To find Mallorca’s hidden treasures, it’s best to leave the conventional guidebooks behind and ask the locals. Today we’re going to tell you about a few of Mallorca’s best-kept secrets, told to us by Mallorcan residents. If you’re looking to escape the dreaded crowds, these are a few places you may like to try:
El Chiringuito in Costa de la Calma
Life’s little pleasures take on a new meaning in this corner of Costa de la Calma, situated between Santa Ponça and Peguera, just 30 minutes from Palma. The sea breeze, the lapping of the waves, and the rocky surroundings create the perfect setting for enjoying an incredible sunset as you tuck into a typical Mallorcan pa amb oli or you sip a refreshing cocktail in this beautiful place.
Calvià’s last green area
In the highest part of El Toro (Calvià), there is an area that extends over more than 7,000 hectares of land and sea that has been catalogued as a Natural Area of Special Interest, due to the richness of the natural habitat and scenic beauty, and that will soon become the Ponent Nature Reserve. Many bird species can be seen in this area, including the Peregrine Falcon, the European Shag, Ospreys, and the Balearic Warbler. Despite restrictions, some hikers and local residents have been known to enter the Rafaubeig military zone, which is full of abandoned buildings and tunnels.
Galilea, the sound of silence
Now leaving the coast, we head up into the mountains to visit one of the prettiest villages on the island: Galilea, just half an hour by car from Palma. With only 300 inhabitants, this tiny municipality, surrounded by mountains and Mediterranean forest, will provide you with an exceptional sense of peace and relaxation. At the heart of the village, you’ll find the church, a viewpoint, and several bars where you can take a break and admire the stunning views.
A mud bath in Es Canyaret
The coves and beaches of Mallorca are renowned for their great beauty, but only one is known for the mud hidden below its waters. This is the cove at Es Canyaret, by the tiny village of Llucalcari. A source of fresh water feeds small pools which create a mud that can be applied directly to smooth the skin and improve its appearance.
Vallgornera, an immeasurably beautiful find
Another of the lesser-known treasures of Mallorca is found underground. The Pas de Vallgornera cave (Llucmajor), is the longest cave in the archipelago, with around 80 kilometres of underwater galleries and a lake in the first room that will leave you breathless. Various speleologists agree that inside this wonder of nature, you could see almost every feature that this world contains.
