The 9 Best Places To Visit In Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca still reigns as one of the most desirable summer getaways in Europe. Boasting a sapphire-blue coastline, dramatically-sculpted cliffs, and sun-kissed olive groves, this otherworldly Mediterranean island is the ultimate destination for some relaxed self-indulgence. 

But Mallorca’s magnetic charisma isn’t only tied to its grand topography – this Mediterranean playground also features an astonishing climate, and plenty of evocative historic sights to take in.

There’s no shortage of places to visit around Mallorca. Here’s our guide to the top 10 destinations to discover on the island, and a highly curated list of tips that’ll provide you with the trip of a lifetime!

About Mallorca

Where is Mallorca located

Mallorca is located about 125 miles off the coast of mainland Spain, and east of Ibiza. It is the largest of the Balearic Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the western Mediterranean Sea.

Aside from Mallorca, the archipelago is made up of other 3 major islands – Ibiza, Formentera, and Menorca – aside from other minor islands and islets.

What is the best time to visit Mallorca

The summer months of July and August are great times for visiting Mallorca. During this time of year, temperatures are pleasantly warm, reliably hovering around 30ºC, the waters of the Mediterranean have warmed up to 21 degrees, and the rainfall is limited. Plus, the peak summer months also bring up to 10 hours of sunshine per day, making it a pleasure to enjoy Mallorca’s beaches and outdoor attractions.

An alternative to the peak summer months, which are far more expensive, is the springtime. From April to mid-Junethe weather in Mallorca is comfortable, with highs of 25ºC, the crowds are light, and overall rates for flights and accommodation are lower. And while the Mediterranean may not be at an optimum bathing temperature, the weather is pleasant enough to indulge in activities such as trekking through the Serra de Tramuntana.

Where to stay in Mallorca

When it comes to finding your perfect vantage point in Mallorca, it all depends on your budget and interests. The island is made up of several towns and villages, each with its unique spin and charm, and several accommodation options.

The south coast, for instance, is home to some of Mallorca’s most popular destinations, including Palma de Mallorca (aka “Palma”), beaches, and tourist attractions. Home to the greatest number and variety of accommodations in Mallorca, it’s a great spot to base yourself if you want to go sightseeing.

In the southwest Calvia Coast of Mallorca, you’ll find bustling resort towns like Magaluf, known for its lively nightlife, while on the east coast you’ll be treated to a more family-friendly atmosphere.

In search of a restoring vacation away-from-the-crowds? Then book a stay at the jaw-dropping west coast, which is dominated by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and gorgeous coastal villages like Deià.

Find Places To Stay In Mallorca, Spain

How many days in Mallorca is enough?

Plan for at least 4 days in Mallorca, so you can fully enjoy the island’s beaches, seafood restaurants, dreamy coastal villages, and historical sights.

The 9 Best Places To Visit In Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca

The capital city of the Balearic Islands, Palma is a great starting point for any trip to Mallorca. Settled by the Romans in 124 BC in a glittering bay on the southwest coast of Mallorca, Palma fairly glitters with an array of historical sights. One of the city’s most emblematic ancient wonders is the 14th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. Also known as “La Seu”, the cathedral is one of Europe’s tallest Gothic structures, and it features 61 whimsical stained-glass windows that harness the morning sun, flooding the building with beams of colored light.

Other not-to-be-missed cultural treasures in Palma include the Bellver Castle, built-in 1300 by order of James II, King of Mallorca, and the Royal Palace of Almudaina, the official residence of the King and Queen during their stays in the island. 

Be sure to also stroll through the city’s well-preserved Old Town, which flaunts precious remnants left by the Romans, Moors, and Christians, and feast on Mediterranean dishes at Mercat de Santa Catalina. 

In case you’re seeking the perfect spot to swim or tan in the sun, head over to the Playa C’an Pere Antoni (Palma City Beach). Nestled poignantly on the sea-front shoreline, only two kilometers from the center of Palma de Mallorca, the 0.5-mile strip of sand offers show-stopping views of not only the impossibly blue sea but also of the Cathedral and Bellver castle.

