Where is the best place to relax in Mallorca or Barcelona?

Survival Mallorca is one of largest islands

, part of Spain, located on the Balearic archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. I believe that this is truly a heavenly place where you can enjoy picturesque landscapes, clean beaches and forget about all everyday problems.

This small island, whose area is only 3.5 thousand square kilometers, is slightly different from the usual resorts in Spain, and all because throughout its long history it managed to be at the disposal of the Phoenicians, Romans, and of course, the Arabs. Therefore, the culture here is really very rich! Getting to know this wonderful island

I started with its capital - Palma de Mallorca. It is here that all its main attractions are concentrated.

As soon as I left the airport, I was struck by the long palm alley that led arriving tourists to the parking lot. The palm trees there are truly majestic, the size of three-story houses! You look and can’t believe your eyes that just 4 hours ago you were in a gray rainy city, and now you find yourself among such beauty! And when you drive directly into the capital itself, your eyes begin to widen. You look to the left - a turquoise-colored sea, look to the right - a majestic cathedral, and right in front of you -.

high mountains

Here you want to photograph absolutely everything, so I advise you to free up memory on your phone, tablet and camera in advance, because you will constantly have the desire to capture this or that place!

How to get there

There are two types of transport to get to Mallorca: air and water. Of course, the most frequently used and comfortable option is air. In the capital of the island, Palma, there is an international airport, from where airliners of various types take off every half hour and where they land just as often..

European airlines

As for water communication, Palma has the main port of the island, where ships from different parts of Spain arrive daily, which is very convenient for tourists who spend most of their time on the mainland, for example, in Barcelona or Valencia, and on weekends go on excursions to Palma.

You can get around the island itself by bus, car or train.

By plane The main and only airport of the island, which bears the name , located 8 kilometers from the capital Palma de Mallorca. This is where both external and internal flights arrive. The airport has very good communications with various European countries, including with Russia.

Flights from Moscow

There are direct flights to Mallorca from Moscow (Domodedovo Airport): S7 airlines, the average cost of a round trip ticket is 20 thousand rubles. In addition, you can fly to the island on flights with one or more transfers, operated by the Spanish airline Iberia also from Domodedovo Airport for the same price (about 20 thousand rubles). It is worth noting that there are several other European airlines that fly to Palma with transfers, for example:

Finnair;
Lufthansa;
Swiss;
Czech Airlines;

But then the flight time will be more than 20 hours, which is completely inconvenient and not worth the money. Therefore, I advise you to choose a direct flight!

In this case, the travel time will be only 4.5 hours, so I recommend not saving on tickets and not spending the whole day on endless transfers.

You can compare prices yourself, for example.

How to get from the airport to the city

You can get from the airport to the city center either by bus or by taxi.

Of course, a more economical option is a bus. Routes No. 1 and No. 17 constantly run here, which will take you to Palma for only 3 €. If you need to resort town Arenal, then bus number 21 goes directly to its center from here.

But a taxi will cost much more - the average cost of a trip will be 20 €, and if you are traveling in a group, you can order a minivan for 40 €.

In addition, you can rent a car directly at the airport, there is a wide range of car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar). The average rental price starts from 50 € per day. Details below.

By ferry

So, the second way to get to Mallorca is to sail from another part of Spain by ferry or high-speed catamaran. The latter depart daily to the island directly from:

Barcelona (4.5 hours drive),
Valencia (4-6 hours drive),
Menorca (2.5 hours drive),
Ibiza (3 hours drive)

The average ticket price is 40 € and depends on the characteristics of the ship.

How to get from the port to the center

The port of Palma de Mallorca is located 6 kilometers from the city center; if you wish and have good physical fitness, from there you can walk to the center along the embankment, enjoying beautiful views and a light breeze, or take bus number 1 for only 1.5 €.

The bus stop is located next to the port. Of course, you can catch a taxi and go to the Cathedral (the trip will cost 10 €).

Clue:

Mallorca - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Ekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season? When is the best time to go

According to local residents, the island of Mallorca reveals itself to tourists in all its glory at the end of spring and continues to delight the eye until mid-autumn. This is the best period for relaxation!

As for winter, the Spaniards believe that in given time years their life becomes very calm, quiet and even a little boring. Although the winter weather here is favorable (about +14 °C), there is absolutely nothing to do. Because you can’t even lie on the beach, swim, or enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it is not worth going to Mallorca in the low season (that is, from November to March). The only tourists on the island at this time are employees of companies who organize business meetings, trainings or business trips here.

Mallorca in summer

Like all resorts, the island of Mallorca is especially beautiful in the summer. It is at this time of year that the air and water temperatures reach their maximum and all the most beautiful flowers and shrubs of the island bloom everywhere. By the way, it was in Mallorca that I noticed a very large number of those same flowering evergreens, and this cannot but please the eye!

Of course, summer (especially July) is also vacation time, so there are a lot of tourists here, just like everywhere else. But since Mallorca is, after all, an island and holidays on it are not cheap, wealthy Europeans and most often those over 35 or young families with children like to come here most of all. It is believed that holidays in Mallorca are quite calm and the pace of life is measured, so all young people who prefer nightclubs evening walks by boat, goes to the neighboring island, Ibiza. But at the same time, it cannot be said that Mallorca is a remote place suitable only for retirees: here you can also have fun and actively relax. But the most important treasure of the island is its incredibly beautiful nature! You will not see such landscapes as here anywhere!

By the way, the climate here is very pleasant; in summer the air temperature reaches about +30 °C, and in winter - +15 °C. But unfortunately, there is nothing to do in Mallorca in winter. Local residents say they experience a lull at this time of year. In fact, the island is inhabited by about a million people, so at a time when all the tourists go home, the island becomes empty and almost deserted. Residents calmly go about their daily affairs, and nothing special happens here. Therefore, I don’t recommend going here in winter, although if you are tired of the city bustle and noise, then here you can definitely be alone with yourself and nature. It’s not for nothing that the residence of the Spanish royal family is located here! Celebrities such as Claudia Schiffer, Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow also bought villas in Mallorca. Since Mallorca has catered to the discerning tastes of A-list stars, then you will certainly like it too!

Mallorca in autumn

The beginning of autumn in Mallorca is considered velvet season, so you can have time to enjoy it here until the end of September bright sun And warm sea. But already from October the sun sets at 7 pm, and it becomes noticeably colder, the temperature reaches +7–8 °C.

Even from late October to early November, rain and thunderstorms become more frequent on the island. Therefore, at this time it is no longer worth vacationing in Mallorca.

Mallorca in spring

In spring, the high season gradually begins in Mallorca; already in March – April the air temperature reaches +20–23 °C, the warm, pleasant sun shines, and flowers begin to bloom. At this time you can’t swim yet, but you can already sunbathe.

The good thing about the island in spring is that there are still few tourists here, and you can have a quiet, relaxing holiday.

Mallorca in winter

Winter in Mallorca is a time of complete silence and serenity. The sun shines here quite often, and snow falls only in the mountains; it rarely reaches the lowlands. December is considered the month of rain, but January and February are characterized by pleasant, comfortable weather. average temperature during the day it reaches +14–15 °C.

The only caveat is that it is very boring here in winter, and this is the favorite time of year for retirees to relax.

Mallorca - weather by month

Clue:

Mallorca - weather by month

What are the prices for holidays?

As I mentioned earlier, holidays on the island of Mallorca can be classified as luxury, and therefore here you will find hundreds of villas and apartments for rent, the price of which starts from 1.5 thousand € for 10 days.

In principle, if you compare this price with hotels, the difference will be insignificant. For the same 10 days in a 3-star hotel in any area of the island, you will pay an average of about 1.7 thousand €, and in a 5-star hotel - about 4 €.

If you consider that in your apartments you will cook on your own, and in hotels you will use the all-inclusive service, then your costs will be approximately the same.

