Post overview: A roundup of the best things to do in Mallorca, based on firsthand experience from an American traveler that spent one month exploring the island during February 2022.
Eager to escape the winter chill, my husband and I recently spent a month on the breathtaking island of Mallorca, Spain. It was a whirlwind last-minute decision made crazier by the fact that neither of us had ever been to Mallorca, yet committed to a full month.
The logic (if you can call it that) boiled down to one point: the temperatures are mild year-round and the island averages 300 days of sunshine per year. So we booked our accommodations, confirmed the flights and embarked on an unforgettable adventure on the largest island in the Balearic Islands of Spain.
My husband and I are big fans of slow travel and our schedule allowed us the opportunity to stay a while, so we took advantage and explored as much as we could. Towards the tail end of our trip we found ourselves on a first name basis with our local barista and the folks at the tapas bar. Heck, I even got my hair done at a local salon while I was visiting the island!
My hope is that this guide on the best things to do in Mallorca makes your trip planning a bit easier. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out, I’d love to hear from you and am happy to help any way I can.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Mallorca
Here’s a few things I wish I would have known before visiting Mallorca for the first time.
The spelling of Mallorca: You’ll see Mallorca spelled two ways: Majorca (Catalan spelling) and Mallorca (English spelling). Don’t let it catch you by surprise, both versions are acceptable.
Sunscreen: Per usual, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Indeed, you + sunscreen = best friends forever. If helpful, this is the only sunscreen I use (I discovered it during my honeymoon in Paris and now buy it in bulk).
Dinner is a late affair: In most of Europe, folk don’t eat dinner until closer to 7pm or 8pm and Mallorca is no exception. Most restaurants don’t open until 7pm, so be prepared. Not only is dinner a late affair, but it’s also a long affair that lasts anywhere between 2-3 hours.
A lot of restaurants and places are closed on Sundays: I’m writing this on a Sunday on a hungry stomach near the dinner hour. Am I panicking? Not yet, but I know my options are limited because a lot of restaurants are closed on Sundays. As such, the few restaurants that are open tend to be very busy and seat people by reservation only. I can’t imagine how nuts they get in the summer, book reservations in advance.
The siesta is alive and well on Mallorca: It’s not uncommon for restaurants and stores to close between 2pm and 6pm. It took me six tries to get my hands on some coveted churros because every single time I swung by the restaurant, they were closed.
The layout of Mallorca
Mallorca is a very large island and there’s no shortage of areas to explore. The majority of folks base themselves in Palma. Full of restaurants and a plethora of hotels, this is a great area to stay in.
From Palma, you’ll learn that the rest of the island can be divided into two parts: the mountains and the sea. The northern reach of the island is chock-full of breathtaking mountain villages, while the southern tip is peppered with charming beach towns.
If you’re visiting for an extended stay, you’ll want to explore both areas extensively. As such, this guide will cover the best things to do in Mallorca by region.
How much time do you need in Mallorca?
This is a hard question to answer because it depends on what you want to see. After getting a good feel for the island, I’d break it up into three separate sections: Palma, the mountains and the beaches.
If it’s your first visiting to Mallorca and you want to explore the island in earnest, I suggest spending 7-10 days so that you can truly enjoy the experience, rather than rushing around. Here’s how I’d break it down:
- Days 1-3: Explore Palma
- Days 4 & 5: Explore the mountain villages (Valldemossa, Deia, Soller)
- Days 5 & 7: Explore the beach towns and best beaches on Mallorca
- Days 8-10: Revisit your favorite spots in Palma or revisit the beaches and mountains
Best Things to Do in Mallorca
Best things to do in Mallorca’s Capital, Palma
Palma is the capital of Mallorca and the place you’ll be flying into (and most likely staying during your time on the island). Home to half of the island’s permanent residents, Palma is a lively city radiates an irresistible Spanish charm.
Between the great restaurants, abundance of shops and quaint cafes you won’t run out of great things to do or places to eat, but let’s cover the essential things you can’t miss in Palma.
If you’re trying to figure out how much time to spend in Palma, I’d allocate a minimum of three days. One of the most charming things about Spain is the slow way of living, so give yourself adequate time to adjust and relax like the locals.
