Talk to me about Mallorca...
Oct 24th, 2017, 01:45 AM
#1
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Talk to me about Mallorca...
We are a family of four, two adults, two boys (4 and 6 now). We were thinking to take our annual family vacation (one-week) in Mallorca. My husband likes to cycle. We are hoping for beach, cycling, hiking, some city.
First,given our interests, when to go? Best times for us would be end of August, April vacation, or Christmas vacation.
If we go in December, we can cycle and hike, right?, but no beach?
If we go in April, we may be able to do all three.
If we go end of August (best), we can go to the beach but would it be too hot to cycle or hike?
Second, where to go? Palma, of course, and there are a few family friendly beaches in the area. How is public transport. We wouldn't want to bother with a car.
Third, budget? We are flying from Boston. Generally, we average around $200 per night per hotel when we travel. Might be tight, but if we start planning now, we have a whole year to save.
First,given our interests, when to go? Best times for us would be end of August, April vacation, or Christmas vacation.
If we go in December, we can cycle and hike, right?, but no beach?
If we go in April, we may be able to do all three.
If we go end of August (best), we can go to the beach but would it be too hot to cycle or hike?
Second, where to go? Palma, of course, and there are a few family friendly beaches in the area. How is public transport. We wouldn't want to bother with a car.
Third, budget? We are flying from Boston. Generally, we average around $200 per night per hotel when we travel. Might be tight, but if we start planning now, we have a whole year to save.
Oct 24th, 2017, 02:20 AM
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Have a look at rental properties in and around Deià or Sollér. Deià is a small village with a few bars, hotels, etc., and footpaths through olive groves down to a rocky beach. Lots of hiking, walks in the area, to beaches or to nearby towns such as Valldemossa. What type hikes are you planning with young children?
Sollér is a small town, I don't know much about it having only been there for a day trip, but it does have many more restaurants, shops, etc., than Deià. There are buses on the island linking the villages and towns but I would look in to a small rental car.
Palma has a pretty old town area. It is quite built up along the beaches with many hotels, very popular for package holidays from the UK, Germany, etc., and August is the peak season.
Given your interests, I don't think you would want to base in Palma. And, if you're going in August, book now. Yes, it will be very hot in August but adopt the Spanish lifestyle, hikes, tennis, etc. in early morning or late afternoon, beaches or siesta or long lunch or all three from around noon to four. For the beach, lots of sunscreen, mats and a beach umbrella, the latter often provided in a holiday rental or available to rent on the beach. The sun can be fierce.
April would be very pretty, some chances of rain, probably great hiking weather.
Your budget should get you a basic two-bedroom rental, just, or more likely a one-bedroom with a pullout bed in the living room/lounge which would work for the children. Easier obviously in December or April.
Sollér is a small town, I don't know much about it having only been there for a day trip, but it does have many more restaurants, shops, etc., than Deià. There are buses on the island linking the villages and towns but I would look in to a small rental car.
Palma has a pretty old town area. It is quite built up along the beaches with many hotels, very popular for package holidays from the UK, Germany, etc., and August is the peak season.
Given your interests, I don't think you would want to base in Palma. And, if you're going in August, book now. Yes, it will be very hot in August but adopt the Spanish lifestyle, hikes, tennis, etc. in early morning or late afternoon, beaches or siesta or long lunch or all three from around noon to four. For the beach, lots of sunscreen, mats and a beach umbrella, the latter often provided in a holiday rental or available to rent on the beach. The sun can be fierce.
April would be very pretty, some chances of rain, probably great hiking weather.
Your budget should get you a basic two-bedroom rental, just, or more likely a one-bedroom with a pullout bed in the living room/lounge which would work for the children. Easier obviously in December or April.
Oct 24th, 2017, 03:25 AM
#3
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Mallorca has become one of the main training destinations for the professional cycling teams, the island offers routes for every level of cyclists.
Weather : December - could be anywhere between 5oC and 18oC. It's a risk as 5oC and rain means you were much better staying at home. I would risk it, we have sat in Ikea in Palma on a Sunday in January, wondering why we bothered.
April : much better chance of solid weather and as CathinJoe posts, Spring will be underway in almond blosssom is beautiful.
August : usually between 22oC and 33oC, the island's climate is regulated by the sea and as such you shouldn't expect the 40oC plus temperatures which you will expect on the mainland further south. After 30 trips to Mallorca I can't really remember ever being too hot.
Locations : the best of the island needs a car but Cathinjoe make the best suggestion if you really don't want a car, take the old tram/ train from Palma to Soller and either rent or stay in a hotel in Soller. The coast of 3 miles down the road and the tram connects the Soller to Puerto Soller. There are many routes to walk (with a two year old) , hike and cycle in the area. The town is protected by a mountain range and definitely has the coolest local climate in August.
Another local in Pollensa which means a train to Inca then a bus.
There are many family hotels of a high standard in Alcudia, the town is very much a family destination, located in one of the best beaches in Europe.
Try to take the children to the underground cave systems at either Drac or Campanet. They are huge and Drac has an underwater lake with a boat.
, incredible rock formations.
If you like beaches then Es Trenc in the SE corner is arguably the best beach in Europe.
It's like Cape Cod (without the traffic) : you have to try really hard to have a bad time.
Personally I'd
Weather : December - could be anywhere between 5oC and 18oC. It's a risk as 5oC and rain means you were much better staying at home. I would risk it, we have sat in Ikea in Palma on a Sunday in January, wondering why we bothered.
April : much better chance of solid weather and as CathinJoe posts, Spring will be underway in almond blosssom is beautiful.
August : usually between 22oC and 33oC, the island's climate is regulated by the sea and as such you shouldn't expect the 40oC plus temperatures which you will expect on the mainland further south. After 30 trips to Mallorca I can't really remember ever being too hot.
Locations : the best of the island needs a car but Cathinjoe make the best suggestion if you really don't want a car, take the old tram/ train from Palma to Soller and either rent or stay in a hotel in Soller. The coast of 3 miles down the road and the tram connects the Soller to Puerto Soller. There are many routes to walk (with a two year old) , hike and cycle in the area. The town is protected by a mountain range and definitely has the coolest local climate in August.
Another local in Pollensa which means a train to Inca then a bus.
There are many family hotels of a high standard in Alcudia, the town is very much a family destination, located in one of the best beaches in Europe.
Try to take the children to the underground cave systems at either Drac or Campanet. They are huge and Drac has an underwater lake with a boat.
, incredible rock formations.
If you like beaches then Es Trenc in the SE corner is arguably the best beach in Europe.
It's like Cape Cod (without the traffic) : you have to try really hard to have a bad time.
Personally I'd
Oct 24th, 2017, 04:56 AM
#4
Great for cycling, lovely walking in the North West, I'd always stay in the centre, the coast is mainly made up of low rise appartment type buildings and, in my mind is a bit unattractive.
Palma old front is ok.
August would be "pants" as we say in the UK so avoid.
Palma old front is ok.
August would be "pants" as we say in the UK so avoid.
Oct 24th, 2017, 06:49 AM
#5
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Our family, eight of us ages 10- 70, stayed in a villa near Soller for a week. It was perfect for all the activities you mentioned. We took the train into Palma for a day. If cycling I wouldn't want to stay in Palma. The place is just too big but, If not not hiring a car, it's probably your best option.
