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From cobblestoned Portuguese alleys navigated one-handed with a stroller to reef dives in Fiji, this is where the trips live. Told through words and whatever camera happened to be with me.
I shoot film and digital and travel with family in tow. These posts are part travel journal, part photography log, and part love letter to the places that made an impression. I hope they make you want to go see them for yourself.
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Portugal - Comporta
It's a bit of a tricky beach. And what I mean by that is, on the first day one could wade out through the surf quite some distance before it got above thigh height. The waves were of a decent size and surf-board rentals and lessons are available here which certainly suits the character and conditions of the waters. On the second day, I tried the same wade into the ocean and got a bit of a surprise…
Family on the Praia do Carvalhal near Comporta, Portugal, Ricoh Griii
Back on the Road
Read Part II: Portugal - Cabanas do Lago →
With some helpful guidance from our hosts at the Cabanas do Lago, we depart in the morning and make our way back to the coastal road heading north. It’s a decent distance to Comporta (160km), so we planned to stop at a few scenic spots along the way for photos, food and some sight seeing. Once again the road was largely empty, and generally contoured in such a way to allow for a spirited pace. Coming back to this part of the world with a motorcycle or a sports car starts to enter my mind as a must-do some day.
First stop was for lunch at a seaside restaurant overlooking a rocky cove. We got a table immediately, but this proved to be a challenging meal as our little guy wasn’t into sitting still for too long. We took turns eating our seafood whilst the other chased him as he dashed through and out the restaurant and back, stopping at tables to see what folks were eating and have a chat. I remember the chasing more than the food, sadly, but at least it tired him out a bit for a nap in the car on the next stretch of the drive.
Beaches near Vila Nova do Milfontes, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
Vila Nova de Milfontes
This town was the next recommended stop on our route, another seaside town, known for beaches, festivals and gelato. The unique feature here is a beach formed as part of an estuary at the mouth of the Mira river as it enters the Atlantic. With our restaurant runner asleep in the back, and a long road yet ahead we chose to stop briefly for some photos and a bit of excellent gelato from Mabi (the pistachio was phenomenal) but not linger too much before hitting the road again.
Beaches near Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
Vila Nova do Milfontes, Portugal, Ricoh Griii
Surfer near Vila Nova do Milfontes, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
As the day progressed we opted to shortcut our route a bit, hopping onto a main highway to cover some ground more quickly. Here again the road was relatively quiet and drivers quick and attentive – it felt more like Germany than I was expecting in this way, but given we were in the shoulder season perhaps there were fewer tourists on the road. Pulling off for our exit we found ourselves on a long, straight, tree-lined B-road that seemed to go on forever before finally arriving at our destination.
Comporta
Our stay was located in a small village in the vicinity of Comporta, though we find people generally refer to this entire area as Comporta. Adding to my list of Iberian Peninsula Google Map fails, we very nearly found ourselves driving through a farmers field, before figuring out that the address for our accommodation was somehow misaligned with Google’s reality, and by a factor of about 6km at that.
The B-Hostel was built with a clear vision of thoughtful design and detail, plenty of privacy as far as the rooms are concerned, and comfortable common areas that encourage interaction with fellow guests. Breakfast is included here and served up to your liking by friendly and helpful staff. The pool is a small pseudo-infinity setup, but given the main attraction is the beaches, it’s not likely to get a ton of use anyway. There’s a bistro next door and another restaurant in the vicinity, but for the most part you need to head further afield here to find food options.
Courtyard by the B Hostel in Comporta, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
Little guy playing in the B Hostel in Comporta, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
Courtyard by the B Hostel in Comporta, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
Once a sleepy fishing a farming-focused collection of villages, this is now one of the hot, up-and-coming areas of the Portuguese coast. Rumors that Brad Pitt and Madonna, among others, have invested in properties here no-doubt fuel the attraction to visit and the fencing and dust of new resorts under construction were a common sight. The beach is breathtaking though, supporting the draw of tourists to the area. On approach you first cross an area of dunes and shrubs and once crested the full expanse of the Atlantic lays before you, with a fine sandy beach sloping steadily towards it. At Praia do Carvalhal your entry to the beach is also gated by a pair of seafood restaurants and a small kiosk serving up drinks for beachgoers.
