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Full Day Tour to the Island of Mallorca

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We serve all of Spain and Portugal through our network of operational offices, which allows us to offer the best logistical support at all times.

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Central - Palma de Mallorca

C/ Fray Juníper Serra, 5 07014 Palma de Mallorca, Baleares

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Avinguda des Llauradors, 29 Poligono Industrial Monte Cristo. 07816 Ibiza. Islas Baleares

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Self Guided Walking Tour of Palma

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Palma is the sole major city in the Balearic Islands and, as the capital, boasts an array of historical sites, landmarks, and cathedrals that reflect its Roman, Moorish, and Christian heritage. The name Palma can be traced back to its Roman origins, although human settlement on this land dates back to the Bronze Age. Over the centuries, Palma transitioned between Arabic and Catholic rule, and today it stands as a tourist-friendly city where modern cafes, hotels, and shops coexist within ancient architectural marvels. When you visit Palma, you can delve into its rich history at numerous sites, museums, and landmarks.

Plaza de España, Palma

Plaza De Espana, Palma

If you are arriving by bus you will start off here, the main terminus.

The Plaza de España or Placa d’Espanya is a beautiful square located in the heart of Mallorca. It provides you with unparalleled scenic views and a relaxed, calm atmosphere. A favourite with locals and visitors, this square is ideal for a walk or just to sit back and take it easy on one of the numerous benches. It features pretty fountains that by night turned into a visual wonder. Eclectic music and vibrant lights give such an effect that the fountains seems to be virtually dancing.

Mercat Olivar

Mercat De L’Olivar

Leave the square at its most southerly exit and turn right down Carrer Convent Caputxins.

Mercat Olivar embodies the essence of a traditional Spanish market on a grand scale. Every day, it welcomes visitors, inviting them to wander through its corridors and purchase fresh food and products directly from the producers. The first floor boasts a wide variety of fresh produce, while the second floor is dedicated entirely to meat and cheese. Along the way, you’ll encounter vendors serving delectable tapas at affordable prices—truly representing the pinnacle of street food quality.

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor, Palma

Leave the market using the west ext onto Plaça de l’Olivar, turn left. Walk along La Casa de Valentina and follow the road as it turns left into Carrer d’En Vilanova. You will pass a small square and the Església de la Mercè – Pares Mercedaris, a Catholic Church, belonging to the Order of Mercy, built at the beginning of the 17th century. Turn right into Carrer de Can Martí Feliu until you reach Plaça del Banc de l’Oli. Leave the square (oval) at its south west exit and walk towards to archway entrance to Plaza Mayor.

Plaça Major serves as the primary square in Palma, characterized by its rectangular layout and framed by traditional yellow buildings adorned with green shutters. Over the centuries, it has remained the vibrant heart of city life.

This square occupies the site where the San Felipe Neri convent once stood and later became the headquarters of the notorious Spanish Inquisition in Mallorca, a role it held until 1823. The present square, as we know it today, took shape during the 19th century, with construction spanning from 1825 into the early 20th century.

The attractive edifices surrounding Plaça Major feature arched colonnades on the ground floor, providing sheltered walkways where shops could showcase their wares. Nowadays, these buildings house a diverse array of cafes, bars, and restaurants, many of which offer terraces that spill out onto the square. Here, street artists and musicians often entertain passers-by.

Plaça Major also hosts a craft market catering to tourists seeking souvenirs. This market operates throughout the year and is especially lively in July, August, September, during Easter, and at Christmas.

Plaza de Cort

Plaza Cort Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) Palma De Mallorca

Leave Plaza Mayor at the large exit in the middle of the south side. Walk down Carrer de Colom until you reach Plaza de Cort.

The delightful and petite Plaza de Cort or Plaça Cort, nestled in the heart of the city, is renowned for its ancient olive tree known as the ‘Olivera de Cort,’ which proudly graces its centre.

The square earned its name ‘Cort’ because it once served as the gathering place for the feudal court. Dominating the plaça is the town hall, a structure crafted between 1649 and 1680 by local architects Pere Bauçá, Miquel Oliver, and Bartomeu Calafat. Its façade is adorned with a blend of Mannerist and Baroque architectural elements.

At the heart of Plaça Cort lies the famous ‘Olivera de Cort,’ a six-hundred-year-old olive tree that was transported to Palma from the Pedruixella Petit estate in Pollença in 1989, symbolizing peace. This remarkable olive tree stands at a height of seven meters and is a popular attraction for visitors, many of whom enjoy searching for intriguing shapes on its trunk, such as an ear referred to as the ‘Orella de Mallorca.’

Around the square, you’ll find several charming bars and cafes, many of which offer inviting terraces that extend across Plaça Cort. Additionally, there’s an ice cream parlor known as Giovanni’s, which is notable for its royal patronage, as they deliver their delectable ice creams to the Spanish Royal House. Treat yourself to one of their ice creams and savor it beneath the shade of the ancient olive tree.

Banys Arabs

Arab Baths Palma-de-mallorca

These 10th-century baths are one of the few remaining vestiges of the Arab city of Medina Mayurqa, known today as Palma.

