Discover 33 Delightful Things to Do in Mallorca, Spain!
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Planning a trip to Mallorca?
Many travel articles lament that some resort areas (like Magaluf) are overbuilt and overrun with hordes of sunburned tourists, interested only in party beaches, booze and wild nightclubs.
But that’s not the Mallorca we experienced. Instead, we found an island rich in adventure, history and charm.
After two visits (including an in-depth three-week stay), we’re completely captivated, especially by the island’s enchanting accommodations – we can’t get enough of those fincas!
From hiking the oh-so-picturesque countryside to swimming at ravishing beach coves and touring manor houses, we discovered many wonderful things to do in Mallorca!
We’re already dreaming of our third trip…
Featured reader comments/questions
Contents: Mallorca travel and activities guide
Our 10 favorite island experiences
Top 10 picks: Our all-time favorite things to see and do!
Looking for a short list of must-do Mallorca experiences? Here’s what we highly recommend – tried, personally tested and totally worth it.
Quick peek: 3 Amazing Mallorca tours
These three top-rated island tours are backed by hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews!
Mallorca full-day VIP tour
Small-group island sightseeing adventure from Palma to Valldemossa, Deia and Soller (with a swim stop in summer)
Hot air ballooning
Sunrise or sunset balloon ride over northeast Mallorca, followed by a champagne toast
Spanish cooking experience in Palma
Half-day cooking class (in an old flour mill!) with a professional chef, plus dinner and an open bar
Itinerary planning help
On both of our trips, we were determined to find the best places in Mallorca to visit – and to experience the island at its finest!
- First visit: We kicked off our first trip in Palma de Mallorca, the island’s cosmopolitan capital city. Then we explored Mallorca’s scenically dramatic western region – relatively non-touristy, it’s home to idyllic towns like Deia.
- Second visit: We started in the beach town of Puerto Pollensa. We then explored the island’s west, north and east coasts, before wrapping up in Palma.
Tip: Mapping out your Mallorca adventure
See our itinerary for Mallorca, with several options for you to personalize.
About Mallorca (Majorca) in brief
First, before we cover what to do and places to see in Mallorca, let’s clear up any confusion over the island’s spelling.
You might have seen the word “Mallorca” (Spanish spelling) spelled “Majorca” (English spelling). We mix it up and use both spellings here.
You may also want to know: Where is Mallorca?
The largest island in Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca is set in the Mediterranean, almost due south of Barcelona. (The other Balearic Islands in Europe are Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.)
What to do in Mallorca?
1) Get lost in the narrow streets of Palma
You’ll likely fly into Palma de Mallorca – and you’ll want to spend at least a couple of days here at the beginning or end of your Mallorca visit.
The historic Old Town is an enchanting rabbit warren of cobbled streets, lined with shops (ahh, the shoe stores!), cafés and bistros.
Take in the honey-colored buildings, flaunting beautiful casement windows and Juliet balconies. Soak up the atmosphere as you wander the medieval streets.
You may get lost. But that’s part of the fun of exploring, right?
And you can always ask a store owner or other local for help to orient yourself if you’re hopelessly confused.
Pssst! Explore Palma’s Old Town by e-bike!
For a fun (and easy) way to see Palma’s historic heart – without worrying about getting lost – join this guided half-day e-bike tour.
2) Ogle the Palma de Mallorca Cathedral
Apart from shopping and eating, one of the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca is to visit its fabled Gothic cathedral.
The Palma Cathedral (known as La Seu) is the most-visited attraction. Perched overlooking the seaside, it’s truly a stunning landmark.
We were struck by the enormity of the pillars holding up its vaulted ceilings and the beauty of a large rose window (one of the world’s largest stained glass windows).
The Cathedral isn’t all medieval though.
A huge, quirky crown of thorns above the altar was sculpted by the quixotic architect Antoni Gaudi.
It has you scratching your head over whether its eclectic style (frankly, it looks a bit like papier mache) clashes with or enhances the traditional cathedral design elements.
Knowing Gaudi, that’s probably what he intended.
Get skip-the-line Cathedral tickets
Unlike many Catholic churches, there’s a fee to enter the Cathedral. It’s worth booking in advance as there are long lines to get inside.
- DIY: Get your skip-the-line tickets here to visit on your own.
- Tour: For an enriching experience, this excellent private guided tour (also with fast-track entry) includes fascinating insights into the Cathedral’s hidden stories and must-see features. You’ll also explore nearby highlights like the Arab Baths.
