Destination Guide | Mallorca 005

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Mallorca is one of the most visited islands in Europe, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. With more and more places opening exclusively for visitors, this boom has created real challenges for the local community. Yet the island’s true spirit is still very much alive in the many emblematic businesses run by Mallorcans for generations: restaurants where you can taste authentic recipes, cafés where locals gather daily, and family projects that keep traditions thriving.

Choosing to support these places, alongside exploring both the quieter corners and the betterknown spots, is one of the simplest ways to make your trip meaningful. It helps Mallorca preserve the character and culture that have made it so beloved, while ensuring tourism has a positive impact on those who live here.

This guide takes you from the vibrant streets of Palma to the mountain landscapes of the Serra de Tramuntana. Palma is a dynamic city with beautiful independent shops, from contemporary designers to unique Spanish brands, and a food scene that ranges from modern natural wine bars to century-old institutions. You can eat by the sea, enjoy lunch in a bustling market, or spend the day between Gothic streets and one of Spain’s most beautiful cathedrals. It is a city made for walking, easy to visit year-round, and home to cultural landmarks like the impressive Fundació Miró.

Heading west from Palma, the Serra de Tramuntana is one of the island’s most popular areas. Its winding roads lead through dramatic mountain landscapes, terraced fields, and villages where time seems to slow down. While certain spots draw big crowds, you can still find moments of quiet: eating a llonguet for breakfast in a small village café, swimming in a rocky cala, visiting a contemporary art museum, or cycling between coastal views and forested slopes.

Whether in Palma or the Tramuntana, Mallorca offers endless ways to connect with its history, landscapes, and people if you choose to see it through their eyes.

SERRA DE

TRAMUNTANA

FIN CA RATXÓ

A luxury retreat in the heart of the Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set deep within a wide valley, surrounded by forested hills, the hotel feels completely removed from the outside world. There is a calming energy to the place: quiet, spacious, and in tune with nature.

The spa is particularly beautiful, with dramatic natural light streaming in and a peaceful atmosphere throughout. Rooms are very

comfortable, blending stone, wood and soft textures, and the breakfast is generous and genuinely delicious.

With sunrise yoga, a stunning outdoor pool, Mediterranean cuisine and quiet trails all around, Finca Ratxó Meliá Collection is an invitation to slow down and disconnect in a setting that feels both remote and refined.

ON AD RO THE

TO VISIT

Banyalbufar. One of the most distinctive villages in the Tramuntana mountains, known for its ancient terraced fields that overlook the sea. Most of the village has preserved its traditional stone

architecture, and being built on a slope means the views are spectacular. Although it is becoming increasingly popular, it still retains a strong local feel with long-standing businesses like Ca’n Paco

Ca’n Paco. A restaurant run by three women: two sisters and their mother. They welcome you as if you were stepping into their own dining room and serve delicious home made food.

Cala Banyalbufar. One of the most special “calas” on the island. To get there, you need to walk down a steep path, which makes the experience feel

even more special and helps keep it less crowded. There is no sand, just rock and a small traditional boathouse. The water is a dream.

Mercat Tramuntana. A fairly new café-deli in the centre of Puigpunyent, perfect for a healthy and satisfying breakfast or lunch. You can sit out

on the sunny terrace with mountain views, or browse the small shop inside for natural wines and local treats.

Valldemossa. An iconic village in the Tramuntana mountains that fully lives up to its popularity. Beautifully preserved, with traditional stone houses and narrow streets, it is the kind of place that already impresses you

on the way in. Just the drive towards it feels special. In recent years, it has naturally become more visited, and while some spots are clearly aimed at tourists, it is still worth seeking out the long-standing local places.

Can Molinas is a must for trying their famous coca de patata, and Hostal Can Mario is a great choice for traditional Mallorcan dishes like tumbet, sopas mallorquinas, frit mallorquí and arroz brut.

Esporles. A small village that feels very real, unpretentious and away from the noise. Ideal for a breakfast stop to try a ”llonguet”, the typical Mallorcan sandwich, at Café Passeig. It is seriously good, perfectly toasted on the outside, soft on the inside, with just the right amount of olive oil and tomato.

