Travel
How you can see the very best of Mallorca in 7 days
Whereas many Mallorcan itineraries start in Palma, I desire kicking off my trip at a extra relaxed tempo in Sóller.
It’s a 35-minute drive from the airport and appears dedicated to the issues that make me pleased: a laid-back ambiance, a fantastically preserved historic sq. the place households and neighbors collect within the afternoon to talk into the evening and cobblestone streets that disguise eating places and conventional retailers.
I like the honey-colored buildings and the truth that you’re by no means removed from a view of the Serra de Tramuntana. It is the right introduction to Mallorca. We’ll base ourselves right here for a lot of the vacation because it offers quick access to Palma and the nice seashores and villages.
When to reach: Mallorca is beautiful year-round. Winter sees many coastal resorts shut, but it surely’s excellent for mountain climbing the Serra de Tramuntana and Serra de Llevant mountain ranges or having fun with cozy farm stays inland. The candy spots for many guests are spring and autumn when the climate is gentle and you may take pleasure in quite a lot of actions, however I desire summer season when it is busy and vibrant and superb for sun-worshippers.
How you can get from the airport: Should you’re staying in Palma, taxis and the EMT A1 bus, which runs each quarter-hour in the course of the day and each half-hour at evening, are handy choices. Throughout summer season, AEROTIB buses present direct routes to main resorts like Alcúdia, Can Picafort and Cala Bona.
How you can get round: The general public transport system on the island is fairly good. Palma is well-connected with buses and taxis, and TIB buses hyperlink the capital with main vacationer locations throughout the island. Nevertheless, for the itinerary I’ve created, you are going to want a automobile. It is the best strategy to discover Mallorca’s villages and hidden seashores, which are sometimes solely accessible by automobile.
What to pack: A light-weight and comfy wardrobe is your finest wager in summer season. Go for breathable materials that hold you cool in the course of the day and produce alongside a number of dressier gadgets for eating out. Locals sometimes costume up for meals (informal stylish moderately than performed up) so you will not see many individuals in beachwear on the desk – it is typically frowned upon. The west coast can expertise occasional showers even in summer season, so packing a lightweight rain jacket is a brilliant transfer. Moreover, water sneakers are a sensible selection since lots of Mallorca’s seashores are rocky, and so they’ll save your toes from undesirable cuts and scrapes.
Day 1: Begin your journey in Sóller
How you can spend the day: Examine into your resort, and in the event you’ve rented a automobile (sensible transfer), drop it off on the city’s underground public automobile park, which prices solely €6 per day. In any other case, it is nearly unimaginable to seek out parking on the slender streets, and only a few motels have their very own parking bays. As soon as settled, head in the direction of the canopy-draped Plaça de la Constitució for lunch at one of many cafes and revel in a self-guided tour of Sant Bartomeu cathedral, nicely price a search for its spectacular Modernist facade and golden shrines. Afterward, bask in memento buying alongside Carrer de sa Lluna; you may discover some old-school retailers right here promoting Mallorcan-leather crafted sneakers and conventional homewares like handstitched floral and antique-style linen napkins and tablecloths.
Dinner: There are not any late-night bars in Sóller, and dinner service normally ends at 10:30pm, which is uncommon for Spain. Plan to go out at round 7pm. A few of my favourite eating places in Sóller, equivalent to Ca’n Pintxo, are tucked away down facet streets. Ask to be seated at its candle-lit tables on the cobbled terrace to take pleasure in dishes just like the catch of the day, introduced as a silky ceviche dish and marinated in citrus and fervour fruit juices.
On the lookout for souvenirs? Don’t miss Palma de Mallorca’s best independent stores
Day 2: Port de Sóller
Morning: Be a part of the lengthy line of sweet-toothed locals accumulating their ensaïmadas (coils of flaky pastry dusted with icing sugar and generally stuffed with jam) from Horno San Cristo. Mallorca is understood for ensaïmadas and so they pair completely with a bitter espresso.
