I used to believe that all islands were small. This misconception took place easily—I spent most of my life on the tiny island nation of Singapore. You could easily get from one end to the other in about an hour. Looking back, I took this convenience for granted. The distances were much greater here in Europe, and Mallorca was no tiny island. Mallorca was sprawling, stacked with beautiful beaches and towering mountains.

Whether you prefer the mountains or the ocean, the island is covered with perfect spots, way too many for me to list. I highly recommend going on an adventure to find the perfect spot for you. The joy of stumbling on something unexpected and beautiful is beyond measure. Do check out my previous post for some inspiration! It is impossible to explore the entire island in just a few days, so here are some of the highlights of my visit, which you should check out!

Sa Foradada

The peninsula of Sa Foradada is right at the top of my list, a definite must-see when visiting Mallorca. I am much more attracted to nature and the outdoors, having grown up in a concrete jungle like Singapore. Don’t get me wrong, Singapore is beautiful in its own way, but I have never come across such naturally occurring beauty. That makes Mallorca special; the scenic beauty of the island is not artificial rather it is a gift from something greater than ourselves.

The challenge

The first part of the adventure is getting there. There are a couple of buses from the central bus station in Palma, which will take you to Sa Foradada. The Palma Intermodal Station is the island’s main transit hub, equipped with trams, buses and trains. With Google Maps and a good internet connection, you are well connected to the entire island. It is quite a trek down to the peninsula, so be prepared! Hiking under the scorching Mediterranean sun is more challenging than it may seem.

The heat is blistering, so be sure to put on tons of sunblock and pack lots of water. Swimming is the end goal, but slippers are not the way to go! Grab yourself a good pair of hiking shoes (rocks are hard). It may seem like an arduous journey, but I firmly believe that makes the reward so much sweeter. Listening to some good music out loud really sets the mood. There is nothing like jamming out to some great tunes with your friends as you inch closer and closer to your final destination.

The reward

Next comes the second part of the adventure, the reward. As we neared our destination, I felt an immense sense of satisfaction. The turquoise blue water shimmered magnificently as we passed by. The heat we had endured faded away, and all I could think of was taking a dip. Put in the work first, and you will always be rewarded! The effort of the journey makes for greater enjoyment of the destination.

You best believe that we truly enjoyed it once we got there. The reward was particularly sweet! Cooling off in the crystal clear water after the gruelling hike was exactly what we needed. It was like taking that first sip of water to quench your thirst—so refreshing! Aside from the breathtaking views, there are many other things to do at Sa Foradada. We snorkelled among the reefs and swam with the fish. They all came out to play, delighted to see us! Snorkelling in water as clear as this makes you feel like you are in another dimension.

Sa Foradada certainly is paradise. It will not be empty as it is quite famous in Mallorca, but it also does not get too crowded in this secluded cove. The right amount of people makes for the best time possible! I also got the opportunity to cliff dive off the face of the cliff, something I had always wanted to do. It was truly exhilarating to leap through the sky and crash into the water. I don’t think much explanation is necessary; it’s just good old-fashioned fun!

Palma

The capital of Mallorca, Palma, should not be forgotten either. Palma has everything, from white sandy beaches to incredible architecture. The city has something for everyone whether you are looking to spend the day shopping or sunbathing! I had spent lots of time soaking up the sun in other parts of the island, so I was most content roaming around Palma’s vibrant streets.

Palma is so much more than just a beach destination. The architecture on display is some of the best in all of Spain! Good news if you are a Gaudí fan; you can find his works all over the city. You have to pay a visit to Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca while in Palma. Take a stroll around this glorious seaside cathedral, and you will not be disappointed. Palma’s streets are excellent to wander around, be it in the day or at night. I hope you have as much fun as I did!

Valldemossa

Last but not least is the village of Valldemossa, the highest town in Mallorca. It is widely known for being the birthplace of Santa Catalina Thomas, the patron saint of the island. If you have an eye for the past, Valldemossa is definitely for you. You do not want to miss out on the rich heritage of this mountainous village. The town has an ancient feel to it; wandering through the streets transports you through time.

I was lucky enough to spend the day exploring Valldemossa with Juan’s mother and brother, the best company I could ask for. They introduced me to this delightful pastry, a local favourite. It is soft, sugary and absolutely delicious!

It is time for me to conclude my tales of Mallorca. I would like to say a huge thank you to my dear friend Juan and his family for taking me in and making me feel at home. I will cherish the memories we created together over the summer. A special shoutout to Juan for showing me around and the crazy adventures! What a wonderful time we shared!

Here is Juan being a little cheeky. Two articles aren’t nearly enough for me to cover everything I have to say about Mallorca. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed my thoughts and suggestions on the island. Tune in for the next piece about a new destination! Wishing you a great rest of the week.