3) Admire the Royal Palace of La Almudaina
When sightseeing in Palma de Mallorca, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina is very much worth visiting too. It’s opposite the Cathedral, so it’s easy to do.
While the site dates back to Roman days, the current palace was rebuilt in the 14th century. (Almudaina means “fortress” or “citadel” in Arabic.)
The Spanish royal family still celebrates official functions in the palace when they visit.
Inside, many original 16th century Flemish tapestries hang on the walls, and some ceilings are ornately painted in traditional Mallorcan black-and-red colors.
You can really soak up its long and rich history, as many of the palace’s vast rooms exhibit furniture and treasures from different past eras.
Peek out the windows too. Yes, the architecture and furnishings are impressive. But so are the gorgeous views you get over the Bay of Palma, dotted with luxury ships and yachts.
Want to sail in the Bay of Palma?
You can – on this 5-star-rated, half-day sailboat cruise!
Swim, snorkel, try stand-up paddleboarding, sip cocktails, nibble on Majorcan tapas – and enjoy the views of Palma from the water. The group size is limited to 12 for a more intimate experience.
4) Visit the Joan Miro Museum
The surrealist master Joan Miro married Pilar Juncosa, a Mallorcan, in 1929 and later settled down with her in Palma de Mallorca.
Today, his workshop and light-filled art studio are now the Miro Mallorca Fundacio.
Set atop a hill overlooking gardens and the sea, the museum showcases more than 6,000 pieces of Miro’s works, from unfinished canvases to bold sculptures and playful graphics.
The way the displays are arranged makes it look as if Miro just put his paintbrush down and wandered off for lunch.
For art lovers, this museum should be high on your list of what to see in Mallorca. (Note: it’s closed on Mondays.)
5) Stroll the Jardines de S’Hort del Rei
Another of the most popular places to see in Palma de Mallorca is the Garden of the Royal Palace (S’Hort del Rei).
Found in the historic center of the city, near the Cathedral (#2), the gardens were originally part of the Almudaina Palace.
Today they’re a small public green space, with lovely fountains and shady trees.
6) Shop at the Mercat de Santa Catalina
Still wondering what to do in Palma de Mallorca? Check out the Mercat de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina Market).
Established in 1920, it’s Palma’s oldest food market. Dozens of artisan food producers sell fruit, veggies, meat, cheese, seafood, flowers and pastries.
Staying on a super yacht? (Why not!) The market is the perfect place for your chef to stock up on fresh produce and other great food supplies.
Or just browse, and maybe sit down at a little café in the market for a tapa with a glass of wine.
Where we stayed in Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca has five main tourist neighborhoods, with great hotel choices.
We’ve personally stayed at the following three hotels – in two different areas – and can wholeheartedly recommend them. (For more options, see our guide to Palma’s coolest areas and hotels.)
Petit Palace Hotel Tres
Petit Palace Hotel Tres is a minimalist urban boutique hotel right in the heart of the Old Town of Palma. Our preferred rooms are the ones housed in the hotel’s centuries-old palace building.
Can Bordoy
Also in the Old Town, Can Bordoy is a 5-star Palma de Mallorca hotel with glam rooms, two small pools (rooftop and garden) and a romantic garden courtyard restaurant.
Castillo Hotel Son Vida
Perched high in the hills about a 15-minute drive away from the center of Palma, Castillo Hotel Son Vida is a luxurious castle-hotel with a fabulous swimming pool. It has more of a resort feel than the other two Old Town hotels above. (And it’s not within walking distance of the Old Town.)
7) Take the train to Soller
From the capital of Palma de Mallorca, there’s a wonderful narrow-gauge train that goes to the town of Soller.
The train has been trundling through the craggy Serra de Tramuntana mountain range since 1912, carrying locals, day-trippers and other visitors.
The vintage wooden carriages are a trip back in time, with brass ceiling lamps, burnished wood paneling and wood benches.
The Soller train trip takes about an hour – squeezing through 13 tunnels. The time passes all too quickly because the scenery is just so darn scenic!
Palma to Soller train
- Schedule: The Soller train (Tren de Soller) operates operates year-round (except for a couple of months in the dead of winter).
- Timetable and ticket cost: See the train operator’s website.
Fun day trip from Palma: By train, tram, boat and bus
You’ll love this all-day island adventure which includes the train!
Drive through the Tramuntana mountains to Sa Calobra, cruise the coast on an unbelievably scenic boat ride from Sa Calobra to Port de Soller, ride the tram to Soller, then wrap up the day with the vintage train ride back to Palma.
