Mallorca is a perfect destination for singles, couples, groups, bachelor parties, and families. All budgets and tastes are catered to, and prices are reasonable for such a high profile travel spot. Restaurants are usually lively and menus are generally diverse, featuring everything from Spanish and regional Mallorcan food to classic British and German. Many dining venues offer live music and shows, and Palma'a tapas bars are always a main draw. Mallorca is not as hedonistic or club-orientated as Ibiza, but it is nevertheless big on nightlife.
Bars and Pubbing in Mallorca
The three main areas to go out are Magaluf (the main beach resort), El Arenal (the other side of the bay) and the capital, Palma de Mallorca. Both Magaluf and Arenal are bar and club-centric, while Palma is more sophisticated, with more in the way of tapas bars and chill venues primarily aimed at locals.
Magaluf has bars all over the place, especially along Punta Balena and Avinguda de Magaluf, which runs parallel to the beach from Palma Nova. These streets meet at Olivera Avenue, which is where mega club BCM (16 Olivera Avenue, Magaluf) resides. It has been the talk of the island for decades and still draws international visitors by the droves with world class DJs and high-end light and sound systems. While Magaluf may appear brash in the brochures, the streets are actually clean and some of the bars are very well decorated. Arenal, on the other hand, is slightly more low-key. Cristian Bar Cafetería (Carrer de Berlín, El Arenal) is a fun place here.
For cocktail bars, head to Palma. Abaco (Carrer Sant Joan 1, Palma) is renowned yet pricey, but the cost is well worth it, especially for the show late on Friday. Cappucino Palau March (Conquistador 13, Palma) is another popular venue, while Jah Garden (Joan Miro, Palma) en route to the castle is a decent reggae spot.
There are bars in all the major resorts with many having live music and Spanish/Mallorcan cultural shows. In Cala d’Or, the action is north of the harbor. Mabu-Hay (Avinguda de Bèlgica, 23, Cala d’Or) and Bar Atlantis (Avinguda de Fernando Tárrago, 11, Cala d’Or) are always hopping. Hours are relaxed and it is possible to party all night. Note that the main clubs are typically quiet before midnight so be sure to get your siesta in to have enough energy for a late evening.
Dining and Cuisine in Mallorca
Seafood is ubiquitous in all areas of Mallorca, although all main cuisines of Europe are represented. British and German visitors are particularly well catered to and there are plenty of American fast-food joints, as well. All resorts have quality restaurants, although Palma has the best eateries.
Palma is more expensive than the hotels, but the ambience is unbeatable and you can walk most of the central core. Restaurant Es Baluard (Plaça de la Porta Santa Catalina, 9, Palma) is high-end and busy, with a great location. Palma is well known for its tapas bars and one of the best is La Bóveda (Carrer Boteria, 3, Palma) by the harbor front.
The best eating in Magaluf is mainly along Magaluf Avenue, with Restaurante Pardos (Avinguda de Magaluf, 10, Magaluf) good for its price, quality food and service. Right in Sóller, the Gran Hotel Sóller (Carrer de Romaguera, 18, Sóller) boasts fine dining, while in Cala Millor, La Sangria (Carrer del Sol, 30, Cala Millor) is the hotspot.
The out-of-the-way village of Algaida, between Palma and Manacor, has several surprisingly good restaurants in Mallorca. Algaida (Carrer del Rei, 8, Algaida) is a popular stop on the way back from visiting the pearl shops at Manacor.
Breakfast is typically light (most hotels offer a continental breakfast) and lunch is often tapas-based. Dinner is the main meal in Spain and is usually eaten late. Seafood paella is universally available, along with frit mallorquí vegetable soup. Other goodies include the succulent potato/courgette/aubergine dish of tumbet, sobrasada sausage and ensaimada, a sweet bread cake. The herb-infused palo liquor is the local beverage of choice. Restaurants are open all day in the main resorts, although they don’t get busy until after 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. Tipping around 10 percent is common.