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Nestled amidst the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca enters spring with gentle skies, soft sunshine, and orchards of sweet-smelling oranges. For Ngoc Ha – a girl from Nghe An currently living in Germany – her 5-day journey exploring this beautiful island was not only a trip to escape the northern chill, but also an opportunity to slow down and experience the tranquil and peaceful Mediterranean lifestyle.
"I live in West Germany, far from the sea, and the weather is quite cold. After traveling to Southern Italy in the summer, this year I chose Mallorca – a destination that has long been on my wish list," Ngoc Ha shared.
The spring sunshine in Mallorca is gentle, like a soft touch to the memories of the Mediterranean.
Mallorca in spring is captivating at first sight, with temperatures ranging from 20-22°C. Not too hot or crowded like in the middle of summer, the island is bathed in the gentle glow of soft sunshine and clear blue skies. For Ha, this time of year is perfect for exploring – warm enough to wear a dress, and cool enough to stroll along the old streets without getting tired. However, if you want to swim in the sea, summer would be a better choice.
The city of Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is where Ngoc Ha began her journey. Cobblestone streets winding between rows of terracotta houses, blue-shrouded windows, and bougainvillea cascading gently on the walls – all create a breathtakingly classic Mediterranean scene. And then, the majestic La Seu church, standing tall in the city center, emerges as an unforgettable architectural highlight.
Every street corner exudes an ancient and romantic charm.
From Palma, Ha boarded the vintage Ferrocarril de Sóller train – a wooden train dating back to 1912 – which took her across terraced rice paddies, olive-covered hills, tunnels through mountains, and fields of vibrant yellow oranges. Along those 27 kilometers, each bend in the road presented a changing tapestry of nature with the seasons.
"One of the most 'wow-inducing' experiences for me was the journey from Palma to Sóller by bus and train through winding mountain roads. The scenery along the way changed constantly, and it was truly breathtaking," Ha recounted.
The wooden train Ferrocarril de Sóller – a journey through the orange valleys and Mediterranean mountains.
The town of Sóller is quiet and charming, like a village from a fairy tale. The Sant Bartomeu church stands out in the central square, its facade designed in the Catalan Modernism style – one of the unique works of Gaudí's students. Here, visitors can choose to sit at a small café in Plaça de la Constitució, sip coffee, and quietly watch the people go by – a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of Europe.
The cuisine on Mallorca is an integral part of the travel experience, especially for those who love fresh seafood. "Because Mallorca is an island, the seafood here is very fresh and abundant. I took the opportunity to enjoy dishes ranging from squid and shrimp to fish... prepared quite simply but retaining their natural sweetness," Ha shared.
Each dish on the island is like a piece of Mediterranean flavor – fresh, simple, yet rich and savory.
Notably, the Asian community living here also offers a rich variety of culinary options. Small Chinese restaurants, Japanese ramen shops, and even pizza and Italian pasta are easily found everywhere. While not local specialties, in the relaxed atmosphere of the Mediterranean, each meal becomes a delightful experience.
Concluding the journey, Mallorca emerged not only as a holiday paradise but also as a place where abundant nature and rich cultural identity intertwine. “Mallorca is a harmonious blend of nature and culture. Despite being famous and crowded with tourists, it still retains its rustic, intimate charm, not as chaotic as some other destinations,” Ha observed.
Mallorca is a harmonious blend of nature and culture.
During her five days in Mallorca, Ha explored four main areas of the island. For first-time visitors, she suggests Palma as your accommodation due to its convenient bus connections to other regions. For those wishing to explore further, renting a motorbike or car is also an ideal option. However, caution is advised as the terrain is hilly and winding, and traffic flows on the right side of the road.
And most importantly, according to Ha, don't forget to bring the mindset of someone embarking on an adventure. "Prepare comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit, and a relaxed spirit, and you will fully appreciate the beauty of Mallorca," Ha said.