Dating back to a period spanning the 10th to 12th centuries, the Arab Baths were constructed using antique elements and recycled capitals from earlier epochs, including Muslim, Byzantine, and Roman capitals. These baths are seamlessly integrated into the gardens of the former orchard of the Can Fontirroig manor house.

They likely formed part of a nobleman’s residence and are akin to similar structures found in various Islamic cities. The tepidarium, a warm room, features a dome resembling a half orange and is illuminated by 25 circular openings to admit sunlight, supported by around a dozen columns.

One remarkable aspect is the unique character of each column, suggesting that they were salvaged from the remnants of diverse Roman edifices—a testament to early recycling practices. Hammams, such as these, served not only as places for bathing but also as social gathering spots. The courtyard, adorned with cacti, palm trees, and orange trees, would have provided a pleasant area for cooling off after a soothing bath.

Museu de Mallorca

Museo De Mallorca

Continue down Carrer de Can Serra turning right and right again to reach the Museu de Mallorca.

This museum offers a first-hand journey through the history of the island. Housed within a building erected on the grounds of a former 16th-century Baroque palace, it still preserves a significant portion of its original architecture. Within its walls, visitors can explore a wide range of artefacts spanning from prehistoric eras to the 19th century. The museum also boasts a notable collection of ceramics, showcasing various styles and historical periods, including the Modernist creations from the La Roqueta factory.

Jardí del Bisbe

Jardí Del Bisbe Bishop’s Garden, Palma

Walk up C/ de la Portella and turn left and walk down Carrer de Sant Pere Nolasc. The Ornate entance to Jardí del Bisbe is on your left.

The Jardí del Bisbe, or Bishop’s Garden, is situated behind Palma Cathedral, providing an exclusive and refreshing vantage point for viewing the cathedral’s rooftop and the rear façade of the Episcopal Palace. To enter the gardens, visitors pass through an impressive gate constructed in the mannerist style.

Once inside, you’ll encounter a layout reminiscent of the gardens that adorned the “Casals” or mansions of Palma. The design features meticulously trimmed hedges arranged in geometric patterns, an orchard, and a pond known as the “safareig.” During the spring and summer, the pond boasts blooming water lilies, adding color and fragrance to the surroundings.

Museu Diocesa

Museu Diocesa De Mallorca

Leave the Bishops gardens turning left and left again.

This compact museum, housing a collection of religious and historical artifacts, is situated within a section of the former episcopal palace situated discreetly behind the cathedral.

The bishop’s palace, originally constructed in the 13th century, boasts a primarily Gothic architectural style, though it has seen numerous renovations over the centuries, altering its initial appearance.

Within the museum’s exhibits, you’ll find an array of items such as paintings, pulpits, and prayer books. Notable highlights include exquisite Arab tapestries, a diverse collection of ceramics spanning five centuries, and a 17th-century painting depicting baby Jesus carrying a cross. Be sure to keep an eye out for the portrait of St. George (Sant Jordi), set against the backdrop of medieval Palma.

Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Royal Palace Of La Almudaina, Palma

Walk alongside the Cathedral on the aptly named Carrer del Mirador or Street of the view. The entrance to the Royal Palace is in front of you.

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is located just opposite Palma’s imposing Cathedral ‘La Seu’. It’s elevated position overlooking the Bay of Palma lent it great strategic importance throughout the ages. Today, it’s one of the capital’s main attractions. If you are staying in Palma, it’s a short walk or public bus ride to the palace. There is also ample parking in front of the Cathedral along the Paseo Marítimo. The word ‘Almudaina’ comes from the Arabic for ‘fortress’. However, long before the Moors arrived in the 10th century, the site had already been used by Romans, and even further back, by the Talaiots. When the Christians took possession of the island in the 13th century, the Moorish features were largely demolished. Under King Jaume II, the palace adopted the Levantine Gothic style. Visitors can wander through its numerous rooms, soaking up its history. There are a series of three grand rooms where you may notice the bricked-in Gothic arches cut off in the middle. These rooms, which are furnished with period pieces and tapestries, would have once been double their present height and formed a vast hall.

La Seu cathedral

Palma Cathedral

Turn left out of the palace and right along the north side of the Cathedral.

The monumental La Seu cathedral is an immense structure situated by the sea, and its construction spanned several centuries. Its origins trace back to around 1230, at the command of King Jaume I of Mallorca, following the conclusion of the lengthy Moorish rule over the Mediterranean island. This grand church was erected on the site of an ancient mosque. The construction process endured for over 350 years, culminating in the completion of the nave and the main entrance in 1601.

Upon closer inspection, the colossal dimensions of La Seu cathedral become apparent. The building spans nearly 110 meters in length and boasts a width of 33 meters. Its nave reaches a towering height of 44 meters, ranking among the largest of its kind in Europe. One of the cathedral’s remarkable features is the Gothic rosette window on its eastern facade. With a diameter of 12.55 meters, this window comprises over 1,200 vibrant stained glass fragments. When the sunlight filters through, it conjures mesmerizing kaleidoscopic patterns within the interior, captivating all who behold it.

