The final stop on my whirlwind tour is none other than Mallorca, one of Spain’s premier resort destinations. Using Palma as my base, I plan to immerse myself in everything from mountains to the sea, and of course, indulge in some extraordinary cuisine. My taste buds are already dancing in anticipation, and my camera is ready for the scenic beauty that awaits. What a way to wrap up this adventure!
Valencia to Mallorca
To get from Valencia to Mallorca, you have the option of either a ferry or a flight. While the ferry is cheaper, it also takes longer, so I opt for a domestic flight this time. The flight is less than an hour, so I decide to go with Vueling, a European low-cost carrier.
Vueling offers basic fares that are quite affordable, but be warned—they have strict baggage limitations. I book a plan with checked baggage through Trip.com to avoid any issues. Even for carry-on items, using the overhead compartment costs extra, so I make sure to pack everything into a bag that fits under the seat. It’s a little restrictive, but it’s a small price to pay for the convenience and speed of the flight.
The plane is on the smaller side, but it doesn’t feel as cramped as some of Japan’s LCCs like Peach. There are no monitors or extra amenities, but given that the flight is so short, it’s hardly an issue.
Palma de Mallorca International Airport is spacious, probably because it caters to tourists from all over Europe. The gates are divided into zones from A to D, and there are dozens of baggage carousels for reclaiming luggage.
Since it’s a domestic flight, there’s no need to go through customs. I swiftly collect my bags and set foot on Mallorca. The airport bus is the standard way to get to downtown Palma. Taxis are also available, but the line is discouragingly long.
Buying a bus ticket is straightforward but a bit cumbersome due to the single ticket machine. Buses are coming and going, but you might find yourself missing one because the ticket vending machine is occupied. They really should add more machines.
The ticket machine allows for card payments, which simplifies things, but you can’t buy multiple tickets at once. You have to purchase them one by one, which also contributes to the lines.
As for accommodations on Mallorca, I book the UR Palacio Avenida through Agoda. It’s just a few minutes on foot from the bus terminal, a fantastic location. The rooms are clean, and the front desk staff are particularly helpful. They’re quick to recommend areas where you can eat without paying touristy prices, which I appreciate.
国内・海外ホテル格安予約のアゴダ【agoda】
Mallorca Day1 Palma, Sóller, and Valldemossa
After dropping off my luggage in the morning, I head straight to Mercat de l’Olivar. Since tomorrow is Sunday, I’ve planned to do all my market shopping today. Unlike the markets in Barcelona and Valencia, this one boasts an array of different seafood options. I can’t resist the allure of fresh oysters and garlic shrimp (gambas al ajillo) that catch my eye at various stalls. One of the things I love about Spain is how you can easily order one dish at one place and then move on to the next. It’s like a gastronomic hopscotch, and I’m all in!
After satiating my appetite, I head to one of the main reasons I’m in Mallorca: the Sóller Railway. The station has a café attached, allowing me to soak in the nostalgic ambiance of the vintage train tracks while I wait. I couldn’t resist trying the almond and orange gelato—two of Mallorca’s famous local products.
The Sóller Railway isn’t just any train—it’s the oldest operating railway in Spain that runs north to south across the island of Mallorca. Stepping into the wooden carriage, I feel as if I’m a character in an episode of “Window on the World.” The journey takes me through the Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering breathtaking views of majestic mountains.
I had the option to buy a round-trip ticket, but I chose a one-way ticket instead. My plan is to return to Palma via a different route, allowing me to explore even more of what this incredible island has to offer. As the train chugs along, I’m captivated by the panoramic vistas outside my window—a tapestry of craggy peaks and lush valleys. This train journey is more than just a means to an end; it’s a voyage through the heart of Mallorca’s untamed beauty.
The train originally started as a tram service within Palma city before transforming into a railway extending to the suburbs. As the train rolls along, my eyes are treated to a captivating tapestry of iconic Spanish landscapes—from fields of orange and olive trees to the towering mountains in the Tramuntana region.