Deià

Deia is a fairy-tale-like destination dotted with honey-hued stone houses overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Contrary to Palma, Mallorca’s bustling capital, this idyllic village boasts a more serene atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for travelers seeking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

Framed by the Tramuntana mountains, the village has become a sought-after retreat, especially by famous artists, writers, and millionaires who are craving to unwind, and experience nature in a tranquil setting. Not by chance, Deia has been visited by an array of big-name personalities such as The Beatles, Kate Moss, Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and David Bowie throughout the years,

Deia’s magnetic charisma is grounded in its nature-centric attractions but enhanced by its present-day charm and evocative cultural attractions. With that being said, a trip to the village can be well spent in Cala Deià, a petite cove beach with clear waters and rock pools, as well as in places like the Son Marroig House Museum, which is the go-to destination for marveling at one of the most amazing sunsets on the island. Boasting a breezy terrace, the Sa Fonda cafe bar is the ultimate spot for a casual night out, while Robert Graves’ house-museum will allow you to discover one of the island’s most dreamy gardens.

Puerto Portals

Puerto Portals is the most glamorous of all Mallorca’s playgrounds. Nestled in the southwest of the island, just a 10-minute drive from Palma, this alluring marina has become a top destination for people-watching. One of the top activities here is grabbing a spot at one of the breezy portside restaurants, and spending hours on end feasting on jet-fresh seafood while catching a glimpse of grandiose yachts and the rich and famous passing by.

The port also features a dazzling array of designer boutiques and high-end jewelry stores, aside from being connected to a small adjoining beach, providing a lovely setting for a day under the sun.

Cap de Formentor

There’s a whole heap of lesser-known places to go in Mallorca — and Cap de Formentor is one of them. Located in the Formentor peninsula, this is the northernmost point of the island, where the top end of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range meets the Mediterranean.

Hidden in plain sight from Mallorca’s tourist hot spots, Cap de Formentor can be accessed through a 12-mile scenic drive from Port de Pollenca (except during the busy summer months). Along the route, you’ll be graced with drop-dead views of rugged cliffs, pine groves, stunning architect houses, thousands of migratory seabirds, the glittering waters of the Mediterranean, and other photo opportunities.

Tucked on high cliffs at the tip of Cap de Formentor lies the majestic Cap de Formentor Lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in the Balearic Islands with a focal height of 210 meters above sea level.

While in Formentor, make sure to also stop by the Platja de Formentor, a white sand beach lapped by teal waters and framed by emerald-green pines. At one end of the beach, you’ll find the Hotel Formentor, which opened in 1930 has been visited by famous personalities such as Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill, and Scott Fitzgerald.

Pollensa

Nestled poignantly at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, in the north of the island, Pollensa is the historical soul of Mallorca. This atmospheric mountain town was founded in the 13th century by the Catalan people and flaunts an endless amount of history, grandeur, and mythical tales to enchant even the most seasoned traveler.

Pollensa’s decidedly ancient quality can be experienced in its Old Town, which dates back to the 18th-century, and it’s made up of winding cobblestone streets dotted with century-old buildings, such as the Calvari, the Parish Church, the Cloister of Sant Domingo, and the Jesuit School.

Other highlights include the Plaça Mayor, which hosts Mallorca’s famous Sunday market, the ancient Roman bridge or ‘Pont Romà’, and the 18th-century Mare de Deu dels Angels church that marked the point from which Pollensa began to grow into one of the main villas of Mallorca.

Sa Calobra

True Mediterranean magic is to be found in the Sa Calobra beach, a secluded paradise flanked on the northwest coast of Mallorca. Tucked in among steep rocky cliffs, this idyllic beach is rather difficult to reach, but the view of crystal clear waters reflecting the sunlight and framed by rugged scenery makes it all worth it.

