Mallorca For First Timers - 7 to 10 Days - Suggestions for Bases?

You don't need any more than one base, Mallorca isn't actually that big and everywhere can be reached very easily as a day trip when you have a car. It also means that you don't waste any time packing and moving.

My advice would be to stay in a hotel. You may or may not be aware of the strength of feeling from many islanders regarding the affordability of housing due mainly to so many properties being rented out to tourists. AirBnB, Booking.com et al have played a huge role in pricing out locals not just in Mallorca but in many tourist hotspots around the world. There are many fine hotels in Mallorca where you'll be supporting the economy and tourist industry rather than lining the pockets of wealthy property investors.

The best beaches that suit your criteria can be found in the south and southwest of the island. Es Trenc is famed for it's calm, almost Carribbean like water and as it forms part of a nature reserve it's protected from development which does mean it lacks facilities. I like S’Amarador which is in the Mondrago National Park. It is well served by a large car park (€5) and a short walk down to the beach. It's located in a small cove so the water is very calm. There are loungers and parasols for rent but these are limited in number so if you want to secure one then arrive early. There are toilets and a small chingurrito selling drinks and limited food. There are also several walking trails of varying lengths that take you through the park and to a couple of other beaches. It's a nice, quiet beach, certainly no DJ's or music of any sort.

I always find the subject of hking to be very subjective, one person's light hiking can be another person's strenuous hiking so it's always difficult to make recommendations however the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is rightly famous for its hiking and there are a number of ancient routes that are well mapped out and of varying difficulty levels. One popular route is Deia to Soller and is a fairly easy hike although don't expect much solitude if you decide to hike that route as the mountain towns and villages are becoming more and more popular. I was in Mallorca a few weeks ago and Valldemossa and Soller were absolutely packed, it just seems like they become busier than the year before. Conversely we found the southern towns of Santanyi, Campos, Cala d'Or etc to be quieter this year. I think most of the crowds in Soller etc are driven by the cruise ships, the tours don't tend to visit the other parts of the island.

I did a week in Mallorca a few years ago. I based in Palma, Alcudia and Cala Ratjada just to cover areas geographically. You might also consider Artà in the NE instead of Cala Ratjada. The different parts of the island are all so unique you really need to see at least some of each part.

I always like it when advice goes acknowledged!

JC - you want the moon on a stick, mate!

Ian

I know. I try to let it go usually but every now and then I get a bit irked. As a result I find myself less prepared to write detailed responses to questions. It doesn't take much effort to acknowledge someone who's taken the time to respond to your query.

Totally agree. But that’s the thing - writing a very detailed reply (I am guilty I think, of TMI and try to keep it as succinct as I can, usually without success) and not getting a thanks or acknowledgement is always the risk you take when you start typing.

Most people are grateful and polite enough to acknowledge our efforts here, but for the ones that don’t appear to be, well, I comfort myself by telling myself that nothing is ultimately wasted and it may prove a useful resource for others with similar queries, now or in the future, who may take the time to recognise the effort you’ve put in. Or not!

That said, if you don’t acknowledge this response, I’ll be proper vexed!! (Joking!).

Ian

Excellent response Ian.

Why thank you JC, never expected that!