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	<title>Mallorca Archives &#183; Paths to Travel</title>
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	<title>Mallorca Archives &#183; Paths to Travel</title>
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		<title>The best things to do in Palma de Mallorca for first-time visitors</title>
		<link>https://pathstotravel.com/the-best-things-to-do-in-palma-de-mallorca-for-first-time-visitors/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-best-things-to-do-in-palma-de-mallorca-for-first-time-visitors</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Williams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 18:56:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Partner Content]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balearic Islands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mallorca]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Palma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Guide]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://pathstotravel.com/?p=29005</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Most people fly into Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on their way to a beach resort and never give the capital a second look. That is a mistake. There are more rewarding things to do in Palma de Mallorca than in almost any other Mediterranean city of its size: a cathedral that glows gold over the bay, an Arab-era old town you can happily get lost in for hours, food markets, design shops, and beaches you can reach on foot. If you only have a weekend, this guide covers the essentials for a first-timer while leaving room to wander. Palma works [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/the-best-things-to-do-in-palma-de-mallorca-for-first-time-visitors/">The best things to do in Palma de Mallorca for first-time visitors</a> appeared first on <a href="https://pathstotravel.com">Paths to Travel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Most people fly into <a href="https://visitpalma.com/en/">Palma de Mallorca,</a> <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/category/destinations/europe/spain/">Spain</a>, on their way to a beach resort and never give the capital a second look. That is a mistake. There are more rewarding things to do in Palma de Mallorca than in almost any other Mediterranean city of its size: a cathedral that glows gold over the bay, an Arab-era old town you can happily get lost in for hours, food markets, design shops, and beaches you can reach on foot. If you only have a weekend, this guide covers the essentials for a first-timer while leaving room to wander.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Palma works beautifully as a short city break. The historic centre is compact and walkable, you rarely need a taxi, and within twenty minutes you can go from a Gothic cathedral to a sandy beach. Here is exactly what to do in Palma, plus the best beaches, day trips, and where to stay.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is Palma de Mallorca worth visiting?</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a word, yes. Palma is the capital of the Balearic Islands, and around half the island&#8217;s population lives here, which gives it a real year-round buzz rather than the seasonal emptiness of a pure resort town. The old town is a maze of honey-coloured stone, shaded squares, and narrow lanes built over Roman and Moorish foundations. Wrapped around it, you will find a working port, a palm-lined seafront, and some genuinely excellent restaurants. It is stylish without being stuffy, and small enough to feel manageable on a first visit.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links &amp; PR gifting&nbsp;<a href="https://pathstotravel.com/disclaimer/">here</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/palma-old-town-spain.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/palma-old-town-spain.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-29006"/></a></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Exploring Palma Old Town: Cathedral, palaces and hidden squares</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Palma&#8217;s old town is where most first visits begin, and the main sights sit within a ten-minute walk of one another, so this part is best done on foot.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Palma Cathedral (La Seu): The city&#8217;s must-see landmark</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Start at <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Yk88qAwJv5Do4yy7">Palma Cathedral</a>, known locally as La Seu. It rises straight out of the old sea walls and is one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Spain, with a vast rose window and an interior partly reimagined by Antoni Gaudí. Go early, before the light gets harsh and the cruise crowds arrive, and walk the seafront promenade in front of it for the postcard view across the reflecting pool.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Royal Palace of La Almudaina</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Directly beside the cathedral stands <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/cfqpbVbZqGdKm5gDA">La Almudaina</a>, a 13th-century <a href="https://fever.pxf.io/n4ea4x">royal palace </a>built on the site of a Moorish fortress and still used for official ceremonies. The gardens and the views back over the bay are worth the short visit, and they set up the layers of history you will keep meeting all over the city.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/federico-di-dio-photography-1jvCNuuvOlc-unsplash.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="29009" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/federico-di-dio-photography-1jvCNuuvOlc-unsplash.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-29009"/></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/lucas-derksen-0uSYhUn6Xo4-unsplash.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="29010" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/lucas-derksen-0uSYhUn6Xo4-unsplash.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-29010"/></a></figure>
</figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">Left: The Royal Palace of La Almudaina by Federico Di Dio. Right: Palma Cathedral by Lucas Derksen.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Arab Quarter &amp; The Arab Baths</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Behind the cathedral lies the old Arab Quarter, a tangle of quiet lanes, courtyards, and small museums. Seek out the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/vseTtWbf4kq6p1bF6">Banys Àrabs</a> (Arab Baths), one of the few surviving traces of Moorish Palma, tucked into a peaceful garden. This is the part of the old town where getting deliberately lost pays off most.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Passeig del Born &amp; The best shopping in Palma</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When you are ready for life and shade, head to <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/h4TidEJ1wMorC2wW9">Passeig del Born</a>, the tree-lined boulevard that acts as Palma&#8217;s main artery. For shopping in Palma, the streets around the Born and Carrer Jaume III mix Spanish brands, independent boutiques, and design shops, while the smaller side streets hide ceramics, linen, and the island&#8217;s famous woven espadrilles. Stop for a coffee and an ensaïmada, the spiral Mallorcan pastry, before moving on.