It's a bit of a tricky beach. And what I mean by that is, on the first day one could wade out through the surf quite some distance before it got above thigh height. The waves were of a decent size and surf-board rentals and lessons are available here which certainly suits the character and conditions of the waters. On the second day, I tried the same wade into the ocean and got a bit of a surprise. Overnight the changing tides must have carved a deep trench just beyond where the ocean meets the beach, and I sank immediately to my shoulders before getting a tumble by an incoming wave. Oops. No kiddo going in here today. The sun was warm though, and we were happy to spend the day sitting and relaxing in the warmth whilst digging in the sand and finding shells. That said, I’d love to have a go at the waves here, and this could be a solid destination for a trip with some surfing buddies one day.
Praia do Carvalhal, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
The sunset looked set to be a stunner, so we decided to have dinner at Restaurante Sal, one of the two restaurants on the beach. This clearly being a bit posher of a spot than most we’ve visited so far, we decided to zombie the little guy with some screen time so that we could enjoy the meal together without any wild chases. The cuttlefish on ink-colored rice was delightful and a surprisingly large portion. Once the sun dipped bellow the waves though the temperature dropped rapidly, so we didn’t linger too long, and it was bedtime anyway.
Praia do Carvalhal, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
The village of Comporta itself was not far up the road from our accommodation, and we opted to visit it on one of our cloudier days here, with an option to pop over to another beach if it warmed up. Comporta appears to be the older/original town in the area, and while quaint with a smattering of shops and restaurants, there really isn’t much going on. The nearby beach is a mirror image of Praia Carvalhal though, and likely the draw here as well. We parked the car at the entrance to town, walked a lap or so popping into a few shops before stopping for lunch. The weather improved just as we finished our meal, and we decided to head back to Carvalhal to enjoy the afternoon sun on the sand and one more sunset here.
Be Comporta, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
Woman crosses the road in Comporta, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
Comporta, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
Defender in Comporta, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
The Comporta area will evolve rapidly as investment and development increase, chasing/fueling the rising popularity of this as a vacation destination of it’s own. I enjoyed it in this quiet and peaceful state, but think a thoughtful approach to investment in accommodation, restaurants and activities can make this a world-class destination. It’s reasonable proximity to Lisbon (just 120km) makes it that much more attractive. Speaking of, Lisbon was the next and final stay for this trip, but not without a bit of a detour to see the home of the largest waves in the world. To be continued!
On the Beach, Comporta, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii
Portugal - Lagos
The Algarve seemed the logical choice for starting our trip to Portugal. It was well recommended by friends, and since we were arriving in early September, the timing gave us the best chance of experiencing some beach-worthy weather to kick off the relaxation.
The Algarve, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO 200 1/125 f16
Change
Setting off on our Portuguese adventure, we knew things would be a touch different this time around. Everyone raved about Portugal being family-friendly, charming, and warm – just what we needed with our little whirlwind in tow. With our child now a toddler, we knew this wouldn’t be as easy as the last the last trip, but were up for the challenge all the same. As per our usual modus operandi, we booked this trip last minute, just a couple of weeks before takeoff, leaving a few nights open for those spontaneous "let's figure it out as we go" moments. Some things never change, even with a two-year-old sidekick.
One thing that did change, by design, was my camera game. This Portugal series will mark a shift on the Yarko On The Go blog – my first trip captured primarily digitally. Say hello to the Ricoh GRiii, the latest addition to the Ricoh GR family of “point & shoot” cameras celebrated by photographers like Daido Moriyama. It's compact, practically weightless, and boasts a 24MP APS-C sensor in a magnesium body that's so small, you need to hold it to believe it. Paired with a crisp 28mm lens, it seemed like the perfect choice for on-the-go parents. I'll spill the beans on this little beast (the camera, not the kid) in a dedicated post after the Portugal series – and whether I think it was the right decision.
Ricoh GRiii with Peak Design Cuff Strap
Why the change? Well, for starters, I wanted more family photos both as we explored new places and in general at home, and doing that with a manual film camera in this day and age is an impractical and expensive proposition. I wanted more “keepers”, and I wanted to know I had them. Sure, I packed the Olympus XA with a few rolls of film out of habit (and I love that camera), but I didn't want to end up with a sore back from lugging around cameras and lenses when I already had a toddler and all the kid gear weighing me down. The goal is to return with memories, not back pain, right? Let’s see what happens.
