the guardian travel mallorca

Walking in Mallorca

• — Unearth a traditional and tranquil side of Mallorca — Stay in characterful accommodation including a converted monastery — Enjoy coastal panoramas and walks in the Tramuntana Mountains — Walk through ancient forests and spot birds of prey including falcons, ospreys and vultures

Highlights and Inclusions

• — All breakfasts, four picnic lunches (five on Activity Level 5 weeks) and one dinner — All accommodation

Fly to Palma and transfer to Puerto Sóller, arriving in time for a welcome dinner.

We walk along the coast to the beautiful little bay of Cala Deiá, where (time permitting) we can paddle in the turquoise waters. From here, we head inland towards Deiá, one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca owing to its idyllic setting in the hills. This walk explores the delightful area between the mountains and sea, using old tracks and paths over the cliffs, and offers coastal views along the Mediterranean pinewoods and coastal shrubs. We stop for a picnic lunch along the way. Walking distance: 8mi (12km); ascent: 1,315ft (400m); descent: 820ft (250m); duration: five hours

We take the historic wooden tram to Sóller and walk towards the village of Biniaraitx. From here, we will walk a wonderful circular route through the middle section of the Biniaraix ravine, which will allow us to discover Mallorca’s popular Dry Stone Route. The route was named due to the special technique which was used to line the route using only stones laid on top of each other, which can be identified with the many terraces and cobbled paths. On the route we will stop to have a picnic surrounded by a 50 metre waterfall. Afterwards we will follow a different path back down to the centre of Sóller, where we usually stop for a drink or a wander around the town before taking the tram back to Puerto Sóller. Walking distance: 6.5 mi (10.5km); ascent: 1,476ft (450m); descent: 1,476ft (450m); duration:  five hours

Today has been left free for you to use as you wish. Choose to relax in Puerto Sóller or explore elsewhere on the island. Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and there is a wealth of things to see and do – your leader will provide further details and help you to arrange any excursions locally. For instance, you may decide to spend the day in Sóller (inland from Puerto Sóller) – wandering through its narrow streets and visiting museums. Other options include visiting picturesque Valldemossa or the island capital, Palma, which is home to a magnificent cathedral, numerous churches, museums and excellent shopping opportunities. It is recommended to take the historic wooden train through the mountains between Sóller and Palma at least one way. For something a little different, it is possible to take a taxi boat to Sa Foradada (to eat at the restaurant) or take the ferry to La Calobra to visit the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis Gorge.

After a short drive from the hotel, we start our walk from the Mirador de Ses Barques. From here, we follow an old mule track away from the coast to Coll de Moncaire and head inland through a hidden and unspoilt little valley to Balitx farm. Next, we climb up to Coll de Biniamar to join the coastal path of Sa Costera, offering spectacular scenery throughout, until we reach the little bay of Cala Tuent where the bus will meet us for the transfer (approximately one hour) along the beautiful Sa Calobra road to the Lluc Monastery. Walking distance: 9mi (14km); ascent: 900ft (275m); descent: 2,130ft (650m); duration: five hours

Today we enjoy a wonderful circular walk forming an arc around the Monastery of Lluc. The scenery along the route is varied and spectacular, including ancient oak forests, rock formations up to 200ft (60m) high and views of the highest peaks in Mallorca. Walking distance: 6mi (10km); ascent: 885ft (270m); descent: 885ft (270m); duration: four hours

We finish the trip on a high, climbing Puig d'en Galileu, which is one of the highest peaks on the island at 3,875ft (1,181m). The recently restored path to the top is beautiful and offers outstanding views across Lluc Valley and the peaks of Tomir and Roig. Walking distance: 6mi (9km); ascent: 2,295ft (700m); descent: 2,295ft (700m); duration: five hours

The tour ends after breakfast. Those travelling on the group flights will be transferred to Palma airport for your flight back to London.

Varied walking in mountainous and coastal scenery. Good to have the opportunity for city viewing in Palma and Soller. Some rocky descents which were quite challenging as required a lot of concentration.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The windy summit on the final day's walk

What did you think of your group leader?

Jacob was efficient and organised.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Boots with a good ankle support , I think, are essential. A pole helps with the descents which, especially on the 2nd day , were quite long and a bit arduous . They demanded a lot of concentration so watching your feet rather than the view was required. Not many wild flowers to see on this 1st Easter departure date but a good temperature for walking. The wooded sections would provide much needed shade later into the early summer.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Accommodation was fine. Food OK, nothing special, just adequate.

I did the grade 3 version, I found the walks easy in terms of height gain and distance, but a lot of the paths have very uneven rock and stone surfaces and I would recommend proper walking boots to avoid twisted ankles. The Hotel in Port Soller was plain, clean and comfortable with a good breakfast. Quality of the diners in local restaurants was variable. The Monestry (wonderful buildings) is really an hotel/hostel adequate breakfast but ldisappointing evening meals. Picnics were a piece of fruit and a filled roll, fairly basic. The walks were pleasingly varied and our guide was excellent.

Sitting on a high peak on the last day surveying a vast panorama.

Jacob was delightful, just the right blend of good humour and efficiency.

Bring proper boots. Read the trip notes properly!

Don’t expect top quality dining

This was a great holiday. The walking were challenging but well planned and Jakob our guide took great care of us brining extra treats along the way. The accommodation was nice, and I liked the contrast between busy Port de Soller and quieter Lluc. A couple of walks ended with the opportunity to swim which was particularly lovely!

Tracing the summit of Massanella

He was great. He managed a group of hikers with varying paces well, and brought extra snacks. He was good at looking after our safety in the mountain.

Make sure you are booking on the right grade of trip- there had beed some confusion in our group with some travellers thinking they had booked on a moderate week when it was in fact challenging. Everyone managed the walks-with Jacobs help-but good to get what you expect!!

Very well thought through itinerary in beautiful and sometimes spectacular locations. Exceptional guiding from Jacob who was flexible to the needs of the group and a font of local information, positivity and encouragement.

Making it to the top of Puig Massanella

Exceptional

Bring mosquito repellent and use it during the day.

It was a wonderful trip and a great group of fellow travellers that felt like a team by the end of the trip.

Brilliant walking holiday with 7 other friendly walkers and an expert guide, Jacob.

Reaching top of two mountains 1.1 to 1.2km high.

Jacob was wonderful: experienced, careful, friendly, flexible, sociable and knowledgeable (he’s a local).

Take walking poles!

A fabulous week of walking with lots to offer: fantastic views, opportunities to swim in the sea, a chance to ride on the Soller Tram and the old Palma train, numerous restaurants to try with delicious food, comfortable accommodation and an excellent tour leader. We were also lucky to have perfect sunny May weather.

The final day climbing the beautifully maintained "Salt Path" along the cliffs to the top of Puig d'en Galileu, and the views from the top.

Eduardo was excellent: friendly, sociable and full of interesting information about Mallorca. He has been leading this trip for many years and has had the chance to perfect it.

The paths are stony, so sturdy footwear is a must. The beaches - other than the sandy beach at Soller - are also stony, so unless you have very tough feet, bring some sandals or swim shoes if you like to swim in the sea. If you are going into Palma on your free day, take the first tram from Porto Soller at 8.30am; it connects perfectly in Soller for the 9am train to Palma (beautiful old wooden carriages!).

Day 2 is the toughest by far, at the top of the moderate level, especially on a hot day - be prepared for a long downhill walk along dirt track at the end. The views from Es Cornadors make the exertion worth it though!

What a fantastic walking trip - beautiful scenery, well organised and varied walks, and enhanced by a lovely group of fellow-walkers. Eduardo is a first class guide, and manages to accommodate everybody's abilities. This was the Grade 5 level walk, which was quite challenging towards the end of the week, mainly due to the unseasonably hot weather.. But so rewarding. My first trip with Exodus. Can't wait to book the next one!

Reaching the summit on the last day of the trip - higher than Ben Nevis and in 28 degrees heat!

First rate leader, so proud of his Mallorcan roots. Full of interesting anecdotes, and lots of historical facts.

I really enjoyed this walking holiday. My holiday was a grade 5 and I managed it fine in terms of the walking difficulty and length. I did struggle with the heat at times though, as it was very hot in the direct sun. The scenery is fabulous and I enjoyed every walk we completed. The scrambling was a little tricky but perfectly doable and worth the effort to see those views! Vultures and eagles were seen over head and butterflies closer to the ground. It was well organised, the food was plentiful and good quality. Hotel accommodation in Sóller was great, the Monastery looks impressive from the outside but the rooms are quite dark and a bit basic. Overall, I cannot fault this trip.

Visiting the Monastery de Luc. Very impressive and beautiful building.

Couldn’t fault the group leader. Eduardo was so knowledgable about Mallorca’s culture, food, wildlife, people and geography. I felt educated each time we went out. He is very keen to please and looked after us so well. He had patience and humour and it was a rap pleasure to have him as a guide.

Be aware of mosquitoes! Be sure you can cope with long days in the sun. Take a waterproof jacket. The ice cream in Sóller is lovely!

A good value trip that is a great combination of walking, eating and culture.

excellent trip I can't wait to take another

our last day hiking was amazing but hiking with an 80 year old for a week was very inspirational

take collapsible poles

dinners at the monastery are very expensive I think they should be built into the cost

Absolutely stunning walks every day, fabulous food and so much fun!

Being surrounded by amazing scenery and people every day.

Eduard Casajuana is a brilliant guide and so passionate about sharing his knowledge and love for all things Mallorcan, the mountains and wildlife. He made the holiday about so much more than just walking - fantastic!

This was an amazing experience. Our leader Eduard was delightful and friendly. Each day when a picnic lunch was included he went out shopping for typical Mallorcan food, with different cheeses, sausages ey each day. He spread everything out on a tablecloth on a flat area and we helped ourselves...no pre-packed soggy tasteless sarnies for us! There were only 7 of us in the group and we all got on really well, and despite some rainy days when Eduard had to change the plan, we had a wonderful week. And the accommodation was fantastic too! Fabulous week.

Everything was superb...Eduard, accommodation, food, walks, landscapes, fellow hikers...

He was great, delightful, always cheerful.

Whatever the weather, whatever the makeup of your group....just enjoy everything, go with the flow...

Think I've said it all, other than to say the week was good value for money.

Lovely relaxing week on an island I hadn't visited before. Two centres with the contrast between the lively Puerto Soller with plenty of choice of restaurants and the quieter(and enjoyable) more remote environment of Lluc Monastery. A variety of walks exploring different aspects of the Sierra Tramuntana from dramatic coastal paths and views of turquoise seas and steep cliffs to more sustained mountain paths leading to 360 degree views of the mountain range. Not strenuous walking but pretty much all walks on good rocky paths, some uneven, which are perfect for regular walkers(I do use poles but didn't need them on this occasion) ; for early April we were lucky apparently as we had no rain - if it had been wet, the walks could have been much trickier. All of this superbly orchestrated and managed by our experienced local guide Eduard who was a star in every respect from planning the logistics of the walks, leading professionally, making sure everyone was safe, preparing lunches, driving, and particularly gelling with the group and communicating his passion for everything Mallorquin having grown up on the island.

Views of the coastal walking particularly dramatic but all days had views to savour.

Put aside any preconceptions you may have about Mallorca and go and find the real Mallorca for yourself.

