Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands off eastern Spain, has long attracted visitors from colder climes looking for sunny beaches, boat parties and spirited nightlife. But a more mature and sophisticated side of the island awaits in its mountain villages, turquoise coves and thermal spas.
Consider staying in Port de Sóller, if this isn’t your first trip to Mallorca or if you seek a relaxing experience away from the throngs of tourists in Palma. Surrounded by sweeping views, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Jumeirah Mallorca is a wonderful base for a clifftop retreat. The ravishing scenery can be enjoyed from every corner of the resort, including the adults-only infinity pool at the top (there is a family-friendly one at a lower level), the restaurant terraces and the outdoor hydro-pool at the world-class spa.
Mallorca offers a vast array of activities for every type of traveler. Here’s the ideal itinerary for a tranquil three-day escape.
Day One
From Palma de Mallorca Airport, rent a car or take a 40-minute taxi to Port de Sóller in the northwestern part of the island. Jumeirah Mallorca is a sophisticated 121-room property dramatically nestled in the Tramuntana mountains. Bask in vistas of the rugged landscape and stellar sea or simply take a moment to appreciate the property’s airy, neutral-toned feel.
Once you’ve taken everything in, officially start the weekend by exploring storybook mountain villages. A 24-minute drive through the peaks will take you to Deià, whose coastal vibe has long charmed writers and artists. Stop by La Casa Robert Graves, an inviting three-story house museum made of stones where the British writer and poet lived from 1929 until his death in 1985. If you can’t wait to hit the water, visit Cala Deià instead, a rocky cove with crystal-clear waves surrounded by mountains.
A mere 16-minute drive west from Deià, you’ll find the alluring hilltop town of Valldemossa. Spend some time exploring its cobblestone alleyways lined with enticing shops. If you are hungry, stop by Ca’n Molinas bakery and pick up a coca de patata, a sweet, spongy potato roll local to this village.
Return to the Mallorca hotel to indulge in some well-deserved spa time. A thermal circuit and an outdoor hydro-pool facing the mountains will keep you entertained for hours, rain or shine, at the hotel’s Talise Spa. Guests are welcome to use the facilities from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. without booking in advance. The 60- or 90-minute Jumeirah Signature Massage is a great way to unwind after a day of traveling.
For dinner, take the shuttle to one of Port de Sóller’s Mediterranean restaurants or stay at the luxury hotel. If you do the latter, consider Sunset Lounge, one of Jumeirah’s three dining options, for its Peruvian- and Japanese-fused cuisine and excellent cocktails. Don’t miss the ceviche with a Peruvian yellow pepper sauce, the chalaquita scallops marinated in leche de tigre (a citrus sauce) and served with a curry foam, the black angus Anticucho skewers or the wagyu nigiri.
Day Two
Get ready for the busiest day of your trip with a hearty breakfast at Cap Roig, the hotel’s brasserie, where you can choose between a buffet or an à la carte breakfast. Whichever option you choose, try local flavors like the Mallorca egg toast with porc negre sobrasada. This raw, cured sausage owes its bright orange color to paprika and other spices.
Wear comfortable shoes for the 15-minute walk down a steep hill to Port de Sóller or ask the concierge for the shuttle timetable. Once you’ve made it to the tiny coastal village, stroll down the docks to admire the boats and luxury yachts before heading to the rail station. The historic tram will take you on a 15-minute ride through narrow streets to the town of Sóller, where you can browse the stalls of its Saturday market in search of textiles, handicrafts, handmade footwear and local delicacies until 2 p.m.
After you’ve had your fill of shopping, get back to the station to catch the vintage train to Palma. Riding through the mountains on a wooden train will transport you back to the turn of the 20th century. It’s also an excellent way to enjoy the rugged scenic views.
If you’re hungry in Palma, go to Ca’n Joan de S’aigo for an ensaimada, a famed local snail-shaped pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar, and a horchata (sweet almond drink). Alternatively, Ferrerico at Plaça de Santa Eulalia sells savory pastries with sobrasada.
After your snack, continue to La Seu, Palma’s cathedral, to gaze at its intricate gothic details. Contemporary art lovers would do well spending some time in Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma, which houses works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Joaquín Sorolla and other renowned artists.
Afterward, wander down the tree-lined Passeig del Born, walk along the promenade (officially Avenida Gabriel Roca) and stop at Vermutería San Jaime for vermouth and prime people-watching. But do keep an eye on your watch — the last train leaves the station at 7:40 p.m.
For dinner, choose between one of the seafood restaurants at Port de Sóller. Nautilus specializes in healthy and creative Mediterranean dishes, while Sa Barca is known for its fresh pasta. In the summer, Es Fanals at Jumeirah Mallorca provides an expertly crafted seasonal dinner menu until 10 p.m. as well.
Day Three
Your last day in Mallorca deserves some beach time. Start early with a bite before choosing between spending time at the beach in Port de Sóller or, if you have a car, checking out early and heading to Sa Calobra, a tiny yet beautiful beach an hour away that requires a short hike to get there.
For more breathtaking settings, book ahead at Es Guix, a restaurant with a natural pool nestled in the middle of the mountains — an hour away from Sa Calobra — where you can enjoy Mallorcan dishes before making a splash.
Make sure you leave with plenty of time to spare. The roads through the mountains are windy, and the drive back to the airport from Es Guix takes about an hour.
