Areas like Santanyi are known for the beautiful cliffs and rocks in the sea. What’s amazing, is that a boat trip can be perfectly combined with snorkeling. It also helps you to discover hidden coves which you can’t discover if you stay close to land.
Many places in Mallorca offer boat trips as they know that people love it. Palma, the capital of Mallorca for example, organizes many boat trip excursions where they can also drop the anchor for you, so you can enjoy swimming or snorkelling in the turquoise waters. Many boat tours include snorkelling equipment, life vests, and the more expensive boat trips offer you tasty buffet foods for example. You can decide to go on an adventurous trip on a small boat, or a big yacht for a more relaxing experience with plenty of facilities. It’s up to you to decide. In Palma, a sailing tour could fill more than half of your day with lunch, drinks and meals included.
A great company that organizes entertaining boat trips in Palma, is Mallorca Catamarans. They can also provide bus tours and transfers. On their website, you will get all the information you need, including the length of the trip, where you depart, what the destination is and if other facilities or activities are included. They also offer exclusive tours like sailing, where you will get the magical experience of sailing around Palma as if you’re a dream.
https://mallorcacatamarans.com/tours/catamaran-in-mallorca/
But if you’re looking for the perfect place to choose from all different kinds of boat trips on the whole island of Mallorca, combined with all other activities that you could do, check out Sunbonoo. They offer you excellent boat trips that vary from yachts to small sailing boats, and they tell you everything you need to know to make your decision. It shows reviews, pictures, and you can easily book your activity. They have an English-speaking service and are usually cheaper than at the original site. Booking is fast and cancellations are free!
https://www.sunbonoo.com/en/mallorca-start
Another website we want to mention is SeeMallorca. Here you can discover and book the best activities that Mallorca has to offer as well. SeeMallorca has local destination experts that will help you to get the best experience. How this website works, is that after you search for what you want, they refer to the relevant website. You can see this website as a very easy and user-friendly guide to help you find the right websites for your activities.
A great alternative for a boat trip, and to get a whole load more adrenalin, is to go coasteering. What better place is there to do coasteering, than at the beautiful unspoilt coasts of Mallorca? When coasteering, you will move along the intertidal zone of the rocky coastline by swimming or on foot, without needing surfboards, boats or other craft. You can look at coasteering like this. Instead of mountaineering near mountain cliffs, you will do coasteering near the cliffs of the sea. Usually, coasteering goes together with a guide who makes sure that you’ll get a safe and enjoyable coaster. Whilst you do this activity, you are kitted out with a helmet, swimsuit, and life vest.
Coasteering is not just moving along the cliffs on foot or by swimming. It includes multiple activities, such as scrambling, climbing, and cliff jumping as well. It is also the perfect activity to combine hiking with more adventurous activities. These activities are on both the water and the land. For example. You can walk on sea cliffs, climb above water at low altitude, snorkel and see the underwater world, go into aquatic and terrestrial spectacular caves, jump into the water from heights, abseil and climb, all in the clearest beautiful turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Maybe you now get why coasteering is one of the most favoured activities to do in Mallorca. Depending on the coasteering level that’s appropriate to you, you could go for more extreme activities such as crossing a cove on a zip line over the sea, jumping into the water from much higher areas, and swimming in an underwater cave.
The ultimate living guide isn’t complete if you don’t know where to find the lovely cuisine of Mallorca. Therefore, I will take you to multiple astonishing restaurants. From fine dining to outdoor dining, in this chapter, you’ll find the local gems you have been waiting for. Where to eat in Mallorca?
Note: be aware that most restaurants in Mallorca are closed at the end of October, and will be reopened when the Spring season arrives.
Are you looking for the most expensive and luxurious restaurants? To get a restaurant experience that’s of greater formality and higher quality than a casual restaurant? We’ve got you covered. These elegant fine dining restaurants in Mallorca are full-service, with high-quality materials, and specific dedicated meal courses. Note that fine dining restaurants could ask you as a visitor to follow certain rules of dining. And don’t be surprised when restaurants have a dress code.