Therefore, it is up to you to decide what is more convenient, but personally, I lived in a good 3-star hotel, where in addition to all-inclusive meals there is free Gym, bar, swimming pool and, of course, themed parties!

TOP 5 best hotels on the island

I would like to present to you my TOP 5 best hotels on the island:

Globales Simar 4* (from 1.7 thousand € for 10 days for two).
Barcelo Ponent Playa 3* (from 1.3 thousand € for 10 days for two).
Globales Palmanova 4* (from 2.1 thousand € for 10 days for two).
Insotel Cala Mandia Resort & Spa 4* (from 4.2 thousand € for 10 days for two).
Blue Bay Hotel 3* (from 1.2 thousand € for 10 days for two).

Find out the prices for ready-made tours(with flights, transfers, accommodation and insurance) to hotels of different categories can be found in the Travelask section.

Expenses

So, if you decide to stay at a hotel, then there will be no problems with food, and if you decide to rent an apartment or villa, then you have the option of shopping in supermarkets, of which there are quite a few on the island. One of the most popular, which often catches my eye, is Eroski. This is a popular chain of supermarkets in Spain where you can buy everything from bread to hand cream for average prices. Spanish prices.

If you buy groceries for a week, the average bill will be about 60 €. You can also visit restaurants and cafes, which will be quite expensive, considering that the average bill will be 50–60 €.

You can go on excursions either independently or with a guide. Mallorca is a small island; you can get from Palma to Alcudia in just an hour and a half, that is, traveling the length and breadth of the island in one day will not be difficult.

You can rent a car for 50–70 € per day and go explore the island yourself, or you can travel by bus for only 6 €. Group excursion with a guide on your own rented bus will cost about 100 €. A trip around the island by taxi will cost about 80–90 €.

Main attractions. What to see

Mallorca is famous for its variety of attractions and incredibly beautiful places that you must visit.

If you like to know all the smallest details and Interesting Facts about certain attractions, you can hire a guide or book a full excursion. And if you like to independently walk through beautiful places and discover something new on your own, then you can explore everything on your own.

It is worth choosing a day for the excursion in advance; it is advisable to select one of the weekdays (except Friday), since on weekends the locals begin to have a siesta and rest, and there are too many people on the streets who will prevent you from taking a good look at everything. Bad weather is extremely rare in Mallorca, so you shouldn’t be afraid of rain and cold weather, but you can still check the forecast before your walk, just in case.

The island's capital, Palma, is not very large, so you can walk around the city and see the main attractions.

The map below shows the main tourist spots, museums, galleries, bus stops and much more.

I bring to your attention my version of one day in the capital of the island, Palma, I advise you to travel by tourist bus Citysightseeing (ticket price 18.5 €):

10:00 - we go to Bellver Castle, which is located a couple of kilometers from the city. We will spend about 2 hours here.
12:00 - we head to the Spanish village.
13:30 - we will stop for lunch at the signature restaurant Sadrassana Restaurant Cocteleria (Placa Drassana, 15).
15:00 - we go to the cathedral. Since this place is considered the main attraction of the city, we will spend about 2 hours here.
17:00 - we’ll go out to the main tourist streets of Palma and take a walk, go to the Rivareno ice cream parlor (Plaza Llotja, 1) and enjoy the most delicious cold dessert on the island.
20:00 - have a seafood dinner at La Parada restaurant del Mar(Avenida Joan Miro 244 Marivent) and celebrate the end of a great day with a glass of sangria.

Top 5

Below I will give a list of places that, in my opinion, are definitely worth visiting in Mallorca to truly experience the atmosphere and culture of the island.

Cathedral

It is one of the most iconic buildings on the island of Mallorca. The cathedral began to be built in the 13th century, so now it is officially declared a cultural and historical monument of the island. This place is truly extraordinary!

Inside, the cathedral is decorated with colored stained glass windows by various artists, the main altar with four columns, which is decorated with a canopy made by Gaudi himself. It is also home to one of the largest organs in Europe. Agree that this place cannot be ignored!

Address: Plaza Almoina, s/n, 07001 Palma de Mallorca.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10 to 18:15.

Ticket price: 7 €/person.

Cape Formentor

This is one of the most visited places on the island! To visit Mallorca and not come to Formentor is a real crime. Formentor is located near the town of Poyensa and its main port. Its length is about 300 meters above sea level, so the views here are incredible: they will take your breath away. It is impossible to explain, you need to appreciate it with your own eyes!

Address: Cap de Formentor.

Opening hours: 24 hours a day.

Free admission.

Bellver Castle

A couple of kilometers from the city of Palma on the top of a hill is located medieval castle Castell de Belver. Its peculiarity is that it is the only gothic castle round shape in Europe, built in the Middle Ages.

Previously he appeared summer residence King of Spain, and later served as a prison whose prisoners included such famous figures as the writer Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos and the widow of King Jaime III. There is a big one in the castle Observation deck, which offers beautiful views of Palma and its surroundings.

Address: Carrer Camilo José Cela, s/n, 07014 Palma.

Opening hours: 8:30-20:00.

Ticket price: 2.5 €/person.

Spanish village

In Palma there is wonderful place, where tourists have the opportunity to see the most important buildings in Spain and feel the atmosphere of different cities. This place is called the Spanish Village.

In addition to the main attractions, you can visit small souvenir shops and cafes with delicious tapas.

Address: Calle Poble Espanyol, 55.

Opening hours: from 9 to 19:00.

Ticket price: 8 €/person.

Natura Park

This beautiful nature reserve is just half an hour's drive from Palma and is home to dozens of different species of animals and birds from all over the world. The park is outdoors, shaded by trees, and includes several trails.

Here live tigers, monkeys, porcupines, raccoons, turtles, flamingos and even lemurs, which you can feed by hand! This is an ideal place to relax with children, as well as for those who are not indifferent to our little brothers!

Address: Carretera de Sineu, Km 15,400, 07142 Santa Eugenia.

Opening hours: from 10 to 17:30.

Ticket price: 9 €/person.

Beaches. Which ones are better

Mallorca is the ideal place for a beach holiday; it is on this island that there are dozens of the most best beaches Spain, what about Spain, the whole world! In fact, no matter what beach you come to here, it will definitely be quiet, cozy and clean. Even close to Palma resort areas, where thousands of tourists vacation, they are very worthy! But the best places to soak up the sun and enjoy swimming in clear sea water are secluded coves, of which there are many in Mallorca.

As I wrote above, I was vacationing in the Cala Mayor area, a few kilometers from the capital, and one day, quite by accident, I wandered into a cove where there was small beach, and the sea there was crystal clear! There weren’t very many vacationers there, mostly locals and tourists like me, who most likely also found this piece of paradise by chance.

And yet I will give a list of the best of the best beaches in Mallorca that are worth visiting if only to understand what heaven on earth is.

Beach Cala S "Almunia

This beach is located in the bay of the town of Santanya and is surrounded by rocks; serenity and tranquility reign here. By the way, the beach has all the conditions for diving, and the soft azure waves will allow you to enjoy the sea to the fullest. But it is worth considering that the infrastructure on the beach is not developed, so there are no restaurants, no toilets, no showers and changing cabins.

The type of coating is pebble, the entry into the water is gentle.

Address: Diseminado Poligono 3, 594, 07690 Santanyí.

Cala Mondragó beach

Another truly heavenly place in Mallorca. The beach is located on the territory of the same name natural park among pine trees and rocks. Even though this place is quite popular, you can enjoy peace and quiet here. By the way, this beach is shallow, so it is perfect for families with children. It is possible to rent umbrellas and sun loungers here, and there is also a cafe where you can buy soft drinks and snacks.

The type of beach is sandy, the entry into the water is gentle.

Address: Cala Mondragó, Balearic Islands.

Beach Es Trenc

The length of Es Trenc is 2 kilometers. Its peculiarity is that it is the only beach on the island that has not been affected by urbanization, so it looks very exotic and is ideal for romantic dates and walks. You can also rent umbrellas and sun loungers here.