Palau March

Palau Marche Palma

Leaving the Cathedral head back to the Palace and turn right to get to Palau March.

Situated within the Palau March, a residence constructed between 1939 and 1945 for Majorcan banker Juan March Ordinas (1880-1962) in Palma, this museum is a splendid testament to architectural and historical elegance. The project was skillfully crafted by architect Luis Gutierrez Soto of Madrid, incorporating a historical design language enriched by influences from Majorcan and Italian baroque palaces.

Notable features of the Palau March Museum encompass the grand courtyard of honor and its meticulously adorned façade. The latter showcases intricate ornamentation and an open gallery, now transformed into the museum’s cafeteria, which serves as an outstanding vantage point offering panoramic views of the heart of Palma.

S'Hort del Rei (Royal Garden), Palma

S’Hort Del Rei Royal Garden, Palma

Walk down the steps of beside the Palace which you will walk anticlockwise around.

The gardens, originally dating back to the medieval era, were once an integral part of the Royal Palace Almudaina. These lush grounds were adorned with fruit trees, vegetables, medicinal plants, and ornamental flora, which is why they were often referred to as the orchard of the Royal Palace or the king’s orchard. These gardens were encompassed by a lofty wall, and the Cavalry guarded the area on the seaside and northern fronts, with a gardener’s residence present.

In 1834, the wall surrounding the garden was replaced with a wooden fence, which, in turn, was substituted with an iron fence in 1882. However, as the early 20th century dawned, the orchard gradually disappeared, making way for the construction of the Lyric theatre (1902), La Alhambra (1918), and other structures like a barber shop, a photography shop, a bike shop, and more.

It wasn’t until the latter half of the 20th century that a decision was made to undertake a revitalization project in the heart of Palma, aimed at preserving the city’s historic sections and architectural heritage. Beginning in 1966, efforts commenced to dismantle the buildings occupying the site of the Royal gardens and to restore the gardens themselves.

Lonja, Palma De Mallorca, España

Cross over Av. d’Antoni Maura and walk along the Passeig de sagrera until you reach the Palm trees of Plaza La Lonja.

With its twin turrets and a guardian angel gracing the entrance, this 15th-century waterfront edifice bears the appearance of being part-castle and part-church. However, it is, in fact, neither.

Designed by Guillem Sagrera, the same architect responsible for the cathedral’s Portal del Mirador, this building served as the city’s exchange during Mallorca’s heyday as a major maritime trading hub in the 15th century.

As the tides of trade ebbed over the centuries, Palma’s commercial significance waned, prompting the building to adapt to changing needs. It served as a storage facility for goods and weaponry during the War of Independence and transformed into a fine art gallery in the late 19th century.

The rectangular hall features octagonal towers at each corner, complemented by ten smaller towers functioning as buttresses. Standing amidst the spiraling pillars, gazing upward at the ribbed vaults, one can attempt to envision the Mallorcan merchants from 500 years ago engaging in negotiations over silk, spices, and silver.

Today, La Llotja serves as a cultural center, hosting temporary exhibitions and fostering a vibrant artistic atmosphere.

Passeig del Born

Passeig Del Born

Walk along Carrer de Sant Joan and turn second right into Carrer dels Apuntadors. The roundabout at the end is called Plaça la Reina, or square of the Queen. Turn left to walk along Paseo del Borne.

Paseo del Borne, known as ‘Passeig des Born’ in Catalan, stands out as arguably the most refined avenue in Palma. Not surprisingly, it has become a magnet for luxury brands like Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera, and Sandro, earning it the nickname of the “Golden Mile.”

This avenue seamlessly channels the flow of traffic from two bustling thoroughfares, Avenida Jaime III and Carrer de la Unió, which leads to Las Ramblas. Despite this constant stream of activity, the broad promenade somehow manages to retain a sense of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle.

Along the pedestrianized section, you’ll find restaurants and cafés with inviting terraces, perfect for indulging in some people-watching. Numerous stone benches line the avenue, encouraging visitors to pause and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s pulsating heart.

Tall trees generously provide shade during the summer months, while in winter, their trunks come alive with sparkling Christmas lights. Paseo del Borne is flanked by two charming squares, Plaça Joan Carles and Plaça de la Reina, adding to the overall allure of this captivating promenade.

Can Casasayas

Can Casasayas, Palma

Walk along Carrer de Jovellanos and turn left into Carrer dels Paraires until you reach Plaça del Mercat.

The Casasayas building and the Pensión Menorquina are exemplary structures showcasing the Modernist ‘art nouveau’ style, distinguished by their original symmetry and dynamic design. These two buildings, identical in execution and symmetrically positioned with Calle de Santacília between them, rank among the most significant and distinctive edifices in Palma.

Commissioned by Josep Casasayas Casajuana, the proprietor of the Can Frasquet pastry shop, these buildings were designed by Francesc Roca, who supervised the initial phase of construction. Completion of the project was overseen by Guillem Reynés.