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bellver Castle: The best views over Palma</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Round off the old-town exploring at <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/SxFsZNpKKiqcsXmQ7">Bellver Castle</a>, a rare circular fortress on a wooded hill just west of the centre. It is a short taxi or uphill walk, and the reward is the best panorama in the city: the whole of Palma, the cathedral, and the Bay of Palma laid out below. Time it for late afternoon and the golden light does the rest.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Castillo_de_Bellver.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="850" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Castillo_de_Bellver.jpg?resize=1200%2C850&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-29008"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Castillo de Bellver, Palma, Spain.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Palma&#8217;s markets, beaches &amp; Local food scene</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Once you have seen the monuments, turn to the markets, food, and seafront, the things to do in Palma that show how the city actually lives.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mercat de l&#8217;Olivar &amp; The best markets in Palma</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Start at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g187463-d6584156-Reviews-Mercat_De_S_olivar-Palma_de_Mallorca_Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html">Mercat de l&#8217;Olivar</a>, the city&#8217;s main covered market, for fresh produce, Mallorcan cheese, charcuterie, and a stand-up seafood breakfast. It is one of the most enjoyable free things to do in Palma and a great place to assemble a picnic. If it is a Saturday, the Santa Catalina market nearby is just as lively.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The best beaches in Palma de Mallorca</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Palma is one of the few cities where you can walk or cycle to the sand. <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g662296-Playa_de_Palma_Majorca_Balearic_Islands-Vacations.html">Playa de Palma</a> is the long, lively stretch east of the centre, backed by bars and promenade. For something closer and more local, <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g187463-d19133156-Reviews-Platja_Ca_n_Pere_Antoni-Palma_de_Mallorca_Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html">Can Pere Antoni</a> beach sits a short walk from the old town, and the pretty fishing quarter of <strong>Portixol</strong> beyond it is perfect for a seafood lunch by the water. These are the easiest Palma beaches to reach without a car.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/alexander-schimmeck-EgQFo9WzaP8-unsplash.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="798" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/alexander-schimmeck-EgQFo9WzaP8-unsplash.jpg?resize=1200%2C798&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-29033"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Market at the Palma de Mallorca centro, by Alexander Schimmeck.</figcaption></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Where to eat: The best restaurants in Palma</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For dinner, cross into <a href="https://www.abc-mallorca.com/santa-catalina-palma/">Santa Catalina</a>, the old fishermen&#8217;s neighbourhood that has become the city&#8217;s food capital. It is home to some of the best restaurants in Palma, from its buzzing market food stalls to modern Mallorcan tasting menus and casual tapas bars. Book ahead at weekends, when locals and visitors fill the terraces.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Palma nightlife: Bars, wine &amp; Live music</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Palma nightlife is more grown-up than the island&#8217;s resort strips. Santa Catalina and the lanes around La Lonja are full of wine bars, cocktail spots, and live music, while the seafront Paseo Marítimo has the latter clubs. A glass of local wine on a quiet plaça is just as valid a way to end the night.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The best beaches in Mallorca beyond Palma</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you have a third day, the best beaches in Mallorca are an easy drive from the city. Highlights include <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g1064346-d190701-Reviews-Platja_d_es_Trenc-Campos_Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html">Es Trenc</a>, a long stretch of white sand and shallow turquoise water in the south; the dramatic cove of <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g663368-d8599884-Reviews-Cala_Llombards-Santanyi_Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html">Cala Llombards</a>; and the calm, family-friendly bays around <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g580312-d4705814-Reviews-Playa_de_Alcudia-Port_d_Alcudia_Alcudia_Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html">Alcúdia</a> in the north. Hire a car early, as parking fills fast in summer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The best day trips from Palma de Mallorca</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mallorca rewards exploring, and the best day trips from Palma are simple to organise:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/a.a47850941.activity-details">Sóller and the vintage train</a><strong>.</strong> The historic <a href="https://www.getyourguide.com/-l91178/-tc11/?cmp=ga&amp;campaign_id=6656839083&amp;adgroup_id=153697391189&amp;target_id=kwd-476989030045&amp;loc_physical_ms=9197976&amp;match_type=e&amp;ad_id=675653817835&amp;keyword=train%20soller%20mallorca&amp;ad_position=&amp;feed_item_id=&amp;placement=&amp;device=c&amp;assetgroup_id=&amp;synthetic_keyword=train%20soller%20mallorca&amp;partner_id=CD951&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=6656839083&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADmzJCNw6EAkQndku_4GU42ZLytfl&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jbNcfwOA4eW88EFgkK-vrhDJD7bKviiigJe8Q4Z_5scuLW54EgvJMxoCsjcQAvD_BwE">Sóller train</a> rattles through the mountains from Palma to the pretty town of Sóller, then a tram continues to the harbour. It is the single most scenic half-day trip on the island.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.seemallorca.com/valldemossa">Valldemossa</a> and <a href="https://www.getyourguide.com/deia-l91181/guided-tours-tc1144/">Deià</a>. Two of the prettiest villages in the Tramuntana mountains, full of stone houses, art history, and terraced views down to the sea.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.abc-mallorca.com/cap-de-formentor/">Cap de Formentor</a>. A spectacular drive north to the island&#8217;s wild northern tip and its lighthouse.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/artem-zhukov-oWA8pzQqQXk-unsplash.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/artem-zhukov-oWA8pzQqQXk-unsplash.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-29032"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Beach near Palma de Mallorca, Spain, by Artem Zhukov.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca: Best areas &amp; Hotels</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For a short trip, the old town is the obvious base. Staying near the cathedral, Mercat de l&#8217;Olivar, and Passeig del Born means you can cover most of this guide entirely on foot, which is the whole point of a Palma city break.