Weekend plan: Alcúdia, Palma and Binissalem – markets, Gegants and wine tasting

Quick breath of island air: a weekend between Gegants, tapas and wine

The forecast promises pleasant weather – mild during the day, cool enough in the evenings for a light jacket. So: put your shoes on, roll down the windows and head out. Mallorca shows the side we love this weekend: street sounds, a murmur of voices, the smell of roasted almonds and the relaxed ease of the islanders.

Alcúdia: Giants on Plaza Juan Carles V.

From about 17:15 the old town of Alcúdia comes alive with a small spectacle: the traditional Gegants are presented. The large figures stomp through the streets, accompanied by drums and the occasional sound of children's laughter. Anyone who's been there knows the picture: older women clapping the beat from chairs on the square, kids staring with open mouths, and tourists trying to take a photo without passing gondolas. Local editor's tip: arrive early or position yourself in one of the side streets – there's often more space there and you can smell the roasted almonds before they reach the square.

Palma: Variat on Plaza Pere Garau – simple, honest, Mallorcan

On Plaza Pere Garau tomorrow and the day after you'll find the typical tapa dish Variat. Don't expect haute cuisine, but down-to-earth flavors: warm bread, small fish bites, olives and sobrasada treats. The stalls open in the morning and fill up by midday, when the plaza becomes a cozy stage: street music, children's bikes and the constant clink of glasses. My advice: avoid the peak midday hours – the corners around the church offer pleasant shade and a better view of the action.

Binissalem: wine tastings, cheese and conversations at the sampling stands

Wine lovers will enjoy the trip to Binissalem: the traditional Binissalem Vermar wine festival usually starts in the morning, and tastings begin from 12:00. Small tasting glasses, winemakers explaining their grapes, stalls with local cheese and relaxed conversations about grape varieties – that's a Mallorcan wine weekend. A practical note: many small producers prefer cash; having a few euros in your pocket will save you waiting at card terminals.

Practical tips for the weekend

TIB public transport is well booked on weekends – buses to Alcúdia or Binissalem fill up quickly. If you arrive by car: leave early, parking in the old towns is limited and the streets can be narrow. Bring a foldable cup and reusable cutlery – the food stalls appreciate less waste, and you'll save residents and street sweepers one more plastic bag.

And one more local tip: evenings are cool, especially when a sea breeze blows through the streets of Alcúdia or when shadows lengthen in Palma. A thin jacket and open eyes for small craft stalls are always worth it. If you pass a bakery with still-warm ensaimadas on the way: stop. Say "Hola" — and if it fits, say hello from me.

In short: Alcúdia from 17:15 (Gegants), Palma (Plaza Pere Garau) Variat tomorrow + the day after, Binissalem from 12:00 wine festival. A day full of sounds, scents and regional delights – perfect for discovering the island on foot.