Sunshine, Sóller and slowing down in Mallorca

On 21 September, Jonathan and I headed off for a short break to Mallorca. We had spent the day at Chatham Historic Dockyard for the brilliant 1940s Salute To The Forties event and then dashed to the airport for our late flight. It was delayed, so instead of arriving late Sunday night, we landed in Palma in the early hours of Monday morning. By the time we got to our hotel we were shattered. But that is travel for you - sometimes you just have to take the rough with the smooth.

Top Tip: Always pack a little travel blanket or jacket in your hand luggage. We carry a small blanket in my rucksack wherever we go. It is perfect for delays and cosy naps on the plane.

Our base in Magaluf

We booked into the Cook’s Club Calvià Beach, chosen because it is adults-only. Reviews had warned us about the steep hill up to the hotel, but it wasn't too bad. Just something to bear in mind if mobility is an issue.

The location was spot on. Out of the hotel one way you head towards the quieter Palma Nova side. The other way takes you to Magaluf’s lively strip and beach. Two coves, two vibes - all within walking distance.

Monday was pure recharge mode - with breakfast (which is pretty amazing and a great view), sun loungers, naps by the pool and later some time on the beach. Exactly what short breaks are meant for.

The Sóller railway - A journey through time

On Tuesday, the weather turned a little overcast, so we hopped on the local bus, the number 104 from Magaluf, into Palma to try something we had our eye on. The famous train to Sóller.

This is not your average commuter train. The Ferrocarril de Sóller has been running since 1912 and was originally built to transport oranges and lemons from the valley to Palma. The train itself is wooden and full of old-world charm, with polished brass fittings and large windows that open wide.

The journey takes just under an hour and winds its way through the Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Expect tunnels, dramatic gorges, olive groves and citrus orchards along the way. It is the kind of slow travel that makes you feel like you have stepped back in time.

When you arrive in Sóller town you can either explore or hop straight onto the vintage tram that rattles its way down to Port de Sóller.

Sóller and Port de Sóller

Sóller itself is gorgeous. A traditional Mallorcan town with a beautiful main square, quirky shops, tapas bars and the striking Sant Bartomeu church right in the centre. It is a lovely place to wander, enjoy a coffee and soak up authentic Mallorca.

If you continue on the tram, which you can either pre-book as part of a ticket or pay on board, you end up in Port de Sóller. The tram ride is about 15 minutes, clattering past lemon groves before arriving at the horseshoe-shaped bay.

The port is stunning. Golden sand, clear blue water, two lighthouses standing guard and a line of restaurants and cafes where you can linger over a drink or just watch the world go by. It's the sort of place where time slows down and you never want to leave.

We took the last train back at 7:30pm, which meant we were back at our hotel around 10pm after a little stop for drinks. It made for a long but memorable day out.

Back to the sun loungers

Wednesday was another lazy pool day. The hotel really impressed us - with two pools, including an infinity pool, comfy sunbeds with thick mattresses and even a little sandy area near the bar for that beachy vibe. Drinks were very reasonably priced too, around eight euros for a cocktail and five euros for a glass of cava.

Thursday was our departure day, but as our flight was late we paid 49 euros to extend the room until 6pm. Honestly this is such good value as it meant we could enjoy a full day instead of dragging our cases around or trying to freshen up in a lobby bathroom.

Transfers back to the airport were smooth and Palma Airport itself is brilliant. There is lots of seating, plenty of food options and a very easy check-in process. Just allow extra time for passport control, especially with the new EES system now in place.

A little more about Mallorca

Mallorca, or Majorca, is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands and has long been a favourite with British travellers. Beyond the resorts, the island is packed with history, from Roman remains in Alcúdia to the dramatic hilltop monastery at Lluc. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range stretches along the northwest coast, offering stunning hikes, cycling routes and picture-perfect towns, such as Valldemossa and Deià - both loved by writers and artists.

But sometimes a short break does not need to be packed with sightseeing. For us, this was about a few days of sunshine, a splash of adventure on the Sóller railway and plenty of poolside relaxation. It delivered all of that perfectly.

Thinking of Mallorca for your next getaway? Whether you want nightlife, culture, hidden coves or just a sun lounger and a sangria, Mallorca has it all. I can help you find the right corner of the island that suits you best.