The ground floors emphasize structural elements, prominently featuring metal columns. As you ascend to the upper levels, you’ll be captivated by the undulating designs and finishes that infuse the facades with remarkable dynamism and plasticity. The balconies showcase intricate metalwork, and the windows exhibit exquisite wooden craftsmanship, contributing to the overall effect. The openings assume various forms, including parabolic arches, marking the pronounced plastic and dynamic treatment characteristic of the Modernist ‘art nouveau’ movement. While decorative elements are not overly abundant, you can spot elegant representations of ferns, acanthus leaves, and butterflies, particularly adorning the iron capitals and wrought-iron details of the balconies.

Juan March Foundation Museum

Majorque Palma Vers Placa Major Museu Fundación Juan March

Turn to the right and walk along Carrer Unió taking the steps to reach Plaza Mayor. Leave by the north exit and walk along Carrer de Sant Miquel.

The Museu Fundación Juan March is housed in a building that originally served as a private residence, with its origins dating back to the 17th century. However, in the early 20th century, it underwent a significant renovation overseen by architect Guillem Reynés i Font. Since 1990, this historical structure has been the home to a portion of the art collection belonging to the Fundación Juan March.

Continue along Carrer de Sant Miquel until you return to Plaça d’Espanya.

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Road Trip Mallorca: Around the East Coast of the Island

A road trip Mallorca along the east coast of the island will take you through medieval castles and impressing caves. It can make an unforgettable jouney filled with beauty and discoveries. Find the best itinerary for this trip here!

Recommended activities : 1. Skip the Lima Palma Cathedral Entry Ticket 2. 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 3. East Mallorca Coasteering Experience 4. Caves of Drach Day Tour Recommended hotel s: 1. Hipotels Playa de Palma Palace & Spa Palma de Mallorca 2. Alua Leo Hotel Palma de Mallorca 3. Hotel and Restaurant Jardi D’Artá Artá 4. Can Xisquet Capdepera 5. Apartamentos Sureda Canyamel 6. Villa Can Nieves Cala Ratjada 7. Casa Portoblau Porto Cristo

Road Trip Mallorca around the East Coast:

What to see.

I will start by presenting a little guide about what you can find in Palma, the island’s capital. With about 420,000 population as for 2023, this number can easily multiply by five in summer holidays.

Road trip Mallorca: View of Palma

Being such a beautiful summer destination, not all the tourism revolve only around the beaches. There is much more to Palma than the sea. There are picturesque streets on the Old Town which take you back to historical times, with the Cathedral as an omnipresent landmark.

I recommend obtaining a Skip the Line Palma Cathedral Entry Ticket in advance. The Cathedral is always crowded with tourists, so this ticket will make you save a lot of time.

Cathedral of Palma

Another impressive landmark and which I recommend not to miss is the Castle of Bellver. This city’s simbol dates back to the 13th century and it is the only circular castle in Spain.

The castle is located 3 km from the center. An easy way to arrive there is to obtain your ticket for a 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour . This way you can enjoy access not only to the castle but also to 16 stops around the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Road Trip Mallorca: Artá

The Mallorca road trip around the eastern coast starts in Artá. This charming town, home to approximately 8,000 people, is located at a one-hour driving distance, 52.2 miles (84 km) from Palma.

Artá boasts 26 beaches, some of which are considered the most beautiful on the entire island of Mallorca.

Artá Harbor

Artá stands out as a unique destination, preserving the essence of traditional craftsmanship. There are numerous artisans proficient in woodworking and handicrafts. Many of them engage in the manufacture of the iconic handbags and hats made of Palma, a native plant thriving on Mallorca. I found beautiful items in Son Pocapalla, a shop with more than 50 years in the business.

Mallorcan handicraft

The most emblematic landmarks of Artá are the fort and the church of Sant Salvador, situated atop the mountain bearing the same name. To reach the summit, one must ascend 180 steps, but trust me, the magnificent view of the valley from above is well worth the effort.

View of Artá and the castle

Capdepera is about 12,000 people and it’s main attraction is also a medieval castle. You can climb it easily in about 5 minutes in order to get an amazing view of the town.

Inside the castle you will find a permanent exhibit showcasing the traditional craftsmanship of Capdepera and Artá with “llata”. This is a unique type of palm heart. It’s very interesting to learn how the leaves are dried, braided, and transformed into various objects like beautiful baskets, collectors, and fans.

Castle of Capdepera

The lighthouse of Capdepera is one of the most iconic landmarks in Mallorca. Situated in a breathtaking natural setting, it offers a magnificent view of the cliffs. And from the top you can even glance at the Menorca Island.

Lighthouse of Capdepera

Canyamel Harbor

The Canyamel harbor is south of Capdepera. On one side there is a natural reserve which is perfect for bird watching. On the other side you will find the resort of Canyamel, very popular not only with Spanish tourists but other European tourists as well.

