Belmond La Residencia

Located in the charming coastal town of deià

Belmond’s La Residencia is a beautiful and refined hotel, nestled in the scenic hills of the North Coast. One of the top three luxury hotels in Mallorca.

Can Cera

For those seeking a more urban experience in the heart of the Old Town of Palma

A  17th-century palace with antique-style furniture, a terrace and traditional courtyard. 

From €300/night

Can ferrereta

Located in santanyi, on the south-east coast of mallorca

Can Ferrereta, a beautiful retreat in one of Mallorca’s least-discovered areas, is located in the charming small town of Santanyi.

A 17th-century house turned into a boutique hotel, with stone walls and staircases, beautiful decor with a rustic feel. A place where art and nature come together.

32 rooms and an adults-only policy.

CAp Rocat

An old fortress tucked away In the bay of palma

A truly unique hotel in the bay of Palma. Talented local architect Toni Obrador is the mastermind behind the incredible transformation of this property from military fortress to luxury hotel. For those who want to be directly on the sea, this is the most stunning hotel Mallorca has to offer. The restaurant with spectacular sea views is beautiful and delish (see details in EAT & SIP).

Hotel Cappuccino

Located in the HEART OF the old Town of palma

Charming and cool. A boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town of Palma. Decorated by French design star Jacques Granges, Hotel Cappuccino (previously known as Hotel Mamà) features colorful sumptuous decor and boasts a wonderful rooftop, pool, and terrace with sensational views over the “Casco Antiguo”.

For those seeking a more urban experience, this is a great choice.

Hotel Cort

For those seeking a more urban experience in the heart of the Old Town of Palma

Part of the Design Hotels collection, Hotel Cort has contemporary maritime design and offers a rooftop with a pool, bar and restaurant.  

From €300/night

Hotel San Francesc

Located in the heart of Palma’s Old Town

A more recent addition, this boutique hotel tucked away in the heart of Palma’s Old Town is a great choice for those seeking elegance and comfort in a charming urban setting.

Mirabó de Valldemossa

A Small boutique home in picturesque mountains of Serra de Tramuntana

An old olive farm turned into a family-run, 9 bedroom boutique hotel in the town of Valldemossa, in the northwest of Mallorca.

From €360/night

Son Bunyola

Opening mid-June, a stunning restored 16th century historic finca on the Northwest coast

A restored stunning 16th century historic finca converted into a luxurious hotel, opening mid-June 2023, located in the northwest coast of Mallorca. The hotel is situated on a private estate covering over 700 acres and features stunning views of the ocean on the northern coast and Tramuntana mountain range.

26 stunning rooms and suites, three luxury villas, Sa Terra Rotja, Sa Punta de S’Aguila and Son Balagueret, 2 restaurants, outdoor swimming pool with unrivalled sea views, spa treatment rooms, and miles of hiking trails to explore.

Part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection.

 From €750/night

son net

A Cortesin Hotel, at the foot of La Sierra de Tramuntana

Lovely boutique hotel nestled in the hills of Puigpunyent, just 15 minutes from Palma. An estate turned into hotel, colonial influences galore, sharing the sophistication of its prestigious past and featuring a stunning pool and vineyard and state of the art brand new Spa. 

A wonderful destination for those who seek a quiet country setting with all the luxury services.

Son Viscos Agroturisme

Bed & Breakfast in Valldemossa

Beautiful bed and breakfast in Valldemossa. If you would like to hike, explore the charming old town Valldemossa, and possibly boat on the magnificent northern coast of Mallorca, then this region where the B&B is located is for you. If you do choose this area, car rental is a must.

Béns D’avall

Located in the mountains between Sóller & Deià

For those who love a sophisticated gastronomic multi-course experience, this restaurant is for you. Beautiful setting on the North Coast, settled in the mountains with never-ending sea views.

Ca’s patró March

Located in cala deià

A delicious fish restaurant perched on the rocks just off the sea in beautiful Cala Deià. We recommend combining with a stunning walk/hike out of Cala Deià, see details in MALLORCA – OUTDOOR VENTURE.