There’s two main areas in Palma that folks tend to congregate: Palma’s Old Town and Santa Catalina. Of the two, Palma’s Old Town is much busier, but Santa Catalina is not be fast becoming a hot spot with the younger generation, read on for an overview of best things to do in both areas.
Best things to do in Palma’s Old Town
Stroll the Passeig del Born
Palma’s Passeig del Born is one of the top attractions in Mallorca. It’s a popular tree-lined street full of bustling cafes, lively restaurants and shops, from luxury to affordable. If you find the crowds overwhelming during the summer months, head to the calmer side streets and pop into any store that piques your interest.
Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma
Known to locals as La Seu, the first thing you’ll notice about the venerable Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma is the grand size. The cathedral is one of the largest gothic structures in Europe and looms over Palma’s Old Town in a graceful fashion.
Erected atop a Moorish mosque, the Cathedral of Palma is Mallorca’s most significant heritage site. Construction originally began in 1229 under King James I of Aragon but wasn’t completed until 1601 — taking an astonishing 400 years.
The cathedral was restored in 1901 and even Antoni Gaudí (the architect responsible for the breathtaking La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona) had a chance to leave his (cosmetic) mark on it. Some of his ideas were adopted, like moving the location of the choir stalls, but ultimately Gaudí left the project due to a dispute with the contractor.
Admission is 8€ per adult, which is fair and justified. You’ll have an opportunity to take in the soaring heights of the well-adorned cathedral from the inside.
To that end, touring La Seu is most definitely one of the best things to do on Mallorca so you won’t want to miss it.
Address: Plaça de la Seu, s/n, 07001 Palma
Explore the Parc de la Mar
The next natural stop, after you tour the cathedral, is to visit the calming Parc de la Mar and admire the massive cathedral from further away. Rest your feet at the fountains or find a patch of grass for a small picnic.
From the Parc de la Mar you’ll notice a wide promenade hugging the seafront, buzzing with pedestrians and cyclists. This path stretches along the coastline and offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea, it’s a great spot to catch sunset.
Tour the Royal Palace of La Almudaina
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina sits adjacent to the Cathedral, which is why I suggest swinging by after you’re done exploring Parc de la Mar.
The Palace of La Almudaina was built in 14th century and to this day serves as the official summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family. The tour covers both floors of the palace, the downstairs walls are adorned with striking tapestries and period furniture, but are overall rather bare.
If you want to see fully decorated rooms, head up the Royal Staircase to visit the apartments of the royals. We spent 45-minutes to an hour touring the palace and can confirm that this is one of the best things to do on Mallorca.
The palace is open year round and admission is 7€ per adult.
Tour the King’s Garden (S’Hort del Rei Palma)
When you’re done touring the palace, head over the perfectly-curated Moorish-style King’s Garden. The garden was built in the 14th century as an extension of La Almudaina Palace, and would have been used as a fruit and vegetable orchard.
The garden was redesigned in the 1960s and reflects a more modern design that perfectly blends the old and new. The cypress trees and fountain add an extra element of charm.
There’s plenty of shady benches in the King’s Garden, which makes this a great place to rest your legs if you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Mallorca.
Please your senses at Mercat de l’Olivar
One of the best things to do in Mallorca is to visit the Mercat de L’Olivar, a massive indoor food market founded in 1951. We visited several times throughout our stay and found that Saturday morning was the best time to visit because most of the stalls are open.
Visiting the market is one of the more unique things to do on Mallorca and you won’t want to rush the experience. You’ll be rubbing elbows with locals stocking up on their weekly groceries.
We spent half of our time in Mallorca cooking our own meals and this was the only place we shopped for groceries. They have everything! Plus, there’s a large grocery store upstairs if you need other items like toiletries or wine.
Tip: Grab a chicken from the gal running the rotisserie chicken stand for a delicious and quick lunch (or dinner). I visited her stand twice per week during my time in Mallorca and we were on a first name basis by the end of the trip. Highly recommend!
Try ensaimada
One of my favorite things about travel is trying local cuisine and eating my weight in pastries (I have an insatiable sweet-tooth). Mallorcans have a gem of a pastry called ensaimada, and stuffing up on those irresistible delights is one of the best things to do in Mallorca.