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For genuine character, <a href="https://casaroca.com/">Casa Roca </a>is a<a href="https://casaroca.com/"> boutique hotel in Palma Old Town</a>, a lovingly restored building in the heart of the Casco Histórico that carries 175 years of heritage alongside modern, design-led comfort. The location is hard to beat for a first visit: Plaça Major is around the corner, the Mercat de l&#8217;Olivar is five minutes on foot, and Palma Cathedral, the Arab Baths, and the shopping streets of Calle Jaume III are all an easy stroll. The Pere Antoni beach and the pretty port of Portixol are a short walk along the seafront, so you can sightsee, shop, and swim without ever needing a car.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Inside, the style is part Modernist sanctuary, part Art Deco glamour. Accommodation runs from City Suites with deep soaking tubs to Luxury Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the old-town skyline, larger Retreat Suites, one and two-bedroom Residences with super-king en-suites and private terraces, and a three-bedroom Penthouse crowned by a sunny rooftop terrace. There is a spa, a rooftop, and even a secret speakeasy bar tucked inside, and the whole property can be booked for exclusive occupancy for weddings, milestone celebrations, or group retreats. Recent guests give it a perfect five-star rating, repeatedly singling out the design, the attention to detail, and the warmth of the service.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What really sets <a href="https://www.expedia.com/Palm-Desert-Hotels-Casa-Roca-Experience-Luxury-Surrounded-By-Natural-Desert-Elements.h77026997.Hotel-Information">Casa Roca</a> apart is its focus on Mallorcan food and wine. It is a dedicated wine hotel, with a collection of more than forty local labels you can pour by the glass using a personal Wine Pass and the hotel&#8217;s wine machines, perfectly matched with signature tapas. Guests can go deeper through a programme of experiences run from the in-house Tasting Room, including wine tastings led by fifth-generation island winemaker Tomeu Llabrés, an Olivar Market tour and Mallorcan cooking class, small-group gourmet <a href="https://www.getyourguide.com/s?campaign_id=22505856680&amp;adgroup_id=&amp;target_id=&amp;loc_physical_ms=9197976&amp;match_type=&amp;ad_id=&amp;keyword=&amp;ad_position=&amp;feed_item_id=&amp;placement=&amp;device=c&amp;assetgroup_id=6572850236&amp;synthetic_keyword=&amp;partner_id=CD951&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23915907318&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADmzJCOEwesYIEv1oENuGPeoO9BNU&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw48TUBhBREiwAK0GnQR1N_YrkNdk6WMHqGNucXARUQvLz6zaQVDY6Wg5HmUrZZc2V609r1BoCS8QQAvD_BwE&amp;q=Palma+de+Mallorca&amp;et=1215137">food tours</a>, and vermouth, gin, and coffee tastings. It is independently run, properly embedded in its neighbourhood, and has been featured by IB3, the BBC, and Diario de Mallorca.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/casaroca-palma-old-town.webp?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/casaroca-palma-old-town.webp?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-29007"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Casa Roca Hotel, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/casaroca-properties.webp?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="795" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/casaroca-properties.webp?resize=1200%2C795&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-29028"/></a></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>When is the best time to visit Palma? A quick weather guide</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Palma&#8217;s weather is kind for most of the year. May, June, September, and early October are the sweet spot: warm, bright, and far less crowded than peak summer, with sea temperatures still pleasant. July and August are hot and busy, ideal for a beach-first trip but less comfortable for sightseeing. Winters are mild and quiet, and late January brings the Sant Sebastià festival, when the whole city spills outdoors for street parties and bonfires. Whenever you come, pack for the sun and bring comfortable shoes for the old town&#8217;s cobbles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How to get around Palma de Mallorca</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Central Palma is best explored on foot, and the historic alleys can only really be seen that way. The EMT bus network is cheap and reliable for the airport, port, and beaches, and bike lanes run throughout the city, so renting a bike or e-bike is a fun way to reach the coast. You will rarely need a taxi within the centre, and a car is more of a hindrance than help in the old town, where parking is genuinely difficult.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For more European city break ideas, browse our <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/tag/the-guide/">destination guides</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final tips for your first trip to Palma de Mallorca</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A short break in Palma gives you a golden cathedral, an old town built for wandering, a market breakfast, a beach you walked to, and a long dinner in Santa Catalina. Add a third day for the Sóller train or a southern beach, and you have one of the most complete city breaks in the Mediterranean. Book restaurants ahead in summer, start your sightseeing early to beat the heat and the cruise crowds, and do not be surprised if you leave already planning a longer return trip.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/david-vives-12cqhQNVUIg-unsplash.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/david-vives-12cqhQNVUIg-unsplash.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="Palma De Mallorca Spain" class="wp-image-29030"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Palma de Mallorca, Spain, by David Vives.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/the-best-things-to-do-in-palma-de-mallorca-for-first-time-visitors/">The best things to do in Palma de Mallorca for first-time visitors</a> appeared first on <a href="https://pathstotravel.com">Paths to Travel</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">29005</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Find coastal Spanish tranquillity at Hotel BonSol Resort &#038; Spa, Mallorca</title>