CAP ROCAT: SEA CLUB

Located at the Cap Rocat Hotel, in the bay of Palma

Cap Rocat’s Sea Club is a wonderful restaurant and great choice for a memorable meal, even if you’re not staying at the hotel. Just 25 minute drive from Palma, Cap Rocat is a truly unique hotel in a former military fortress. The restaurant is perched on the sea side, with spectacular views. Indulge in delicious whole grilled fish, fresh raw fish, grilled meat and traditional rices.

El olivo

Located in belmond’s La residencia hotel, deià

The gorgeous restaurant of Belmond’s La Residencia hotel in the center of the charming artists’ village of Deià.Enjoy a Mediterranean gastronomic journey at this fine dining restaurant set on a beautiful terrace overlooking the town.

Es Port De Valldemossa

Located in tiny port of valldemossa

Our favourite restaurant this summer, Es Port is a simpler setting, overlooking the sea, but with the best food on the north coast!

Known for its delicious Caldereta de Langosta, a lobster bisque. A wonderful lunch spot if boating in the area or for the adventurous drivers. The road down to Port of Valldemossa is one of the most unbelievable mountain roads ever, featuring never-ending hairpin curves. Views from the road are stunning, but those at the wheel better keep your eyes on the road!!

Es Raor & na caragola

2 restaurants Located in the port of st. Elm, North of andratx

Food is fine, would not go out of my way to visit, both restaurants have a lovely setting above the water, and are a great spot to eat at if boating in the area. They serve seafood, meat and rices.

Mhares Sea Club

Located on the southeast of Mallorca, 30 Mins from Palma

As you leave Palma by boat, direction Cap Rocat Hotel (mentioned in STAY), just beyond is a beach club restaurant that sits on the cliffs with uninterrupted views of the sea. Food is fine, would not go out my way just for the meal, but perfect if boating in the area.

REStaurante flanigaN

Located in puerto portals

An institution. Traditional Spanish cuisine, amazing starters, excellent fish and meat. Beautiful setting in bustling Puerto Portals, one of Mallorca’s favorite ports. Reservations are a must. Great for lunch or dinner.

Sa Foradada

Located on the North coast of mallorca

A rustic shack perched on the side of a cliff above a beautiful bay ‘cala’, with the most stunning views ever. Famous for its paella (make sure to reserve ahead of time), it is the must-order dish. Lunch only.

Accessible by boat (not far from Sóller and Deià), or by car by driving to Son Marroig and hiking down 45 mins. Don’t forget you have to hike up for 45 mins with a belly full of paella and wine!

Sa Roqueta

Located in Palma

Amazing fresh seafood restaurant located in Palma. Great for lunch or dinner.

Areas in Mallorca

Where do you want to be?

Having grown up going to Mallorca, Roaming Stones best knows the Tramuntana mountain region, on the north west coast of Mallorca and this where most of our recommendations are.

The Tramuntana Mountains

The Tramuntana Mountains on the north coast of Mallorca are the heart of where we grew up spending our summers. If you would like a weekend of hiking, exploring the charming old towns of Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Banyalbufar and possibly boating on the magnificent northern coast of Mallorca, then this region is for you. If you do choose this area, car rental is a must.

Check us out driving through Palma – Puigpunyent – Esporles – Valldemosa – Deià.

Old Town Palma

For those seeking an urban experience, in the heart of old town Palma, a bustling city with a beautiful port, original shopping, and great bars and restaurants to explore. The hotels we recommend (See STAY) in Palma are all in the charming “Casco Antiguo” centered around the beautiful Cathedral. Palma is around 40 minutes from the Tramuntana Mountains. You do not need to rent a car if you stay in Palma. (However if you’d like to access any of the beautiful beaches, calas, hikes on the Northwest Coast, we hightly recommend you do so).

West of Palma

If you would like a seaside weekend, then we recommend staying in this area west of Palma, between Cala Major and Portals Nous. The port of Portals is a charming area where there is shopping, plenty of boat rental options and beach restaurants. This area is ~40 minutes away from the Tramuntana Mountains.

