We are almost a full week removed from getting off the cruise ship and realize we have been keeping so busy having fun that it is time for another blog entry. We also reflected on the 13 port visits we completed during our cruise and both of us agree, Palma de Mallorca was the best.
Why? Friendly people, amazing history, beautiful scenery, delicious food and to top it all off, perfect weather. More importantly, we did what we wanted to do throughout the day with no real schedule or agenda.
Immediately after walking off the pier we picked up two e-bikes we had reserved the day prior. The shop was appropriately named Port Bikes and it consisted of a small kiosk operated by a father and son. We asked the owner for a recommendation on a place to eat that wasn’t touristy and he laughed “everything is touristy here”. That said, he notated on the local map a number of establishments to consider and then pointed out a 20 km promenade along the beach where we could also ride our bikes. Great gouge.
So what did we do? We decided to visit the Catedral-Basillica de Santa Maria de Mallorca where the stained glass windows were probably the most spectacular we have ever seen. We were also reminded of the early Catholic church’s obsession with relics — articles of religious significance that are often remains of a piece of a saint’s body or possessions that are encased in an ornate object. This church had a healthy batch. We rode to the Market where one whole side had seafood of every type available, much of which was probably with their families the night before. At the end of the aisle was a small cafe that would cook-to-order whatever you purchased. We weren’t that adventurous, however we did partake in the best cod meal I’ve ever had at a very small cafe recommended by our bike guy (Julie is pictured at the cafe in our post called Hablan Espanol). After our lunch we started riding along the promenade that took us through multiple small beach towns. These were already filled with tourists enjoying the sand and the sun. On the return trip we stopped off at a cafe for drinks before riding up a very steep hill to a 14th century castle with commanding views of the sea. At this point our time ashore was running out and we headed back to the port. When we turned in the bikes we had a nice conversation with the owner. He mentioned he was 60 years old and basically stated he was getting too old for this gig (I hear you brother).
Great place to visit and we strongly recommend doing so if every in the area.