8) Stroll the streets of Soller
Now that you’re in Soller, spend some time just enjoying being in this lovely small village in the countryside.
Soller offers plenty to do. But you don’t really have to do anything to enjoy it.
There’s only one main street and a square – the Plaza de la Constitucion – lined with bars and cafés.
For the fine art of whiling away time and people-watching, plonk yourself down at one of the outdoor cafés, order a cappuccino and cake or pastry, and soak up the atmosphere.
Oh, and don’t forget to try some freshly-squeezed orange juice!
Nestled in the Valley of the Oranges (Vale de los Naranjos), Soller is surrounded by orange groves – and it’s famous for its delicious oranges.
9) Enjoy the art at the Can Prunera Museum
In Soller, be sure to visit the Can Prunera Museum.
In a beautifully restored Art Nouveau mansion, this art gallery showcases modernist and contemporary art, featuring the works of Joan Miro, Paul Klee and Fernand Leger. (And on a hot day, its air conditioning is a welcome reprieve.)
10) Jump on the Port Soller tram
From Soller, you can hop aboard an open-air streetcar that rumbles the few miles out to the fishing village of Port Soller.
Port Soller is a great place for strolling its waterfront promenade and enjoying a seafood lunch or dinner.
Soller tram
According to the official schedule, the streetcar (vintage tram) runs as follows in the summer season:
- Leaves Soller: 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am, then every 30 minutes until 7:30 pm, with the last tram from Soller to Port Soller at 8:35 pm.
- Leaves Port Soller: 8:30 am, 9:30 am, 10:30 and then every 30 minutes until 8:00 pm, with the last tram from Port Soller to Soller at 9:05 pm.
- Tram schedule: See here.
On our late September visit to Soller, we found the tram ran more frequently than posted. There were many trams to accommodate all the visitors, and it seemed there was a tram every 15 minutes or so!
There are probably shorter hours outside of the high summer season, so you might want to double-check the schedule.
11) See Es Pontas
The wind and sea have carved some incredible rock formations and cliffs in Mallorca.
One of the most unique formations is Es Pontas.
This 65-foot natural rock arch in the sea is found off the coastline in the southeastern part of the island, near Cala Santanyi.
We confess we actually didn’t see it for ourselves, but it gets good TripAdvisor reviews!
12) Hike the GR221 “Dry Stone Route”
Mallorca is laced with many fine walking trails. Naturally, walking in Mallorca is a hit, and outdoor enthusiasts love walking and hiking holidays on the island.
Hiking the GR221 “Dry Stone Route” is popular.
An ancient 90-mile trail of stepping stones, the path was used by Mallorca locals to walk across the mountains from village to village before roads were built on the island.
Today, the well-maintained GR221 trail runs from Port D’Andratx in the southwest of Mallorca to Pollensa (also spelled Pollenca) in the northwest, and the full trek takes about eight days.
At the end of each section, you can find a hostel (“refugio” in Spanish), set up for hikers to stay the night.
13) Walk from Soller to Fornalutx (Spain’s prettiest town)
As an alternative to tackling the whole Dry Stone Route (#12), do as we did – and walk just a short part.
We walked the section from Soller to the town of Fornalutx, looping back to Soller, on both of our trips.
Set against a backdrop of imposing mountains, Fornalutx has been dubbed “Spain’s prettiest town.”
Whether that’s true is debatable; Deia (covered next) could claim that title too. But the walk (okay, let’s be honest, “hike”) to Fornalutx is certainly a thoroughly enjoyable one!
The gradual climb takes you through bucolic countryside, past farmhouses and orange and olive groves, to Fornalutx’s leafy town square.
At an outdoor café, refuel on cappuccinos and a crusty ham baguette or sweet treat before returning to Soller.
It’s about a 4½-mile hike there and back (2 to 3 hours of walking time).
The second time we hiked to Fornalutx, we continued on from Fornalutx to the village of Biniaraix (for another café stop!), before looping back to Soller.
On both occasions, the hike was one of the most fun things to do in Mallorca for us, especially as we badly needed the exercise!
14) Visit Deia
Imagine a place where you’re buried standing up. That’s Deia, part of the Serra de Tramuntana UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The spot where the tiny village clings to the mountainside is so steep, there’s no flat ground to be buried lying down.
Deia is home to artists, poets (Robert Graves lived here for the last 50 years of his life) and those wealthy enough to afford its pricey real estate.