Stroller & Shoot, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO 160 1/250 f8
Lagos
The Algarve seemed the logical choice for starting our trip to Portugal. It was well recommended by friends, and since we were arriving in early September, the timing gave us the best chance of experiencing some beach-worthy weather to kick off the relaxation. We flew into Faro, picked up our rental car and made the roughly 1 hour drive to Lagos. Once in Lagos, you’re reminded that driving in older European towns can take a bit of getting used to for those of us from North America. In the Lagos Old Town, where our accommodation was located, roads were narrow, with sharp blind turns, one way streets, and buildings just tall enough to throw off our phone’s GPS. It took two loops of Old Town (predominantly one way streets) to realize I’d have to stop on a sidewalk a few blocks over from the apartment and walk our things over, before finding parking elsewhere. Once I got used to the layout of the town, navigating it became a non-issue, and ultimately we were comfortable exploring the surrounding area both on foot and by car.
Our rental Citroen. Not exciting to drive, but just big enough to fit all our stuff, and still fit the roads! Ricoh GRiii ISO200 1/2000 f4.
In Lagos we stayed at the Salty Lodge, which is an apartment hotel located in the heart of the Old Town. We chose one of the smaller apartments and found the accommodations quaint and well appointed with a little kitchenette if you feel like cooking-in. It’s ideally located as a jumping off point to wander the town or surrounding beaches. It’s also in a relatively quiet corridor of the city, whereas many alternatives closer to the bars are likely rather noisy well into the night. There is a rooftop patio with panoramic views, and the staff are friendly, knowledgeable about the area and helpful. Toughest challenge here (and likely with most accommodations in the Old Town) is parking. There’s really no parking within the city walls, and the most reliable spot I found was about 700m & a 10 min walk away. Not a big deal normally, but on cobbled streets it can be a chore to roll your bags (or stroller) this distance. Of course the full onload/load only happened on arrival and departure, so ultimately it was manageable.
Looking east from the roof of the Salty Lodge, the canal and Duna Beach in the background. Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO640 1/30 f4
View southward from the Salty Lodge roof. Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO640 1/20 f5.6
Balcony/patio view (courtyard) from the Salty Lodge, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO400 1/400 f8
Roaming Lagos
Most of our exploration of Lagos was in the vicinity of the old town and adjacent canal promenade. It’s a characterful place, and while it has it’s share of venues catering to those who want the taste and sound of the familiar everywhere they go (read: Pubs, Thai massages, souvenir shops), there are more distinctly local options here as well which the staff at our accommodation were happy to tell us about. The old town is easy to walk with very few viable routes for cars, but pushing a stroller can be challenging on some lanes where the mosaic streets are rough. Despite being here in the early shoulder season (September), the town center was bustling with tourists and generally quite busy, but you could find quiet nooks if you ventured off the beaten path.
Making my way to the Salty Lodge, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO 100 1/200 f8
Plaza near the Salty Lodge, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO200 1/200 f4
Casa Mae, tempting place to stay next time. Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO160 1/200 f8
Preparing for the lunch crowd, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO400 1/250 f8
Renault 4’s seem popular in Portugal, Lagos, Portugal. Ricoh GRiii ISO100 1/200 f8
Wandering around Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO125 1/250 f8
Wall Hats, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO200 1/250 f8
A few places stood out as memorable for dinning in Lagos. The first, Abigail’s Cafe, is an absolutely delightful stop for breakfast and easily my favorite spot in town. The food is delicious -try the pancakes and thank me later- the atmosphere is relaxed and it’s a beautifully designed space inside as well as a quiet and quaint lane to enjoy if dining outside.
Studying the menu at Abigail’s. Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO1600 1/400 f11
Another other favorite spot was Nah Nah Bah, a funky casual burger joint in the Old Town. It’s a popular spot, so you may find yourself waiting on the stoop for a little while if you haven’t made reservations. I seem to recall them making a claim to having one of the top rated burgers in the world, and as a self-professed burger aficionado, I had to confirm the assessment. (Confirmed)
Nah Nah Bah Burger Restaurant, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO4000 1/4 f11
Finally, The Green Room proved a lively and tasty option if you’re craving a bit of South American food, particularly Mexican. Hot Enchiladas and a cold Sagres? Yes, I’ll have another please.