		<link>https://pathstotravel.com/find-coastal-spanish-tranquillity-at-hotel-bonsol-resort-spa-mallorca/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=find-coastal-spanish-tranquillity-at-hotel-bonsol-resort-spa-mallorca</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kateryna Topol]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 01:27:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Accommodations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boutique Hotel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mallorca]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Palma de Mallorca]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Getting to Mallorca from Toronto was a quest, but the moment the door into my Hotel BonSol suite swung open, I felt a surge of energy and excitement. Bags carelessly dropped at the entry, I ran around the room with childish glee, petting pillows, inspecting the carved furniture finishes, and hanging over the balcony edge in anticipation of everything this trip was about to bring. Hotel BonSol Resort &#38; Spa is an eco-friendly property, located in Illetas on the southwest coast of Mallorca, Spain, a 20-30 minute drive from the Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), depending on the traffic. The [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/find-coastal-spanish-tranquillity-at-hotel-bonsol-resort-spa-mallorca/">Find coastal Spanish tranquillity at Hotel BonSol Resort &amp; Spa, Mallorca</a> appeared first on <a href="https://pathstotravel.com">Paths to Travel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Getting to Mallorca from Toronto was a quest, but the moment the door into my <a href="https://www.hotelbonsol.es/">Hotel BonSol</a> suite swung open, I felt a surge of energy and excitement. Bags carelessly dropped at the entry, I ran around the room with childish glee, petting pillows, inspecting the carved furniture finishes, and hanging over the balcony edge in anticipation of everything this trip was about to bring.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.hotelbonsol.es/">Hotel BonSol Resort &amp; Spa</a> is an eco-friendly property, located in Illetas on the southwest coast of Mallorca, <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/category/destinations/europe/spain/">Spain</a>, a 20-30 minute drive from the Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), depending on the traffic. The resort was founded by the Xamena family in 1953 and is currently operated by its third generation. The BonSol theme is luxury with a vintage flair, which is exactly what you get on arrival, with fresh and renewed touches.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Yellow parasols might be the unintended mascot of the hotel, but attention to detail through intricate branding is everywhere: embossed on white tablecloths and yellow beach towels, printed on custom coasters, sweet treat packaging, and sparkling wine labels.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7286.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7286.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-23511"/></a></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">All images by Kateryna Topol.<br>This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links &amp; PR gifting <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/disclaimer/">here</a>. <br>This experience was hosted by Hotel BonSol, which did not review or approve this story.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DJI_0850.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="709" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DJI_0850.jpg?resize=1200%2C709&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-23490" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DJI_0850.jpg?resize=1200%2C709&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DJI_0850.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bird&#8217;s eye view of Hotel BonSol, Mallorca. Tall buildings in the far back and the blue balconies on the left are different properties. </figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hotel BonSol Mallorca is a beach resort with a small sandy cove. The resort wraps around the water, with two other hotels picking up the rocky shore on each side. Everything you need can be found at the hotel, one of the many reasons families have been coming here for decades. “We’ve been coming here for 32 years, my kids basically grew up here,” an English woman shared with me unprompted at the pool bar over piña coladas.&nbsp;The resort is a family-friendly, full-service property offering babysitting, fresh flower deliveries, ironing and mending services, and access to on-premises medical staff. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“First visit?” a Scottish couple asked in the elevator, noticing the resort map in my hands. I nodded yes with a smile. “We’ve been coming here for seven years. You’ll find your footing around in no time,” she added, returning the twinkle.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">By definition, Hotel BonSol is a boutique property. Cascading down towards the water, most rooms have a sea view. A ten-thousand-square-meter garden fills in the spaces between the buildings, pools, and other amenities. Heavy palm trees and other vegetation indigenous to Mallorca trails through the terrace gardens. Designed to reduce the hotel’s water consumption and support Mallorca’s natural ecosystem, the gardens are their own unique attraction.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Spread across its many levels are the resort’s many amenities: tennis and squash courts, table tennis and billiard tables, and on the upper deck in a rainforest garden is mini golf. It takes no effort to lose track of time, and aside from knowing the time of your dinner reservation, the fluidity of time can be – and should be – easily embraced.&nbsp;</p>



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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">Above: Various sitting areas on the first floor of Hotel BonSol. Below: Table tennis room.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-under-the-yellow-parasole-nbsp"><strong>Under the yellow parasole&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looking at <a href="https://www.expedia.ca/Calvia-Hotels-Hotel-Bon-Sol.h2689489.Hotel-Information">Hotel BonSol</a>, the yellow umbrellas are at the forefront of most images. Their bright and welcoming appearance is naturally photogenic, dotting the seaside with colourful contrast. The yellow motif carries through in all beach accessories. Branded yellow beach towels are prepared for a day out in the room, folded inside a large BonSol beach bag. Stuffed with books, water, and sunblock lotion, the beach bag is a token of voluntary uniform embraced by the hotel guests.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Guests spread on sunbeds in layers around the sea, taking turns aimlessly floating in the ocean in the striped yellow tire beach floaties, stacked to the side of the beach steps. The hotel&#8217;s regulars find serenity by the shaded garden pool or up on the adults-only terrace. Rearranging furniture to their own liking for a full day of reading and relaxation. Having fully committed to a beach day, I took my turn out in the sea, letting the waves gently rock my yellow floaty across the cove.</p>



