1. The city of Palma
Palma is delightful and like most Spanish cities it offers an incredible mix of gastronomy, heritage, nightlife and culture. However, what makes Palma different to other cities in the Balearics like Ibiza Town and Mahon, is that it is considered to be the jewel in the Balearic’s crown. Palma combines the picturesque grandeur of the old town with more contemporary areas like lively Santa Catalina. Son Espanyolet is where life is quiet and easy yet only moments away from the Palma Tennis Club, Marina Port de Mallorca and the international airport of Palma de Mallorca is only a 10 minute drive away. The imposing 13th century Cathedral of Santa Maria dominates the cities landscape and overlooks the beautiful Bay of Palma and the medieval 14th century Bellver Castle sits to the West of the City. It’s a compact, friendly city and one that is best explored by foot. You will have definitely earned a tapas lunch after climbing the 450 steps leading to Bellver Castle!
2. Sunny Climate
The island of Mallorca is blessed with over 300 days of sunshine each year. One of the main reasons people choose to buy properties here from the Nordics, Germany and the UK is because of its pleasant all-year-round weather. This includes long hot summers, mild winters, and colourful springs as the roads are lined with the unforgettable colors of Bougainvillea from April to September. Although the island is quieter through the autumn and winter there is always a lively local scene with religious and family festivities throughout the calendar year.
3. Large International Airport and Great Transport Links
Palma de Mallorca Airport also known as Son Sant Joan is just 8km from Palma city centre and in 2020 handled over six million passengers: making it one of the busiest airports in Spain. It has daily flights from all leading European airlines and also has the ability to land private aircraft and helicopters with its unique ‘VIP Meet and Assist Service’. It’s an airport that does everything well and their Meet and Greet must be purchased at least 72 hours in advance of arrival, but once purchased, it enables you to travel seamlessly throughout the airport. The rest of Mallorca is mix of country and twisty mountainous roads, overlooking beautiful scenery, medieval towns and white sandy beaches. It would take around 6 hours of non-stop driving to travel all the way around the island, but oh what a drive!
4. Cosmopolitan Lifestyle and International Community
There is a Mallorquan saying, “When living here, do as the Mallorcans do” and quite simply this means adhering to the Mallorcan’s relaxed and respectful way of living. The language spoken on the island by the locals is ‘Mallorqui’ however both Castilian and Catalan Spanish is used on road signs and in restaurants. The island has always been popular with tourists so pretty much everyone can speak a mix of English and German but the locals reward all attempts at Malloquian and compliments about their culture and fresh food are always welcome.
5. Over 135 Beaches to explore
The island of Mallorca is home to some of the best beaches in Europe across its stunning 50km coastline. If you love to explore to find a sheltered sandy cove or if you like to listen to some cool music at an exclusive beach bar, then this is the island for you. It’s like a more grown-up Ibiza, where people who live here know how to have a good time but the music on the beach isn’t loud and the food is always excellent. The islands beaches cater to people who love the adrenaline of watersports, from young families who would like to swim safely, to naturalists or even brave nudists – there is a beach that offers something different depending on your interest or passion. Some of our favourites include Es Trenc, Es Caragol, Palma, and Cala Mondrago but really the list is endless. There is a beach here for everyone.
6. Beautiful Countryside and Majestic Mountains
Mallorca isn’t just an island of beaches, it has some of the most beautiful scenery and with its Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and the sights from its highest point ‘Puig Major’ at 1436m, its another reason to make Mallorca your second home. The mountains offer an incredible opportunity to trek throughout the winter months in some unseen countryside, where you can test your map skills to the fullest. Guided expeditions and walks are all on offer and it’s a ideal location for winter sports like mountain biking with some incredible routes around Soller and through to the Lluc Monastery and beyond. Nordic Walking is becoming increasingly popular giving many the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and scenery that quite literally takes your breath away. If you are looking to use up more of your adrenaline then climbing could be something to try and the mountains offer the perfect place to practice both sport and classic climbing techniques. The countryside also offers a huge choice in terms of ‘wellness living’ from yoga retreats to soothe the mind and body to excellent vineyards to try some local wines and cookery schools to make use of all the naturally grown food on the island. There is also an opportunity to learn some ‘slow’ artisan crafts in beautiful fincas, so whatever your age or interest, Mallorca does have it all.
