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The wooden train from Palma to the pretty town of Sller, 17 miles away to the north,
follows a pretty route through the string of tunnels which cut through the
Tramuntana mountains, passing a landscape of pine forests, olive groves and citrus
orchards.The line was built a century ago so that farmers could bring their oranges
and lemons to Palma to sell at the market. After a stroll around Sller, looking at the
grandiose Art Nouveau houses and maybe doing a bit of shopping in the many
upmarket craft shops, have an ice cream or a snack in the Plaa Constituci, the main
square. Then take the tram down to Port de Sller for lunch in the harbour or by the
beach.
Address: trains leave from the station at Eusebio Estada 1, Plaa Espaa
alongside main train and bus station
Admission: single ticket 22, return including tram 30
Contact: 00 34 971 752051; trendesoller.com
Many of Majorcas wines are made in and around this village north-east of Palma,
which has been awarded designation of origin status (the Spanish equivalent of
appellation controlle). The main grapes used are the local varieties Manto Negro and
Callet for red wines and Moll for whites. Most of the wineries are open to the public,
although it is often advisable to call ahead.
While the most well-known winery is Jos L. Ferrer, others are also well worth
visiting, such as Maci Batle, Vins Nadal and Son Prim, to name just a few.
There is information about all the wineries on the designation of origin
website: binissalemdo.com or call 00 34 971 512191 for help organising visits.
Art - Shopping
If you are in the mood for mooching around a pretty little town full of pavement cafs
and bijou shops, Art, in the east of the island, is just the thing particularly on
Tuesdays when the market is on. Walk up to the battlements of the Santuari de Sant
Salvador for views across the rooftops and the countryside and coastline
beyond. See artamallorca.travel for further information
Also interesting is Ses Passes, just outside the town, a Talaiotic settlement believed
to have been founded more than 3,000 years ago. There are good golf courses nearby,
as well as caves and some lovely beaches.
Shopping
Palma offers a wonderful mix of traditional and trendy shops, situated on elegant,
often pedestrianised streets. For designer shops, trawl Avinguda Jaime III, Passeig
des Born and the surrounding streets, particularly around Plaa Chopin. For high-
street names, including Camper and Custo, stroll up Carrer Sant Miquel and Carrer
Sindicat.
Head to Inca for factory outlet shoe stores and Manacor for outlet pearl shops there
is a street market on Mondays too. Also worth a look are the craft market in Sller on
Saturdays and the wine market in Binissalem on Fridays.
Alfbia Gardens
Islamic, Italian and English influences are all discernible in these gardens in Bunyola
north near Palma, which feature orange and lemon trees, tropical plants, pools and
fountains. Although they have existed in this form since 1954, the gardens and the
house to which they belong date back to the 13th century, when the estate was home
to the Moorish governor of Inca. Stroll along paths lined with fragrant honeysuckle
and jasmine, and end up at the little bar for a glass of homemade lemonade or orange
juice.
Estellencs
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Photograph: Danny Lehman/Corbis
The beautiful village of Estellencs offers a haven for those in search of old
world Mallorca. It is tucked into the wild and rugged Unesco world heritage
designated Tramuntana mountains, yet it is just a 15 minute downhill
ramble to a secluded beach, complete with bamboo shaded beach-bar in the
summer months. Montemar, an award-winning restaurant in the village
square, serves food grown by the chef himself; and Vall-Hermos cafe has a
terrace that looks down the valley and out to sea perhaps the worlds
greatest sunset and cerveza spot.
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Photograph: Jose Fuste Raga/Corbis
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Photograph: Holger Leue/Corbis
We were lucky enough to discover this wonderful attraction on our very first
trip to Mallorca. The caves are simply outstanding! You are escorted around
the interior of the stalactite- and stalagmite-filled caves, approximately
1.2km, by a guide. The tour lasts about an hour, but amazingly includes a
classical music concert, played by a quartet and a boat ride on Lake Martel,
one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world.
Adults 14,50, children 7,50, cuevasdeldrach.com
Wikitravel
Regions[edit]
Regions of Mallorca
Serra de Tramuntana (Soller, Lluc)
The mountain range along the north western coast of the island
Palma de Mallorca
The area surrounding the capital of the island, Palma
Pla de Mallorca
Raiguer
Migjorn
Llevant
Cities[edit]
Other destinations[edit]
Understand[edit]
Mallorca (3640 sq.km) is known as an easy-to-reach mecca for friends of sunny beaches,
amazing landscapes, wonderful mountains and affordable mediterranean food. With a coastline
of more than 550km. In high season the island receives about 8 million tourists from around the
world. This is both a blessing and a curse for the inhabitants, and they are well prepared for it and
provide a very well-organized tourist infrastructure.
