May 26, 2024
exploring deià and biking through mallorca
By anne-Marie Leduc
We decided to return to Mallorca to explore the stunning landscapes we missed during our first visit. While Mallorca is popular among tourists, we found its true beauty beyond Palma. Places like Pollenca, Deià, and Formentor felt like our kind of paradise, especially for Tom, who loves cycling. During our stay, we rented a car and settled into a beautiful hotel in a calm village that felt like a little countryside retreat. We rented bikes and embarked on two big days of biking in the mountains, visited gorgeous beaches, and enjoyed a romantic dinner near the sea. Here are the details of our lovely trip for those looking for inspiration...
morning in deià
Upon our arrival, we decided to head directly to Deià since we were too early for our hotel check-in time. The drive from the airport takes approximately 45 minutes and is absolutely stunning; as you approach the village, the views become breathtaking. Deià is very popular, so we aimed to get there before noon. While parking can be a bit challenging to find, it’s manageable. We were greeted with perfect weather—not a single cloud in sight. The village bursts with vibrant flowers and citrus trees everywhere, making it an exceptional place to visit. We strolled through the village and enjoyed lunch on a terrace with a beautiful view.
* Rental car company: wiber 10/10
stay at hotel turixant
We found this hotel through Booking.com, and it did not disappoint. We wanted a quiet, adults-only place with only a couple of rooms that was less crowded than Palma and its surroundings. This hotel is located in the peaceful village of Mancor del Valle, nestled in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in western Mallorca. The decor is outstanding, steeped in 18th-century history, as it was converted from an old olive mill house with lovely gardens and a pool. They have an all-day bar and a cozy outdoor space to relax. Our room was renovated from the original kitchen, magnifique! I highly recommend trying their restaurant for dinner. They offer Mallorcan dishes at a fixed price for a three-course meal. Not only was it very inexpensive, but the food was made with fresh local ingredients and was absolutely delicious. The service was exceptional.
* hotel turixant 10/10
biking to pollença & formentor
We rented our bikes—me on an e-bike (I could never manage all that on a road bike)—and started our day early in the morning from our hotel, heading toward Pollença. The route was incredibly pretty and peaceful, making for a wonderful experience. It began in the countryside, surrounded by animals and fruit trees, and ended at the beach in Pollença. We decided to tackle the challenging Formentor route through the mountains before having lunch and finishing our journey. This bike route was by far my favorite of the two we completed. Tom was amazing on his road bike; this route is quite demanding among cycling enthusiasts, yet he made it look effortless.
* Rental bike company: rossrent 10/10
They dropped off the bikes at our hotel and picked them up at the end, which was super convenient and made for great service.
beach & romantic dinner
After our biking day, we decided to cool down at Formentor Beach. The water was a bit chilly since it was the beginning of the season, but it was oh-so-refreshing—a perfect post-workout treat. This beach is less crowded than others because it requires a drive through the mountains to get there, but it’s well worth it. The stunning cliffs and turquoise water make it beautiful. We finished our day at La Terrassa, located right by the ocean, for a romantic dinner. We had visited this restaurant during our last trip to Pollenca and loved it, so we decided to return. The ambiance at sunset is quite magical, and the quality of food and service is excellent. It’s an upscale restaurant, but the prices are reasonable for the delicious meals and attentive service you receive.
* Restaurant La Terrassa 8/10
biking to sa calobra
once again, we started our day from our hotel, heading toward the famous Sa Calobra route. Last time we went there, we rode a scooter. This time, Tom took on the challenge of biking Sa Calobra, and he absolutely crushed it. I was feeling pretty tired from our previous biking day, even on my e-bike, but the breathtaking views kept me motivated. I waited for Tom at the top of the mountain, soaking in the scenery and snacking, haha. There’s a magnificent beach at the bottom of the route, and if you ever get the chance to go, don’t miss it—it's incredible!
