In this episode of the When in Spain podcast I explore the Balearic island of Mallorca. Joining me to scratch beneath the surface of the island is guide and long-time Mallorca resident, Gina Vasquez who runs Visit My Mallorca https://www.visitmymallorca.com/

Gina talks us through the ancient history of Mallorca and recommends things to see in the island's capital, Palma, including the city's impressive gothic cathedral, La Seu. It has one of the world’s largest stained glass windows. 

We also get out across the island and look at Gina's favourite towns, villages, beaches and natural beauty spots to include on a visit.

We talk about the artist and sculptor Joan Miró who lived and worked on Mallorca - Gina's husband knew Joan Miró personally and she recommends a visit to the the Fundació Joan Miró where you can see Miró's workshop and numerous pieces of his work. https://www.fmirobcn.org/en/foundation/ 

Gina also tells us about a fascinating slice of Mallorcan history. The small town of Petra is the birthplace of St. Junípero Serra (1713-1784), a Franciscan friar who founded the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in California from San Diego to San Francisco.

Places and other things we mentioned in the episode:

La Seu Cathedral, Palma

Santa Catalina neighbourhood, Palma

Plaza d'Espanya, Palma

Olivar Market, Palma

La Llotja de Palma

Across the Island

Sineu (with its 15th Century market)

Sóller

Portopetro

Portocolom

Cala Figuera

Biniaraix

Banyalbufar

Sa Calobra

Formentor

Mirador Es Colomer

Parc natural de Mondragó

Estellencs

Deià (Robert Graves called it his home)

Drach Caves (Porto Cristo)

Sant Elm (San Telmo)

Pollença (Family beaches)

Bakery in Palma to buy Ensaimada - Fornet de la Soca https://fornetdelasoca.com/

TV Series - The Mallorca Files https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9204128/

RESOURCES 

Miró

https://miromallorca.com/en/

government tourism site

https://www.illesbalears.travel/experience/en/mallorca/sant-antoni-and-sant-sebastia

transportation island-wide

www.tib.org

Palma city bus.

http://www.emtpalma.cat/en/home

One of Gina's favorite restaurants in Palma,

http://www.larosavermuteria.com/en/restaurants