Road trip Mallorca: Canyamel

The beach has a blue flag and is considered one of the top 20 beaches in Mallorca and is only 6 miles (10 kms) from Artá and Capdepera. It’s a lovely destination for families. It stretches for 290 meters, making it perfect for diving.

Cala Ratjada

Cala Ratjada is a charming fishing port featuring a small beach on one end and Cala Aguila at the northern tip. The city’s focal point is the port, around which the center of town is concentrated. There is a significative German population which adds a unique flavor to the area.

Port of Cala Ratjada

At Cala Ratjada tourists enjoy every kind of sea water sports, diving and surfing.

Road trip Mallorca: Cala Ratjada

Cala Agulla

Northwest of Cala Ratjada you will find the town of Cala Agulla. This 525-meter white-sand beach is very clean with white sand and turquoise waters. It offers various water sports and activities, like pedal boats, kayaks, and paddleboarding.

Road trip Mallorca: Cala Agulla

Caves of Artá

These caves are located in the Canyamel harbor and can be reached by car from Cala Ratjada in only ten minutues. Visits to the caves are every half an hour and last 40 minutes. During the tour you can see one of the most impressive stalagmites in the world, 22 meters high.

Road trip Mallorca: Caves of Artá

Jules Verne visited these caves, inspiring his novel “Journey to the center of the earth”. They were a refuge for 2,000 Moors during the conquest of Mallorca by the Spanish king in the 13th century. Later the caves were used by hermits, pirates, and smugglers.

Porto Cristo

Porto Cristo exudes traditional charm with its old stone houses, white chalets, and lively port. The addition of a marina caters to modern boat owners. Ideal for families and couples seeking a peaceful getaway, it offers a tranquil atmosphere with limited nightlife.

From Portocristo, you can take a half-day coasteering adventure. This includes climbing, rappelling, scrambling, and even jumping off cliffs. Safety gear and a safety-oriented instructor are provided. This is a kid-friendly tour for the adventurous family.

Book your East Mallorca Coasteering Experience here

Caves del Drach

The main attraction nearby are the famous Caves del Drach (Caves of Dragons). The route inside has a total of 0.75 miles (1.20 km) and it is one of the best things you can do in this Mallorca road trip through the eastern side of the island.

Road trip Mallorca: Caves del Drach

The visit lasts for about one hour. Inside the caves there is one of the largest underground lakes of the world, Lake Martel. Here visitors attend a classic music concert and can even have a boat ride.

Book a Caves of Drach Day Trip and Optional Caves of Hams here

Road Trip Mallorca: Where to Stay

Hipotels Playa de Palma Palace & Spa is a 5-star hotel located 200 meters from Playa de Palma beach. It features a spa with beauty treatments, a hot tub, and a fitness center. Bike hire and on-site parking are available. Popular for cycling.

Book your stay at Hipotels Playa de Palma Palace & Spa here

The Alua Leo Hotel enjoys a prime location just 100 meters away from the stunning Can Pastilla Beach. Spacious pool-side area complete with a bar. Buffet restaurant that serves a diverse selection of international and local cuisine. Parking facilities.

Book your stay at the Alua Leo Hotel here

The Hotel & Restaurant Jardi D’Artá is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It enjoys views of the impressive church of San Salvador. It offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a fitness center. The beaches of Cala Rajada are located 10 km away.

Book your stay at the Hotel & Restaurant Jardi D’Artá here

Can Xisquet is a self-catered vacation home. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a well equipped kitchen. It offers a terrace, private pool, and free WiFi. Son Moll Beach and Cala n’Aguait are both 1.5 miles away.

Book your stay at Can Xisquet here

Apartamentos Sureda is close to Canyamel Beach. There are well-equipped apartments with private terraces. Pool, a café-bar, and a wellness area. It’s close to restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets, the Arta Caves (20 minutes’ walk). It offers private parking.

Book your stay at Apartamentos Sureda here

V illa Can Nieves is within a 9-minute walk of La Ferradura Beach and 0.6 miles of Cala Agulla Beach. Built in 2018, the villa features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views. Restaurant, spa and a wellnes center.

Book your stay at Villa Can Nieves here

Casa Portoblau is a vacation home located just an 8-minute walk from Playa de Porto Cristo. It has 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with free toiletries. Free WiFi. It features gardens, terrace, patio and a 24-hour front desk.

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SIDETOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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RuPaul Serves Some Confounding Truths in ‘The House of Hidden Meanings’

Chronicling the high-heeled path to drag-queen superstardom, the new memoir also reveals a celebrity infatuated with his sense of a special destiny.

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A black-and-white photograph shows RuPaul from the waist up, wearing makeup and a blond wig with a topknot, standing in front of a poster advertising his own performance.

By Saeed Jones

Saeed Jones is the author of three books, most recently “Alive at the End of the World.”

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THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MEANINGS: A Memoir, by RuPaul

As “The House of Hidden Meanings” is RuPaul’s fourth book and his first straightforward memoir, it’s understandably being marketed as an opportunity to see the pop culture icon in a new light. The striking, almost intimidating, black-and-white cover photograph notably subverts the expectation of seeing Ru in glamorous technicolor drag. All the artifice has been stripped away, we’re being told: This is RuPaul stripped bare.