Since this is Spain’s oldest railway, modern amenities like air conditioning are notably absent. That’s why choosing a seat in the shade is highly recommended. The scenery differs on each side of the train, so if it’s not too crowded, I find that moving from seat to seat enhances my enjoyment of the ever-changing vistas. Whether it’s a grove of orange trees basking in the sunlight or the towering peaks of the Tramuntana mountains, each view offers its own slice of Spanish paradise. It’s not just about reaching a destination; it’s about savoring the journey.
The end of the line is the port town of Sóller, home to a quaint art museum featuring works by Picasso and Miró. It’s free to enter, so if you’re waiting for the train, a quick stroll through the gallery could be a delightful diversion. From there, the classic route is to hop onto a tram that takes you down to the harbor. The payment for this charming tram ride is made directly onboard.
Upon reaching the terminus, I find myself on a beach bustling with tourists. Compared to the beaches in Valencia, the waves here are gentler, and the water is more transparent—creating an unmistakable resort vibe. The contrast between the Mediterranean calmness and the bustling beach scene makes it a place where you’d want to stay awhile. After all, isn’t that what being on a resort island is all about? Ah, the serene simplicity of Sóller!
To get back from Sóller to Palma, there’s also a bus option. I wanted to make a pit stop in another town on the way back, so I opted for a longer bus route. Payment is made directly to the driver in cash. It’s a less traditional choice compared to the iconic Sóller train, but it offers its own form of freedom and flexibility. It’s a chance to see another facet of Mallorca, to explore a different part of its charming topography. And isn’t that what travel is all about—embracing the detours?
The bus journey takes you along the northwest coastline, with dazzling views of the sea. After being gently rocked by the bus for about an hour, I arrive in the mountain town of Valldemossa. This town is famous for being the place where Chopin spent time with George Sand.
The town retains its old-world charm, and there are rumors of it being home to many cats. My plan was to leisurely stroll through this quiet town, sharing some moments with its feline residents. But strangely, not a single cat was in sight. Could it be that the heat drove them to hide somewhere? Every now and then, I did spot some cat food and sleeping spots, so they were definitely around, just not out and about. Despite the lack of feline company, I enjoyed exploring the beautiful streets of Valldemossa before hopping on a bus back to Palma. Even without the cats, the town itself is so captivating that it’s hard not to fall in love with it.
After checking into my accommodation, I head out for dinner in the area recommended by the friendly staff at the front desk. I stumble upon “El Mariscal del Jamon,” located on a cobblestone street lined with eateries. It’s a meat lover’s paradise here, and I can’t resist ordering a platter of their specialty hams and sausages.
When the platter arrives, I’m stunned by its sheer size. But there’s nothing like a cold beer to prepare me for the culinary journey ahead. Each bite is an explosion of flavors, and the beer perfectly complements the richness of the meats. The ambience, the food, and the liveliness around make the evening nothing short of magical.
Mallorca Day 2 Santa Maria, Palma,and Playa de Illetes
Day two in Mallorca falls on a Sunday, a day when many shops in Spain are closed. So, today is all about sightseeing. My first stop is the Sunday market in Santa Maria, a nearby town. I hop on a train, and when I arrive, the station is nearly deserted. For a moment, I start to wonder if the market is even happening today. Just then, a local couple appears and, sensing my confusion, kindly directs me toward the market.
It’s little moments like these that make travel so enriching—the unexpected kindness of strangers, the serendipity of stumbling upon local gems, and the thrill of exploration. I can’t wait to see what the market, and the rest of the day, has in store for me.
When I finally get to the Sunday market, it’s bustling from early in the morning. It’s a bit smaller than I had anticipated from my research, mostly featuring clothes and bags. But I also find some lovely local items—honey and a Mallorcan pastry called ensaimada—that I just have to buy. To top it off, I hop between two wineries and decide to grab some local wine as souvenirs.
