Travel

Mallorca Reisgids: Alle hotspots en tips

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lotte in Mallorca, summer tips drinks food beach location travel trips hotspots

Yes, I thought after day three on the island that I would like to live here. I don't have this feeling very often; I felt the same way years ago in London, but now it was Mallorca. It is so wonderful there, I must say. Two hours of flying, there are mountains but also a lot of countryside (which surprised me, by the way), cozy beaches, the people, the weather, the food... It was all amayzine. I always like to find out in advance where we should go, and from various websites and friends, I got a lot of nice tips, but the best ones always come from someone who lives there, and I have put them together for you. Will you send me a jealous-making photo when you are there? Here they come;

A day in Palma? Then go to the Santa Catalina neighborhood, which resembles the Jordaan in Amsterdam.

Restaurants


Mama Carmen’s
They have the most delicious homemade coconut yogurt with granola and fruit for breakfast. You won't believe your eyes: a fruit explosion, and it's so tasty. They have their vegan bakery around the corner where you can also have breakfast; if they are full, you can try it there too. They make everything themselves, so if you're in the mood for scrambled eggs, that's possible. It's vegan, but you can hardly taste it.


The Duke
A very relaxed surfers restaurant with tasty tapas and a few main dishes. The terrace is not very large, but there is also a cozy inner garden. Sitting inside is also not a punishment, as a bit of cooling off in the city is never bad. Order the avocado ‘golden nuggets’ or the Duke's famous ceviche, it's really delicious.

Pleno
Pleno does not have a website, only an Instagram account where you can take a look. It's not far from the harbor, which is ideal if you want to take a peek there too. You sit on the terrace quite close to a busy street, but sitting inside is absolutely not a punishment because they have very large windows that they open wide. The interior is industrial and modern with a large open kitchen. You eat the most creative dishes there, and be sure to take a look at the display with the cakes and desserts, because they are all equally delicious.

Patron Lunares
The hotspot where you absolutely must make a reservation because otherwise there is no space available for you. You eat in shifts, which is not ideal, but if you ask, there is a good chance you can stay longer. Outside on the terrace, you can always have a drink or finish your bottle of wine, as they have a nice wine list. It has a very relaxed atmosphere (despite the shifts), and the interior is inspired by fishermen and the sea.

Vinostrum La Fabrica 
This is the wine bar opposite Patron Lunares, so if you feel like having a drink with the best wines and a charcuterie board, this is the best place to sit among the locals. You sit on the terrace at wooden wine barrels and high bar stools, which makes it very relaxed, also perfect if you want to enjoy a good wine alone. The small plastic menu has many local dishes that you want to try all, and if you have enjoyed a nice wine, you can score it immediately and take it home.

Spot
This old interior shop has been transformed into a super modern and hip restaurant. It's the coziest place to go with friends, as they have plenty of space for that, but it's also perfect for an intimate dinner with your lover. It's just a street away from the hustle and bustle of Santa Catalina, but it is very romantic on a nice square. They make the most delicious handmade pizzas with different bases, but you can also go for super tasty tapas.


The Bunker
This is next to The Duke, but is only open in the evening. It's a small but nice Italian restaurant with super delicious handmade pastas, and if they have it, definitely ask for the special of the day because it's often surprising and very good. If you like it, order the pecorino cream with artichoke and bresaola as a starter. I've rarely eaten something so delicious.

Bar Abaco
Bar Abaco is located in the old town and is only open from eleven o'clock in the evening until three in the night. You drink the tastiest cocktails in a very old inner garden. You literally go back in time when you enter here, due to the classic interior and the old details and pillars. You almost get the idea that you need to wear a corset and an old ball gown, but that's not necessary, of course. Just enjoy this beautiful location.


Bar Cuba
This is the sky-high bar overlooking the harbor and the city. You can have breakfast there, but you can also sip delicious cocktails in the evening. You absolutely have to take a look for the view, but it is a bit more touristy, so you have to be in the mood for that.

The beach

Pondarossa Beach
Delightfully lying on the expansive beach all day, but not like the ones we know in the Netherlands. This one is very narrow, so everyone lies within twenty meters of the sea. Because it is long, you are not cramped together. You can have lunch at various restaurants, but Pondarossa Beach is my favorite. Do make a reservation, as it is always very busy there.

Cala Sa Nau
Want to spend the whole day on a sunbed? You can do that perfectly here. They don't have many; the beach is quite small. So go early, and when you're there, immediately reserve at the small restaurant for lunch, as that can only be done when you're there. Be sure to order the sweet potato fries because they are too delicious. Speaking of the sunbeds: they are divine. I guess these bamboo sunbeds are more than two meters long with delicious soft white cushions and a sturdy umbrella with a small device attached to it that you can press to order drinks from your sunbed. So it's ultimate enjoyment at Cala Sa Nau.

Platja Es Trenc
It resembles Pondarossa a bit, as it is an expansive beach, but the sand is a bit coarser there. If you're lucky, you can park in front of restaurant Bar Esperanza, where you can eat very well (so also a good tip) and walk from there straight onto the beach. They have simple sunbeds there, but lying on the beach is perfect.

Even more nice coves are:
Cala Pi and Cala Torta. You lie comfortably on your towel, but do bring your own food and drinks because there is no restaurant. The road to Cala Torta is quite rough and looks exciting due to the many holes and bumps. Follow your navigation as far as possible, park between the trees, and then walk down the path to this rugged beach.

Around the Serra de Tramuntana mountains

You sleep at The Pink Pepper Tree Home Hotel
When you're there, say hi to Jacqueline and Glynn. This nice personal hotel has a lovely pool where you can easily lie for a few hours. You can also book wonderful massages, do yoga sessions, or take a nice walk. Jacqueline can cook wonderfully, and she does that a few times a week, so be sure to join in because you don't want to miss this.

Wine tour and tasting
In Binissalem, there are all wine farmers, but one of the larger and oldest is Bodega Ribas. Reserve online for a fun and personal tour with Ellen (she speaks a little Dutch) followed by a wine tasting in the Ribas family's inner garden with the most delicious olives, a cheese platter, and iberico jamon. Then ask if you can drink the wine that comes from the tap, as locals can tap their wine from the barrels for €2.50 per liter. A nice wine for a cozy barbecue with friends. So if you're in an Airbnb nearby? Be sure to bring your empty bottles and fill them with red wine, white wine, or rosé. Ideal, right?

Ca Na Toneta
Here you can dine incredibly well and drink their own natural wine, which is very good. Even if you might not like it, this is a must-try. And the location is to fall in love with. First, walk to the shop and the terrace for a nice cocktail and then let yourself be guided to the little house next door, because that's where the restaurant is. When you make a reservation, ask if you can sit outside because that's the coziest. You get all small dishes made from natural products from their own gardens. It's not cheap, but it's definitely worth it.

Terrae
If you're heading towards Port de Pollença (a nice harbor for a stroll), go eat at Terrae and especially order the homemade tacos. They are small but fine, but also the burger with cactus or pulled pork and a glass of their own Terrae wine are highly recommended. Terrae is located in a side street, so turn on your navigation. The interior is super cool: quite raw and has a large open kitchen. They strive for zero percent waste and make sauces with products that you don't often come across. Be sure to take a look at the website.

Now I have many more nice addresses, so feel free to send me a message lotte@amayzine.com if you have questions or want to know more. And there is one address that absolutely must not be missed, but more about that later, as I will keep it a secret for now. They are coming up with something mega cool this summer, and I will share that with you. Keep you posted.