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”

Fiol, Llibres

Secondhand books in various languages, run by a lady who knows her stock.
Fishing

As with other water activities, there are a number of boats that will take you out fishing for the day, particularly from the small port towns that still fish the seas commercially, including Portocolom. The bays of Pollença and Alcúdia (seePort de Pollença, Alcúdia and Port d’Alcúdia) are also popular for fishing.
Five Seaside Beauties

Morning

This itinerary, incorporating driving and walking, will take a full day.

Set out in the morning at lovely Portocristo , with its terrace café-restaurants overlooking the port’s palisades. Pop into Autèntic Mallorca (see Autèntic Mallorca, Portocristo) and be sure to buy some Mallorcan chocolate and other local products.

Bypassing the infamously overdeveloped Cales de Mallorca, Portocolom is next, perhaps the most unspoiled and seductively beautiful fishing village left on the island. Be sure to check out the painted façades of the old town, and walk up to the colourful Bar Els Tamarells (see Bar Els Tamarells, Portocolom) for a drink and to admire the sleepy central square.

Afternoon

Make your way down to Portopetro, a miniscule port that’s lost none of its authenticity. Have lunch at El Campo (see El Campo, between Alquería Blanca and Portopetro) just out of town on the road to Alquería Blanca.

Cala Figuera is further south. Stroll around its woods-encircled harbour and browse the exotic wares at Blauet (see Blauet, Cala Figuera).

On the western side of the Cap de ses Salines, you’ll find Colònia de Sant Jordi, a rangy beach town with a bright, relaxing port. Stop here to have a wonderful fresh fish dinner at Port Blau (see Port Blau, Colònia de Sant Jordi), and maybe spend the night at the quaint Hostal Playa (see Hostal Playa, Colònia Sant Jordi).
Flesh

A lively choice – probably because of the gay videos that are always playing. The place is open to the street at one end, so there always seems to be something happening or about to happen.
Fornalutx

This quaint stone village is supremely situated, enjoying a splendid view of towering Puig Major – Mallorca’s highest peak – and of the vast ravine that sweeps down into the valley of orange groves. Silence reigns, except for the lazy sound of goat and sheep bells. The town seems to clutch at its essentially perpendicular setting, with accommodation and dining options making the most of the panorama. You can get here by car, but a better choice is the fragrant hike up from Sóller, passing through the even tinier Biniaraix.
Fornalutx

Often voted Mallorca’s loveliest town – if not all of Spain’s – this enchanting mountain village was founded by the Moors in the 12th century. The tiny town square is a friendly gathering place, but it is the heady views people remember – up to the island’s highest mountain and down into a verdant chasm below.
Fried

Calamari rings are most popular, but you’ll also see fish and chicken croquettes.
Frit Mallorquí and Llom amb Col

Frit is cheap peasant food at its heaviest, consisting of fried offal of the famous black Mallorcan pig, cooked in oil with potatoes and onions. You’ll find it at its savoury best in some of the more traditional market towns of Es Pla. Llom amb col , pork wrapped in cabbage, is equally traditional and substantial.
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró

The prolific career of Catalan master Joan Miró in all its depth and variety: few artists have had such a brilliant showcase built for them.
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró

The genius and visionary power of the consummate Catalan artist are concentrated here. Not only can you experience the full range of Joan Miró’s work, but you can also immerse yourself in the atmosphere of his studio.