A Little Island Named Mallorca - Part 3 - A Day in Arta

Last, but certainly not least, I want to take you through a day in the beautiful town of Artà, located in the Eastern region of the island. We used to always rent a house in Canyamel, which is a beach town not far from Artà, but in recent years, we prefer a more quiet stay, away from noise.

Artà is a rural town, lined with trees and little shops. Its main attraction is the San Salvador sanctuary/castle that sits on the hill top, overlooking the town. 

San Salvador - Artà

Although Artà has several small hotels that are tucked away in the narrow streets around town, we prefer renting a "finca" (Spanish for "estate"), which refers to a piece of property on a rural or agricultural land. Luckily, Mallorca has strict zoning laws that dictate how far spread out houses need to be in farm lands. When renting one of these properties, the only sound you hear when you sit on the porch, are the crickets chirping and a faint "klong, klong" of sheep bells somewhere on a farm near you. Although you don't get room service or freshly made beds every day, you have the luxury of doing what you want, when you want it. The most basic rentals come with WiFi, full kitchens, and washing machines. I would recommend using sites such as www.homeaway.com or www.airbnb.com to search for rentals. It really is more of a unique experience versus staying at a hotel. And the view...

Sunset from our Porch

Finca in Artà

To start the day in Artà, I would recommend grabbing breakfast in one of the many cafes in the center of town. Cafe Parisien is super cute and has a garden that is in the back of the restaurant, away from the street. 

If you happen to be there on a Tuesday, you are in for a treat...it is market day! Vendors take over the downtown and among some very touristy stands, you can find an array of fresh and locally grown fruit and vegetables, olives, and sea salts.

Fruit & Vegetable Stand

Olives & Cured Meats Stand

Sea Salt from the Local Natural Reserve

For some relaxation after the market, I can recommend the fairly new boutique hotel Jardi d'Arta (Garden of Artà). Hidden in the old town, this converted townhouse offers a beautiful garden for outside dining, as well as  a Turkish Bath, and Wellness Program. 

Jardi d'Arta with Nina

Garden Dining Area

To finish off your day, have some wine and tapas at Tres Mes, which is located in the center of town. Relax and enjoy being on this beautiful island. Set right in the pedestrian zone, this spot is great for people watching. 

If you do happen to crave a little bit of ocean by the end of the day, I can recommend taking a 10 minute drive to Cala Ratjada. Take a walk along the promenade and enjoy the sunset. 

Cala Ratjada Promenade

Sunset at Cala Ratjada Fishing Port

If you haven't noticed yet: I am crazy about Mallorca and just want to share the love :) Here are some more pictures that capture some moments from my travels. Scroll down for some travel tips, in case you are interested in booking a trip.
Thank you for stopping by!
Love, Lena

Cala Agulla - Beach in Cala Ratjada

The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma

Store Fronts in Palma de Mallorca

Side Street in Artà

 Travel Tips:

1. When to visit:
- peak season starts around May and ends in September
- if at all possible, try to go late September into October
- the water will be warm, but the sun won't be scorching
- climate during the summer is comparable to Florida weather

2. Where to stay:
- look into vacation rentals vs hotels
- most hotels are not all-inclusive, so watch for that when booking a hotel
- be open to renting a car so you can explore the island and the different beaches

3. Communication:
- most natives speak German or English
- it is appreciated when you at least try to speak some of the basics in Spanish :)