It's been a long time since I've given this blog some TLC. It's not been due to lack of travel, thank goodness, but mores lack of time. Nevertheless, summer is my favorite time of year because travel comes alive, people actually take time off, and I usually associate it with days in the sea and evenings watching the sunsets with my Aperol. This summer was no different, with exception of one factor that made it even more wonderful. In September 2019 I made my way over to Australia for my best friend's wedding. Us, like the rest of the world, could not have imagined a global pandemic. Australia was one of the first countries to close their borders and one of the last to open them, which meant that we would be separated for nearly 3 years. It was impossible to imagine that in our 15 years of friendship we had never gone so much as a year tops without finding a little getaway, because of that we made it a priority this summer. In true Alex and Camila fashion, we only finalized details a few days before the trip - which I do not recommend doing in this travel environment. And bonus, we would be joined by our other amazing friend Amanda. Our escape to Mallorca exceeded my expectations by far. I hope this helps with your trip, I know many people have plans to travel to the Balearic islands this summer, very very good choice, enjoy!
Before Traveling to Spain
Before making your way to Greece be sure to check the official government websites with the latest updates on what is required before entering the island. Summer 2022 the following was required:
1. If you do not have an EU QR code that shows proof of vaccination you'll need to fill out a form that will allow you entry into Spain https://www.spth.gob.es
5 Days in Mallorca
STAY
Mallorca is a much bigger island than one would expect, often requiring more than an hour drive between different towns. My recommendation is to avoid Palma and the closely surrounding areas as they can be filled with more European tourists, and can give off a bit of a tacky vibe in quite a few places. We separated the trip in three nights in the Northern side of the island and two in the Southern, that was perfect.
On the northern side of the island you can find some of the most spectacular hotels in the world, for example, Belmond La Residencia or Jumeirah's Port Soller. If you are looking for something more boutique the option of a finca is the way to go. Our last minute travel plans brought us to Finca Albellons. While it is not a luxury 5 star, it is a solid 4 star hotel with the friendliness staff, spacious rooms, and spectacular views. The area is quite, we were out all day so didn't worry too much about that but I don't recommend if you enjoy a buzz at the hotel in the evenings. The three of us stayed in a suite and had the whole bottom left wing of the hotel just for us.
On the southern side of the island I will not recommend our original hotel because it was subpar and wouldn't want others to experience it. For a luxury option that is truly breathtaking, Cap Rocat is a must. Here you will stay within the walls of the old fort, enjoying private views over the sea and sunset. Another great option, located in the small town of Santanyi on the very southern part of the island is Can Ferrereta. From here you will have access to some of the most amazing views and hikes that Mallorca has to offer. Not to mention the town of Santanyi has lots of little restaurants and shops to enjoy.
It was a late night for us arriving from London and Manchester. PSA: airports are a nightmare at the moment, plan on arriving 2-3 hours ahead of domestic or flights within Europe. We rented an SUV from Recordgo, which was a really good experience. Easy check in, pick up, and got upgraded. We grabbed a bite in Palma, then drove to the north to our hotel and begin our official Day 1 fresh.
DAY 1
Breakfast with a view was a perfect way to start the day. The wonderful staff helped us with some needed recommendations before serving us some orange juice and sending us on our way. Mallorca is unique in that distances are quite large for an island, and you can go from sea, to cliffside, to mountains, all while going through these old little towns each with their own character.
Our first stop was in the Jardins de Alfabia, an enchanting garden perfect for an easy stroll. It was a perfect stop for an ice cream in the courtyard on the hot Mallorcan day. We then headed to Port Soller where we struggled to find some parking, if the lots are full park on the more residential streets, but be aware of the signage, they can be quite strict. This beach is perfect for tanning and taking a dip, more so than other beaches on the island that are a bit rockier. A perfect spot for a nice lunch on the beach between the surrounding mountains. The charming tram takes you from the port into the town of Soller, which is likely a better option that trying to find parking again - what we did. The town is worth a walk and shop around, maybe even another ice cream?
