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”

Cycling

You’ll see groups of avid cyclists, decked out in their colourful threads, all over the island, from the twistiest mountain roads to the narrowest stone-walled lanes of Es Pla. Given the challenges most people experience when driving in Mallorca, it takes a bit of nerve to negotiate the same roads on two wheels. But you can easily rent bikes of all types in most towns, and the landscape is certainly conducive to cycling.
C’an Carlos

Mallorcan cooking at its very best, with wonderful bread and olives, seafood, fish, lamb, pâté and delicious house wines.
C’an Mateu, Algaida

Set in a 400-year-old inn, the restaurant is popular with locals, and local meats and vegetables are used for traditional dishes, such as snails in broth.
C’an Reus, Fornalutx

Rustic yet elegant, filled with a pleasing mix of plain furniture and period antiques. There’s a simple pool in the garden, and stunning views of the precipitous valley and hulking mountain opposite.
Dakota Tex Mex, Port de Pollença

This bar and grill borders on being a fast-food joint, but it has a great mix of fajitas, tacos, guacamole, hot dogs, hamburgers, 25 beers, margaritas and more. No need to book.
Deià

Set in a dramatic ravine that plunges down to the sea, Deià is mostly associated with the English novelist and poet Robert Graves. Settling in the small town in 1929, Graves lived and worked here for the next 56 years, making the place popular with other artists including Picasso and the writer Anaïs Nin. Towering over the town is the modest 18th-century church of Sant Joan Baptista. The adjacent building houses the parish museum; there is also a museum founded by the American archaeologist William Waldren, displaying the prehistory of Mallorca. Hotel La Residencia has attracted many famous guests including Princess Diana and Sir Bob Geldof.
Deià

Spilling down a steep hillside, Deià’s earth-tone houses are, to many, the finest on the island. English poet and writer Robert Graves and his artistic friends certainly thought so, bringing international fame to this really rather modest town. Today, the tiny artists’ retreat has been bought up by the wealthy, though it still retains its humble appearance.
Deya & Deya Cove

Unspoilt village with beach nearby, linked by gorge walk. The village was a centre for writers and artists; the author Robert Graves (I Claudius) is buried in the cemetery at the small church. The beach at the cove is a delightful sun trap complete with two welcoming bar/restaurants.
Día de la Virgen del Carmen

This celebration of the patron saint of seafarers and fishermen takes place in various coastal settlements. Boats are blessed, torches are lit (as at Port de Sóller), and sailors carry effigies of the Virgin.
Disco Mond-Bar, Cala Figuera

A very popular spot with a huge terrace, Miró-esque decorations and a good-sized dance floor. Music tends towards hits of the day, with occasional live acts.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- over €50
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €50
- €50–€100
- €100–€150
- €150–€200
- over €200