Eduard is a top professional but at the same time passionate, and very good, at communicating his enthusiasm and knowledge about all aspects of Mallorquin life, culture and history. Memorable moments included his account of charcoal burning and how important it was to Mallorca and how tough a life it made for the people involved. Also, dry stone walling, ice houses, Mallorquin cuisine especially Pa Amb Oli which usually formed the centrepiece of our picnic lunches and which construction(!) Eduard took great pleasure in describing. Very knowledgeable about flora and fauna as well, particularly birds, of which we saw many including vultures and open to answer any questions about aspects of island life and history. Good sense of humour as well although one or two groan-inducing jokes(!).

I did a land-only trip as booked quite late. It is easy to get to Palma from the airport via bus and then there are options - bus or train/tram from the central integrated InterCambio(left luggage and bike hire here) - for getting to Puerto Soller from Palma. All for less than 10 Euros. Had I had more time, I would have spent a day or two in Palma before or after as there is plenty to explore there. We visited some interesting towns/villages during the course of our walks e.g. Valldemossa, Deia, Soller etc. so it would be good to have more time to explore. It is easy to get around generally - there is a good bus service if you don't want to hire a car.

Just what I was expecting from previous reviews and one previous visit to Mallorca: wonderful scenery, well planned and interesting walks, good locations. Port de Soller is a pleasant and sedate place with lots of good restaurants. Our hotel was the Eden (instead of the usual Eden North) to accommodate all of us, and it was excellent: large rooms, recently refurbished, and an amazing selection for breakfast. The monastery at Lluc is more like a youth hostel without the self catering, with - at this time of year - mostly walkers and cyclists. There are wo restaurants here, a food shop and pharmacy in addition to the refectory, so there is still plenty of choice.

Any of our walking days: seeing the extraordinary colours of the sea from the cliff tops; watching the black vultures perched on the rocky edge above us as we approached the 16th century farm house where we had freshly squeezed orange juice; the panoramic views of the sea and the central plain from the mountain tops we climbed up to.

Very knowledgeable about Mallorcan life, and happy to share his knowledge with us. His Mallorcan picnics gave us an insight into the food traditions of Mallorca, and his friendship networks enabled us to go through otherwise closed hunting areas and so have a better day's walking. At Lluc he organised very successful evenings of exceptionally good food at one of the local restaurants, and his flexibility and dedication to giving Exodus clients a good experience meant that those who wished to had a morning and early afternoon in Palma before meeting up at the airport to get out flight home.

No surprises here: the trip notes cover all the ground.

Previous Exodus reviews were accurate and helpful - they said how good this holiday was. I and two friends had been intending to do a walking holiday in Mallorca, and they were thinking of self-catering and self-guiding. I persuaded them otherwise, on the basis of the reviews. While I enjoyed my previous self-organised walking trip in Mallorca, this was much, much better. And they are more sociable, too: everyone on the trip was good company and pleasant to be with.

March proved to be a lovely time to walk in the mountains of Mallorca. Having been on many guided walks this was up there with the best; the group dynamic was supportive and fun, the group leader managed the pacing of the walks to suit the range of walkers, and the variety of the Mallorcan landscape was magical.

There were so many such moments. Such as the walk from Valdemossa to an amazing viewpoint where we took in the stunning panoramic views of the coast and the mountains. Almost everyday provided tremendous scope for memorable photographs of the colours, textures and shapes of the varied terrain.

Eduard was terrific. He was knowledgeable, attentive, personable, and well organized. His leadership was a major contributor to our overall rating of excellent. Eduard's regular accounts of the island's history and culture were informative and entertaining; so much so, that the idea of becoming a charcoal burner has its attractions!

The stay at Lluc Monastery provided a distinct contrast with the excellent time spent in Puerto Soller and the coastal walks.The collection of historic buildings at Lluc amidst tranquil mountains was a good base for the second part of the week. Travellers should be aware that at the monastery Wifi is available, at a price but is extremely unreliable. In addition, be aware that the use of a hairdryer and TV controller each require a 20 Euro deposit.

The choice of restaurants in both locations was superb. Eduard's recommendations for eating out were spot on.

Walking in the western and northern mountains of Majorca was beautiful. My first visit to the island and I was not disappointed. A good group of sixteen like-minded people, two very different bases, secluded coves, rugged mountains and excellent tapas - what was not to like.

Eduardo! A superb guide. Eager to share his knowledge and obvious love of his home country and the pa amb oli lunches were wonderful.

The trip is rated moderate in the brochure but at times sections were fairly challenging. Proper footwear and a stick a must!

Another wonderful Exodus holiday. The walking was superb and the accommodation characterful, with the contrast of the hotel near the seafront of the beautiful coastal town of Puerto Soller and then the stunning converted monastery at Lluc. Highly recommended.

There were many during the week however the summiting of the two high peaks(957m & 1,181 m) and the stunning coastal walk to Cala Tuent were the highlights.

Eduard was absolutely superb. His leadership of the walks was first class. His knowledge of the local environment and history of so many aspects of the island was also excellent. Above all else he was an extremely sociable person and simply great fun to be with. He also supplied delicious packed lunches! Keep doing what you're doing Eduard!

Mainly if you're thinking of booking this holiday then definitely go for it. With regard to the weather it was 33 degrees on one of the days, even in September, therefore make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen with you.

Already can't wait for my next Exodus holiday!

My brother and I booked the "Walking in Mallorca" holiday and we went in mid-May as we knew the weather would be nice but not too hot for walking. The flight from Gatwick was hassle-free and we were met by our guide at Palma Airport and transferred to the hotel in Port de Soller. The hotel was nice but the room could have been cleaned a little better (our bathroom bin hadn't been emptied and the floor not swept) and the beds were a bit too hard. We also had a problem with the air con, which was fixed the day after we reported it. The breakfast was good with a wide variety of options to choose from. On the Thursday we transferred to the Lluc Monastery, which was simple yet peaceful and comfortable, although an extra pillow would have been welcome. On our last day we were helpfully taken back to the airport by our guide. As the monastery is quite remote and ideally you need a car to explore the area, I feel we could have gone back to Palma earlier than our check-in time requirement rather than waited at the monastery for several hours with little to do so that we could have explored some of the city instead (e.g. the cathedral) before our flight home. Unfortunately the check-in process at Palma took much longer than at Gatwick and our flight was also delayed by just over an hour, which was frustrating after a nice holiday. The walking aspect of the holiday was described as moderate difficulty and the distances/ascents given in advance, which was very useful. Although I consider myself reasonably fit, I did struggle a little bit with some of the walks due to the humidity and where the climbing was quite steep and slippery under foot. However, the guide was very helpful and supportive on these occasions and adjusted the pace of the walk accordingly. In future I would probably choose to do an "easy" level holiday so that we have more free time to explore the surroundings (e.g. it would have been nice to have spent more time in Valldemossa). Overall we had a very pleasant and memorable holiday and would definitely return to Mallorca. I would also consider booking with Exodus again.

Reaching the summit of Puig d'en Galileu (1181m), one of the island's highest peaks. The coastal walk along a mule trail to Cala Tuent was also very impressive.

Our guide was Eduard, who was very knowledgeable about the island's social and political history, flora, fauna and bird life as well as local information (e.g. restaurants). He expertly led us on a range of walks that encompassed the best aspects of the island - the coast, mountains, forests and olive/citrus groves. His humour kept our spirits up during the difficult moments and he was very thoughtful when it came to preparing the picnics each day, making sure that the spread included a range of Mallorcan fayre.

I would particularly recommend the Sa Font Coberta restaurant at Lluc Monastery: the traditional, home-cooked food was great and the owner was incredibly friendly and accommodating. Walking poles are advisable to help with the tougher ascents and descents.

Thoroughly enjoyable, good being based in two centres, each day a different and lovely walk, top quality picnics, very well organised and excellently guided by Eduardo.

shedloads of lycra !

A local guide, very experienced and knowledgeable about the area. Charming and considerate. He looked after us very well.

Would recommend.

A great week of varied walks with a fantastic group, based in two very different but superb locations (Porte de Soller and Lluc Monastery). Very good food at the local restaurants in Puerto de Soller and the restaurant outside the monastery. Eduardo (tour leader) made us such lovely picnics on the walks too!

The views along the coastal path of Sa Costera and the stunning mountain pass scenery on the transfer to the monastery.

Eduardo is an excellent guide - highly experienced and with a great love and knowledge of his native Mallorca.

Walking boots are a good choice for the rocky paths. Pack lots of layers... it was very cold on the top of mountains, and cool at night too (traveled March 2016). We booked the moderate week and found it was very manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

A good selection of walks with some free time to explore the local towns.

Just returned from a wonderful week of walking in Mallorca. The views on many of the walks were worth the climbs. Very good food and a great walk leader in Edwardo who has a great passion for the Island of Mallorca.

The stay in the Monastery was a wonderful experience. The walks from there provided great views.

Edwardo is a very good walk leader with a very good knowledge of the island, its history and customs.

We chose the week designated as Challenging, and thoroughly enjoyed 6 full days of walking through beautiful coastal and mountainous scenery. The weather was dry and mostly warm, and our group was able to complete all of the anticipated itinerary. Highly recommended!

There were many highlights for me, including the route and marvellous views on days 3 and 4, walking high above the sea on the route to Cala Tuent on day 5, and scrambling up the steeper rocky slopes on days 6 and 7.

Our friendly leader Eduard was excellent. He is passionate and knowledgeable about all things Mallorcan - history, culture, flora and fauna, and the Tramuntana mountain area. We were able to learn so many things. Sometimes we would stop for a few minutes rest (chocolate provided!), and he would tell us all about something in more depth. He looked after the safety and well-being of everyone in the group.

Do consider the distances, duration, ascent/descent given in the trip notes for each day, and compare with the walking that you are used to. This will help you to decide whether you can expect to fully enjoy the trip.

We stayed an extra night in Palma after the trip ended, so we had a free day. Eduard suggested a walk from Lluc going around Puig Roig that is only possible on Sundays. We enjoyed that walk, and then caught the 17:45 bus from Lluc to Palma.

Another great trip with Exodus and superb guide, Edward. Beautiful scenery, good walks and the food on the trip was excellent.

So many amazing moments throughout the trip.

Edward was very patient, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and a good sense of humour, even if he did laugh at his own jokes.

Take walking boots, even although Sketchers were fine!

This is a great trip with short flight times from the UK. There are lots of quite rough rocky paths and for most people boots would be a good option. Some quite long descents on loose stony paths.

Coastal walk is spectacular and ends at a great place for swimming!

Great local leader with extensive knowledge.

Local flora seems friendly to wearing shorts. Lucc is a very quite place with very basic rooms, maybe take a book or some music! Its pretty easy to self navigate to Soller from Palma (or there airport) as the local bus service is good although it doesn't run late in the evening.

Palma, the capital, is a great place to stay for a few extra days but you won't get to see it on the standard trip.

The walks were varied and interesting, the guide was brilliant, and the views were spectacular: we felt we experienced a taste of the real Mallorca.

3 particularly inspirational moments: firstly the beautiful coastal views whilst walking along the Painters' Path on day 2, secondly the spectacular coastal views from up high whilst walking along the Archduke's Bridleway on day 4, and last but not least the content and settings of the wonderful Mallorcan picnics we had most days.

