Exploring Palma De Mallorca has become one of my favourite travel experiences in Europe. This stunning Balearic island is my go-to spot for a European getaway, with everything you could possibly need in one place.
It offers the perfect combination of sun, sand, history, shopping, divine cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Palma de Mallorca is your ultimate getaway and when you visit once, you’ll find yourself itching to return each year for a well needed break from real life. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this stunning Balearic island twice in the past three years, and each time I find something new to love. My first trip was to the East Coast of the island to a lovely town called Capdepera, and my second was to the lively resort town of Magaluf!
When I used to think of city breaks in Spain, my mind would instantly jump to Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, Alicante, or Marbella… but after exploring Palma de Mallorca I realised what I was missing. I was familiar with Magaluf (especially if you’re from the UK, where everyone seems to count down the days until they turn 18 and can head to ‘Maga’), but what I didn’t realize is that these popular hotspots are just a short distance away from the wonderful capital, Palma, and the sensational beach town, Capdepera.
Capdepera: A Peaceful Retreat with Breath-taking Beaches
After much research on where to spend my twenty second birthday, the enchanting scenery of this island had me sold and I knew this would be the perfect place to start off a new year. I travelled with my mum and we stayed at the most beautiful town near the East Coast of the island, known as Capdepera.
Capdepera offers a more peaceful experience (compared to Magaluf), yet equally stunning and filled with adventure. The town is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway out of the buzz of the city. Our flight from Glasgow got us into Palma de Mallorca Airport at around nine p.m, and we got an airport taxi to our hotel in Cala Ratjada, a one hour drive away.
Hotel Shuffling
Unfortunately, the hotel was terrible. The rooms were horrid, they were boiling and no air conditioning, with only a barely functioning cieling fan that was hanging directly above the bed with its cables visible – it looked very unstable and gave me the fear. We spotted a lizard going INTO the wall of my room, which was enough to send me back out the door immediately.
I have linked this hotel here so you can avoid it at all costs. The reviews of it on hotels.com were slightly better than on TripAdvisor, but the cheap price should have been a tell tale sign of what was to come (p.s Hotels.com didn’t refund us for the first hotel that we didn’t stay at!). We ended up staying at their sister hotel after a less than ideal confrontation with the manager at midnight, which was just across the street. We paid triple the cost for the move, but the thought of staying at the initial hotel made me want to cry. The sister hotel was a 360 degree improvement and we enjoyed our stay there. The air con worked, there were no lizards, the facilities were great and the food was delicious with a fab view of the beach.
Life’s A Beach!
My top highlight of Capdepera has to be its beaches, which are nothing short of breath-taking. I’ll never forget the first time I laid eyes on the stunning Cala Agulla Beach with its dramatic cliffs towering above the crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s a feeling I can’t quite put into words, a sense of admiration at the world we are lucky to witness. A feeling that washes over you and stays with you long after you leave…
The vast variety of restaurants and cafes all around overlooking the beaches, are sure to satisfy all of your dietary requirements. I indulged in octopus for the first time here and now it is one of my favourite seafoods!
If you’re looking for tranquillity, this is the place to be and the surrounding nature and rugged coastline add to its charm, making it a perfect spot for beach lovers.
The Cala Ratjada Mini Tourist Train
While in Capdepera, I discovered the Cala Ratjada Mini Tourist Train, a delightful way to explore the town. The little red train takes you on a scenic route through the streets of Capdepera, offering a great overview of the town and its surroundings. It has its own timetable which you can find at its designated staggered stops throughout the town, and you can hear it coming from a mile away. The train even takes you down to the beach, where you can enjoy more breath-taking views – It’s a fun and easy way to get to know the area, and a great option if you want to take in the sights without breaking a sweat!
Exploring Palma De Mallorca: A Perfect Island City Break
One of the best things about Capdepera, is that it’s just a short bus ride from Palma, the island’s vibrant capital. The bus ride takes around an hour and fifteen minutes, and it’s a lovely way to sit back and enjoy the scenery as you travel towards the city.
