Y
ou can easily avoid the concrete high-rise hotels and crowds in Majorca (also commonly known as Mallora) if you actually try hard enough. From Caribbean-esque beaches to pretty rustic villages here are some Majorcan towns not crawling with tourists.
Valldemossa
Located 17 kilometers (about 20 minutes) from Palma, this traditional stone village is surrounded by gorgeous countryside and forest hills making it a great destination especially for outdoor lovers. Composer Frederic Chopin also once named Valldemossa as the prettiest place on earth. This small corner of the magnificent Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains is also home to the 13th Monastery where Chopin and his lover George Sand lived during the winter of 1838 to 1839. You can try Ca’s Papa or Hotel Es Petit hotel for an authentic stay.
Inca
Inca is situated at the foot of the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountain Range about halfway up the highway from Palma to Arcudia. The town is accessible by both train and car from Palma. Inca is also commonly known as the ‘City of Leather’ and it is Mallorca’s third largest town. It is home to the popular shoe brand, Camper, and if you visit the town on an organized tour, you’ll be taken to one of the leather factories. Try to visit Inca on a market day to enjoy the best atmosphere. The town is dotted with beautiful architecture and it’s great to just wander around and shop for a day. You can also visit the smart coffee-house near the train station and old wine cellars turned into lovely restaurants featuring various traditional dishes.
Manacor
Manacor is a largely residential town that is located on the North Eastern tip of Majorca with numerous nearby attractions and coastal resorts falling within its municipality. Its reputation as Majorca’s home of industry gives the town a very distinctive feel. Some of the major attractions in this town include Nostra Senyora dels Dolors (The Parish Church), Rafael Nadal International Tennis Center, Via Verde (a 29km eco path) and the local market which is usually in full-swing on Mondays.
