Palma Guide – The Nakar pocket guide to… Algaida, Montuïri and Porreres

We love Palma. You know that by now. But one of our favourite things is helping you discover the rest of Mallorca too: the little villages, the local spots and the places you’d probably never find on your own.

That’s why we started our Nakar pocket guides. Think of them as small guides you can (almost) carry in your pocket, with everything you need to explore a new corner of the island without overthinking it.

Today we’re heading inland to the Pla de Mallorca, the flat, rural heart of the island. Algaida, Montuïri and Porreres are all around 20 to 30 minutes’ drive from Palma, close enough to each other that you can easily see all three in one day. Expect windmills, vineyards, old stone villages and some seriously good Mallorcan food.

Ready? Let’s go.

Algaida – the village of glass

What to do
Algaida is a classic Pla village: sandstone houses, green shutters, narrow streets and a pretty church in the main square. It’s also known for its local produce and organic wines, and if you’re here on a Friday, the weekly market is full of local, seasonal products.

What to see
Don’t miss Gordiola, a glass-blowing factory run by the same family since 1719. You can watch the glassmakers at work and visit the museum. It’s honestly mesmerising.

Then drive up Puig de Randa to the Santuari de Cura, where the mystic and poet Ramon Llull is said to have found enlightenment. The views across the island and all the way to Palma are spectacular. Spiritual or not, you’ll feel it.

Where to eat
Es 4 Vents is an institution. Open since 1981, it’s famous for its charcoal grill, paellas and Mallorcan classics like frito. It’s where local families go for Sunday lunch, so book ahead.

For something more traditional, try Hostal d’Algaida for tumbet, arròs brut and a proper ensaïmada with your coffee.

Montuïri – the village of windmills

What to do
You’ll spot Montuïri before you arrive. It sits on a hill, surrounded by old windmills. Park up and walk up to the top of the village, where the views over the Pla are lovely. If you visit in August, you might catch the Festes de Sant Bartomeu and the traditional cossiers dance in the main square.

What to see
Start at the church of Sant Bartomeu, which overlooks the old town. Then head to Es Molinar to see the historic windmills up close.

History fans, this one’s for you: Son Fornés is one of the most important Talaiotic sites on the island. The archaeological museum, set in a restored 17th-century flour mill, tells the story of the people who lived here from around the 10th century BC until Roman times. Do the museum and the site together. Trust us.

Where to eat
S’Hostal de Montuïri is the place for a proper pa amb oli and traditional Mallorcan food in a typical village setting. For something more modern, NU has a small, carefully chosen menu that’s getting plenty of love.

Porreres – the village of apricots

What to do
Porreres is rural Mallorca at its best. The town is surrounded by vineyards, almond trees and apricot orchards, and its historic centre is pedestrianised, which makes it perfect for a slow wander and a coffee in the square. Many of the local wineries are open for visits, so this is also a great stop for wine lovers.

What to see
Look out for some of the 36 windmills scattered around the village and the Gothic church of Nostra Senyora de la Consolació. Pop into the town hall too, where there’s a modern art collection that includes works by Salvador Dalí. Not what you expected in a small Mallorcan village, right?

Then drive up to the Santuari de Monti-Sion, a 14th-century sanctuary with a beautiful pentagonal cloister. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Cabrera archipelago.

Where to eat
L’Escrivania is set in a beautiful historic building in the centre and serves Mallorcan dishes with a nod to the village’s apricot tradition. For something more casual, Ca Sa Viuda is great for tapas on the terrace.

Why Nakar is your perfect starting point

Here’s the thing about exploring Mallorca: it’s always better when you have somewhere great to come back to.

Nakar is right on Avenida Jaime III, in the centre of Palma, so it’s easy to get out of the city and onto the road towards the Pla. Spend the day exploring villages, windmills and wineries, then head back to Palma in time for sunset.

And when you get back? Head upstairs to CUIT Restaurant for dinner with a view, or relax in our spa after a long day of exploring.

Village life by day, Palma by night. Not a bad combination.

See you in Palma (and beyond).