The shore is sandy, the entry into the water is gentle.

Address: Ma-6030, 68, 07639 Mallorca, Illes Balears.

Beach Playa de Formentor

Formentor beach, as you may have guessed, is located near the famous cape of the same name. And, of course, it is also famous for its beauty and wonderful views. The beach stretches for one and a half kilometers, it is surrounded by pine trees, under which it is pleasant to lie down in the summer heat. The sea here is shallow and very clean, and near the beach there are dozens of cafes and restaurants where you can have a delicious lunch. Prices in establishments vary, the average bill for lunch will be about 10–15 €.

Beach type: sandy, gentle entry into the water.

Address: Carrer Zona Formentor, 66A, 07460.

Beach Cala de Sa Calobra

And to top it off, perhaps the most magical bay on the entire island, where a small pebble beach is located between the rocks of the Sierra de Tramuntana. This place is definitely worth getting to! Once you see the splendor that Sa Calobra offers, you will forever keep in your heart the memories of that wonderful day when you arrived here! But it is worth noting that there are no amenities on the beach, so it is advisable to take care in advance and take everything you need with you.

The shore type is rocky, the entry into the water is gentle.

Address: Carrer Port De Sa Calobra.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Despite the fact that Mallorca is an island, there are quite a lot of churches and monasteries here. By the way, services are held in all the existing ones, and any tourist can visit these temples and admire their interior decoration.

Church of St. Francis

The church is located in Palma, it was built in the 13th century, better known as a Gothic monastery that houses the tomb of the Catalan philosopher Ramon Llull.

Opening hours: 9:30–12:30 and 15:10–18:00.

Address: Basilica de Sant Francesc, 07001 Palma, Islas Baleares.

Monastery of Senhora de Cura

This monastery is located on top of a half-kilometer hill in the Randa Valley. Its distinctive feature is that most of the island is visible from here, and a bar and observation deck were recently opened here. This place is worth visiting for great views and great photos.

Opening hours: 9:30–18:00.

Address: Puig de Randa, S/N, 07629 Randa, Illes Balears.

Monastery of San Salvador

This is a former monastery building, which is located on the highest hill of Mallorca, near the town of Felanitx. Previously, monks lived here, and now the monastery is a favorite place for pilgrims. From it you can see the entire eastern part of the island.

Opening hours: 8–20:00

Address: Santuari de Sant Salvador, 07208 Felanitx, Islas Baleares.

Monastery of Luc

This medieval monastery is very revered by the residents of Mallorca; it is considered the religious center of the island! There are wonderful gardens here, as well as a large museum. There is even an inexpensive hotel near the monastery, and all because it is very beautiful here and there are picturesque mountains Sierra de Tramuntana.

Opening hours: 10–13:30 and 14:30–17:00

Address: Plaza Peregrins, 1, 07315 Lluc, Mallorca, Islas Baleares.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are quite a few museums in Mallorca, perhaps because the incredible nature here compensates for all the cultural institutions here. Below I have selected a few of the most interesting of them, which are really worthy of the attention of tourists.

Museum of Ceramics

In the northeast, not far from Palma, is the small town of Sa Cabaneta, which is considered the center of ceramics production. A museum opened here in 2002, displaying around a thousand traditional Mallorcan ceramics that are worth seeing. The museum houses a pottery school and various souvenir shops.

Museum address: Carrer del Molí, 4.

Free admission. The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 9 to 13:30.

Raiha Estate

12 kilometers from Palma on the way to the town of Sawyer is a beautiful manor house, which is an object of historical and artistic value in Mallorca. Previously, there was a Moorish building here, and after several changes of owners it came to the Count of Montenegro and was ennobled. It's crazy here beautiful landscapes, large gardens and beautiful architecture.

Museum address: Palma - Sóller Road, km. 12.2 07110 Bunyola.

Free admission.

Shoe Museum

Mallorca produces very high quality leather goods, including shoes. In 2010, a museum on this topic was opened in the city of Inca; various traditional exhibits are presented here, and temporary exhibitions with samples of various leather products are often held here.

Museum address: Antiguo Cuartel General Luque, Avenida del General Luque, 223.

Free admission. Muse It is open from Monday to Friday from 10 to 14:00, and from 16:00 to 20:00; on Saturday the museum is open from 10 to 13:00.

Parks

The island of Mallorca can be called one big park, wherever you go you will be surrounded by small picturesque bays, green spaces, majestic mountains and endless open spaces. But still there are several on the island worthy of attention national parks and reserves.

Parc Natural de Mondrago

It is pleasant to walk in this park during the intense heat, because numerous coniferous trees will protect you from the scorching sun. There are several specific routes, walking along which you can meet forest inhabitants.

Address: Sudlich von Ma-19 zwischen s"Alqueria Blanca und Portopetro.

Opening hours: 9:00–16:00. Free admission.

Parque natural s"Albufera de Mallorca

Here you can enjoy the singing of beautiful birds, as well as watch them in special houses, sit on the bank of a small river and admire its local inhabitants, and, of course, take great photos.

Address: Llista de Correus | Llista de Correus, 07458.

Opening hours: 9:00–18:00. Free admission.

Artestruz Mallorca

And here you can look at real ostriches! Moreover, you can feed them by hand, and children are even allowed to ride on ostriches. This is a small farm owned by an ordinary Spanish family, whose members will be happy to give you a tour.

Address: Pmv-6014 Km 40 | Road Llucmajor to Ses Salines, 07630.

Opening hours: 10:00–20:00. Ticket price: 12 €/person.

Nearby Islands

If you are vacationing in Mallorca, I advise you to choose a day or a whole weekend and devote it to a trip to Ibiza.

Balearia ferries depart from the main port of Palma to the port of Ibiza several times a day. The duration of the trip is approximately 3-4 hours, average price tickets range from 50 to 70 euros per person. Ferries from the Transmediterranea company also run from Mallorca to Ibiza, but please note that they only run on Sundays in the summer.

Details and schedule can be found on the company's official website.

In Ibiza, you can walk around the island's capital of the same name and look at its protective walls, which were built here in the Middle Ages. It is also worth visiting the Punic Necropolis, and be sure to visit picturesque bay Cala d'Hort.

Food. What to try

At first you might think that there are no traditional dishes in Mallorca, and that everyone there eats the usual Spanish gazpacho, tapas and tortillas. But how surprised I was when I found out that this small island have their own National dishes, which you cannot try on the continental part of the country.

Mallorquina soup

It consists of a broth with vegetables and pork and is served with sliced bread.

The soup is incredibly tasty and very filling, that’s why we love it so much local residents.

Tumbet

It contains vegetables, namely potatoes, eggplants and onions.

And also add meat or fish to taste.

Sobrasada

Be sure to try it - it is a moderately spicy sausage made from minced pork and bacon, very reminiscent of chorizo, popular in Spain, since their cooking technology is very similar.

Ensaimada

And for dessert, don't forget to enjoy this delicious Mallorcan layer cake. It is rightfully considered the most favorite sweet of local residents.

The ensaymada dough is airy, melting in your mouth, the pie itself is filled with whipped cream or delicate syrup, and the top is generously sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Beverages

Popular local drinks include liqueurs: Herbas secas (dry) and Herbas dulces (sweet). They are infused with anise with the addition of various aromatic herbs.

A very popular aperitif on the island is Palo, made by mixing sweet caramel with bitter cinchona bark.

Here I will give a list best restaurants on the island:

Es Raco d'es Teix (average bill is 50–70 €);
Salvia Restaurant (average bill is 20 €);
A ma Maison (average bill is 30 €);
Restaurante Toque (average bill is 35 €);
Restaurante Peix Vermell (average bill is 40 €)

And a few more establishments with prices.

Budget:

Kingfisher Restaurant;
El Norte Sidreria Restaurante;
QuitaPenas Valldemossa;
5illes Eat & Drink;
Restaurante Luna 36.

