As one of the most established tourism destinations in the Mediterranean Mallorca is continually reinventing itself as an island of multiple experiences for the visitor. This summer look beyond the beach and check out some new experiences from new water adventures and historic subterranean visits to cool health treatments and the island’s new and most extensive classic car collection:
NEW! Motorworld Mallorca – classic cars, history, events, and dining
Recently opened on the site of the former Coca Cola factory beside Palma’s International Airport and the MA-19, this vast space of 80,000 m2 includes an exhibition area of more than 15,000m2 featuring the island’s leading collection of classic cars, offering spaces for events, and dining – the ideal “pit stop” for any visitor.
Currently the collection comprises more than 100 classic, high-performance cars and motorbikes and boats, available for rent or sale via the onsite showrooms featuring some of the world’s most prestigious names in motoring from McLaren, to Lamborghni, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari. Dealers like Thomas Exclusive Cars, Scuderia Sauer, Volmermotors Classic Cars, Brunold Automobile, Sportwagen Genssler, GT Rentals or Christian Abt Classic offer those vehicles for sale or for rent. In addition, there are 60 glass storage boxes displaying private cars from personal collections. Visitors can also try out their driving skills in the Motorworld SimRacing Centre.
Dining and events
The motoring experience continues in the Motorworld Motomio restaurant and cafe that features a canary-yellow Lamborghini suspended from the ceiling. Visitors can choose from a range of international dishes and relax in an atmosphere that exudes a retro 60’s feel.
Spaces for events are also available for hire for up to 2,000 people in one of the 10 themed event rooms, overlooking two restored Mallorcan windmills within the Motorworld grounds.
Motorworld Mallorca is open all year round. Entrance is free and visitors can either wander around the exposition at their own pace or book guided tour (available for groups of up to 25 people at a cost of 180 €). For more information, visit their website.
Ice cool treatments at HEAT by Sophia Lie
Nordic ice baths are now available in the centre of Palma’s old town in the latest boutique spa called HEAT by Sophia Lie. Ideal for hot summer days this experience starts with instruction on how to breathe in a full body immersion of ice-cold water for five minutes. This is well recognised treatment that is recommended to reduce inflammation, improve circulation and reinforce the immune system. Post-treatment clients claim they feel calm, mentally focused, and recharged. Prices start at 38€ per session. For more information visit their website.
Gliding over water
Efoil boards and hydrofoil bikes are trend watersports this summer. Salty Cycling launched new hydrofoil bikes on the island a year ago in Can Picafort and this summer the company has opened another base in Puerto Pollensa in collaboration with Mallorcakiteboarding who also offer a range of traditional and efoil watersports activities. Initiation sessions on hydrofoil bikes last 1.5 hours and cost 100€ per person.
Going underground – the Hams Caves celebrate 120 years
The Hams Caves in Porto Cristo on the east coast of the island, are believed to be 10 million years old and were first discovered by a local geologist when he was digging in search of onyx, a precious stone abundant in the area at that time. In 1905 the caves were opened to the public and in 1910 electricity was brought in from the nearby town of Porto Cristo to illuminate the caves.
The caves are divided into three separate areas the central “classic cave” comprises 12 galleries with an underground lake “The Sea of Venice” where a musical performance is held with a corresponding light show to enhance the beauty of the rock formations.
The visit is ideal for all ages and combines geology, history, and a spectacular tour of some of the most extraordinary subterranean caves and rock formations in the Mediterranean. Entrance prices start from 18€ per person and 12€ per child (up to the age of 12 years). For more information, visit their website.
Field to table tasting on the farm
Local gastronomy can also be enjoyed this summer directly in its place of origin thanks to Terragust, an experience that combines ecotourism and Mallorcan cuisine in its purest form. Located in Manacor, the Terragust farming cooperative organises guided tours of the countryside where visitors learn about seasonal crops, can pick fruit or vegetables, and then taste a four-course menu made from the farm’s produce in one of the fields or a covered part of the farm (depending on weather).
The tour, tasting and menu cost 79.09€ per adult and 16€ for children (6-12 years) under sixes go free. Bookings can be made online.
Flor de Sal – artisan salt production in harmony with the environment
Sea salt production was founded in 1958 in the Salinas d’Es Trenc area on the east coast of the island. The salt plains are within the Es Trenc nature reserve covering 2,800 hectares (this area is also renowned for the famous sandy Es Trenc beach) and are a major provider of nutrients to a diversity of species including flamingos.
A visit around the salt pans helps visitors to understand the salt production process and the importance of this work in protecting, preserving, and regenerating the natural habitat. In summer tours can be booked in every day from 10.00-16.00 for 10 € per adult and 6 € per child (up to the age of 15 years). For more information and bookings, visit their website.