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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">A glimpse of the garden pool, beach steps with sunbeds layered on different levels, in the background are guest suites. <br>Last image, with the white roof, is the seaside restaurant, Cala Brugit.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balance-in-paradise"><strong>Balance in paradise</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In coastal environments like these, wellness comes naturally, but <a href="https://www.expedia.ca/Calvia-Hotels-Hotel-Bon-Sol.h2689489.Hotel-Information">Hotel BonSol</a> is also a Spa, so here, wellness is dialled up. Every weekday morning, guests are invited to join the in-house yoga instructor, Saraj Jane, for a yoga session out on the terrace. This spacious open-air yoga room looks out to the sea, creating an ideal atmosphere for relaxation and exercise. Both of which were high on my list after a 24-hour travel day.&nbsp;The hotel also offers occasional yoga retreats as complete wellness packages, and the next one is coming up in October (23-26, reservation by email).&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tucked away near the small gym is Nirvana Spa, available by appointment. Here guests can access a sauna, sanarium, Turkish baths, footbaths, and a jacuzzi, in addition to a full massage services menu. Modelled after a Moroccan wellness centre, this area is a great place to escape from your escape.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-romanticising-dinner"><strong>Romanticising dinner</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Strongly encouraged to make a dinner reservation upon arrival, I opted for the main dining room, Las Antorchas Restaurant. As the main restaurant and a local dining destination, Las Antorchas has a dress code and live entertainment. Throughout the evening, a piano player accompanied by a talented vocalist, set the mood for a tasteful evening, surrounded by live flowers and white table cloths. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This particular evening, Chef Mr. Egea prepared a special tasting menu featuring seasonal selections. My dinner lineup began with an anglerfish and mussels cream soup, poured over the fish at the table. This dish was decadently light and delicious, despite its typically heavy composition. My second course, a shrimp cocktail, arrived paired with Can Axartell Blanc-Premsal Blanc, a typical Mallorcan grape, crisp and refreshing.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Options for the main included four types of protein: hake, sirloin, duck, and lamb. The BonSol-style Wellington sirloin called my name. The sirloin medallion came with a side of vegetables and a flaky wellington pastry, nested on a shallow pool of juicy steak sauce. For the wine pairing, MX ∞ Edición Especial 80 Aniversario D. Martín Xamena, an organic red wine with aromas of dark fruit and minerality in the background, perfectly capturing the essence of Mallorca.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7062.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7062.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-23492"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Above and below: Las Antorchas Restaurant at Hotel BonSol Resort &amp; Spa, Mallorca, Spain.</figcaption></figure>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Morning and afternoon meals are served on the beach at the Cala Brugit restaurant or in the Winter Garden on the first floor. Cala Brugit restaurant (open April &#8211; October, weather permitting) overlooks the beach and offers guests a la carte or buffet lunch options. The half-board meal plan at the hotel includes breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner, encouraging guests to try other nearby restaurants.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Throughout the day, beachgoers flock to the Gala Brugit pool bar, tucked away by the larger pool, to order tropical cocktails and cold beers. People looking for afternoon aperitifs, nightcaps, and a cooler atmosphere gather at the Piano Bar. This space, located directly to the right of the main entrance, is a gorgeously decorated lounge with a spacious terrace, adorned with colourful flowers. In the middle of the summer, however, the heat made it nearly impossible to sit outside, but on a cool fall afternoon, this terrace would be a dream.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7105.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7105.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-23500"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Above: Piano Bar&#8217;s sunny terrace with the view of Illetas. <br>Below: Interior lounge of the Piano Bar.</figcaption></figure>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7201.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7201.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-23493"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Winter Garden Restaurant at Hotel BonSol Resort &amp; Spa, Mallorca</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-home-away-from-home"><strong>Home away from home</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are 73 rooms at <a href="https://www.expedia.ca/Calvia-Hotels-Hotel-Bon-Sol.h2689489.Hotel-Information">Hotel BonSol</a>, spread across various levels of the resort, looking into the garden or facing the sea. All rooms are spacious, thoughtfully decorated, and have at least a small balcony (Classic Double). The room that took my breath away, however, is the Family Suite. This large hotel room has a full-size bedroom with a sitting area, a living room, and a private terrace with sun loungers. The two bathrooms allowed us each to have a personal vanity, while the living room was ideal for late-night catch-up and inevitable remote work.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Two small TVs are available in both rooms, but with a view like that, accompanied by the sounds of nature and the star-dotted sky, turning them on felt unnecessary. Every morning began with a moment on the terrace, looking at the sea, setting a calm mood for the day.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF6956.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF6956.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-23502"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Images from the Family Suite at Hotel BonSol. Below is a chair from the bedroom and the beach towels inside the provided beach bag.</figcaption></figure>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF6983.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF6983.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-23505"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Family Suite living room area. Below is one of the living room chairs and an early morning view of the private terrace. </figcaption></figure>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everything-is-green"><strong>Everything is green</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The hotel’s commitment to the environment is particularly noticeable in the guest suites. All guests are encouraged to be conscientious with the use of electricity and AC, thoughtful with water consumption, and use of towels. The shower runoff water is reused to flush the toilets. Much of the electricity is gathered with solar power, one of Hotel BonSol’s many <a href="https://www.hotelbonsol.es/sustainable/">environmental initiatives</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Three euros from each guest booking is dedicated to the upkeep of 220,000 teak trees Xamena family planted in Costa Rica in 2005, to make up for the air travel impact of their international guests.&nbsp;</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaving-the-resort"><strong>Leaving the resort</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Illetas is a resort town, close to other resorts, public beaches, and family restaurants serving fresh fish and cold Spanish wine. If a city day out is on your agenda, a bus just outside one of the main street entrances will take you directly to Palma de Mallorca (by bus: 45 min, by car: 30 min).