But the meanings laid bare in the text contradict RuPaul’s narration again and again. What’s revealed is a striver high on his own supply who tries to spin his story as empathetic wisdom draped in Instagram-ready captions.

About 70 pages in, RuPaul — at the time, a Black high school dropout driving luxury cars across the country to help a relative flip them for profit — declares without irony, “Americans have always been frontiersmen, people who are open to a new adventure, and I felt this as I drove cars alone, back and forth, across the United States.”

I wearily recalled an earlier section of the book. Explaining the conservative environment of his childhood in San Diego, RuPaul summarizes the Great Migration in a paragraph that would be considered too concise even for a Wikipedia entry, then declares, “All the Black people in our neighborhood were transplants from the South, and so they had inherited a kind of slave mentality, which was based on fear.”

Aside from breathtaking dismissiveness of the decades of racial violence that made the migration necessary, it’s chilling to see a public figure known as a champion of the marginalized so easily dismiss survivors of Jim Crow-era terror as people who “hold onto their victim mentality so fiercely; it becomes a defining feature of their identity.”

The way we tell our stories has a way of telling on us. The memoir reveals an author who thinks he understands outsiders when, really, all he understands is that he wanted to become famous and eventually became famous. And given RuPaul Charles’s truly extraordinary talent, that would be fine if the book (and his brand) weren’t so invested in trying to convince the rest of us that he has unique insight into the joke called life.

Whether your introduction to RuPaul was his 1989 appearance in the “Love Shack” music video , his breakout single “Supermodel (You Better Work)” or, more recently, his Emmy Award-winning run as the executive producer and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” currently in its 16th season, you know that RuPaul isn’t just famous, glamorous and funny; he’s interesting.

At his best, he has reminded us that “fierce” is a warning, not just a compliment. (I’ll never forget sitting cross-legged in my living room, watching RuPaul onstage at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards, confronting Milton Berle’s anti-gay disrespect in real time while they presented an award together.) And as the self-declared “Queen of Drag, ” an art form and pop phenomenon that remixes identity, music, fashion, comedy and politics into a fantasia that’s wickedly entertaining and often radical, RuPaul has lived a life, honey. Without question.

But living a life and coherently expressing a life story on the page are two very different arts. Rather than patiently allowing his tale to unfold, he struggles not to remind us that everything that has ever happened to him happened for a reason.

Then again, maybe he has a point. When RuPaul’s mother — one of the book’s truly standout characters — was pregnant, a psychic told her that she would have a boy and that he would be famous. As RuPaul writes, “With that in mind, she gave me the name RuPaul because, as she put it, ‘Ain’t another [expletive] alive with a name like that.’ Fame, for me, was less a dream than a predestination.” In other words, “The House of Hidden Meanings” is less a memoir than a prophecy unpacked in reverse.

And so, via a fire hose of anecdotes, minor characters and ready-made wisdom (much of which longtime fans will recognize from TV and other books), “Hidden Meanings” traces RuPaul’s curlicue path from early life in San Diego to the Black Mecca of Atlanta in the late 1970s and ’80s, to the club kid scene in New York and, finally, to the early years of true fame brought into focus by the success of “Supermodel.”

For readers who approach the celebrity memoir as a scavenger hunt, there are some fun finds here. A friend comes back from an Atlanta bar and quotes Lakesha Lucky, a drag queen there, saying, “You’re born naked, and the rest is drag,” during her act. The mantra has since become a RuPaul staple.

Madonna glares at RuPaul one night at the Pyramid Club. Elton John, Crystal LaBeija and Susanne Bartsch make brief appearances. Liza Minnelli drifts through a paragraph and is gone before the paragraph is over.

More than half of the book is set in Atlanta, where RuPaul and a revolving cast of “bohemian scallywags” embraced public-access television, drag bars and dilapidated apartments to create a punk scene. In successfully bringing this world to life, the book allows us to see an outsider embracing his fellow outsiders, by necessity, sure, but also out of deep love.

The most compelling chapter comes at the two-thirds mark, after what looks like a promising start in New York City falls through, and Ru ends up back in his mother’s California home.

Though he spends much of the book on the thin side of poverty, this protracted ordeal is the first time we see the glimmer in his eyes start to flicker. The precarity of this moment is all the more moving because RuPaul hits it big in the next chapter. He just has to hold on a little longer.

With 30 pages left to go, he meets Georges LeBar, the man who eventually becomes his life partner. The search for love is a consistent theme, which makes such a rushed depiction of its turbulent arrival all the more confusing. The moment our author — a triple Scorpio for those of us keeping tabs — actually finds love, he cuts himself off in the middle of the story.

Throughout “The House of Hidden Meanings,” RuPaul doesn’t hesitate to mention that luck was on his side. He nods to the specter of H.I.V./AIDS, the crack epidemic, even his run-ins with the police, then quickly turns back to his once-in-a-generation fortune.