It’s charming to stroll the streets of Deia – a village you really must see in Mallorca!
Neon pink bougainvillea grows wild everywhere. Artists’ studios abound. Windowsills of old stone houses sport jars of paint brushes.
And the views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea far below are mind-blowing.
Celebrities love Deia too. Who knows, you might bump into Beyonce or Kate Moss? (Both have spent time in Deia.)
Where we stayed in Deia
Belmond La Residencia
The lovely Belmond La Residencia is truly the cat’s meow! A former 17th century manor house, it’s the most luxurious place to stay in Deia (and one of Mallorca’s most renowned hotels).
Hotel Es Moli
It costs a lot less to stay at the 4-star Hotel Es Moli. But it’s also delightful. And it boasts an unbeatable private beach cove, La Muleta, for sunning and swimming in the sea – worth staying here just for this!
15) Swim at Cala Deia
There’s a donkey track that winds through the forest of pine trees beyond Deia. Follow that, and you reach what’s touted as one of the best beaches in Mallorca – Cala Deia.
(You can also walk down the hiking trail in front of Hotel Es Moli to get to Cala Deia.)
This hidden pebble cove at the bottom of the village is where you can swim in limpid crystal clear water and eat fresh fish at a rustic seafront restaurant, Ca’s Patro March. (The restaurant is now famous after being featured in the The Night Manager hit mini-series.)
Of course, retracing your steps is another matter, depending on the route you take to get back up to Deia.
Our thighs burned big time on the hike back up the 1,000 vertical feet to Deia.
But such are the delights – and challenges – of the sun-splashed Spanish island of Mallorca!
Is Cala Deia worth it?
To be honest, we were less impressed by Cala Deia the last time we hiked there.
It seems to be on everyone’s “Mallorca to do” list now. And it didn’t have the same secret feel it did when we first visited – and when it felt like our own little discovery.
We preferred swimming and relaxing at the nearby La Muleta cove. La Muleta’s beach club is private though – exclusively for guests of Hotel Es Moli.
- If you’re staying at Es Moli: Give Cala Deia a miss and go to La Muleta instead.
- If you’re not staying at Es Moli: Hike down the “nicer” path to Cala Deia (the path that starts in front of Es Moli). It’s a lovely jaunt! Perhaps have lunch at Ca’s Patro March or the other restaurant there. But maybe lower your expectations about the natural beauty of the beach – and you won’t be disappointed.
16) Walk to the Capdepera lighthouse
From the port town of Cala Ratjada on the northeast coast of Mallorca, it’s an easy 30-minute walk through pine forests to the Capdepera lighthouse. Try not to envy the beautiful villas along the way too much!
At the lighthouse, perched high on rocky cliffs, the sea views are simply gob-smacking. On a good day, you can see the small island of Menorca.
Marked walks take you around the clifftop to view the lighthouse from different angles too.
17) Go wine tasting in Mallorca
We love wine tasting, and Mallorca doesn’t disappoint – the island is home to more than 70 vineyards. With its sunny climate, it produces everything from crisp whites to bold reds.
The oldest winery, Bodega Ribas (established in 1711), is still family-owned and found in the village of Consell. Tour its historic cellars, then linger in the peaceful courtyard over glasses of their wines paired with tasty tapas.
Other recommended Mallorca wineries include:
- Bodegas Macia Batle
- Bodega Ramanya (a boutique winery)
Wine tasting experiences in Palma
If you’d like to sip without leaving the city, try one of these:
- Palma Old Town tasting – Enjoy an intimate wine experience in a cozy colmado (traditional wine shop). Sip several Mallorcan wines paired with local cheeses and cured sausage.
- Cooking class with wine – Roll up your sleeves in this highly-rated half-day cooking class. With a chef’s guidance, you’ll prepare authentic Spanish dishes (sipping local wines as you go!), and then sit down to enjoy the feast you’ve created.
18) Check out some cool caves
Near the coastal town of Porto Cristo, you’ll find two wondrous sets of caves that rank among Mallorca’s coolest natural wonders. At a steady 70 F inside, they’re also the perfect escape from the summer heat.
Drach Caves
These world-famous caves (Cuevas del Drach) stretch over a mile and connect four caverns filled with jaw-dropping stalactites (some shaped like fishhooks). Inside, you’ll also discover Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world.
Caves of Hams
Just as mesmerizing, the Hams Caves (Cuevas dels Hams) feature three main caverns, complete with striking formations and their own underground lake, the “Sea of Venice.”