&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Other beaches nearby:</strong> Main <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/uCuc8RV3EQdKxei88">Illetas beach</a> 500 meters away, <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/rPw3mmYm27sY7Prj7">Cala Comtessa</a> 800 meters away, and <a href="https://share.google/ie7SUUYb1w1Zrd9UM">Es Forti</a> is 1050 meters away.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-to-mallorca"><strong>Getting to Mallorca</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">From Canada, all trips to Mallorca will have at least one stopover. Multiple airlines fly to the island with stopovers in various cities across Europe. If you are planning to visit multiple countries, consider booking a return trip to the major city with a side trip to Mallorca. For example, a return flight to London, England, paired with a return flight to Mallorca from there can be a cheaper and more flexible option than a combination stopover or an open-jaw flight.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As of June 2026, Air Canada will introduce a new route to Palma de Mallorca (PIM) on board the new Airbus A321XLR. This flight also seems to include 1-2 stops, depending on the route.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7395.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7395.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-23497"/></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7183.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF7183.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-23523"/></a></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/find-coastal-spanish-tranquillity-at-hotel-bonsol-resort-spa-mallorca/">Find coastal Spanish tranquillity at Hotel BonSol Resort &amp; Spa, Mallorca</a> appeared first on <a href="https://pathstotravel.com">Paths to Travel</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">23483</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Finding the hidden gems in Palma de Mallorca with Food Tours Balearics</title>
		<link>https://pathstotravel.com/finding-the-hidden-gems-in-mallorca-with-food-tours-balearics/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=finding-the-hidden-gems-in-mallorca-with-food-tours-balearics</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kateryna Topol]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 19:55:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food & Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balearic Islands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culinary Experiences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mallorca]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Palma de Mallorca]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://pathstotravel.com/?p=14166</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>No matter where you go, food is always deeply integrated into culture. Much of the city&#8217;s history can be learned through food, which is probably why walking food tours are the most common culinary experience around the world. But with the rise of elevated and sustainable travel, new bespoke culinary experiences are popping up all around the world. In Mallorca, this unique experience is curated by Food Tours Balearics (FTB). Unlike a traditional walking tour, FTB tours are self-guided. Created by two food-loving friends, Emily and Michelle, the company aims to facilitate the real taste of Mallorca “without the research, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/finding-the-hidden-gems-in-mallorca-with-food-tours-balearics/">Finding the hidden gems in Palma de Mallorca with Food Tours Balearics</a> appeared first on <a href="https://pathstotravel.com">Paths to Travel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">No matter where you go, food is always deeply integrated into culture. Much of the city&#8217;s history can be learned through food, which is probably why walking <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/tag/food-tour/">food tours</a> are the most common culinary experience around the world. But with the rise of elevated and sustainable travel, new bespoke culinary experiences are popping up all around the world. In <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/tag/mallorca/">Mallorca</a>, this unique experience is curated by <a href="https://foodtoursmallorca.com/">Food Tours Balearics</a> (FTB).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Unlike a traditional walking tour, FTB tours are self-guided. Created by two food-loving friends, Emily and Michelle, the company aims to facilitate the real taste of Mallorca “without the research, the hassle, or the tourist traps”.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Emily and Michelle spent years exploring the culinary scene, getting to know chefs, and building up connections. The current offerings are <a href="https://foodtoursmallorca.com/wine-and-dine-tour-palma-old-town/">Wine &amp; Dine</a> and <a href="https://foodtoursmallorca.com/brunch-and-ride/">Brunch &amp; Ride</a> (on the e-scooter). The concept is simple: Emily and Michelle plan your itinerary and make timed reservations in the city’s best restaurants. Each visit includes a food and beverage pairing, showcasing the island’s true culinary essence as local chefs envision it. Each experience comes with a guided tour, accessible through a web app, with a clear map. A selection of cultural points of interest with historic annotations are noted along the way.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The tour is incomparable to the traditional walking food tour, not only because it is self-guided, but mostly because it takes you to new and elevated restaurants, offering a unique experience for each visit.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links &amp; PR gifting <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/disclaimer/">here</a>.<br>This experience was hosted by Food Tours Balearics, who did not review or approve this story.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7720.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="14170" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7720.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14170"/></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7722.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="14171" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7722.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14171"/></a></figure>
</figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">Vermuteria La Rosa: Russian potato salad with anchovies, served with an Iberian ham croquette and blue cheese, a spinach croquette, and house-made vermouth. Images by Kateryna Topol.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7725.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7725.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14172"/></a></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decision-making-behind-the-scenes"><strong>Decision-making behind the scenes</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Emily and Michelle have built a network of restaurant partners and keep a close eye on all new openings in the city. “When a new spot opens, we’re usually among the first to try it and see if it fits our standards,” Michelle added.&nbsp;The duo try every dish with the restaurant’s chef, who might even create a custom dish for the visit. The dishes chosen typically reflect that restaurant&#8217;s speciality, &#8220;if a place is famous for its meat, we won’t serve dessert there&#8221;.