THREE DAYS IN… MALLORCA
TAKE A LONG WEEKEND TO EXPLORE THE UNDISCOVERED GEMS OF SPAIN’S LARGEST BALEARIC ISLAND
Make the most of Palma in just 72 hours with our insider advice
Day 1
After landing in Palma, hire a car and drive north for 45 minutes to the fairy-tale village of Deià. Set in olive groves between the sea and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains you’ll find Belmond La Residencia. The hotel, filled with botanical art and animal-print cushions, has a dreamy pool and a terrace bar where you can listen to live jazz and enjoy a glass of cava before a candlelit dinner at El Olivo.
THE HOT TICKET
Cala Deià
Brave the nail-bitingly narrow road to Cala Deià beach and queue for seafood at Ca’s Patró March – the al fresco restaurant made famous by BBC drama The Night Manager.
Day 2
Fuelled by a traditional breakfast of tostada con tomate (tomato-topped toast), explore the cobbled streets of Palma Old Town on foot, including a self-guided tour of the Catedral de Mallorca – a Gothic masterpiece that took 4OO years to build – and a stroll around the museum of contemporary art that houses works by Miró and Picasso. Local favourite Café La Lonja is the place to try tasty tapas thanks to its cool harbourside location.
DON’T MISS
Son Sureda Ric
Would-be sommeliers should venture into Mallorcan wine country for half a day’s tasting at this 15th-century vineyard.
Day 3
Strike out early to Cap de Formentor on the island’s northern tip. The breathtaking coastal drive leads to a pine tree-lined beach, where you can swim in the azure waters. Stop at Port de Sóller for signature paella at Kingfisher, and in the enchanting village of Valldemossa to find pretty embroidered blouses and edible souvenirs at Sunday’s market.
THE PARTING SHOT
Nama, Deià
For dinner – not before 9pm in Spain – head to Asian-inspired restaurant Nama, serving sushi made from ultra-fresh Mediterranean catches. The bar – designed by Matthew Williamson, who lives in Deià for most of the year – is a magical setting for a final toast to your holiday.