You can also stop by the bakery Forn Ca’n Olivaret to pick up a ”panada”, a traditional Mallorcan savoury pastry that can be filled with

different ingredients, most commonly lamb with peas, pork or even sobrasada. Perfect to take away and eat later in the day.

Galilea. The closest village to the hotel, so small it feels like something out of a storybook. It is a very quiet place, made up mostly of residential homes, with a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views. There is only a small church and a couple

of places to eat, like Pizzeria Galilea for a relaxed dinner or Café de sa Plaça, where you can have lunch with a view. It is the kind of place where time slows down, perfect for a quiet pause after a day of exploring.

Sant Elm. A coastal village with a beautiful, easily accessible beach. Perfect for a slow day by the sea. It’s a great spot to have lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants such as Es Raor and then spend the afternoon on the beach.

Just in front of the village you can see the island of Sa Dragonera, a protected natural park that adds even more charm to the setting. Other recommended restaurants in Sant Elm: Cala Conills, Es Moli, Casita del Mar.

CCA Andratx. A beautiful contemporary art centre with high ceilings, a peaceful courtyard and a garden that makes the visit worthwhile on its own. When we went, there was a group show inviting several artists to reflect on the idea of home. Exhibitions change regularly, so it’s worth checking their website or social media to see what’s on. A great stop if you’re heading to Sant Elm or Port Andratx.

SUM MUM

A medieval palace tucked away in the heart of Palma’s old town. Built in 1570, the Can Berga Ladària Palace is a relic of the city’s noble past, shaped by Mallorcan architecture and aristocratic legacy, with former stables and a water cistern now reimagined as present-day spaces. Among cobbled streets and Gothic façades, this boutique hotel blends historic charm with a bold, contemporary spirit.

Spaces to Unwind. On the rooftop, a private solarium awaits with sunbeds, umbrellas and a shallow pool, available upon request for those who want to enjoy the Mallorcan sun in complete privacy. Beneath the hotel, inside a restored 16th century cistern, you’ll find the wellness area: a vaulted, tranquil space with a Finnish sauna, jet pool and a menu of body and facial treatments, open 24 hours a day.

The breakfast patio is especially pleasant, and our room with impressively high ceilings, a balcony, and views over the old town streets felt like a calm refuge in the middle of the city.

CUL RE TU

PLACES TO VISIT

Gothic Cathedral

Historical place of interest

Gothic Castle

Fundació Miró. Without a doubt, an essential visit in Palma. The site is divided into two main areas. One is Miró’s original studio, designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert, where his brushes, postcards, photographs and personal objects are still on display, making the space feel vivid and close, almost as if he had just stepped out for a moment. The other is the foundation

building and gallery, designed by Rafael Moneo, which presents a wide selection of Miró’s work alongside temporary exhibitions by other contemporary artists. Surrounded by gardens and overlooking the sea, it is a place that invites both reflection and inspiration, offering a deeper understanding of the artist’s creative universe and his lasting connection to Mallorca.

Kewenig. A contemporary art gallery located in a former 13th-century chapel in the heart of Palma’s historic centre, known as the Oratorio

de Sant Feliu. The gallery exhibits international artists in a minimalist space where the old and the new coexist beautifully.

Galería Pelaires. One of the oldest contemporary art galleries in Spain, founded in 1969. Known for hosting exhibitions by major names like Miró, Tàpies and Chillida, it remains a reference for contemporary art in the Balearics.

Catedral de Palma. A majestic Gothic cathedral set on the city’s waterfront, starring in almost every postcard and skyline photo. Impressive both inside and out, one of its most special features is the rooftop terraces, open seasonally from April to early November,

which offer a unique view of the architecture and breathtaking panoramas over Palma and the sea. The promenade just in front of the cathedral is perfect for a walk at any time of day, but especially at sunset, when the golden light hits the stone and everything seems to glow.