Mid-level:

Como En Casa;
Smith's Cafe-Bar-Restaurant;
Ca"n BoQueta;
Bistro Mercat;
Marsim Bistrobarante.

Quadrat Restaurant;
Ribello;
Restaurant Ca"n Josep;
Ola del Mar;
Forn de Sant Joan.

Holidays

As the locals joke, in Mallorca every day is a holiday! And this is completely justified: the wonderful climate, beautiful nature and endless sea help ensure that the island’s residents are always in a great mood. But there are also several official holidays here.

Carnival of Sant Rua

A special holiday in Mallorca is the Sa Rua carnival. Here it is held in winter, in the first half of February.

Decorated residents in costumes take to the streets of the capital and organize a procession. The carnival is held before the start of Catholic Lent.

Mallorca Day

This holiday is celebrated on September 12; it was adopted by King Jaime II back in 1276, when the island of Mallorca was liberated from Muslims.

On this day, concerts and fairs are organized on the island.

Safety. What to watch out for

The island of Mallorca seemed very calm and safe place. Of course, you shouldn’t rule out pickpocketing, which is widespread in Europe, but in general, walking around Palma and its surroundings in the evening is not at all scary, because in the summer life here is in full swing until late at night.

In large stores and supermarkets you will definitely not be deceived, and in small souvenir shops you can recalculate your purchase amount and the change received, just in case, although in general it is not common here to openly profit from tourists.

Therefore, in Mallorca you should not be wary of anything serious, but basic simple safety rules should still be followed.

Things to do

Mallorca has a lot of things to do, you can explore all the beaches of the island and go snorkeling, or you can immerse yourself in its cultural life and visit the most important museums, temples and other historical attractions of the island.

You can also go to Cape Formentor, admire the wonderful scenery and arrange a photo shoot there. Or go to the eastern part of the island to meet the owners of local farms and try their traditional dishes. Don't forget about shopping; you should definitely go to the center of leather goods - the city of Inca. There are a lot of options, choose what you like and enjoy your vacation!

Even though Mallorca is a fairly small island, shopping here is a pleasure! And all because here you can find exclusive things that are produced only in the Balearic Islands!

Majorica

vinguda Jaume III And Passeig des Born Plaza Mayor

Porto Pi

1127 Porto Pi (bus no. 1).

TOP 5 best bars in Mallorca:

TOP 5 best clubs in Mallorca:

Extreme Sports

If you love water sports, such as diving, surfing, snorkeling or windsurfing, then Mallorca is the perfect destination for you. After all, it is here in the resort of Alcudia that the water sports center is located. This excellent place recreation for those who prefer active recreation.

For more than 20 years, the school has been offering travelers training in rowing, windsurfing, basic navigation, and sailing. In addition, guests of the center can paraglid and ride mountain biking. And if you are interested in yachting, you can take an introductory course here. In general, you definitely won’t be bored!

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

From the island of Mallorca you can bring a lot of original gifts to your friends and family. You can buy the traditional summer sandals that I wrote about above, by the way, here you can even buy a magnet in the shape of such sandals! Be sure to take an ensaymada cake with you, which can be stored for 2-3 days if unopened, and please your friends with this delicacy in the first days after arriving home (average price per kilo is 7-10 €).

And don’t forget that high-quality leather goods are made in the city of Inca, so feel free to buy bags, belts and shoes.

Shopping and stores

Even though Mallorca is a fairly small island, shopping here is a pleasure! And all because here you can find exclusive things that are produced only in the Balearic Islands!

An excellent example is the traditional summer sandal - avarki. The neighboring island of Menorca is considered their homeland. They are made from genuine leather, in various colors - standard plain or decorated with beads, bright prints, and rhinestones. In Mallorca they are sold both in small shoe stores and in tanneries, for example in the city of Inca. These unusual sandals can be a great souvenir for family and friends, and will look great with both shorts and flowy dresses. Their cost varies depending on the materials from which they are made, but the average price of avarok is around 30 € per pair.

And this is where the famous artificial pearl factory is located. Majorica . If you find yourself in a company store, you definitely won’t be left without a purchase! Pearl beads and bracelets, earrings and pendants are distinguished by their elegance and excellent quality. Prices for pearls vary, for example, the average cost of a pearl necklace is about 300 €, but a pearl bracelet will cost you 100 €. By the way, the factory’s products have a 10-year warranty!

Of course, don’t forget about leather products. Head straight to the city of Inca, where leather factories and shoe and accessory shops are located at every turn. Popular shoe manufacturers here are: Camper, Bestard, Jaime Mascaro, Barrats, Tomeu, Bestard.

In Palma, go shopping in the areas: A vinguda Jaume III And Passeig des Born, as well as many shops you will find on the pedestrian street around Plaza Mayor. Will help you avoid getting lost again tourist map Palm trees, where all the main streets are marked.

As throughout Spain, the most popular shopping center here is considered El Corte Ingles (Address: Alexandre Rosselló, 12-16). There are 3 stops near the shopping center:

422 Grans Magatzems (buses no. 1, 15, 23, 30 stop here).
195 Grans Magatzems (buses no. 2, 6, 12, 19, 41, 46).
48 Grans Magatzems (buses no. 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 24).

And another 2 kilometers from Palma there is a large shopping mall Porto Pi(Avinguda de Gabriel Roca, 54). There are 2 stops next to it:

65 Porto Pi (buses No. 3, 20 stop here).
1127 Porto Pi (bus no. 1).

Sales in Mallorca traditionally take place in the winter from January to March and in the summer from July 1st to the end of August.

Bars

TOP 5 best bars in Mallorca:

Cuba 58 (opening hours can be checked by calling +34 653 32 34 50, average price per drink - 15 €);
Cafe Atlantico Cocktail Bar (opening hours: 13:00–02:30, average price per cocktail - 10 €);
El Ancla (opening hours: 19:30–02:30, average price per drink - 7 €);
Samoa Bar (opening hours can be checked by calling +34 971 26 37 01, average price for a drink is 5 €);
Waikiki - Cocktail Bar (opening hours: 11–01:30, average price per drink - 8 €).

Clubs and nightlife

TOP 5 best clubs in Mallorca:

Pacha (opening hours: 00:00–07:00, ticket prices depend on which DJ is playing in the club, the average price is 40–60 €);
Tito's (opening hours: 23:00–06:00);
Jazz Voyeur Club (opening hours: 9:15–03:00);
BCM Planet Dance (opening hours: 22:00–07:00, average ticket price €25–30);
RIU Palace (opening hours: 21:00–05:30, entrance fee, but you can get a flyer for a free party from promoters who hand them out on the beaches).

Mallorca - holidays with children

Holidays in Mallorca with children are a great idea as you can really enjoy the peace and quiet and the children will be impressed by the picturesque scenery and encounters with wild animals that you can find in the Natura Park, on the ostrich farm or in the nature reserves. When traveling with a child, you should pay attention to the southwestern, northern or eastern part of the island - in such places there are few noisy young people and parties, so here you can truly relax and gain strength.

Ski holiday

Conditional areas. Descriptions and features

The island of Mallorca is divided into 7 main areas:

metropolitan,
central,
northwestern,
southern,
southwestern,
southeastern,
northeastern.

Capital area

Located closer to the southwestern part of the island, this is where the main attractions and the residence of the royal family are located. If you want to be in the center of all the events, then this is the place to live.

The city itself is quite noisy, there are crowds of tourists walking around, it is very hot and stuffy during the day, so I recommend renting an apartment or staying in a hotel, which is located a few kilometers from Palma. I lived near the beach of Cala Major - this is a typical Spanish resort suburb, there are many hotels, cafes, shops, a large public beach and several museums. In general, an ideal place for those who like a relaxed, but not too boring holiday. Housing here will be more expensive than in other areas, since this is the capital, that is, the most important area of the island.

