Why Mallorca?
I could say it was the perfect storm of wanderlust, timing, and a mind desperate for a change of scenery.
But really, my $15 bottle of sunscreen was about to expire. Need a better reason?
So I began scrolling through the top ten lists for “Sunny locations in April,” and Mallocra kept popping up.
I spent days searching hotel sites and flights until midnight, compulsively checking the weather and planning my next adventure.
Trust me, doing this was better than listening to another “one of these days” rant from the friends who are too scared to travel anywhere beyond a five-mile radius from their homes.
Spring was waking up the Mediterranean, promising mild breezes, blue skies, and that irresistible urge to pack a suitcase and run for the airport.
When I finally found a reasonably priced Discover Airlines nonstop flight, despite the less-than-ideal late-morning departure, I knew the universe was telling me to drop the travitude and get on the darn plane.
Getting There
Getting to Palma de Mallorca was an adventure in itself. The only downside to my flight was the late-morning departure. I’m a firm believer in flying out before 9 a.m. to avoid delays and the post-9 a.m. airport crowds that can turn even a simple trip into a test of patience.
But I gritted my teeth, navigated the bustling airport, using a few travel hacks to ease the headache. For example, I scheduled my security checkpoint time, a free service offered by the departing airport.
After checking my luggage (which was included with my ticket), I strolled right to the security checkpoint. The checkpoint lane took about 20 minutes.
But not for me. Thanks to my scheduled security check appointment, I blew through security in five minutes, and that was only because my bag was ‘randomly’ selected for a search.
Following a gate change and a computer snafu, my flight board and I were soon soaring over the Mediterranean, anticipation building with every mile.
First Impressions
From the moment I set foot in Palma de Mallorca, I knew I was in for an unforgettable experience. The island’s vibrant energy, sun-drenched streets, and azure Mediterranean waters set the perfect backdrop for my adventure.
The weather was seasonally perfect: mid-70s every day, complete with sunshine and relaxed vibes.
AC Hotel Ciutat de Palma
My home base for this journey was the stylish AC Hotel Ciutat de Palma, a gem in the heart of the city. Booking through the Marriott Bonvoy program not only ensured a seamless experience but also earned me three elite-level nights, an extra reward for my loyalty!
I’d booked a Standard Queen, but SURPRISE, I was upgraded to a larger room with a small sitting area and a sofa.
Loyalty sometimes rewards you.
The room was clean, comfortable, and just as expected: no wild surprises, unless you count the natural sunlight beaming in like a spotlight on a Broadway star. The sleek work desk was perfect for plotting daily adventures (or just stacking travel snacks).
As for entertainment, the TV offered a grand total of three English-language channels, all news. Since I’m not a diehard fan of international weather reports, I was glad I packed my Fire TV Stick.
The bathroom wasn’t exactly palatial, but it was mercifully free of the dreaded ‘airplane-bathroom’ squeeze. The shower’s water pressure? Absolutely heroic—scrubbing off travel grime like it was auditioning for a cleaning product commercial. Daytime noise was a thing, but at night it was blissfully quiet, unless you count my impromptu karaoke sessions in the shower.
Hey, I might not have understood the lyrics, but the music and melody were easy to bop your head to as I sang along.
Customer service? Top notch. I requested a tea kettle and, I kid you not, it arrived in under five minutes. I’m convinced the staff has a secret teleportation device, or maybe they just sensed my disdain for espresso.
The location was spot-on: just a 15-minute walk to the majestic Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca, and a boardwalk stroll that made me feel like a Mediterranean local, with the step count to prove it; my Android watch’s fitness tracker was living its best life.
Foodies, rejoice: eateries galore and a grocery store right across the street. Getting around was a breeze, thanks to the bus stops just around the corner. I had zero excuses to skip a meal or a sightseeing detour.
Breakfast, though, was where my excitement fizzled a bit. The selection held true to the hotel’s “minimalist” ideal. Since it was included, I didn’t feel robbed. Plus, it gave me reasons to sample many cultural delicacies as I wander around town.
Additionally, the fitness room, though small, was very functional as long as no more than two people were in it at a time.
Despite the disappointing breakfast offerings and the small fitness room, the hotel’s friendly staff and its proximity to the marina and main attractions made it the ideal place to unwind and recharge.
Exploring Palma
Exploring Palma’s iconic sights was nothing short of magical. One of the best ways to soak up the city’s energy was simply to walk the town and let curiosity set the course.
