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Summer musts in Palma

Ready, set, summer time!

There are not many things we like more than summer season. Hot days; long, warm nights and never-ending fun! Palma de Mallorca is a city that will never cease to amaze you. There’s so much to see, so much to do, so much to love! If you’re staying in Palma these days or planning on visiting soon, you need to keep reading all about our summer musts!


What to do in summer in Palma


The capital city of the Balearic Islands is a place for every taste and budget. Whether you’re into sports, culture, nature or gastronomy, you’ll find something to fulfil your expectations. If you’re a guest at one of our Boc Hostels, you can always find tips and suggestions on our blog and today’s no exception!


Sunset at Palma’s port


You know we’re sunset lovers, right? And if you’re one too, you absolutely need to watch a sunset at Palma’s seafront. The street called ‘Paseo Marítimo’ is Palma’s promenade and there are many cool spots to watch the sunset from there. So, after a long day discovering Palma, having some tapas, enjoying the facilities at Boc Hostels, give yourself a treat and order your favourite cocktail at golden hour!


Al fresco movie night


Did you know that there’s an al fresco movie night in Palma during August? ‘Cinema a la Fresca’ takes place at the famous ‘Parc de la Mar’, located right in front of Palma’s cathedral ‘La Seu’. In 2022 movies are projected at 21.30h and there’s a total of 11 movies you can watch under the open sky. Definitely a memory to hold on to!





Spend the day at a beach club


Are you ready to give yourself the ultimate treat? Spend the day at a beach club! Choose from the list of beach clubs close to Palma such as Anima Beach, Balneario Illetas, Purobeach or Purobeach Illetas and enjoy a luxurious day by the sea, getting served and living the life you deserve! Stop by the front desk to ask us for directions to any of these beach clubs!





Take a walking tour


Last, but not least, you cannot wrap up your summer holiday in Palma without taking a walking tour through Palma’s Old Town. You will quickly see that there’s a never-ending list of places to discover! In addition to the cathedral, ‘La Seu’, the Parc de la Mar and the Almudaina Castle, there are tons of spectacular modernist buildings, beautiful cobbled streets and all kinds of shops, little art galleries and cafés to discover.





Enjoy summer in Palma de Mallorca, enjoy summer at The Boc Hostels!


One day bus trip – Visit Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller

Discover some of Mallorca’s most beautiful villages

You’re on holidays. That’s something to be thrilled about, isn’t it? And you’re staying at Boc Hostels. Disclaimer: you’ll have a blast! We’re so happy to have you staying with us at Boc Hostels, you cannot imagine. We love to have adventurous, young travellers enjoying our hostels and making the most of a visit to the buzzing city of Palma de Mallorca.

And today we’re giving you an idea for a great day. Are you ready to discover some of Mallorca’s most stunning villages in the Tramuntana mountain range?

Visit Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller


Mallorca is a Mediterranean island that will never cease to amaze you. That’s the first thing you need to know. And if you’re planning on taking a one-day bus trip to find out more about the charming villages in the Tramuntana mountain range, this is the post you were looking for.

Hop on a bus and head to the Tramuntana mountain range


If you’re staying in one of our Boc Hostels, you’ll be staying in the city centre, meaning you’re very well connected. To get to Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller you have to walk to Plaza España, Palma’s main bus and train station and hop on the bus number 203. Depending on the time of the day you are doing it, it will take from 30 minutes up to 40 minutes to get to Valldemossa.

What to do and see in Valldemossa


Valldemossa is a beautiful village known to be Chopin’s and George Sand’s hideaway in the mountains. Charming is an understatement, as this village holds a very special type of flair that will quickly win you over. When in Valldemossa you should most definitely walk all over the village, following the cobbled streets and stop at the Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa, The King Sancho Palace, the Frédéric Chopin and George Sand museum, the gardens of King Juan Carlos and check out the church of Sant Bartomeu. You cannot leave without trying the local pastry: ‘coca de patata’. Yummy!



