Easter in Mallorca; Festivals, Food & Fun

First things first, it isn’t just a weekend over here, it’s a whole week. Semana Santa, or Holy Week as you might know it, takes place from the 24th to 31st March in 2024. Expect to see a wonderful selection of traditional rituals and processions taking place around the island throughout the entire week to mark the Passion of Christ. On Maundy or Holy Thursday, which is the Thursday before Easter, the biggest processions take place, usually followed by parades through the streets at night. The most notable one happens in Palma and is certainly something for the whole family to enjoy. Be sure to try Mallorca's Easter pastries, the rubiols and panades, you'll find them in most of the island's bakeries. Once you have soaked up the festive Easter spirit with the locals at one of these parades, there are plenty of other things the island can offer over the Easter break.

Now, we all know the Spanish love a good feeding on their fiestas and there are some exciting foodie events going on around the island over the Easter break. The good news is, you don’t have to wait until Sunday to enjoy some special Easter menus.

Easter Sunday lunch is important here on the island, and as this is the time of year the seasonal restaurants, beach clubs and hotels begin to open, you won't be stuck for choice. Many will be serving a special fixed price Easter menu and even an Easter egg hunt for the little ones.

Palma is a shopping haven thanks to its vast offering of both fashion and interior design stores, from pretty independent boutiques to famous designers, all making their mark in the city. If you are after a shopping spree on your Easter break, then it’s worth mentioning that most of the shops are shut over the bank holiday days, which are the 28th, 29th and 30th March, as well as the 1st April, which means you will have to fit in any shopping around that.

Want to work up an appetite for a big Easter feeding? While lots of cycling enthusiasts visit the island for its epic mountainous terrain, we understand Easter might not be the time to embark on a massive cycling adventure, so why not take a leisurely cycle ride along the bay of Palma’s impressive cycle path? All flat and easy enough for the whole family to participate. Rent bikes from Palma and head east towards Playa de Palma (S’Arenal) along the never ending cycle path, you can do a good 30km round trip!

There are some fantastic restaurants along the route. Assaona Gastrobeach Club offers a beach club vibe and a tasty international food menu, El Marino provides a more sophisticated seafood affair, and Cocco restaurant is a great place to stop by for some hearty Italian food in the chic seaside village of Portixol. If you have the energy to reach the most eastern point of S'Arenal (Playa de Palma), there's a wonderful selection of restaurants, close by is Puro Beach Palma is a wonderful spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or simply a cocktail.

Visit the world famous Belmond Residencia Hotel in Deia, for the ultimate Easter get-away! You can choose from a selection of beautifully decorated bedrooms with four-poster beds, suites with their own private terrace in the main hotel or the luxurious Villa, which comprises of spacious accommodation just a short stroll from the main hotel. You'll also find an award-winning spa on site with an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym and treatment rooms.

Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, Son Julia Country House hotel means you can maximise your holiday time and reduce travel time. Son Julia Country House is a tastefully restored 15th-century mansion located in the Mallorcan countryside. A rural retreat boutique hotel, it boasts a fully-equipped spa, large outdoor swimming pool and a top-notch restaurant. Be sure to sample some of the hotel's wine, cultivated from a vineyard on the estate.

To be at the heart of all the action this Easter, we recommend staying in Palma as the city hosts the most spectacular Easter processions and rituals. A must-visit is the Es Princep Hotel, which affords luxuriously elegant rooms which not only meet the modern traveller’s needs but exceeds their expectations. The soulful use of stone, wood and leather pay homage to traditional Mallorcan country fincas. It's safe to say dining here will be a memorable experience, since it's restaurant Zaranda is led by Fernando P. Arrellano who has claimed 2 Michelin stars.

If location is important to you, then perhaps the Santa Clara Urban Hotel & Spa might tempt you. This four-star boutique hotel is just a short stroll away from the shops and restaurants in Palma’s city centre. The striking blonde stone walls contrasted with modern minimalist furniture create a remarkable designer-hotel feel.