Why the island is at its best before the crowds – and the heat – arrive

Even Palma, busy with visitors year-round, feels lighter somehow. More open. A little more like itself, and genuinely welcoming.

Best Hotels of Palma

Hotel Basilica – Palma de Mallorca

★★★★

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Boutique hotel in Palma’s Old Town, housed in a 17th-century building. Great location, lovely staff, rooftop pool and rooms full of character.

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And then there are the pomelo trees in bloom. On warm evenings the scent spreads around the whole house – you notice people walking past slowing down slightly – it’s quite obvious why.

Lemon trees in flower aren’t bad either, but there is something special about the pomelo blossoms. That smell, drifting through an open window on a mild evening in April, is one of those things that makes you glad to be exactly where you are.

Best Hotels of Palma

Hotel Basilica – Palma de Mallorca

★★★★

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Boutique hotel in Palma’s Old Town, housed in a 17th-century building. Great location, lovely staff, rooftop pool and rooms full of character.

Read more and book »

So, to sum it up: did Hotel Basílica live up to our expectations? Absolutely. With a location that’s hard to beat, a unique building full of character, and service that makes you feel genuinely looked after, it’s an easy choice. Would we stay here again? Without hesitation.

One small minus worth mentioning, for those who care about such things: there’s no proper espresso machine at the bar. For most guests this may be a minor footnote. For those of us who consider a well-pulled espresso or a proper cortado to be a non-negotiable part of any good morning – well, you’ll know what I mean. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is a gap worth filling, Hotel Basílica! ☕

Have you stayed at Hotel Basílica or have your own favourite spots in Palma? Drop your recommendations in the comments, I’d love to hear them!

• Neapoletan Pizza: Santa Chiara
• Burgers: Raimundo Burgers
• Italian: Osteria de Plaça Sant Francesc
• Café & Bakery: Forn de Sestació

La Terrazza is the kind of restaurant where the surroundings could easily steal all the attention. But instead of competing, the food and the view work side by side, bringing out the best in each other.

We have a “bad” habit when we’re in Mallorca. Yes, we eat out often and we have many favorite restaurants all around the island, but the ones closest to us somehow tend to be forgotten. Can Simoneta is exactly that kind of place. We pass it almost every day, without ever really getting to know it or giving it the attention it deserves.

Can Simoneta is set on a plateau high above the sea, between Canyamel and Costa de Canyamel, with wide open views and a real sense of space. It’s a resort that feels different from many others in the area. The buildings are scattered among lush greenery, some of them more than 140 years old. Everything here feels calm and unhurried, as if time slows down a little.

Sitting outside on a beautiful summer day felt like the obvious choice, and once we sat down it was easy to relax and just enjoy being there.

There was light shade from the roof, protecting us from the sun. A calm and relaxed atmosphere, perhaps also because we were the first guests of the day.

The staff were friendly, calm, and made us feel welcome right away.

The lunch menu focuses on lighter dishes, and we quickly found our favorites: a Caesar salad and a black risotto with scallops and baby squid. I have a real weakness for a well-made risotto, and here I had a good feeling I was in exactly the right place.

The lemon pie for dessert was outstanding. In a different mood, we could easily have tried every dessert on the menu, everything looked tempting!

After lunch, we took a slow walk through the surroundings. It feels more like a park than a hotel area. A small path leads all the way down to the beach. On the way back, one thought stayed with me: we really should come back and try the dinner menu soon.

The price for a light lunch for two, including dessert, wine, water, and coffee, came to 75 euros. Definitely worth it, considering the location and the atmosphere, but above all the quality of the food.

Best Hotels of Mallorca

Can Simoneta

★★★★★

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Can Simoneta is an exclusive five-star hotel on the north coast of Mallorca in Canyamel, housed in beautifully restored 140-year-old buildings. With only 26 rooms, private beach access and stunning sea views, it offers a truly unique and intimate luxury experience.

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More info: https://www.cansimoneta.com/en/restaurant

Can Simoneta is part of the Torre de Canyamel Group, which also includes its neighbour, Pleta de Mar and Restaurant Porxada de Sa Torre wellknown for its traditional Majorcan cuisine.

I have to admit it. I have a real weakness for great views. Wherever I travel, I’m always drawn uphill, toward the highest point. Just to see things more clearly. It feels like looking at a giant map from above. Your eyes wander and you recognize places. You pause. There’s no rush and no real reason. You just take it all in.

While based in Canyamel, on the northeast side of Mallorca, we’re lucky. The village is wrapped in hills and small mountains. Hiking options are everywhere. And if you want to earn that lazy beach hour or a long, satisfying dinner later, a walk into the hills is a perfect way to do it.