But in this chapter, we’re reminded that the true miracle isn’t that he became famous, but that he survived an era that claimed the lives of countless young gay Black men, many of them just as talented, funny and interesting. Perhaps they are the meaning this country has worked so hard to keep hidden from us.

THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MEANINGS : A Memoir | By RuPaul | Dey Street | 256 pp. | $29.99

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Gabriel García Márquez wanted his final novel to be destroyed. Its publication this month  may stir questions about posthumous releases.

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Ice Cube, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony bring ‘Legends of Hip Hop’ concert to San Antonio

E-40, juvenile, amanda perez, and n2 deep will also perform.

Julie Moreno , Executive Producer/Digital Content

SAN ANTONIO – Some 90′s icons are bringing old-school hip hop to San Antonio this summer.

“The Legends of Hip Hop” Concert Tour starring Ice Cube will stop at the Frost Bank Center on Aug. 3.

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Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, E-40, Juvenile, Amanda Perez, and N2 Deep will also perform their biggest 90′s hits during the collaborative concert.

General tickets go on sale Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. at FrostBankCenter.com or on Ticketmaster.com . For exclusive presale access, sign up at Frost Bank Center’s All Access Newsletter and select the “Hip Hop” genre.

The following is background on each artist provided by the tour promoters:

Ice Cube, Born O’shea Jackson and from Compton is no doubt a rap pioneer, legendary lyricist, movie star, director, and media mogul. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of N.W.A. in 2016. His songs are iconic and include a vast catalogue of music including “It Was a Good Day,” “Check Yo Self,” “You Can Do it,” “Friday,” to name a few. In 2022, he said the San Antonio crowd was passionate and welcomed him and all the artists in a huge way and that he is really looking forward to being back again this summer.

Bone Thugs-N Harmony is an American Hip Hop Group composed of rappers, Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, and Flesh-n-Bone. Formed in 1991 in Cleveland, Ohio, the group has had a string of hits, and their songs remain classic today including “The Crossroads,” “Thuggish Ruggish Bone,” “1st of the Month” to name a few.

E-40, known as the Ambassador of the Bay, is a Northern California rap star who broke into the national scene with the single “Tell Me Where to Go” which was produced by Lil Jon. His other big songs include “You and Dat,” “Captain Save a Hoe” and “Sprinkle Me” are just a few that he will perform at the concert.

Juvenile, known as “Juvee the Great” is a Southern born rapper who is best known for his music with Birdman’s Cash Money Records in the late 1990′s and early 2000′s. His biggest hits include “Back that Azz Up,” “Slow Motion” and “Ha” all of which he will perform amongst many others.

Amanda Perez is a Mexican R&B/Rapper from Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has always had a love and appreciation for her strong Texas following and will perform such hits including “Angel,” I Pray” and “Candy Kisses.” She said it’s been too long since she was in San Antonio and can’t wait to be back this summer.

N2 Deep is an American Chicano rap duo formed in Vallejo CA in 1989 with original members Jame’s “Jay Tee” Trujillo and Timothy “TL” Lyon. In 1992 the duo scored with a huge song called “Back to The Hotel” that for many has become a party anthem. It was a song about how crazy times were growing up and the many memories that young people never let go of from the past. All part of that trip down memory lane. Other popular N2 Deep Songs they will perform are “High Sidin,” “Toss Up,” and “The Weekend.”

Copyright 2024 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

About the Author:

Julie moreno.

Julie Moreno has worked in local television news for more than 25 years. She came to KSAT as a news producer in 2000. After producing thousands of newscasts, she transitioned to the digital team in 2015. She writes on a wide variety of topics from breaking news to trending stories and manages KSAT’s daily digital content strategy.

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COMMENTS

  1. Sidetours Incoming Services

    C/ Fray Junípero Serra, 5 07014 Palma de Mallorca. Baleares Tel. (+34) 971 28 39 00 [email protected] Reservas Fax (+34) 971 457 402 [email protected] Delegaciones España

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    3 Hours Historical E-Bike Tour in Palma de Mallorca. 188. Recommended. 98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher. E-Bike Tours. from . $52.99. per adult. Half Day Private Sailing Tour along the Tramuntana Coast. 14. Recommended. 100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Adventure Tours.

  3. What to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    About. Sidetours Incoming Services is an Incoming Travel Agency with more than 40 years of experience serving the tourism industry. A trajectory that has allowed us to be one of the leaders of the Spanish tourism industry and one of the most respected and considered incoming agencies in the sector. Palma de Mallorca, Majorca, Spain.

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    Always by your side. ... Transfers and tours. Large groups. XML integrations. Tourist accommodation. ... C/ Fray Junípero Serra, 5 07014 Palma de Mallorca. Baleares Phone (+34) 971 28 39 00 [email protected] Reservations Fax (+34) 971 457 402 [email protected]. Delegations in Spain.

