An island to dream ... 😍
Our trip to Mallorca was scheduled for mid-June 2019.
As you well know, our working life in the hotel leads us to "experience" the summer for a short while. No problem, because we go to look for it where it is, in the months when autumn is already in the air in Italy.
The choice of the ferry as a means of transport was obligatory but reasoned. After a bit of research we decided to go with Corsica Ferries and embark from Toulon in France. To offset part of the emissions generated by our sea crossing, we decided to join the "Foret Corsica Ferries" project by donating a quota to plant new trees in the Amazon rainforest of Peru.
In this Tour we tested Teslastics an app for those who are not afraid of a little drain (you can set the polling to 15 minutes but know that the car will never go to sleep). The platform helped us to keep track of everyone our trips by electric car by saving the characteristics and analysis of the trip (CO2 saved and costs) as well as the efficiency of recharging and battery.
Just to give you an idea on this round trip we have avoided the planet 704 Kg of CO2 emissions and saved about 280 Euros of polluting fossil fuels!
1°Day Bologna - Tolone 697 Km
We are finally on vacation, our adventure can begin! After an excellent breakfast at the historic Caffè Terzi (our favorite in Bologna) we start with 20% battery: now the anxiety of "recharging" no longer really weighs.
The night before we installed the famous V10 software update for our Model 3. From now on during our Supercharger stops we will be able to watch your favorite TV series on Netflix, Music videos on Youtube and sing out loud with the new Karaoke.
At the Supercharger in Modena Sud, the 35 minutes of recharging flew between a few chats with other owners and the 20 minutes of the I-Land miniseries.
We start again with a percentage of 95% towards the north, the day is splendid and our next stop is Varazze. There is no shortage of unforeseen travel events and in Genoa, with very little information, we lost more than an hour! Due to a technical error, our GPS did not recognize the deviation of the connection between A7 and A10, a consequence of the collapse of the Morandi bridge. A lump in my throat remembering the sad event of August 2018 😢.
Varazze has a supercharger inside the parking lot reserved for the Marina. The harbor views along with the tranquility of this SC (Supercharger) are amazing. The time for a drink and a walk on the pier, which our car in charge also recovers, the right energy (40 Min waiting for an additional 56 kWh).
The journey continues at sunset, on the Riviera of Flowers and the glitter of the beautiful Montecarlo.
The French motorways are crossed in the "dark", unlike the Italian sections; certainly an excellent strategy to reduce light pollution and obtain greater energy savings.
In Toulon, the choice of the hotel is strategic: Ibis La Seyne Sur Mer equipped with Supercharger and a step away from the Maritime Port where we will embark at dawn the following morning.
2° Day Tolone - Alcùdia - Palma di Mallorca
Here we are, our crossing by ship lasted about 10 hours! From the port of Toulon we left just before 8.00 to arrive in Alcùdia at 18.00. Our Tesla lost only 2% of its charge during the journey at sea (much better than expected).
We disembark in Alcùdia and follow the signs for Palma. In about 45 minutes we will be guests of the beautiful Hotel Melià Palma Bay a few meters from the C'an Pere Antoni beach with golden sand and a view of the unmistakable cathedral.
Our Hotel is a structure inaugurated only 2 years ago, attentive to the needs of those traveling by electric car and above all respectful of the standards for the protection of the planet that we at Electric Trips care so much about. The unmistakable natural scent of fir wood that covers all the common areas of the hotel surprises you and teleports you to another dimension.
In the rooms there is the essential, soap and shampoo dispensers. The classic single-dose welcome products (soap, cap ...) are only on request. #Plasticfree we like it!
The car park has two parking spaces with recharging columns (free) available, just notify the reception for activation.
In the evening we do not want to do more kilometers and after a bit of research we find a beautiful place in the fishing village of Portixol just 10 minutes walk from our hotel. Izizi Nunnak is a special place with extravagant furnishings inside and an amazing sea view where we decide to sip our cocktails. For lovers of strong tastes we recommend their Signature creations.
3° Day Palma de Mallorca and our Fantastic Dinner
Palma the capital of the island attracts thousands of visitors with the beauty of its old city, the countless monuments to visit and the boundless cultural and food and wine offer.
The cathedral basilica of Santa Maria (commonly known as "la Seu") dominates the city from above and stands in the acropolis of the Roman city between the Almudaina Palace and the episcopal see of Mallorca. The unmistakable palm trees decorate the entire promenade of the Lungomare right in front of the port where many dream boats are moored.
Our advice: start the day like a real Majorcan with "pa amb oli" or toasted bread with oil, and pink tomato from the island together with a citrus juice from Soller. Stroll through the old city, visit the regional markets rich in scents and flavors and then get lost in the narrow streets where there are beautiful buildings with splendid internal courtyards built in the Renaissance era. Many are open and invite you to enter. If you like modern art don't miss the Es Baluard Museum housed in a beautiful renovated fortress.
For lovers of coves and clear water a few kilometers from the lively city it is possible to discover beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and fine white sand. Among the most beautiful to the west we point out Illetes, Bendinat and Portals Nous while to the east Cala Pi and Es Trenc. To the north instead Banyalbufal, Plaia de Muro and Deià.
A special note deserves the neighborhood of Santa Catalina; the area, in our opinion, the most multicultural of Palma de Mallorca that transmits a unique energy. The lively center is teeming with social life, trendy bars and restaurants.
The experience we had in the Fabrick restaurant is something simply special. Lovers of authentic tastes, stop by the good food factory.