Southwestern region

This area of the island is the most densely populated. Here are located such large cities as Illetas, Portals, Santa Ponsa, Paguera. It is best to come here with family and children, because in these places you can relax and enjoy the tranquility.

It is also here that the large Bendinat golf club is located, so the area is considered very prestigious and not at all cheap.

Northwestern region

Along the shore, in the shade of trees, there are townhouses and villas, which can be rented for the summer if desired, and here you can also see beautiful mountain landscapes. Why isn't this a heavenly place?

Northern region

This area is famous for its unforgettable views and pristine beaches. This is where the most high point islands - Cape Formentor, from which a magnificent view of the sea opens. Housing in this place will be quite expensive due to the extraordinary beauty of nature and due to the proximity to “star” villas.

Large cities in the area: Alcudia and Polença. There is a port near Poyença, from where you can sail around the island on a yacht.

Northeast of the island

It is distinguished by its beauty and serenity. Once you settle here, you will forget about all the problems and bustle of the city.

In this area you will find a large number of traditional farmhouses and farms, and you will also have the opportunity to chat with friendly locals, who may invite you to try oranges grown in their garden or their homemade jamon (cured pork).

Southeast

It is essentially very similar to the northeast and is also a common occupation agriculture and sailing, so if you want to get to know local life better and taste fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood, as well as immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the island, get acquainted with its cultural and historical component, then this is a great option!

Southern part of the island

But it is famous for its long beaches, sports bars and noisy discos. The largest resort town is Arenal. This is where the most large water park islands, an amazing aquarium with sharks and stingrays, and many bars. The place is considered quite budget-friendly for recreation, so all young people live in this part, and accordingly, the prices for accommodation here are not bad compared to costs in other areas.

If you like a bright, cheerful holiday, then this is the place for you. And just to the south is the longest beach of the island - Es Trenc. It is distinguished by snow-white sand and a light blue sea.

central part

These are picturesque estates, almond orchards, pastures and olive fields. Another great place for a relaxing holiday, while being only half an hour from Palma.

Here is located Big City Inca, which is famous throughout the world for the production of high-quality leather goods, as well as the city of Sineu, which is definitely worth a visit to look at the magnificent churches and the former Royal Palace, and also go to the largest fair on the island, which is held there on Wednesdays.

I usually look for hotels on Booking, but you can check if there is a more attractive price somewhere.

Offers for renting private apartments can be viewed here.

How to get around the island

There are different ways to move around the city and the island itself.

The most interesting one is on the island's historic electric train. It starts from Palma de Mallorca train station (Carrer Eusebi Estada, 1), travels along the island, winding between mountains and plains, and stops at train station city of Sawyer.

In addition, the island has high-speed trains that run on several routes:

Palma Inca Sa Sobla;
Palma-Manacor.

The train starts from the underground train station in Plaza de España in Palma. Tickets can be purchased from the conductor or at the city ticket office.

And of course, you can rent a car.

Taxi. What features exist

And another comfortable option for getting around Mallorca is by taxi. The average cost of a trip is 20 €. List of popular taxi companies on the island:

IB Taxi;
Mallorcataxitransfer;
Mallorca Taxi Car;
Taxi PMI;
majorcabdriver;
Fono-Taxi.

Public transport

The most convenient way to get around Mallorca is by bus. If you plan to travel around Palma itself and its surroundings, you can purchase a pass for 10 trips for 10 €, which is very profitable, since a ticket for 1 trip costs 1.5 €.

Booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?

Ancient quarters, interesting museums, rainbow mosaics, Mediterranean cuisine, gorgeous beaches - these are just some of the reasons why you should visit Spain!
My husband and I, as always, planned our trip to Spain long before the trip and, of course, on our own. We have not used the services of travel agencies for a long time, as we prefer to develop routes and choose hotels ourselves. And preparing for the next trip is an extremely exciting thing.
This was our first trip to Spain (usually we choose Asian countries). But this time we were practically persuaded to choose Spain, and we did not regret it. The warm sea, stunningly beautiful landscapes, an abundance of fruits, cheeses and jamon, as well as the friendliness of the local people made our holiday excellent.

Barcelona

Tickets were purchased several months before departure. The choice was this: either expensive tickets on a direct flight from St. Petersburg to Barcelona, or cheap tickets, but with transfers. We are not looking for easy ways, and besides, we travel quite often, so we chose tickets through Helsinki and with a transfer in Riga. AirBaltic airline tickets were cheap (about 15,000 rubles per person in both directions, departing from Helsinki), but had their limitations: luggage was paid separately (we flew with hand luggage), and you also had to register online. If you do not check in online, you will have to pay additional fees when checking in at the airport. Hotels in Mallorca were booked almost six months in advance, as summer time on good hotels there is very high demand here.

Embankment

Travel route to Spain

Two weeks flew by. Five days were allotted for Barcelona. We did not try to cover as much as possible in one trip to Barcelona. After all, in the Catalan capital there are so many interesting places: cathedrals, basilicas, monuments, beautiful squares and narrow streets! And I want to look at everything without rushing anywhere. In addition, the suburbs of Barcelona: Figueres, Girona, Sitges also attract tourists from all over the world.
For our first visit, we determined that we definitely wanted to visit the Gothic Quarter, see the Sagrada Familia by the great architect Antonio Gaudi, climb Mount Montjuïc, walk along the central Rambla, look at the Boqueria market and, of course, visit one of the most popular parks in the world entertainment - Port Aventura.

Most of all I like to combine a dynamic holiday in one trip big cities and the tranquility of a beach holiday. This time we chose the Spanish pearl - Mallorca, and managed to live on two opposite parts of the island. So, first things first!

Spanish market

The trip was strictly planned by day, and we did not deviate from the plan. To briefly describe our journey, this is what happens:
1 day: departure to Finland. Since our Schengen area is Finnish, the trip through Finland was beneficial for us (there was no need to go there specifically). So, early in the morning we took a bus from St. Petersburg to Helsinki Airport (we ordered a transfer). We took an evening flight from Helsinki to Riga. We had to spend 6 hours at Riga airport, during which time we had dinner and even slept a little. In the morning we were already in Barcelona, tired, but looking forward to a great holiday.
Day 2: Barcelona greeted us with great weather! In the afternoon we checked into an apartment pre-booked on booking.com. Despite being tired, after checking in we immediately went for a walk around the city. And the first attraction on our way was the Sagrada Familia.

Sagrada Familia

Then we went for a walk along the famous Rambla, looked into shops along the way, and visited the ancient Boqueria market. And late in the evening we managed to go to the Arena shopping center.

Arena in Barcelona

Day 3 spent in the Port Aventura amusement park and water park. And it was a very emotional day!

Port Aventura

Day 4 We didn't plan it in advance. We just went for a walk in the city center. And we found an amazing place - Citadel Park.

Barcelona

We walked along the ancient streets of the Gothic quarter and, of course, could not pass by the Picasso Museum.

Picasso Museum

Day 5 We took a morning flight from Barcelona to a heavenly place - Mallorca. We took a taxi to the hotel, located at the westernmost point of the island. Sant'Elmo - picturesque and quiet place for a beach holiday.
Days 6, 7, and 8 we spent at the beautiful hotel Universal Aquamarin & Aquavilla. The main attractions of Sant'Elma are the beautiful beach, walks along several streets and the amazing cuisine at the hotel.

Day 9 In the morning we packed our things and took a taxi to the eastern part of the island of Mallorca - the small town of Porto Colom. Here is a popular tourist sand beach Cala Marsal.
9 - 11 days we stayed at the JS Cape Colom hotel, located among picturesque cliffs. His business card is an observation deck on the top floor, from where a stunning view opens. The hotel has an all-inclusive system, but the cuisine was not at all pleasing. But I was very pleased with the presence of a good tennis court, the use of which was included in the price of the stay. Please note that this hotel is for adults only. And this is correct, since the hotel’s beach is very unique; entry into the sea is via stairs from a cliff.
Day 12 In the morning we moved to a hotel in the capital of the island - Palma de Mallorca. We spent only a day here. On the first day we saw the main attractions of the city - Cathedral and the central square, as well as Bellver Castle.