Touring the caves
You can visit the Caves of Drach on a one-hour long tour, which includes a classical music concert and a boat trip across Lake Martel. This half-day Drach Caves excursion from Palma takes you there.
Or hit the road and visit some hidden Mallorca gems plus the caves on a private day trip with a local host and guide.
You can visit both sets of caves on this full-day Caves of Drach and Hams tour (with a stop at the pretty fishing village of Porto Cristo.)
19) Tour the Son Marroig manor house
Perched high above the sea, Son Marroig is a grand palatial mansion with stories to tell.
Once a medieval estate, it was later snapped up and transformed in the 19th century by Archduke Ludwig Salvatore of Austria. Even Empress Sissi of Austria visited back then!
We loved wandering its halls, peeking at the Archduke’s red leather-bound books, and imagining his passion as he wrote a nine-volume set on Mallorca’s natural history.
The gardens are a highlight too – especially the gleaming white marble temple at the edge, where we soaked up sweeping views of the Mediterranean and terraced hillsides, studded with almond and olive trees.
20) Stay in a finca
Mallorca is blessed with many rural fincas – farm estates converted into delightful escapist accommodations, typically including organic country-style breakfasts in their rates.
They offer a different type of stay than a conventional hotel, and you shouldn’t leave Mallorca without bedding down in at least one finca.
Fincas in Soller we stayed at
Finca Can Coll
On the fringe of the village of Soller, we stayed at the top-rated Finca Can Coll Boutique Country House on our first visit to Mallorca. With an outdoor pool in a lush garden, lovely light-filled rooms and mountain views, Finca Can Coll is quite idyllic.
Finca Ca’s Curial
On our second visit, we stayed at the beautiful Finca Ca’s Curial. For adults only, this 19th century estate also has an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms and suites have views of the mountains and orange groves. It’s a little less expensive than Finca Can Coll, but just as charming!
21) Climb the Calvari Steps in Pollensa Old Town
Like Deia (#14), the scenic town of Pollenca (Pollensa), on Mallorca’s north coast, oozes charm.
We tackled the 365 Calvari Steps that wind up from the Old Town to the 18th-century chapel, Oratori del Calvari. It’s a bit of a workout, but when you reach the top, the sweeping views over the town and countryside are worth every step.
Afterwards, we loved wandering Pollensa’s cobblestone streets at a slower pace, browsing little shops and settling into a café to soak up the atmosphere.
22) Drink in the view at Cap de Formentor
At Mallorca’s northernmost point lies Cap de Formentor – a place where the island feels like it collides with the sky. Picture towering limestone cliffs, dramatic drop-offs and winds whipping across the rugged headland.
Perched 1,260 feet above the sea, the lighthouse at Cap de Formentor commands views so vast you feel there’s just you, the sky and the sea.
To get there, you have to drive an 8-mile serpentine road from Pollensa.
In summer, however, daytime road access is restricted.
Getting to Formentor Beach and the lighthouse in summer
- Catamaran cruise and beach stop: Hop on a large passenger catamaran to Formentor Beach from Port Pollensa, past jaw-dropping cliffs and the old lighthouse. Stop at Formentor Beach for a swim before cruising back.
- Day sailing adventure: Set sail from Port Alcudia on a 6-hour yacht trip around Cap de Formentor. See the lighthouse from the water, snorkel and swim at a quiet anchorage, and enjoy home-made tapas with beer and wine onboard.
- Sunset tour to Formentor: Drive up the mountain road at the golden hour, climb the Albercutx Watchtower for sweeping views, and toast the sunset with cava and fresh strawberries on this small-group mini-bus tour.
23) Escape to Santanyi
Tucked away on Mallorca’s southeast coast, sun-kissed Santanyi lures you in with its honey-hued stone buildings and easygoing vibe. It’s quieter than Deia or Soller, but thanks to the fabulously chic Can Ferrereta hotel (where we stayed), it’s firmly on the radar now.
We spent a happy morning at the lively Wednesday market, browsing quality handmade goods – from silver jewelry and woven scarves to handcrafted leather sandals.
Afterward, we took in the noon organ concert at the Church of Sant Andreu; hearing the music soar through the centuries-old space was magical!
Santanyi is also a perfect springboard for day trips to Cala Figuera (#28), Mondrago Natural Park (#31) and Cala des Moro (#33).
24) Drive the “snake” road to Sa Calobra
Calling all gearheads and road-trip junkies – this one’s for you!