How you can spend the day: Hit the seaside! Port de Sóller is a 10-minute drive away, or you possibly can take the picket tram, which is a really cute and enjoyable strategy to journey. There are two seashores right here, the primary Port de Sóller seaside and Platja d’en Repic. Each have calm, clear waters and lifeguards on responsibility. You may lease solar loungers, lockers, and parasols for a flat day fee, and also you’re surrounded by eating places and bars. I like Patiki Beach for lunch, however I normally deliver bread, cheese and chorizo from the grocery store and make my very own picnic. Plus there are fruit distributors right here able to slice up a dragon fruit or crack open a coconut everytime you fancy.
Dinner: Get pleasure from a shocking sundown on the seaside after which make your strategy to Ses Oliveres for a contemporary seafood dinner with glowing wine and delightful views of the bay.
Here is our choose of Mallorca’s best beaches
Day 3: Fornalutx, Sa Calobra and Pollença
Morning: Begin your day with a scenic 15-minute drive to Fornalutx, usually hailed as considered one of Spain’s most lovely villages. The journey itself is a deal with by way of lush greenery and mild, winding roads. Have breakfast at Cafè Sa Plaça within the coronary heart of the village after which go for a stroll by way of the knotted streets, admiring the gorgeous window packing containers that adorn every dwelling. Cease at Panaderia de Fornalutx to choose up some conventional Mallorcan pastries for a candy deal with on the way in which to your subsequent journey.
How you can spend the day: Proceed on the MA-10 freeway and brace your self for the exhilarating (learn: terrifying) drive to Sa Calobra seaside. The MA-10, significantly because it snakes its manner all the way down to Sa Calobra, is legendary for its hairpin turns, viewpoints and cliff-edge roads. No person warned me it is referred to as “the wildest highway on the island,” so I need you to be ready. I will by no means do it once more as a result of I discovered it too scary, however the views are saga-worthy (take it gradual), and Sa Calobra is a stunner. Intention to get there by mid-morning to safe a spot and chill out on the pebble seaside or take a brief stroll to Torrent de Pareis gorge.
Night: Finish your day within the city of Pollença, a beautiful city an hour’s drive away with wisteria-draped streets that when charmed Agatha Christie. As nightfall settles, the city’s eating places and bars come to life, with households gathering within the squares to take pleasure in ice cream and wine. Go to Amazo, a comfy spot providing hearty South American and Spanish fare, for dinner. It solely seats 12, so name forward. For a extra relaxed drive dwelling to Sóller, take the flatter and extra simple MA-13 freeway.
Day 4: Deià and Valdemossa
Morning: Should you’ve ever looked for photographs of Mallorca on Instagram, you have positively seen Deià. This charming and considerably bougie spot is understood for its creative vibe, gorgeous surroundings and celeb vacation properties. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Sóller. Begin with a go to to the poet Robert Graves’ grave within the hilltop cemetery that overlooks the village. Then mosey to De Moniö for espresso, a minimalist-styled vegetarian cafe that additionally sells handmade ceramics (excellent souvenirs). Then, drive all the way down to Cala Deià, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a swim and have an early lunch at Ca’s Patró March, a restaurant overlooking the water.
How you can spend the day: Drive for quarter-hour to Valldemossa, a city declared a World Heritage Web site by UNESCO, to browse the bohemian retailers and go to Real Cartuja de Valldemossa, a museum devoted to the composer Frédéric Chopin and author George Sand. The constructing is an outdated monastery and former royal residence that dates again to 1310. Whether or not you have eaten or not, your lunchtime precedence ought to be La Posada, the place you possibly can sip wine with wood-fired steaks or contemporary salads on the outside terrace overlooking Valldemossa’s sea of terracotta rooftops and olive groves.
Night: Return to Sóller on your closing night right here and revel in dinner at C’an Llimona, a beautiful family-run Italian restaurant that values high quality produce. The pasta is made contemporary on daily basis and is phenomenal.