Day 13 In the morning we walked around the main square of Palma de Mallorca and spent a couple of hours shopping. After lunch we flew to Barcelona. In Barcelona we spent a romantic evening in one of the restaurants in the Gothic Quarter.

Seafood in Spain at every turn

Day 14 The last full day in Barcelona was very eventful. In the morning we went to the Laberint d'Orta park, located next to the hotel where we stayed.

Barcelona

Then we went to the center, planning to visit Gaudi’s great creation - Casa Batlló. But due to the huge queue, we postponed visiting it until our next trip to Spain. Instead, on cable car got to famous castle Montjuic, admired the beauty of the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, walked around the Olympic village, and even had lunch in the cafe of the Olympic stadium.

Barcelona Olympic Park

Also on this day we saw Spain in miniature in Poble Espanyol. This so-called Spanish Village turned out to be just a large collection of overpriced shops and restaurants.

Spanish village

We spent the evening, of course, in our already beloved Gothic Quarter.
Day 15 In the morning we bought cheese/jamon in the shops closest to the hotel. In the evening we flew to Riga. It turned out that on this very day - August 13 - Riga celebrates City Day. We found our little hotel with difficulty and had a delicious dinner at a local restaurant (the food seemed incredibly tasty compared to Spanish food). We didn’t go to the square to watch the fireworks because we were tired and didn’t want to freeze.
Day 16 In the morning we walked along the central streets of Riga, looking at all the disgrace that was happening on the streets after the celebration of the city day. After lunch we flew to Helsinki, from where we finally got to St. Petersburg by evening bus.

Prices in Spain

Holidays in Spain left a lot of positive emotions. What I especially liked was the general friendliness and openness of the Spaniards. And their language is simply music to my ears! I even wanted to learn it in order to understand not only the well-known ones - “gracias”, “ola”, “buenos dias”, etc.

Barcelona from the observation deck

Of course, while traveling we involuntarily compared a holiday in Spain with Asian countries, which we managed to visit. And everywhere has its pros and cons. The biggest disadvantage of Spain is quite high prices for food, transportation, souvenirs, excursions. But it's all in comparison! But the deposit have a good travel- do not compare with previous holidays. But when planning an independent trip to Spain, take more money! The average bill in a cafe is 30-60 Euro for two without alcohol, a taxi around the city is 10-20 Euro, entry tickets, for example, in Park Aventura - 47 Euro per person.

A little about food

The only thing we were a little disappointed in in Spain was the local food. Perhaps due to too high expectations. Before the trip, we read that Spanish cuisine can be considered one of the main attractions of the country, it is so good. We had lunch and dinner in many restaurants of different price ranges, from cheap cafes to a famous restaurant in Mallorca. But we didn’t get much pleasure. Paella, gazpacho, tapas (various snacks), chorizo - it's all, of course, delicious! But after a few days I want something completely different. This does not apply to our beloved brie cheese, jamon and, of course, sangria!

Spanish salad

When it comes to holidays in Mallorca, there is something for everyone. Either calm beach holiday and an evening promenade along local streets (such as in Sant'Elm), or unbridled fun for young people in the Arenal resort.
In a short time of travel, we saw a large number of sights in Barcelona, relaxed on the most famous island of Spain, and even had time to see a little of Riga. We will start our next trip to Spain from Madrid, and then we would like to see Seville, Zaragoza, Valencia, and the island of Tenerife. But we didn’t see all the sights in Barcelona, and we also want to visit the Port Aventura amusement park again.

It’s a good tradition for the second year in a row to extend the summer and exchange the Moscow autumn rains for sun and warmth. If last year the exchange was slightly conditional (there was no sea in Prague and Vienna), then this year we made up for lost time: we went to sunny Spain and spent first a week in Mallorca, and then on the mainland, in Barcelona.
Perhaps this was the first full-fledged Vacation (with a capital V) in my life, the way it should be - with sea and sun, parties, with a historical and cultural component and, of course, two weeks.
Long after such a rich and multifaceted vacation, the post-vacation syndrome lasted, when in the dull Moscow reality nothing but photographs, discussions, memories and new contacts on Facebook reminded of the wonderful Spanish days.

Planning is everything
When you are planning a vacation in September, and in most resort towns it is already getting cool, the choice for destination becomes not so wide (if you choose from Europe). Initially, we wanted Spain (anticipating the appearance of a six-month Schengen visa), so the choice was eventually narrowed down to its island part, because... at the beginning of autumn it is still quite warm there.
We did everything ourselves, as usual - to the Spanish visa center; on the vueling and ozone website (via Air Europa) book three flights: Moscow - Palma de Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca - Barcelona and Barcelona - Moscow; hotels on your own booking; read Vinsky and continue to study guidebooks.

Majorca,El Arenal
Impressions: beach, cocktails and clubs
Joy knew no bounds when we finally checked into the hotel and put on our swimsuits and got to the beach. The water is excellent, sand, sun!
A local specialty is drinking cocktails (mostly sangria with ice and Sprite, but any other can be used) from huge buckets with a bunch of straws, lying right on the beach. This is my favorite photo from this trip:

It looks funny when you come to the beach with a 12-liter bucket, three of you, girls, and start vigorously making a cocktail. By the way, it turns out not as alcoholic as it might seem: don’t forget about the whole bag dangerous ice!

The myth that Mallorca is a fashionable resort was completely debunked. Nothing like that, completely ordinary hotels and ordinary beaches, without any frills or bells and whistles. Locals told us that in Spain and surrounding countries Mallorca is considered budget holiday(as I understand it, like Turkey for Russia).

90% of tourists in El Arenal are Germans. In Magaluf (another resort, to the west of Palma), on the contrary, it is predominantly English. It remained a mystery at what historical moment such a division occurred, but the fact remained: during our stay on the island, we heard German speech much more often than Russian.

Perhaps, focusing on German preferences in music and parties, the owners of the El Arenal clubs chose a specific format that we did not like at all: there are no usual beautiful clubs where everyone is in dresses, and the music is not in the “thump-tum-tum” style with German motifs a la march. Therefore, in search of a good club atmosphere, it was decided to go to Palma (20 minutes from El Arenal by car/bus), to the Tito’s club, which was recommended by locals as the best club in the city. The girls liked it, but that day, unfortunately, I was at the hotel, struggling with acclimatization syndrome.

Island tours
The ideal option, of course, is to rent a car and drive yourself. But, if, like me, you use your license solely as an ID when paying for purchases in a store, you can always use the services of local travel agencies that sell excursions in the surrounding area. We chose a route through the Lluc monastery in the mountains, the port of Soller and the settlement of Fornalutx to another cute village of Valdemossa. The road was mainly presented mountain serpentine, driving along which on a huge bus it seems that you are about to hit oncoming cars and overhanging rocks. If you get seasick (like me), take anti-seasickness pills...

When we arrived in Lluc Monastery, I wanted to quote Lermontov: “ A few years ago / Where, merging, they make noise / Embracing like two sisters, / The streams of Aragva and Kura, / There was a monastery»..
Pilgrims from all over the island flock to Lluc, because... This is where the figurine of the island’s patron saint, St. Virgin Mary Luke, is located.
How the monastery was built is completely unclear, because... It's quite difficult to get there. Very close is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen: the sea turns into the sky.

At the next stop - portSoller, time seemed to stand still.. A beautiful harbor with many snow-white yachts, hillsides with cute houses, warming sun, delicious food and magical music performed on the street by the Indians.

Fornalutx And Valdemossa- two small island villages. It’s incredibly nice and cozy there and you want to stay at least for a little while, but the excursion schedule calls for further.

Valdemossa famous for the fact that Chopin and Georges Sand lived here for some time. It was here that several of the composer’s most famous works and the book “Winter in Mallorca” by the writer were written.

