A Guide To Experiencing Majorca Like A Local

*This is a collaborative post on experiencing Majorca like a local

Majorca is a go-to destination for many Brits – and it’s no wonder. It’s home to stunning beaches and a fantastic food and drink scene that everyone can enjoy. Many tourists book a package holiday; however, you can mix things up a little and fully embrace the lifestyle of a Majorcan local. There are a few steps you can take to make your trip even more memorable while allowing you to dig deeper into the culture and traditions of this fantastic island. 

From embracing local delicacies to seeking out hidden coves and attending annual festivities, there are endless exciting activities that await. As always when travelling, make sure you check the latest travel advice before jetting off.

Here’s what you need to know about holidaying in Majorca like a true local.

Taste the local cuisine to experience Majorca like a local

If you’re a foodie at heart, you’ll be well-catered to in Majorca. It has a notoriously good food and drink scene with plenty of variety, so there really is something for everyone here. Fancy indulging in the island’s best dishes? Traditional Majorcan cuisine tends to bring together lots of fresh ingredients with plenty of garlic and olive oil in true Mediterranean style – and there are plenty of dishes to try.

Stick to what the locals eat and indulge in staple meals like rice stew, also known as ‘arros brut’, which brings together different meats or fish, tomatoes, vegetables, broth and rice to make a hearty dish full of goodness. Another option is ‘llom amb col’. This centres around pork with sauteed cabbage, tomatoes, garlic, pine nuts and raisins to give a hint of sweetness. 

Then for sweet treats, you can tuck into Majorcan doughnuts known as ‘bunyols’, pastries called ‘ensaimada’ and light and fluffy sponge cake, which is referred to as ‘coca de cuarto’. You’ll often find contemporary takes on these traditional dishes, as many chefs like to experiment with the classics.

Go hiking off-the-beaten-track  

If you’re a fan of hiking, you’ll be in heaven in Majorca. There are endless routes that allow you to get off the beaten track and soak up views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and lush countryside.

Head to Sa Comuna de Bunyola to marvel at panoramic views of the island and venture into ancient woodland. However, if you’re keen to try a coastal walk, you could go for the Alcúdia to Coll Baix route. This way, you can get a cracking view of the Med and its turquoise waters while enjoying fresh sea air at the same time. 

Or, mix it up with a route from the mountain village of Deià to the hamlet of Llucalcari, allowing yourself to immerse yourself in the rural lifestyle while enjoying brilliant sea views. Many of the routes can be rocky, so make sure you pack suitable footwear with ankle support, as well as sun protection and plenty of water. 

Explore hidden coves 

The hidden coves of Majorca are iconic. And if you fancy a hike that ends at a quiet beach and hidden cove, Calo des Moro is a must. Forgo the more popular beaches in Majorca in favour of a more tranquil set-up. Cala Banyalbufar is another great location and is situated near a picture-perfect village. It’s a fine stone bay with fresh water that flows down some of the rocks there.

In natural coves like these, you’ll find locals canyoneering and snorkelling to spot local marine life. It only makes sense to enjoy water that’s this beautiful. You’ll feel completely switched off in these parts of the island and days out here are sure to become a highlight of your trip.

Take part in festivities to experience Majorca like a local

You can enjoy plenty of festivities in Majorca if you get the timing right. Popular celebrations include more traditional festivals as well as contemporary events, giving you the chance to embrace both sides. 

It can be busy on the island during this time, so it’s best to book your Majorca airport transfers ahead of time to ensure a quick and easy transition to your accommodation. Attending local festivals is a great way to get a feel for how the locals spend their time celebrating together. It can also expose you to traditional forms of food, dance, clothing and music so they’re a great opportunity to learn more about the local history and culture.

Popular examples of festivals include:

• St. Sebastian’s Festival: This is celebrated over several days in January and includes street bonfires with grilled sausages and more, as well as live music with DJs and other performances on the main square in Palma.
• Sa Rueta: This is a carnival before the start of Lent and it features an array of carnivals and parades in the streets.
• Festes del Rei en Jaume: In September, you can enjoy fiestas aplenty and the all-important ‘parade of giants’, ‘night of fire’ and the impressive battle reenactment between the Moors and Christians.

What would you most like to enjoy during your trip to Majorca?