We got to Mallorca Thursday, and are staying in Palma. The area feels more like a small city with Indian Restaurants and a Chinese Grocery Store, so we decided to rent a car and get out to see the island. After getting lost we ended up going the long along the West coast to a couple of smaller towns.

The view on the drive made it worth it! In that part of the island it’s all dramatic cliffs, pine trees, steppes, and stone houses with green or blue shutters.

First stop – Valldemossa. Gorgeous old town in between mountains and the ocean, with stone buildings and a beautiful monastery. We kept seeing pictures of Chopin, and weren’t really understanding the connection. From what we could piece together apparently he and George Sand spent a winter here during their steamy affair. (Mental note to read more about that…..who doesn’t love a good scandal?) Also excellent ice cream.

Next stop – Deia. This little town is much quieter with fewer tourists. We wandered around, explored the church and a cemetery overlooking the ocean.

On the way out of Deia Michael saw a sign pointing to a restaurant down a dusty narrow road so we decided to check it out. The road stretched on and on around hairpin curves, and had us both cringing as we barely skimmed by other cars coming in the opposite direction. We parked and kept walking down, hoping for something great but not really knowing what to expect. We were not disappointed….. We had lunch practically on top of the water at a small restaurant on the beach called Ca’s Patro March. Definitely one of those moments where you can’t believe you could be so lucky.

Last stop – Soller. More beautiful buildings and churches!