There’s something about buying local products that makes a trip feel more authentic. These are the kinds of treasures you won’t find in any supermarket back home. Every bite of ensaimada and sip of Mallorcan wine will be
After the Sunday market, it’s time for some sightseeing in the heart of Palma. The old town is a marvel of European architecture, with the stunning cathedral as its crown jewel. Walking through the narrow, winding streets, I’m surrounded by buildings that have witnessed centuries of history.
Even on a Sunday, the souvenir shops and other tourist-focused stores in the city are open. I stroll around, enjoying the sun that’s hot but not humid. However, it’s so hot that the ice cream I buy melts almost instantly—a race against time!
As the afternoon sets in, I decide to hit the beach, aiming for a relaxing swim. I hop on a bus to Playa de Illetes. The sandy beach is packed with tourists sunbathing, so I walk a little further to a rocky area where it’s less crowded. Alternating between keeping an eye on my belongings and snorkeling, I marvel at the high visibility of the water and the array of fish swimming around. It’s a snorkeler’s paradise.
Fully sated by the Mallorcan sea, I head back to Palma for my final dinner.
First, I visit a popular seafood restaurant, El Pilon. Tucked away in a narrow street, it already has a queue of around five people when I arrive. Just when I’m about to give up due to the long wait, it turns out I’m next in line! In Spain, it seems filling seats takes priority over keeping the queue in order, so a little patience goes a long way.
Here, I indulge in some delectable Matse clams that I’d discovered in Barcelona. Alongside it, I enjoy octopus and dogfish paired with white wine. Although the grilled items take time, they are worth every minute.
fter the seafood feast, I couldn’t resist a second stop—considering it’s my last dinner in town. I pass through a neighborhood filled with five-star hotels and arrive at Craft beer Toutatis, a place with a chapel-like atmosphere.
The interior of Craft Beer Toutatis has an ambiance reminiscent of a chapel, though it’s only chapel-“esque,” not an actual place of worship
try two types of local craft beers: La Blonde and Hoppy Pils. To my surprise, they serve me a mountain of mixed nuts as a side. On a whim, I also order the Mallorcan specialty Pa amb Oli with ham—a simple dish of crispy bread dipped in olive oil and topped with ham or sausage. Though I was expecting something light, it turns out to be quite substantial. In the quiet atmosphere, I savor my beer slowly before heading back.
Final day: Return trip
On my last day in Mallorca, I already had a round-trip bus ticket to the airport. Oddly enough, my ticket triggered an error on the scanner, but the driver let me board anyway—maybe this happens more often than we think? Just a word to the wise: be careful handling these magnetic tickets; they might be more finicky than they seem.
As for my journey home, I flew Air Europa from Mallorca to Barcelona, and then hopped on a Qatar Airways flight back to Kansai Airport. Air Europa is a mid-tier airline, so the planes are more spacious compared to Vueling. It’s all part of my seamless travel plan, each leg of the trip introducing me to different slices of life and levels of comfort.
At Barcelona Airport, getting in was a bit of a hassle, but leaving? A breeze. I had about three hours to kill, so I wandered around the transit area.
The Qatar leg had the usual late-night transit vibe. Perhaps because the Barcelona-Qatar flight was delayed, I was ushered to the connecting gate without going through another security check.
I arrived at Kuala Lumpur Airport in the afternoon. With a 5-hour layover, there wasn’t enough time to explore the city. So I hopped on the free shuttle bus to Mitsui Outlet Park.
The place instantly gave off a Japanese shopping mall vibe. For dinner, I had some Chinese cuisine at one of the restaurants within the park. Then it was back to the airport. A word of caution if you’re traveling through Kuala Lumpur Airport: the first and second terminals look incredibly similar, so make sure you’re at the right one. If you make the same mistake as I did, there’s a free shuttle bus between the terminals. Just be aware that the bus stops for about 15 minutes at what looks like a parking lot along the way, which can be nerve-wracking if you’re watching the clock.
I safely boarded the flight to Kansai Airport, and before I knew it, I woke up to an early morning arrival in Osaka. It was a whirlwind Spain tour, but between the gourmet food and the sightseeing, it was an incredibly fulfilling 10 days.
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