So, what’s an ensaimada anyway? Well, it’s an airy pastry made with fermented dough and saïm (pork lard), that originated in Mallorca. The “saïm” portion of the pastry is what gives it the name ensaimada. Names aside, all I know is that the pastry is delicate and melts in your mouth. My only regret was note eating more of these in Mallorca.
There’s a ton of bakeries on Mallorca and most of them serve ensaimadas, I tried 12 different bakeries and they were all great. If helpful, I prefer plain ensaimadas to the cream-filled ones, although the chocolate filling always tempts me anyways.
Take a peak inside La Llotja
If you’re meandering the charming streets of Palma than you might stumble upon La Llotja de Palma de Mallorca by accident. This happened to me, and luckily the massive front doors were open and served as an invitation, so I decided to pop in.
I must admit, I was slightly confused at first because the entire room was bare, and the soaring ceilings only added to the emptiness. In reading the informational boards, I learned that the structure was built between 1420 and 1452 and is considered a notable example of Gothic architecture.
The building served as the headquarters of the School of Merchants, who oversaw commerce in Palma’s critical port. Today guests are welcome to admire the architecute and envision how the area was used in the past. The building is free to tour and won’t take longer than 10-15 minutes, closed Mondays.
Indulge in tapas at Bar España
During our first night in Palma we found ourselves ravished and ill prepared. We didn’t do proper planning on restaurants and resorted to proximity. In doing so, we discovered a delightful tapas bar mere steps from our place, Bar España.
The small restaurant is cozy and lively and the tapas are great. Clear standouts were the patatas bravas and burrata toast. The prices are reasonable and the kind service can’t be beat. In fact, we enjoyed this tapas restaurants so much we returned four times during our stay.
Explore the Arab Baths (Banys Arabs)
Dating back to the 10th and 12th centuries, the Arab Baths (Banys Arabs) are one of the few remaining examples of Moorish architecture on the island. This popular Palma attraction is very small and consists of one garden and three small rooms. Regardless, it’s an interesting thing to do in Mallorca for history buffs.
The garden bursts with palm trees and cactus and there’s plenty of benches to park on. From there, head inside to explore the baths and you’ll find that it’s very easy to imagine how this area was used back in the day. Notice how each of the columns in the domed room is different, it’s assumed that the columns were salvaged from various roman buildings throughout the city.
Visit Es Baluard Museu
Visiting Es Baluard Museu is one of the best things to do in Mallorca for art lovers. Home to works by the likes of Dalί, Picasso and Miró (among many others), the admission of €6 almost feels comical by American standards.
Have dinner at La Cuadra Del Mano
We first discovered La Cuadra Del Mano restaurant while walking back to our AirBnB in the evening hours. The place was buzzing with life and all the tables were taken. What’s more, the line out the door proved we were out of the loop, and that’s not a good place to be.
We were intrigued and showed up ten minutes before opening to see if we could get a table without a reservation, and you can only imagine our delight when we were welcomed inside.
Having a dinner experience at La Cuadra Del Mano is easily one of the best things to do on Mallorca. The kitchen consists of one coal-fired grill and the menu doesn’t overwhelm with 4-5 cuts of meat and 4-5 sausages to choose from. We found ourselves flabbergasted by the large cuts of quality meat (served with delicious corn and tomatoes) and the mind-boggling affordable prices.
We made reservations and returned promptly a few days later and only wished we had more time in Mallorca simply to eat here. You can make make reservations via phone or in person (in person was easier for us).
Get churros from Xurreria Rosaleda
If you have a sweet tooth, getting churros at Xurreria Rosaleda is non-negotiable. Churros originated in Spain and there’s no questioning that the the country has mastered this delectable dessert. Order it with a side of hot chocolate for a dessert you’ll be craving until you return to Spain.
Have a nightcap at Gibson Cocktail Bar
My husband and I start every morning and end every evening with a thirty minute stroll. This is a habit we try to maintain even while traveling, which has lead US to discover some interesting places while traveling.
During one of our evening strolls in Palma, we walked past animated crowds at Gibson Cocktail Bar and knew we were out of the loop. Luckily for us, it was an easy fix. We returned the next evening and found ourselves discovering what locals already knew: ending an evening with a martini at Gibson is one of the best things to do in Palma.
Learn from our mistake and make sure to include this in your Mallorca itinerary. Cocktail prices average 8€ and asking a New Yorker to wrap her mind around prices like that is an impossible task.