Eduardo was very friendly and helpful and good fun. We didn't need a guide book, maps, or phrase book, as he was really knowledgeable about the area and enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with us. His English was very good. Most days we walked for several hours, but Eduardo set a pace that we could all manage. His Mallorcan picnics are legendary.

This was our first organised walking holiday. We appreciated that pretty well everything was planned for us: the most we had to decide was where to eat on a couple of nights. We were lucky that we met a lovely bunch of fellow walkers who were great company both during the walks and afterwards. We would thoroughly recommend this trip.

A delightful week on a beautiful island. The walks offered a rich variety of landscapes, from gentle meandering paths along clifftops with views down to a turquoise sea, to pretty routes through ancient olive groves, to dramatic ascents up limestone crags. I went in April because I wanted late spring colours and I was not disappointed.

I agree with my fellow traveller John Croker that the mountainside picnics, complete with explanation of the local produce we were enjoying, were a high point each day. I hope to remember for a long time the details of the guide's explanation of the olive harvest and pressing. And I know I will not forget watching the griffon vultures circling overhead - who was watching whom?

Eduard is one of the very best. Born and bred in Mallorca, and yet also having walked most parts of the globe, he combined a genuine passion for his island with a gentle humility and humour; he was scrupulous in his attention to detail, and yet led with a light touch, mindful of everyone's preferences and needs; he was superbly knowledgeable of the island's flora, fauna and history; and he was greeted warmly wherever we went. He definitely added to my enjoyment of the trip.

A scenic, interesting, and authentic walking adventure in the Northern mountainous region of Majorca

Our group of sixteen hikers soon bonded, under the skilled supervision of our local tour leader Eduard. We were made to feel like locals at each Travellers Rest, cafe,hotel and Monastery because of the rapport and friendship he had established with the local people.

Eduard has bags of energy, enthusiasm for his homeland, and a passion for conservation and sustainable tourism. His humour and engaging personality was central to the enjoyment of this trip. His frequent stops enroute to take in points of interest covered stunning vistas, knowledge of flora, fauna,ecology, history,customs etc....and all with the authority of a man who has lived on the island. A proud and very well travelled Majorcan. Eduard is everything a tour guide should be.

Travel light, immerse yourself into the local mindset. Share your bread, a smile and a complement.

The tourist season is short and intense in Majorca. Please be as generous as you can.

Superb trip. The island is stunning and the walks were excellent. Would thoroughly recommend it. We have done several Exodus trips and this one certainly did not disappoint. The split between the two bases was a great contrast from the pretty bay resort to the mountain monastery.

Sitting on mountain tops with a 360 degree view of beautiful landscapes enjoying picnics with wonderful , fresh, local food.

Eduard was just brilliant. His passion for his island shines through and he took the opportunities of water and rest breaks to pass on fascinating information about local customs, the history of the island, flora and fauna. He cares about the group he is leading and ensures that everyone gets as much from the trip as they want. Top chap and a delight to spend time with.

Go! if you haven't been to Mallorca you are missing a real treat and if Eduard is leading the group you will have a great time.

We would recommend it to anyone, the walking is great, the landscape beautiful, the local cuisine is delicious and Eduard's picnics are sublime.

I joined a local walking group last Autumn, not very long after my wife died, and found that it got me out of the house, gave me some execise and I met a new group of people. I also saw some stunning areas fairly close to home that were new to me. Signing up a week's walking in Mallorca was my first solo trip and I was understandably a little nervous but it proved to be one of my most enjoyable, not to say challenging, holidays. Some of the walking/climbing was tougher than I was used to, partly because the weather for most of the week was a lot hotter (34c on one day) than expected in May. However I completed all but one days, including the most exacting climb and missed one day later in the week as I wasn't too well (as did several others in the group) I intend to go on similar holidays in the future. There were 16 in the group, all more experienced than me, and they were a very nice bunch.

Getting to the top of Mirador den Quesada at 957m on day 3. I was quite proud of myself, not bad for a 70 year old, and the views and picnic at the top made up for the exhaustion.

I can't praise Eduard too highly. He was helpful, informative and passionate about Mallorca. I hope that any future group leader I meet will come up to his high standards.

Not much. I didn't have all the kit that some of the rest of the group did, but then I have only recently started walking/trecking and will get it sorted for next time.

I spoke to various other members of the group who had been on several similar holidays before, some with Exodus, some not, and they considered that this week was harder than some similar 'moderate trips'. It was also suggested that it could be beneficial to have a rest day mid week.

A fantastic week of walking on the beautiful island of Mallorca. Every walk was different and spectacular in its own right. The hotel in Soller was very comfortable, centrally located with a great buffet breakfast. The nights at Lluc made a good contrast. Good company, great food and a fine dry week. Usual Exodus efficiency.

Cannot pick one. Every day I thought that the walks couldn't get better - but they did.

Eduard was a delight. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all thing Mallorcan.

I found poles invaluable. We were lucky with weather but imagine some paths could be slippery in the wet. Layer up if you go early or late season, the wind can be quite cold higher up.

One of the best weeks walking I have experienced.

Excellent trekking trip with good evening entertainment.

Mallorca was a complete surprise........what a fabulous island.

Eduard made the holiday. Very passionate about the Island. He organised the walks, picnics, dinner, transportation etc etc. Everything ran very smoothly.

Watch out for red wine at dinner.......after 6 days, my liver is feeling the effects.

One of the best holidays I have ever been on.

An excellent holiday. Great guide, lovely walks and a good group. Walking 6 continuous days was enough but you are free to have a rest day or two if you want. Weather was perfect for walking - mainly sunny but not hot. Walks were very varied and the scenery was beautiful. Very well organised.

My favourite walks were from the Puerto Soller base. The walk to Cala Tuent on the transfer day was my favourite capped off with a very refreshing swim in the sea. The mountain walks were well worth the ascent with stunning views.

Edward was great, good fun, very informative and well organised. His good contacts everywhere ensured we were well looked after. There is very little he doesn't know about olives.

Don't be put off by the second walk. It is the hardest on paper but the ascent was made easier by very good gradual paths

Our hotel in Puerto Soller was changed from Eden Nord to Eden. This was not a problem as the Eden is a very nice hotel and situated right on the sea front. At Lluc, Ernesto at the farthest café/bar, the other side of the car park was very hospitable and provided 2 wonderful very good value meals during our stay.

A very enjoyable walking holiday with a variety of walks highlighting how attractive Mallorca is and based in 2 different locations.

Coastal walk on transfer day to Lluc.

Unique. Very knowledgeable and informative. Very good organisational skills.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. I had only chosen it as the dates fitted in with subsequent travel in Spain and Morocco. I knew little about Mallorca apart from the trip notes but was keen to do some hiking. We had a really cohesive group which definitely helped with enjoyment each day. Although I had 3 weeks of further travel after this hike, I could have easily returned to Australia after the 8 days totally satisfied. I would highly recommend this trip!

I really enjoyed walking each day in amongst amazing mountain scenery and then finishing each day off with a swim in the Mediterranean. Our traditional Mallorcan picnic lunches were also a highlight, with Eduard providing different supplies each day to expose us to a wide variety of Mallorcan cheeses, meats and vegetables. Most days involved a hike in the mountains with a chance to wander around a different village. I also enjoyed the couple of stops for fresh juice and delicious cakes.

Eduard was an exceptional leader. His deep knowledge of the history of Mallorca along with all sorts of fascinating information on the local flora and fauna made each walk all the more interesting. He was friendly and sensitive and his passion for this island was evident throughout the tour.

Make sure you are fit enough for a moderate grade. Initially I expected the pace to be a little slower and was concerned about managing, but as the ascents became steeper, Eduard slowed the pace accordingly. I found the walk on day 2 quite challenging and I believe a few others did too.

My only disappointment was that we ran out of time to swim at Cala Deia. I also felt we had too much spare time at Lluc monastery on the last day. I understand that this was probably due to plane times but , I would have preferred to head off first thing in the morning. My only recommendation might be to leave a little earlier each day, to give us more time in the afternoons to explore the villages we visited. Oh, we were lucky to be in the motel at Puerto Soller right on the beach....I understand that this is not the usual hotel. This hotel was in a fantastic position and would recommend that this is used all the time.

This was my first walking holiday with Exodus and the itinerary for the week was fantastic. The walks were varied with diverse scenery from mountain peaks to coastal walks. I particularly enjoyed the Mallorcan picnics during our walks. Eduard, our local tour leader, had a lot of knowledge which he shared with us enthusiastically.

Reaching the summit of Puig d'en Galileu on day 7. It was a steep but rapid ascent and I thought it was a suitable and rewarding way of ending the trip on a high peak.

Eduard is a highly experienced, genuine and caring tour leader. He was dedicated to providing the best experience he can whilst we were on the trip. His light-hearted humour made the trip very enjoyable!

Bring loose change with you for freshly squeezed orange/lemon juice served at farmhouses. Sa Fonda restaurant, 5 minutes from Lluc monastery serves excellent food. The restaurant provides free wi-fi (wi-fi access is payable at the monastery).Buy 5L of water from nearby shops around Puerto Soller. It is much cheaper (approximately 1 euro) then buying small bottles and more environmentally friendly.

This was our first experience of an Exodus holiday and we enjoyed it hugely. We did not know what to expect or if we were up to the walking. Now we know, we'll maybe look at a higher grade next time, as it is our intention to go again. The Exodus organisation was very good and the quality of the guide excellent. If he could be faulted at all, it would be his desire to explain anything and everything Mallorcan to us. He took great pride in providing typical local picnic lunches and went out of his way to arrange authentic evening meals.

Getting to the top of our first major peak on the second day. Having a swim in the Med on the fourth day after a coastal walk with excellent views, especially as this was October 30th.

Eduard was a very good leader. We always felt safe with him and he kept us all together when it was necessary. His enthusiasm for his local island was endless.

Pack your swimming costume. When at the Lluc monastery take a good book to read during the free time in late afternoon. Also at Lluc, try to eat your evening meal at Ernesto's restaurant at the top of the car-park - the one with the blue and white awning. If the group is of sufficient number, he can be persuaded to put on a gourmet meal at a very reasonable price.

We benefited from a hotel change and ended up on the promenade at Puerto Soller in Hotel Eden. Exodus should try to use this hotel in future.

A fantastic weeks walking - tough- but the views were worth it!

Seeing eagles and vultures soaring above us, and did I mention the views? Stunning. Lake District limestone walking with sunshine! Oh and the lunches - fantastic.

We had a fantastic group leader - local and extremely knowledgeable. I trusted his knowledge and guidance completely, and felt totally at ease in his group.

Sturdy boots and a good head for heights.

I really enjoyed this holiday. It was great to see Majorca and walk in its lovely mountainous regions.

Seeing Port do Soller lit up at night from our bedroom window - and again in the early morning sunshineStaying at Lluc Monastery in the middle of the mountainsEnjoying authentic Majorcan picnics on our walks, provided by our wonderful guide

Edouard was a fantastic guide. He was sensitive to the needs of everyone in the (large) group, and very safety conscious without being overly cautious. He was also great company, good at speaking English and a mine of fascinating information about all things Majorcan.