The tower itself is in good shape thanks to a renovation in 2011. The nearby building, once a customs guard barracks, is sadly just ruins now.

The trail starts at Carrer Ermita, where you can also park your car. It takes about 30–40 minutes to reach the top if you walk at an easy pace.

There are (blue color) trail markers along the way, and with a bit of awareness it’s easy to stay on track. The vegetation can be thick, so it helps to slow down and look around, especially near the top. Some sections are steep, but overall it’s a comfortable hike if you take it slow.

You’ll get some shade in the beginning, walking beneath pine trees that line the lower part of the trail. As you climb higher, the vegetation slowly changes, and the pines give way to low bushes and open terrain. The sun is relentless. Keep that in mind, especially in summer.

And if the limestone structure itself doesn’t impress you while you’re catching your breath, the view absolutely will. Wide-open vistas toward Cala Ratjada in the north, Artà to the northwest, and the Costa de Canyamel stretching south. But more than the view, it’s the silence that stays with you. Wind moving through the air. A few birds calling out… Up here, time seems to slow down. There’s nothing to distract you, just the feeling of standing in a place that has quietly watched over the landscape for centuries.

Small tips from someone who first did this hike in August. 🥵

• Go early or late. The light is softer, and the heat is kinder.
• Bring water. More than you think you need. And don’t forget a hat, especially in summer.
• Good shoes help. The stones can be loose near the top.
• Stay a while. The calm and the view are part of the reward.

But Mallorca offers so much more than a beach holiday. It’s not just about sun and sea anymore.

The island has changed. The old party image is slowly fading, and today many visitors come with a different mindset. They want to explore. They want to slow down. They want real experiences.

When we started discovering Mallorca ourselves, we quickly realized that this place has something special. It wasn’t just a destination anymore — it started to feel familiar. The landscapes, the light, the quiet mornings, and the long evenings by the sea made us want to stay longer each time. So, 5 years ago we decided to buy an apartment on the island and make Mallorca our second home. This must have been one of the best decisions we have ever made!

That’s actually also how the MallorcaDrive blog was born. It started with car rental experiences — and grew into a guide for exploring Mallorca with less stress and more freedom.

We created this site to share the island the way we experience it — with curiosity and a love for the details. We believe the best moments in Mallorca often happen away from the crowded spots, on a small road, in a local café, or at a beach you didn’t plan to visit.

Mallorca is an island you can return to again and again. There is always something new to see, no matter the season. And that’s exactly why it’s worth your time.

Bienvendos! 🌞

About us

Capdepera is a quiet little village with origins that stretch back a long way. It is best known for having given its name to the municipality on the north-eastern tip of Mallorca and for the castle from the 14th century that towers majestically over the Llevant area.

At first glance, it almost feels sleepy. Only when you reach the Plaza de l’Orient do you notice that there is actually some life going on. This is where Nou Segle 12 is located. Saying that something exciting happens here would be a bit of an exaggeration, but that’s exactly what makes the place so pleasant. Well, possibly on Wednesdays when it is market day and somehow more lively.

The owners of the restaurant (Michel, who is dutch and his Spanish wife) have chosen to serve food that appeals to most people. Nothing too fancy, just well-cooked dishes that work. The prices are fair, the portions generous, and the quality is consistently good.

At this point, I think we’ve ordered almost everything on the menu. And still, choosing isn’t easy. Everything is good, and looking at what other tables have ordered doesn’t help much either. Whatever you pick, you won’t regret it.

The “menu of the day,” or menu del día in Spanish, is simple and tasty. It usually starts with a salad or soup, followed by a main course and, to finish, a small dessert. Two popular choices are grilled chicken with fried potatoes and breaded hake (merluza) served with roasted vegetables. Speaking of dessert, the tarta de almendra and tarta de queso are absolutely delicious.

In the evenings, the place gets busier. It’s louder, more social, and tables fill up quickly. Chairs scrape across the ground, conversations overlap, and locals mix with visitors. Everyone seems to agree on one thing: good food, a glass of wine or a cold caña are reason enough to stop for a while.

Nou Segle 12 is the typical local restaurant where locals meet over a cup of coffee. People passing by or tired visitors to the castle stop for lunch. Nou Segle 12 isn’t flashy. Capdepera isn’t either. And that’s exactly why the combination works so well.

Check out the menu here

If you’re exploring the northeast of Mallorca, you might also enjoy Sorrentino’s in Artà, just a short drive from Capdepera. More info >>

So, if you want to experience genuine Italian joy on a plate, you have to visit Sorrentino’s. We discovered this Italian restaurant in Artà by chance when a nearby tapas place turned out to be closed.

