Going back to Mallorca

“So, are you going back to Mallorca” she asks as she nonchalantly puts down the shovel.

“We were just there this spring” I reply.

“We were thinking about a group trip”  she says.  She paused before asking:  ”Do you want to go back”?

And it was on!

Riding along the Mallorca cami system with International Cycling Adventures.

It is no secret that Mallorca is on the top of my list of favourite cycling destinations.  I have been there 4 times in the last 6 years.  I have done the group trip and the rent an apartment trip.  I just love it there.  The roads as great for cycling, the drivers don’t hassle you and I find the people I have met along the way to be very friendly.  My understanding is that there are close to a quarter of a million cycle tourists a year who flock to Mallorca for the brilliant conditions.  Many pro teams have their training camps in Mallorca – in February, you can watch the pros in action at the Mallorca Challenge road race.  There is a brilliant cycling network with many cycling routes for any level of rider in Mallorca.

Climbing San Salvador, Mallorca.

The best Pa amb Oli - Bar Sabina, Sineu.

So – I am going back to Mallorca for another two weeks of spring riding.  Our group is planning to pedal to our hearts content.  I imagine that we will cover close to 1500 kms over the 2 weeks, we will eat in cafes all over the island, argue over who makes the best coffee (or hot chocolate for us non-coffee drinkers!!!) and pa amb oli (traditional snack – great lunch) and consume our fair share of Spanish wine.  We will shop at the Carrefour and stare in disbelief that they actually sell Vespas in the grocery store and the crazy huge selection of ham!!!

Grocery shopping at the Carrefour.

So, the next question is this – what do we do if we are not riding?  Early April may be a little soon for swimming – I found the water to be quite cold.  We will most likely have one or two rest days over the course of the vacation – so I started to dig deeper into what Mallorca has to offer.  Most of my research comes from my Lonely Planet guide book and See Mallorca on the web.  For a group of people who just can’t sit still, here is what I found:

Kayaking

What could be better than a day on the water?  If the views of the Mediterranean look anywhere nearly as good from the water as it does from the cliff tops, this option looks like a good one for me!  Mallorca has over 550 kms of coastline – definitely worth having a look.  Check out Tramuntanatours or kayakmallorca for tours.

The Mediterranean - along the Serra de Tramuntana.

Hiking

So many options for hiking – I just can’t list them all here!  For $4.95 you can download the Mallorca Hiking Chapter from Lonely Planet – a worthwhile investment if you are serious about more than an afternoon out.  While riding throughout the island, the area that looked most interesting to me was hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana area.  Why not get another look at those magnificent views and stop for lunch is Deia.  Tramuntanatours certainly seem to be a one stop shop for a variety of trips, including a number of hikes.

After a day of activity, you can always stop in Soller for an ice cream sundae!

Ice cream sundaes in Soller.

Horseback Riding

Fancy an afternoon trek through the mountains or perhaps a ride along the beach.  Perhaps some riding lessons or pony rides for the kids.  Mallorca has options for all – check out See Mallorca for more horseback riding options.

Agrotourism

Agrotourism is thriving in Mallorca.  Tour local vineyards, see how cheese and sobrassada (Mallorca’s best known sausage) are made.  Check out the Illes Balears Qualitat link for more information.

Not sure on what we will do, but my vote is on the kayaks.  How can you resist spending a day on the Mediterranean?