Forget everything you may have heard about Mallorca. We are about to tell you how to escape the crowds and experience the true beauty of this underrated Island.
A veritable gem in the corner of the Mediterranean, Mallorca is renowned for its rugged landscape and crystal clear oceans. Here we provide you with a 4-day itinerary to help you escape from the hordes of tourists and into the wilderness to explore places you never knew existed.
Mallorca: Where to stay
If it’s cultural charm you are after then old town Pollença has it in spades! Nestled in the Tramuntana mountains, less than an hour’s drive from Palma, Pollença old town is a true Mallorcan beauty. To get the most authentic experience, head to an Air BnB and immerse yourself in the local culture. If you don’t get lost in the town's windy narrow streets then you aren’t doing it right!
Friday
Arrive in Palma airport, hire a car (it’s pretty cheap and the best way to get the most out of your stay) and drive up to Pollença. Once you have dumped your bags, hire some bikes in town and cycle over to Cala St Vincenç. Once you arrive, cool off with a swim across the stunning bay or head up to the cliffs to explore! If you fancy joining the locals for a spot of cliff jumping, make sure you've checked out your landing zone! For dinner, head to Bar Alhambra in Pollença old town just off the main square. There are no white table cloths in sight, just authentic, flavorsome Mallorcan tapas. A night cap in the main square also comes highly recommended!
Saturday
Get up early and drive to Cala Varques. This secluded bay is a playground for climbing, bouldering and hiking and is well worth the hour drive and subsequent hike through the forest. Don’t forget to bring a picnic! There is a makeshift beach bar run by the beaches own ‘resident’ locals and nothing else for miles around. This spectacular spot truly is in the middle of nowhere. Stay until sunset and head back via ‘Miceli’, a restaurant in a traditional 19th century village house in the town of Selva, where the menu changes every day depending on what is available at the market that day- a true Mallorcan dining experience. Don't forget to book in advance!
Sunday
Take the bus from Pollença to Lluc. Have a wander around the ‘Santuari de Lluc’ before embarking on a stunning hike through the Tramuntana mountains back to Pollença. For those wanting a challenge, it is possible to hike or mountain bike a variety of trails both there and back including a detour up Puig de Tomir, where you are rewarded with 365 degree views across the mountains and out towards the ocean.
Monday
Spend the final day relaxing in Pollença. The weekly town market is not to be missed, it is a chance for all local sellers to sell their wares from fresh fruit, jewelry to crockery. Wander up to the top of the Calvari Steps to drink in the views out to Formentor and Port de Pollença, before heading back to the airport.
It is safe to say that Mallorca truly is an underrated place and we have by no means exhausted the list of adventure possibilities. It would be possible to remain on this island for far longer and never be bored. However, for a long weekend packed full of attainable adventures and exploration far away from crowds of tourists, we think this is a pretty good place to start!
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip and get adventuring!