Things to do outside of Palma’s Old Town
Tour Castell de Bellver
If you’re looking for interesting things to do in Mallorca, pay a visit to the Castell de Bellver. A circular 14th century castle that sits atop a hill overlooking the city of Palma.
The walk from Palma takes about 45-minutes, or you can taxi over. We chose to walk and found the pleasant stroll along the harbor very enjoyable. Plus, we had to burn off those tapas somehow!
As you near the castle you will need to trek up quite a few steps, so wear comfortable shoes.The Castell de Bellver was first used as the residence of the Kings of Majorca before eventually being repurposed as a military prison (from the 18th to mid-20th century).
Today, the castle is used as a museum that covers the comprehensive history of Palma. The tour starts at the ground floor where you can take in the interesting architecture and learn about Palma’s history.
From there, head upstairs to learn about the devastating plight of the Mallorquin’s fight for independence (I found this portion of the tour moving). Finally, head up a spiral staircase to reach the top of the castle and take in the panoramic views of the city below.
Visit Joan Miró’s studio (Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró)
Whether you’re an art fan or not, it’s hard to pass up seeing the actual studio of a world-renowned artist. As such, swing by Joan Miro’s studio while you’re exploring the outskirts of Palma’s Old Town and take a glimpse at the private studio used by the artist from the 1950s until his death in 1983.
Explore Santa Catalina
Located west of Palma’s Old Town, Santa Catalina is fast becoming one of the most hip areas in Palma. The perfect blend between the charming old homes and hip restaurants make this area a hot-spot with millennials.
While exploring Santa Catalina, make sure to visit the Mercat de Santa Catalina. Selling everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to tantalizing fish, cured meats and olives, you’ll find everything you need for a traditional homemade dinner.
If the nightlife scene is more your pace, wander the neighborhood after the sun goes down. There’s so many great bars and restaurants to choose from, you’ll see tons of folks jumping from one to the next.
Best Things to Do in Mallorca’s Mountain Region
Let’s kick off our first day outside of Palma with a trip to the magnificent mountainous region of Mallorca. This guide will cover the four most beautiful villages: Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller and Fornalutx. Let’s get to it!
But first, do you need a car in Mallorca?
Here’s the thing, we stayed on Mallorca for one month and weren’t sure if we needed a car before the trip. We didn’t reserve a vehicle (we were visiting in Winter – low tourist season) and chose to get around using the bus. We were wholly impressed by the extensive bus network on the island and found ourselves completely satisfied with that mode of transportation.
However, two weeks into our trip my mom flew out and we wanted her to experience all the best things in Mallorca even though she was on limited time. So we rented a car for four days and were so happy with our decision.
Based on my personal experience, I would say renting a car on Mallorca is necessary, especially if you have limited time and want to see as much as possible.
But be forewarned, driving in the cities is stressful (the roads are so narrow) and parking in Palma is a nightmare (street parking is nearly impossible and garages will run you 30€ per night).
If you’re visiting during peak travel season (mid-June – August), you’ll want to book your car well in advance because they go fast. Just remember to filter results for automatic vehicles, if needed.
Things to Do Valldemossa, Mallorca
Now that we’ve wrapped our time in Palma, let’s take a twenty-minute drive to one of the most beautiful towns on the island, Valldemossa (pronounced: vai-day-mosa, silent “L”).
Valldemossa is a charming village tucked into the hillside of the Serra de Tramunta (a breathtaking mountain range deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Marked by dreamy terraced olive groves and sand-toned homes adorned with flowers, the town oozes with a charm few can resist.
Though small in size, it doesn’t leave you wanting for anything. You’ll find great restaurants, tiny bakeries and stunning mountain views. We originally planned to stay for 2-4 hours max but ended up staying for the full day (and returned three more times during our month-long trip).
Here’s a quick rundown of our favorite things to do in Valldemossa.
Tour the Carthusian Monastery in Valldemossa
Valldemossa’s claim to fame is that the famed Polish composer, Frédéric Chopin, and his lover (the French writer George Sand) spent three months in the village in the winter of 1838. Upon arrival the couple was met with resistance by locals because they were not married and the devoted catholic residents refused to take them in.
