What to Do In Mallorca for a Memorable Mediterranean Escape

A beach day at Camp de Mar is a truly restorative experience that cannot be missed, and a popular one at that. The beach is relatively small, but there’s a bar, restaurant and, most importantly, a lifeguard on duty so you can swim to your heart’s content in the beautiful Mediterranean waters. With staggering views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline, the natural beauty of this beach makes it well worth a visit even if you’re not interested in sun and surf.

The drive from Camp de Mar to Palma, Mallorca’s capital, is roughly 35 minutes—and this picturesque city center is well worth the commute. The romantic charm of Palma’s narrow cobblestone streets and historic architecture is indescribable. From the majesty of Palma’s famed Gothic cathedral to the unique design and grandeur of Bellver Castle, this destination will make an architecture enthusiast and history buff out of just about anyone. The city center is also replete with small boutiques, designer shops, bars, cafes and picturesque public spaces.

Head to Museum San Marroig for panoramic views that will sweep you off your feet. A tour of the house’s interior will acquaint you with Archduke Ludwig (Luis) Salvator of Austria, who purchased the building and dwelled there during the late 19th century. The structure itself dates back to the 15th century, though, where it served as a fortress on the coast. Unsurprisingly, given the splendor of the grounds, the property is often booked as a wedding venue. When I visited the museum, I was one of very few visitors; it was a quiet and intimate experience that felt like a trip through time. Though I have to say that the beautiful gardens leading to the property’s famous Carrara marble temple, an open structure that stands on eight ionic columns and hovers directly above the Mediterranean Sea, was a real highlight of my visit.

Valldemossa is a traditional Majorcan village—and yes, it’s entirely postcard-worthy. Valldemossa is swarming with tourists during peak season, but it’s favored by locals, too. The cobblestone streets of the pedestrian-friendly village center are lined with shops and eateries, but the main sightseeing attraction is the Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa, a 13th century monastery that has a monument to composer Frederic Chopin, one the village’s more illustrious former residents.

If you stay at the Zafiro Palace Andratx in Palma as I did (see below), then you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to on-site dining. Still, I would encourage you to seek out some culinary experiences beyond the resort. My stay in Mallorca was limited and I am certain there are hundreds of praiseworthy restaurants on the island. That said, I did not have a single disappointing dining experience and two restaurants in particular stand out.

If your itinerary includes some time spent in Palma (and it should!), I highly recommend La Bodeguilla. Located on a narrow side street, this charming hole in the wall has a cozy and romantic atmosphere (think: warm lighting and exposed brick interior), and the best tapas and entrees I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. In fact, I tested a rather absurd number of dishes from the menu and every single one was perfectly balanced. The wine list is also stellar and the pairing suggestions are spot-on. TLDR; If you’re looking for an authentic Mallorcan dining experience, this should be your first stop.

My second best dining experience took place just steps away from the resort, on the sandy beaches of Camp de Mar. Maria5 Restaurant offers a waterfront dining experience complete with private bungalows and more, but in my opinion the best reservation to book is one for the Beni Hana-style, up-close-and-personal teppanyaki experience. The chef is incredibly talented and watching him at work is as much of a treat as the delicious food he serves. He’s also incredibly entertaining—delivering an engaging, funny and very vibrant performance for diners without missing a beat or, astonishingly, getting a burn. The ceviche was an excellent amuse-bouche, the beef tenderloin was perfectly prepared, and the seafood entree—a turbo filet served with a dreamy sauce and egg fried rice—was divine. If you’re interested in a beachfront surf and turf dinner with great energy and ambiance, book yourself a table here.

During my visit to Mallorca, I stayed at the Zafiro Palace Andratx—an all-inclusive resort that I cannot recommend highly enough. The property boasts sweeping views of the ocean and the lush surrounding hills (plus the charming residences nestled into them). The luxurious suites, which feature private pools and hydromassage bathtubs, exemplify the incredible attention to detail that defines the whole experience. I also ate at nearly all of the eight restaurants on the premises during my stay and was pleasantly surprised by both the variety of the offerings and the superior quality of the food at every one. I highly recommend the breakfast and dinner buffets at the Market, and seafood lovers should not miss the incredible Asian-fusion menu served at Tastes & Sushi.

If you can tear yourself away from the supreme luxury of the sprawling resort, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that you are a mere five-minute walk away from the gorgeous Camp de Mar beach.