Celebrating fourth of July while living abroad is less stars and stripes, no s'mores or fireworks, and more of a small block of time to settle into a relaxing vacation when the summer weather is at its best. I phoned a friend of mine who would be visiting us during this time period and gave her three locations to choose from for our weekend getaway. We were secretly crossing our fingers she would go for the beach trip but wouldn't hold it against her if she decided for the city or mountains instead. After a few days of pondering, she came back with what he had hoped for.. Mallorca.
An island of Spain and the largest of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, Mallorca is a popular destination because of its clear water and unspoiled beaches, capital of Palma, and scenic mountainside towns. So in reality, this destination is great if you can't agree on a specific landscape. Since we only had two full days on the island, we decided to spend one day at the beach and one day split between the mountain town of Sóller and the city of Palma.
My husband grew up on the beach, which I believe has rooted him in his love for salt water and sand. Then there's me... better matched with a lake environment. I like the idea of the beach but can't get past the feeling of unwanted sand in too many places. This weird quirk of mine didn't hold me back from enjoying our beach day! We ran across the hot sand to a little beach hut selling the best mojitos and Breck begged for an ice cream cone, of course. The refreshing treats were gone before we could navigate the crowded beach back to our towels. The rest of the day was spent in the water, keeping us nice and cool from the soaring temperatures and giving us some good laughs on the paddle board.
The landscape changed dramatically as we drove north into the mountains to the little town of Sóller. We slowly made our way to the central area as we window shopped along the way. Brecken counted mopeds and waved at passengers on the wood paneled tram as we sat at a cafe beside the tracks. Monique had her first and last taste of mussels with aioli which was documented on video for her husband and children back in Boston. They were washed down with an espresso and forgotten about as we planned our next move towards the Port of Sóller. We climbed onto the tram and sat back as it slowly made its way towards the port. A breeze blew over us as the little train chugged along, giving us views of Spanish homes with clothes hanging out to dry, large lemon trees, and mountains opening up to the seaside.
We drove out of the mountains and into the city to peek around at Palma. The hours in the day and temperament of a toddler were dwindling, giving us only enough time to walk through the cathedral and sit down for one last meal of tapas and paella. Although short, this trip was so much fun. We raised our glasses of sangria to a wonderful vacation with our dear friend, Monique.
Travel Notes
Purpose of Trip
Answer this question before you decide where you want to stay and what you want to do. Some people go to Mallorca and solely stay downtown in the city of Palma. Others stay in the mountain side towns and look at the beaches from afar. While some only want to stay at an all-inclusive hotel directly on the beach and not move from their lounge chair and endless cocktails. Narrowing down your ideal trip will make researching accommodations and activities so much easier.
Accommodations
After searching endless hours for hotel rooms or a suite that would fit three adults and a child, I shifted gears and looked for apartments. The apartment was amazing and definitely a place we would love to go back to. Rental Listing
Transportation
I would recommend renting a car to explore the island. There's so much to see and it gives you the freedom to take a scenic drive to various villages and coves. Click the link below to access prices and times of the tram mentioned in the blog post.
Tren de Soller Timetable
Restaurants
Cyrano, Cala Mayor
Calypso, Cala Mayor
El Tunel, Palma
Itinerary- 4 days and 3 nights
My husband grew up on the beach, which I believe has rooted him in his love for salt water and sand. Then there's me... better matched with a lake environment. I like the idea of the beach but can't get past the feeling of unwanted sand in too many places. This weird quirk of mine didn't hold me back from enjoying our beach day! We ran across the hot sand to a little beach hut selling the best mojitos and Breck begged for an ice cream cone, of course. The refreshing treats were gone before we could navigate the crowded beach back to our towels. The rest of the day was spent in the water, keeping us nice and cool from the soaring temperatures and giving us some good laughs on the paddle board.
The landscape changed dramatically as we drove north into the mountains to the little town of Sóller. We slowly made our way to the central area as we window shopped along the way. Brecken counted mopeds and waved at passengers on the wood paneled tram as we sat at a cafe beside the tracks. Monique had her first and last taste of mussels with aioli which was documented on video for her husband and children back in Boston. They were washed down with an espresso and forgotten about as we planned our next move towards the Port of Sóller. We climbed onto the tram and sat back as it slowly made its way towards the port. A breeze blew over us as the little train chugged along, giving us views of Spanish homes with clothes hanging out to dry, large lemon trees, and mountains opening up to the seaside.
We drove out of the mountains and into the city to peek around at Palma. The hours in the day and temperament of a toddler were dwindling, giving us only enough time to walk through the cathedral and sit down for one last meal of tapas and paella. Although short, this trip was so much fun. We raised our glasses of sangria to a wonderful vacation with our dear friend, Monique.
Travel Notes
Purpose of Trip
Answer this question before you decide where you want to stay and what you want to do. Some people go to Mallorca and solely stay downtown in the city of Palma. Others stay in the mountain side towns and look at the beaches from afar. While some only want to stay at an all-inclusive hotel directly on the beach and not move from their lounge chair and endless cocktails. Narrowing down your ideal trip will make researching accommodations and activities so much easier.
Accommodations
After searching endless hours for hotel rooms or a suite that would fit three adults and a child, I shifted gears and looked for apartments. The apartment was amazing and definitely a place we would love to go back to. Rental Listing
Transportation
I would recommend renting a car to explore the island. There's so much to see and it gives you the freedom to take a scenic drive to various villages and coves. Click the link below to access prices and times of the tram mentioned in the blog post.
Tren de Soller Timetable
Restaurants
Cyrano, Cala Mayor
Calypso, Cala Mayor
El Tunel, Palma
Itinerary- 4 days and 3 nights
- Day 1
- Afternoon flight from Stuttgart to Mallorca
- Pick up car reservation and drive to Cala Mayor
- Check-in
- Patio lunch at Cyrano (Food and Sangria were so good!)
- Walk around the beach town of Cala Mayor
- Grocery shopping
- Dinner at the apartment
- Day 2
- Breakfast at the apartment
- Beach day!
- Patio dinner at Calypso
- Day 3
- Breakfast at the apartment
- Drive to Sóller (30 minutes from Cala Mayor)
- Tour the town of Sóller
- Tram to Port of Sóller
- Tour the Port town and hop the tram back to Sóller
- Drive to Palma (30 minutes from Sóller)
- Palma Cathedral
- Passeig des Born
- Dinner at El Tunel
- Day 4
- Check-out and travel day