Antonio Parietti, the same Italian engineer behind the road to Cap de Formentor, also masterminded the legendary “snake” road to Sa Calobra.
With slopes so steep, he had no choice but to lace the road with tight switchbacks, creating a serpentine pattern that’s as thrilling to drive as it is to look at.
The 8-mile stretch from Escorca, at the base of Puig Major, is not for the faint of heart. It’s narrow, with minimal guardrails and no center line.
Along the way you’ll tackle 12 dramatic hairpin bends, including the famous Nus de Sa Corbata (Knot of the Tie), where the road loops under itself in a jaw-dropping 360-degree curve.
25) Hang out at Platja des Coll Baix
Some call Platja des Coll Baix the best beach in Mallorca – and it’s hard to argue.
Near Alcudia on the northern coast, it’s wild, remote and wonderfully unspoiled. You can only get there by boat or on foot.
If hiking in, be prepared for a medium-difficulty trek about four miles each way.
You’ll wander through shady pine forests, scramble over giant boulders and then emerge to find a wide crescent of coarse sand and pebbles, lapped by dazzling turquoise water. You might even share the beach with a few curious wild goats!
Walking to Platja des Coll Baix?
Bring water and snacks or lunch, and wear good running or hiking shoes. A swimsuit is optional (some hikers go for a dip in the buff).
26) Tour the Santuari de Lluc
Founded in the 13th century, the Santuari de Lluc is a monastery and important pilgrimage site, surrounded by high mountains in northwest Mallorca.
The main attraction is the beautiful Basilica, with its gold ornamental motifs. Also try to catch a performance by the Lluc Choir (Els Blauets) – their singing is beautiful!
There’s a small museum attached to the monastery site, and you can also wander through tranquil botanical gardens.
For a unique overnight experience, you can even stay in one of the former monk’s cells.
27) Go horseback riding
Maybe you or your kids want to saddle up for a mountain horseback ride to Alcudia Bay? Rides last one or two hours (your choice) and are especially good for first-timers.
Opt for the brunch experience and you’ll also be treated to a tasty spread of fresh bread, Serrano ham, local cheese and sobrasada, the island’s signature spiced pork sausage.
28) Slow down in Cala Figuera
Cala Figuera is the picture-perfect fishing village, brimming with laid-back charm. Whitewashed houses cling to the hillsides that frame its narrow harbor.
If you arrive early, you might catch fishermen bringing in their daily haul; we saw them later in the day mending their nets along the dock.
We loved strolling the narrow path that winds around the deep-set harbor – it took us ages, since we kept stopping for photos. Afterward, we lingered over a sunset fish dinner, savoring both the food and the slow rhythm of village life.
29) Visit Valldemossa and Chopin’s love nest
Like Deia, Valldemossa is one of the prettiest towns to visit in Mallorca – set high in the Tramuntana mountains, about a 20-minute drive from Palma de Mallorca.
It’s most famous for being the winter hideaway of Polish composer Frederic Chopin and his lover, French writer George Sand. They holed up at the Royal Charterhouse Valldemossa, a palace-cum-convent that you can tour today.
Peek into the cell where they lived, then wander through the gardens, with its spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
It was hot when we visited Valldemossa, so we bought ice-cream in the village after our tour. (It didn’t really cool us off, but it sure tasted good!)
We also sampled coca de potatas – Valldemossa’s famous pastry – which is a sweet bun made from potatoes, sugar and lard.
Tours to Valldemossa from Palma
- Small-group VIP tour: Recommended by 98% of travelers, this 8-hour island tour (maximum 8 guests) visits Valldemossa, Deia, Soller and Port de Soller (with the option of riding the famous tram from Soller to the port).
- Private tour: Explore Valldemossa (plus Soller and Port de Soller) on this highly-rated, 5- to 6-hour private excursion – perfect for cruise ship passengers, with a guaranteed on-time return.
30) Tour Bellver Castle
Commanding a fabulous hilltop position on the outskirts of Palma de Mallorca, Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver) was built in Gothic style for King James II in the 14th century.
It was intended to serve as a royal residence. Few royals actually lived in it though, and it was later used as a military prison in the 1700s.
What’s unique about the castle is that it’s circular in shape – one of just a handful of European castles built like this.
You can also enjoy some of the best views of the city from the castle.
Bellver Castle tours
The castle is open to the public to tour. You’ll find the City History Museum (Museu d’ Historia de la Ciutat) on the ground floor, with explanatory panels sharing the history of the city.
