Majorca in January

Thursday 28 December 2023

Departure from our house in Lathuile (74210)

Arrived at the Port of Barcelona at 7pm

Passing through Moll de la Fuseta and its Christmas market with Paëlla tasting while waiting to board the ferries.

The Moll de la Fusta is an iconic location in Barcelona, Spain. Located in the Port Vell district, it is a popular seafront promenade offering magnificent views of the marina, the Mediterranean Sea and the city skyline. It's a place where locals and tourists alike stroll, relax in the seafront cafés, or admire the many sculptures and art installations that dot the promenade. There are often cultural events and festivals held here, making it a dynamic and lively place to discover in Barcelona.

22H45 Departure for Majorca with a 7h30 crossing. We chose the company TRASMED and took a cabin for added comfort.

Majorque :

Majorca, or Mallorca in Spanish, is the largest island in the Balearic archipelago, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the east coast of Spain. Known for its magnificent beaches, secluded coves, rich historical heritage and lively nightlife, Mallorca attracts millions of visitors every year.

The diversity of its landscapes is striking: from white sandy beaches to steep cliffs, from the impressive mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana to the fertile plains of the island's interior. The main city, Palma, is the cultural and economic heart of Majorca. It boasts a superb Gothic cathedral, a medieval castle, picturesque cobbled streets and a lively cultural life.

The island also offers delicious cuisine, influenced by Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, featuring traditional dishes such as sobrassada (spicy sausage), empanadas and delicious seafood.

Activities range from water sports on the beaches to hiking in the mountains, discovering picturesque fishing villages and local markets. Majorca is a destination that offers something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the beaches, explore the history and culture, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Day 1

Waking up at 5 a.m. in the port of Palma de Mallorca

Off to Hotel Samaritana to take possession of our Early Check-in suite.

Incredible VIP welcome at 6.30am (instead of the usual 3pm). The suite is magnificent.

Tapas lunch at Meson Teresa. No link to this place as the meal wasn't great.

Afternoon shopping in the old town and a walk to the Catedral de Mallorca

Return to the hotel for a private spa and sauna

Massage with Marta

21h00

Evening at Quina Creu Tapas & Restaurant close to the hotel. A superb discovery in a slightly retro atmosphere. Warm welcome and reasonable prices

Day 2

We head for the beach via the Basilica. We are with our dog Sparrow, and decide to visit it another day. A very pleasant walk on the sand

Visit to the "Mercat de l'Olivar" market. This is one of the most emblematic markets on the island of Mallorca in Spain. It is located in the heart of the city of Palma and offers a wide variety of local produce, fresh produce, meat, fish, seafood, fruit and vegetables, as well as other regional specialities.

The market is a lively and colourful place where locals come to do their daily shopping and where visitors can discover Mallorca's culinary culture. The atmosphere is often very lively, with colourful stalls, tempting aromas and a typically Mediterranean feel.

It's a great place to sample local produce, go shopping or simply stroll around to soak up the local atmosphere. The stalls often feature quality, authentic produce, reflecting the island's rich gastronomic heritage.

Tapas on the premises. A real treat

Afternoon shopping in the old town, with a must-see stop at one of Palma's best bakeries and patisseries: Panaderia S'Estacio.

It's a place renowned for its delicious baked goods, offering a wide range of artisan breads, fresh pastries and other local specialities. The bakery is known for its commitment to quality, using fresh ingredients and following traditional recipes that delight locals and visitors alike. As well as its sweet and savoury delights, the bakery's warm and friendly atmosphere makes it a popular place for customers to enjoy a good time while sampling quality products. Our favourite is the Tiramisu (revisited).

Day 3

On 31 December Mallorcans celebrate 'La Festa de l'Estendard'.

Palma commemorates Mallorca's entry into the Christian kingdoms of Europe.

This historic festival is held every year to commemorate the entry of King James I the Conqueror's troops into Mallorca's capital, putting an end to Muslim rule of the archipelago on 31 December 1229. The 'Festa de l'Estendard' is one of Europe's oldest civil festivals, dating back to the 13th century.