What to do and see in Deià


Deià has been famous for being one of Mallorca’s most bohemian villages, attracting creative minds and artists that have become residents over the past decades. Home to the famous hotel ‘La Residencia’, Deià is one of the most beautiful villages in the world. It is a well-heeled bohemian place where the picturesque cobbled streets are home to top notch restaurants as well as relaxed cafes and bars. You can visit the Robert Graves museum, have a typical ‘pa amb oli’ at Sa Fonda or go down to the cove with the same name (Cala Deià) to dive into the Med.



What to do and see in Sóller


Last, but not least on the itinerary you’ve got Sóller. With its beautiful main square and stunning architecture this village and its port (Port de Sóller) will be the perfect ending for your day enjoying the island. There’s a museum in Sóller called ‘Can Prunera’ which you can visit, you can also have a look at the church of Sant Bartomeu or the art gallery in the Sóller train station. If you can manage to visit on a market day, you’ll be able to enjoy the most authentic atmosphere. Head to Port de Sóller with the tram and have a sunset drink while you soak up the views. To come back to Palma, you can either use the bus or you can also ride the vintage train that will leave you back at Plaza España.



Let us know if you go on this day trip to visit Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller and what you thought of these charming, little villages!

Gluten-free restaurants in Palma

If you’re a celiac or avoiding gluten, this is something you need to know!

If you’re reading this post it is because some of your friends or you are probably celiac or just like to get away from all that gluten and you’re looking for gluten-free restaurants in Palma where you can enjoy food labelled as "gluten-free", without having to worry. Don't panic, because in the city itself there’re many options that we recommend you to try, as you will love them!

Quick warning: mouth-watering content ahead!

Best gluten-free restaurants in Palma


1. Avocado Mallorca: At Avocado you will find healthy, organic and gluten-free food, offering takeaway, delivery service and also to have at their little restaurant. "Gluten-free is our mission", that’s what they say and that’s what they deliver: not processed food, gluten-free and vegan options. Chef Leonardo Simoni, who founded Avocado Mallorca, put his knowledge, experience and the love of his grandfather's orchard into every dish from the very beginning. To get there from Boc Hostels, you can go by car (12 min) or by bus number 109 that will get you there in 29 minutes.





2. Infineathai: Quality, hearty and gluten-free Thai food, everything here is absolutely delicious! Starting with their wonderful, crunchy and tasty vegetable rolls, to their skewers or their delicious prawn Kao Pad. You can also order takeaway, if you wish. Infineathai is located at Calle d’Alfons el Magnanim, 65, right in the centre of Palma, just 18 minutes by foot from The Boc Hostels.





3. Izakaya Mallorca: The trendiest Japanese restaurant in Palma. Its well-deserved fame is perfectly matched by the quality of the food: the essence of authentic Japanese food (the chef is Japanese). You may not like Japanese food, but once you try their dishes, you'll want to come back! More than recommended, it's a must! The restaurant is located at Carrer d'Espartero, 15 (20 min by bus and 28 min walking), but you need to know it’s rather on the expensive side of Palma’s restaurant scene.





4. Santosha: If you’re looking for a restaurant where to have gluten-free brunch in Palma, Santosha is the place to be. The dishes are original, tasty and very healthy! Recommendation: if you want to go, it's best to book in advance because it gets busy. It is located at Calle Metge Matas, 2 (just a 18-minute walk from Boc Hostels).

5. EcoVegetaria: Known to be one of the local’s favorite place for eco, gluten-free and vegetarian food, this restaurant is famous for its daily lunch menu including a starter, main dish and dessert. You can get the menu delivered to you by visiting their web ecovegetaria.com.





We hope you visit these gluten free restaurant options and that you enjoy every single one of their delicacies!

Drinks & cocktails in Palma: a guide

Ready to go have some drinks while in Palma? Keep reading!