If you take the Palma de Mallorca sightseeing hop-on, hop-off bus (like we did), it will drop you off at the castle.
Alternatively, if you have a car, it’s only a short drive from the city center, and there’s parking available.
For more information, see the castle’s website.
31) Explore Mondrago Natural Park
With sand dunes, forested ravines, wetlands and gorgeous sandy beaches, Mondrago Natural Park (Parc Natural de Mondrago) is one of the best places to go in Mallorca for nature lovers.
You can walk the hiking trails, sunbathe and swim at the beaches (the main beach is S’Amarado Beach) and see all sorts of birdlife.
Located on Mallorca’s southwest coast near the small town of Santanyi, the park is quite secluded.
We parked our rental car at the S’Amarador Beach parking lot, where we walked along a coastal cliff path to the beach.
The other option for getting to the park is to take the public bus from Cala D’Or to Cala Mondrago (another beach in the park).
32) Float in a hot air balloon
For a unique bird’s eye view of Mallorca, how about a hot air balloon ride?
You’ll get a different perspective of the sunrise or sunset on this 5-star-rated hot air balloon flight with IB Ballooning.
Sip champagne while gliding over small villages on the northeast coast and soaking up stunning views of the Tramuntana mountains.
Talk about a Mallorca bucket list experience!
33) Chill at Calo des Moro
Okay, we know you want to know more about the island’s beautiful beaches.
And those beaches really are some of the best Majorca attractions when it’s hot and sunny outside!
On the southeast coast, Calo del Moro (Cala des Moro) is not exactly a secret. But it’s worth going for a swim in its impossibly turquoise waters.
The beach itself is a tiny stretch of white sand bordered by steep cliffs. (And you lose the sand at high tide, when you’ll be sitting on boulders by the water instead.)
It’s a bit tricky to reach though, as you have to walk down a very steep path.
Note that this is a natural beach – there are no restaurants or facilities. So bring drinking water and whatever else you need to be comfortable.
Mallorca travel tips
Mallorca car rental tip
When renting a car to get around the island – recommended to see some areas – smaller is better.
Our first trip, we regretted our free “upgrade” to a larger rental car. It was hard to navigate on Mallorca’s twisty narrow roads.
Our second trip, we were wiser. Thankfully, we got the small automatic car we’d booked from VIMA Rent a Car to explore the Santanyi area.
Best time to visit Mallorca
If you want sunny and hot weather, the peak summer months are the best time to go to Mallorca. But July and August are also the high season, so everything will be more crowded.
We visited Mallorca in September on both our trips (the second trip extended into October) – and the weather was perfect. We could hike, swim and sightsee.
In fact, it was still hot in October on our recent visit!
If you’ll be doing a lot of hiking, maybe travel to Mallorca in May or mid- to late-October for more comfortable hiking weather.
May (and early June) as well as late September and October will see fewer tourists too.
Where to stay
In case you missed it, here’s our comprehensive post on where to stay in Mallorca. It covers the best areas to stay on the island, as well as 20 enchanting hotels and fincas.
Because different parts of the island offer different experiences, we suggest you first stay in old Palma de Mallorca. (See our guide on Palma’s hottest hotels.) Then follow that up with a vacay in less touristy northern Mallorca and/or the western and eastern countryside.
Or you could end your Majorca visit in Palma de Mallorca, before flying back home.
Now you know the best things to do in Mallorca and how to visit!
No doubt about it. Mallorca is a magical Mediterranean island.
If you seek culture, history (and yes, shopping) – along with elegant hotels and quaint country inns, tranquil beach coves, scenic hiking trails and off-the-beaten-path explorations – pack your bags for a Mallorca vacation!
Have you been? What do you think – is Mallorca worth visiting? Did we miss any of your favorite places to visit or Majorca activities?
Let us know! You can share your thoughts in the Comments section below (and read comments from other readers).
More Mallorca travel information
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Our top travel tips and resources
→ General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, offering loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
→ Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. (We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!) You can also find great discounted rates on Expedia, especially for hotels in the U.S. and Mexico.
→ Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
→ Flights: For the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets are often non-refundable. If you want more flexibility, it’s usually worth booking directly with the airline, even if it costs a bit more.)
→ Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
→ Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
→ Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
→ eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
→ Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
→ Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
→ Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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About the authors
Would you recommend Mallorca for a honeymoon? Reading this article made me want to visit! It looks beautiful.