Restaurant Salvia, which is located in the beautiful town of Sóller, is one of the hidden gems for fine dining. In June 2015, this little restaurant has achieved to be the number one best restaurant in Mallorca! Since then, the restaurant got overwhelmed with calls and people who wanted to eat there. Unfortunately, a lot of them got disappointed as this restaurant doesn’t have that much space. Restaurant Salvia is a restaurant in a seven-suite seasonal hotel which runs since 2010.
What makes this hotel special, is that besides the excellent quality, you will have a view of the wonderful Tramuntana mountains and you will look at the glorious garden. During the seasons, the menu changes three times. Therefore, eating at this restaurant is always a surprise. Restaurant Salvia started to get high ratings especially when a German chef called Martin Winkler moved there from Es Passeig in the port. He studied nutrition, and his work is noticeable in the balance of his delicious but healthy dishes. Every day, restaurant Salvia gets the best-quality meats and fresh produce delivered.
How does it sound to dine in a cellar from the 15th century? Here we have another family that runs a top-notch restaurant called Sa Torre de Santa Eugenia, located in a small municipality called Santa Eugènia. With European, Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines, this restaurant is voted as the number 1 best restaurant in Santa Eugènia. This impressive restaurant is part of the hotel which is surrounded by farmland where chickens walk about freely. This gives you a rural feeling when you are outside.
However, inside the restaurant, everything changes. The restaurant is decorated with large wine barrels and high stone arches. The biggest specialities of Sa Torre de Santa Eugènia are the Mediterranean dishes. You can tell they have tried their absolute best to make this cellar look like it’s from the 15th century. It seems a lot of things stayed intact, especially the stone walls that are not even in colour and the high stone arches we’ve talked about. Or is that decoration? It could be decoration from the 15th century, who knows.
Verico once was voted as the number 1 restaurant in Mallorca by Trip Advisor. Even some people say it’s already worth a flight to Majorca! Well, that says a lot. Restaurant Verico is located in the famous municipality Andratx, located at Port Andratx. When you are dining in this restaurant you will have a unique view across the port. Especially when you come before sunset, you’ll be able to enjoy the light spectacle across the bay. As there are many places to eat, you will be spoilt for choice. But when you’re there, choose this restaurant, as you will be happy you’ve been here.
Restaurant Verico has a well-rehearsed team that’s very friendly, and they love to give you great explanations of the food. Visitors say that it is the most creative Italian cuisine in the area. This makes sense, as they give an excellent presentation of the food as well as the taste. Many interesting flavours are put together and you can try a lot of different things, such as the four-course tasting menu. The restaurant is beautifully furnished with comfortable chairs and nicely spaced tables. Restaurant Verico can also offer you a range of great wines, together with amazing cocktails (at a funky little bar).
Would you like to have your dinner in an outdoor dining space? This can be in an enclosed space, or outdoors whilst you experience the fresh air around you. Some studies show that eating outdoors decreases the level of stress hormones even more. Anyways, here are some restaurants that are great examples of outdoor dining in Mallorca.
In Port d’Alcúdia, you will find this restaurant called Indian Fusion. There must be Indian food, isn’t it? That’s right. This restaurant is known to have Indian and Asian cuisines. What makes them special, is that they combine these Indian specialities with fresh products from Mallorca. Close to Indian Fusion, you will have the beautiful large beach of Platja d’Alcúdia. The beach is the main point of interest in this area, so we recommend you combine a walk on the beach with your visit to Indian Fusion.
Anyways, why do we recommend this restaurant? Let’s start by saying that this is the number 2 best restaurant of the 206 restaurants that are in Alcúdia. Indian Fusion is a family business that offers many authentic Indian specialities. The fresh and local products highly contribute to an unforgettable dining experience, in what they call a ”family atmosphere”. The restaurant highly values their service as you’ll notice in their kindness.