We ended our day, after a much needed shower, at a restaurant with a very particular tasting menu. Now, if you aren't one for a tasting menu, yours truly, with no other options, this is not the place for you. However, for my more adventurous readers who are happy to eat anything I highly recommend Ca Na Toneta .
Day 1 in Mallorca was a bit of a whirlwind, relying on other blogs and the gram to figure out our move. By day 2 we started understanding the distances, had gotten more local recommendations, and were able to activate the spontaneity we normally have, as well as crossing off the must sees. We had booked a boat ride around the island, none of us loved the people on our boat, but the crew was great. Please email me directly if you want boat recommendations in Mallorca (travel@escapadez.com). We got to swim in the beautiful waters of the Balearic, listen to the crew playing hits on the Spanish guitar, and enjoy the island as one should...from the water.
DAY 2
In the evening we made our way over to Valldemossa. We had heard people talking about this place as well as read about it a lot, if you go to any town in Mallorca, let it be this one. This charming town ended up being the highlight of our trip. We dressed up and went for dinner at the Hotel Valldemossa, be sure to call in advance to get a table on the terrace at FredericRestaurant. I recommend arriving just before sunset, the valley has a beautiful golden glow that blankets all the olive trees and houses. It was truly a breathtaking view. I loved where we were based, but I think next time I'll book in a couple of nights here.
DAY 3
While yesterday was a boat day and we enjoyed time in the sea, if you know me you know that no trip is complete without rocks to jump off of. A little disclosure, I was really sick on this trip and wasn't able to do my normal cliff jumping shenanigans due to faulty sinuses. That being said, on day 3 we drove over to the iconic Cala Deia beach. Get there early, repeat after me, arrive early! I almost let my inner Miami come out when someone stole my parking spot. The parking lot at the bottom is the best place to park, the good thing is people are coming and going all the time. My advice is leave any bashfullness in the car, send someone out to guard your free spot if you need to turn or wait, people here are shameless. Once you're parked you are ready for beach time.
Cala Deia is a rocky beach, so plan accordingly in terms of footwear, etc. you will not be laying your towel in the sand. We enjoyed a walk up the rocks and a nice cool dip in the sea. After our first dip we put our name down at the beach restaurant - we had called to make reservations and no one answered. The wait is usually between 20-50 minutes so plan accordingly. The waiting time flew by as we swam and enjoyed the salt and sun. By the time they called our name we were ready for our jara de sangria and some croquetas.
I should mention that the stunning Belmond La Residencia is close by this beach and has a wonderful restaurant called El Olivo, just keep in mind that you have to book a couple months in advance.
This evening we left the beautiful north side of the island to explore the south side. Our standards when leaving were very high, but they were absolutely met in more ways than one.
DAY 4
Day 4 was our last full day in Mallorca. As expected time had flown by this trip. Our trio was broken when Mandy left, and since her departure was nice an early we took advantage of exploring while the rest of the island was sleeping in. One beach that showed up often was Cala d'Or, and I owed Alex a hike. What started off as a stroll along the seaside talking about what our friends were up to, what are new goals were since last time we saw each other, both now entering thirty, quickly escalated into a classic Cami & Alex escapade into a cliffside. Obviously prepared in our flip flops and sundresses, we stumbled upon the most spectacular views. I wouldn't say this was a full on hike, more of a rocky walk, definitely don't recommend if you have any injuries or are clumsier than me. The rocks coming out of the water rivaled those of Zakynthos and even Capri. It was too wavy for us to swim out, and there was the issue of not knowing how to get out of the water once in.
Alex and I ended up driving over to the beach after realizing out walk along the sea was hopeless. After a bit of relaxing time we left once it got busy. The beach bar offered some refuge from the sun, we enjoyed some rose and lunch before leaving to explore the lovely town of Ses Salines.
DAY 5
Time to catch the ferry and leave Milos. When island hopping around Greece, if the islands are in the same region, the ferry is the way to go. The bigger islands often have airports but rarely have flights inter-island, most of the time you have to go via Athens. Plus the view on the ferry is delightful. Sea Jets is the fast ferry, it's easiest to buy the tickets directly with them. I hope you enjoy Milos as much as I did, can't wait to come back!