Day 5: Palma
Morning: Earlier than leaving Sóller for Palma, go to Ecovinyassa, a shocking citrus orchard only a 10-minute drive away, the place the air is stuffed with the perfume of oranges and lemons. They provide excursions on weekdays (besides Tuesdays) from 10am, the place you possibly can pattern freshly picked fruit, discover the gorgeous grounds, and revel in contemporary juice and a lightweight snack underneath the shade of the citrus bushes—a languid and beautiful strategy to spend the morning.
How you can spend the day: Transfer on to Palma, Mallorca’s vibrant, art-filled capital. I like to remain in Santa Catalina. That is the house of each second Palma inventive so anticipate finding dwell music, dog-friendly bars and a few form of candy deal with on each avenue nook. As soon as you have checked in to your resort, discover the historic Previous City, visiting the magnificent La Seu Cathedral, and looking idea shops equivalent to Rialto Living and La Pecera and smaller spots like Mimbrería Vidal to seek out that “oh this? I picked it up in Mallorca” piece.
Dinner: Seize a seat close to the open-plan kitchen at Vandal in Santa Catalina the place the menu reads like a map of the world with influences from South America, Asia and Europe. It is loud, so not the place for an intimate dinner, but it surely’s enjoyable. Spring for the plump and sweetly flavored beef bao and burrata with fried zucchini flower. After, hunt down the blink-and-you’ll miss it jazz-infused speakeasy Door 13. You will want a password to enter, which is normally shared on its social media.
Want extra data? Here’s our first-timer’s guide to Palma
Day 6: Cala Pi and Santanyí
Morning: Get up early, seize some snacks and contemporary fruit from a close-by grocery store (Spanish supermarkets are elite) and prepare for one more seaside day.
How you can spend the day: Begin the day at Cala Pi, a 45-minute drive from Palma. This can be a conventional Mallorcan seaside that I fell head over heels in love with – quiet and secluded (within the morning at the very least) with no amenities (therefore the grocery store run earlier than leaving). Keep in mind you need to stroll down some fairly steep stairs to achieve it. Within the afternoon, you could possibly drive half-hour to the white-sand Caribbean-esque seaside of Platja des Trenc or 40 minutes to Santanyí, a small, slow-paced city the place even the air feels light. There’s a lovely seaside right here too and a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (till 2pm).
Dinner: Stick round in Santanyí as a result of it appears particularly fairly throughout golden hour. Get pleasure from contemporary paella at one of many seaside golf equipment for dinner or truffle pasta within the courtyard of Es Cantonet. It is a couple of 45-minute drive again to Palma.
Day 7: Palma
Morning: Do not depart with out visiting the Santa Catalina market. It has just about all of the contemporary produce you possibly can consider, and you may choose up native honey, marmalade, hams and Mallorcan wines to take dwelling. Whereas there, go to Can Frau for an early tapas lunch.
How you can spend the day: Proceed to discover Palma’s charming neighborhoods or take pleasure in a calming seaside day at Portixol, a former fishing village now a stylish seaside suburb of Palma. For a novel expertise (considered one of my favorites), go to considered one of Mallorca’s glassware retailers or warehouses. The island boasts a wealthy glassmaking custom, and its oldest model, Gordiola Glass Company, has been round since 1719. Whereas there’s a store in Palma, a visit to the workshop in Algaida is way extra thrilling. Right here you possibly can witness the artwork of handblown glassmaking within the museum – the €8 entry charge is nicely price it – and peruse and store numerous merchandise.
Dinner: In Palma, go to La Rosa Vermuteria and Colmado, a vermouth bar with probably the most charming bartenders and a terrific collection of vermouth, beer and wine. Get the cheeseboard for dinner earlier than heading to the airport. Adios!
Struggling to decide on between Mallorca and Ibiza? Our writers can help
Discover out the best places to eat and drink in Palma de Mallorca
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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