Mallorca does not only stand for beautiful beaches and stunning places to visit, it’s also the perfect place to enjoy a fun nightlife, either with family or friends. Here you’ll have a great time both during the day and at night! So read this post carefully if you want to find a bar where you can have delicious cocktails, or well, two if there's a happy hour!


Best places to have a drink in Palma


1. Corner Bar Palma. Corner Bar has a large terrace -near the cathedral- where you can have a pint for 2,50€ before 8 pm (happy hour). If you’re a mojito lover, don't miss the opportunity to have one, as they're delicious! Plus, they have three screens showing all major sporting events, including football, rugby, Formula One, golf, cricket, tennis, and more. Enjoy a refreshing drink while you catch up on the latest sporting news or play a game of pool with your friends at Corner Bar Palma. The bar is located at Plaça de la Drassana, 9, (only a 20-minute walk from The Boc Hostels ).





2. Molly Malone. Located at Carrer Monsenyor Palmer, 5, very close to the Paseo Marítimo and about 30 minutes away from The Boc Hostels, this is the ultimate spot to start the night and have a fresh beer, while enjoying good rock music or playing pool. Our suggestion? Try the beer with the same name as the bar, Molly Malone.


3. Café Atlántico Cocktail Bar. For gin lovers, this bar is a paradise due to their wide variety. You can also enjoy a fun menu of different beers and drinks. One thing is for sure: if you you ask around about Atlántico, you’ll get told that it’s one of the best cocktail bars in Palma. Have a look for yourself!





4. La Tremenda. Currently La Tremenda is one of the best places to have a drink in Palma. Located at Avinguda de l'Argentina, 7, in the neighborhood of Santa Catalina (20 minutes by bus from The Boc Hostels taking the bus number 1), it’s a fun place to enjoy a night out.


5. Clandestino Cocktail Club. Looking to discover something diffenret? At Clandestino you will have signature cocktails made with love. It's a warm and friendly place to have a drink and enjoy it with your partner or friends; the drinks are very well prepared and there's a great variety! The bar is located at Calle Sant Jaume 12, just a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Trust us, you'll feel at home here and you'll want to come back more than once.





See you in Palma, night birds!


Winter in Mallorca

Towns to know in winter that have their charm

That Mallorca is dangerously close to paradise has been made clear countless times. You just need to go around any of its beaches and coves. But not so well known is its interior facet: the enchantment of those little towns that are not so well known and that ooze history, nature and atmosphere on all four sides. Chopin, Borges, Ruben Darío or Gertrude Stein are just some of the personalities who fell in love with the character and landscapes of the Mallorcan countryside . A bucolic and romantic atmosphere that has inspired thousands of novels throughout history.

Perhaps the best known of all is Valldemossa. It is located in the western part of the island, in the Tramuntana mountains, just 20 kilometers from Palma and has its origin in the small rural houses of Arab origin that settled in the valley. Its beauty begins with the valley that gives it its name and that surrounds a historical complex in which buildings such as the Real Cartuja, the church of San Bartomeu or the Palace of King Sancho stand out. In addition to the beauty of its buildings and the charm of its streets, Valldemossa soon became a cultural center and a multitude of artists and painters settled here, leaving a rich cultural legacy to the town. Its cultural and artistic importance is such that in 2012 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

In the Sierra de Tramuntana and very close to Valldemossa we also find Deiá, a small town with cobbled streets and traditional buildings built on a hill. You can also get closer to the coast, dotted with headlands that jut out into the sea and small coves with crystal clear waters.

We continue advancing along the coast and we arrive at Soller, the town of orange trees. If you want to make a different trip, the most romantic and interesting way to do it is to get to the town on the famous Soller railway, a wooden train built in the 20th century that joins the 27 kilometers that separate the town from Palma and runs through the mountains. from Alfabia until you reach your destination. Once in Soller, the town offers many options to spend the day: stroll through the traditional streets, learn about the history of the region in any of its museums or spend a gastronomic day tasting the town's traditional products, balsamic vinegar, jams and Ice creams, among others, are some of the typical delicacies here. And you cannot leave Soller without visiting its beautiful port, one of the most fashionable locations on the island, or going up to the Santa Catalina viewpoint to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the sea.