Nevertheless, Mallorca can show even other faces when you leave the coastline and take a look
at the inner country. Prices fall with each kilometer you move away from the coast, and reach the
usual Spanish standards in the center of the island or even some parts of the mountain area.
Geographically the island can be divided into three parts. The Serra de Tramuntana rocks extend
from south-west to north-east, while the Serra de Llevant stretches along the eastern coast.
Between them lies the central plain (Es pla).
Talk[edit]
The natives speak so-called Mallorqu, a sub-dialect of "Balear", a regional dialect of Catalan.
Schools teach Catalan and Spanish; both are official languages in this region. Anyone raised
there can speak both languages. Whilst Catalan is the "local" language of the island, Spanish has
an overall majority in terms of number of native speakers.
In tourist areas, you will frequently come across people speaking English, German, French and
other common European languages.
Beaches[edit]
Mallorca has beautiful white sand and crystal water beaches, so most are base for package
tourists nowadays. In more remote areas you might find very rarely visited beaches.
Cala Fonoll
Reco De Sarena
Sant Pere
Magaluf Beach, in Magaluf. editA beautiful 900 meters long beach with fine sand and clear
water. New and stylish promenade is close.
En Repic
Cala Torta
Cala Es Carregador
Pollenca
Es Trenc Beach. edit A large, not developed, beach with fine white sand and crystal clear
water. Protected area now.
Es Carbo Beach. edit A quiet, hardly developed beach. An alternative to overcrowded
beaches. Finest sand, turquise water.
Santa Ponsa
Coll Baix
Cala Mitjana
Oratori De Portals
Cala Es Marmols
Es Marques
Es Port Des Canonge
Sa Calobra
Cala Figuera Beach, Formentor peninsula. edit Located deep within a cove with high
mountains on both sides of the water. Spectacular view.
Portals Vells
Ses Bassetes
Sa Cova
Son Serra De Marina Beach. edit A very long, little known, virgin beach without facilities on
the north east coast of Mallorca.
Cala Murada
Cala Major
Cala Estremer
Cala Dor
Cala Tuent
Formentor
Cala Bota
Cala Sant Vicenc (Cala San Vincente Beach), Sant Vicenc city. edit Beautiful beach on the
north west coast of Mallorca. Fine grained white sand and very clear water.
Son Bunyola
Sant Elm
Cala Murta Beach, Formentor peninsula. edit Small secluded beach with fine white sand.
Transparent water.
Cala Basset
Port De Valldemosa
Cala Fornells
Cala Deia
Port De Soller
Torrent De Pareis
Get in[edit]
By plane[edit]
There are frequent flights from many European cities to Palma de Mallorca airport. In particular,
many of the discount airlines have daily flights.
There are also flights from Menorca and Ibiza, but these are about double the price of the ferries
from these islands, and save only about an hour.
From the airport (Sant Joan airport [1]) public buses run frequently to central Palma. Many car
rental agencies have their offices at the airport.
By boat[edit]
You can catch a ferry to Palma de Mallorca from the other Balearic Islands or from several points
on the Spanish coast, including Barcelona and Valencia and a super-fast ferry service
from Denia Alicante. You can catch a ferry to Alcudia from Menorca.
Get around[edit]
Palma de Mallorca - the islands capital is worth a trip on its own. Very old city where you will
find architectural wonders, culture and mediterranean food.[5]
Serra de Tramuntana - wonderful range of mountains that run along the north-west coast of
Mallorca
Playa de Palma - Busiest destination on Mallorca.
Valldemossa - Georges Sand and Frederic Chopin spent some time in this beautiful village
Soller and Port de Soller - a beautiful town in the mountains that can be reached by a
combination of train and tram
Caves - several caves are open to the public, the Dragon Caves (Coves del Drach in
mallorquin) being the most visited
Do[edit][add listing]
Beaches - this is what most people come for. The main tourist areas are on the southern and
eastern coast but places may be crowded in high season. More secluded and quiet beaches
can be found on the island but expect a difficult route (e.g. cliffs) and minimal parking. A must
visit is Es Trenc, near the Colonia de Sant Jordi, but there are also many beaches not that
popular worth a visit. Here you can find photos, video and map of the most beautiful beaches
of Mallorca
Note - If you find yourself in Palma, looking for a quieter beach than the 5km strand (Platja de
Palma), take the line 3 of the town's public bus company "EMT" (blue and white buses) all the
way to its Western terminus "Illetes", which is simply called Playa. It is a wonderful little cove set
about by rocks, with a local restaurant right on the beach. There are other coves in either
direction, but this is the most welcoming.
Cycling - In spring the island's roads are popular with several professional teams in
preparation for the next season.
Palma - the island's capital offers the famous cathedral as well as a nice city centre to stroll
around. Cultural visits, shore excursions and private guided tours lead by official Mallorca
Tour Guides [6] to Jewish quarter and other sites and villages around the Island.