Take the temperature advice with a bit of a pinch of salt. I expected temps of c20F but in fact it was usually significantly hotter than this and in the upper 20s, almost - but not quite - too hot for comfortable walking, even in October/November! I blame global warming!

This was a wonderful holiday. My only reservation was having to stay in a less than perfect (and very noisy) hotel, the first 2 nights in Port de Soller, away from the majority of the group. It was great to move to their hotel on the 3rd day. However, I gather this was because I (we) had booked very late and it was the only hotel available - and we were a maximum size group, so this is understandable. My advice would be to book early!

A varied, well organised walking trip which provided some much needed outdoor relief before the onset of winter. It was great having walks provided every day, and care and attention was put in to ensuring that every day was very different. A really good taster to these beautiful mountains!

Eduard was great - organised, passionate and meticulous. He made sure everyone was ok, making time to speak to everyone every day and ensuring that everyone felt confident and supported. He has a real passion for the mountains and the local area, and endeavours to share this with his group. His English is very good (apart from a unfortunate confusion between hurricane and hooligan), and he ensured that the group are constantly kept fully informed. 

It can be cold in October/November! Take layers - and make sure you are both windproofed and waterproofed. It was also impossible to get a warm drink in the hotel - I would have taken a kettle and a hot water bottle! For me, the walks could have been more challenging - but they suited the group, and it was probably accurately classified as a moderate. Eduard did an excellent job of keeping 16 disparate walkers together.  

It was a bit disheartening having the hotel in Soller being closed and dismantled literally around us. It meant the hotel had a very depressing air, and there was no bar. Surely they could have waited until their guests had left before packing up? Please can Exodus offer some more challenging walks in Spain during the school holidays... 

Every walk was memorable for different reasons and provided some spectacular views of Mallorca and beyond. 

This was an extremely enjoyable trip visually and culturally. Our guide was outstanding. My only proviso was that the C grade description was somewhat exaggerated. This was a pity as the guide was more than capable of fulfilling any grading required. The quality of the walking was excellent. 

Lunches of local produce on the mountain side.

Quite superb. His knowledge, enthusiasm and pride in his environment were infectious. You will enjoy being with Eduard Casajuana Godoy.

There were 2 hard days, 1 moderate and 3 easy walks. A further full hard day would for me have made a memorable trip into an outstanding one. I really enjoyed the trip and would like to visit these mountains again.

This is the second time I have done this trip as I love the island and its diversity and more than that I love the Exodus trekking holiday.  The accommodation is in 3 locations all entirely different and with a strong Majorcan flavour to each.  Food traditional, interesting and varied.

The views are amazing.  Coastlines, blue skies, wonderful coves and beaches, mountains at each and every turn, all diverse and never boring vistas.  The trekking at C grade is manageable and the guide we had produced the most amazing picnics enjoyed during the trek in beautiful outdoor places. 

Eduard, having met him twice now, is so helpful, kind and encouraging.  No-one is left behind on the trek, the pace is just right.  He is friendly, professional and keen to ensure all the party enjoyed themselves.  Excellent leader.

Go........if you enjoy a slightly tropical environment with excellent walking and great views and certainly travel to the island from the UK is easy with only a short transfer from the airport.  Take a small extra bag in your luggage for the overnight stop at Balix Farm.

Superb all round trip - the only Exodus trip I have been on twice and would definitely go yet another time!!

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Mallorca braces for influx of German tourists after removal from risk list

Germans warned that Covid restrictions still apply as locals express frustration at Berlin’s move

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German tourists hoping to visit Mallorca are being warned that coronavirus restrictions apply to everyone after the Spanish island was taken off Berlin’s high-risk list, leading to a surge of interest from holidaymakers.

Officials in Mallorca are now bracing for an influx of German tourists, as they queue up by the thousands to book Easter getaways in the Mediterranean, escaping a country that seems to be entering a third wave of Covid-19 and whose vaccination programme is off to a stuttering start.

The surge in interest comes days after Germany’s foreign ministry announced that Mallorca, a destination jokingly referred to among some Germans as the country’s 17th state, was no longer considered a high risk area along with other parts of Spain, Portugal and Denmark.

Germans reacted eagerly, even as Berlin warned against foreign travel. “The desire to spend the Easter holidays on the Mediterranean is significantly bigger than expected,” German tourism giant TUI said in a statement on Tuesday, as it said it would open its hotels on the island next weekend, ahead of schedule.

Eurowings said it was introducing 300 additional flights to cope with increased demand as holidaymakers reported prices that had rocketed threefold. Ryanair also got in on the action, announcing that it would offer 200 additional flights between Germany and Spain during Easter.

The news was met with frustration by some in the Balearic Islands, who questioned why the region was welcoming tourists as residents were still limited by stringent coronavirus restrictions.

Officials were quick to point out that tourists would not be exempt from the restrictions. “I see that many people are saying that tourists will be able to do things residents cannot. This is not true,” Marga Frontera, a health councillor for the regional government, said on Twitter. “Visitors to the Balearic islands are obliged to respect the same rules as residents.”

While many in the tourism-dependent region welcomed the revival of a key industry, some worried about risks German tourists could pose. Sergio Rodríguez of Spain’s far-right Vox party pointed to the recent rise of infections in Germany. Vaccination programmes in both countries have got off to a sluggish start.

“Our worry is that these are the people that are coming here,” he told the regional parliament. In the Balearics, the cumulative rate of infection in the region stands at 19 per 100,000 in the past seven days. In Germany, the figure is 83.7 per 100,000, up from 68 a week ago.

The regional government said additional monitoring would be put in place during the Easter holidays to ensure that everyone was following restrictions. “The same restrictions will apply, regardless of where people are from,” said Iago Negueruela, the regional official in charge of economy and tourism for the islands.

These restrictions include a curfew of 10pm and a closing time of 5pm for bars and restaurants. Starting Saturday, groups at bars and restaurants will be limited to four people while during the Easter period family gatherings will be limited to six people from the same family nucleus.

Additionally, Germans, like all international tourists from countries considered high risk, will have to show a negative PCR test upon landing in Spain.

In hotels, only guests from the same household will be able to share a room. After 5pm, tourists will be limited to dining in their hotels in groups of no more than four people. “We’re asking everyone to be responsible,” said Negueruela.

In Germany, news of a seeming stampede towards the Balearic island also set off alarms among the government, despite critics saying it was triggered by the foreign ministry’s apparent all-clear signal.

“The appeal is for people to refrain from every journey that is not absolutely necessary,” said Steffen Seibert, the government spokesman, on Monday. Maria Adebahr, spokeswoman for the foreign ministry, said: “The lack of a travel warning is no invitation to travel.”

Representatives of Germany’s domestic tourist industry reacted angrily to the news, saying that it was an “act of betrayal” that Germans could travel abroad, while holiday destinations at home, even meals or drinks out, remained illegal.

“It was like a punch in the gut for those of us in the hospitality industry, when the news about Mallorca reached us,” Olaf Stamsen, head of the German Hotel and Catering Association in Wilhelmshagen, south east of Berlin, told the news agency DPA. “We felt betrayed by the federal politicians,” he added. Hotels in Germany have to remain closed until at least 28 March.

But some regional governments have already announced they plan to introduce strict measures to control those returning. Claudia Schröder of the corona crisis committee for the government of Lower Saxony said people should be made aware of the risks and would face testing on their return.

“Nobody needs to fly abroad on holiday. I can only advise people to really think about it,” she said. “People won’t get sick at the resort itself, they will catch the virus on the way back and spread it when they get home.”

A government spokeswoman said: “It’s like we’d be willingly and open-eyed, bringing a real problem into the country.”

The apparent unease in some quarters over tourism comes as the EU puts the final touches on a Covid-19 pass aimed at restarting the bloc’s struggling tourism sector.

The certificate, which will be proposed on Wednesday, will combine information on vaccination, Covid-19 tests and recovery. The hope is that EU member states and the bloc’s parliament will agree on the proposal in June.

The exact rights, however, conferred by the certificate have yet to be hashed out, amid warnings by Belgium and Germany that the initiative risks discriminating against those who refuse or cannot get vaccinated.

“We have to be exceptionally careful because right now we are dealing with a tremendously iniquitous situation in the world … where the likelihood of you being offered or getting a vaccine is very much to do with the country you are living in,” Mike Ryan, WHO’s top emergency expert, said on Monday.

Agencies contributed to this report

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Cycle Mallorca

• Cycle across the entire island of Mallorca
• Indulge in delicious local food and wine
• Visit mediaeval market towns and white sandy beaches

Highlights and Inclusions

• All breakfasts
• All accommodation
• All transport and listed activities
• Tour leader throughout
• Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
• Local bike hire

Our tour starts in the quaint town of Algaida; a typical Mallorcan town with narrow winding streets, sandstone buildings, a main central square and church. This evening we will have a tour briefing and a meal as a group.

For our first day on the bikes we head south towards the charming town of Campos where we can stop for a coffee and a stroll around the town before making our way to the long white sandy beach of Es Trenc. At the beach we will stop for a long break allowing plenty of time for a swim and some rest in the sunshine before cycling the short distance to Sa Rapita for lunch. After lunch we head back inland via the largest municipality in Mallorca, Llucmajor, here we will stop to look around the town and do a bit of shopping before carrying on towards our hotel where we can relax by the pool before going out for dinner.

After breakfast we get on the bikes and head back towards Porreres and then on to the town of Felanitx which is situated in Mallorca’s second largest wine producing area, Pla i Llevant. From here we can see the day’s half way point, the sanctuary of Saint Salvador which is situated on top of a hill overlooking the town. The climb up to the sanctuary is about 5km long and at a steady gradient of 6%, it is a challenge but the views on the climb and from the top make the effort well worth it! We will spend some time at the top where we can look around the sanctuary and walk to the various viewpoints which allow you to see all the way to the coast in the south and to the mountains in the north.  After the spectacular decent from the sanctuary we make our way again to Porreres where we stop for lunch before cycling back to Algaida via a different route.  

Today’s ride is a point to point route as we start to head further north on the island. After breakfast we get on the bikes and cycle through lovely back roads to the hilltop town of Sineu and its impressive church. From here we pedal through Sencelles before stopping in the beautifully restored Bodega Biniagual for a look around the town and then carrying on to Santa Maria del Cami for lunch. After lunch we have a short climb to our overnight accommodation in the town of Alaro, here we will have time to relax in the peaceful gardens and pool of the hotel or go for a stroll around the town before going out for an evening meal. 

After breakfast we head out of Alaro and start to climb into the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains to the hillside town of Orient. Here we stop to regroup and take a quick walk around the town before getting back on the bikes to complete the climb over the Col d’Honor before a brilliant descent through spectacular mountain scenery to the hillside town of Bunyola. From here we head back towards Santa Maria del Cami where we have the option to visit the Bodegas Macia Batle and take a guided tour of the winery. After lunch we cycle back to Alaro for a free afternoon. 

We start the days ride with a short descent out of Alaro before heading north towards the caves of Campanet. Here we stop to take a guided tour around the vast underground caves to see the ancient stalactites and stalagmites and hear the stories about how they were discovered. After lunch in the beautiful gardens by the caves we get back on the bikes and cycle to the old walled town of Alcudia on the northern coast of the island. Our accommodation tonight is within the old walled town of Alcudia so there are plenty of nice cafes, bars, restaurants and shops close by to visit in the afternoon and evening.    

