Travel escapes: 48 hours in Mallorca’s capital
Enjoy sun, sea and sangria, and soak up all the joys the island’s capital has to offer
Why go?
If you find yourself in need of a quiet break away from the kids, or the strains and stresses of everyday life, Palma, Mallorca, is the perfect quick trip for you! And just a two-hour flight from the UK, you can’t go wrong. With its gothic landmarks – which make for great sightseeing – incredible sandy beaches and major food culture, Palma makes a wonderful weekend break. What more could you ask for?
Where to stay
With just two days to relax, you deserve the best there is to offer. And when it comes to providing guests with a luxury four-star service, the Barceló Illetas Albatros doesn’t disappoint. Rebuilt in 2011, the adult-only hotel – which is just 15 minutes from the centre of Palma de Mallorca – offers exclusive beach accommodation, with an outdoor pool, Balinese beds overlooking the sea, and an indoor Jacuzzi and wellness area, where guests can book spa treatments, including Mediterranean baths. Making sure all guests feel at home, you will find complimentary confectionery and a personalised note on arrival in your suite, complete with free Wi-fi, a satellite LCD plasma TV, and a rainfall shower. From here, guests can take in the panoramic views of Palma from their own balcony. And with a late noon check-out, you can enjoy a lie-in, fit in an outdoor yoga session in front of the sea, and still have time to tuck in to a delicious buffet of fresh fruit, continental and cooked breakfasts – made in front of you – as well as morning bubbles. Nothing says being on holiday like a mimosa in the morning! Highlight: the hotel offers ‘sprunch’ – a spa treatment and three-course à la carte lunch with a bottle of bubbly (for two people) for €45 per person.
What to do
Known for the massive Cathedral of Santa Maria – a gothic landmark built in the 13th century – visitors to Mallorca can visit the place of worship for just €7. For sporty types, it's easy to hire bikes for a small fee from the hotel, and you could choose an escorted tour of the local area. But if you’d rather relax in the sun, with a chilled glass of wine, then the Son Puig winery is your go-to afternoon spot. A must-see in Mallorca, the family-run vineyard – which has been producing wines for over 40 years – is the perfect location if you’re avoiding the crowds. With tremendous landscapes, the Son Puig offers a tailored wine-tasting experience of delicious, quality wines. To arrange a tour, visit sonpuig.com.
What to eat
With an impressive food culture, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. Choose to eat at the hotel’s restaurant, where they serve traditional Mallorcan dishes, such as frito de cordero, which is a tasty fried lamb starter, squid with sobrassada (a popular Spanish cured meat), and mouthwatering desserts. But for those wanting to branch out, take a 15-minute taxi into the local area of Puerto Portals, where you can feast on tantalising Mediterranean dishes and take in the serene views at celeb
restaurant Flanigan.
Shopping
Located west of the city centre is the Santa Catalina market, the oldest food market in Palma. Traditionally a fishing town, the area today has become a culinary meeting place with a cosmopolitan vibe. Browse and buy fresh fish, including giant soller shrimps, pork sourced from home-reared pigs, Mallorcan cheese, and natural spices. Shopping done, enjoy a light tapas lunch of pincho (bread with a topping), coca (Spanish-style pizzas without tomato sauce) and a glass of beer. Delicious!