As a result, Chopin and Sand took refuge in the Carthusian Monastery Valldemossa (Valldemossa Charterhouse). The monastery was originally used as a royal palace before being converted to a monastery in 1399, and then finally into a museum you can tour today.
The tour starts at the palace turned monastery before taking you to Cell #4 — the room where Chopin and Sand lived. You can tour the room and see an actual score written by Chopin’s hand (it was so cool to see how he scratched out certain notes that displeased him). Note: Photos of the room are not allowed.
The tour continues past a room that houses one of the oldest surviving printing presses in Europe and a great exhibit on artifacts from the Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria (which I found surprisingly fascinating). Overall, we enjoyed touring the monastery more than we expected to, and I can personally recommend it as one of the best things to do on Mallorca.
P.S. If you’re not interested in touring the monastery, head to the small public gardens (free to explore).
Tour the Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum
Admittedly, I was first thrown off when I learned that the monastery tour didn’t include entrance to the “official” Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum. It felt strange to me, considering the Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum is located in the room right next to where Chopin and Sand lived (which you can tour with the monastery admission).
But here’s how it works: your admission to the monastery covers everything except for one room: the room that holds the original Pleyel piano (one of only two in the world). Shipped from Paris, the piano was made specifically for Chopin but he sold it to a French family before departing Majorca.
The piano has since been returned to the museum and can be seen by visitors during the tour. This is the authentic piano Chopin used to compose various Preludes, one Polonaise, the Second Ballade and Third Scherzo while staying in Valldemossa.
Admission 5€. Note: The Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum is independent of the monastery museum. You can tour the Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum without buying admission to the monastery.
Visit a local bakery
Balearic pastries are too tempting to pass up, you need to stuff these things in your pockets every opportunity you get. There’s two great bakeries in Valldemossa worth popping into to make sure you start your day properly. Thankfully, the bakeries are located across the street from each other and both are mere steps from the bus stop and public parking lot.
Ca’n Molinas has a great outdoor patio (you’ll be sitting in the shade of orange trees) and equally great baked goods to match. There’s two must-order items on the menu: Coca de patata mallorquina (an airy potato bun) and the Majorcan almond gató (an almond cake made from two ingredients: almonds and eggs, gluten-free).
Forn i Pastisseria is a smaller bakery and doesn’t have indoor seating, but what they lack in space they (more than) make up for with their ensaimada. The treat dissolve in your mouth and just the thought of it is making my mouth water as I type this. I swung by for ensaimadas all four times I visited Valldemossa, which is saying a lot.
In sum, if you’re a foodie, one of the best things to do on Mallorca is to visit all the bakeries you can muster and these two in Valldemossa are clear winners.
Become an olive oil connoisseur at Son Moragues
Alright, here’s a question for you: have you ever truly tasted real olive oil before? I mean, drank it from a cup to better understand the notes of authentic fresh olive oil?
If you answered no, join the club. I was in the same boat but when I was doing research on the best things to do in Mallorca I came across the history of an interesting place called Son Moragues.
The breathtaking Son Moragues estate sits within the Serra de Tramuntana region and cultivates approximately 10,000 olive trees. The estate was originally established as a home for the grand Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria (you’ll hear his name often while touring Valldemossa because he was a prominent figure in the area, folks seem to love him).
Son Moragues offers several different types of olive-centered tours where visitors can learn more about sustainable olive production. We signed up for the 3-hour tour with a picnic option, and loved every minute of the tour. Our informative guide took us through an impressively mature olive grove and shared the history of the estate, along with the olive productions side of the business.
When we had our fill of the stunning estate, we were treated to a delicious picnic of local home-made goods. Honestly speaking, this is one of the most memorable things to do in Mallorca, and the experience turned out to be the highlight of our entire trip.
The focus of the tour is crystal clear: responsible stewardship of precious resources. If you’re looking for responsible tourism on Mallorca, look no further than this unforgettable affair.
Enjoy a sunset dinner at La Posada Restaurant
If you’re looking for dinner options in Valldemossa then I suggest La Posada Restaurant. The food is great (order the shrimp and garlic), but it’s the views you come for. Try to snatch a table on the upstairs balcony and take in the panoramic views of the stunning mountains and valley below.
Heck, even if you don’t plan to eat here, swing by the viewpoint anyway (located right in front of the restaurant).