Up way past bed time at The Green Room. Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO3200 1/40 f2.8
Beaches - Praia da Luz
The first day or two in Lagos were a bit chilly for dedicated beach time, but eventually the warmth came and we took full advantage. Gauging the movements of the clouds from our rooftop patio, we decided to chase the sun and head west out of town a bit to Praia da Luz for our first beach day. It’s a quick and easy drive from Lagos, and relatively easy to find parking just before the main promenade through the village. We were greeted by a broad sandy beach with plenty of room to find a space to ourselves. Sunbeds are available for hire as usual, but it wasn’t quite hot enough to warrant it, so we grabbed some sand near the sea and setup our towels for a few hours of relaxing.
The waves here were fairly strong, and the water quite cool, so swimming was relatively brief but refreshing. Too rough though, for the little guy, who had to settle for getting his feet wet whenever a big wave washed further up the sandy shore. It was good for a giggle, as was digging a moat bellow our towels to defend against rogue waves. This proved useful as the tide was coming in and at least one wave surprised us and many other beach goers by making it’s way some distance and almost up to our feet. I’m not sure if the surf is always like this here, but worth checking if you’re planning on visiting for a swim.
Praia da Luz, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO200 1/125 f8
Praia da Luz, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO200 1/250 f8
Step this way senhor, Praia da Luz, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO640 1/320 f11
Sunbeds on Praia da Luz, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO320 1/320 f8
Going his own way, Praia da Luz, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO320 1/800 f7.1
There’s a scenic promenade that parallels the eastern edge of the beach which we decided to explore once we’d had our fill of the sand for the morning. One side opens to the beach while the other is lined with shops, cafes and tapas bars with seating perfectly setup for enjoying the view as well as people-watching along the path.
Walking along the Praia da Luz promenade, Praia da Luz, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO250 1/250 f8
Her patience wearing thin, Praia da Luz, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO200 1/250 f8
Intricate tile-work pervades the entire country. Praia da Luz, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO320 1/250 f8
Beaches - Praia Dona Ana, Camilo, & Ponta Piedade
If you draw a line due south from Lagos Old Town it’ll cross most of the more famous beaches in the area, terminating at Ponta de Piedade. The distances aren’t too great to walk, and indeed we did walk to a few of them from our apartment, but for the further points we drove just to make it easier on the little guy. This area is elevated a few hundred feet above the sea, so inevitably making your way to the beach will involve some stairs and in some cases a lot of very steep stairs. Not a deal breaker, but with a toddler on your arm you are going to get a workout!
These beaches all face east and are generally sheltered bays and coves meaning much calmer seas for swimming. The tall cliffs dramatically backstopping the beaches do however mean that you’ll loose the sunshine earlier in the afternoon than say at Praia da Luz or Praia do Porto Mos, so visit them in the morning if you can to maximise the sun. The rocky outcroppings and striated stone formations are the hallmark of the area and change character throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. Some of the beaches connect to other coves and hidden spots by way of tunnels through the cliffs, so be sure to scout around a bit to find your ideal spot. The sand is soft and warm, but there seemed to be quite a bit of seaweed on some of the beaches which significantly limited useable area and access to the sea in some cases. I’m not sure if this is a seasonal phenomenon or more of a regular occurrence. Also of note, there are surprisingly few restaurants or kiosks in this area, and those that we found were typically lined up, so pack your snacks and drinks!
Praia do Camilo, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO100 1/2500 f2.8
Abundant seaweed on Praia Dona Ana, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO320 1/320 f8
Praia Dona Ana, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO640 1/200 f11
Views of the Algarve, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii,
View northwest from the Ponte Piedade trail, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO100 1/400 f8
Ponte Piedade trail, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO125 1/125 f8
At the southernmost point, Ponte Piedade is less about beaches (there are some but the routes to them seemed a touch perilous) and more about views and light hiking for more views. No doubt a great spot to visit at dawn or dusk and enjoy capturing the light playing on the cliffs and beaches east and west of you. There are also kayaking tours that let you get to hidden beaches in the area as well as under natural stone arches and into tucked-away bays and coves.