We have left many towns without mentioning, Fornalutx, Formentor, Alcudia, Capdep era ... and Mallorca is an island with many hidden treasures. If you have the opportunity, the best way to get to know it is to rent a car and go through the many towns that irrigate it one by one. You will be surprised to see the great variety of traditions, landscapes and details that you will find in Mallorca beyond the typical summer sun and beach tourism.

Plus, if you're lucky with the weather, you might be one of the lucky ones to see these charming snow-covered villages, a postcard stamp you won't forget.

07/07/2020

Beaches by bus

Beaches accessible by bus from Plaza de España

Mallorca has nothing to envy to the paradisiacal coasts of the Caribbean. Sandy beaches of a thousand colors, landscapes that leave you breathless and a million possibilities for adventure and fun on this Mediterranean island.

I wish we could make a list of the best beaches and places to visit, but this Balearic island has such a great variety that it is difficult to choose which are the best. There is something for everyone! For this reason, this time we are going to focus on the best beaches near Palma that can be reached by public transport from Plaza de España.

We start at the Es Trenc beach. It is one of the most iconic and well-known beaches in Mallorca due to its impressive beauty , located between pine forests and sand dunes, its crystal clear turquoise waters reminiscent of the purest Caribbean. It is a very extensive beach, more than 2 kilometers long, so it is difficult for it to become overcrowded: you can always find emptier areas by advancing a little.

You can get to Es Trenc by taking the L53 bus that leaves from Plaza de España. The only drawback is that there is not much frequency: there are only two one way times: at 9:30 and at 10; and one back at 18:10. However, it is undoubtedly a beach worth visiting.

Near Santanyi we find Caló d'es Moro (Cala del Moro), a small semi-urban cove that could also rival Es Trenc for the color of its waters. Located in a protected environment, it is accessed through some rather steep rock steps. It is a well-known beach, and being so small, in the summer months the occupancy is very high. If you want to avoid this, you can always go down to see the cove and then move to S'Almoina, right next to it, where you can bathe and enjoy the Mallorcan sun more calmly.

To get to Caló d'es Moro you have to take the L501 bus from Plaza de España to Santanyi, and then take the L505. The bus drops us off fairly close to the path that leads to the beach, but when in doubt, just follow the people and you'll get there fast.

Its small size and its location in a protected natural environment mean that there is no type of bar or beach bar nearby, so make sure you bring enough food and drink.

If you prefer something simpler, instead of making the transfer to Calo d'es Moro, you can stay in Santanyi and enjoy the local beaches. In this area you can enjoy all the beauty of the region without losing the comfort of all the tourist services that you will not find in other more virgin beaches. < / Br>
Colonia de Sant Jordi is an old fishing village converted by tourism. In addition to the attractions of the town, it has several great beaches, such as Es Port, Es Dolç, Es Carbó or Es Marqués. They are beaches more frequented by the local population, surrounded by almost virgin natural areas, but if you want to enjoy all the tourist services, you can stay in the ones closest to the town.

To get to Colonia de Sant Jordi you have to take bus 502. Check the travel schedules and frequencies as they vary throughout the year.

If you have little time or it is the last day of travelling you can enjoy these beaches near the center. They are beautiful beaches that are worth visiting.

C ala Mayor and Illetas: from Plaza de España, take bus 4 that leaves every ten minutes and goes to both beaches. From Plaza de España to Cala Mayor it takes approximately 30 minutes, this beach has beach bars and couples, but if you don't have that much money you can go to buy something in the nearby markets.

Until Illetas it takes approximately 40 minutes since you have to get off at the last stop on the line. There are 3 small beaches perfect to go in the morning with breakfast or lunch and take advantage of the moment. If you like to eat something you can also go to the beach bar in one of them.

So now you know, grab your backpack and start enjoying the best beaches in Mallorca.

27/01/2021