Check out the Paris Church of Saint Bartholomew
History lesson time, you ready? Mallorca was ruled by the Moors (the Christian European term for Muslim inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula) between 902 and 1229. The Moors established infrastructure and inhabited Mallorca until the conquest of the island by King James I of Aragon in 1229. From there, Majorca joined the Christian Western culture and things started to change.
New churches started cropping up and Muslim mosques were repurposed as cathedrals. The Paris Church of Saint Bartholomew is a prime example of that. In 1248, Pope Innocent IV placed this church under the protection of the Holy See. The church has been renovated many times over the centuries, made evident by the decorated interior.
Touring the Paris Church of Saint Bartholomew is free so I suggest popping in for a visit. Then, head to the left of the church to walk down the prettiest flower-filled alley in Valldemossa.
Things to do Deià, Mallorca
Take a quick 15-minute drive from Valldemossa to the next mountain town, Deià. Situated high atop a hillside, pictures will never do justice to the beauty of this town, you have to see it for yourself. Located in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, this town is best known for luxury resorts, some of the best hiking in Mallorca and slow living.
The town will take half a day to explore (allow time for lunch) and shouldn’t be missed by anyone looking for the best things to do on Mallorca.
Visit the Robert Graves Museum
The famous English poet Robert Graves owned a home in Deià until his death in 1985. His home has since been converted into a museum for the public to enjoy.
The tour starts at the small auditorium with a brief 15-minute video introducing the great poet Robert Graves. A timeline on the wall outlines notable dates in the his life and is illustrated with personal photographs.
From there, you’ll meander through the garden where you can see the orange groves Graves planted himself. The garden is lovely and teems with life, you’ll see a great variety of fruit trees (lemons, olives and almond trees) that have remained in place since Graves’ passing.
From the garden, enter the house that Graves built in 1932. The entire home is furnished with original furniture and art and retains the same look it had when the poet called it home. Needless to say, if you’re a fan of Robert Graves, this tour is one of the best things to do in Mallorca.
Admission 7€.
Image courtesy La Casa de Robert Graves
Have drinks at Café Miró
The only proper way to cap off your day in Deià is by grabbing drinks at Café Miró (located in the luxurious 5-star Belmond Residencia property). Reservations are required and must be booked well in advance, but trust me when I tell you the early planning is worth while. The drinks are great indeed, but the views are unforgettable, especially at sunset.
Have dinner at Sa Foradada
One of the things I was most looking forward to before my trip to Mallorca was dinner at Sa Foradada. But as fate would have it, the restaurant was closed during my visit (a lot of business close during the months of January and February).
Sa Foadada is a cliff-side restaurant that makes some of the best paella on Mallorca, and the whole experience feels more like a scene from a movie. Reaching the restaurant requires an effort — you’ll need to hike down a rocky path or hire a boat from Port de Sóller.
When you finally make your way to the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by intoxicating smells coming from the open wood stove. There’s only 25 tables on the terrace, and each offer breathtaking views of the sea below. The spot is only open for lunch, reservations recommended.
If helpful, the picture below shows the trail that leads to the restaurant.
Things to Do Sóller, Mallorca
Sóller is a 20-30 minute drive from Deià, which makes it the natural next stop on this Mallorca itinerary. Like Deià, Sóller sits within the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and offers unbelievable views. In fact, of all the mountain villages we visited in Mallorca, the views in Sóller were the most memorable (which is saying a lot).
Relax in the town square
If soaking up the sunshine in a charming town square while mountains tower over you is your idea of the best things to do on Mallorca, Sóller can’t be skipped. Not only is this the most beautiful and picturesque town square on Mallorca, there’s a vintage wood train that runs through the middle, making you feel like you’re in a Disney movie.
Take a hike
Sóller’s desireable location in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range makes it a hot-spot for hikers. We saw so many hikers waltzing through the square, mingling with the sunning cafe dwellers. We later learned that Sóller is one of the best hiking hubs on the island.
Since elevation is the name of the game in a mountain town, most of the hikes will be more active than relaxing. Regardless, you can easily start a hike and turn around at your leisure, because this is scenery you won’t want to miss while exploring Mallorca.