We parked our car in the parking lot in Placa la Faixina where there are two parking spaces reserved for electric cars with the possibility of free charging (wall boxes activated on request by the caretakers). After 10 min of walking We arrive in Fabrick run by Andrea & Adriane,
Having left Italy with their dream in the drawer, after only 4 years in Mallorca, they inaugurated their beautiful restaurant that serves innovative Mediterranean cuisine with fresh island products.
Every day, for their preparations they choose seasonal products and rigorously selected fresh fish from the market. Andrea tells us that his shopping is always an adventure! He drives his trusted fishmonger crazy, asking for "different" fish or smaller species less requested by buyers.
Adriane as a true hostess is attentive to every detail. At the flower counter of the Santa Catalina market, I know everyone! If you are undecided between the dishes of their "Cuaderno" she will be able to advise you best; combining excellent wines and uncompromising local craft beers.
We start with a variation of Hummus (basil, shallot, spinach and beetroot) and from that moment on, hunger becomes more and more intense. From the photos you will think: "a cappuccino for dinner?"! .... yes, but what a cappuccino, when it comes from "sea": cuttlefish dipped in an emulsion of cauliflower and raw cocoa beans. A pure delight. 😋
Salmon ceviche is a riot of colors and flavors.
We are curious, we decide to do many small tastings. Do you know the llampuga? it is an autumn fish that is caught after the seasonal night storms (September / October). It is so delicate that we want an encore of tartare !! But Andrea amazes us with a wild sea bream carpaccio enhanced by walnut and olive pesto with a drop of extra virgin olive oil flavored with lemon.
Their specialty you may have noticed from the entrance mural is the octopus or "pulpo" in the local language. The tentacles we tasted melted in the mouth and the contrast to the cold potato salad was simply magical.
We conclude with a homemade apple tartlet, and to digest, we enjoy a good Hierba from Mallorca; local liqueur composed of 14 herbs with a note of anise, but much more delicate and fragrant.
Local passed with full marks and approved by Electric-Trips!
Go there and you will not regret it.
4° Day Sierra de Tramuntana and Pollença
One of the most authentic experiences that can be lived in Mallorca is to explore the Sierra Tramuntana (or Sierra de Norte): a mountain range declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2011.
Just above sea level, one of the most evocative and curvy roads of the Balearic Islands follows the coast for about a third of its length, passing in front of lookout towers with breathtaking views.
Downhill and sharp turns our Model 3 recovers more than 10% of battery using regenerative braking without touching the brake in the slightest. What a feeling ...
After the panoramic tour by car we decide to visit the city of Pollença east of the mountain range. This fertile land not far from the sea was certainly already known to the Phoenicians (the current Alcudia was in ancient times the port of Pollença). The city center is characterized by Arabic architecture.
Shopping for local delicacies at the daily market is a must.
Es Calvarì is a particular staircase of 365 steps that starts from the town square and climbs to the top of Mount Calvario (300 meters above sea level) dominated by a beautiful Baroque-style chapel from 1759.
5° Day Excursion in Soller and Ferry Boat in Alcùdia
The return "to the continent", departing from Alcùdia is scheduled for the evening.
We dedicate the last day to a distillery built a few kilometers from Palma de Mallorca.
Mallorca Distillery is a young company born only a year ago. Byron led us on the tour, explaining the history of gin and what they do in their distillery. We then had the opportunity to sit down with James, the head distiller, to learn how to recognize different smells and flavors (herbs, citrus, spices, etc.). It is possible to buy the "create your own gin" experience and take home a personalized Gin.
Soller: the Arabs called this valley "Suliar": valley of gold. Certainly fertile land, where lush olive trees, citrus fruits, dates and figs grow.
For a leap into the past we recommend the Tramvia Soller-Port de Soller which in 20 minutes will make you feel the thrill of a crossing in an authentic historical railway in the old renovated carriages.
Coming from Palma it is possible to reach the Bay of Soller with a tunnel (which will earn you about 50 minutes) or with sufficient charge, go through beautiful hairpin bends among olive trees and terraced orange groves.
Parking is free at the port for all electric vehicles, even without a ticket.
The bay surrounded by mountains is certainly one of the most beautiful on the island, although it is crowded with tourists who concentrate on the main promenade.
After a refreshing break with a good beer overlooking the sea we head towards Alcùdia.
Alcùdia: it is a suggestive city still today surrounded by intact walls. Walking through the alleys of the center it is easy to lose track of time and relive the feeling of a "medieval" life. However, the typical and souvenir shops are a little too concentrated for our tastes and spoil the atmosphere a little.
17:00, we spot the ship that has already docked at the port! She goes back.
A bit of melancholy assails us but every end always has a new beginning and these shots speak for themselves. We are already thinking about the next trip.
Find out more details and our featured stories by following us on our Instagram page, by visiting the VisitMallorca section.
If you are going to Mallorca with your electric car we advise you to read this important information by clicking on this link: MELIB. By warning in advance you can request the ticket to access the restricted traffic areas, and free parking throughout the island. Remember that the issue is not immediate. In Spain, the pace slows down even more ...
We have seen so many electric cars on the island. Many rentals now offer this service without any problems.
A few days of holidays but full of experiences and full of energy. The strategic choice of the city of Palma allowed us to visit the most attractive points. The island has an excellent road network together with a good recharging network (public parking lots, supermarkets, etc). The large autonomy of our electric car allowed us to reach the various ends of the island in a short time (max 1 hour).
A Tesla Supercharger is under construction, expected to open by 2021! An opportunity to visit the "Fincas", the other side of the island where you can immerse yourself in the peasant atmosphere, experiencing the elegant country houses.
This splendid territory rich in history is undoubtedly still to be discovered. We will definitely be back!
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