Golf - There are nineteen, 18 hole golf courses on the island that are open to the general
public. These are Andratx, Alcanada, Bendinat, Canyamel, Capdepera, Poniente, Pula, Golf
Park Puntir Mallorca, Golf Maioris, Santa Ponsa 1, Son Antem East, Son Antem West, Son
Servera, Son Termens, Son Vida, Son Muntaner, Son Quint, Son Gual & Vall d'Or. There is
one 9 hole course open to the general public; Pollena. The courses Santa Ponsa 2 & 3 are
'members only' and finally there is a private 9 hole golf course in the grounds of La Reserva
Rotana, a boutique hotel located in the North-East of the island, just outside of Manacor.
Nature - S'Abulfera is a large salt marsh near the town of Alcudia. Large numbers of bird
species can be seen, including many species of heron, waders, ducks and warblers. The
cliffs of Fortmentor are good for sea birdwatching and is one of the best places for a chance
of seeing the rare Elenora's Falcon.
Free Classical Music Concerts - during the summer, free open-air classical music concerts
are usually organised on Saturday evenings on the Bendinat Golf Course.
Deep Water Solo / Psicobloc - the island's unique geography has helped it become the
premier destination for rock climbers wishing to experience deep water soloing or psicobloc,
rock climbing above deep water.
Buy[edit][add listing]
Eat[edit][add listing]
Local dishes[edit]
Recommend Paella, especially the seafood version while in Mallorca.
Local dishes include Frit Mallorqu and Sopes Mallorquines (a simple, yet healthy vegetable soup
with meat, wild mushrooms, etc.).
Many dishes are made with Sobrassada, a rather spicy sausage made of pork, paprika,
condiments, etc. - also eaten plain on a slice of bread.
For breakfast, instead of croissant, try the typical Ensaimada (a spiral-shaped bun), and for
dessert the Gat (a cake made of almond) with almond ice cream.
Finding a restaurant[edit]
Palma is most known place for dining, having probably more restaurants than the rest of the
island.
For out-of-cities dining, head to Algaida: there are several great restaurants around the village.
In restaurants with average bill under 30, waiters and clients are tolerant to children even of 2-3
years old.
Private Chefs[edit]
An option for those where budget is no concern can hire a private chef, also known in Spain as
Chef a Casa.
A fine dining experience at your Villa or event.
Try *Piers Dawson - Piers Dawson Private Chef Mallorca
Drink[edit][add listing]
Drinking is allowed if you are 18 or older the same as in the rest of Spain. While alcohol is widely
sold, pursuant to local laws only bars, restaurants, discotheques and the like are allowed to serve
it after midnight.
Spanish people go out quite late and, while in the main tourist resorts you can find people
drinking and chatting from early hours, you will not see many locals before 24:00.
The main nighttime areas are:
Magaluf: well known to be the British capital in the island, this is the place for clubbing.
Bananas Disco and BCM Empire Disco are a must.
Palma de Mallorca: most of the places can be found at the Paseo Martimo, the main road by
the sea. Abraxas (former Pacha) and Tito's are the main discos where everybody goes. El
Garito, and old bohemian bar now reconverted into trendy club are also worth a visit. Gay
oriented bars can be found around Plaza Gomila (must visit: Hotel Aries Pub and the Black
Cat Disco).
Also, you must know that while drinking in the street is allowed, big groups drinkings are not
tolerated and the police will fine you if you leave any rubbish in the street. In any case, is better to
carry a plastic bag for any rubbish you could have.
Wines[edit]
You should consider trying the Sangria, a mix of wine, fruit juice and brandy. Another option are
the excellent local wines. Many bodegas offer tours with free tastings.
Ses Nines "Negre, Binissalem D.O.", a real bargain, this pleasant red wine will accompany
your barbecues. 5.
Jos L. Ferrer "Blanc de blancs, Binissalem D.O.", a light and tasty white wine to drink with a
fish soup or grilled sardines. 7.
Mont Ferrutx, "Pla i Llevant D.O.", a solid red wine bottled by Miquel Oliver [9], to
accompany a grilled pork chop. 7.
Macia Batle crianza, "Binissalem D.O.", a fine, tasty and elegant red wine, bottled by Macia
Batle [10] in Santa Maria del Cami. 10.
Mortitx [11] "Vi negre, Vi de la Serra de Tramuntana", a deep red wine with red fruit taste.
10.
Moli de Vent "Blanc, Pla i Llevant D.O.", a fine white wine with a subtle citrus fruit parfum,
bottled by Jaume Mesquida [12]. 10.
GVIVM "Merlot-Callet, Pla i Llevant D.O.", a strong red wine with character, bottled by Pere
Seda. 15.
Negre de sa Colonia "Pla i Llevant D.O.", a fine red wine with a deep oak taste, bottled by
Toni Gelabert. 20.