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We aim to start the tour with lighter fish or vegetarian dishes, have a more filling meat dish in the middle, and finish with dessert,” Michelle shared. The order of the restaurants is based on their capacity to receive guests that specific evening and the logistics of getting easily from one place to another. Naturally, this means that today’s tour might not be the same as the tour tomorrow. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When selecting restaurant partners, Emily and Michelle look for three key qualities: excellent and welcoming service, willingness to share the story behind the palace and the dish, and the quality of food. “We’re not doing a standard tapas tour, so the food needs to be creative, high quality, and part of a more gourmet experience,” Michelle stressed.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The points of interest stops are chosen based on the restaurant route, “Palma is full of stories, so there’s something interesting to mention around every corner”.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>We look for restaurants with a unique touch—whether it’s the setting, a special backstory, or a standout chef. We want every stop to feel memorable and full of character.</p><cite>Michelle, co-founder of Food Tours Balearics</cite></blockquote></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7743-1.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7743-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14175" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7743-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7743-1.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">L’Anima: Roasted lettuce hearts with escalivada and falafel. Images by Kateryna Topol.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7732.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="14174" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7732.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14174"/></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7735.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="14173" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7735.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14173"/></a></figure>
</figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wine-amp-dine-tour-of-palma-old-town"><strong>The Wine &amp; Dine Tour of Palma Old Town</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Wine &amp; Dine Tour of <a href="https://foodtoursmallorca.com/wine-and-dine-tour-palma-old-town/">Palma Old Town</a> took us away from the tourist centre and into the neighbourhoods. Our tour started at <a href="https://www.larosavermuteria.com/en">La Rosa Vermutería</a>, steps away from <a href="https://www.abc-mallorca.com/plaza-mercat-palma/">Plaça del Mercat</a>. La Rosa is a vermouth taberna with an old-fashioned vibe, framed with subway-tiled walls and curved brick arches. The walls are stacked with preserves, drying vegetables, and cured meat in that uniquely odd manner where food becomes interior decor. On today’s menu is a Russian potato salad with anchovies, served with an Iberian ham croquette and blue cheese, and a spinach croquette for contrast. House-made red vermouth over ice is served as a beverage pairing.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Further away from the centre, past <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/zucaiyandcGYFKNUA">La Misericòrdia</a>, we find <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lanima_2025">L&#8217;ànima Restaurant</a> in an airy plaza. It is still early in the day, so at first, the co-owner Adrià Salas Rotger is able to give us his complete attention, recommending wine (Els Vinyerons Pregadéu Rosé) and sharing insights about the business. On the menu are roasted lettuce hearts with escalivada and falafel. Spicy olive olives hit the table first with the wine, in case we got there a little peckish.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The next stop takes us to Palma’s brand new 5-star hotel <a href="https://www.booking.com/Share-eZc8IN">Concepció by Nobis</a>, a Michelin guide hotel with a beautiful restaurant, <a href="https://nobis.se/collection/restaurants/xalest-restaurant">Xalest</a>. Led by an award-winning chef, Xema Álvarez, Xalest offers a sharing menu of tapas, pintxos, appetisers, and entreés to showcase not only Mallorcan food by the Spanish way of dining. An artfully plated pork cheek, served on a vegetable puree, is paired with a generous glass of Spanish red wine, neatly wrapping up the savoury portion of this experience. To complete the meal, we head to <a href="https://neocultural.es/">El Neo</a> for a sweet treat, taking us back closer to the city centre.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7753.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="14176" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7753.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14176"/></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7754.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="14177" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7754.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14177"/></a></figure>
</figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">Xalest:&nbsp;Pork cheek served on a vegetable puree. Images by Kateryna Topol.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/finding-the-hidden-gems-in-mallorca-with-food-tours-balearics/">Finding the hidden gems in Palma de Mallorca with Food Tours Balearics</a> appeared first on <a href="https://pathstotravel.com">Paths to Travel</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">14166</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Authentic food only, with NoFrills Foodie tour in Palma de Mallorca</title>
		<link>https://pathstotravel.com/authentic-food-only-with-nofrills-foodie-tour-in-palma-de-mallorca/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=authentic-food-only-with-nofrills-foodie-tour-in-palma-de-mallorca</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kateryna Topol]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:30:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food & Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balearic Islands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culinary Experiences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mallorca]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Palma de Mallorca]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://pathstotravel.com/?p=14098</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“This is an authentic Mallorca food tour,” our guide Joan (pronounced Hoo-ahn) stressed, emphasising ‘authentic’. “Today, you’re not just a tour group, you’re my family,” he added, locking eyes around the group. “Ok, let’s go!” We met Joan from Nofrills Excursions Mallorca in the plaza near the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, surrounded by street vendors and caricature artists seated in the palm tree shade. Equipped with a bottomless backpack (water? napkin? I got you), Joan handed each of us a map of the route for the Foodie tour in Palma de Mallorca. Having taken a brief look at the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/authentic-food-only-with-nofrills-foodie-tour-in-palma-de-mallorca/">Authentic food only, with NoFrills Foodie tour in Palma de Mallorca</a> appeared first on <a href="https://pathstotravel.com">Paths to Travel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“This is an authentic Mallorca food tour,” our guide Joan (pronounced <em>Hoo-ahn</em>) stressed, emphasising ‘authentic’. “Today, you’re not just a tour group, you’re my family,” he added, locking eyes around the group. “Ok, let’s go!”