If there was one place high on my bucket list it was Mallorca. I always saw such beautiful images of it that it was high time to go there myself. In March 2022, I went to visit this island. Officially part of the Balearic Islands, just like Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. I have been to Ibiza before and really liked it. But then I was very much into the party atmosphere and didn’t see much of the island. With Mallorca I really go for nature and tranquility. Exactly when I was there, the weather was exceptionally bad for Spanish standards. Bad luck. It was cloudy for 2 weeks with sometimes a day with a lot of rain. I unfortunately saw far too little sun and it was around 15 degrees. Even the locals were in shock, normally it is always sunny at this time of year.
Favorite place
The image I had of Mallorca consisted mainly of countless idyllic coves. That image was exactly right! It is beautiful. The island is very diverse and you can go for beautiful beaches as well as a beautiful walk in the mountains. It is very popular with cyclists because cycling through the mountains there is very beautiful. I start my workation in Palma, the capital. Maybe I was less impressed with that because I didn’t come for a busy city, but more the small villages. What is absolutely amazing there, though, is the cathedral. Now you may be thinking, you have those everywhere, don’t you? Which of course is certainly the case in big cities, but the location, size and design really makes this one very special. Definitely worth checking out, then you will see what I mean.
Then I went to an inland village called Esporles. There I joined a joint workation at Casa Rosa. A gem of a villa in the middle of nature, owned by owners Dorien and Hugo. A fantastic duo who furnished it tastefully, with all the comforts. It also has its own swimming pool, but that was still a little too cold to take a dip in.
Waking up to birds in the morning completed the picture.
We went together to chic Porte Portals to look at way too expensive boats, to secluded bay Portal Nous and to the cute little town of Port de Soller. The latter is my favorite. Cozy bars everywhere, boats and right on the sea. Definitely a must to go to if you are in Mallorca.
Where I stayed
After my workation week inland, I necessarily wanted to go to the coast. I had busy work days so didn’t want to travel back and forth too much so I chose 1 place. It became the east coast. Even though the north seems to be great too, in the east most of the beautiful bays are close together. I chose Portocolom, from where I was going to visit some places. It could just as well have been Cala D’or, but I really wanted an apartment overlooking a bay. In March there is still a lot closed and so you have little choice for accommodation. Especially if you want to keep it a bit affordable. So it became an Airbnb in Portocolom, a cute little village with, again, lots of boats and coves. Inside it looked like the average elderly person’s, but the view and sound of the waves hitting the rocks was great.
I also spent a few days in Palma. First a hostel, Josemite Youth Hostel. That was nothing at all. Far too cramped rooms, bad plumbing, no chill common room, just a bar where the music was blaring loud even in the morning. Not a success. Then I booked a private room at someone’s house. Practically everyone in Spain rents a bedroom to earn some extra money.
I looked for one with good reviews (always check this) and a central location.
I’m pretty easy with where I stay, so I don’t mind being in someone’s house. I personally thought it would be nice to practice some Spanish, since she didn’t speak a word of English, and to get some tips from a local.
The bucket list
I had been looking forward for weeks to my favorite activity of activities: a day of scootering. ‘Fun’ fact is that I used to have a scooter accident and then became terrified and vowed never to get on one again. I didn’t for 14 years, until I went to Asia. There I overcame my fear and have been scooting everywhere ever since. With all the beautiful bays in Mallorca I was looking forward to my scooter trip. It was really great! Muy bonita. I went to 5 places: Cala Marsal, Cala D’or, Portopetro, Parc natural de Mondragó and the most beautiful was Cala Llombards, near Santanyi. Driving on the small country roads is also great, so wonderfully quiet through nature.
Adios amigos
I have already seen much of this wonderful island, but would love to return there again. Especially to have a second go at sunshine then. When the sun shines it is even more fun to go to all the little beaches! There are so many idyllic spots with boats, stands and coves that a second visit will undoubtedly take me to all new places. Check out this beautiful villa, surrounded by nature and with a lovely pool in Mallorca for a workation with your team. Or check Booking.com for a fine accommodation for yourself.