Today we head out of Alcudia and cycle along the bike paths which follow the coast all the way to Port de Pollenca where we start the stunning ascent up to the Talaia d’Albercutx which overlooks the dramatic cliffs and mountain formations in the north of the island. From here it is mainly downhill through quiet back roads to the charming coastal town of Cala Sant Vincenc where we can see the turret we have recently cycled to and stop for a swim in the idyllic small bay.  From here we head inland to the old town of Pollenca where we get off the bikes and can climb the 365 steps to the church which has an amazing view of the mountains and the coast in the distance. After lunch we will cycle back to Alcudia and go out for a final meal as a group. 

After breakfast the tour ends in Alcudia.

Being our first cycling trip, we approached with some trepidation and possible misgivings. We need not have worried. The whole trip was excellent from beginning to end. An excellent leader(see below), generally good hotels, brand new hire bikes (bonus!), beautiful landscapes, routes mainly off the beaten track. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys cycling for leisure.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Making it up the big climb to the Formentor viewpoint and tower on the last day, as I realised that I’d managed the week and I didn’t have to “save myself” to get through subsequent days. Having announced that I had never cycled three days in a row, making it to six days felt a major achievement.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alfonso is a really pleasant young man whose charm and easy-going approach equipped him with an ability to manage the vastly different levels of cycling strength and desired outcomes within our small group. We always made it to the various destinations fairly intact and in good humour, despite Alfonso having to reschedule lunch stops if we had taken longer than anticipated getting to a scheduled restaurant! Mention should also be made of our “support driver” José whose cheerful friendly approach was welcome when he and the van popped up at certain points on the route with water and snacks to be freely dispensed. He was most encouraging and was also helpful in sorting out any bike-related issues

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you are really only an occasional leisure cyclist do pay attention to the training plan that is sent out by Exodus. It can appear rather daunting but even if you don’t totally replicate it in your own “training”, take the ideas from it and adapt it to your own needs. It’s certainly worth it, as the mileage and amount of climbing is front-loaded at the beginning of the week and you want to be able to enjoy the whole week.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The itinerary takes you through some wonderful quiet Mallorcan countryside along routes and through villages which would normally be off the “tourist agenda”: superb. The hotels were generally excellent and comfortable with perfectly adequate breakfasts to help you on your way. We were fortunate in only having a small group making cycling together along the way and descending upon cafes and restaurants more manageable than if we were a full party. Obviously Exodus could not continue with such numbers but it was certainly a bonus for our trip.

An excellent route through parts of Majorca that most tourists never visit. Three hotels of a very high standard, two with outdoor swimming pools. The third, in the centre of Alcudia, was handy for the old town although a 20 minute urban walk from the beach. The food was of a high standard throughout and as a non-meat eater, I enjoyed some excellent fish and vegetarian dishes. There were two long days at the beginning but nothing that is not grade 3. I was impressed by the patient way that car drivers treated us on the narrow roads.

The day at Formentor - wonderful views and a real sense of achievement

Alberto kept everything going smoothly without appearing in the least bit hassled. Very good English and able to communicate on a social as well as organisational level.

If you want to see the 'real' Majorca this is the trip for you.

There were 16 in the group but 7 had locally hired drop handlebar road bikes while the rest of us were on the hybrid bikes provided by Exodus. This immediately separated the group into 2 as those on the road bikes were much faster than us particularly on the climbs. I feel this type of situation should be avoided as the group was often strung out over long distances which was very difficult for the leader to control.

Cycle Mallorca is a really special trip which allows you to get to see a great variety of the beautiful landscapes of the island along mainly quiet roads and also has a good range of rides through the week and the opportunity - for those who want to - to do longer or more challenging rides. The ride was excellently led by the friendly and knowledgeable Alfonso and really well supported by Manu.

There were many: arriving at San Salvador Monastery after a long, winding climb and being rewarded with island-wide views, the serene ride from along a traffic-free road between Sa Rapita and Campos, the absolutely fantastic ride early in the morning up to and back from Cap Formentor along great roads with stunning views all the way, the walk up to Castel D'Alaro (optional) from Alaro, being able to experience the quietness and beauty of the island away from the crowds.

Alfonso was friendly and helpful and led the group expertly. We were his biggest cycle group to date and he kept us safe through the week. He made it possible - with the support person Manu's help - for those of us who wanted to take the longer or more challenging options - to do so. Alfonso and Manu both had great senses of humour and the group had some great laughs along the way. Alfonso was also passionate about the island and its people and ensuring that we got the best out of the week's cycling. Manu provided excellent support - providing water regularly and also some light snacks at just the right times when we'd done some climbing and extra energy was required. Although very sociable, Alfonso and Manu only joined us for an evening meal on the first and last night of the trip (generally our cycling guides would join us for all but one evening) and this may have been that the locations generally were not big enough to have restaurants big enough to cater for all the 16 people in the group plus the leader and support. However, because quite a few of the group already knew each other it did allow the flexibility for smaller groups to make their own decisions about evening meals . Although we suggested a picnic on one or two days would have been nice (again, we have done this on a some trips before) this wasn't taken up.

Take the usual cycling kit: padded shorts, sunglasses, helmet, gloves and an extra layer plus a light waterproof (there was heavy rain the night before we started the trip). Don't forget sunblock and some spare water as you're out all day - and possibly an energy bar just in case. The tip is classed as moderate but if you're only an occasional cyclist you might want to get a few more cycle rides in prior to the trip to fully enjoy all the rides on offer (San Salvador Monastery and Cap Formentor are really great rides and well worth the effort). If you get time, the walk up from Alaro to Castel D'Alaro is really stunning - but you'll need 3 to 4 hours to do it comfortably.

Cycle Mallorca lets you see the most quiet and beautiful parts of this busy island and has made me want to go back and cycle there again.

A great week of cycling rural roads. We got to swim in the sea, cycle up challenging hills occasionally, visit Palma, Alcudia and Pollenca for the shops and cafes. Our leader Alfonso Gallego was effortlessly organised and knew the routes very well. We did wine tasting, went down an enormous cave and ate some fabulous food. The hotel rooms were enormous and we stayed in places away from the seething tourist traps for which Mallorca is known.

Cycling to the lighthouse at the end of Cap Formentor, along a stunning peninsula with hills and sea and amazing views. One of the best cylcle rides I ever did. You need the hill legs for it though, so Alfonso gave the group options. Only those that wanted to do it did it.

Alfonso Gallego was very organised in a way that you don't notice the organisation. His knowledge of the route and the history of Mallorca was very good. His chat was interesting too. He was adept at managing our large group of 16 without losing anyone or making anyone feel held back or too hurried.

Do the Cap Formentor ride if you can. the views are amazing. Do the wine tasting. It is worth the 10 euros.

I felt that we saw the whole island not just a corner. There is variety in the landscape and we saw that. Such a lot of quiet country lanes!

Although still suffering a cold, making breathing and ascending hills a challenge for me, the panoramic views from San Salvador were exceptional.

Javier was very good/ positive and this being the first trip he was very wary at intersections and always put our safety first. It must have been quite stressful for him, easier next time perhaps. Should also mention Alphonso in the truck because he adds to the Exodus input so much.

I don't think I would want to go in July or August. Temperatures in May ideal.

If possible I would put the toughest days in the middle of the trip rather than at the beginning.

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Mallorca Travel Guide

Mallorca is quite possibly the ultimate holiday island! Fantastic for families and with a welcoming, laid back vibe that encapsulates everything that’s great about Spain (and with a few surprises of its own) there’s loads to see, do and eat. Want to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the best stuff? We’ve put together this ultimate guide to help you get the very best from your holiday on the heart of the Balearic Islands .

Geographically, Mallorca consists of a fertile plain sandwiched between two mountain ranges: the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana to the north and the Serres de Llevant to the south. The lowlands are bookended by the Bay of Palma – home to the island’s historic capital city – and the Bay of Alcudia . Both are characterised by long sandy beaches and shallow, warm seas; all around them you’ll find great places for watersports and safe swimming. On rockier parts of the coast you’ll see adventure operators taking groups of thrill-seekers ‘coasteering’ – a mix of rock-climbing, abseiling, scrambling and cliff-jumping that offers a whole new way to enjoy Mallorca’s coastline.

Best time to visit Mallorca?

Summer temperatures are hot, averaging the high twenties with negligible rainfall in the lowlands – it’s the best and the most popular time for beach breaks and traditional family getaways. If you’re planning a holiday around land activities, it’s also worth considering the cooler spring or autumn months , which are ideal for exploring the island on foot or by bike. It’s a paradise for hikers and cyclists, with the heights of Serra de Tramuntana offering challenging ascents and spectacular views with some excellent timeshare options for those who plan on coming back in the future. If you sign a contract but unfortunately have to cancel then make sure you call Timeshare contract Cancellation services for some assistance .

Alcudia’s Old Town

• Palma de Mallora:  The capital of the Balearic Islands is lively, full of history and a great place to enjoy local bars and restaurants.
• And in the city itself, Palma Cathedral  (also known as La Seu ) is an architectural wonder that’s bound to impress all ages.
• Almudaina Palace is also found in Palma – it’s a fairytale castle and residence of the Spanish royal family.
• Alcudia’s Old Town on the island’s north side boasts a 14th Century wall and colourful markets on Tuesdays and Sundays throughout the year.

Mallorca travel: How to get there and around

Public transport: Thanks to decades of tourism, Mallorca is easy to get around, with a well-developed road and bus network, three train lines and a Metro service operating within Palma, if you like taking trains then consider checking out these Old West Trains . With so much to see, we highly recommend hiring a vehicle – check out our activities section for some original ideas on that front. If you prefer public transport, your first stop will be Palma’s Intermodal Station , reached by the 1 and 21 buses from the airport. From there, local EMT buses and Metro services will get you around the city, TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears) buses will take you to destinations further afield, and trains will take you to the towns of Inca, Pobla and Manacor.

By bike:  Touring Mallorca by bike is a fantastic way to see the island (Bradley Wiggins is a big fan) and there are loads of places to hire cycles from – your luxury villas might even include them as part of your rental.

Taxis:  There’s an abundance of taxi companies on Mallorca to help get you to where you need to go – though as with many destinations, it’s worth booking in advance (if possible) and agreeing on a price with the driver before heading out.

Hiring a car or other private transportation:  If you’re staying inland or in one of the more remote coastal areas, hiring a car or a  bus rental will probably be necessary. There are several local firms as well as multinational staples, but once you’ve got your own set of the wheels the entirety of the island is yours to explore! Companies like Europcar ,  Hertz and Avis all provide services direct from the airport.

