Mallorca has always balanced athletic grit and island grace. Romans, Moors, and Catalans left layers of history in honeyed stone; fishermen and sailors shaped life along bright harbors; and today, a modern sporting heartbeat thrives in Manacor at the world‑class Rafa Nadal Academy. This week pairs elite coaching with restorative Mediterranean days.

Expect a rhythm: mornings on court, afternoons refueling on ensaïmades and seafood, evenings wandering old towns perfumed by orange blossoms. You’ll split time between Manacor (for the Academy, greenways, and the Caves of Drach) and Palma de Mallorca (for Gothic splendor, markets, and the Serra de Tramuntana). Beaches like Cala Anguila and Portixol add blue interludes when legs need a break.

Practical notes: reserve your Adults Academy program well in advance (sizes and intensity vary), carry sun protection for outdoor courts, and plan transport (car or TIB bus/train) between Manacor and Palma. Mallorcan cuisine runs from rustic pa amb oli to Michelin‑star menus—this itinerary highlights both, plus local cafés beloved by residents.

Manacor (Mallorca)

Manacor is the island’s second city and the hometown of Rafael Nadal. Beyond tennis, it’s known for handcrafted Majorica pearls, Monday markets, and easy access to Porto Cristo’s marinas and famous caves. The vibe is local and low‑key—ideal for training focus and authentic Mallorcan meals.

• Top highlights: Rafa Nadal Academy & Museum Xperience, Caves of Drach, Cala Anguila/Cala Mendia beaches, Via Verda Manacor–Artà greenway, Majorica Pearl Factory showroom.
• Where to stay: On‑site rooms at the Academy are convenient for dawn courts; alternatively, look at Manacor town apartments or nearby Porto Cristo for sea views.
• Eat & drink: On‑site athlete‑focused cafés for recovery meals; rustic grills like Es Cruce (nearby) for pa amb oli and chops; waterfront dinners in Porto Cristo at Quince Restaurante & Cantina.
• Fun fact: The Via Verda follows a former railway, stitching together orchards, fincas, and small villages—perfect for a light spin between sessions.

Accommodation searches: Find Manacor stays on VRBO or Hotels.com.

Getting to Mallorca: Fly into Palma de Mallorca (PMI). Within Europe, compare fares on Omio (flights). From outside Europe, search long‑hauls on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights). From Palma to Manacor: drive ~45–55 minutes; or take the T3 train from Palma’s Estació Intermodal (~1h10, ~€5) or TIB bus 401 (~1h15, ~€6–8)—plan with Omio (trains) or Omio (buses).

Day 1: Arrival in Mallorca, Transfer to Manacor, Academy Orientation

Afternoon: Land at PMI and transfer to Manacor (car 50 minutes; train/bus 70–80 minutes). Check in—ideally at the on‑site Rafa Nadal Residence for zero commute. Stroll the campus to locate your assigned courts, gym, and recovery area, then visit the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience for interactive exhibits and trophy displays that set the tone for your week.

Evening: Keep it light and early. On‑site, the Sports Café serves lean proteins, rice bowls, and smoothies tailored to athletes. If you want a harbor view, head 15 minutes to Porto Cristo for dinner at Quince Restaurante & Cantina (grilled octopus, fish tacos, market ceviche; fun, casual, and friendly to squads). Hydrate and stretch—tomorrow’s drills start promptly.

Day 2: Adults Academy—Technique, Footwork, and Match Play

Morning: Adults Academy session (typical schedule: 2–3 hours on‑court technical blocks—serve, forehand aggression, backhand patterns—plus footwork ladders). Expect live ball drills that emphasize “first‑strike” tennis and court positioning. Breakfast beforehand at the on‑site café: oatmeal, fruit, and an espresso for clean fuel.

Afternoon: Conditioning and mobility (45–60 minutes) with trainers focusing on posterior chain strength and shoulder prehab. Cool down in the spa or pool. Late lunch on campus—grilled chicken, quinoa, and seasonal salads—or drive 12 minutes to Es Cruce (near Villafranca de Bonany) for generous pa amb oli, pork loin, or grilled cuttlefish at locals’ prices.

Evening: Easy walk in Manacor’s center around the Nostra Senyora dels Dolors church. If you want dessert, Porto Cristo’s waterfront gelaterias fit the bill. Early night; tomorrow adds intensity.

Day 3: Half Day on Court + Caves of Drach and Beach Time

Morning: Targeted session on serve + return plus situational points (30/30 and 40/0 scenarios). If you need gear, the pro shop does same‑day stringing and grip refresh. Snack on a recovery yogurt bowl and a banana.

Afternoon: Head to Caves of Drach (10 minutes). Tour the cathedral‑like chambers and underground lake; the short classical music set at the end is a crowd‑pleaser. Then towel‑off time at Cala Anguila or Cala Mendia—small coves with turquoise water perfect for a post‑drill float. Beach chiringuito lunch: grilled sardines and a lemonade.

Evening: Dinner in Porto Cristo at Quince (book a terrace table) or try a simple seafood spot along Passeig des Cap d’es Toi. Back to Manacor for sleep and shoulder mobility.

Day 4: Recovery Ride on the Via Verda + Local Flavors

Morning: Optional light hitting or a coached video analysis block (many Academy programs offer this—helpful for serve mechanics). Alternatively, borrow a bike and roll the Via Verda Manacor–Artà for 15–30 km through orchards and stone farmhouses—great active recovery.

