Meet the Unconventional Mallorca

This is a guest post by Nazeli K. Kyuregyan.

Today, in the minds of young people, the name ‘Mallorca’ suggests nothing more than clubbing, cocktails and beach parties. Still, just a few decades ago, that same place inspired artists and composers, kings and explorers. Fortunately, the tourist craze has not extinguished Mallorca’s original charms, so, if you are not a party animal, or if you have already spend a week there as a nocturnal (by sleeping during the day and club hunting at night) prepare for the discovery of a completely different Mallorca.

With its magnificent Mediterranean climate (temperatures never go below 15° C!) it is a deadly sin to neglect all the outdoor entertainment. A network of bed & breakfasts and restaurants, even in its remotest angles, means you will never be left out on the street hungry.

First stop: Palma. Some history and culture will do no harm so why not explore the Balearic capital – a fusion of Arabic and Catalan traditions, an example of which is the ancient, sand-coloured Almudaina Palace. The wonderful gothic Cathedral (partially restored by Gaudì himself) will leave you breathless at night, as it stands spectacularly illuminated among the palm trees. You will love to get lost in the colourful crowd at Plaza Mayor’s craft market, sipping horchata (almond milk) in a café, entertained by street musicians. Get closer to the sea at Parc de la Mar, the sea garden with Joan Miró’s works in it. Of course, Palma also offers varying beaches – from S’Arenal to Ca’n Pastilla you will find the noisy-luxurious (suitable for eating out and partying) and the quiet-unspoiled ones where you can actually hear the waves splashing.

Leave the city walls for an enchanting hiking tour of the island. Have a coast-to-coast (or lighthouse-to-lighthouse) excursion at Sa Dragonera Natural Park – a legendary dragon-haunted island. You might not see a dragon but be sure to meet many wild goats instead. Gather some breathtaking images on your way to the mysterious Puig de Galatzo Mountain, as you cross citrus valleys and olive orchards, ascending to the top to meet the shiny Mediterranean in all its blueness. The mountain itself is a natural bliss where you can have a modest picnic with some sobrasada (a chili salami) sandwiches surrounded by waterfalls, torrents, caves and … wild bears.

On your way to Valldemossa – where Chopin and feminist writer George Sand had their romantic rendezvous – pay a visit to the tiny fishing villages.  Remember that learning a few words of the Mallorquin dialect will not only get you a free glass of Hierbas (a herbal liquor) but a new friend as well! Recharge with a homemade paella, while the fishermen tell you their stories about Moors and Aragon kings; help them with the traditional making of olive oil in return, and continue your expedition.

On your way to the Cuevas del Drach, or Caves of the Dragon, wonderful limestone formations with a huge underground lake, you will pass by old mills, ancient oak woods, almond trees, and exotic birds. You will discover secret beaches– some of them only reachable by foot (with good hiking shoes!) – excellent for a meditation swim: just sea, sand, sun and you! Pass by Banyalbufar, with its terraces locked between the majestic Tramuntana Mountain and the sea, and feel the ancient Arab heritage, taste its sun-filled wine.

All this inebriating beauty is only a tiny part of Mallorca’s marvels. Keep exploring the island virtually on My Destnation Mallorca. And who knows, if you go there and feel inspired by the endless blue horizons and charming, rural hamlets, you too, like all those writers, composers and artists, might create a timeless peace of art!

About the Author:

Nazeli K. Kyuregyan is currently studying Publishing and Journalism at the University of Verona in Italy. Her multicultural background and passion for travelling have convinced her that the discovery of new cultures is an essential key to understanding ourselves.

Images 1, 2, and 3 from Flickr’s Creative Commons.