The activities organised to mark the occasion began with an inaugural speech at Palma Town Hall. The following day, a floral offering was placed by the institutions in front of the statue of James I in the Plaza d' España, where a concert and a popular ball were held.

But the programme of more festive and traditional activities takes place on 31 December, with the ceremony of the laying of the royal standard of the conquest of Mallorca and the crest of King Martin in the Plaça de Cort.

A procession, a performance and the town's gold medals are the highlights of the festivities.

A procession made up of drums, dancers (cossiers, cavallets), the 'Joch de Ministrils' from Mallorca Council and the Palma brass band will head for the cathedral, where the Bishop of Mallorca will celebrate a solemn thanksgiving mass.

At midday, in the Plaça de Cort, La Colcada de Pere d'Alcàntara Penya (The Colcada of Pere d'Alcàntara Penya) is performed, a historical 'romance' (a poetic composition) describing the celebration of this festival in the mid-19th century.

The programme closes with the presentation of the city's gold medals and the naming of Palma's most illustrious figures.

From the cathedral, we head for the beach and lunch at Animabeach

Located on Ca'n Pere Antoni beach, Anima Beach is both a beach club and a restaurant.

Owner Marco Di Loreto strikes a balance between a relaxing place to spend the day and a cosy space for lunch, dinner or cocktails, all just a minute from the beach.

See our review

After a stroll on the beach and a bit of shopping, it was back to the hotel to get ready for the New Year's Eve party. When we arrived in our suite, the staff laid out cotillions, grapes and a small bottle of champagne.

19H30. It's time to party!

Arrive at "The Merchants Palma" restaurant for lunch, where a glass of champagne will be offered on arrival.

The setting is very pretty and the menu promising:

BLINIS, SMOKED SALMON MOUSSE, CAVIAR

Served with a glass of champagne

TEMPURA OYSTERS AND PEARLS

AJI AMARILLO, BLACK GARLIC PEARLS AND FENNEL

CREAMY FOIE GRAS WITH BROWN SUGAR REDUCTION, FIG AND PORT WINE

BRIOCHE, GOOSEBERRIES

LOBSTER AND CRAB BISQUE, BRANDY BUTTER, CAVIAR

TENDER, PERFECTLY GRILLED FILET MIGNON SERVED WITH A BORDELAISE SAUCE

TRUFFLE-INFUSED BORDEAUX SAUCE

SERVED WITH LOBSTER MACARONI AND CHEESE

A RICH, VELVETY CHOCOLATE CAKE SERVED WITH A RASPBERRY COULIS AND EDIBLE GOLD LEAF.

RASPBERRIES AND EDIBLE GOLD LEAVES

Despite the lovely menu, the restaurant didn't live up to our expectations (and especially the price of €250 per person without wine!) See our review

11.30pm departure for the cathedral for the traditional fireworks display, featuring our 12 grapes: At midnight, Spaniards eat twelve grapes simultaneously, one for each strike of the clock. Each grape is supposed to represent a month of the coming year, and eating all twelve grapes on time is considered an omen of good luck and prosperity for the next twelve months.

Fireworks over the cathedral, then off to the Place de Cort to dance the night away to festive music and an incredible atmosphere.

4th day (1st January)

Visit the aquarium in Palma, also known as the Palma Aquarium, is one of Spain's largest aquariums. Located in Can Pastilla, just a few kilometres from Palma de Mallorca, here are its contact details: Palma de Mallorca Aquarium (Palma Aquarium) Address: Carrer de Manuela de los Herreros i Sorà, 21, 07610 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain GPS coordinates: 39.5314° N, 2.7184° E Website: Palma Aquarium. This aquarium features a wide variety of marine life, from coral reefs to sharks, as well as educational exhibits on marine conservation. It also offers interactive activities for visitors of all ages.

On leaving the aquarium, we take a walk along the coast to discover this magical place: Al Faro Beach. We decide to have lunch there (see our review).

A magnificent and beautifully decorated place. Even our dog, Sparrow, got his kibble (for an extra €1).

Back to the Samaritana Suites at around 5pm.