Es Baluard. Contemporary art museum, located in a stunning building integrated into the old city walls. The collection includes modern and

contemporary works with strong ties to the Mediterranean. The terrace offers incredible views over the port.

Castell de Bellver. A circular Gothic castle from the 14th century, located on a hill overlooking Palma. Originally built as a royal residence, it later served as a prison during the Spanish Civil War and now houses the city’s history museum and hosts a variety of cultural events organised by Palma’s city hall.

La Llotja. A masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture built in the 15th century, originally serving as a merchants’ exchange. Today it hosts occasional exhibitions but is worth visiting just for its beautiful open hall and high ceilings.

Mercat Santa Catalina. Palma’s oldest market still in use, surrounded by cafés and full of local life. A mix of fresh produce, seafood, and traditional food stalls where you get a glimpse of everyday Palma.

FO OD DRIN & KS

Fornet

THE CLASSICS

Forn

Bodega

Ensaïmada and almond ice cream.

Traditional Mallorcan dishes inside the market.

Llonguets, Mallorcan sandwiches.

Ice cream and horchata.

Traditional Mallorcan pastries and breads.

Panades, savoury pastries filled with meat or peas.

Variat mallorquí, a plate of mixed tapas.

Can Joan de s’Aigo. The most iconic place to try ensaïmada in all of Mallorca, and most locals still agree it is the best. It is a true institution, founded in the year 1700. One of their other specialties is almond ice cream, which is how

the business actually began. They also serve many other typical Mallorcan pastries like coca de patata, gató, cuarto, and more. There are several locations, but the original one is at Carrer de Sanç 10.

Can Frau. A classic bar inside the Santa Catalina market, known for its homemade traditional dishes: frit mallorquí, pa amb oli, stuffed aubergines, sopes mallorquines, delicious apricot coca… The clientele is local and diverse, with people of all ages. It feels like a neighborhood meeting point for all kinds of people.

Bar Isleño. Right across from the Santa Catalina market, this is the place to go for a llonguet, the typical Mallorcan sandwich eaten for breakfast. It’s a classic neighborhood bar, now run by the daughter of the owners, who has kept everything just as it has always been. The clientele is very local, with people of all ages.

Can Miquel. An emblematic spot known for its ice cream and horchata. Founded in 1979, it quickly stood out by offering innovative flavors beyond the classics, including savory varieties

like roquefort cheese ice cream. Over the years, it has built a reputation for originality and remains a favorite destination for those seeking surprising and memorable tastes.

Fornet de la Soca. A bakery where you can try local pastries, breads, cocas, ensaïmadas, and more. It has grown very popular in recent years thanks to its efforts to promote Mallorcan gastronomy through social media. The project is dedicated to reviving the island’s taste memory and stands as a tribute to Mallorcan culture in all its forms.

Forn de la Gloria. Another iconic bakery where they bake traditional recipes in their original Moorish wood-fired oven. We tried a panadafilled with peas and it was absolutely delicious.

There is an initiative to promote and preserve emblematic businesses in the Balearic Islands called Emblemàtics, which maps out these traditional places that contribute to the unique character of urban areas. These are shops and establishments that live on in the collective memory of the community and have played a role in the local economy, culture, and living history of their towns.

Bar La Sang

Mariluz

Burgundi

Bar Bellver

RESTAURANTS

Hanaita

Spot

Sa Ximbomba

Creative small plates with local produce. Dinner

Natural wines and bites. Dinner

Restaurant and terrace at Es Baluard museum. Lunch

Cocktails and shared plates. Dinner

All-day bar in Plaza Gomila. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Seafood and fish inside El Olivar market. Lunch

Traditional Japanese cuisine. Lunch & Dinner

Easy lunch or dinner in stylish interiors. Lunch & Dinner

Terrace for pizza or pamboli. Dinner

Little Jarana. A small restaurant and wine bar offering small plates to share, based on local ingredients but always with a creative twist. The menu changes every two weeks, and it is the kind of place where you almost want the team

to choose for you. It’s run by a passionate and talented team led by chef Abraham. Sit at the bar if you can to watch them prepare each dish and chat with them.

