3 days in Mallorca
 

Hello everyone...
I will be in Spain in the beginning of the September, and I'd like to spend 3 days on Mallorca. I found some information, but very few forum recommendations. I would greatly appreciate any information for a nice, romantic 3 day trip to Mallorca.
I was wondering about the following:
I understand that it is very helpful to have a car on Mallorca. I will have the car while in Spain -does it make sense (perhaps too expensive) to bring it on the Ferry to or would it be better to rent it there?

Though 3days is not much, I was wondering about the best way to spend it. I was thinking perhaps of spending 2 days at the quieter part of the island like Alcudia or Capdepera, making few trips from there, and spending the last day going to the hotel in Palma.
Any hotels that can be recommended?

Thank you in advance for any help.

mallorca is an island of contrasts.
If you want bars,clubs and concrete hotels go to the south coast.

If you want charm, peace and stunning scenery go to the north coast.

The north coast is backed by mountains which give a stunning backdrop but which can mean the weather is not as good as in the south of the island.

I have been many times and can highly recommend the area between Valldemossa and Soller. Deia in between the two is a delightful village with lots of restaurants. Do note though that the beaches are not easily accessible nor always sandy so if it is beaches you after it might not be for you.

I have never actually visited Palma but understand from friends that it is very intersting with a beautiful cathedral.

In my view a car is essential.I don't know the cost of taking a car by ferry but there are lots of hire car companies at Palma airport. There is a bus service which is cheap but slow so for a 3 day tour I recommend having a car.

If you can let me know what your budget is I can give you some hotel recommendations in the area that I know.

Thank you very much for your detailed response! I decided to fly to the island instead of taking a ferry, so I'll be renting a car there.
I am thinking of splitting 3 days: staying 2 days either on the West or North coast like you have suggested and one day at Palma.
My budget is somewhat flexible - I guess around $200-350 per night (+/-)
Not going for anything pompous – like you said, looking for charm, scenery and romantic atmosphere.
So if you can suggest some hotels and potential itinerary that would be wonderful. Thank you again for your help.

With the Euro/US dollar (I'm guessing that is the one you are quoting)as it is your budget is a bit tight for North West mallorca. Many hotels are very expensive.

In Deia I can strongly recommend the Hotel d'es Puig. http://www.hoteldespuig.com/ingles/

It is based in the centre of the village and is simple but very clean with a good breakfast. Rates are around E125 - E150. If it has any downsides it is that it can be tricky to find for a first timer and needs some courage driving up the streets to it. Also the beds could be more comfortable. The reviews on tripadvisor are about right.

Deia is a stunning village. It is a 30 minute walk or 5 minute drive down to the cove. There are lots of restaurants and bars to choose from covering a wide range of budgets.

I've never stayed in Palma so can't help - try tripadvisor.

Could I just interrupt here for a moment?

Diz: Could you tell me when the usual swimming season would be on the island? Do people normally swim in late September, for example? Or early May? And do shops and restaurants close up in the off-season?

I've not been to Mallorca in many years but am thinking of returning. The hotel you linked looks lovely.

Sorry for the interruption..

I can't answer to the exact times you mention. The sea is too cold for me in early April but I've seen the odd brave soul in the water then. I have been in the sea in mid-September and it was fine. However after a storm went through the sea seemed much colder just a couple of days later. I imagine it is no different to the rest of the Med in that respect.

In the area I recommended, Soller and Valldemossa are real towns so shops for basics etc I think are generally open all year. I am told that Deia shuts down in winter as so many of the houses are holiday homes. Having said that hotels are usually open by Easter, and when I have been in late March I haven't had any problems with restaurants.

Many thanks! Mallorca is on my list for the future. We would have a week..probably in either early May or in mid September..

Thank you Diz,
My budget is somewhat flexible. The hotel you recommended looks great. Can you or someone else suggest any other? I may want to split my time between several hotels. Any memorable places, restaurants, views? Thank you very much.

Mallorca is not that big as an island that you have to move between hotels to see it all -- unless you want to.

Memorable views, sights, and vistas.. highly subjective, I guess, but here are a few ideas:

Cap Formentor (NE tip of the island)
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Im..._Formentor.JPG

View over Palma from Castell Belver
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Im...e_Mallorca.jpg

Palma cathedral La Seu
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bild:Ca...2007_08_15.jpg

Son Marroig manor between Deia and Valldemossa
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Sonmarroig1.jpg

A ride on the historic train between Sóller and Palma, and/or the historic tram between Sóller and Port de Sóller

Drive the road to Sa Calobra
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bild:Ro...sa_calobra.jpg

Lluc monastery

Puig de Randa (with monastery on top, and a 360 degree vista of the island)
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bild:Santuariodecura3.jpg


September is a fine time to travel, but it still can be quite warm. If you have a problem with heat, stay away from accomodations in the flat inland part of the island, and look for something (as others already recommended) in the Tramuntana.

We stayed at the Jaumie II in Palma. It is centrally located within walking distance of all the shops, cathedral and promenade.

Try this website for a good selection of stylish hotels that should be in your price range -

www.theothermallorca.com

In fact contrary to previos posts most hotels are asround your price range - there are a small number of higher end which charge $500 - $1000 but this is not Sardinia where $3000 a night is the norm.

Spend some time in Palma it has plenty to keep you occupied - Bar Abaco is like no other on this earth.

Mallorca is beautiful but 5% of it has gave it a bad reputation in the 1980/90s. It is now neading further and further upmarket each year. This is mainly driven by the fact that the Mallorquins have had huge tourist income for 50 plus years. They have developed a tast for culture and have shunned the beer culture that was around 10/20 years ago.