Dinner at the hotel, where the restaurant La Despensa del Barón has a very good reputation.

Day 5

Visit the Cathedral of Palma , also known as La Seu C' is one of the most emblematic monuments on the Spanish island of Mallorca, and is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe.

Construction began in 1229 on the foundations of an existing mosque following the Christian reconquest of the island. However, construction of the current building began in the 14th century and continued over several centuries, mixing different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Gothic.

The cathedral stands out for its impressive size, its façade adorned with rosettes, sculptures and meticulous details, and its soaring spires that soar majestically into the sky. The interior is just as striking, with soaring Gothic vaults, richly decorated chapels, colourful stained glass windows and remarkable works of art.

One of the cathedral's highlights is the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí, famous for Barcelona's Sagrada Familia. This chapel features an abundance of modernist details and is an outstanding example of Gaudí's work.

Palma de Mallorca Cathedral is also renowned for its privileged location on the seafront, offering magnificent views over the Bay of Palma. Its architectural beauty and historical importance make it a must-see for visitors to the island of Mallorca.

A word of advice: take an audio guide to help you find your way around the cathedral and get as many explanations as possible.

Lunch for the 1st time at our hotel (the suite has a kitchen).

A quick siesta before admiring the sunset at the Mirador del Canó Illes Malgrats

A spectacular viewpoint on the west coast of Mallorca, Spain. It offers a breathtaking view of the Malgrats Islands, a small archipelago opposite the bay of Santa Ponça.

This vantage point is renowned for offering one of the most picturesque views on the island. It is often visited by seascape and photography enthusiasts for its panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea, with the Malgrats Islands as a backdrop. It's an ideal spot to admire the sunset, when the sky is tinged with dazzling colours above the horizon.

The best way to get there is to drive to Santa Ponça and then follow the signs to the Mirador del Canó Illes Malgrats. Once there, visitors can enjoy a peaceful natural setting, often untouched by the hustle and bustle of tourism, offering an authentic experience of Mallorca's natural beauty.

To finish the day, we head off to Port Adriano

It is an exclusive marina located on the south-west coast of the island of Mallorca.

Designed by the famous architect Philippe Starck, this port offers not only state-of-the-art facilities for luxury boats, but also a full range of top-of-the-range services for yachtsmen.

Its crystal-clear waters and elegant architecture make it a popular destination for owners of yachts and top-of-the-range pleasure craft. The harbour has more than 450 berths for boats up to 60 metres long, as well as designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants and trendy bars, creating a lively, luxurious atmosphere.

Port Adriano's spectacular architecture, combined with its exclusive services, makes it the destination of choice for sailing enthusiasts and tourists looking for a top-of-the-range maritime experience when visiting Mallorca.

Light dinner at Cantina Can Olivo. Coctails - Tapas - Dessert

6th day

We leave our magnificent Suite in Palma (see our review) to visit the Geneva caves and then move on to another region.

The Coves de Génova, are a fascinating cave system and a popular tourist attraction on the island. These spectacular caves offer visitors the chance to discover an amazing underground world with stalactites and stalagmites beautifully formed over thousands of years.

These caves are accessible via well-laid-out, well-lit paths to make the visit easier. The guides generally offer detailed explanations of the geological formation of the caves, as well as interesting anecdotes about their history and discovery.

Inside, you can admire breathtaking rock formations, crystal-clear underground lakes and impressive chambers. The play of light adds to the natural beauty of these caves, creating a mystical and magical atmosphere.

As well as exploring the caves, visitors can often find facilities such as a café or gift shop nearby to extend their experience after the visit.

The Genova caves offer a unique getaway and a chance to discover a captivating underground world during a visit to Mallorca.

After lunch, we head for the island's north-east coast, where a villa awaits us in Pollença.

C'is a charming, historic town with many facets. Here's a taste of what it has to offer:

1. Picturesque old town : Pollença has a medieval old town full of narrow streets, cobbled squares and traditional architecture. The Plaça Major is the heart of the city, with its lively cafés and relaxed atmosphere.

