Written by Kayla Doris

A combination of rugged landscapes, sparkling coastlines, and rustic villages has made Mallorca one of Europe’s top-visited destinations. Located off the eastern coast of Spain, Mallorca’s reputation has evolved over the years from a quiet, secluded Mediterranean island, to one of the first all-inclusive travel destinations, to a bohemian escape for artists. Truthfully, you can find all three in Mallorca today—quiet villages, an enduring and evolving creative heritage, and yes, mass tourism which drew headlines this summer. If you’re able to, we encourage you to visit during the shoulder season (Spring and Autumn) to avoid the crowds and make the most of everything that Mallorca has to offer: stunning beaches, old cobbled buildings that house trendy new businesses inside, mountainous hiking trails, dreamy design hotels, and exciting art history.

Our guide focuses on two areas of the island—Palma and Soller—that were recommended by ECT Spain Expert and cofounder of Adler and Marlow, Danny Adler. We’ve also included recommendations from local residents and experts, Michelle van der Werff—founder of Food Tours Mallorca, the team from SPOT Mallorca, Mitschi Fraatz—Marketing and Strategy at Bikini Island, Victoria Gonzalez Tachouet—founder of Nanomo Ceramics, the team from Hotel Sant Francesc, plus friend of ECT and Luna Zorro founder, Molly Berry.

Eat

Don’t miss Spot, a modern Mediterranean restaurant in the Santa Catalina neighborhood. Self-described as having “a cosmopolitan atmosphere with island vibes,” its stylish interiors include tiled walls, colorful hanging lights, shelves lined with ceramics, and huge banana leaf plants. The menu balances classic Spanish tapas with global influences and locally sourced ingredients. Expect the likes of grilled octopus with crushed potatoes, crispy Peking duck, Japanese tacos with spicy salmon, and Mallorcan eggplant chips with honey.

Also included in the guide:

• Natural wines and sharing plates in a quietly cool bar in Palma

• Homemade cake served in a rustic family-run cafe situated amongst the mountains. 

• The freshest of fresh seafood served directly overlooking turquoise waters

Do/Shop

Browse beautiful ceramic pieces at Nanomo Ceramics, a genuine hidden gem on the island. Based in Soller, the showroom is located behind closed doors in an old house meaning not many people know about it. “You can’t find me if you don’t have the recommendation,” says the founder Victoria. “I like to research traditional objects and give them a contemporary design or create modern objects related to everyday rituals. I make sprouters, butter keepers, coffee filters, spice mortars, infusion mugs, water carafes, mugs, and bowls.” Find the direction in the Instagram bio. 

Also included in the guide:

•  A curated boutique and creative studio that sells the most exciting fashion brands in the Mediterranean

• Several art spots to visit including a contemporary art gallery and the studio of an iconic artist

• Where to shop artisan chocolate, beautiful glass homewares, and locally-inspired perfumes

Stay

Check into Bikini Island in Port de Soller—with cozy bayside rooms, tropical-style social spaces, and an outdoor heated pool, it would make a good choice for a girls holiday (it’s adult only so isn’t family-friendly). The rooms have private balconies overlooking the mountains, or you can opt for a garden room for access to an outdoor terrace with loungers. On-site, you can make use of its restaurant, Neni, which offers Israeli-inspired dishes from a boho-chic terrace.

Also included in the guide:

• A stunning 17th-century house with Moroccan riad vibes

• A luxury boutique hotel housed in a restored 19th-century Neoclassical mansion

• A dusty pink dream hotel and farm designed by artists

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