Absolutely! It has lots of lovely romantic fincas and boutique hotels, gorgeous beaches, pretty seaside and country villages and lots of culture. Plus, if you like to walk, there are many delightful hiking and walking paths.
You could have a wonderful honeymoon in Mallorca!
As a 21-yr resident of Mallorca, you should update your information. Many of the famous beaches are dirty. It’s incredibly crowded everywhere.
As for Deia and Valldemossa? A 40-min car wait just to find a parking spot now. Worst of all, there were 40 plus degree temps for 5 months this summer.
I have now left and live elsewhere in Spain.
We’re sorry Mallorca ended up disappointing you.
It’s true that climate change means most places in Europe have suffered very hot summers lately. (A good reason to visit in the off season!) And attractive places like Mallorca attract visitors, which means they can get crowded in the high season. (Another good reason to visit outside of the summer season!)
We’d probably be frustrated too if we visited Mallorca in summer. Late September/October (or early spring) are much better times to go :-).
Hi Janice and George!
This list is amazing – love all the things off the beaten path. Thank you for putting it together!
I have a question regarding how you got around. Did you rent a car for the whole trip or only for some parts of it? I’m looking at the train to Soller and wondering if some parts can be done without a car?
Thanks!
That’s exactly what we did!
We explored Palma de Mallorca first – without a car (you don’t need one).
Then we took the train to Soller. Tootled around there without a car (Port Soller, hiking, etc.).
From Port Soller, we rented the car to explore other parts of the island.
So, yes, some parts can definitely be done without a car :-).
Enjoy Mallorca!
Thanks for this interesting article. Spending time in Mallorca would be wonderful! The blend of historic charm with coastline activities would make a blissful holiday. That 65-foot natural rock arch looks stunning.
Super nice pictures and very useful tips when planning a trip to Mallorca!
Mallorca has some lovely beaches! We actually prefer the rocky ones — no sand to get in your bathing suit :-).
Ah, I don’t need any more convincing. You really made me fall in love with Mallorca! 4 miles on foot to get to the Platja des Coll Baix seems like a very strenuous hike in the heat, but I’d do it just to get to see this beautiful place. Great pictures, like always.
We love travel writing because we get to enjoy a place 3 times — first, when we research it; second, when we visit; and third, when we relive our experiences to write about it. Mallorca is a place we want to enjoy for the 4th time by revisiting again in real life :-).
We got to overnight in Mallorca before a Star Clippers Mediterranean cruise in 2014. Loved touring the cathedral, the old town streets and walking through the market. We stayed in an AirBnB and arrived on my birthday so had a wonderful dinner overlooking the water. Wish we’d had more time there!
A nice way to celebrate your birthday — in Mallorca! Do try to return and spend more time on the island; it offers more than enough for a lovely 2-week trip :-).
I love Alcudia in Mallorca. And Mallorca.
Love your photos!
This side of the island is very beautiful, lovely photos!
It is a beautiful area. isn’t it?
That photo of the tram brought back some funny memories of Port Soller… the look on my boyfriend’s face when he took the camera away from his eyes and realised the tram he was photographing was a lot closer than he thought! The tram driver was laughing his head off. One of those moments when you really shouldn’t laugh but can’t help it!
Going back to Mallorca next week – can’t wait!
Ooops! Yes, it could be tempting to stay on the tracks to get the shot of the tram as close up as possible :-). Enjoy your trip to Mallorca, you lucky girl!
Very curious to see both Deia and Fornalutx now (love Catalan spelling, all those unexpected x’s). I’ve seen the old train to Soller, but never taken it. Great Majorca tips here – and tempting photos.
Aah the memories! We’ve had exactly the same holiday a couple of years ago but my photos have been lost so it was great to see yours. I do remember the little restaurant on the water’s edge below Deia was unfortunately closed at the time. Maybe we should go back!
Mallorca is one of those places we could happily return to as well :-)
What a lovely article. We visited Palma last year so it brought back nice memories. We are currently in Barcelona, not too far from you. Wish we could meet!
Best, Irene and Jerry
Glad you enjoyed Palma! And enjoy Barcelona – we look forward to reading your post on it!
Mallorca was never on my bucket travel list, but after reading your post and admiring the pictures, I wish I had its sand in my suitcase. You have a wonderfully engaging style of drawing the reader to this magical, unspoiled island.
I wish there was some place like it close to North America.
Yes, it’s hard to find European-like places in North America! Montreal and Quebec City have a European flavour (but sadly no swimming beaches :-). And they’re somewhat colder places too…