The easiest way to arrive at the beach is by boat, you can also cycle to and from the beach.   Graced by limestone cliffs and stunning views of the turquoise sea, the Sa Calobra climb is considered to be one of the most iconic cycling routes in the world.

Valldemossa

A 20-minute drive from Palma will lead you to Valldemossa, a small-yet-mighty town perched in an otherworldly valley in the midst of the Tramuntana mountains. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, this captivating mountain town is populated with steep cobblestone streets, ancient blonde stone houses, and age-old historic buildings, all encircled by green forests of olive, oak, and almond trees.

One of Valldemossa’s best-known attractions is the Cartoixa de Valldemossa (the Chartusian Monastery of Valldemossa), a dreamy monastery and former palace where Frédéric Chopin and his lover, the French writer George Sand, spent the winter of 1838/9.

Built originally as a royal residence for King Sancho of Mallorca, Cartoixa de Valldemossa was later gifted to Carthusian monks and converted into a monastery in 1399. You can visit Valldemossa’s Real Cartuja (Royal Carthusian Monastery), including the church, cloisters, and old pharmacy.

Sóller & Port de Sóller

Sóller is the place where you can experience the whole breadth of Mallorca’s arts and culture. Located near the northwest coast of the island, this charismatic town captivates visitors with a superb collection of historic monuments framed by endless acres of olive groves and citrus orchards that leads to the sea. In Sóller’s ancient-old Plaza de la Constitución, for instance, you’ll find gems like the 14th-century parish Església de Sant Bartomeu (Church of Sant Bartomeu), and a dreamy fountain ringed by cafes, bars & restaurant terraces.

Culture-vultures will be more than happy when visiting Can Prunera, in Sóller’s Old Town. Set within an early 20th-century mansion, this modernist museum harbors treasured paintings by artists like Kandinsky, Picasso, Warhol. 

Considered one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, Sollér is a feast for sore eyes thanks to its wealth of incredible architecture, including buildings by Joan Rubin, a well-known pupil of Antoni Gaudí.

Don’t forget to also visit the scenic Port de Sóller, which has a picturesque marina filled with small boats and yachts, and is surrounded by lush hillsides.

Serra de Tramuntana

Adventure seekers looking for things to do in Mallorca can’t pass up the chance to go hiking in the mountains of Serra de Tramuntana. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this majestic mountain range forms the northern backbone of the island, stretching around 90 kilometers from Andratx in the southwest to Cap Formentor in the very northeast.

Through the mountain range, there are hiking and walking routes that offer fun and excitement for all and adventure levels. One of the best is a 5-mile trail that leads from Deià to the peak of Es Caragolí, from where you can enjoy show-stopping 360-degree views of the island’s northwest.

FAQ About Mallorca

What is the most beautiful part of Majorca?

Fornalutx is often regarded as the most beautiful village on Mallorca, and one of the most enchanting in all of Spain.

Which part of Mallorca is the best to stay?

The best areas to stay in Mallorca:

What’s Mallorca famous for?

Mallorca is famous for its gorgeous beaches with crystal clear waters, ancient-old historical sites, secluded coves, limestone mountains, and delicious seafood restaurants.

Is Mallorca good for partying?

Aside from otherworldly beaches, Mallorca also treats travelers to a vibrant nightlife, with most of the island’s bars and nightclubs located within Palma and Magaluf.

Is Menorca or Mallorca better?

When it comes to natural beauty, both Menorca and Mallorca excel. The difference between both islands is that Mallorca is better known internationally, and attracts far more tourists. Menorca, on the other side, is a hidden gem and offers a quieter atmosphere if compared to its bigger neighbor.

Is Ibiza or Mallorca better?

Both islands are beautiful and feature some of the most idyllic beaches in Europe. Mallorca, however, is better suited for families, while Ibiza is the perfect place for travelers seeking to indulge in raucous parties and a vibrant nightlife.

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