We are back from our Spanish getaway to the stunning little island of Mallorca. In all honesty, I had expected a cute isle filled with beach shops, hotels, and the vast expanse of the Mediterranean. What we found when we got there was quite another story....unimaginably majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountains, sparkling turquoise coves, beautiful towns nestled in the mountain sides, and marinas filled with dazzling superyachts.
In a word, it was paradise.
Our flight from Amsterdam to Palma de Mallorca was two hours, and the moment we stepped off the plane, we were immediately impressed with the gorgeous marble airport that greeted us. We stayed in the small beach town of Santa Ponca, which was essentially a "little Ireland". Probably 90% of the tourists there were Irish, and the restaurants sold mostly pub food and English breakfasts. The beach was long and sandy, and the crystal clear sea was perfect for swimming. After a day of lounging on the beach, and a night partying with the rowdy UK tourists, we were ready for a new adventure.
Spanish shawls in PalmaOn our second day we took the bus into Palma, the capital of Mallorca. We toured the cobblestone streets and took in the sights, including the astounding Palma Cathedral, which was began in 1306 and continues to be built today. While in Palma we saw the Arabic Baths, dating back to the tenth century, and dined at a delicious tapas restaurant. We ate the greatest Spanish tortilla, chorizo, sobrassada, and olives before heading out on a hunt for a secluded local beach. Numerous people told us of their pick for the island's greatest beach, but we ended up taking the advice of a woman at the bus station, and found ourselves in the Illetes after a 30 minute bus ride.
Palma CathedralWhen we walked through the curving residential streets, and onto an abandoned dirt path, we knew we had struck gold. Off of the tourist's radar, the Illetes were filled with Spanish locals enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean weather. The boys loved the Spanish custom of topless sunbathing, and quickly decided that they wanted to move to Spain! We swam out to a deserted island in the sea, just before sunset, and sat amongst the small pebbles and shells as the waves washed up against the bobbing yachts.
The island we swam out toIt was spectacular, and only the beginning of our Spanish holiday....
14 comments:
Wow! Those pictures look amazing! You guys must have had an amazing time! I'm so jealous!
That looks so fantastic!
Gorgeous photos once again!
Thank you so much for posting about your trip and the pics.
I'm unemployed and MISS traveling more than I ever imagined.
From the sounds of your trip this is a place I should consider visiting when I get the opportunity again.
WOW- this truly looks like paradise. You must be having the time of your life.
lovely, just lovely. looking forward to more pics and stories.
So no cars is a myth? Well, I enjoyed the vacation vicariously. It all sounds wonderful.
the water looks beautiful! I miss the ocean!
So gorgeous!! Looks like you had an amazing time ;)
Beautiful photos!
Sigh. I just want to leap into one of those photos & be there right now. Lovely.
Mallorca is on my top 10 to see and visit! Gorgeous photos!
Ella - We had such a relaxing holiday, and a great mix of culture, partying, and laying on the beach!
mub - It was! Mallorca is my number one place to recommend to my Dutchie friends to visit!
Bluefish - Thank you!
Little Ms Blogger - Thank you for reading about the trip! Mallorca is definitely a place to jot down on your list of places to visit. It has so much to offer, and is such a close flight from mainland spain or the rest of Europe.
My Wooden Heart - It was paradise, I want to go baaack! This year has brought so many great memories, I really don't want it to end!
Pinay - Thank you, I will post more later!
angela - No cars is a myth. I was surprised, actually, at the great access the roads had to the lesser-traveled areas of the island, and the great condition they were all in. The bus system is also very efficient and modern in Mallorca too!
Laura - It was the saltiest water I've ever swam in. You didn't even need to tread water, you could literally just bob up and down and float perfectly!
Margarita - We did! I miss it already...
Sonya - Thank you!
Mel - Me too, can I go back now?!
Simply Mel - They have wonderful things to offer in Mallorca, and some beautiful textiles that would be perfect for your boutique! Spain is such a romantic country too...so many beautiful things around every corner.
Thank you all for your comments on this! It makes me relive the vacation, which is always a great way to cope with vacay-let-down!
Mallorca is known as one of the most stunning and an exotic Spanish island. It is a heaven for the visitor that seeks to lovely holiday full of sun, beach and parties. Well, if anyone plans to visit on honeymoon travel so never miss North America and its breathtaking places.
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