Mallorca: Foods, Landscapes And Impressive Culture

Culture & History

Art & Architecture – The crisp Mediterranean light drew painters during the 20th century, but two in particular -Joan Miroand Miquel Barcelo-will be forever associated with the island. The Fundacio Pilarijoan Miro is an important art stop in Mallorca and contains many of his pieces, while Barcelo’s three-dimensional work adorns Palma’s cathedral.

Pollenca – Of all the towns of the Mallorcan interior, it is Polleng a that rises above the rest. Its two hilltop sanctuaries look down on a medieval roofs cape of stone and terracotta. Climb the 365 steps of the 18th-century chapel of Calvari or walk through oak woods to the 14th-century Santuari de la Mare de Deu des Puig. At ground level, wander the lanes, visit the Sunday market and watch the world go by from a cafe on Placa Major.

Medieval Arta – Set back from eastern Mallorca’s busy summer coast, Arta has enduring year-round char ms. Its stone buildings line narrow medieval streets that gently climb up a hillside before ascending steeply to one of the island’s most unusual church – castle complexes, the Santuari de Sant Salvador (Via Crucis). The Bronze Age settlement of Ses Paisses lies just beyond Arta.

Landscapes

Cap De Formentor – The most dramatic stretch of Mallorca’s coast is Cap de Formentor in the north of the island – an otherworldly domain of razor-edge cliffs and wind-buckled limestone peaks, topped by a 19th-century lighthouse. Start at Port de Pollenga, from where the road climbs upwards to provide splendid views of the bay. Various trails along the cape lead down to pebbly beaches and inlets.

Wine Country – Mallorca’s vineyards dot the is land’s centre, where wind mills and charming villages sit amid gently rolling countryside. Santa Maria del Cami is a gateway to the region and home to one of the island’s biggest names in wine, Bodegas Macia Batle, which runs tours with tastings. Nearby, the pretty town of Binissalem hosts year-round wineries such as architect-designed Celler Tianna Negre and celebrated Jose Luis Ferrer.

Parc Natural De La Peninsula De Llevant – This beautiful nature park, three miles north of Arta, is one of the most rewarding corners of the island’s east. It’s dominated by the Serra de Llevant, a low mountain range of wind-sculpted limestone, carpeted in woods of holm oak, Aleppo pine and fan palms. Parts of the park are accessible by car, but it’s also popular with hikers, cyclists and binocular-wielding birdwatchers. Pick up itinerary maps from the park office.

Food & Drink

Celler C’an Amer – No visit to the interior is complete without eating in one of Inca’s tellers’ – basement restaurants serving hearty Mallorcan home cooking and local wines. C’an Amer is big on rustic charm. The house speciality is lamb shoulder stuffed with aubergines and sobrasada (cured pork sausage), but the suckling pig is equally delicious.

Cooking Classes – Mallorca’s cooking- course scene is just starting to spread its wings, with restaurants and fincas (farms) offering classes where you can learn the basics of Spanish cuisine. Mallorca Cuisine holds courses at its finca, where participants learn to cook tapas or paella. It also offers culinary tours, winery visits and an educational foray into Palma’s food market.