Walking in Mallorca and Marrakech

Explore MALLORCA

By Tina Williams

With beautiful beaches and pretty resorts, Mallorca is an island that offers something for everyone.

With flights running from most major airports throughout the year Mallorca is a year-round destination if you don’t mind cooler days in the Winter. It is only a short flight from the UK and offers so much more than just a family beach holiday.

Spring and early Autumn offer warm sunny days, the perfect weather for a walking holiday abroad.

Start in Palma which is known for its pretty old town. Here you can get lost in the small streets filled with quaint shops and small squares with inviting cafés, providing the perfect pit stop to rest those tired legs and enjoy some local tapas. Of course, you couldn’t have a visit to Palma without stopping by the Cathedral followed by a wander around the Marina. For some luxury in Palma, I would suggest staying at the 5* Nakar Hotel, a family-run boutique hotel in the heart of Palma, to really add a sense of luxury why not upgrade to a room with a hot tub?

For the more budget-conscious then take a look at the nearby beach resort of Can Pastilla where there are plenty of good 3* options that won’t break the bank.

From the city of Palma, you can transfer to the more sedate resort of Soller. Take the old wooden train through the mountains from Palma and end in the resort of Soller with its mountainous backdrop.

Soller is a great base for all walking levels. Take a wander down to Port de Soller, it is about an hour’s walk, spend the day on the beach or exploring the area and either walk back up or take the tram back up to Soller.

For a longer walk then take the tram down to the Port and do the coastal walk to the charming village of Deia. Deia is a small village on the west coast of Mallorca, filled with traditions and charm, it is well known for its art galleries and small gift shops.

If you have the money, spend a few nights at the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, it is well worth it. For my own holiday this year, I am looking at the Fergus Style Soller Beach Hotel.

Whatever you decide, Mallorca will have it all.

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MARRAKECH

If Mallorca doesn’t do it for you and you want a bit more culture, how about checking my 5 Day Marrakech itinerary? A change from the beaches and lazing around, take in the traditions, warmth and culture this marvellous city has to offer.

With regular flights from larger airports across the country, you can reach Marrakech in around 3.5 hours. I would stay away in the summer months as it is just too hot, but April/May/June/ September & October are the perfect months for a short break.

Day 1: Check into a local riad. There are so many to choose from and range from cheap and cheerful to full luxury. I would suggest somewhere in the middle and have had guests stay at the Riad al Badia, with its lovely sun terrace, perfect for an afternoon drink and attention to detail it is well worth a visit. Once checked in and settled, embark on an afternoon food tour sampling the delights of the local cuisine and visiting a local spice market.

Day 2: Take an adventure in the Desert of Agafay with a full day quad bike tour. Meet the locals at a small village and enjoy lunch in a tent, followed by an afternoon exploring canyons and other villages in the desert. Day 3: Depart for a day in the Atlas Mountains. Your local Berber guide will take you to a local Berber House and village high in the Atlas Mountains. Here you will be cooked a fabulous lunch followed by a trip to the Olive Oil Mill and the old Kasbar. After a full day here, relax for the evening

Day 4: A more leisurely day today with a short tour of Marrakech Palm Grove on your very own camel ending with a cup of mint tea and a snack of honey-drenched msemens (crispy stuffed crepes). Take the afternoon at leisure and explore the old streets and squares. A visit to Dar el Bacha, a palace located in the old medina is highly recommended. It is one of the medina’s finest examples of riad architecture. A visit to the café here is a must! It is like stepping back into a different era, one of elegance and charm. Then head back to get ready for an evening at the Fantasia Nights 1001 Dinner Show. Day 5: Get ready for an early start for this spectacular end to your holiday. Get picked up in a 4x4 from your hotel for a short trip to the desert. Upon arrival enjoy coffee and pastries, before embarking for your BALLOON FLIGHT. Take a 60-minute flight over Marrakech and its surrounding hilltop villages, an experience like no other. Finish with a traditional breakfast in Caidal tents before being transferred back to your hotel.

In the afternoon take the opportunity to look around the Majorelle Gardens. Bought and renovated by Yves Saint Lauren the garden is known for the variety of exotic plants from around the world.