We recently returned from a family holiday to Mallorca, our first adventure abroad with our two children and a much-needed escape from the everyday hustle. We spent 7 nights in a lovely villa near Pollenca, where we whittled away hours just lounging about, playing ping pong, soaking up vitamin D and messing about in the villa’s swimming pool (make no mistake about it though – outdoor pools in October are COLD). Thankfully, the weather was beautiful, with no rain whatsoever and daily temperatures of around 25 degrees (if you didn’t hear it, that small sound I made just now was a sigh). It was pretty much picture-perfect, and when our holiday was over, our first question was ‘when can we go back again?’ We all fell a little bit in love with the island and were truly sorry when it was time to say goodbye.
Thankfully, we took lots of memories away with us – and we also took lots of photos and videos of the many lovely places that we saw. A hire car and a fondness for packed lunches meant that most days we managed to fit in a few hours of sightseeing. So if you’re planning a trip to Mallorca in the near future, here’s my pick of 6 of the most beautiful places to add to your holiday sightseeing list today. 🙂
1. CAP DE FORMENTOR
A tour around the peninsula of Cap de Formentor is a beautiful (if slightly hairy), experience, with plunging, twisty roads, dramatic views and a backdrop of stunning mountains. Watch out for the many cyclists, mopeds (and even people doing some sort of dry ski-ing thing) as you travel. If your nerves are up to it, though, the views are definitely worth the strain.
2. VALLDEMOSSA
Visiting Valldemossa was truly one of the highlights of our holiday. This postcard-pretty village has all the hallmarks of Balearic beauty – shuttered windows, cobbled lanes, impressive villas (and according to the guidebook, even it’s own Saint!) It’s one not to be missed when you’re on the tourist trail. If you like it, visit the nearby village of Deià for more of the same with a quiet, laid back feel.
3. POLLENCA
Oh, how I loved the pretty town of Pollenca, with it’s authentic air, and distinctly chilled out atmosphere. I could have wandered aimlessly around it’s little streets for hours had I been able to (and not so aimlessly, climbed all 365 of it’s Calvari steps from the town’s square to the 18th century hilltop chapel above). Alas, we were travelling with children who were more in need of afternoon ice cream than exertion. It’s something to add to the list for the next time we visit (any excuse for a reason to go back 🙂 ).
4. CALA FIGUERA
There are many lovely coastal resorts in Mallorca, including Port de Pollenca, and Port d’Alcudia, but for a more low key experience, head to Cala Figuera, and enjoy a leisurely wander around this beautiful little place. We arrived early and picnicked on the rocks in virtual solitude. A little gem worth discovering and a place full to brimming of old-world Mallorcan charm.
5. CALA SANTANYI
Not far from Cala Figuera, you’ll find Cala Santanyi, the perfect place to visit, if like us, you’d like to give your kids the chance to swim in the sea (far warmer than the swimming pool!) The shallow waters of this beautiful, bustling little cove make it ideal if you’re travelling with little ones. Just remember to pack your swimming gear if you’re likely to be passing by.
6. MONESTIR DE LLUC
A visit to the Monastery at Lluc, the spiritual heart of Mallorca, is a wonderful experience, and whether you’re religious or not, it’s hard not to be enthralled by the majesty of the place and the jaw-dropping countryside around which the Monastery is set. Just take care on your journey to and from there – we returned via the famed Road to Sa Calobra, a knee-trembler of an experience and a seemingly never-ending tangle of loops and hairpin bends. Apparently even the locals say three Hail Mary’s before driving it – if I could have taken my hands from over my eyes for the journey (as passenger 🙂 ), I’m told I would have experienced some truly awe-inspiring views.
That’s it for my round up of six of the most beautiful places to visit in Mallorca. If you’d like to see more of our holiday, have a look at this 4 minute highlights video I made to document our trip. For now, though, back in the north of Scotland, I have to go and crank up the heating and pull on a wooly jumper. Mallorca, you were wonderful – same time again next year?
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