Spotlight on Mallorca

The biggest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca rewards with a wealth of golden beaches, glittering Mediterranean waters, traditional villages, and a culture-packed capital. As for walking opportunities, you’ll find something for everyone - especially during September and October when the temperatures cools but the sun still shines. Here are just a few of the reasons the island is so appealing for a late summer escape or a winter sun break. 

When it comes to walks, Mallorca ticks boxes for everything from seafront strolls along cafe-lined promenades to clifftop coastal hikes and rambles in the island’s rural heartlands. But the real showstopping adventures are found in the UNESCO-listed Tramuntana Mountains. Spanning over 56 miles, the GR221 Dry Stone Route is a long-distance path that takes you through some of island’s most authentic towns and allows you to ascend Puig de Massanella – the highest climbable peak in the Balearics.

Mallorca’s atmospheric and cosmopolitan capital of Palma is worth a detour for its excellent cultural attractions. Highlights include spending time in Joan Miró's studio, visiting Es Baluard Museum of Contemporary Art, taking a stroll on the promenade that stretches for miles along the seafront, and exploring the narrow backstreets and cobbled squares. Don’t miss the colossal La Seu – a magnificent 14th century cathedral that’s also one of Europe’s tallest Gothic structures.

Set on Mallorca’s northeast coast, Puerto Pollensa tempts with sandy beaches, old stone houses, a chic marina, great seafood restaurants, and a tree-lined walkway known as the Pine Walk. Should time allow, take the bus to the rugged peninsula of Cap de Formentor for a glimpse of Formentor Hotel – the former haunt of actors, writers, and politicians such as Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Sir Winston Churchill, and Agatha Christie. 

Set on the northwest coast, this small coastal village is one of the most visually stunning spots on the island. Most worthy of your attention are the old stone houses clinging to the rocks, the great coastal walks, and the Mediterranean views. Also noteworthy are the literary connections with Robert Graves. What was the English poet and novelist’s family home for over half a century is now a museum with much of the original furniture and décor. 

A protected area of 1671 hectares on Mallorca’s northeast coast, this walker’s paradise is cherished for its remote beaches, mountain goats, and exceptional bird life. It became a Special Area of Protection for Birds and Site of Community Interest in 2000 and is home to the red kit, booted eagle, peregrine falcon, and Audouin's gull. The park also covers much of Artà’s mountain range and includes the tallest peaks of the Serres de Llevant: Puig Morei (564 metres), Puig des Porrassar (491metres), and Puig de sa Tudossa (441 metres). 

As one of the best-loved spots for hikers and walkers, Cúber and its surrounds remain the start and end point of most mountain itineraries. Located in the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana (Tramuntana Mountains) between the rocky Biniarix Ravine and Puig Major (the highest peak on the island at 1,436 metres), this man-made reservoir was built in 1972 to supply water to Palma. Over 50 years later, it’s still a huge draw for visitors eager to picnic by the crystal-clear turquoise waters and take in wonderful mountain views.

Nestled in a picturesque valley at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains, Santuari de Lluc is one of Mallorca’s most sacred spots. This former monastery and pilgrimage site was founded in the early 13th century although archaeologists believe the site predates Christian times. Nowadays it’s the starting point for several standout walking routes and former monk’s quarters now serve as a handy hostel for hikers. There’s also a restaurant serving freshly squeezed orange juice from nearby Soller, plus a rockery and garden area with over 200 rare plants and medicinal herbs. 

There’s no shortage of thrills when it comes to island cuisine. If you want to eat like a local, try a pa amb oli (toasted bread rubbed with tomato and oil served with local cheese, ham, and olives). There’s also sobrasada (a coarse pork pate spiced with paprika), and a delicious mix of fried meat and vegetables known as frito mallorquin. To wash it down, try a local white wine (bottles from Binisallem or Santa Maria del Cami are especially good). For a sweet treat, sample an ensaimada - a pastry product made with fat, eggs, and plenty of powdered sugar.