Hidden Gems

• The truly adventurous – or anyone after the quietest beaches they can find – should explore the northern coast. Here you’ll find fantastic spots only accessible on foot, such as Es Canyaret , a beach just outside the village of Llucalari that is renowned for its waterfall and refreshing mud pools; Port des Canonge , a secluded spot east of the ancient, terraced village of Banyalbufar ; and Coll Baix , a stunning, cliff-fringed bay with turquoise waters.
• While you’re in the region, take time out to visit Deia , a small coastal village popular with the creative set. It has been attracting writers and musicians for decades, and when you see it you’ll understand why – it’s a charming jigsaw of traditional flat-roofed buildings and lush gardens, and also boasts a superb Michelin-starred restaurant in the shape of Es Racó d’Es Teix. For another food treat from northern Mallorca, track down fresh prawns from Port de Soller ; they’re exceptionally good, and 2015 saw the town launch a festival dedicated to them (held in early March).
• Over on the other side of the island, enjoy an underground adventure at the jaw-dropping Caves del Drach . The tour winds past clear pools and intricate rock formations for just over a kilometre, leading you to Lake Martel, a 170 metre-long underground lake – your guide will take you on a boat ride across it, accompanied by live classical music. With good paths and lighting and a temperature of over 20C, you don’t need to be a hardened caver to enjoy it!
• Make sure you take the breathtakingly beautiful tram journey from the town of Soller to the port! If you’re into your scenic drives, try going from Valdemossa to Sa Calobra (via the village of Deia), or visit and the charming town of Estellencs and hunt down its stunning hidden cala – don’t forget to bring a picnic!
• One more thing – if you find yourself on the long road through the Tramuntana mountains that runs east to west, stop for lunch in Es Grau for some tasty treats and breath-taking views.

Did you know…?

• Famed architect Gaudi was meant to design new changes to Palma Cathedral, but he dropped out after a spat with a contractor.
• The English poet and novelist Robert Graves spent a large portion of his life on Mallorca – he eventually died there in 1985.
• Es Tranc beach apparently loses about 25 tons of sand each year due to it being taken away by holidaymakers in their towels, bags and sandals.
• The delicious local pastries known as Ensaimada are notoriously difficult to make off the island – it’s said that the sea air helps the dough to rise!

Mallorca makes a superb choice for a family holiday. It’s not too far away (so travelling with little ones isn’t too taxing) and you can enjoy the tourism infrastructure of the island while staying in the beautiful countryside in one of our luxurious villas in Mallorca . Better yet, there’s loads of things to do to keep everyone entertained and tons of soft, sandy beaches to while your days away.

Things to do in Mallorca

• There are plenty of new ways to take on the Mallorcan landscape, like scuba diving adventures that’ll take you to places that’ll leave you wanting to hire an underwater photography professional.  Jungeparc take you up into the treetops, using ziplines, ropes and bridges to navigate a pine forest.
• Or you could take in the whole island with a guiding tour, enjoying everything from the heights of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains to a boat trip around the coast.  No Frills Excursions  are your go-to guys for a tour you’ll never forget.
• Surprisingly, Mallorca has some fantastic golf courses – whatever level you’re at, a day or an afternoon on the Mallorcan links is the ideal tonic. You can find out more through our friends at where2golf.com .
• And if you like heights but think Jungleparc sounds like a bit too much effort, you can appreciate Mallorca from above with a hot air balloon flight. We recommend Mallorca Balloons if you feel like taking to the sky.
• One of the nicest tours of the island you can take is the perfect pairing of walking and wine – you’ll really feel like you’ve earned that drink! You can find out more about some great itineraries at  Mallorca Hiking .

What to do in Mallorca with kids

• There are loads of great museums and art galleries on Mallorca, and the local artists often feature their own work in smaller exhibitions. Something that’s bound to enrapture kids of any age is the Toy Museum in Palma, which features toys from all over the world.
• There are some great water parks across all of the Balearics, and all of them make for an exciting family day out.  Aqualand is worth a try if you’re heading to Mallorca!
• There’s plenty of nature on the island kids will love to explore, with wild new creatures to find and see – try a nature walk and see where it takes you! If the kids love their animals, La Reserva is a private reserve full of beautiful beasts – and there’s even adventure activities too.  Katmandu is a huge adventure playground chock full of rides and things to do, with the highlight being the unforgettable upside-down house.
• Getting on your bike is a great way to see the island too – there’s loads of great trails suitable for all ages too.  Nano Bicycles in Palma offer a cycling tour of the old town or bike rentals to suit you and your family.

Nothing here your cup of tea? There’s loads more suggestions over at our blog on the best family activities in Mallorca .

Recommended experiences

• Why not try some cooking classes courtesy of mymuybueno ? Better yet, they can tailor their lessons to suit you!
• You could mix a bit of exercise with fine wines with Bicillevant’s tour through the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, stopping at wineries on the way fir tastings.
• Beer tastings in the comfort of your villa rental with  Beer Lovers Mallorca ! This would work best followed by a bbq!
• Macia Batle is one of Mallorca’s longest established wineries, and the tours will give you a fascinating insight into wine on the island – along with a few samples!

We’ve even spoken to the locals to find out what their favourite suggestions are! Have a read of our insider’s guide to Mallorca to find out more.

If you need more ideas, just check out our blog on the best family activities in Mallorca .

Best restaurants in Mallorca

• By far the best vegetarian restaurant on the island is Bon Lloc , which serves great lunches in the day and meat-free haute cuisine in the evenings.
• Mare Nostrum is the perfect combination of amazing food that comes at a reasonable price – you can find it in Sa Poblo towards the north of the island.
• If you feel like introducing the kids to something a little bit different, Las Olas Bistro in Palma is family friendly and offers a neat take on tapas.
• And if you are looking for traditional Mallorcan dishes with a twist, Santi Taura is the place to go! The restaurant is named after the young, ambitious chef, Santi Taura, that weekly creates new tasting menus for its diners. Fine dining at its best!
• Flanigan has spent the best part of the last thirty years delighting the tastebuds of visitors and locals alike, specialising in fresh seafood and eclectic Mallorcan cuisine.

You can find more inspiring delicacies by checking out our blog on the best foodie experiences in Mallorca .

Dishes to try

• Tumbet is more of a side dish than a main event, but this Balearic take on ratatouille makes any meal better.
• Sobrassada is a local spicy sausage cooked in a huge number of ways – it’s even eaten on bread with honey!
• And any trip to Mallorca wouldn’t be complete without trying some seafood – the lobster stew known as calderata is one of nicest ways to get a taste of the ocean.

Tempted by a stay in wonderful Mallorca? We’ve got a huge selection of beautiful luxury villas in Mallorca ideal for any kind of holiday – whether you’re going with the kids, want to totally relax with a few friends or challenge yourself with some exciting activities. If you need a hand with anything, feel free to contact our friendly concierge team !  

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Is Mallorca Worth Visiting? 16 Pros and Cons to Consider

Is Mallorca worth visiting? I’m here to spill the tea on the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I’m usually gushing over Spanish destinations because Spain feels like my home away from home, but in this post, you’ll see exactly what I liked and disliked about this island.

If you want to know my final verdict, then yes, I do think Mallorca is a good place to visit, but here’s everything you need to consider before planning a trip.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

My favorite carb in Mallorca: The hot chocolate at Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo in Palma. The island is also known for its pastries, but many of them contain lard (which I don’t consume as a pescatarian).

Table of Contents

The Main Thing That Bothered Me About Mallorca, Spain

Tourists, tourists, and more tourists.

So here’s the thing – I knew Mallorca was touristy and obviously did not expect to be the only one there. BUT it was a different kind of touristy, and I didn’t even visit the peak season.

As a huge Spain lover, it wasn’t my first time in this country (far from it).

I think I visited enough places to know that some regions have yet to be discovered while others have become extremely popular. Yet, in most cases, there’s still a reasonable balance between tourists and locals.

For example, even in a bustling city like Madrid , you don’t have to make a lot of effort to experience its authentic side, and you definitely don’t feel like only tourists are around you.

I’m not saying that Mallorca’s authentic side is non-existent, but I feel like the touristy vibe can overshadow it sometimes, and I wish they were more balanced because that’s a big deal for a traveler like me.

Other than that, there’s also the stereotype of only being surrounded by drunk tourists.

I’d say it depends on where you’re staying because some towns are notorious for being popular party destinations (like Magaluf) while others are more tranquil (like my beloved Port de Pollença).

Is Mallorca Worth Visiting? All the Things to Love About It

You can find quiet even in touristy places.

Considering everything I’ve written about tourists in Mallorca, it really wasn’t difficult to find quiet areas, even in the island’s most visited cities and towns.

The minute you stray from the streets where all the shops and restaurants are, you see fewer and fewer people.

If you think about it, that’s kind of sad, but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy having some streets and alleys all to myself. In these tranquil moments, I could really feel the special vibe of Mallorca.

The Weather

What is Mallorca like in terms of temperatures? As a sun-drenched Mediterranean island (though I’ve encountered a couple of cloudy mornings), Mallorca offers fantastic weather almost all year long.

Take into consideration that it can get extremely hot and humid in July and August (27°C-33°C / 80.6°F-91.4°F by day) and not warm enough to take a dip in the winter months (14°C-17°C / 57.2°F-62.6°F by day).

That still leaves you with more than enough time to visit Mallorca while enjoying idyllic weather.

The summer months are also when hotel prices can be unbelievably expensive, so spring and fall can be good choices for your Mallorca trip.

Beautiful Beaches

Being one of the best beach destinations in Europe , it’s not surprising that Mallorca boasts a dreamy coastline. With dozens of heavenly beaches with crystal-clear waters, this island is a great place to unwind and soak up some sun.

It’s good to know that even though Mallorca is touristy, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every single beach is overcrowded with people, whether you’re staying in the north of Mallorca, in the south, in the east, or on the west coast.

In fact, when I visited popular places like the resort town of Port de Pollença and Formentor Beach, I was pleasantly surprised by their tranquility.

Important to know: Accessibility varies from beach to beach. Some can be reached by bus, some by car, and others require 15-30 minutes of walking from the nearest road/parking lot (including passing through steep, unpaved paths).

Enchanting Towns

Strolling through the cobbled streets of historical European small towns is one of the greatest joys in (my) life, and Mallorca is home to quite a few visit-worthy ones.

From Valldemossa to Alcudia to Pollença, there are more than enough picturesque places that are an absolute delight to explore.

If you love unique experiences, you should also know that you can reach the town of Soller with a vintage train dating back to the early 20th century.

I thought it was going to be an overrated attraction, but I highly recommend it as the views along the way are truly stunning.

Jaw-Dropping Natural Landscapes

One of the best reasons to visit Mallorca is that you don’t only get to see dreamy shades of blue (courtesy of the Mediterranean) but also miles and miles of green.

So many roads offer breathtaking views of fields, almond trees, orange groves, and even vineyards.

If that’s not enough, one of the most scenic parts of the island is the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s home to some of the towns I’ve mentioned and countless hiking trails, cycling trails, viewpoints, hidden coves, and unique manmade landmarks. 

Other natural areas you can explore are the coastal Mondrago Natural Park and Sa Dragonera Natural Park (located on a nearby uninhabited island). If you’re an avid nature lover, these parts of Mallorca will surprise you.

Rich History

When Mallorca is often perceived solely as a beach destination, it’s easy to forget that it’s steeped in history.

From prehistory and Roman times to the Arab rule and the conquest of the island by King Jaume I of Aragon (who became the King of Majorca) in the 13th century, each era had its impact on Mallorca and left landmarks you can still visit today.

These include remains of prehistoric and Roman settlements, Moorish gardens, medieval walls, monasteries, cathedrals, and palaces. If you’re a history lover, you’re in for a treat.

