Ah, Majorca – the mere mention of the island is enough to get you thinking about long days relaxing on golden beaches in the summer sun. However, the island has so much more to offer than that. It’s been popular with tourists for so long that a wide range of activities and attractions have sprung up to provide visitors a holiday to remember.
Read on for some of our very favourite things to do in and around the resort town of Palma Nova.
On Land: Go-Karts and Canyons
Explore Canyons and Caverns
Though best known for its beaches, Majorca can be just as extraordinary further inland. If you fancy seeing some incredible natural rock formations while giving yourself a bit of a workout, try one of the many canyon excursions available. With trips running from four to twelve hours, there’s something for all experience levels!
Kick up Some Dust in a Go-Kart
Want to get your heart racing? Try Karting Magaluf for some adrenaline-fuelled fast rides. Karts are available in a range of specs and types, from low-cc models safe for youngsters to some serious big beasts. Get ready to see the island at high speed and in style.
At Sea: Beautiful Boat Trips
The Balearics are best known for the shimmering turquoise Mediterranean. Why not take to the sea for one of the area’s many boat tours to see it for yourself? In addition to taking guests around the islands, these excursions offer of the following experiences:
- Complementary lunch and drinks
- Swimming and snorkelling
- Glass-bottomed observation
With all this and more on offer, you won’t struggle to find the voyage that’s right for you.
Wonderful Water Sports
The beach is a great place to relax, but thrill seekers will find a lot to enjoy here too. Palma Nova Beach is perhaps the best in the area for adventurous holidaymakers. At 1km long and waters up to 60m deep, it’s more than big enough to offer a range of water sports experiences, including:
- PADI diving courses for all levels
- Kayaking
- Jet-skiing
- Kitesurfing
- Paragliding
All are worth your time, but for me nothing beats seeing the town from on high as you soar down towards the beach in your personal paraglider. Truly breathtaking.
Local Culture, Fun Festivals and More
Although Palma Nova was built to be a tourist town, it still has a bustling culture to explore and fun events on offer. There are the markets and stalls you’d expect, as well as some great local crafts.
When it comes to food, you’re best advised to go off the beaten track to avoid the usual ‘Brits abroad’ staples and try some more interesting flavours. The restaurant My Tapas lives up to its name and offering excellent tapas, while Le Petit Bistro offers a French twist on the Spanish favourite. The best paella, meanwhile, can be found at Ciro’s Restaurant.
If you’re making your trip over summer, book it in for June so you can catch Nit de Foc, the area’s best local festival. Fireworks and bonfires light up the night and many bars and other venues put on live music. Best of all, there’s the famous correfor. Translating as ‘fire run’ or ‘run of fire’, this event features locals, dressed up as devils and demons, racing through town and setting off firecrackers. It’s baffling, bizarre and utterly brilliant.
Where to Stay
Apartmentos Las Palmeras
Apartmentos Las Palmeras is a lovely accommodation option. All rooms come with a flat screen television, a private bathroom with free toiletries and a kitchen with a microwave, coffee machine and kettle. WiFi is, of course, complementary.
Hotel Jakiton
With its simple, rustic aesthetic that was inspired by traditional local styles, the Hotel Jakiton is one of the most charismatic places to stay in the area. Air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private bathrooms ensure you feel at home. It’s also close enough to the BCM Nightclub that you can sample some of the nightlife without worrying about how you’ll find your way back across town.
How to Get to Palma Nova
Many airlines offer affordable flights from London to Palma de Mallorca Airport. Cost increases a lot around the school holidays, but with an average of 30 flights a week it’s never too high. Once you’ve landed, I recommend taking a pre-booked transfer with Shuttle Direct for the 25-minute drive into town.
Overview
London to Palma de Mallorca Airport flight time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
London to Palma de Mallorca Airport flight distance: 1,353 kilometres
Palma de Mallorca Airport to Palma Nova transfer time: 25 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct offers quick and easy airport transfers at affordable prices, provided by a team of experienced and friendly drivers who are often happy to give tips and recommendations for the local area. We are proud to be one of the best transfer operators in all Europe and North Africa. Wherever you’re going, let us help you get there.
