The Magic of Mallorca
There is just something so spectacular about a European summer and Mallorca is no exception. Think dramatic cliffs, limestone mountains, turquoise warm water and hundreds of secret sandy beaches. Situated in the Balearic Islands, just off the coast of Spain, Mallorca is the largest of the four islands and big sister to the infamous party island, Ibiza. Mallorca’s sheltered coves and crystal clear water make it a hotspot for chilled out beach-lovers and celebrities alike. Just over a two hour flight from London, it’s a must visit destination that’s affordable, quick to get to and breathtakingly beautiful.
Travelling to an amber country
Nothing says stress more than travel bans and last minute cancellations when you’ve got a trip planned, so I urge you to prepare well in advance. The build up to this vacation was rather nerve-wracking. Thankfully as Mike and I were both double jabbed within two weeks of arriving we could forfeit quarantine and therefore Mallorca’s downgrade from Green to Amber a few days before our departure left us unperturbed. I had done the research beforehand and pre-ordered us the compulsory antigen test for arrival back in the UK (which we took with us to Mallorca) and the Day 2 PCR test from NWP. They were fantastic and the four tests cost us a grand total of just £140. Not a bad investment for a summer holiday in the sun. Just an FYI, the sneaky buggers at RyanAir have recently changed their free 7kg cabin baggage policy, so we did spend a pretty penny on luggage. Also, being a South African, I needed to apply for a schengen visa, and I did so via the BLS Spain Embassy in London. It took three weeks and I was given 6 months multiple entry. Whoohoo!
Where to stay?
Mallorca is a big island and around 3,640 km² to be exact. There is plenty of choice no matter what your preference. Every single part of this island offers something unique and you will find crystal clear water no matter which side you’re on. I know that was a factor for me, but whom I kidding – the place is literally a dot in the ocean, and so you will be surrounded by aqua shades of blue. So, If it’s a non-stop party that you’re after, the bar strip of Magaluf is your best bet. Or perhaps it’s upscale superyachts and suave shopping that tickles your fancy? Look no further than Palma de Mallorca. If it’s family friendly resorts with loads of activities, then I would steer you to the sandy stretches of Alcudia or Cala Millor. Want something more local, meaningful and remote? Look towards the picture-perfect honey coloured villages of Santanyi and Deia. They are exquisite! For this trip, we decided to settle on the east coast of Mallorca, as that’s where most of the beaches we wanted to explore. were situated Instead of our usual budget travel style of backpacking, we opted for something a bit more exclusive. Thanks to a great deal I found on Booking.com, we opted for an all inclusive resort called Alua Calas De Mallorca. Our hotel boasted one of the best views of the ocean I have ever seen, a continental buffet spread to suit every palate, unlimited cocktails and a stellar entertainment team. Disclaimer: We came out of this trip changed. We are now organised fun people. I mean, what better way to start your day than sunrise yoga followed by a session of aqua-gym and a bit of afternoon poolside zumba?
Whatever Floats your Boat…
I’m a firm believer that the best way to see an island or any body of water for that matter, is by boat. How better to discover picturesque secret coves and tucked away turquoise shorelines than immersed in the ocean itself? The view from onboard is amazing and I always find there’s a magical shift in perspective when bobbing up and down. Whether it’s an afternoon spent sailing on a catamaran, or even just a no frills local ferry, make sure you make it a goal to get yourself on a vessel. Ahoy sea legs! We opted for a day-trip on a glass bottom cat called Moonfish, which departed from the beach a few metres away and at just €25 per person, it was a no-brainer.
Mallorca on a Moped!
I know this may not be to everyones taste, but nothing says island getaway more than zipping away on a scooter down quaint cobbled streets to find must-see beaches and genuine gems. Little gives me more joy than having my hair whipping in the wind, while my salt stained skin burns brazen under my bikini and sarong. We rented a scooter for just €40 per day and the places we got to explore made it well worth it. Our helmets were included in the price and we got to stash our belongings under the seat. I suggest always making sure you have enough petrol as being stuck on the roadside in 34 degree heat is nobody’s idea of fun.
Calo Des Moro
Stop what you are doing and write this down. I have travelled to over 50 countries and this is hands down one of the best pieces of paradise I have had the pleasure of visiting. But be warned! t’s quite a hike to get to. Park your scooter / car in the designated lot and take the 25 minute trek through the sprawling jungle to get there. Once the journey is done, and you’ve bought a cold drink from a friendly local, you will see that the view from the top is absolutely breath-taking. The fine-grained white sand is like silk to walk on and the inviting water is crystal clear. Natural boulders line up the beach and there’s a super cool cave to search. FYI – wear sensible shoes for the steep hike down and make sure you take snacks as there are no facilities here. This is unspoilt beach bliss.
Cala Romantica
Nestled between two rocky headlands and almost always protected from the wind, this little slice of paradise is pretty personified. Pedalos, swimming and snorkelling is abundant here and the little beach cafes and bars offer plenty of snacks and treats. The water is almost see-through its so clear and definitely something you don’t see everyday. Make sure to wave at the boats sailing past or those anchoring in the bay. And bonus if you can spot the trail walkers on the clifftops above.
Cala Mondragó
There’s good reason this beach has made my list. It’s got blue flag status and it’s situated in a national park. Backed up by shady pine trees and lined with dunes of desert plants, this secret is visited mostly by locals. I doubt you will hear a non-spanish speaker within earshot. I love the fact that you can also picnic in the nature reserve. This gives you the best of both worlds so plan ahead and pack some snacks. This particular stretch of Mediterranean sea also has some quality snorkelling. Colourful fish and coral are abundant so make sure to take your own gear as there is no hire here.
Cala D’or
Directly translated to “Golden Bay”, this beauty suits everyone – from couples, to families. Think cobblestone roads, a yacht-club, miles of marina and quays lined with cute boutiques, restaurants and even a mini train! This part of the island really does boast it all. Cala Gran is the iconic little beach pictured below and the perfect place to park off and read a book. Fancy a little lull while you lap up the gentle waves? You have it right here.
Cala Domingos
This little beach was a stone throw away from our hotel and I grew so fond of it. I found myself taking an early morning sunrise dip daily as I just couldn’t get enough. Warning – it does get busy owing to the resort nearby so make sure you snag your spot before it fills up. You can also hire a parasol and lounger for a small fee if you prefer. My favourite thing was to swim between the two little beaches and float at backline for hours on a lilo. I also did a bit of cliff-jumping which was such fun. Oh, and look out for the ladies that braid your hair if you fancy it.
That’s just a few of my favourite things to do on the magical island of Mallorca. I urge you to put it on your bucket list now and make it a holiday to remember. Let me know if I’ve missed any must-see spots or if you have any other suggestions.
xx Ainsleigh xx
No Comments