Another lovely and friendly restaurant is the No. 31 Restaurant & Bar. This restaurant is located in Port de Pollença and you shouldn’t miss it when you’re there. It serves outstanding Mediterranean food with a super friendly service in a convivial atmosphere. Besides, the interior is spectacular too. The wine list they offer is small but excellent, as they match with the menus and are at affordable prices.
You can both eat inside and outside in a lovely courtyard when it’s warmer. This No. 31 Restaurant & Bar is known for exceptional food and outstanding cocktails, with great value for money. This restaurant is a few streets away from the water, so you can perfectly combine it with a walk along the coast.
Another hidden gem for outdoor dining in Mallorca is Puig de Santa Magdalena which is located on the top of Puig de Santa Magdalena! That’s why this restaurant has this name. It’s known for its spectacular views and great food. The restaurant is located in Inca, which is the third-largest town in Mallorca and is situated centrally on the island. You will get there through a winding course with about 10 hairpin bends. But the struggle is worth it, as at the top you will have a breathtaking view of 360 degrees all around.
Puig de Santa Magdalena has an extensive menu, so you can tell it’s no problem for the restaurant to get all the food brought there – even though it lies at a peak. Visitors agree that the wine list is priced way too cheaply. The service there is very good and attentive and you’ll love going inside once you spot this small, roughly stoned building. It is very charming to be there and we highly recommend you to go to Puig de Santa Magdalena if you’re in for a breathtaking view down into the landscape.
When you’d like to eat great food but you don’t want to pay the highest price, you can have a look at these moderately priced restaurants. In contrary to fine dining, these restaurants don’t have this greater formality and higher quality as with fine dining. And maybe you don’t want to follow dining rules, too (which is with fine dining). The following restaurants are a good choice to have a great meal in Mallorca for a good price!
If you are looking to dine in the hearts of Palma, you should try out the Hungry Gastro Food Bar. It Is a fantastic restaurant known for its exceptional food in a relaxed, but professional atmosphere. As you know, the airport of Mallorca lies in Palma. So if you’re not in Mallorca yet and you decide to go there, you will arrive in Palma. Why not reward yourself with a great dining or lunch experience at this Hungry Gastro Food Bar? Especially after a delayed flight, you deserve it.
Anyway, be aware that this restaurant is a small place, so booking beforehand is recommended. Once inside at your table, you might notice the restaurant turning away all people who turned up without a reservation. The atmosphere is also known to be authentic and the service at Hungry Gastro Food Bar is extremely good. Everything comes at reasonable prices, is creatively cooked and is very delicious!
Located in the town of Porto Colom on the east coast of Mallorca, you will find the restaurant Ecologico. They call themselves an organic restaurant and they are located very close to the sea! Especially during the warmer months, you can also dine outside and enjoy the beautiful view of the water. They have a lot of attention to detail, as everything is served with suiting plates, flowers, leaves, and more! So don’t be surprised when you’ll find a beautiful flower sitting on your drink. Restaurant Ecologico is a lovely restaurant with very delicious food.
They offer vegan dishes, as well as tasty fish and meat. It is an absolute go-to place if you visit Mallorca or when you are near the east coast of Mallorca. We recommend you book a place close to the beach to get the best view experience. If high-quality ingredients in an amazing location are what you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong by visiting the restaurant Ecologico.
Located in Palma de Mallorca, closer to the sea, you’ll find the Cannibal Cantina Bistro restaurant. The restaurant serves both delicious Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. It is easy to find this restaurant due to its great location. The staff is patient and are passionate about what they do. The friendly staff combined with tasty dishes, a good service, and fair prices: that’s what makes this restaurant a perfect pick for moderately priced restaurants in Mallorca.
Cannibal Cantina Bistro has a relaxed atmosphere, with a homey ambience and lovely décor. Visitors agree that you shouldn’t walk past this restaurant when you are in Palma and try its fresh seafood, and other fresh and delicious meals! Besides, the wine is excellent too. Their menus are based on the food that’s freshly brought there on the day produce. So if good food is your priority, visit Cannibal Cantina Bistro.
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