I found myself discovering a vibrant mix of places, like The Jazz Lounge by Florencio Cruz, where live music spills into the night, and Camille Tapas & BBQ, which is perfect for sampling inventive small plates in a lively atmosphere.
And I can’t forget Nola, a cozy spot where the urban, playful gastronomy of New Orleans meets Spanish tapas culture. My friends laughed when I told them I flew all the way to Mallocra just to eat New Orleans soul food.
As much as I love wandering with no plan, my foodie radar led me straight to Simbad, a hidden gem where every plate felt like a celebration of Mallorca’s culinary soul.
The air inside was rich with the scent of simmering saffron and garlic, and the friendly staff made me feel like a regular from the moment I arrived.
I couldn’t resist the set menu: it promised all my favorites and then some.
First up was a steaming bowl of chicken soup, comforting and brimming with flavor, like a hug from the Mediterranean itself.
Next, the star of the show: cod au gratin, golden and bubbling, resting on a bed of perfectly seasoned potatoes. Each forkful was creamy, savory, and so satisfying I almost forgot to breathe between bites.
And just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, a decadent chocolate mousse arrived, paired with a soothing pot of green tea. Every spoonful was pure velvet, the kind of dessert you want to linger over as you watch the world go by.
Mallorca’s food scene is an endless adventure, but my lunch at Simbad was the kind of mouth-watering, soul-stirring meal that lingers in your memory long after the plates are cleared.
City Life
Each new turn revealed a unique corner of Palma’s personality, making every stroll an adventure in itself.
Exploring Palma’s iconic sights was nothing short of magical. One of the best ways to soak up the city’s energy was simply to walk the town and let curiosity set the course.
Wandering Palma’s lively streets, I found myself swept up in the city’s vibrant pulse: street musicians, bustling squares, and sidewalk cafés all blending into a sensory feast.
The city’s green spaces, like Parc de la Mar with its peaceful lake and palm-shaded paths, offered a refreshing escape and a different view of local life. Even a quick detour through a tree-lined park or a sun-dappled plaza made the city feel alive and welcoming at every turn.
Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca
The majestic Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca, also known as La Seu, rose above the city, its Gothic spires shimmering in the sunlight and daring you to try to capture its grandeur in a single photo.
This is more than just a landmark: it’s the heart of Palma’s skyline and a beacon for travelers and locals alike.
I knew I had to experience it fully, so I pre-booked my ticket online, which is highly recommended, especially in peak season, which let me snag the first entry slot of the day.
General admission is typically around €9, and hours can vary: most days, it opens at 10 a.m., but double-check the official website for holiday or weekend changes.
There’s also the option for guided tours or access to the terraces, which, for a few extra euros, are absolutely worth it for the panoramic views alone.
On the morning of my visit, I left my hotel at 9:30, camera in hand and heart pounding with anticipation. The stroll through Palma’s old town, with its stone alleyways and the gradual reveal of the cathedral’s silhouette, felt like the start of a pilgrimage.
Reaching the cathedral, I climbed the stairs and was greeted by a breathtaking sweep of the Mediterranean, the Parc de la Mar shimmering below.
Waiting for the doors to open, I sat mesmerized by the intricate façade: flying buttresses, carved saints, and a sense of history that buzzed in the morning air.
When the clock struck ten, I stepped inside as the day’s very first visitor. Sunlight burst through the enormous rose window, scattering rainbow patterns across the ancient stone.
The sheer scale of the nave, the hush of reverence, and the creative touches by Antoni Gaudí all left me spellbound.
I wandered through chapels aglow with candles, pausing to marvel at centuries-old art and the sense of peace that echoed in the vast space.
If you have time, climb up to the terraces. I’ve heard the views over Palma’s rooftops and the blue sweep of sea are unforgettable. Though my heart and soul wanted to climb up to the terraces, my legs vetoed that plan.
Visiting La Seu was a highlight of my Mallorca adventure: inspiring, awe-inducing, and a reminder of the beauty that can only be found by stepping through ancient doors and looking up.
Reflections
Wandering the cobbled streets of the Old Town allowed me to capture the essence of ‘City Life.’
I stumbled upon hidden courtyards and bustling plazas, each corner revealing a new story.
Every moment in Palma de Mallorca inspired me to slow down, savor life’s joys, and embrace the spirit of adventure.
If you’re seeking a destination that blends rich history, culinary delights, and Mediterranean charm, Palma awaits, ready to surprise and delight you at every turn.
Until next time…
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