leg114

I'm leaving for Spain in two weeks and would like to spend a few days on Mallorca. Can anyone recommend their favorite area of the island to stay? I'd like to see the sites and also spend a leisurely afternoon on a beautiful beach...away from the crowds if possible. Also, any budget hotels or B&B's? Other suggestions for dining, nightlife, music, shopping, etc. are also very welcome.

Thank you!

ealing_calling

Hi there,

Don't miss Palma itself. I found the town utterly charming off the main streets, and the Cathedral is worth a visit -- a real trip back in time.

I was quite turned off to most beaches, as package tourism has egg&chips'd the scenery for the wurst (yes, it's all Germans and Brits behaving badly). We stayed quite close to Andratx -- some good beaches & small coves around -- more info at

http://www.mallorcaweb.com/

Also, the train to Soller is worth the trip; we joined it from Bunyola, for the most dramatic bit of the journey. (Also enjoyed putzing around Bunyola as the only gringos!)
HTH

leg114

Thank you so much for your reply! I was thinking of just skipping Mallorca because I'm having a hard time finding out information, and especially finding a place to stay, but your reply has given me that little extra desire to still go to the island. Thanks again for the useful information!

jj0339

We just got back from sailing around Mallorca. Prior to sailing, we spent two nights in Palma at the Hotel Born, which was wonderful! Old-worldly (no elevator), ask for courtyard views. The bathrooms are not the most modern, but the whole place has the atmosphere of another time. Breakfast was lovely, endless cafes con leche in courtyard, we didn't want to leave. The hotel is located in historic part of town, with crooked, quaint walks to be had. While it was busy with holiday makers, its still easy to avoid tourist traps. Our favorite fancy restaurant: Caballerito de Mer (my spelling might be off). We sailed to Porto Colon and had terrific lobster paella in pretty harbor restaurant. Hope you like seafood, because it is great in Mallorca!

elina

Why is it hard to find places to stay? It is easy. I have been twice to Mallorca. Both times we just rented a car from the airport, and off we went. We found SO CHARMING places to stay in, starting from a farm that dated from 14th century to a Maltese knights castles old stables. There we were the only guests. In Soller we stayed in a beautiful old town house kept by a young couple, in Fortnaluxx in a house in the middle of flowering orange coves. Open fireplaces (it was April, and unusually cold) and purring cats. Beautiful rooms everywhere. I try to find some addresses this evening. Meaning, if you are interested.