7. Outdoor Sports Paradise
If the outdoors is your thing, then Mallorca fits the bill nicely. It’s a popular island because of its great all year round climate and easy access to Europe. It makes it a natural place to ‘drop in’ and learn some of the best and most active sports around. You can try your hand at a number of sports from canyoning, coasteering, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, diving and jet skiing. However, if jetpacks interest you, then one of the newest sports to try is flyboarding and its great fun! There are a number of places that offer this new sport, so all you need to bring is some coordination and some bravery! You can also charter a boat, or your own yacht or rib to explore the island by sea. The quieter months are popular for sports like cycling where the smooth tarmac roads and mountains makes it an idyllic training ground for both professional and amateur cyclists. Many Pro Teams train here because of the famous Sa Calobra or Coll dels Reiss climb that is over 9.5Km in its ascent. If you love tennis then Palma Tennis Club is the place for you as they offer the very latest sports as well as a beautiful Spa and bistro, which serves delicious fresh food daily. It’s also only moments away from our new homes in Son Espanyolet!
8. Delicious Mediterranean Cuisine
Within minutes our of new homes in Son Espanyolet is Santa Catalina and the Mercat de Catalina is one of Palma’s oldest markets selling the very best of the islands’ produce. Santa Catalina used to be the home of Palma’s fishermen, and with its colourful houses and tree-lined streets of neighbouring Son Espanyolet, this whole area is a mecca for great food and a very relaxed cool vibe. The Nordic and German community love this area of Palma, because here, food and friends come first. There are so many amazing places to dine across the island that it’s difficult to choose: here are some of Trip Advisors top places in Palma according to their reviews.
9. Safe and Friendly Island with Excellent Healthcare
It is worth noting that Mallorca is first class when it comes to safety and how the Mallorcan’s receive and welcome residents to the island is just as warm as the island itself. It’s long been a cosmopolitan place to live. In more recent times the island has welcomed residents from Sweden, Denmark and Norway as well as Germany and the Brits, so its fair to say this island is pretty global in its attitudes to wellbeing and lifestyle. Requirements on health care cover differ for tourists and residents so its important to look at the options available for you. Once you decide to become a temporary resident, it is worth speaking to a private health insurance provider to see what options are available to you.
10. Stable and Fast Internet
Making any place around the world your second home in the 21st century you need to consider how good the Wifi is – fact! Living in a place (or on an island like Mallorca) that would not allow you to work from home, download the latest must-see Netflix drama or catch-up with friends and family around the world would be unthinkable. The good news is that the Wifi in Palma and across the whole island is mainly super fast fiber optic. Where our newest homes are in Son Espanyolet it is excellent! Palma even has a number of hotspots dotted around the city so you can move around without becoming disconnected. You can check out all the current hotspots at MallorcaWifi.com.
Mallorca delivers a quality of life found nowhere else in the Mediterranean.
Having read this blog, don’t just take our word for it; here are some of the most recent press articles talking about how wonderful life here is in Mallorca.
The Times-Best Places to Live in the World: The winner
CNTraveller- Palma: Rising star of Mallorca
The Telegraph – 48 hours in Majorca, an insider guide to the beauty of the Balearics
Majorca Daily Bulletin- Scandinavian Spotlight: A Swedish midsummer tradition in Mallorca
abc Mallorca- Why Mallorca is number one
And please find some further links, which may be of interest –
CNTraveller – Best beaches in Mallorca
Top adventure sports to do in Mallorca
abc Mallorca- Health & Wellness Guide