About Outdoor Venture

Mallorca is OUr dream destination for walking & hiking

Roaming Stones is all about walking and hiking. The Tramuntana Mountains are crisscrossed by ancient paths where donkeys once traversed and which today have become an endless network of routes that connect coastal towns and mountain refugios. Most of the walking we have done and can recommend originates from the town of Esporles, 25 minutes northwest of Palma. We have done some walking elsewhere on the island, but it is limited. Hiking guides and trail maps abound. For more guided details on each hike we share, visit the Mallorca Hiking Site linked below.

Sa Foradada

trail ends with a dip in a picturesque pool-like cove

Hike Time: 1 hour 30 mins.

Level: 6/10

Incredible hike down to Cala de Sa Foradada in the Sierra de Tramuntana. Depart from Son Marroig (parking available) and follow the trail for about 40 minutes until you reach the restaurant of Sa Foradada (see EAT) and just below an idyllic spot for a swim in the beautiful cove.

See link for route details.

Route: Cala deià to Port de sóller

this trail combines eating, venturing, beaching

Hike Time: As long or short as you want to make it, 10.9 km total. Level: 6/10

One of our favorites. A great walk along the coast out of Cala Deià. When you feel like hugging a coastline, this walk is for you.

Park in the parking lot above Cala Deià. As you walk down to the cala, you will see a trail start on the far right. We usually roundtrip and return to Cala Deià to have lunch at Ca’s Patró March (see EAT) but if you’re feeling strong and adventurous you can walk the whole way to Sóller, approximately 3 hours.

See link for route details.

COastal route from port des canonge

Route departing from Port des canonge

Hike Time: 1 Hour 20 mins. Level: 4/10

Another lovely coastal walk out of the tiny Port des Canonge on the northern coast of Mallorca. Beautiful sea views and plenty of shade under pine and oak trees.

Park in the small parking lot of port des canonge and take the trail to the left along the coast. Continue as far as desired and turn around for Port des Canonge

See link for more details.

COR de Jesus & ermita de Maristella

Route departing from esporles town

Hike Time: 1 hour 15 minutes. Level: 8/10

There is a very steep 25-minute climb in this round-trip 1 hour and 15-minute hike, but it is well worth it… you will be treated to magnificent views while standing next to a statue of Jesus Christ and then, from an abandoned monastery at the top of a Tramuntana peak overlooking Esporles, you may even see Palma on a clear blue skies day.

See link for route details.

Camí Del Correu

Route Esporles to Banyalbufar, follow GR 221 path

Hike Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Level: 6/10

Begin the hike at the church in Esporles. Take the church road Plaça d’Espanya to Costa de Sant Pere and after about 150 m, in a curve, you will see the first sign for “Camí des Correu” indicated toward the left. This is the beginning of the walk. Follow signs and markers, you will have to cross the street twice in the first half hour of the walk. The heart of the walk is in the shade, under trees, with a decent uphill incline for a good 30 minutes. The walk ends with a 20 minute descent with beautiful views of terraced gardens, into the town of Banyalbufar. A great hike combining some good exercise with stunning views. See link for route details

coastal Route: Cala deià to Port de sóller

trail ends with a dip in a picturesque pool-like cove

Roundtrip Hike time: 1 Hour 30 mins. Level: 6/10

The stunning sea views and the charm of the fisherman’s port that awaits you at the end make this a special Mallorquin hike. You will roam through beautiful estates and olive groves. The large estates are required to give access to the public, and the closed gates can easily be crossed on the side. The final treat is a dip in a picturesque pool-like cove, with crystal clear blue waters.

See link for more details.

North coast anchorages

Boating on the North Coast is a treat. The magnificent vertical cliffs that drop into deep blue water are spectacular. Cruising along the North Coast is one of the highlights of experiencing Mallorca with Roaming Stones.The only place to rent a boat on the North Coast is PORT DE SÓLLER.

Our favorite boating on the North Coast begins in the bay of Cova de Sa Sal (first picture) where Sa Foradada restaurant is located, about 20 mins cruising south of Sóller. This bay is very protected and provides wonderful calm waters to spend the day.

 Cruising north up the coast from Cova de Sa Sal you will hit Cala Deià, where the restaurant Ca’s Patró March is located. The bay is small and busy so not especially good to spend too much time there. But just north up the coast (5/10 mins) from Cala Deià are many lovely anchorages around Cala Tomás.