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    Walking Tour in Palma de Mallorca. 1. Bus Tours. from . £33.10. per adult. Ticket Palma Aquarium. 181. Aquariums. from . £24.83. per adult. LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Sunset & Drinks Boat Trip, SUP & Snorkel 3 Hour. 22. Recommended. 95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Half-day Tours. from . £65.33. per adult.

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  7. SIDETOURS (Palma de Mallorca)

    Sidetours, Palma de Mallorca: See 9 reviews, articles, and photos of Sidetours, ranked No.190 on Tripadvisor among 190 attractions in Palma de Mallorca.

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    Sidetours Incoming Services, Palma De Mallorca, Spain. 1,136 likes · 49 were here. Agencia receptiva en España & Portugal - Incoming agency for Spain & Portugal. Información y servi

  9. Sidetours Incoming Services (Palma de Mallorca, Spain ...

    About. Sidetours Incoming Services is an Incoming Travel Agency with more than 40 years of experience serving the tourism industry. A trajectory that has allowed us to be one of the leaders of the Spanish tourism industry and one of the most respected and considered incoming agencies in the sector.

  10. The BEST Palma de Mallorca Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    The best tours to do in Palma de Mallorca with kids are: Mallorca: Palma Aquarium Entry Ticket with 3D Cinema. El Arenal, Mallorca: Bay of Palma Boat Tour with Snorkeling. Mallorca: Catamaran Coastal Cruise with Lunch. Mallorca: Admission Tickets for Aqualand el Arenal. Palma de Mallorca: Los Deltas Jet Ski Tour.

  11. Sidetours (Palma de Mallorca)

    Sidetours, Palma de Mallorca: See 14 reviews, articles, and photos of Sidetours, ranked No.206 on Tripadvisor among 206 attractions in Palma de Mallorca.

  12. THE TOP 10 Mallorca Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    A: The best tours in Mallorca according to Viator travelers are: Mallorca Catamaran Small Group Cruise with Tapas. Mallorca Midday or Sunset Sailing with Light Snacks and Open Bar. 4.5-hour excursion through Mallorca Driving GT Cabrio Car. Luxury Catamaran Tour with Tapas & Welcome Drink Max 10-12 Person.

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  14. Sidetours Incoming Services

    C/ Fray Junípero Serra, 5 07014 Palma de Mallorca. Baleares Phone (+34) 971 28 39 00 [email protected] Reservations Fax (+34) 971 457 402 [email protected] Delegations in Spain

  15. The worst experience, whole day was ruined! No refund!

    the tour guide's speech was unintelligible the whole way, he was slurred, his pronunciation was ... With reserved an airport transfer with them (from Palma de Mallorca to Cala Antena), but the bus did not arrive, we were searching for them for more than an hour! We called them, but got no answer so we had to take a taxi for 80 euros!!

  16. Sidetours Incoming Services

    Central - Palma de Mallorca. C/ Fray Juníper Serra, 5 07014 Palma de Mallorca, Baleares. Tel. (+34) 971 283 900 [email protected]. Ibiza. Avinguda des Llauradors, 29 Poligono Industrial Monte Cristo. 07816 Ibiza. Islas Baleares. Tel: (+34) 971 307 363 [email protected]. Menorca.

  17. SIDETOURS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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  18. Self Guided Walking Tour of Palma

    Self Guided Walking Tour of Palma. Palma is the sole major city in the Balearic Islands and, as the capital, boasts an array of historical sites, landmarks, and cathedrals that reflect its Roman, Moorish, and Christian heritage. The name Palma can be traced back to its Roman origins, although human settlement on this land dates back to the ...

  19. Road Trip Mallorca: Around the East Coast of the Island

    The Mallorca road trip around the eastern coast starts in Artá. This charming town, home to approximately 8,000 people, is located at a one-hour driving distance, 52.2 miles (84 km) from Palma. Artá boasts 26 beaches, some of which are considered the most beautiful on the entire island of Mallorca. The Harbor of Artá.

  20. VIAJES SIDETOURS

    07014 Palma. Spain. Get directions. Recommended Reviews. Your trust is our top concern, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews. Username. Location. 0. 0. 1 star rating. Not good. 2 star rating. Could've been better. 3 star rating. OK. 4 star rating. Good. 5 star rating.

  21. SIDETOURS

    Sidetours, Palma de Mallorca: See 15 reviews, articles, and photos of Sidetours, ranked No.207 on Tripadvisor among 207 attractions in Palma de Mallorca. ... 3 Hours Historical E-Bike Tour in Palma de Mallorca. 188. Recommended. 98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher. E-Bike Tours. from .

  22. Book Review: 'The House of Hidden Meanings,' by RuPaul

    Throughout "The House of Hidden Meanings," RuPaul doesn't hesitate to mention that luck was on his side. He nods to the specter of H.I.V./AIDS, the crack epidemic, even his run-ins with the ...

  23. Ice Cube, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony bring 'Legends of Hip Hop' concert to

    SAN ANTONIO - Some 90′s icons are bringing old-school hip hop to San Antonio this summer. "The Legends of Hip Hop" Concert Tour starring Ice Cube will stop at the Frost Bank Center on Aug. 3.