Afternoon: Stop by the Majorica Pearl Factory showroom to see how Mallorca’s famed pearls are crafted and pick up a small gift. Lunch back in Manacor or at Es Cruce if you skipped it earlier. Post‑lunch: foam roll and a short nap.

Evening: Final night “celebration” around Porto Cristo’s marina: order shared starters (grilled prawns, padron peppers) and a local white like Prensal Blanc. Pack and prep for tomorrow’s move to Palma.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma is Mallorca’s elegant capital: a tangle of Gothic buttresses, Arab arches, and modern galleries encircling a boat‑lined bay. It’s endlessly walkable, with hidden courtyards, excellent coffee, and restaurants that punch far above their weight.

• Top highlights: La Seu Cathedral, Almudaina Palace, Arab Baths, Bellver Castle, Santa Catalina and Olivar markets, Portixol and Illetes beaches.
• Where to stay: Historic‑center boutiques for cathedral views or Santa Catalina for nightlife and dining; both are convenient for the Sóller day trip.
• Eat & drink: Breakfast at La Molienda or Rosevelvet Bakery; lunch grazing at Mercat de l’Olivar; dinner at El Camino (counter‑seat tapas), Adrián Quetglas (Michelin), or Vandal (creative fusion in Santa Catalina).
• Fun fact: La Seu’s vast rose window floods the nave with kaleidoscopic light; Antoni Gaudí contributed to its early‑20th‑century restoration.

Accommodation searches: Browse Palma stays on VRBO or Hotels.com.

Getting from Manacor to Palma: Morning transfer by car (~55 minutes). Public transport: T3 train Manacor–Palma (~1h10, ~€5) or TIB bus 401 (~1h15). Compare options with Omio (trains) or Omio (buses).

Day 5: Transfer to Palma, Old Town Icons, and Tapas Night

Morning: Travel to Palma and check in. Coffee and toast at La Molienda (specialty brews, tostadas with tomato and olive oil, seasonal granola). Walk to La Seu Cathedral—its sandstone façade glows—and cross to the Almudaina Palace for Moorish‑meets‑medieval halls.

Afternoon: Wander the Arab Baths, one of Palma’s best‑preserved Islamic sites, then graze at Mercat de l’Olivar: order croquettes and tortilla at a market bar, oysters on the half shell, and a cone of fried calamari at Bar del Peix. Espresso to finish, then a siesta or seaside stroll along Parc de la Mar.

Evening: Tapas route: start at Bar España (bustling, with spicy patatas bravas and mushroom croquettes), then take counter seats at El Camino for Iberian pork skewers, tortilla, and a glass of sherry. Nightcap at Ginbo (inventive gin tonics) on Passeig de Mallorca.

Day 6: Sóller Train, Port de Sóller, and Deià or Valldemossa

Morning: Board the vintage Tren de Sóller from central Palma (about 1 hour through orange groves and tunnels). Hop the tram to Port de Sóller for a harbor promenade. Coffee and a pastry by the water, then a quick dip if weather allows.

Afternoon: Continue to Deià (bus or taxi ~25 minutes) for cliff‑top views and a hike down to Cala Deià’s stony cove. Alternatively, choose Valldemossa (from Sóller ~45 minutes) to visit the Carthusian monastery and try a coca de patata (sweet roll) with hot chocolate. Lunch ideas: grilled fish at a seaside spot in Port de Sóller; in Deià, small plates and local wine at a hillside bistro.

Evening: Back in Palma, book Adrián Quetglas for a Michelin‑level tasting menu that’s creative but grounded (reserve early), or opt for Vandal in Santa Catalina—playful plates, street‑art vibe, and clever cocktails.

Day 7: Beach, Bellver Castle, and Departure

Morning: Shake out the legs with a bike ride or jog to Portixol and Playa de Palma along the bayside path; brunch at Rosevelvet Bakery (buttermilk pancakes, shakshuka, great flat whites). If you prefer sand sooner, head to Illetas (bus or taxi ~20–30 minutes) for clear water and an early swim.

Afternoon: Quick visit to Bellver Castle (unique circular fortress with city and bay panoramas). Squeeze in a classic at Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo: almond ice cream and a slice of ensaïmada. Transfer to the airport for your flight—within Europe via Omio (flights), or for overseas legs via Kiwi.com or Trip.com.

Notes on Training and Logistics

• Adults Academy programs: Typically run 3–5 on‑court days per week with fitness/recovery blocks; expect small groups and match‑play. Prices vary by season and intensity (~€600–€1,000 per week).
• Padel & gym: Book evening padel courts for fun doubles; recovery access includes pool/sauna—ideal after heavy leg days.
• Transport: Renting a car offers flexibility for beaches and Tramuntana villages; otherwise rely on trains/buses (plan with Omio trains and Omio buses).
• Dining reservations: Palma’s hot tables (El Camino counter, Adrián Quetglas, Vandal) book out—reserve 1–2 weeks ahead.

Across seven days you’ll sharpen your game at the Rafa Nadal Academy, then savor Palma’s culture, cuisine, and coastlines. From underground lakes at the Caves of Drach to mountain villages overlooking citrus valleys, Mallorca rewards both effort and ease—just like good tennis.