Visit Ca’n Prunera Museum
If you enjoy contemporary art, pay a visit to the Ca’n Prunera Museum while exploring Sóller. Located within a 20th century mansion, the museum is home to original pieces by notable artists who were born on Mallorca or have some link to the island. Artists such as Joan Miró, Fernand Léger, Paul Klee and Toulouse-Lautrec (a very famous painter artist whose work you’ve probably seen). Admission €5 per person.
Explore the Port de Sóller
You can easily get from Sóller to the Port de Sóller by catching the train from Sóller’s town square. The scenic ride (7€ one-way, cash only) passes prolific citrus groves and allows you to experience riding on a historic wooden train that has been in operation since 1912 (an experience in itself).
Port de Sóller, once a sleepy seaside village disconnected from the rest of the island thanks to the mountains it borders, is now one of the top attractions on Mallorca. Home to a plethora of restaurants, shops and hotels, this is a great area to spend an easy afternoon.
Explore the most charming town in Mallorca, Fornalutx
A mere 15-minute drive from Sóller will take you to Fornalutx, often considered the most charming town in Spain (yes, that Spain).
Located in a mountainous region marked by terraced olive groves, this particular village feels like the most authentic mountain village on Mallorca. Meander aimlessly down the narrow streets and take in the heavenly sights that attract visitors from all corners of the world.
Drive the Sa Calobra (if you dare)
Hair-pin serpentine roads built alongside staggering mountain cliffs, if you’re a dare devil in search of adventurous things to do in Mallorca, this one’s for you.
Get in the car and take a drive to the small village of Sa Calobra for a Mallorca experience you won’t soon forget. Dodging cars and bikers along the snake-like road will make you feel like a stunt-double in a high budget action film. Driving Sa Calobra is undoubtedly one of the most memorable things to do on Mallorca, but the beached at the of the road are an equal highlight.
Consisting of two beautiful beaches engulfed by steep rocky cliffs, Cala Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis are a draw with nature enthusiasts in their own right. Of the two, Torrent de Pareis is the star of the show and the path leading to the beach is half the fun.
A small path will take you past a narrowly carved tunnel before spitting out on the pebbly shore of Cala Sa Calobra. During the summer months you’ll find the shore covered with sunbathers, feel free to take a quick break here before continuing the hike to Torrent de Pareis.
Image courtesy Ursula Elvegard
Finally, take in the views at Cap de Formentor (Cabo de Formentor)
Catching sunset at Cap de Formentor (Cabo de Formentor), which is the northern-most point on the island is one of the best things to do on Mallorca.
The breathtaking viewpoint doesn’t require much effort, as you can easily pull up to the parking lot and take a few steps to the vantage point. We visited the Cap de Formentor when my mom was in town and her reaction was priceless. She kept repeating that she’s never seen a more beautiful place in the world and I’ll admit, the feral goats added a nice touch. 😉
Best Beaches in Mallorca
Had your fill of the stunning mountain views? If so, let’s head south for the world-famous beaches on Mallorca. Mallorca’s azure sea is a top attraction during the summer months and folks fly in from all over the world to sunbathe on these beaches.
Below is a list of the best beaches on Mallorca, you should make an effort to see as many as possible. But if you find yourself choosing between seeing the next beach and relaxing at the current one, I say stay put. Mallorca’s beaches are beautiful, but in my experience there isn’t much variation from one beach to the next, for what it’s worth.
Cala S’Almonia
It’s no secret that Cala s’Almunia is one of the prettiest beaches on Mallorca. The color of the water is breathtaking, but reaching the cove requires an effort down some steep stairs.
Parking is challenging because this is one of the most popular beaches on Mallorca. Limited street parking is available but make sure you don’t park on the yellow lines lest you risk getting towed (there’s tow warning signs all over the neighborhood).
The rocky beach is rugged so if you’re looking to sunbathe, I’d suggest heading elsewhere. But if you’re looking for the most beautiful beaches on Mallorca, this one won’t disappoint.
Cala Pi
Cala Pi is yet another beautiful beach on Mallorca. The small cove requires a light hike down steep stairs to reach the sandy portion, which is usually filled to the brim with sunbathers in the summer.
The crystal clear blue-green water is the draw and there’s no denying it’s a sight to behold. The cove protects from the wind, which makes this a great beach to spend a lazy afternoon, if you’re lucky enough to score a spot.
