T
he crowds are still manageable, the light is clear and fresh, and the island is quietly at its best. From garden walks to market eats, here are seven ideas on how to make the most of springtime in Mallorca.
Walk the Gardens of Jardins d'Alfabia
Right before the Sóller tunnel, the Jardins d'Alfabia are one of Mallorca's oldest and most intriguing parks. This Moorish-era estate, originally established in the 10th century, is beautifully landscaped with formal terraces, pergolas draped in wisteria, and water channels that have been running for nearly a thousand years. Spring makes a great time of year to visit, because the gardens come into full colour from March onward, with roses, irises, and jasmine all flowering before the heat of summer burns them back. Visitor numbers are still low in April and May, meaning you can wander around, sit at the outdoor café and enjoy the surroundings. The house itself contains an eclectic collection of antique furniture and ceramics worth a look, and the whole visit rarely takes more than 90 minutes, manageable as a stop on the way to or from Sóller.
Explore Sa Bassa Blanca Museum & Sculpture Park
Tucked into the forests on the far eastern edge of the island, outside of Port de Alcudia, Sa Bassa Blanca is one of Mallorca's most unexpected cultural surprises. The Swiss artist Ben Jakober and his partner Yannick Vu spent decades assembling a collection that spans Renaissance portraits of children, monumental contemporary sculpture, and a surrealist garden that blurs the line between art and landscape. The outdoor sculpture park is the centrepiece. Artworks are installed across several hectares of Mediterranean scrubland and terraced gardens, with pieces by artists including Salvador Dalí and a striking pyramid structure that houses part of the collection underground. Architecture lovers will appreciate the couple’s Hasan Fathy-designed house, the only example of the well-known Egyptian architect’s work in Europe, and a stunning example of Spanish-Moorish design. Spring makes the outdoor visit genuinely pleasant; pack a lunch and enjoy the day. Visits must be booked in advance.