Sorrentino’s immediately became our new favorite spot on the square. What we didn’t know then was that the restaurant had new owners and is now run by a family with roots in Capri and a deep passion for Italian cooking.

Most guests choose to sit outside, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the square. During the cooler winter weeks, an indoor table closer to the heat can be a better option. There’s also a small courtyard if you want something a bit quieter. The décor breathes southern Italy, and anyone even slightly familiar with Italian football from the eighties will recognize the tribute to Maradona. Photos and small details throughout the restaurant celebrate the Argentine legend.

As you probably know, Mallorca loves a celebration. Saints’ days, local markets, village festivals — there is almost always something happening. In Artà, much of this takes place on Plaça del Conqueridor, right outside the restaurant.

On busy days, it’s best to book a table in advance and not rely on takeaway pizza. When the square is full, the kitchen’s focus is on seated guests.

For me, pizza is still the star of the menu, but Sorrentino’s is also a great choice for pasta and risotto. And then we have the tapas plate. We’ve ordered it a couple of times, and one detail always stands out: the arancini. With my wife having Sicilian roots, this was a pleasant surprise. They’re not exactly like the ones you’d find in Sicily, but still very enjoyable — and a nice nod to Italian regional cooking.

After many visits to Sorrentino’s, we’ve never been disappointed. Not even on busy evenings when the food takes a little longer than expected. A cold beer or a glass of rosé, a friendly smile from the waitress, and the promise that the food is on its way is more than enough. Sit back, breathe in the evening air, and relax. There’s no rush.

And there are plenty of markets! Every day of the week, you can find one or more places where visitors and locals gather to explore local products, food, clothes, ceramics, plants, and much more.
You can find a list of the weekly markets here.

Below are five favorites you shouldn’t miss.

What makes this market special is the way locals organize it all together. The market is spacious and offers a wide variety of food products, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. There is also an excellent selection of sausages, cheeses, and gourmet products. In addition, you’ll find handicrafts, textiles, footwear, leather goods, wood products, local wines, and more.

If you want to take a break or grab something to eat, there are several bars and restaurants, most of them located around the main square and along the main street.

You can easily combine a visit to the market with a trip to Cala Ratjada or Colònia de Sant Pere to enjoy the nearby beaches.

Artà is easy to reach by car. From Palma, the drive takes about 50 minutes. There are several parking areas at the entrance to the village. You can also take the bus using lines 401 or 411 towards Cala Ratjada. Buses run throughout the day, and the journey takes about one hour and forty-five minutes.

The Alcúdia market mainly caters to locals, but in recent years it has also become popular with tourists and Mallorcans from other parts of the island. The atmosphere is very picturesque, and there is something interesting to discover around every corner. From gastronomic delights to historical surroundings, the experience is diverse and lively. You can find both typical Mallorcan products and goods of African origin.

To visit the market, you can rent a car and use one of the many parking options in town. The distance from Palma de Mallorca is about 54 kilometers, and the drive takes around 40 minutes. Another option is to take a bus that connects Port d’Alcúdia with the city center. There are also taxis and horse-drawn carriages circulating throughout the area.

The municipal market of Inca is located north of Palma. It is an open-air market and one of the largest on the island. The market is held every Thursday and is well known as the “city of leather.”

Here you’ll find some of the best shoemakers on the island, continuing a long tradition passed down through generations. In large showrooms, visitors can explore high-quality leather and fur products such as bags, suitcases, shoes, coats, and more.

The range of products is very diverse. There are farmer-organized stalls offering fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as local artisans selling pottery and handmade goods. You can even find animals at certain stalls.

The market runs through the historic center of the city and extends into surrounding streets. You can get there by car, but a great option is to take the train. There are approximately 20 trains running daily to Inca

Handicrafts, food, fruits, and vegetables are especially popular here. The stalls stretch from the lower part of the church to the center of town. The houses are decorated with beautiful pergolas that provide shade from the sun. You’ll also find clothes, crockery, household items, jewelry, handbags, and many curiosities. German tourists are particularly frequent visitors to this market.

Beyond the products, the market has a long history dating back to the 13th century. Although Andratx does not have direct access to a beach, it is very popular due to its location in the Tramuntana mountains. To enjoy the sea, head to Port d’Andratx, where you’ll find the sandy beaches of Sant Elm and Camp de Mar.

To reach the market, you can travel from different coastal areas in the southwest of Mallorca. From Palma, take the MA-1 freeway, which is well signposted. There is also a bus line, with a journey time of about one hour.

The town of Calvià celebrates a charming weekly tradition in the center of the municipality. The market takes place every Monday and is open from 08:00 to 13:00. Around 60 stalls are set up, offering locally produced food and handicrafts. Other products include clothing, musical instruments, footwear, and more.