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We met Joan from <a href="https://www.nofrills-excursions.com/">Nofrills Excursions</a> Mallorca in the plaza near the <a href="https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/visita/royal-palace-la-almudaina">Royal Palace of La Almudaina</a>, surrounded by street vendors and caricature artists seated in the palm tree shade. Equipped with a bottomless backpack (water? napkin? I got you), Joan handed each of us a map of the route for the <a href="https://www.nofrills-excursions.com/excursions/foodie-tour-in-palma-de-mallorca/">Foodie tour in Palma de Mallorca</a>. Having taken a brief look at the map, everyone promptly tucked it away in their pocket and proceeded to blindly follow the orange t-shirt through sunny <a href="https://visitpalma.com/en/">Palma</a>.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links &amp; PR gifting&nbsp;<a href="https://pathstotravel.com/disclaimer/">here</a>.<br>This experience was hosted by Nofrills Excursions Mallorca, who did not review or approve this story.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7531.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="14104" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7531.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14104"/></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7533.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="14103" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7533.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14103"/></a></figure>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Palma de Mallorca. All images by Kateryna Topol.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Joan has been hosting food tours for ten years, “last year, I took 2,000 people on a tour,” he proudly announced. Throughout the day, he swiftly switched between English and Spanish, occasionally translating various narratives to German for a family in the group. Mallorca uses three languages: Spanish (Castilian), Catalan, and Mallorquí (local Catalan dialect), but most people speak at least some English. With direct flights from most of the UK, this part of Spain has been a popular tourism destination for decades, attracting hospitality workers from around the world. This part of <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/category/destinations/europe/spain/">Spain</a> is where I’ve spoken the least Spanish.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Weaving through the city streets, Joan shared various pieces of historic knowledge, occasionally gathering us in a tight circle to share a story. “See this building,” he points our attention to <a href="https://g.co/kgs/RoJ3YJy">Can Forteza Rey</a>, “it looks like an Antoni Gaudí building, doesn’t it? It is actually the work of his student, Lluís Forteza Rey”. Gaudí’s influence is very prominent in Palma’s modernist architecture, so this was not the first architectural work of art we came across on this day.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7566.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" data-id="14107" src="https://i0.wp.com/pathstotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF7566.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-14107"/></a></figure>



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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">Empanadas from Ca na Cati Pastisseria, Palma de Mallorca.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Having situated us by Palma City Hall, Joan ran across the street to bring us the special treat: <em>Empanadas Mallorquinas</em>. This round pastry, made with soft crumbly dough, encloses a delicious combination of <em>jamón ibérico</em> (Iberico ham) and a mix of vegetables in a perfectly rounded little pocket. The dish is typically served on the last day of Easter and requires an extensive amount of labour to produce, “altogether it takes eleven hours to make this,” Joan paused for effect. Ours came from <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/2GBkmjjoUd6MU7iX7">Pastisseria Cort</a> (<a href="https://www.canacati.com/">Ca na Cati Pastisseria</a>), “best empanadas in Palma,” he pointed at the corner shop.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We looped through Carrer de Sant Miquel pedestrian street multiple times, “watch your bags on this street,” Joan patted his backpack. The first sit-down portion of the tour took us to <a href="https://g.co/kgs/cqQr8T1">Omare</a>, where the team greeted us by promptly pouring wine for the table, some of which they produce themselves. One by one, tapas plates began to hit the table: <em>tortilla Española</em> (Spanish egg omlet), <em>croquetas de pollo</em> (chicken croquettes), followed by octopus with potatoes. And for the grand finale, a charcuterie board with local cheeses, grapes, and jamón ibérico. Gasps of excitement echoed across the table at the sight of the sharing plate.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Bon profit!” he held up his wine glass, “that’s how you say bon appétit in Catalan”.</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the next half hour, we were instructed to explore <a href="https://www.mercatolivar.com/en/home/">Mercat de l&#8217;Olivar</a>, solo. My initial confusion dissolved as soon as my eyes met the open market. Fresh produce stalls, cheese vendors, multiple ibérico ham counters with rows and rows of ham hanging from the ceiling. All the brightly lit up pintxos stations, and quick service bars were calling my name. Some tour attendees chose to shop. Others, having quickly toured the market, found a spot between the locals to enjoy a quick glass of sparkling wine and absorb the vibes of the casual afternoon market magic. The free time was well justified.&nbsp;</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looping back around and into a narrow alleyway, we made our way to Orxateria I Xocolateria Ca&#8217;n Joan de s&#8217;Aigo for a sweet surprise. This intricately decorated cafe has a rich local history, both cultural and culinary, but that bit, you will have to hear from Joan. On the menu as a parting sweet note is <em>ensaïmada</em> – a light, sugared pastry made with reduced lard from ibérico. Yes, it sounds weird, but it is absolutely delicious. The pastry is accompanied by a cold glass of “almond milk ice,” something you can only get here, in this shop.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Like most food tour groups, we all got to know each other a little better. Joan’s new family portrait was taken shortly after, under the one-thousand-year-old olive tree in <a href="https://www.caib.es/sites/oleorutes/es/olivo_de_cort-4437/">Olivera de Cort</a>.&nbsp;</p>



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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph">Vegetables at Mercat de l&#8217;Olivar on each side and the thousand-year-old-olive tree at the centre.  </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://pathstotravel.com/authentic-food-only-with-nofrills-foodie-tour-in-palma-de-mallorca/">Authentic food only, with NoFrills Foodie tour in Palma de Mallorca</a> appeared first on <a href="https://pathstotravel.com">Paths to Travel</a>.</p>
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