2. The Mare de Déu dels Àngels church : This 18th-century church dominates the town. Climbing the 365 steps to the top of the Calvary, where the church is located, offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.

3. Pollença market : Every Sunday, the town comes alive with a local market featuring fresh produce, handicrafts and a vibrant atmosphere. It's the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and sample local specialities.

4. Pollença Classical Music Festival : Every summer, the town plays host to this renowned festival, which attracts internationally renowned musicians for concerts in iconic venues such as the Sant Domingo monastery.

5. Beaches and nature : Although Pollença is just a few kilometres from the coast, it offers easy access to superb beaches, such as Port de Pollença and Cala Sant Vicenç. Hikers can also explore the Formentor peninsula with its panoramic views.

Pollença skilfully blends history, culture, natural beauty and a relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere, making it a popular destination for visitors.

Our house on Airbnb

Settling into our new accommodation. Some shopping to fill the fridgeThen a visit to the port of Pollença and a cocktail at the Gran café 1919

From 4 to 13 January

• Cap de Formentor and the surrounding area

It's a spectacular place, renowned for its sheer cliffs, panoramic views over the Mediterranean and its iconic lighthouse, Faro de Formentor. The area around Cap de Formentor is renowned for its natural beauty, with picturesque beaches such as Formentor Beach, winding roads offering breathtaking views and lush Mediterranean flora.

Popular activities in the area include hiking along coastal paths, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, exploring secluded coves and visiting the Formentor lighthouse for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

What's more, the road to Cap de Formentor is famous for its sharp bends and spectacular views, making it a popular route for driving enthusiasts and cyclists alike.

• Pollença

It is a popular destination for tourists due to its historic charm, beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery. The town itself is rich in history, with picturesque cobbled streets, a beautiful church and a lively local market. The area around Pollença also offers attractions such as the famous 365-step staircase leading up to the Calvary, offering panoramic views of the region once reached. Magnificent beaches and secluded coves are not far away either, making it an ideal destination for those who love both history and nature.

• Alcudia

It is a historic town with medieval ramparts, cobbled streets and authentic charm. Its beaches are superb, offering crystal-clear waters and spectacular coastal scenery. The harbour itself is charming, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to explore. If you like water sports, it's a great place to go sailing, jet skiing or just relaxing by the water. And nearby beaches such as Playa de Alcudia are often popular for their natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. It's a top destination for many visitors to Mallorca.

• The mountain route

The mountain route between Pollença and Soller, via Lluc, offers spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. This region is famous for its winding roads offering magnificent panoramic views.

Leaving Pollença, the route begins with twists and turns winding through the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana. Along the way, there are some picturesque stops to admire the views from the various viewpoints. These viewpoints are strategic vantage points offering panoramic views of valleys, sheer cliffs and lush green landscapes.

The first must-see stop is the Lluc monastery, a place steeped in history and spirituality in the heart of the mountains. Visitors can explore the monastery, visit its basilica and discover the peaceful surroundings, including the chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Lluc, patron saint of Majorca.

Continuing along the road from Lluc, the steep bends lead to various viewpoints offering grandiose panoramas. Some of these vantage points offer views of the lush green valleys below, while others offer views of the impressive rocky photos of the Serra de Tramuntana.

The road then winds towards Soller, descending through picturesque mountain scenery and forests of olive and orange trees. Nestling in a fertile valley, Soller is a charming town where you can stop to sample local produce, relax and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque place.

• The Drach caves

The "Cuevas del Drach" are generally very well received by visitors due to their impressive natural beauty and the unique experiences they offer. Here's what to expect:

1. Impressive stalactites and stalagmites: The Drach caves are renowned for their extraordinary geological formations, particularly the stalactites and stalagmites that create a spectacular underground landscape.

2. Lac Martel: Visitors have often enjoyed the boat trip across Lac Martel, which offers a unique experience in the heart of the caves. The play of light on the water and the rock formations add to the magic of the place.

3. Classical music concert: One of the highlights of the visit is the classical music concert that takes place on Lake Martel. This creates a unique atmosphere and enchants visitors, adding an artistic dimension to the experience.