45 mins to an hour north of Sóller are Cala Tuent (second pictured) and Cala Sa Calobra (third picture), two of our favorites.

In Cala Sa Calobra see if you can find a hole in a submerged rock on the left side of the bay as you pull in!

Cruising continues beautiful heading north; next protected bays are Cala Castell, and Cala Estremer, and then Cala Clara and Cala Molins in the bigger Cala Carbo.

 Just a little further north, you will hit Cala Bóquer, and still north from there you will come upon many more lovely anchorages, as you you make your way around Cap Formentor. Cala Figuera will be just about the last spot you can anchor in before you wrap around the point of Cap Formentor. There are some beautiful anchorages on the south coast of Cap Formentor before you head into the bay of Pollença.

North-eastern boating anchorage… Cala “El Caribe”

If what you like is shallow Caribbean-like blue water, head to the coastline just south of Cap Farrutx, south of the Bay of Alcudia, it is known locally as ‘El Caribe’ and it is just spectacular!

Pollença

Family friendly port

For those in search of a family friendly vacation in Mallorca, consider Pollença located in the northeast of the island. In Pollença you will find a wide range of home rentals, as well as water sports from sailing and water skiing, to paddle boarding and kayaking.

A Four Seasons Hotel will be opening in 2024 on Cap Formentor, a beautiful peninsula just beyond the port of Pollença.

south coast anchorages

The south coast is known for white sandy beaches.

If you are cruising out of Palma, head direction Sa Ràpita. Shortly after you pass Hotel Cap Rocat, there are some nice spots to throw an anchor around the Mhares Sea Club (mentioned in EAT).

 Further along the coast just beyond Sa Ràpita is the beautiful Beach of Des Trenc (first picture). Throw an anchor in the shallow turquoise water and then swim to the beach and take a walk amongst the nudists.

South of the Beach Des Trenc is the National Park of Cabrera, a magnificent island to spend the day discovering. Take note that anchoring around Cabrera must be organized and reserved in advance, as entry is controlled to ensure that the beautiful nature is conserved and protected from over-tourism.

On the most south-eastern corner of Mallorca is Mondrago National Park, where you will find Cala Mondrago (second pictured).

To the west of Palma is the lively port of Portals Nous which is full of shops and restaurants, one of them top-notch Flanigan, mentioned in EAT & SIP.

The best boating in this southwestern part of the island is between Andratx and Sant Elm, opposite the island of Dragonera, where you will find many wonderful inlets and bays. They can get busy at times, but Roaming Stones has spent many memorable days enjoying the swimming and sea breezes in these coves. See EAT for some lunch spots by the sea.

Bar Abaco

Located in old town of palma

Located in the charming old town of Palma, known as the ¨El Casco Antiguo¨, this bar features a stunning courtyard and delicious cocktails.

CAtedral-Basílica

Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Palma

An important landmark and a must-visit. The Cathedral offers incredible views of the bay of Palma, the port of Palma and the sea. Known as the ‘Catherdral of Light’, there are 61 stained glass windows which allow the sun to shine in at all hours of the day.

Joan Miró Foundation

preserving and celebrating the work of Joan Miró

Fundació Miró Mallorca, also known as the Joan Miró Foundation in Mallorca, is an art museum and cultural institution.

It is dedicated to the renowned Catalan artist Joan Miró, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The foundation is housed in a beautiful modernist building designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert, a close friend of Miró. The building itself is a work of art – modernist architecture and lush gardens, it offers a serene setting.

Pollença

Family friendly port

For those in search of a family friendly vacation in Mallorca, consider Pollença located in the northeast of the island. In Pollença you will find a wide range of home rentals, as well as water sports from sailing and water skiing, to paddle boarding and kayaking.

A Four Seasons Hotel will be opening in 2024 on Cap Formentor, a beautiful peninsula just beyond the port of Pollença.

Piluca osaba

Located in the HEART OF the old Town of palma

We have loved to shop at this eclectic boutique over the years, located in the old town of Palma, on San Nicolás, 16, just minutes from the magnificent Cathedral. Piluca, the store owner, curates a wonderful collection of clothes and accessories from far-reaching corners of the world.