DK Travel : Mallorca

Known variously as the “Golden Isle”, the “Wooded Isle” and the “Tranquil Isle”, Mallorca is all of these, despite its decades-long dependence on mass tourism. The island is laden with history and sights, from its castles and enchanted gardens to caves and spectacular mountains. The eastern and southern coasts still sport some of the cleanest, most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, and the city of Palma is more attractive, culturally alive and fun than ever.

Mallorca (or Majorca) gets its name from the ancient Roman name for the island, Balearis Major, meaning the “biggest Balearic”

Café L’Algar, Port de Pollença

A croissanteria with style and a sense of history, tricked out in green awnings and matching director’s chairs, with beaux-arts lamps and potted plants.
Café Parisien, Artà

A wonderfully rustic place, with an open fireplace, a couple of friendly dogs and a very affable proprietor. There are drinks (including delicious drinking chocolates), pastries, tapas and daily specials.
Café Prop del Mar, Port de Sóller

The hippest place in town for all ages, with stylish rattan, Tiki torches, pool table, pinball and darts. Cool, jazzy music and rum drinks a speciality.
Café Sa Font

Hip music and tons of atmosphere in a wonderful dive located by an ancient font.
Café Sa Plaça, Santanyí

Come for pa amb oli (see Pa amb Oli), olives, ham, pickled peppers and Mallorcan cheeses. The refurbished interior has marble tabletops and archways, and outside you can watch the local action in the main square.
Café Sa Plaça, Santanyí

The whole town of Santanyí is architecturally interesting, especially the central square, and this is the ideal spot from which to take it in. The town is surprisingly sophisticated, due to the huge influx of international residents, the majority of whom have brought a lot of money with them. Still, local customs and atmosphere have not been lost, and this café offers a nice mix of contemporary pizzazz and rural relaxation.
Cala Blava

The “Blue Cove” is a popular gay section of the vast beach area along S’Arenal, on the eastern curve of Palma Bay.
Cala Bona

A small resort next to Cala Millor, beautiful beach!
Cala Deià

A narrow winding road from Deià (see Deià) leads to a picturesque cove surrounded by steep cliffs. The beach is shingle, and the water is very clear. Getting down to it by car is the usual routine of narrow switch-backs.
Cala d’Or

Actually a collection of eight coves, which, taken together, comprise the most upmarket enclave on the southeastern coast. Though sprawling, the developments are characterized by attractive low-rise, white structures abundantly swathed in greenery.