Once in Palma, there’s so much to do and see. I highly recommend exploring the historic centre, where you’ll find charming cobbled streets, impressive architecture, and a fascinating mix of old and new. Don’t miss the magnificent Palma Cathedral, a must-see landmark- check out tickets here. Whether you’re into history, shopping, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Palma has something for everyone. We went on a city hop-on hop-off bus tour, which gave us a great way to see the city taking us to hubspots such as the harbour, in a short space of time You can pre book here!
For those who love to shop, Palma is the perfect place to splurge. The city offers a wide variety of boutiques, from high-end designer shops to quirky local stores. I spent a good chunk of my time wandering through the streets, taking in my surroundings as I discovered everything from fashion to art. Palma’s shopping scene is one of the best on the island, and it’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir or two.
If you’re considering exploring Palma De Mallorca beyond the usual tourist trail, Capdepera offers a peaceful retreat!
Magaluf: The Ultimate Party Hub with a Family Twist
Magaluf is perhaps the most well-known party destination in Mallorca. This lively beach town is famous for its high-energy nightlife, packed with clubs, bars, and vibrant beach parties that run long into the night. During my visit, I found that while Magaluf definitely caters to the party crowd, it’s also a great place for families and couples. The sandy beaches and calm Mediterranean waters make it a perfect spot for relaxing during the day. I loved strolling along the buzzing ‘strip’, where I found shops selling designer replicas – perfect for those of us who appreciate a good bargain!
This was my first time going on a girls trip with a friend, and my nervousness was short lived as soon as I stepped foot into this electrifying place. I have never visited a ‘party island’ so I didn’t know what to expect.
A Hotel To Remember
We had booked our trip as a package with Loveholidays, who organised everything including our transfers to and from the airport. Arriving at Palma De Mallorca airport, our group transfer took around 45 minutes to our hotel. I got to see the different hotels people were staying at, all extremely impressive, one had a large supernatural creature climbing on the outside of it!
I was excited to finally reach our hotel, which was the last stop. My friend had stayed at it previously which was reassuring after my first hotel scare here, and she had talked very highly of it. It was called Sol House De Studio and it had everything we needed for our 4 day stay! A fantastic pool, a restaurant and bar (the breakfast was out of this world), air con in the rooms, clean and most importantly it was within a two minute walk to the Costa d’en Blanes BEACH!! There was also a McDonalds right across the road from the hotel and a variety of shops also within a couple of minutes walk.
The Turquoise Sea and Some Good Food!
Of course, as a huge fan of boats and the sea, I took myself on a one hour boat tour which was so much fun. You can book with them directly at the Costa de’n Blanes beach. The boat circled the islands nearby, and they had a downstairs where you are physically under the water and get to see all the sea life swimming beneath! I would definitely recommend it.
Magaluf’s beach cafes are also a great way to spend your time. I spent hours soaking up the sun with a cold drink in hand, taking in the views of the turquoise sea. Me and my friend are big fans of Asian food, and we were very excited to try Udon Noodle Bar a short walk from the strip! By night, the town comes alive with a party atmosphere. The streets pulse with energy as people flock to the clubs, making it a great spot for those who want to dance the night away.
I had been under the impression that Magaluf was solely for party goers, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover this other side to it. And remember, Palma isn’t far away if you want to escape for a proper city break!
Why Exploring Palma De Mallorca Offers the Perfect Blend
Whether you’re after adventure, tranquillity, or parties, exploring Palma De Mallorca reveals just how versatile and beautiful this island really is. My two trips to the island showed me the perfect balance between the tranquillity of a charming coastal town and the excitement of a beach resort. Palma de Mallorca offers a little bit of everything, making it the ultimate destination for anyone looking for a mix of beach relaxation, city exploration, and vibrant nightlife.
I can’t wait to return and discover even more hidden gems that this beautiful island has to offer.
Want even more inspo for other European getaways? Check out my other blogs here!