4. Informative guide: Local guides are often praised for their in-depth knowledge of the caves. They share interesting information about the geology, history and formation of the caves, enriching the visitor experience.

5. Mystical ambience: Some visitors enjoy the mystical, silent atmosphere of the caves, creating a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle outside.

6. Easy access: Located close to Porto Cristo, the caves are easily accessible, making them a convenient excursion for tourists staying in different parts of the island.

• The pearls of Majorca

Majorca pearls, or Spanish pearls, are cultured pearls made from glass coated with a substance that imitates mother-of-pearl. Unlike natural pearls, which form spontaneously in oysters and molluscs, Majorca pearls are artificially created.

The manufacturing process for these pearls is generally kept secret by the manufacturers, but here is a general description of the method used:

1. Glass core: Mallorca pearls start with a glass core that can be round or oval in shape, depending on the type of pearl you want.

2. Pearl coating: The glass core is then coated with several layers of a pearlescent substance, which can be a combination of resins, pigments and other secret materials. This coating imitates the look of natural mother-of-pearl.

3. Polishing: The pearls are then polished to obtain a smooth, shiny surface, similar to that of cultured pearls.

Mallorca pearls are prized for their beauty and resemblance to natural pearls. They are often used to make jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Mallorca, a Spanish island in the Mediterranean, has been famous for its production of artificial pearls since the early 20th century. There are different qualities of Majorcan pearls, some more closely reproducing the appearance of natural mother-of-pearl than others.

It's important to note that although these pearls are artificial, they can offer a more affordable alternative to natural cultured pearls while retaining an elegant aesthetic.

If you want to see a wide range of jewellery with Mallorcan pearls, we recommend the town of Manacor. Here are a few places you might like to visit:

1. Perlas Orquidea: This is a famous pearl company in Manacor. They have a shop where you can buy cultured pearls and pearl jewellery. Address: Carrer Convent, 39, 07500 Manacor, Illes Balears, Spain.

2. Majorica Factory Shop : Majorica is a well-known brand of pearls from Mallorca. They have a factory and a shop where you can buy pearls and pearl jewellery. Address: Carretera Palma-Manacor, km 48, 07500 Manacor, Illes Balears, Spain.

3. Museu D'Història de Manacor - Fabrica de Rellotges i Perles: This museum of the history of Manacor also features an exhibition on pearl-making. Here you can find interesting information about the manufacturing process and perhaps even buy some pearls. Address: Carrer Convent, 23, 07500 Manacor, Illes Balears, Spain.

• Hike in the mountains to reach the sea

From Alcudia, take the car to the Coll Baix refuge, then continue on foot towards the Coll Baix beach. This is a relatively isolated and unspoilt beach, surrounded by wild nature and hills. But be careful! You will arrive above the beach (not accessible on foot), but the view is magnificent.

There are several walking routes, as the beach is not accessible by car.

Another popular hiking route to Coll Baix beach starts from the town of Alcúdia. Here is a general description of this route:

1. Start from Alcúdia: Start your walk from the old town of Alcúdia. You can walk to Alcúdia beach, then follow the signs to Coll Baix beach.

2. Camí Vell de la Victòria: Part of the route can be taken along the "Camí Vell de la Victòria", an old Victòria path that runs through beautiful countryside.

3. Hiking route: Follow the hiking signs and directions, which will take you through natural paths. Be aware that some parts of the path may be rough, so make sure you have appropriate footwear.

4. Coll Baix beach: After a hike of around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace, you'll reach the magnificent Coll Baix beach. Enjoy the tranquillity of this unspoilt spot, surrounded by cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

The start

After many walks on the beaches, villages, shops, hikes and a few restaurants, we leave our villa de Pollença (book on Airbnb) and the north/east of the island, to take the ferry back to Palma, heading for Valencia in Spain, then Albufeira in Portugal.

You can follow our various blog posts on Spain, Portugal and, of course, France (Annecy, Camargue, Pyrénées Orientales) and other destinations by clicking here.

See you soon

Pascale and Philippe