Mallorca is a surprising island that combines all the essence of the Mediterranean: not only enchanting beaches with transparent waters, fine sand, beautiful coves… but also a surprising cultural, natural and gastronomic heritage. Here are 10 ideas of things to do in Mallorca that will allow you to discover these aspects, but we are sure that along the way you will find unique corners not yet popularized among tourists.
What to do in Mallorca: the 10 must-do’s
It is a large island, so the best way to get around it is by car, the ideal is to rent a car in Palma de Mallorca and you can even consider doing a roadtrip staying in different locations. With these ideas we help you to organize your plans to do in Mallorca.
1. Palm
You can start by learning about the culture and the historical past of the island by visiting the historic center of its capital. It highlights the amazing Gothic cathedral of Santa Maria (La Seu) or the royal palaces such as the Royal Palace of Almudaina. Next to it is the s’Hort del Rei (King’s Gardens), of Muslim origin.
Also stroll through the streets that retain their original medieval layout, including the Plaza Mayor, the Plaza de la Cort, the beautiful courtyards of the stately homes Can Alemany or Can Ordines d’Almandrà. The Arab Baths and the Jewish Quarter are other historical gems not to be missed. From the Parc de la Mar you will have excellent views of the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. The Baluart, the impressive medieval fortress also contains the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
You can finish with a visit along the Paseo Marítimo and enter Sa Llotja de Palma de Mallorca and the Plaza Sa Drassana . And, if you have time, it is worth going 3 km away from the city to see the Bellver Castle.
2. Valldemossa
📍 Find out how to get to Valldemossa
The next place where we recommend stopping is Valldemossa, one of the most charming villages of the island and where you will also find the Frédéric Chopin Museum (who liked to frequent the village), the Real Cartuja, the Jardines del Rey Juan Carlos and the Palacio del Rey Sancho. You will also find excellent restaurants of typical gastronomy.
3. Deyà and Sa Foradada
📍 Find out how to get to Deyà and Sa Foradada
Another of the beautiful villages of the island is Deyà, with its steep cobbled streets. Three kilometers away you will find another beautiful cove, Sa Foradada, between huge stone walls. Nearby is also the viewpoint of Foradada, where it is worth a stop and our favorite place to see the sunset, as well as the Cape of Formentor. It is also a good place for hiking, and nearby is the restaurant Ca’s Patro March, which appears in some scenes of the series The Infiltrator.
4. Sóller
📍 Find out how to get to Sóller
If you want to discover an iconic Mediterranean village, with its typical houses with colorful facades that will remind you of Italy, don’t miss the village of Sóller. From there you can also take the famous Sóller Train, which will take you through the more than 30 km that connect Sóller and La Palma, also crossing the Sierra de Tramuntana, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We also recommend that you try the local delicacies, as the area has excellent citrus groves, almonds and produces excellent olive oil.
5. Fornalutx
📍 Find out how to get to Fornalutx
Just 4 km from Sóller is Fornalutx, another iconic village that you can not miss to take pictures, as it is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, along with Pollensa.
6. Hiking in the Tramontana Mountains
📍 Find out where the Tramontana mountain range is located.
If you love nature and hiking, in addition to visiting their villages that we recommend, do some of their nature trails, there are of different levels of difficulty. Thus, you can discover beautiful places like the Ermita de Maristella or the famous Ruta de la Piedra. And, if you do not like walking so much, you can start from Andratx, pass by the viewpoint in San Telmo overlooking the island of Sa Dragonera and stop in the different villages and viewpoints, such as the Torre del Verger and the village of Bañalfugar.
7. Pollensa and Puerto de Pollensa
📍 Find out how to get to Pollensa
The village and the port are separated by 7 km and are perfect to discover two different sides of the island. In the village you will marvel at its Roman bridge and Plaza Mayor, with the 365 steps leading up to Monte del Calvario. Puerto de Pollensa retains that authentic air, not yet invaded by mass tourism. And it is a perfect stop for a drink before your next visit: the cape of Formentor.
8. Cape Formentor
📍 Find out how to get to Cabo de Formentor
Also known as Cap de Formentor, here you will find the most impressive coastal views of the island. There are cliffs of more than 300 meters, beautiful viewpoints such as the Mirador d’es Colomer and Talaia d’Albercutx, or the Lighthouse of Formentor itself. It is a perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
In addition, nearby you have the Calas de Formentorand Figuera, with their fine white sands and clear waters, so take your bathing suit!
9. Drac Caves
📍 Find out how to get to the Drac Caves
Although, if you like coves, another area not to be missed is the one near the Drac caves, signed for millions of years and with impressive stalactites, a subway lake and where, especially in summer, you can enjoy concerts, taking advantage of its excellent acoustics.
Nearby you will find other points of interest, such as the Hams Caves and the Serral dels Falcons Tower, built in the 16th century to detect pirates.
10. Make the route of the coves
Taking advantage of the fact that you are on the east and south coast of the island, discover its best coves. Starting in the north, you can visit the Artà cave, which has one of the largest stalagmites in Europe. Head south and discover Cala Mendia, Calas de Mondragó, Cala S’Almunia, Caló del Moro, Cala Es Caragol and Es Trenc, where you will find its amazing salt pans, whose salt you can buy in several stores on the island. Choose among these things to do in Mallorca and you will discover the essence of the island. You will surely enjoy it and you will be short of days… that is why we recommend you to stay at least 7 days in Mallorca. Enjoy our island like this, without rushing, or come back one day!