More great things to do on Majorca
Explore Cuevas del Drach (Drach Caves)
One of the most unique and best things to do on Mallorca, by far, is touring the incredible Drach Caves. The Cuevas del Drach is the largest network of underwater lakes in the entire world! Reservations are required in advance and can be booked up to seven days before the day of the tour.
The tour takes you into the heart of the caves before ending with a beautiful quartet performance one one of the lakes. The lights are dimmed so that your senses focus on the perfect acoustics of the cave, while your ears get serenaded for 15-minutes. Note: no videos or photos allowed.
Image courtesy Drach Caves
Go wine tasting at Bodega Ribas
As mentioned earlier, Mallorca was controlled by the Moors between 902 and 1229. Because the Moors were Muslim, alcohol was technically outlawed during that time. However, when King James I took control of Mallorca vineyards were planted and production increased.
Bodega Ribas was built in 1711 (not a typo) and has been producing wines uninterrupted for more than 200 years. Focusing strictly on native varieties, Ribas Winery is a testament to the power of sustainable agriculture.
Today, you can tour one of the oldest wineries on the island, which is consequently one of the best things to do in Mallorca. Visitors are welcome to sign up for a delightful tour to learn more about the history of the vineyard and wine production.
The knowledgeable guides are as passionate as they come and happily share their craft. The star of the show is the impeccable wine tasting at the end, rounded off with small homemade appetizers. Overall, this is one of the most memorable experiences in Mallorca and a can’t-miss for wine enthusiasts.
Plus, the property was recently renovated in 2019 to include a beautiful extension which is nothing short of an architectural feat.
Guided tours start at 19,50€ per adult. Read more here.
Photo Courtesy Luis Asin
Take a drive to the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador
If you’d like to stretch your legs, head to the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador (Sanctuary la Mare de Déu de Sant Salvador). This ancient monastery dates back to the 14th century and was built to combat the Black Death (which annihilate the population of Europe).
At the time the belief was that high altitude would prevent the illness, so the monastery was built atop a mountain. And since you can drive directly to the viewpoint, so this popular Mallorca attraction doesn’t require much effort.
Best Things to Do on Mallorca (Post Overview)
Best things to do in Palma, Mallorca
- Stroll the Passeig del Born
- Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma
- Explore the Parc de la Mar
- Tour the royal Palace of La Almudaina
- Tour the King’s Garden
- Please your sense at Mercat de L’Olivar
- Try ensaimada
- Tour La Llotja
- Tapas at Bar Espana
- Explore the Arab Baths
- Visit Es Baluard Museu
- Dinner at La Cuadra Del Mano
- Churros from Xurreria Rosaleda
- Tour Castell de Bellver
- Visit Joan Miro’s Studio
- Explore Santa Catalina
Best things to do in Valldemossa
- Tour the Carthusian Monastery
- Tour the Frederic Chopin and George Sand Museum
- Visit the local bakeries
- Become an olive oil connoisseur at Son Moragues
- Enjoy a sunset dinner at La Posada Restaurant
Best things to do in Deia
- Visit the Robert Graves Museum
- Hike to Cala Deia
- Drinks at Cafe Miro
- Dinner at Sa Foradada
Best things to do in Soller
- Relax in the town square
- Take a hike
- Visit Ca’n Prunera Museum
- Explore Port de Soller
- Drive to Fornalutx (the most charming town in Mallorca)
Explore the best beach in Mallorca
- Beach at S’Almonia
- Es Calo del Moro
- Cala Pi
More great things to do in Mallorca
- Drive the Sa Calobra (if you dare)
- Take in the views at Cap de Formentor
- Drive to the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador
- Explore Cuevas del Drach (Drach Caves)
- Wine tasting at Ribas Winery
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Cheers!
Antonina
Hey! Very thorough overview, thanks! How vibrant is the “nightlife” on Mondays & Tuesdays? Thank you, Gabi
If you’re going during high tourist season (summer) you should be in luck. If you’re traveling during the other seasons, you’ll be find the nightlife scene lacking in my opinion. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks for all the info! We have a trip planned for Feb 2023 and was wondering how the weather was during this month? I’m guessing going in to the water at the beaches would be too cold?
Hi. You got the island name wrong. The Catalan/Spanish spelling is Mallorca, while Majorca is the English one.
Excellent advice!!