What to Taste in Majorca?
The turquoise-blue waters and beautiful beaches are undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the island, but Majorca offers much more, especially in the realm of culinary delights. Balearic cuisine is an integral part of a vacation in Majorca. Seafood, fish, and fresh vegetables play a major role here, but you can also taste various specialties.2024.03.25 Co ochutnat na Mallorce.png
Zdroj: Canva
Where is Majorca?
Majorca is an island belonging to Spain, located southeast of the Spanish mainland, and ranks among the largest and most diverse of the Balearic Islands. It is also the largest and second-most populous island in Spain. With its rich history and a plethora of attractive locations, it has earned the nickname “the pearl of the Mediterranean.”
The island of Majorca is 110 km long and up to 90 km wide, attracting more than 10 million tourists annually. From spring to autumn, it becomes a paradise for cyclists, golfers, and water enthusiasts. The Mediterranean climate offers stable temperatures for most of the year, ranging around 20 °C from May to October.
Where to stay in Majorca?
The majority of tourists stay in the main, and also the largest city, Palma de Majorca, or along the adjacent coastline. This is because it is the central point of the island, which is ideal if you plan to go on day trips around Majorca every day and do not intend to rent a car. Here, you can take advantage of buses and trains that will transport you to various corners of the island.
The best place to stay in Majorca will vary for each traveler. If you prefer larger resorts with entertainment, head to the southwest coast of the island (such as Can Pastilla and El Arenal, Magaluf and Palmanova, Paguera and Cala Major). If you want something in between—lively city centers, long beaches, but also relaxation—then head to the eastern coast (such as Sa Coma, Cala Millor, S’Ilot, Port de Pollenca, Can Picafort, Alcúdia, Playa de Muro and Santa Ponsa).
If you’re looking for the opposite and crave tranquility and turquoise, crystal-clear waters, then your destination will be the southeast coast of Majorca (such as Cala d’Or, Cala Santanyí, Cala Figuera and Cala Rajada). City lovers and those interested in local history will head to the aforementioned capital city of Palma de Majorca, but Sóller is also a popular historic town.
What to taste in Majorca?
Balearic cuisine is similar to Spanish cuisine—healthy, diverse, and dominated by seafood, fish, and vegetables. However, popular dishes also include pork and snails. Among the traditional food in Majorca are tapas, also known as small appetizers, which you can enjoy before the main meal or with beer or wine. They are served on small plates, and the variety of these delicacies is truly diverse.
If you go on vacation to Majorca, be sure to try the lobster soup (caldereta de langosta), fish soup (sopa de peix), or a hearty broth with meat, vegetables, and pieces of bread (sopa mallorquín). On hot summer days, you will be refreshed by cold gazpacho soup with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and onions.
A specialty of Majorca food is the fried dish (frito mallorquín) prepared with offal and vegetables. A popular local delicacy is also white toasted bread spread with olive oil and tomato pulp, topped with ham, cheese, sausage, and olives. In addition to these specialties, another typical Majorcan dish is vegetables baked with bread (sopes mallorquines).
For vegetarians, a great choice would be the vegetable stew called tumbet, prepared with tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and onions. Even halal food is not uncommon in Majorca; you can find several restaurants with this focus.
And what about dessert? Try almond pastries called amargos or fluffy cakes in the shape of snail shells, known as ensaimada. Don’t forget to try the typical Spanish Sangria as well.
When to go for lunch in Majorca?
If you’ve ever been to Spain, you know that they adhere to “Mañana,” meaning people wake up later here, and consequently, lunch is also later. The traditional lunchtime is between 2 and 4 in the afternoon, and dinner is served around 9 in the evening. Outside of these hours, restaurants may be closed, but they might adapt to tourist activity.
If you want to taste local specialties, look for restaurants with names like “Posada,” “Tapas Bar,” or “Fonda.” If you find yourself craving something other than Majorcan food after a few days, visit an Italian, French, or Chinese restaurant.
