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a feel good travel blog

How to Spend a Day in the City of Palma

3/15/2018

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Palma is the cultural, economic and historical hub of the island of Mallorca (Majorca). Once ruled by the Moors, Palma fuses Moorish and Christian landmarks, sites and architectural wonders. A historical yet cultural city, there is so much to do and see it is impossible to discover the city in just one day. But if you only have 24 hours, here are some of the most precious jewels to admire in the city.
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La Seu - Mallorca Cathedral
A Levantine Gothic jewel that overlooks the sea, this magnificent structure’s construction began in 1230, replacing a mosque. The interior is as splendid and spectacular as the exterior. Inside, explore a variety of historic paintings, each with a story of its own. Enjoy the sunlight that moves through the stained-glass windows, which was once a method used of telling time. In 1904, Gaudi refurbished the chapel, to what I consider to look like creepy, demonic artwork, but hey it’s different. Inside guests also discover the tombs of Mallorca’s past Kings, James II and James III.  Entry fee: 4 euros

​If you have time, explore the nearby Parc de la Mar.
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Jardí del Bisbe
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This peaceful garden rests behind a wrought iron fence and contains some of the most precious Mediterranean flora and fauna. From lemon and orange trees to artichokes and water lilies, it's a splendid spot to enjoy a moment of solitude and contemplation. 
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Banys Arabs (Arabic Baths)
This is one of the most magical places to explore in Palma. Cute, quiet and serene, discover a lush garden of lemon trees and Balearic flowers planted amidst the four walls of this ancient bathhouse. Located in the medieval quarter of the city, Banys Arabs is the only remaining Moorish building in the Palma. Built in the 10th Century, all that survives are two underground chambers, one of which contains capitals recycled from demolished Roman buildings. 

Eat an Ensaimada
A Majorcan favorite, an ensaimada is a yeast-based cake shaped like a snail’s shell. Ideal for breakfast, ensaimadas also make for a delicious afternoon snack coupled with a café latte. There are plenty of bakeries around town, many which sell boxed ensaimadas to take back to your home country. 
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Legend has it that it’s impossible to make ensaimadas (like they do in Mallorca) at home. Why? Apparently the salty sea air is what makes the dough rise differently than other places.
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Museo de Mallorca
Discover the historical and ancient roots of this island nation at the Mallorca Museum. Located in a 16th-century mansion popularly known as "Casa de la Gran Cristiana,” explore a variety of Gothic panels, Moorish ceramics, weapons, paintings and furniture.​

Visit an Ancient Olive Tree in Placa de Cort
Located in Old Town, nearby Town Hall, is an attractive square that features an extremely large and oversized olive tree. The trunk wraps in various directions, similar to a labyrinth. Some sources claim the tree is 600 years old, where others state 800 – either way the tree is a finca, Pedruixella Petit, from the Pollensa area of the Sierra Tramuntana. It lived there for five or six hundred years before transplanted to Mallorca. 

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The English Book Store
While in Spain, it’s ideal to try your hand at attempting to speak Spanish. But, if you’re a lover of old books and all things vintage, explore the English Book Shop for some of the finest antique treasures on the island. Between the shelves and nooks and crannies, discover some of the most ancient tales ever written. 


Can Joan de S'Aigo Cafe
Dating back to the 18th Century, this 200 year old café is the oldest ice cream parlour Palma. If ice cream is not your thing, be sure to taste test an ensaimada or for the savory at heart, try a Mallorcan flatbread known as Coca de trampó.

​While exploring these wonderful sites and landmarks, be sure to enjoy the moment and go with the flow. Along the way there are many amazing neighborhood churches, lookout points and shops tucked away on old historic streets. Enjoy your day and don't forget to stop and smell the plenty of Spanish flowers. 

How would you spend your day in Palma de Mallorca? 
​Let's Connect!


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to How To Spend a Day in Palma de Mallorca.  
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How to Spend a Day in Sóller, Mallorca

3/6/2018

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Soller is a beautiful, ancient town set between the mountains and the shoreline in Western Mallorca. Situated amidst orange and lemon groves, Soller is a popular day trip destination from Palma de Mallorca. 

Walking through the ancient cobblestone streets, history comes alive, with its first inhabitants migrating in 5200 BC the Talayotic Times. Since its origins, Soller suffered many attacks from Algerian Moorish Pirates, resulting in countless battles between the Moors and the Christians. In the 1800’s, Soller became one of the leading exporters in olives and citrus fruit.
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The main town is separated from the Port of Soller, but connected via tram. Note that siesta occurs in the afternoon, so it best to visit in the morning to beat the heat and experience the best of what Soller has to offer.
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How to Get Here from Palma – El Tren de Soller
In 1912, the rail link from Palma to Soller was built, and in 1914 tram lines linked Soller with the Port of Soller to aide in the export of oranges. Travelers can rent a car, but I recommend taking the historic train from Palma to Soller. 

Tickets are not as cheap as they used to be (approx. $35 USD), and the train ride is loud, but worth the journey from cosmopolitan Palma to quaint and quiet Soller. Sit in plush, leather vintage seats, and discover the sites of Mallorca’s back country and Tramuntana mountains packed with olive and citrus trees. 
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What To Do
Upon exiting the train, head to the main square, Placa Constitucio. This is the perfect place to sip on a refreshing, freshly squeeze orange juice. The many street side cafes overlook the Sant Bartomeu cathedral. Walkers be aware of oncoming traffic from the trams! Vegetarians should try the orange juice, sauteed mushrooms and tomato toast. While at the plaza, discover an architectural wonder at the Banco de Soller.


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If this plaza doesn't appease your appetite. Walk down Carrer de sa Lluna where you'll find countless cafes, bakeries, grocery, art and souvenir shops.
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Sant Bartomeu
This 13-Century Baroque church turned “modern” in 1904 thanks to the artwork of Joan Rubid, an ex pupil of Gaudi. It’s not the most impressive church in Mallorca, but it has its charm. 
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Wander Old Town
Beyond the main plaza and shopping area, discover the ancient streets and neighborhoods of Soller to admire the traditional homes, decorated with potted flowers. One of my favorite neighborhoods in Pueblo de Fornaluxt. On some residential streets, the only thing you’ll see is the cat down the road. Notable streets include Calle Isabel II, Cristofol Colom and Gran Via avenue to discover some of the best “orange money” homes in town.
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If you have time, I recommend selecting from at least one the following options: 
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Soller Botanical Gardens
Meander through various pathways lined with lush flora and fauna from the Balearic and Canary Islands as well as Sicily, Malta, Crete, Corsica and Sardinia. Also onsite is an ecological farm and orchard aimed for studying and preserving traditional vegetable and fruit trees. The gardens also preserve frozen seeds for endangered plants. 

Ecovinyassa
This citrus grove farm is one of the most precious places in Soller. It's what Soller is about - lemon and orange trees. Whether you want to sit underneath a lemon tree, or photograph the oranges, this is the place to discover the heart and soul of Soller.A reservation is required to visit the farm, but enjoy a self-guided tour and end your journey with a freshly squeeze orange juice and tapa snack. Don't go empty handed, be sure to take home a lemon or orange, jam, tea or herbal kit, made directly from Ecovinyassa's bio (organic) oranges and lemons.  


Tram to Harbor 
At the same arrival point, take a local tram to the Port and Soller's waterfront. The tram is approximately seven euros and takes 20 minutes each way. Here, sachet through the sandy beach or admire the harbor. The choice is yours and there is no lack of sun worshiping. 

What's your favorite thing to do in Soller? Let us know! 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to How to Spend a Day in Soller, Mallorca. 
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    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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