I would like to give a few words to our guide, a native Mallorcan, Rafael. In his, I think, about 60 fairly vigorous years, he spoke 6 (!) languages: regular Spanish, Mallorcan dialect, German, French, Russian (since he was married to Russian Natasha), and English, of course. Wanting to make his story understandable to all tourists present on the bus, Rafael duplicated the information in 5 different languages (excluding the local dialect).

Palma de Mallorca
You can take a walk in the “capital” of the island for one day, it will be just right. The town is very nice beautiful embankment, the old palace-castle towering above it, nice streets, many shops, a port with yachts, and, as I said above, night club Tito's!

The anthem of Mallorca will remain the song Call me maybe, which was the soundtrack of the last unforgettable night, which smoothly turned into a real teleportation to Barcelona..

From unvisited
Ferries depart from Palma every day to the neighboring island of Ibiza. Unfortunately, we didn’t get there because:
1) you need to spend two full days there (arrive at 7 am by ferry, leave your things at the hotel, wander around the island, go to the club in the evening, back the next morning), and out of the six we had at our disposal, it was a pity to spend them not on the beach;
2) on the days when Tiesto, Van Buuren and Guetta performed, the ferry ticket cost several times more + entrance to the clubs themselves was also paid.

Barcelona, capital of Catalonia
Try as we might, we couldn’t find anyone like Javier Bardem. As it turned out a little later, he himself is not from Catalonia at all, so he may have to go to Las Palmas, where he was born, and look there.
Catalonia is known to be a province of Spain that is strongly striving to become independent. Catalan flags are hung everywhere, everyone loves Lionel Messi, the inscriptions are duplicated in two languages - common Spanish and Catalan. As our Spaniard friend Sergio said, if there was a referendum on independence from Spain, he would vote “yes,” citing not only economic issues, but also the fact that the identity of Catalonia, customs and traditions, are suppressed by Spain (Catalonia was conquered by the Spaniards when some time ago).

Where to live in Barcelona
Since we were going to spend exactly a week in the city, it was important to live as centrally as possible and close to the necessary transport routes. After a short search, the apartments were found Feel Good Apartments Plaza Cataluña at Santa Ana, 35 (street perpendicular to La Rambla, 5 minutes to Plaça Catalunya and about 10 minutes to the Columbus Column at Portal de la Pau in the port). The location is excellent, and the small entrance door in the center of a busy street added a special flavor - we felt like natural citizens when we opened it with our own key, and without going to any reception.

The check-in system is as follows: first you need to come to the office at Ferran, 11 to get the keys. On the day of departure, the door will be locked at 11 a.m., so if you need to leave things, you can, again, walk to the office or (which is much more convenient) for a couple of euros you can drop your luggage at the locker at Carrer d'Estruc (literally 5 minutes from the apartments) .

LaMerce, feast of the patron saint of Barcelona
The day of arrival in Barcelona coincided with the national holiday La Merce (September 24): all Barcelona residents were walking, there were many concerts and street performances. Surprisingly, among the crowds of people wandering around the city, not a single policeman was seen; everything was quiet and peaceful. It was striking that the column within the framework of the Festival of Giants consisted entirely of joyful and satisfied residents of the city, even mothers with strollers were walking, in contrast to the forced processions associated with May 1 or June 12 in Russian cities. The holiday ended with a beautiful light show projection onto the city hall building, which we watched while sitting right on the square on the paving stones along with city residents and other tourists.

National cuisine and where to try it
The most popular are, of course, paella and sangria. I forced myself to eat real seafood paella - incredibly tasty, despite the unpleasant-looking scallops and shells! Sangria flowed in jugs, and this made the city even more beautiful and pleasant!

In Barcelona you should definitely eat fish and seafood, everything is fresh and very tasty.
An excellent place where they literally serve a whole mountain of seafood is El Rey de la Gamba-2 in the Barceloneta beach area. I read about this place on Vinsky, thank you very much, it’s gorgeous. And finally they bring shots, just like that :)

In the city center, the favorite restaurant with the most delicious sangria has become Ambos Mundos at Plaça Reial, 10.
We liked the breakfast the most Pastisseria del Pi at Ferran, 12, where after the second visit we were already recognized. Coffee, croissants, pies, bruschetta, puddings, etc. (and at times closer to lunch, more substantial food).

I still don’t understand why they eat jamon with melon. Maybe you haven't tried it?

Port
The harbor of Barcelona begins at the Column of Columbus, where, according to history, he sailed after the discovery of America to inform the royal couple about this. On the embankment right by the water they sell tickets for a 2-hour sail on a pleasure boat, which will take you from the harbor to the open sea with real huge waves. The entire Barcelonetta beach will be at your fingertips.
It’s nice to sit on the embankment in the evening, drink something unobtrusive, and look at the stars.

Barceloneta beach
It was a little cooler in Barcelona than in Mallorca, but we couldn't pass up the beach. An ordinary city beach with sand, starting immediately behind residential areas. The sea here is completely different: strong waves on which you can swing crazy and then shake the sand out of your swimsuit for a long time. Well, it was colder, of course, compared to the calm water of Mallorca.

If you walk from Barceloneta towards the W Hotel Barcelona along Sant Sebastian beach, you will find an amazing bar Salt, located right on the shore. Wicker chairs stand on the sand, lounge-style music, pleasant cocktails, the sea splashing at your feet, the night sky... It was very good.

ClubOpiumMar andCDLC
Some of the best clubs in Barcelona, located on Barceloneta, a stone's throw from each other. It’s great when the club is right on the beach, and you can go out onto the sand with a cocktail and listen to the waves. The music is great, the people are nice and international, admission is 20 euros, you can get there by taxi (they are in a huge number They are waiting for those who want to ride around the city at night on the Rambla and in the center in general).

Tibidabo Park
Anyone who watched Vicky Cristina Barcelona remembers old park entertainment and a red airplane - this is the park on Mount Tibidabo, where the seducer Bardem brought his two girls.
The park is over a hundred years old, but you can ride the rides without fear that they will fall apart. The American roller coaster is not scary at all, even I liked it. Cool wild high-speed train and a carousel on chains.
Tibidabo offers excellent views of the city, and it even seems that the statues of Christ on top of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart are touching the cloud.
You can get to the mountain from the Avinguda Tibidabo metro station, first by the Blue Tram, and then by funicular.

Montjuic
Montjuic is another viewpoint opposite Tibidabo. You can get there by cable car, which runs through the entire bay (it’s scary, by the way), starting from Barceloneta metro station. In general, Montjuic has a park, a Spanish village with the main attractions of Spain in miniature, and Olympic swimming pools, but since the visit to Montjuic was planned for the penultimate day, I just wanted to take a walk and take another look at the city. Therefore, having reached the end point of the cable car, we began to descend to Plaza de España in order to look at Magic fountain at the National Palace.

On the way, we found a cool little bar called Noa-Noa at Carrer de Lleida, 23, with a fun atmosphere and a Russian-speaking owner.

Port Aventura
How can you visit Barcelona and not go to the Port Aventura amusement park? Even if you are afraid of slides. There is a direct train from Passeig de Gracia station (via Tarragona in the direction of Salou), and at the station you can buy a ticket to the park + a return ticket. Helpful advice: Check the schedule of return trains and whether any interruptions in transport services are planned for this day.

We didn’t go on the two very best roller coasters (Dragon Khan and Shambhala), because... Personally, I was scared to even look at them, and when I learned that in Shambhala they only fasten the belt, and their arms dangle, I decided that this was too much.. So, even if you are not a fan of extreme slides, in Port Aventura it’s all the same there is something to ride.

Furius Baco, for example, is classified as “black”, but I enjoyed riding it even twice (it is located at the very beginning of the park). Oh God, I just read that it accelerates to 135 km/h!.. It’s not felt at all (I tried to reassure).
I really liked all the water attractions - Tutuki splash (Polynesia), Grand Canyon Rapids and Silver River Flume (Wild West). I advise you to buy a raincoat!