The best time to visit is in the morning, before 10:00 am. After that, temperatures rise and the walk through the market can become quite hot. If you come later in the day, prices often drop, especially if it has been a slow day for the traders.

The market is located in the west of Mallorca, close to Palma. You can stay in Calvià, although it is not a very touristy area. From Palma, it takes about 20 minutes by car via the MA-1 freeway. You can also travel by bus using line 111 between Calvià and Palma, but the journey takes around one hour and thirty minutes.

Whether you’re looking for fresh local food, handmade crafts, or simply a reason to slow down and soak in the island’s charm, these markets are well worth a visit. Pick one that fits your route, arrive early, and let the day unfold naturally.

Sometimes, the best memories are found between the stalls.

Palma de Mallorca is full of restaurants, but sometimes you want to do more than just eat. You want to turn lunch into something else. Something slower. Something calmer.

So why not take the car just a short drive outside the city… and find a place with peace, flavor, and views that make the day slow down a bit?

Here are five lovely lunch stops you can reach within about 30 minutes from Palma. All offer great food, a relaxed vibe, and a break you’ll actually remember.

A classic with more than 20 years behind it.
The restaurant is set in a charming old building and almost feels like stepping into someone else’s sunny everyday life.

The menu includes everything from tapas to grilled dishes, local ingredients, and wine that turns lunch into a small celebration.

About 35 minutes from Palma, this gem sits surrounded by Mallorcan countryside.
Simple on the outside, warm on the inside – like stepping into a Mallorcan dream from another time.

Try the lamb, the fillet, or their homemade almond cake. 🍰

Tip: choose something you can eat slowly. Preferably with a glass of wine in the sun.

This is where paella, seafood, and classic Mallorcan flavors turn an ordinary day into something special.

Just a short 20-minute drive away.
An easy and relaxed stop when you don’t want to go far.

Sit on the terrace, order a Majorcan black pork burger or grilled hake, and let time slow down a little more.

Best Hotels of Palma

Hotel Cappuccino – Palma de Mallorca

★★★★★

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Ideally located in the heart of Palma, Hotel Cappuccino offers a perfect blend of style, comfort and exceptional service — a refined choice for travellers who appreciate quality.

Read more and book »

Take it easy. Don’t rush lunch.
Drive a little outside the city pulse, breathe, and let your taste buds do the work.

Mallorca isn’t just a place you visit.
It’s a place you enjoy. 🌞

• Western Water Park – Magaluf
• Katmandu Park – Magaluf
• Marineland Mallorca – Costa d’en Blanes
• Hidropark – Alcudia
• Aqualand – Arenal

Perfect for hot summer days and guaranteed fun for the whole family.

• Karting Magaluf, with options for children, youth and adults.
• XtremKart located in Mallorca Fashion Oulet.
• Karting Can Picafort, located in Can Picafort.

From this point, visitors can access Cala Figuera, Cala d’Or, and Portocolom. With the assistance of local professionals, sailing along the coast or anchoring offshore is possible. This maritime experience can also be combined with a mountain excursion through the Serra de Levante, offering a varied perspective of the region.

The Terrestrial National Park is a protected natural reserve that has been uninhabited for more than 60 years. It was formerly used as a military base and has since been restored to its natural state. Today, the area is known for its preserved marine environment. Visitors must obtain a permit from the national park authorities before entering. Anchoring is prohibited, and access is limited to two designated bays: Es Port and Cala Es Burri.

It is a fishing port in Mallorca, located in the north-east part of the island. One of its main attractions is the traditional fishermen’s crab houses, which are protected by local authorities. At the beginning of the navigation, several lighthouses can be observed along the coast. In addition, anchoring is permitted in the surrounding area, allowing visitors to swim.

• Its main attraction is “The Queen of the Pillars”. It is a large stalagmite of 22 meters high. Despite being inside the cave, you can see some windows of natural light. The best thing is the sensation of how the sound is perceived in every movement.

• This is the most peaceful and quietest cave in Mallorca. Located in the middle of a truly unimaginable landscape. It is a southern slope of Puig de Sant Miguel, in the Sierra de Tramontana.

• A combination of caves located on the east coast of the island of Mallorca. This route is impressive; with more than 10 million years of existence it gathers a series of really fascinating experiences. Composed of numerous formations as if they were fishing hooks. The best part is the music and light show offered to tourists.

Valldemossa is best known for the Royal Carthusian Monastery, where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838–39. You can still visit the small cells they lived in and see Chopin’s piano, with soft classical music often playing inside.

Today, Valldemossa is full of cozy cafés, local restaurants, small boutiques, and quiet corners perfect for wandering. In August, the village comes alive with the Chopin Festival, celebrating music in a truly magical setting.