A new restaurant by Grupo

inside the Es Baluard museum. The location is unbeatable, with most of the seating outdoors and views of the port and the sea.

Bar Bellver. Located in the El Terreno neighborhood, this is a spot you can visit at any time of day: for breakfast, a midday snack, tapas or a glass of wine. The space is warm and welcoming, with a terrace on Plaza Gomila. It’s part of the Gomila project, a thoughtful urban revitalisation initiative that is helping bring new life and community energy back to this historic part of Palma.

Burgundi. A cocktail bar and restaurant ideal for a fun night out, sharing great food and drinking well-made cocktails.

Hanaita. Traditional Japanese cuisine in the Santa Catalina neighborhood. It has been open for decades and is known among locals for its simple traditional food: sushi, sashimi and other classic dishes. The space is simple, but the quality is consistent and the atmosphere low-key, almost like a well-kept secret.

Mercat Negre. A small corner stall inside the Mercat de l’Olivar, recommended to us by the chef from Little Jarana. It is the kind of place you would probably walk past without noticing. They serve mainly fish and seafood from the market itself, simply but thoughtfully prepared, always letting the product take centre stage.

CAFES & BAKERIES

The first specialty coffee shop on the island. They have two different locations where they roast their own coffee. Both spaces are pleasant and relaxed, one with outdoor seating (Bisbe) where you can enjoy a calm breakfast or lunch.

A café and restaurant serving tasty, home-style food that is healthy and simple, in a bright and minimal space. Popular for breakfast and lunch, it focuses on seasonal ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere.

A bakery that is part of Camper’s social project Esment, which offers training and job opportunities in gastronomy to people with disabilities. The space was designed by Jasper Morrison.

With three different locations, this is a modern bakery focused on natural sourdough breads. They give it a twist by offering creative flavors like garlic, parmesan and ghee, or carob and walnuts.

A cosy spot in Palma’s old town where the classic Mallorcan llonguet is reimagined with bold fillings like butter chicken, pastrami, pancetta, tuna with kimchi and avocado, or sobrasada with cheese and honey. Ideal for breakfast or a casual lunch.

SH OP

Alpargateria la Concepción

Cortana. One of the most elegant and delicate Spanish fashion brands. Founded in Mallorca by designer Rosa Esteva, Cortana is known for its timeless silhouettes, natural fabrics and poetic sensibility. The Palma store is a true gem, from the interior design to every detail and of course every piece they sell.

Giorgiarei Glassworks. A handmade glass jewelry brand where each piece is blown individually. In the shop you’ll often find the founder herself working with her blowtorch as she creates each piece on site.

A niche perfume brand inspired by

where time has stood still.

Silk. A new shop offering a curated selection of vintage objects, from clothing to tableware, books, jewelry, and unique home goods. Tucked away on Carreró de Sant Feliu, one of Palma’s hidden streets, it sits alongside other independent stores that are equally charming and worth exploring.

Colmado Sant Jaume. A legendary “colmado” in Palma, recently revived by the brand Sonmo, a beautiful project worth knowing. It offers a wide range of island products, mostly from Sonmo but also from other local makers, from oils, garden produce and meats to gin, wine, ceramics, textiles and more.

Alpargateria la Concepción. A shop with a wide selection of traditional Balearic footwear: porqueras, patateras, ibicencas, abarcas and other handcrafted models that have served the local neighborhood for over eighty years. They continue to support local artisans, maintaining a tradition of proximity commerce and handmade alpargatas from Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera

Obsolete. A beautifully curated space for furniture, decor and fashion, with antiques and handmade pieces from around the world. Everything reflects a love for timeless design, craftsmanship and natural materials.

SAVE THE LIST IN YOUR GOOGLE MAPS

Cami Son Net, 07194 Puigpunyent, Serra de Tramuntana, Balearic Islands. +34 971 096 131 | reservations.ratxo@melia.com | @hotelratxo

C/ de la Concepció, 26, Centre, 07012 Palma, Balearic Islands. +34 971 875 837 | reservations.summum@melia.com | @summumhotel