Wooden walkway at Ponte Piedade, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO100 1/1000 f4.5
Natural arch near Ponte Piedade, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO320 1/125 f16
Near Ponte Piedade, Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO200 1/1600 f3.2
Praia Canavial and Praia de Porto Mos in the distance. Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO200 1/125 f16
It was a hot day. Lagos, Portugal, Ricoh GRiii ISO100 1/400 f8
The Ricoh - A Quick Note on Color
You’ve no doubt noticed in this post that there are some notable differences in saturation, white balance and color temperature between some photos. While the slightly variable weather had a hand in some, chalk it up to my learning curve working with the Ricoh GRiii and getting used to digital cameras in general once again. Prior to the trip I’d learned about “Ricoh Recipes”, an app that allows you to pre-program and save to user customizable settings various alterations to image parameters, not unlike the film simulations on Fuji cameras and others. What I didn’t realize at the time was that doing so actually permanently impacted the RAW files. Oops. I don’t mind the results, but in the future I’d much prefer to apply such changes of character (if I felt like it) in post processing. Lesson learned, get to know your gear! Now back to our regular programming.
Sailboat passing through the canal. Lagos, Portugal. Ricoh GRiii, ISO250, 1/250, f8.
Where to next?
We didn’t have anything booked for the 4-5 days between the Algarve and our stays further north, and so we spent a few evenings while in Lagos looking online for our next destination. We debated finding another seaside town versus something a little different, quieter and off the beaten path. The latter won, owing to a general desire for a change of pace after a fairly busy and tourist-heavy stay in Lagos. We booked an AirBnB with stellar reviews much further inland on Albufeira da Barragem Santa Clara, a man-made lake (Europe’s largest at the time it was created) in the rolling hills a couple of hours north of Lagos. We planned a route that took us to the western coast, with a few scenic stops along the way (and likely enough time for our son to nap), before cutting back eastward to arrive in the early afternoon at our next destination. Stay tuned for the next post on living with the locals in rural Portugal!
Mallorca - Cala St. Vincenc
It didn’t seem right to do a trip to Mallorca without staying at a beachside resort of some kind, so we decided to take advantage of shoulder-season rates to stay at the Grupotel Molins, located along one of the crystal blue bays of the resort town of Cala St. Vincenc.
Cala St. Vincenc seen from the Grupotel Molins, Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Circular Polarizing Filter, Kodak Ektar 100
Read Part III: Mallorca - Fornalutx →
It didn’t seem right to travel to Mallorca without staying at a beachside resort of some kind, so we decided to take advantage of shoulder-season rates and stay at the Grupotel Molins, located along one of the crystal blue bays of the resort town of Cala St. Vincenc. Despite the sunny photos you see here, April is still a bit early to enjoy the beach, or at least it was on this trip, with relatively cool weather, chilly waters and even a bit of rain during our stay. Oh well, we tried anyway and it was still a beautiful spot to spend some time relaxing and exploring.
Grupotel Molins, Cala St. Vincenc, Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Kodak Ektar 100
The Hotel and Surrounds
Originally built in the 1950’s and renovated most recently in 2020, the Molins exudes Mid-Century Modern charm with an absolutely stunning location. Our room had a terrific view of the azure waters of the bay and beautiful mountains beyond. Featuring indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, several terraces for lounging and of course quick access to the beach, this is a tough spot to beat on this corner of the island. Our room was spartan but clean and spacious, and frankly you’re not likely to spend too much time in it other than sleeping. There’s also a rather funky bar on the ground floor, which we sadly passed on due to our little travel partner’s early bed-time.
There are a number of hikes in the area, following the jagged ridges of the mountains and no-doubt offering amazing views. Our stroller wasn’t going to cut it for these, so we opted to relax by the beach instead, even if the water was a bit cool by typical sunny vacation standards. The breakfast buffet at the Molins was our starting point each morning. It was well stocked with plenty of variety, from local fare to your more typical staples of omelette stations and the like. It somehow managed to avoid feeling chaotic as such setups often do, and it was easy enough to find something to satiate a picky near-toddler and his parents.
