Travel Guide: Mallorca

The largest of the Balearic islands truly sets the bar high, indeed the height of luxury, with five-star resorts too numerous to choose from, marinas filled with yachts, and decadent villas you will never want to leave. Lively bars and restaurants act as counterpoints to the quiet beaches and coves, and the sun never seems to stop shining.

Your trip to Mallorca will no doubt center on the tranquil beaches – all 200 of them – luring tourists since the early 1950s. You will balance beach life with the chic café culture of the city of Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital on the west coast overlooking the Bay of Palma. It compares with Barcelona with a sophisticated vibe and architectural intrigue, which swings from the many Modernist Art Nouveau landmarks to the Gothic “La Seu,” the imposing and magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria.

Your walking tours need to take you out of town, far out to the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range along the north coast, the highest peaks in Spain's Balearic Islands, and a World Heritage Site. A unique combination of culture, heritage, and nature extends across 20 municipalities here, with ample hiking and biking through the nature reserve and into picturesque little villages replete with cobblestone walkways, medieval buildings with painted shutters, orange trees, and blue skies. There’s a train if you prefer softer adventure, which you can take to the town of Sóller, and a wine route if you prefer a taste adventure. This region also includes Sa Calobra, a small village on the northwest coastline noted for its unusual winding roadway.

We would be remiss if our Majorca travel tips didn’t also include a mention of the amazing gastronomy. Tantalizing island flavors will fill your days and nights thanks to the local tapas delicacies, the family-run cafés, and the elegant fine-dining favorites. So many restaurants, so little time.