Discovering Spain’s incredible, sexy Mallorca — in Palma and beyond

In some ways, Mallorca could be thought of as a bit of the Caribbean for British or German vacationers. The sunny Spanish island, a couple hundred miles off the coast of Barcelona, has all the makings of a warm weather getaway, and you can find all-inclusive resorts like Iberostar and Secrets, across portions of the island. It’s also home to a multitude of celebrities, such a Richard Branson, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Annie Lennox, Rafael Nadal, Brad Pitt, and Pierce Brosnan.

Palma de Mallorca — The capital city, Palma feels in some ways like a miniature Barcelona. There’s a small La Rambla here, and the tree-lined pedestrian street evokes the larger city’s famed boulevard. The vibes are quieter here, with flower stalls, the occasional restaurant, shops, and the class stone paving that you rarely find in America.

The large Cathedral here is worth a visit for architecture lovers, although it’s advisable to purchase the timed entrance tickets beforehand. On hot days, there is little or no shade for the sometimes-long entrance line. Buy the ticket that includes the cathedral terraces for some truly spectacular views of the city, as well as the flying buttresses and other structural features of the building. You can even walk close to the cathedral’s magnificent Gothic rose window, the largest in the world at roughly 46 feet in diameter. 

Construction of the cathedral began in the 1200s and it incorporates a multitude of architectural styles, including work by the famed architect Antoni Gaudí, such as a huge seven-sided crown that hangs above the alter, a stunning work. 

Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure

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There’s not a huge queer nightlife on Mallorca, but you can find community at a drag show at The 2 Palma, chill at Bar Flexas, have some sexy fun at Dark Cruising Bar, or visit one of the gay-friendly beaches like Es Trenc.

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Sóller — You can certainly drive to the charming city of Sóller, north of Palma — but there’s another option. The Ferrocarril de Sóller, a lovingly maintained wooden narrow-gauge railway that feels like it’s right out of the early 1900s, takes tourists from Palma right into the heart of Sóller. The hour-long ride is incredibly scenic, with an amazing overlook of Sóller itself not long before arriving in the city. Wandering around can be an all-day endeavor, from the town square, Plaça Constitució, to the wonderful shopping all along the pedestrian street, Carrer de sa Lluna. We found great food and baked goods, souvenirs, clothing, and even locally made cork wallets, shoes, and bags.

The nearby town of Port de Sóller, about a 15-minute drive away, is worth a stop, too. A walk along its gorgeous beachside promenade offers lovely views of its small harbor and the Balearic Sea beyond the lighthouse. There are numerous excellent restaurant choices here, too, all with views of the water.

Alcúdia — Located in the island’s northeastern corner, this ancient city has an extensive (and well maintained) medieval city wall that dates to the 14th-century. You can walk to the top and wander along the wall, peering down the narrow city streets or getting glimpses into resident’s backyards. The walls circle around the old town, giving you a good feel for the city center’s size.

Wander down from the wall and into the city, where you can marvel at the craftmanship and beauty of the unique wooden doors on each home. Along the main streets, there’s plenty of shopping — and on Sunday and Tuesday mornings, there are open air markets set up. Just up the road, the nearby sister city of Port d’Alcúdia boasts some gorgeous beaches as well as plenty of restaurants and shops. It’s much more touristy and less historic, but both areas are worth a stop.

Port de Pollença — North of Alcúdia, nestled around a slightly larger bay that’s almost a mirror image of Port d’Alcúdia’s, this relaxed resort town is one of the prettiest on the island, famed for its iconic sunsets and laid-back vibe. I love wandering the miles-long beachfront promenade, stopping at the endless number of waterfront restaurants, and debating which looks like it has the best paella. (They’re all fantastic!) 

For beachgoers, the protected bay is calm and flat, with a very gradually descending slope — plus you’ll avoid the overcrowding found on similarly pretty European beaches here. You can also walk along the lovely Pine Walk here, and stop for a drink (or even a stay) at the regal Hotel Illa d’Or, which was a favorite of Agatha Christie, and still retains that old time charm and luxury even today.

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