Mallorca as you’ve never seen it before: locals relax in 5 places

The island of Mallorca and “insider tips” – these are two words that you will surely not suspect in one sentence. And yet they do exist, the island’s hidden gems far away from mainstream tourism.

My favorite island, which has also been my second home for a long time, has not been spared the developments of the last few months. Hard lockdowns, beach barriers and a lack of travelers have finally changed the former image of the lively holiday stronghold of the Germans. For the better, I think!

The opening of newly renovated hotels and the new, old focus on agricultural eco-tourism make Mallorca what it has basically always been: the most beautiful holiday island in the Mediterranean. In the following places you can hear Mallorca’s heartbeat the loudest – or the locals who are here more often.

1. Relaxed beach bar behind the Iberostar Grand Portal Nous

A visit to the beach in Mallorca is an absolute must at any time of the year. I recommend visiting the somewhat secluded beaches. Because they still exist on Mallorca, the “Hidden Beaches”. One of them is right behind the Iberostar Grand Portal Nous, southwest of Palma.

I have a very personal relationship with this house and the beach. The modern hotel looks and feels like a house of the Kameha Grand Hotel Group to this day.

Many years ago I founded Kameha as my own hotel brand, the Iberostar Grand in Palma was (actually) their very first hotel. The family-run Iberostar Group took over the house before it opened. Today you can enjoy exclusive accommodations in the 5-star resort directly on the beach and only 20 minutes’ walk from the old town in Palma. The award as “the best sustainable hotel in Spain” proves once again that luxury and sustainability are mutually dependent.

You can book a room from 235 euros, a suite with sea view from 340 euros. Tip: Avoid the Marcel Wanders rooms – they are the cheapest, but also the smallest.

Of course you can use the beach belonging to the hotel for swimming. I recommend another option: if you walk the small path behind the hotel towards Playa Portal Nous, you will pass a small chapel. Look for a small path near the chapel. This leads you steeply down to the beach, directly to a hidden beach bar. A magical place where I also saw Dieter Bohlen now and then. After just 10 minutes’ walk, you can escape the crowds of tourists in Palma and immerse yourself in real Mallorcan bathing pleasure.

2. Historic old town of Palma

The capital Palma is colorful and full of tourist groups, at least in high season. As in every larger old town, there are also beautiful and overcrowded places in Palma. I’ve always been a big fan of the historic old town and live there as long as my travel activities allow it in the cold season.

If you stroll through the streets, you will discover the picturesque mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries. The impressive cathedral la Seu is always worth a visit and of course a photo. The best thing to do is to explore the cathedral directly at the entrance at 10 a.m. The light falling through seven rose windows illuminates the old walls in a particularly impressive way.

The light spectacle that the winter sun sets off is called by the Mallorcans “el milagro de la luz”, the miracle of light. A visit is therefore worthwhile, especially in the current season.

Some of the old houses in the old town have now been converted into boutique hotels and make it possible to linger longer in this beautiful place.

A recently completely renovated city gem is the Hotel Can Cera. Originally this house was a 17th century palace. Antiquarian furnishings, loosened up with contemporary works of art and atmospheric lighting paint a historical – modern picture. On the roof terrace you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the city tour and still stay in the middle of the pulsating center of the city.

The inner courtyards are special for the city hotels in Palma. These are quiet places of refuge and at the same time reveal the character of every house. In 2011, the boutique hotel Can Cera was the first hotel to be opened by entrepreneur Miguel Conde under the umbrella of IT Mallorca Unique Spaces. Together with his wife, the architect Cristina Marti, he restored historic buildings with the aim of creating urban oases of well-being. With success, I think.

You get an overnight stay from 240 euros. Long-stay guests can look forward to a discount of up to 15 percent. The current offers can be found directly on the hotel website.

3. Castell son Claret

The Serra Tramuntana forms the hilly and rugged character of Mallorca on the often underestimated western side of the island. With the highest elevation of 1445 meters, the Mediterranean mountains offer a variety of sporting opportunities for mountain bikers and hikers. Mountain romance included.

The Castell Son Claret is only 20 minutes in the immediate vicinity of the village Es Capdellà in the southeast of Mallorca. The old walls date from the 15th century and have been restored true to the original with great attention to detail.

You can book a spacious room from 350 euros. A secluded suite with a view of the lush garden is available from 1030 euros. You can still book accommodation at Castell Son Claret until mid-November, then the hotel will go into the winter break.

4. Finca Albellon in the Tramuntana Mountains

My absolute favorite place in the Tramuntana is in an old olive grove: the finca hotel Albellons in Albellons Parc Natural. The idyllic gem is one of the first and therefore also the oldest finca hotels on Mallorca. The Vincenz family once lived from traditional olive cultivation. Today a very comfortable hotel awaits you, which is still in family hands.

Juan and his children Matthias and Franziska take loving care of every guest. For me you are the genuine proof of authentically lived excellence surrounded by the Mallorcan paradise. In this unique natural setting you will find culinary delicacies from the region and probably the most comfortable daybeds under the sun of the Mediterranean island, above all one thing – tranquility, which is only interrupted by the blocks of individual sheep and chirping crickets. A dream hideaway at affordable prices: reserve a double room with terrace from 150 euros.

5. Pollenca and Port de Pollenca in the north of Mallorca

If you long for the beach again after a stay in the mountains, then be sure to take a closer look at the north of Mallorca. Only about half an hour’s drive from Finca Albellons is the tranquil coastal town of Pollenca and its port, Port de Pollenca.

The town attracts with picturesque streets, the typical Mallorcan stone buildings and an eventful past. For me, the municipality of Pollenca shows the island of Mallorca in a compressed form. The Sant Domingo monastery developed into the city’s cultural center and still characterizes the cityscape today. Right next to the monastery, discover the main native trees and shrubs in the gardens of Joan March. My recommendation for an overnight stay is the boutique hotel Can Auli in the middle of the city.

The old stone floors and wooden stairs are reminiscent of the former manor house that housed the building in the 17th century. Today I am happy about a pleasant interior in the Mallorcan style. There is a fancy bamboo travel set in the bathroom on top. You can get affordable last-minute offers from 217 euros.

If you want to enjoy Mallorca’s best paella directly on the beach, in my opinion, drive about 25 minutes from Pollenca to what is probably the longest white sandy beach on the island, Playa Muro, and visit the “Ponderosa Beach Bar“. The restaurant is by the sea and offers a very extensive and creative cuisine.

The paella is served freshly caught. Or you can try a variation with black rice and Iberian pork. Part of the proceeds will go to local non-profit organizations. In addition, the team ensures that resources are used in an environmentally friendly manner. You can also have some dishes prepared as take-away and later enjoy at a location of your choice.