The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/836118
PALMA Though it's certainly not scenic, you won't want to miss exploring the island's capital. It serves as Mallorca's central hub, a great piece of any itinerary. Palma is a former Moorish casbah (a walled city) which makes it ideal for wandering. In Old Town, one can get happily lost drifting down the myriad of narrow alleys, stumbling upon courtyards and Gothic architecture at every turn. The highlight of this maze- like quarter are the Banys Arabs (or Arab Baths), the last remnants of the 10th century Arabic influence. If throwback architecture is your thing, hitch a ride on the Sóller Railway and visit Bellver Castle west of the city; Bellver is one of the few circular castles in Europe and offers unbridled views of Palma. For how historic the city can look, Palma is surprisingly progressive—especially when it comes to food. Organic produce and markets are a huge part of the local lifestyle and the social scene. Mallorca in its entirety is beginning to become some- thing of a foodie destination with its great tapas bars and Michelin-starred restau- rants like Marc Fosh on Carrer de la Missió in Palma. Getting lost in the alleys and sights of Palma may be enough to steal your heart but it's only the beginning. Deciding where to go and what to see in Mallorca is both easy and difficult for exactly the same reason: there is an overabundance of great sights, experiences and places. The type of trip to expect complete- ly depends on you, the traveler. You can avoid the crowds and high rise hotels on the island if you try. Mallorca's western and eastern regions are ruled by mountain chains, the Serra de Tramuntana and Serra de Llevant respectively. Though there's certainly a lot to do in the island's central region plain Es Pla, which includes Palma, the real journey begins when you strike out across the countryside, exploring hidden beaches, quaint olive groves and rustic villages. So rent a car, hail a cab, get on the tram, ride a bike and explore everything the island has to offer. Here are a few of our top picks: VUE ON TRAVEL V U E N J . C O M 72