Today was one of those days where everything feels just right; the pace, the food, the people, the place. Palma de Mallorca, you’re truly something special.
After the whirlwind of our European tour, we gave ourselves the rarest of travel gifts: a sleep in. No alarms, no bus schedules - just the luxury of waking up slowly in our room at Can Cera (still pinching ourselves that we’re staying here).
Late morning, we wandered out after a splendid breakfast and strolled through Palma’s charming streets, ducking in and out of little shops and enjoying the cool breeze rolling in from the sea. The winding alleys, the sunlight filtering down between the buildings, made it perfect for wandering.
By noon we had met up with our food tour group, (a fun and eclectic mix of ages and backgrounds: Europeans, Americans, and us Aussies representing the southern hemisphere.) The first stop was nothing short of magical: the Monasterio de Santa Clara, founded in 1256.
James took the honours and rang the ancient bell, summoning the attention of the cloistered nuns who live hidden behind its thick stone walls. These women have never left, nor seen an outsider’s face since entering at around age 16. Their way of life is steeped in history and their cookies are delicious. With the help of a small revolving hatch and a whispered exchange, we received our sweet reward. It was like something out of another time.
From there, we strolled Palma’s old town with our guide, tasting and sipping our way through local wine, cheeses, cured meats, and a particularly memorable treat: granizado de almendra; a refreshing shaved ice made with almond milk and topped with cinnamon. Light, subtly sweet, and perfectly Mallorcan. We were in heaven. Lunch? Definitely sorted. We even passed our hotel during the walk, which momentarily made us feel like minor celebrities among our new foodie friends.
After a quick siesta back at Can Cera (did we mention how amazing the beds are?), we were off again. This time to experience something entirely different: flamenco.
The Tablao Flamenco Alma show was electrifying. The dancers moved with lightning precision, and the musicians had fingers (and feet) faster than should be humanly possible. The rhythms pulsed through the floor, the voices cut through the air. It was passionate, raw, and unforgettable.
We wrapped up our perfect Palma day with a cosy dinner at a quaint café. Delicious, of course, as everything here seems to be.
Then back we went, slowly and happily, to our little oasis at Can Cera. Full hearts, full bellies, tired feet… and not a single complaint.
Palma, you’ve cast your spell. And we’re not ready for it to wear off just yet.
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