As our marvelous journey in Palma de Mallorca draws to a close, we greet the day with enthusiasm and anticipation. Rising early, we embrace the excitement of our final day. After a delightful breakfast in the lobby, which proved just as delicious as the day before, we gathered our belongings and checked out of our accommodations. A noteworthy tip for fellow travelers: throughout our stay, we were pleasantly surprised to find convenient parking spots near the Melia Palma Bay hotel, sparing us the need for parking fees. We recommend exploring the streets adjacent to the hotel before resorting to the parking garage for a hassle-free experience.

Activity – Bike Tour

As we embarked on our final adventure of the trip – a bike tour – anticipation filled the air. Consulting Viator, we discovered the meeting point at a nearby bike rental shop, a short distance from our location. Parking our car in a nearby garage, we embarked on a brisk 13-minute walk, meandering through the cityscape and catching glimpses of familiar landmarks like the Hard Rock Café.

Arriving at the designated shop nestled among other quaint establishments, we were warmly welcomed by two gentlemen. Presumably, the owner greeted us and informed us that while the bike tour was still scheduled, the tapas experience I had booked was unfortunately unavailable due to the early hour and closure of the participating restaurants. However, he kindly assured us that a refund for that portion through Viator would be promptly approved, demonstrating his commitment to integrity and fair business practices.

We collected our bikes and stepped outside, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the final member joining our tour. Gathered together with our fellow adventurers, our tour guide provided a brief overview of the sights and destinations we would soon encounter. With eager anticipation, we mounted our bikes and set off on our journey.

As we began pedaling through the streets, I couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive. It had been years since I last rode a bike, and my skills were undoubtedly rusty. Turning and stopping proved to be a challenge, and I found myself struggling to keep pace with the group. At one point, the instructor gently inquired if I wished to continue, noting my hesitation. Determined to press on, I assured them that I was committed, albeit in need of a moment to readjust.

Bike Tour – Es Foner & Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma

With renewed resolve, we continued our expedition, our first stop leading us to the remarkable sculpture known as “Es Foner,” or “The Slinger.” Crafted by the talented Lorenzo Rossello in 1898, this life-sized bronze statue portrays a Talayot man, paying homage to the ancient Talayot people renowned throughout the Mediterranean for their mastery of the sling.

Continuing our exploration, we made our way around the familiar lakeside, a scene we had admired countless times, until we reached the majestic front of the Cathedral de Mallorca. Our knowledgeable guide enlightened us about the cathedral, revealing its multiple monikers – from the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma to the commonly known La Seu.

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, this cathedral has stood as a symbol of Palma de Mallorca since its construction commenced in 1229, following the Christian conquest by King James I of Aragon.

Throughout the centuries, the cathedral has undergone numerous transformations, embracing elements of Catalan Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Notably, the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí contributed to its restoration in the early 20th century, adding to its allure and grandeur.

Today, the cathedral stands as a testament to the island’s rich history and cultural heritage, captivating visitors with its breathtaking beauty and profound significance. As we absorbed these fascinating details, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and awe. To have cycled to this remarkable landmark, without any mishaps, felt like a triumph in itself. We commemorated the moment with a photograph, capturing not only the cathedral’s splendor but also the sense of achievement that accompanied our journey.

Bike Tour – Convent de Santa Clara & Cafesphere

As we continued our delightful bike tour, we ventured into a quaint, secluded area away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. Passing through a charming fence, we arrived at the enchanting Convent de Santa Clara. This hidden gem welcomes visitors to explore its serene surroundings and discover the rich history within its walls.

Home to an enclosed order, the convent offers a glimpse into a way of life devoted to faith and simplicity. For those eager to delve deeper, the church is open for exploration, offering a glimpse into centuries of devotion and spiritual practice. Steeped in history, the Convent de Santa Clara traces its roots back to 1256 when it was founded by nuns of the Franciscan order. Their journey to Palma from Tarragona was supported by King Jaume I and other benefactors who generously provided land and donations, establishing one of the oldest female convents in the city.

Intriguing tales unfolded as we dug deeper into the history of the Convent de Santa Clara. One charming tradition that captivated our hearts was the custom of brides-to-be gifting a dozen eggs to the convent, symbolizing their wishes for fair weather on their wedding day and a lifetime of happiness in marriage. However, this gesture led to an unexpected surplus of eggs for the nuns. Resourceful as they were, the nuns decided to transform this abundance into something truly special. With readily available baking supplies like flour and sugar, they embarked on a mission to bake cookies and sweet treats.

Yet, faced with the challenge of selling their creations without breaking their vow of silence, the nuns devised a brilliant solution: the ‘torno.’ This ingenious wooden turnstile, set in a convent window, became a conduit for communication and commerce.

Customers would simply ring a bell on the wall, prompting the torno to rotate and open. Through this mechanism, orders could be placed with the nun on the other side, who would then send the treats around to the waiting customer. Money and change could be exchanged seamlessly, without any direct contact.

Today, the Convent still has a small group of nuns that carries out the wonderful tradition of baking delicious treats. Excited to experience this centuries-old practice, we stepped into a charming room with the ‘Torno,’ open for visitors during specified times. We rang the bell and placed our order for some sweet treats. As the table turned, we happily placed our payment and eagerly awaited the return of our goodies. It was a delightful experience to witness this historical method in action, filling us with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the traditions preserved within the convent walls.

After indulging in our delicious treats from the convent, we continued our adventure and arrived at the bustling center square. Our tour guide kindly allowed us to dismount our bikes and explore on foot for a while. We took the opportunity to stroll around and visit a couple of shops recommended by our guide.