A Mini Guide to Palma de Mallorca and Sóller, Spain
September | 2024
On my recent trip to Spain, I explored the vibrant capital of Palma, relaxed on beaches in Sóller, and ate my way through the both cities in style. Here’s everything I did during my 4-day trip.
Where to stay in Palma
My sister and I stayed at Protur Naisa Palma Hotel, which served as the perfect base for our trip. Located just a short stroll from the heart of Palma, we could easily explore local shops, restaurants and cultural landmarks.
Each morning we started the day with a generous breakfast buffet. The rooms were a perfect blend of modern and minimalist style while still feeling cosy and comfortable.
And of course the highlight had to be the rooftop pool and bar, great for relaxing and enjoying the panoramic views over the city.
Day 1: Exploring the city
We began our day in Palma with a stroll through Plaça Major, the city’s main square, where we visited local boutiques and street vendors. For lunch, we stopped at Bar Espanya Bodega, a charming spot, known for it’s tapas and sangria.
From there, we made our way to Parc de la Mar, a peaceful park with fantastic views over the marina and nearby market. Of course, no visit would be complete without seeing the iconic Catedral de Mallorca, with it’s breathtaking architecture and lush gardens.
To finish the day, we headed to Carrer de la Fàbrica, a lively street lined with restaurants, and settled on Restaurante Brutal. The cosy yet vibrant space was buzzing with live music, making it the perfect spot to wrap up our evening.
Day 2: A beach day in Magaluf
On our second day we decided to drive out to Calvià Beach where we spent most of the afternoon in nearby Magaluf, a town well-known for it’s lively energy. We strolled along the promenade at Magaluf Beach, before stopping for lunch with Folies Calvià Beach. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing, people-watching and spending some much needed time by the water.
Later in the evening, we headed back to Palma to freshen up before dinner at Nola, a street food bar serving American-inspired Spanish dishes. The cocktails were reasonably priced, the menu was inventive, and the lively atmosphere made it the perfect way to round off the day.
Day 3: Every foodies dream …
Day three was all about indulging in Palma’s culinary scene. We booked a tapas and wine tour that took us to some of the city’s best spots, the perfect way to sample local flavours while exploring more of Palma.
During the self-guided tour we stopped at five restaurants in the Plaça Major, Plaça des Mercat and Passeig del Borne areas in the centre of Palma, eating different traditional dishes and tasting local wines that were paired with them. It was a delicious journey and one that gave us a deeper appreciation for Mallorcan cuisine.
Day 4: A day trip to Sóller
A trip to Mallorca would not be complete without a visit to Sóller. From Palma, we caught the vintage wooden train at Estació del Ferrocarril de Sóller, located right in the city center near Plaça d’Espanya.
The scenic journey takes about 1 hour and costs around 25 euros each way. The route winds through orange groves, olive trees and mountain tunnels before arriving in the Sóller valley. Once there, we spent the morning wandering through the charming town center, browsing little shops and admiring the historic buildings.
From the main square, we hopped on the iconic tram down to Port de Sóller, a short 15 to 20 minute ride with beautiful views of the water as we approached the port.
At the port, we lingered over a long lunch at Restaurante Ses Oliveres, where we tucked into a mouthwatering paella paired with local wine.
Afterward, we made our way back to Palma to collect our bags from the hotel. With a little time to spare, we enjoyed one last stroll through the city before heading to the airport. Wrapping up a trip that felt far too short, but wonderfully sweet.
Mallorca was everything I hoped for and more, a perfect getaway easily accessible from London and wonderfully easy to explore on foot. If there is one thing I would have done differently, it would be to spend more time visiting the island’s charming villages, but that just gives me another reason to return.
This trip was in partnership with First Choice Holidays, to explore more of my itineraries and hotel recommendations head over to the First Choice Insiders Hub!
For more behind-the-scenes moments from my travels, follow me on Instagram and TikTok.
Thanks for reading!
Lian x
