The end of May is the perfect time to take a holiday abroad. The summer heatwave hasn’t quite hit London yet, and schoolchildren haven’t yet broken up which means that the popular destinations abroad aren’t at peak capacity with families wanting to catch some sun like the rest of us. Towards the end of May, I took a much needed trip abroad to Palma de Mallorca, the picture-perfect capital of Mallorca, Spain. Here are a few things that make this sunny island so special, and how I made it an unforgettable break.
Sightseeing and an afternoon carriage ride
Throughout my time in Mallorca, I stayed in an apartment opposite a Cathedral which can only be described as absolutely breathtaking. La Seu, as it is commonly referred to in Mallorca, is a looming, sky-scraping cathedral which attracts the attention of all who walk by. Tickets to see the inside were very affordable, and also included time to explore a beautiful outside courtyard, which was almost as lovely as the building itself. The silence inside from the many tourists was evidence enough of the awe-inspiring feeling when looking at the architectural work completed by those who had built the Gaudi-inspired Cathedral many centuries ago.
Residing by the Cathedral, are also some horse-drawn carriages that take you through the capital. It was quite an experience to be taken around the capital on such a mode of transport in the late afternoon. I was able to see some of the more modern and cosmopolitan parts of Palma, as well as some of the stunning palaces that are still inhabited by royal families to this present day.
Good food
The food in Mallorca was delicious and many of the restaurants had me going back a second time. Apart from the famous Paella which I tried for the first time and certainly didn’t disappoint, there were a myriad of other restaurants I visited for lunch and dinner. My favourite was a quaint, small local restaurant serving authentic Spanish empanadas. Being detached from some of the more tourist focused eateries, I truly felt like I was getting an authentic and traditional experience. It also didn’t hurt that those were the best empanadas I’d ever eaten.
In the evenings, I frequented an ice-cream spot which claimed to serve the best ice cream in Mallorca. From time to time, I still find myself craving their moreish scoops of pistachio-flavoured ice cream.
Antique train ride to Soller
One of the most amazing sights to see in Mallorca were the mountains that decorated the coast and parameters of the island. The first glimpse of them from the airport upon arrival makes you want to get up close and explore them. I took a train ride to Soller which is another stunning town in Mallorca. It’s much more rural, so it has a completely different feel to Palma, but it’s equally breathtaking. Soller is home to the mountains I had caught a glimpse of and wanted to explore more of.
The train ride was spectacular, not least because I was on an antique train that felt like I had been transported back in time, but because of the stunning sight of the tallest mountains I’d ever seen. The morning fog slightly obscured the peaks in a mist that was truly otherworldly. The train conductor driver at that moment and allowed all passengers to come off the train to take photos – a moment which I’ll never forget. When we arrived in Soller, the sun had fully burst through, making my walk through the town before getting back on the train, a truly memorable one.
All of the experiences I had during my week in Mallorca were truly wonderful, relaxing and spectacular. I couldn’t get enough of my time in Palma, and it’s definitely a place I’ll be visiting again, to explore even more.