Must-See Manmade and Natural Landmarks

Diving a little deeper into all the historical landmarks you can see in Mallorca, anyone can find at least one point of interest to enjoy.

Some of the highlights of this island are: 

• Remains of villages from the Bronze Age like the Talaiots de Son Fornés
• Ruins of the Roman city of Pollentia
• Medieval walls of Alcudia
• Palma Cathedral, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and Bellver Castle (in Palma de Mallorca)
• Capdepera Castle
• Royal Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa

If you’re more of a natural landmark kind of traveler, head to the infamous caves of Cuevas del Drach and Cuevas dels Hams, visit Cap de Formentor (Mallorca’s northernmost point) or hike in the Torrent de Pareis canyon.

Palma Is Such a Lovely City

Is Palma de Mallorca worth visiting? I’m pretty sure most people don’t travel to Mallorca just to spend a day or two in the capital, Palma, but don’t underestimate this city.

I thought it was just going to be a base point from where I would take day trips, but I discovered an intriguing city with an incredible old town (and other fascinating neighborhoods), lots of historical landmarks, a great culinary scene, photogenic architecture, and so much more.

So if you’re only a short flight away and a quick Spanish weekend break is all you’re looking for, consider spending it in Palma de Mallorca.

The Culture

If you’re a culture buff, Mallorca is going to win you over.

Apart from the capital city of Palma, which is home to many museums and art galleries (including the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Joan Miró Foundation), you’ll find quite a few intriguing places to visit.

These include the Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum in Valldemossa, where the gifted Polish composer spent a very productive time on the island, and La Granja d’Esporles, a museum dedicated to Mallorca’s history and traditions (housed in a 17th-century mansion).

If you’re after authentic souvenirs, pearls, salt, and ceramics are some of the traditional must-buys. Another unique experience is booking a stay in a finca , a traditional Mallorquin countryside farmhouse/estate.

You can also visit the weekly markets taking place in plenty of towns across the island, indulge in typical Mallorquin food (if you love seafood, vegetables, and baked goods, you won’t be disappointed), attend some festivals, and the list goes on.

Diverse and Unique Activities

I hope that by now, you understand that there’s a lot more to do in Mallorca than just unwind at the beach. Besides all the activities and places I’ve mentioned so far, this island has a few more surprises.

Outdoors enthusiasts can go hiking, cycling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canyoning; wine lovers can tour central Mallorca’s vineyards; others can take a boat tour to watch dolphins in the wild. Pretty exciting, right?

You Can Explore It by Car or Public Transportation

Is Mallorca a good place to visit without a car?

There’s no doubt that taking a road trip would be an ideal way to discover Mallorca’s hidden gems , conveniently get to every nook and cranny of the island, and have the most flexibility.

That said, you can also plan a Mallorca itinerary that doesn’t require renting a car (as I did) yet still includes some of the most beautiful places on the island.

Reachable by bus are picture-perfect spots like Mirador Es Colomer (the most iconic viewpoint in Mallorca), Jardines de Alfabia, Valldemossa, and Alcudia, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Traditional Mallorquin Food

It’s not surprising that you can stumble upon plenty of tourist traps when you’re looking for a place to eat.

But if you make the effort to find typical local food, you’ll be rewarded with dishes like Tumbet (a bit similar to ratatouille ), Coca de trampó  (thin bread baked and topped with vegetables), and frito Mallorquín de marisco (seafood with vegetables).

Good to know: Mallorca’s most famous pastry, ensaïmada , as well as some other local pastries, are not vegetarian-friendly – they are made with pork lard.

Suitable for Different Groups of Travelers

Considering what Mallorca has to offer, it can be a good destination for couples, families, groups of friends, and even solo travelers.

As you can see, its attractions are also suitable for different interests, whether you just want to unwind at the beach, enjoy the natural scenery, get to know the local history and culture or take in a bit of everything.

The Mediterranean Vibe Is Addictive

Even though I love exploring different types of destinations in Europe and I love visiting them in different seasons, there’s something addictive about the tranquility of a Mediterranean island on a sunny day.

So when you get to the quiet spots of Mallorca, whether inland or coastal, you feel that contagious laid-back Mediterranean vibe.

Spain Is Always a Good Idea

I know I’m biased because I feel like Spain is my home away from home, but it really is a destination that never disappoints me, even if not everything is perfect.

No matter what region you visit in Spain, you’ll always find beautiful places to visit, interesting local culture, good food, and so much more.

Should You Visit Mallorca? The Verdict

This island is much more than meets the eye, so I definitely think it’s worth visiting Mallorca, but I also recommend choosing wisely when to do so.

I visited at the end of May, and there was already a very respectable number of tourists on the island, so I can’t imagine how crowded it gets in July and August.

I know it’s not possible for everyone, but avoiding traveling to the Balearic island during these months will surely make a positive impact on your trip. Otherwise, you might not love Mallorca as much as I did.

If you’re wondering how many days in Mallorca are enough, I’d say that you need a minimum of 5 days, though I encourage you to spend 7-10 days in Mallorca if you have the time (I could have easily spent 2 weeks there).

Other Mallorca and Spain Travel Guides

Planning a trip to the Balearic Islands? Read:

• Breakfast and brunch places in Palma de Mallorca
• Free things to do in Palma de Mallorca
• What to pack for Mallorca
• Must-see landmarks in Spain
• Best road trips in Spain
• Hidden gems in Spain
• Novels set in Spain
• Spain travel quotes
• Spain travel tips
• Virtual tours of Spain
• Spain themed gifts

Related posts:

• Reasons to visit northern Spain
• Reasons to visit Cadiz, Spain
• Reasons to visit Cordoba, Spain
• Reasons to visit Malta
• Reasons to visit Crete
• Is Budapest worth visiting
• Is Porto worth visiting
• Is Turin worth visiting
• Is Warsaw worth visiting
• Is Poznan worth visiting
• Is Madrid worth visiting
• Is Bari worth visiting
• Is Aosta worth visiting

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

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Mallorca travel blog — the fullest mallorca travel guide for first-timers.

I’m a “kid” who really loves the sea. Last year, when I first arrived in Germany, the first thing I asked the Germans was “where do you go to the beach?”. And immediately 5/7 people I asked give me the answer is Mallorca, which included my teacher, every summer she also goes to Mallorca for at least 10 days for her vacation. As soon as she showed me photos that she has taken in Mallorca, I immediately fell in love with the clear water, the deserted blue bays of Mallorca and I decided that I must-go there. So, what to do in Mallorca and how to visit the beautiful island of Spain? Let’s check out our Mallorca travel blog (Mallorca blog) with the fullest Mallorca travel guide (Mallorca guide) for a budget trip for the first-timers from how to get there, top things to do in Mallorca, where to stay… to clear your answer!

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Mallorca travel blog: Where is Mallorca?

Mallorca or Majorca is an island in the Baleares (Balearic) Islands located in the Spanish Mediterranean. The island’s capital of Palma is also the capital of the autonomous community of the Baleares Islands. Like the islands of Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera in the Baleares Islands, Mallorca is an extremely popular tourist destination, especially for visitors from Germany, Ireland, Poland, the Netherlands, Scandinavian countries and Great Britain. The name of the island is derived from the Latin “insula maior”, meaning “larger island”.

We stayed here for 4 full days. The time we went was the end of July, the weather should be called extremely sunny, but because it located in the Mediterranean, Mallorca’s climate was hot all year round, with its peak in summer, but with cool sea breeze, so even though the temperature was high, it didn’t feel as sultry as in tropical countries.

Mallorca travel guide: How to get to Mallorca?

The easiest is to fly. There are many low-cost airlines flying to Majorca such as Ryan Air, Eurowings … However, low-cost airlines often will not land at large airports, but often land at satellite airports, located quite far away from center, or only flying within Europe.

Air tickets to Mallorca are also varied in price, sometimes up to 150 euros / round-trip. I hunted cheap tickets of Eurowings, flying from Nuremberg to Mallorca only cost 25 euros / round-trip, but the plane landed at night at over 12 o’clock, so traveling by public transport to get to the center was impossible, I could only take a taxi.

My group of 3 people have already decided to sleep at the airport before because it is actually not too big, but quite safe. However, by luck, on the plane I sat next to a Vietnamese lady who lived in Mallorca for a long time, so it was great .. we no longer had to sleep at the airport. Moreover, the next day, we were led out to explore the island by her native daughter, not traveling by ourself. Sometimes smart-mouthed is also beneficial, haha.

Mallorca travel blog: Getting around Mallorca

Majorca, like other European cities, people mainly travel by car and bus. But I recommend that you should rent a self-drive car, don’t rely on public transport. Most tourists come here to rent self-drive cars. Why should we not rely on Bus? Mallorca Island is quite large, but the terrain is not flat, but mixed with hills, that is why it has many breathtaking bay corners.

Buses here are very sparse and only travel to the big “Cans” (means big towns or large beaches), not reach the small beaches. Actually, I compared it on Google Map with the same place, if I take the bus, it takes nearly 4 hours, including waiting time for the bus, time of changing the bus and then still have to walking 20 minutes, but if I rent a car, it only takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to go straight, not to mention the roads in Mallorca are very beautiful, there are sections where you are driving in the desert with only your car, surrounded by sand, or driving between vineyards or driving through the mountain pass …

You can see details Mallorca routes and bus stops here .

To renting a car here only requires a passport and driver’s license in the EU. Of course you should check prices online and book in advance. I rented a car of Eurocar because the review was quite good, but in the end it turned out to be a bit expensive compared to the budget. We rented for 4 days 3 nights, Hyundai car of 4 seats for 256 Euros. My friend said that is expensive, if you come here and rent from a private person right on the island, it is only about 160-200 Euros for 4 days only.

If you stay in the city of Palma – the capital of Mallorca, taking the Bus is very convenient, or if you rent a hotel or hostel, and just stay there, there is no need to rent a car to save money or have another option is to rent a car with a private driver or take taxi (expensive). But I also must be said, it’s a regret. Because if you only stay in one place, it’s no different from going to Da Nang without going to nearby attractions Hoi An, Cu Lao Cham Island or Hue Ancient City.

In addition, you can take a tram to getting around Palma and around Mallorca. It’s also worth a try.

Mallorca guide: Where to stay in Majorca?

Because I happened to read a German review that the East and West of the island, each have a different beauty, one is very beautiful to watch the sunset, the other is paradise to watch the sunrise, so I booked 1 night at Port de Soller area ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) in the West and 2 nights at Can Picafort area in the East via Airbnb.

The room rate in Mallorca is often very expensive, the average price is about 30-50 Euros for 1 person / 1 night, it is an average hostel or Airbnb, and if you want cheaper, the location is very far away. We spend an average of 35 euros per night per person, 3 nights for about 100 euros.

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Es Princep , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $233/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Las Gaviotas Suites Hotel , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $134/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Helios Mallorca Hotel & Apartments , a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $58/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Posada Terra Santa , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $182/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Melia Calvia Beach , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $100/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

In addition, you can check room rates in Majorca on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Airbnb.com , full range and varied from budget to luxury. If you plan to book via Airbnb but do not have an account, you can sign up via this link to receive up to $35 for the first booking.

