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SeeMallorca

A Weekend In Mallorca, Part 2

Shopping & exploring the streets of Palma

featured in Sights reviews Author Jo Rothenberg, Mallorca Editor Updated

The following is Part 2 of a 3-part guest article from Jo Rothenberg, who can usually be found contributing to our sister site Chamonet.com. To learn how her weekend in Mallorca began, you can read Part 1 here.

Waking up in our beautiful (and rather large) room at the Can Cera Boutique Hotel we were excited about a day out in Palma. First stop was breakfast. I for one am a massive breakfast fan, and especially hotel breakfasts. Walking down the steps and into the lovely courtyard and restaurant area we had a choice of tables. Once settled in to one next to the big wooden Mallorcan doors letting a slight breeze in we browsed over the menu before heading up to the buffet.

The buffet was an array of traditional Spanish meats, cheeses, warm bread, fruit, yoghurt and fresh tomatoes. We ordered some coffees and poached eggs (you can choose any style of eggs you like) to go with our growing plates of the delicious soft ciabatta bread, ham and tomatoes. The coffee and eggs arrived in no time and the poached eggs have to be some of the best I have ever had with a pinch of black pepper and cracked sea salt sprinkled on top.

Suitably full and ready for a morning of exploring we checked out of the hotel with a hint of sadness as we said goodbye to our secret room in this wonderful building. We set out onto the streets of Palma and headed straight to the famous Mercat Olivar market.

Walking through the arches and into the market hall you are hit by the organized chaos of market life and the hustle and bustle of all the stalls attending to their customers. The room is lined with the bright colours and distinct smells of stalls piled high with fresh fruit and vegetables, butcher stands, olive stalls, sweet stalls and all types of local Spanish wines and goodies. This market is definitely not something to miss whilst in Palma – it is open every day so you can browse the lovely stalls, soak up the Mallorcan market feeling and maybe pick up some delicious Spanish olives whilst you’re at it!

Next stop - a spot of shopping. Palma is a great place to go if you fancy a shopping weekend with all the independent boutiques and high street shops dotted right in the centre you can shop until you drop; and come evening enjoy some tapas and Sangria as the sun sets. Our favourite was Carrer de Jaume II, which leads from Plaza Major down towards the back of Passeo de Borne – full of tiny little independent shops, and features a fantastic ice-cream shop halfway down which sprays gorgeous-smelling ice-cream-flavoured perfume into the air every 30 seconds.

Hanging up our shopping shoes we headed to the famous Palma Cathedral and its beautiful surroundings. The walls around the Cathedral are an impressive sight, the high golden sandstone bricks and the incredible Cathedral itself is quite simply breathtaking. We decided not to head inside after hearing the inside just simply isn’t the same (and there was a long queue for tickets). Instead we enjoyed the fountains and pools and little market just outside of the Cathedral walls.

It was at this point our enormous breakfast seemed a distant memory and with rumbling tummies we headed to Placa Drassena where you will find a small plaza filled with tables, umbrellas and the sound of chattering diners. Choosing a table at random we sat down and were told immediately that for €9.50 we could have the tapas selection of the day, we were sold. Most of these places seem set up for tourist business and maybe we were lucky but what followed were some sumptuous prawns, sizzling chorizo and fresh vegetable tapas dishes.

Full, once again, we headed off to our next home for the evening: the sister hotel of the Can Cera. The Calatrava Boutique Hotel is just as lovely as the Can Cera but with a more modern feel. Each hotel has its own personality and feel and although you can tell they are sisters they both have something different to offer. We were once again welcomed by the friendly staff and offered a welcome drink of our choice. Tucking into another glass of Cava inside the chic hotel bar we looked out over the seafront. The Calatrava is situated next to the Cathedral and has some wonderful views over the ocean, especially from the lovely rooftop terrace – where we enjoyed another fantastic breakfast, but more about that later!

After being shown to our room we called down to reception to see if we could book the spa for an hour. Just like at the Can Cera you can hire out the spa privately for up to an hour everyday. We were informed that the spa would be ready in half an hour and just to make our way down and someone would greet us there. Cozied up in our complimentary dressing gown and slippers we wandered down and were met by the receptionist who showed us inside the spa. The enormous jacuzzi, traditional sauna, heated stone beds and shower room were the perfect place to unwind after a day walking around the city. Feeling utterly relaxed we headed back up to our room to get ready for dinner.

On our way to dinner we decided to have a cocktail at ‘Abaco’. A mysterious destination which was recommended to us by a very good friend who would tell us nothing but the name. Walking through the door you are blown away by the unique décor and incredible high ceilings. The cocktails were among the best I have had but with a high price tag and a dinner reservation we could only stay for one.

Having had a few meals of (delicious) tapas we thought we would opt for something slightly different. Koh is an Asian fusion Thai restaurant situated in the trendy Santa Catalina district in west Palma. When booking we were told that the restaurant terrace was full but we could sit inside, opting for a table inside always makes me slightly apprehensive on such a lovely warm evening, however once inside my worries melted away. Seated at our table we ordered some ‘house special gin and tonics’ (made with kumquats) and a selection of the starters. Sipping on our gin & tonics our food arrived, and the steamed dumplings and duck were by far my favourites of the evening. With fantastic food and lovely staff at Koh it is easy to see why it is quickly becoming a Palma hot spot.

Walking back to our hotel we strolled along the Cathedral walls. The beautiful lighting and views out over the glistening night time sea made for the perfect ending to a busy and wonderful day in Palma.

Find out how Jo's weekend ended in Part 3.

Location

Map of the surrounding area