Η Μαγιόρκα είναι το νησί των αντιθέσεων (en)

Travel with us to the charming capital of Mallorca and enjoy the local specialties against the backdrop of a Mediterranean and at the same time tropical setting, without spending a fortune.

Mallorca is the island of contrasts. The Palma airport located 8km from the center of town. On the one hand, luxury villas “perched” on green slopes and huge yachts in the marinas, and on the other high-rise hotels for mass tourism and cheap vacation packages. The capital, Palma, is included in the first, most charming image of the island, enchanting the visitor with its charming old town but also with its port, where wealth proudly displays its magnificence. Numerous boutique hotels and trendy restaurants are at the disposal of the rich and famous who occupy the island when the weather is nice, but you will still find affordable dining options, especially if you prefer the local tapas.

Nearby excursions

Surrounded by a network of scenic routes, Palma is ideal for leisurely cycling. Rent your own and follow the coastal route to beautiful Portixol (10 minutes by bike and 20 minutes on foot). This rising and increasingly beloved fishing village will immediately enchant you with its colorful houses and its numerous beach tapas bars. Enjoy nachos and guacamole at Ca’n Punta on Carrer Vicario Joaquin Fuster Beach. Nearby is the El Molinar area, where you will find the El Bungalow with its magnificent terrace, which overlooks the bay and the center of Palma and is famous for its traditional paella, as well as Puro Beach, a wonderful, all-white bar. in the middle of a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. Grab a sun lounger by the pool and relax enjoying fresh fruit and as much water as you want (a good choice if your hotel does not have a swimming pool).

Food

Going down to the old town you will meet the noisy Tast with the impressive interior decoration of bricks and metal, which is considered the epitome of the new wave in modern tapas. Sit at the bar and enjoy the ritual of making pintxos (snacks) that the chefs place on the dishes. You will have the opportunity to try tortilla (Spanish omelette) or bread with chorizo ​​sausage. Interesting options are also grilled asparagus and smoked ham. As for the wonderful roast beef, it is enough to comfortably satisfy two or even three people.

La Bodeguilla is considered a rather expensive restaurant. But if you sit at his wine bar instead of grabbing a table, you will have the opportunity to try some of the most representative samples of his kitchen in smaller – and clearly more economical – portions. Prefer the tasting dish or a variety of individual tapas. Of course, do not forget to try the excellent wine list of the store.

At the Convent de la Missio Hotel is the Michelin-starred Michelin Chef Mark Fosh’s restaurant. Try the excellent yellow gazpacho with salmon and avocado sorbet or cod with beans and oysters flavored with saffron.

The “diamond” in the crown of Portixol is the homonymous, chic Hotel Portixol, which is the epitome of high aesthetics with its blue and white facade in art deco style and its indoor pool overlooking the sea. Even if you do not stay in one of its rooms, you can enjoy a taste of luxury in the hotel bar, enjoying a Bellini cocktail. Alternatively, enjoy a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant, with casserole mussels, cocktail shrimp or cod with spicy pil-pil carrot puree (garlic sauce and hot pepper).

Drink

Although its name suggests a classic pub, the Guinness House is actually an open-air bar opposite the Sa Seu Cathedral in the Parc de la Mar and is the perfect place to enjoy a night view light- temple.

For authentic horchata (sweet drink with milk and almonds), make a stop at the traditional Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo ​​in the old town. Built in 1700, the building with its paved floors and marbles exudes an air of another era…

markets

* The best grocery stores are located in the old town. In the tiny Colmado you will find the famous flavored salt of the island of Flor de Sal d’Es Trenc, but also delicious spicy sausages with paprika, the sobrasada.

* On the uphill road dominates the historic bakery Forn des Theater, famous not only for its beautiful painted facade but also for the famous ensaimades (pastry from puff pastry in the form of a spiral), which you can buy in whole or in part. Forn also makes delicious pintxos.

* Leaving behind the historic bakery, head to the closed market Placa de l ‘Olivar, where you can buy a knitted basket and fill it with goodies (sausages, bread, delicious tarts or whatever else your appetite craves ), to enjoy a wonderful picnic on C’an Pere Antoni beach. At the bottom of the square you will find the market with fresh fish that has its own tapas bar, the Bar del Peix.