Grupotel Molins on the right, Cala St. Vincenc, Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Kodak Portra 400
Grupotel Molins, Cala St. Vincenc, Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Circular Polarizing Filter, Kodak Portra 400
Cala Molins, Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Kodak Portra 400
Exploring the Area
On a couple of the cloudier days of our stay we decided to drive around and explore. Nearby Cabo Formentor is a frequently photographed rocky outcrop complete with lighthouse that seemed a relatively easy morning excursion. Seemed being the operative word. As alluded to in a few other posts, some of the roads here are quite old and thus fairly narrow. So, when you put a bunch of road cyclists, tour busses and cars on the same stretch, climbing a 15% grade full of blind corners for example, progress is slow. I’m sure we could have timed that drive better, but regardless it afforded plenty of opportunity to soak in the scenery and an early car-seat nap for the little one.
Unfortunately for us, the road to the lighthouse viewpoint was closed several kilometers short of the destination with no indication of this in advance. The mix of cars attempting to park on the non-existent shoulder, execute U-turns, or otherwise sit in confusion, meant it took nearly 30min to turn around once we realized we could go no further. Oh well, we stopped for a few snaps along the return journey and headed for Port de Pollenca for a walk by the marina.
Near Cabo Formentor, Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Kodak Portra 400
Port de Pollenca is essentially what you see in your mind when you read “Tourist Town”. Every block seems to have a different ‘Irish’ pub, bar, tour company and tourist trinket shop. Not quite what we were looking for, but an enjoyable walk regardless along the beachside road and past the marina to pass the time. We did find a great farm-to-table restaurant for dinner called Zarzales which served a variety of Mallorcan dishes in a quaint and relaxed setting. The paella and lamb were particularly tasty.
Port de Pollenca, Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Kodak Portra 400
Our radius of travel from the hotel was relatively small, but we still found plenty to enjoy. The town of Pollenca (not to be confused with Port de Pollenca) was a short distance away and a lovely place to wander. With the requisite restaurants and cafes and their vibrant patios spilling out onto the street, large churches with bells ringing out and shops of all sorts squeezed into tiny spaces, it just felt more “real” than the port, which I’m sure sounds funny coming from a tourist.
Bicycle in Pollenca, Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Kodak Portra 400
Pollenca, Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Kodak Portra 400
On the outskirts of Pollenca we stumbled upon Son Brull Hotel & Spa, a captivating blend of ancient and mid-century modern design. The hotel's exterior, marked by slab sides and towering solid wood doors, hints at the luxury within. During our visit, we were drawn in for a cocktail and ended up staying for a delightful late lunch on one of it’s patios. Son Brull appeared the perfect retreat for those who appreciate pampering, local cycling routes (favored by pro riders for training), and an exquisite ambience. It's a must-consider for any return trip.
Son Brull Sanctuary Hotel & Spa, Pollenca, Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Kodak Portra 400
Speaking of return trips, our ensuing journey back to Palma for a couple of nights of Mallorcan big-city living took a scenic detour along some B-roads through the countryside. The decision proved worthwhile, offering serene views that made the drive a memorable and relaxing shift into the final phase of our trip. During my initial research on Mallorcan accommodations, I discovered numerous reasonably priced villa stays in the inland areas and foothills of the mountains. While we did stay at one near the coast on the outskirts of Soller, the drive revealed a plethora of additional options scattered across the island – from grandiose to simple and quaint. I would absolutely select one of these for a future stay, particularly if I wanted to join the cycling crowd with some likeminded friends and pound out some miles on the pavement in our own peloton before returning to mix cocktails and relax by a pool. As we navigated the empty winding roads, the romantic allure of Mallorca's interior unfolded with tree-lined paths and charming stone walls. A delightful reconnaissance for potential future stays.
One of many villas along our winding road in Mallorca. Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Kodak Portra 400
The countryside behind us, we finally arrive in Palma. Google map’s directions seemed determined to shave the mirrors off my car (again) so after looping the neighbourhood several times we parked up on a sidewalk and walked our bags over to our accommodation a couple of blocks away. The friendly concierge at the Palma Suites Apartment Hotel helps me get my bearings so I can find an official parking zone while my wife and kiddo prepare to wander out and find dinner. Just a few days left to enjoy our trip, how will Palma pan out?
Rooftops of Palma Mallorca, Nikon FE, 20mm Nikkor Lens, Kodak Portra 400
The Road to Hana and beyond — narrow roads, raw coastline, and the question every traveler faces: turn back, or keep going?