Return from Port Aventura back to Barcelona made me worry.. The required return train did not arrive at the time indicated by the schedule. He didn't come even after an hour. And in two hours too. It was already dark outside and even colder. People on the platform began to get nervous; no one understood how to get back to the city. Only the local Spanish Rastafarians did not strain, who, for heating purposes, lit a fire right next to the station and urged everyone to relax. As a result, taxi drivers quickly found out about the transport collapse, and we drove back (2 hours by car) for 200 euros per car... The Spaniards, what can we get from them, are constantly on strike, apparently, and there was another strike on the railway!

I won’t write anything about Gaudi and Park Guell, you just have to go there, it’s a must see!

Transport in Barcelona
If possible, it is better to avoid the metro. I have never seen such an ill-conceived and inconvenient system anywhere. Firstly, it’s incredibly stuffy there (on the platforms while you’re waiting for the train) - after 10 minutes you have an irresistible desire to see the light again and breathe in the air. Secondly, you can wait for the train, but it will not come (by analogy with the railway). Well, the system of signs indicating where to go to go further is clearly suffering. It's better to use by land transport. The same applies to the way to the airport: it is better to be sure to leave by bus or call a taxi (about 30-40 euros from the center) than to wait for an unknown amount of time for the metro.

Shopping in Barcelona
Was left until the last day. Near the square Catalonia has three large El Corte Inglés shopping centers, as well as many small shops.
Needless to say, we didn’t have time to go around everything; already when we were dragging our suitcases on the bus to the airport, we saw a wine library and ran there in joy, but, realizing that we couldn’t take much, we returned. I didn’t want to fly away more than ever! Barcelona is a wonderful, hospitable city that you should visit for at least a week. This is one of the cities you want to return to.

The largest of Balearic Islands , Mallorca, washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. His geographical location contributed to the fact that at different times the island was owned by the Arabs, the Carthaginians, and the Greeks. Currently, Mallorca is part of Spain.

No matter what the island is called by those who have visited it and loved it forever - and an ideal place for sailing, And a piece of paradise, and the best beach resort.

If you are fed up with the bustling, diverse Barcelona and have explored its attractions, it’s time to expand your borders and go further to Mallorca. In our article we will tell you how to get from Barcelona to Mallorca and back and how to get from Palma de Mallorca airport to the city center.

Distance from Barcelona to Mallorca- 203 km.

How can you get to the island? Of course, by sea. From Barcelona to Mallorca and back daily ferries run two companies Balearia and Acciona. Departure time from Barcelona at 23:00 - arrival in Mallorca at 06:30. Ferries from Mallorca to Barcelona depart at 12:30, arriving at 19:45. There are other flights - choose the ones that suit your time.

Ticket price one way for seats - from $121 during the hot August season, you can purchase them directly at the port of Barcelona (or Mallorca) immediately before departure. You can book a ticket online, for example, through the website.

This is not difficult to do - just enter the necessary data in the window on the left: from where and where you are sailing, the number of people, the date of the trip. The system also asks if you will need a car and if you need a return ticket (or just one way). Finally, having seen the proposed ferry raids, you can choose the appropriate one and pay for tickets online (bank cards are accepted for payment). Don't forget to print out the e-ticket you received in your email!

It is possible to purchase “cabin” places, for a night's rest. If you decide to buy a round-trip ticket right away, there is a chance to get a significant discount. On the ferry you can not only enjoy the beautiful views passing overboard, but also listen to music, watch a movie, and sit at the bar with a glass of cocktail.

Vacationers, for the most part, are very satisfied with ferry trips:

Many praise the cabins and overnight travel, commenting positively on the comfortable stay and delicious food served on board.
Others say that sailing on the ferry is easy and pleasant. Moreover, everything went without delays and exactly according to schedule.
Still others mention that the deck is very clean, the seats are comfortable, and the staff is polite; the employees help you board and carry your luggage.

Cruise Barcelona - Mallorca

Nowadays, short cruises in the Mediterranean are being chosen more and more often. The amenities on the ship are the same as on expensive hotel, and the atmosphere is romantic and mysterious.

For example, a 4-day trip will allow you to see several coastal cities. The liner will stay in a picturesque bay all day, you can have a good time, swim and sunbathe, and all transfers are carried out at night.

Thus, you save significantly on hotel and ground transportation.

For those who are not afraid to fly and want to save time by leaving it for inspection unknown places, there is an excellent option for traveling from Barcelona to Mallorca and back by plane. Travel time ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour - you must admit, this is quite a bit.

Ticket price It’s also very reasonable - about 30 euros one way. There are plenty of airlines offering their services for flights from Barcelona to Mallorca and back, including Vueling, Air Europa, Air France, Iberia, Air France, Niki, Ryanair, etc.

Flights operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., so choosing a time that suits you and booking tickets is easy. We advise you to opt for proven low-cost airlines (for example, Iberia or Vueling) - the tickets are inexpensive and the travel time is less than an hour.

List of airlines flying to Mallorca and approximate ticket prices (August, one way per passenger):

Iberia	from 37 euros
Ryanair, Vueling	from 19 euros
Air Europe	from 47 euros
Niki	from 217 euros
British Airways	from 230 euros
Air France	from 234 euros
Swiss Air	from 257 euros
Germanwings	from 261 euros

And now a few words about where and how to buy a plane ticket from Barcelona to Mallorca and back. It is most convenient to use online services that specialize in searching for tickets according to given conditions (route, dates, fares).

We advise you to pay attention, for example, to aviasales.ru. On the main page, you just need to enter the point of departure and arrival, the date of the flight, the number of passengers and class (economy, business, etc.). The search engine will select all possible flights, and you, in turn, will choose the one that suits the time and price by going to the seller’s website (as a rule, the sellers are the air carriers themselves - Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia, etc.).

Next, it’s quite simple, just check everything again and pay online (bank cards are accepted for payment). An electronic ticket will be sent to your email address, which must be printed before the flight and presented at the airport.

Barcelona-Mallorca: by ferry or plane?

Travelers often face the question of what is better to use to get from Barcelona to Mallorca and back, by ferry or by plane?

Cost of ferry trips more expensive than by plane. Travel time also varies - by plane it takes 40 minutes to 1 hour, and by ferry it takes about 7 hours 30 minutes. So, if you are short on time, you should choose a plane.

If free days there is plenty in stock, and you won’t be afraid of seasickness, you can safely take ferry tickets and enjoy the seascape and bright sun. However, we note that it makes sense to go by ferry to Palma de Mallorca for more than one day. True, there is also a “combined option”: sail to Mallorca by ferry, return to Barcelona, fly by plane.

How to get from Palma de Mallorca airport to the city center

Palma de Mallorca Airport (or Son Sant Joan Airport) is 8 km from the city center. You can get from the airport to the center and back by taxi or public transport.

You can take bus number 17 from the airport to the city center for 3 euros. And by bus number 1 - from the airport to Plaza de España and the port for 2.5 euros. Motion interval public transport- 15-20 minutes.

If you want to travel with greater comfort and not tire yourself of waiting for the bus, you can take taxi or rent a car.

It is more convenient to order a taxi by phone or online, through the official websites of the companies. A trip from Palma de Mallorca airport to the city center will cost you 30-40 euros (depending on the location of your hotel).

Taxi in Palma de Mallorca

The most convenient way to order a taxi is through a Russian-language service, where you can clarify your wishes and choose the class of car. Taxi and transfer prices in Mallorca are reasonable. Use:

KiwiTaxi (transfer cost from 42 euros)
(from 10 euros for transfer by shuttle bus)

Car rental in Mallorca

Another option for moving from Palma de Mallorca airport to the city center and back is by rented car. Rental services are provided directly at the airport.

You can view all offers from international and local rental companies, find available cars and book online on the website

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