Everyone here at World Words loves to travel. Well, travel writing would be an odd career choice if we didn’t. At any time, you’ll find several of us on the road, whether we’re on the Pacific paradise of Easter Island, in Thailand’s vibrant capital Bangkok or, well, anywhere else. The fact is, there are few places on earth none of us have been.
Once we’re back on home soil after a trip, there’s nothing we love more than writing about it, sharing our insights and discoveries about the destination. That’s why we created this Our Travels blog series – to give us a chance to share some of our more personal travel tales with you. After all, it’s this genuine wealth of travel experience that gives our work its authentic voice, allowing us to create factual, inspiring and original content. So why not share it?
This month, World Words content writer Samantha takes a trip to Mallorca, one of Spain’s sunny Balearic Islands – and her childhood stomping ground. Scroll on down to read her brand new take on a once-familiar destination…
Samantha with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Tramuntana Mountains on the other.
Why I went to Mallorca
Mallorca (or Majorca) is my childhood home, and I was desperate to introduce it to my young daughter now that she is old enough to love the beaches, the food, and the traditional way of life as much as I did as a child. For me, the early months of the year are the nicest times to visit, as the bright blue skies and sparkling sunshine make for the perfect exploring conditions, while the intense heat of summer has yet to lay a sweaty blanket over the island.
My highlight of the trip
While Mallorca is famed for its beaches, I’m always drawn to the mountains, and this trip was no exception. The Tramuntana Mountains flank the western coast, dropping dramatically into navy blue seas from pine-forested slopes. Driving the winding mountain road reveals jaw-dropping (and stomach-lurching) sea views, picturesque villages and the reservoirs of Cuber and Gorg Blau – where we saw endangered black vultures soaring above. From Valldemossa – once home to Chopin – to Soller, where the air is filled with the scent of orange blossom, it’s a part of the island which has remained unchanged for centuries and for that reason alone, I love it.
What else I love about Mallorca
There are some fabulous beaches, whether it’s the golden sand of Es Trenc, where it was easy to imagine I was in the Caribbean, or the tiny coves which pocket the coastline. But most of all, I love the central plains, where pretty villages hold their traditions and festivals dear. Plus, there are countless rolling vineyards – we enjoyed a guided tour at the 300-year-old, family-owned Bodega Ribas (admittedly, this was rather less interesting for the toddler!)
To me Palma is the perfect city, with its alfresco cafés, excellent restaurants and a charming seafront promenade lined with yachts, boutique shopping, trendy bars. And all within easy walking distance of each other. Palma is just so pretty too, with its grand cathedral, palace fountains along the central Calle Born, and labyrinth of lanes.
Some of the oldest vineyards in Spain can be found on the flat, central plains of Mallorca.
Why you should go
Despite its reputation as a sun-and-sea package holiday destination, the biggest reason I can offer for going to Mallorca is the total opposite. Go for the villages who eschew anything that might change them. Go for the rustic restaurants, and the centuries-old vineyards. Go for the abounding nature, hidden coves, towering mountains, and cosmopolitan pocket-sized capital of Palma. Leave behind the resorts and go in search of paella restaurants built into a cliff face accessible only on foot or by boat. I promise you, they are there. Better still, other tourists aren’t.
How you can visit
There are flights to Palma de Mallorca International Airport from all across Europe and with dozens of different airlines – it’s one of the busiest destinations in Europe. Public transport is quick and efficient to Palma and other major towns, but a car is needed to explore fully. You’ll find a huge choice of rental agencies across the island.
If the thought of sun, wine and siestas has whetted your appetite (and why on earth wouldn’t it?) check out some more of our travel content on Spain. Also… you can follow us on Twitter for the most up-to-date stuff.
– Article and photography by Samantha Wilson.