In addition, you can refer to one of the best Airbnb in Majorca: Apartment with terrace in Palma at $39/night or Room with great views at $28/night or Winter stay in Mallorca – cozy studio close to sea at $30/night.

–> The Airbnb link that discount up to $35 for the first booking here: https://www.airbnb.com/c/anht5185

Mallorca travel blog: What to do in Mallorca?

There are really too many places to go here but I have not been fully visited like palaces, museums … So I just write down the places I have visited and the places that I have learned and found good but I have not had the conditions to come.

The capital of Palma

Actually, Palma is also like many other major European cities. Everything is convenient and quite modern. The main highlights are Palma Cathedral, the old town, the walking street … We spent 3 hours walking, shopping, sightseeing around the famous Major Plaza area and walking street and the Cathedral.

In my opinion, the houses in the old town are nothing special, but deeply imprinted with the Mediterranean region with a distinctive golden-brown color and quite simple, not as sophisticated as in Germany, France or Austria.

The shopping street in Palma de Mallorca. Small but beautiful. The entire walking street was only like this.

Like other big tourist cities, Palma offers 2-hour Bus tours to all popular locations for 12 euros. In addition, Palma also offers a 1-hour cruise around Palma Bay for 8 euros. And we choose the second one (cruise tour).

You can find more information at the airport or at the Tourist Information Centers. In addition, if you have abundant time, you can visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, built in 1281.

On a 1 hour cruise tour in Palma city:

Port de Soller

We have only stayed here for 1 day, just in time to watch the sunset, but actually the whole water is glowing red, far away are luxury and mid-range yachts, really as beautiful as a painting. It is true that the sea here is not too beautiful, the water is not clear, there are no long white sand beaches, but extremely peaceful, calm.

Most tourists staying here with the needs to rent private yachts to cruising to the middle of the sea for parties, to small islands to bathe and play all day. Regarding the price, it is also “cheap”, about 250 euros or more for 4 people in 4 hours. This is my teacher told me, I have not experienced, if you intend to try contacting the hotel directly, they also offer that service.

See also: Things to keep in mind when traveling to Europe.

Can Picafort

It was our stopover place for the remaining 3 days. OMG, it is so wonderful. Long white sand beach, clear blue sea water, only without palm trees. What was my first feeling? Nha Trang, Phu Quoc must greet it first. Furthermore the service is good, the people are extremely friendly. Mommy, so fascinated. I was also lucky to rent an apartment near the sea, with a balcony overlooking the sea, so I had a stunning background for virtual living. HiHi.

Due to it is also a big town, we stayed in an apartment with full of kitchen and washing machine, so we decided to buy food to cook by ourself. Except for the first day of arrival, because swimming was too tired, we ate at the restaurant downstairs. Delicious, but it burned our wallets.

Here there is a daily bustling night market. We walked around at night, went to the night market, drank cocktails, listened to live music. Life just has to be like that to see it beautiful.

Cap de Formentor

As one of the most famous tourist attractions in Majorca, according to the Google caption: beach, cycling, cliffs. Cap de Formentor is also the way to a lighthouse. Unfortunately, we are full of fear, dare not drive to reach the stunning lighthouse.

Just drove from the foot of the mountain to the middle of the mountain, but the two of them sat below feared with “pale white faces”. Ba Vi National Park? Oh, still is young sister. Or Tam Dao? Quite normal. Some of my words can not be described, but only have difficulty seeing the truth. Upon arrived, I was overwhelmed by its beauty.

Imagine when you reach an altitude of nearly 400 meters above sea level, looking around is a deep blue ocean, such big yachts are now like dots on paper, Oh, I swear, how breathtaking feeling it is.

Cala Pi is not the most famous place in Majorca, it is quite deserted but not crowded. I came here because I was in love with an ancient tree with its 3 branches, strong standing alone in a corner, in front of the vast ocean. I really want to describe Cala Pi but can’t find any words to describe.

The beach in Cala Pi is small, but the two sides are the cliffs, I stand from above and see people are tiny below, but the water is clear, the feeling of swimming for a while is out to the ocean. If you want to go swimming, you have to walk far away =)).

In the end, I have not played anything, I have to say goodbye to Mallorca. If I was still living in Germany, I would definitely come back here, because I loved it. There are many worth places to visit but I have not visited such as Drach cave, Cala Millor, Cala Major,… Especially the tiny bays… Haha. Hope this sketchy review helps you somewhat in planning.

I did not suggest what to eat here because of different needs, and the prices here are not too expensive, like other European cities. For example, fast food is the same price or at the restaurant, it costs 6-10 euros/dish, depending on the dish, the fresh seafood is available and much cheaper than in Germany. The traditional dishes are similar to traveling to Barcelona or Madrid .

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Mallorca you can refer to

• Island tour (with bus, train, boat and tram) in Mallorca
• Lonely Planet Experience: Palma Street Art Walking Tour
• Top things to do in Mallorca
• Hidden Corners of Mallorca
• Rafa Nadal Museum Experience Ticket in Mallorca
• Self Driven Tour With Guide: Miramar and Soller Olive Oil in Mallorca
• Mallorca: Skip the Line Palma Cathedral Entry Ticket
• Mallorca: Island Tour with Boat & Train Ride from the South
• Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise
• Alcudia: North Coast Catamaran Cruise with Lunch
• Palma de Mallorca: Half-Day Catamaran Tour with Buffet Meal
• Palma Bay: Catamaran Cruise
• Palma de Mallorca: Los Deltas Jet Ski Tour
• Palma Bay: Parasailing Experience
• Mallorca: Palma Aquarium Ticket
• Mallorca: Off-Road Quad Biking, Snorkeling & Cliff Jumping
• Mallorca: Visit the Caves of Hams

Are you want to explore more islands of Spain. Let’s read:

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'Things have started to improve': Moscow residents share thoughts on the city's changes

From cycling infrastructure to public spaces, how do Moscow’s residents feel about the city’s urban renewal projects? Here they share their stories

The ‘Moscow experiment’ has seen the city undergo renewal efforts over the last five years to improve liveability. But what do Moscow’s residents really think about the changes? We asked you to share your stories of life in the Russian capital, and reflect on whether Moscow is changing for better or worse.

The city centre may be seeing improvements in infrastructure and public space, but what about the suburbs? How involved have local citizens been in the changes? And what does the future hold for Moscow? We’ve rounded up a selection of your GuardianWitness contributions , comments and emails, which reveal the everyday experiences of Moscow’s transformations:

About pedestrians and automobilists

Moscow has undergone massive change in the last five years, but the most obvious developments concern parks, streets, and general navigation in the capital. Most of the developments are surely positive: the city has seemed to get more air. There have appeared more walking paths, pedestrian zones have been expanded, some streets have been closed for traffic altogether, parks are being renovated, and new bicycle lanes are being offered now to city residents and its guests. However, there are negative changes as well, which have largely affected car owners: extension of the paid parking areas, and the increase of the average price, the need to navigate a bypass route in order to drive round pedestrian zones. But this coin has another side too: fewer cars in the centre means less exhaust fumes and cleaner air. Muscovites look forward to the old parks being renovated, and the new ones being opened. New plans make excited everyone: new metro stations, new roads, new bicycle lanes and pedestrian footpaths.

It's changing for better

Moscow is definitely changing for better now. As I see it, the authorities are trying to make a city a better place to live in, especially in remote residential neighborhoods, which is very good. Many parks were renovated, cycle lanes appeared. Moscow has become a nice place for long walks and cycling. The city has a lot to offer now including museums, and different events like exhibitons, summer outside activities and others. It's a pity that it takes so long but taking into account the size of the city and its population I can say the situation has changed even if compared to what it was like 4-6 years ago.

I grew up in Moscow and lived here until two years ago. My general impression is that the people making the decisions are trying to copy some European practices like bike rental, parks, etc, but the general success is limited. The streets still belong to drivers, not to pedestrians, to an unbelievable extent. Another thing is that street retail was banned in an attempt to improve the city. It works for the city centre, where retailers really spoiled the overall impression of the scene, but 80% of Moscow is not a city centre. And there, this removal makes your life more difficult. The positive trend is all these multiple festivals, exhibitions, etc, but the best of all these events were initiated by citizens, so I would say that it is due to improving integration of Muscovites into the global world. Overall, I should admit that I love my homeland, but there is still a far way to go to make the city as comfortable as it could be, and the incentives of the people in charge in many cases do not have a lot to do with the wellbeing of Muscovites. - Ekaterina Ivanova

In the city

Gorky central park of culture and leisure

Better, definitely.

I was born in Moscow, emigrated to the UK ten years ago, and have been coming back at least once a year ever since. Although it's hard to tell from only a short visit, I can definitely see improvement in the capital: public transport operates better, local government services are better organised, the streets are cleaner... in my old neighbourhood (a very working-class, high-immigrant community), there are more 'high-street' shops appearing, less potholes on the roads, new playgrounds, new trees being planted and even the occasional fountain being built. These things may seem little and shallow, but I can certainly see improvement in this sense, at least.

It’s better on the surface, but still has inclusion and institutional issues. What do I mean? I mean that no one really asked us, Moscow residents, about the changes being made in the city (although we really welcome a big part of them). And lack of inclusion and mutual trust between the residents is in the end the main problem of Moscow as a city and a community (in my opinion). You can build as much fancy stuff as the money allows you to but if the Muscovites do not trust each other and don’t consider this city to truly belong to them, it will never become a real city and will continue to exist as “a big village” with fancy parks, craft beer and bicycle service. - Sergey Kurakov

When you smiling

Moscow is beautiful with the history, but it's even more beautiful when history meets modern cultural programmes. This installation is a part of one of them. Such things can be seen in the city when we have holidays

The transformation of Gorky park was nice but it is now overly popular which means it is not so pleasant to go to. The boulevard ring has in the main been transformed and makes for a pleasant walk. The banks of the Moskva have been transformed and the walk from Red October down to Gorky park is now interesting, however I always feel that Moscow does not make as much as it's river as other cities (Paris or London for example) do. The area around modern tretyakov could be transformed into an area more like the south bank.

However the biggest killer of Moscow life are simply the size of the roads. They are everywhere and take priority over pedestrians. To really improve Moscow life would be deal with the massive structural change required for dealing with traffic. And that, unfortunately, costs more than plants.

I was born in Moscow and truly love it. And this city inspired me to take an urban planning course: I honestly just couldn’t figure out how one of the wealthiest cities in the whole world could experience such a plethora of problems ranging from car invasion to banal low visual and urban design culture. Many things have changed for the better. A lot of new creative things emerged, such as anti-cafes, high-quality bars and famous Moscow art-clusters. These all influence the city and make it somewhat more democratic. On top of that, there are more direct influences on its physical fabric due to new urban design studios like StrelkaKB, Wowhaus and many others. However, the overall system is still underdeveloped. Moscow is not really clean, it is over-reliant on cars and it seems not much action is taken to improve that; it’s incredibly unfriendly to wheelchairs and people of similar mobility. We still get enormous unnecessary shopping malls planted close to the centre. Moscow is a wonderful city and sure enough it is gradually developing, however, only in a discrete, tactical way, largely and mostly driven by private interests. The public sector, in turn, seems to provide no clear strategic policy to turn Moscow in a healthy modern democratic city with all its problems tackled in one way or another. - dmitryBooM

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