What to do in Mallorca: The ultimate guide
Sun, sea, and unforgettable experiences await
So picture this: you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Mallorca, having booked your ferry tickets, packed your bags and even arranged for someone to water your plants while you are away. There’s just one thing left: figuring out what to do once you get there.
Never fear, we’ve got you covered with our guide covering all bases, from the best spots for sun-soaked relaxation and family-friendly fun, to the best places for outdoor adventures and tasting the island’s unique flavors.
Let’s dive into the best things to do in Mallorca and start planning your next island escape.
- Relax on Mallorca’s beaches
- Sightseeing up in Palma de Mallorca
- Discover Mallorca’s traditional side
- Fun for all the family
- Hiking and nature adventures
- Food & local delicacies
- FAQs
Relax on Mallorca’s beaches
If you long for lazy days stretching out on golden sand with azure waters gently crashing on your feet, then you are in for quite the treat, as the beaches of Mallorca do not disappoint. Perhaps the most striking beach on the island is Es Trenc, a 10-km beach on Mallorca’s southern coast that is as untouched as they get. The beach is located within the Salobrar Natural Park and is surrounded by dunes, so getting there is a scenic ride through salt fields and wetlands.
If you are looking for something a bit more family-friendly, then S’Amarador in the Mondragó Natural Park should be on your radar. While preserving its unspoiled charm, surrounded by pine forests and sand dunes, this relatively isolated beach also has sun beds, parasols, a snack bar and showers to make your day on the beach a bit more comfortable. There are also rocky coves and more secluded beaches nearby to check out if it gets crowded.
On the northern side of Mallorca, Playa de Muro is a clear winner that will please everyone: think powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. The beach is split into 4 sections, with the first one, also known as Playa de Muro, being the most popular and easiest to get to, just 6 km south of Alcúdia. Next up, Es Braç and Sa Comu are part of the S'Albufera Natural Park and have a quieter feel, while the final section, Es Cappellans, is livelier, with beachside bars and restaurants.
Let the beach fun begin!
Sightseeing in Palma de Mallorca
If you thought that Mallorca was all about idyllic beaches and pristine national parks, then you are in for quite the ride. No trip to this corner of the Balearic Islands is complete without exploring Palma to get a taste of Mallorca’s history.
The best place to start sightseeing in Palma de Mallorca is by visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, better known as La Seu. This gothic masterpiece took almost 400 years to complete and dominates the seafront skyline, with soaring arches and intricate stained-glass windows that will leave you speechless. Don’t forget to pop inside for a closer look at the stunning interior designed in part by Antoni Gaudí, then climb to the roof terraces for a breathtaking view of the city.
The best way to soak in Palma’s essence is by wandering through the Old Town, a literal maze of narrow streets with quirky boutiques, hidden courtyards and centuries-old mansions around every corner. This is also your go-to destination to kick back at a cozy café or tapas bar, but more on those later in our guide.
Finally, about 3 km west of Palma’s center is Castell de Bellver, a 14th-century circular fortress that is one of the few of its kind in Europe and houses a museum tracing the city’s Roman, Arab, and Spanish history. When the weather gets warmer, the fortress hosts concerts and other events on its grounds. So don't forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking and dancing.
Sunset by La Seu is simply magical
Discover Mallorca’s traditional side
There’s much more to Mallorca than meets the eye, and the easiest way to see it is to step beyond the city limits of Palma and the island’s hotel resorts. Once you’ve left the urban side of the island behind you, you’ll find that there is a wealth of villages dotted across the island where the traditional side of Mallorca lives and breathes.
First case in point, Valldemossa: a quintessentially Balearic village with cobbled alleys and a timeless atmosphere in the Tramuntana mountains. On the surface, the village stands out for its stone houses with green shutters and flower-filled streets, but scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll discover that it has also left its mark on the arts, as it was also home to composer Frédéric Chopin and novelist George Sand.
Not far away, you’ll also find Deià, another Mallorcan village with an artistic flair that has long attracted (and inspired) artists, writers, and musicians. With an easy-going atmosphere and striking views of the Mediterranean, it’s easy to see why. Spend the afternoon exploring the little galleries and cafés, or if you’d like something a bit more hands-on, hike down to the secluded Cala Deià for a swim.
Finally, make time for Sóller, about 30 km north of Palma de Mallorca. As with most epic journeys, getting there is half the fun, so for the full experience, catch a ride on the wooden train from Palma to the seaside town. As you approach, you’ll catch a glimpse of the citrus groves and Tramuntana mountains that give Sóller its edge. Once there, stroll through town to check out the modernist architecture and catch your breath at a café on Plaça Constitució, the main square.
The old town of Valldemossa
Fun for all the family
As the largest of the Balearic Islands, it should come as no surprise that Mallorca is a fantastic destination for families, with a huge variety of activities that will keep everyon, from kids and grown-ups to your four-legged buddies, busy.
One of the most popular spots is Palma Aquarium, a short walk from the Playa de Palma beach, where you can get up close to thousands of marine creatures from the Mediterranean and tropical seas. Among the aquarium’s highlights are the deepest shark tank and the largest collection of corals in Europe.
Further down the coast and near Playa S’ Arenal is the Aqualand El Arenal water park, a guaranteed hit with the entire family. You’ll find everything you need to keep you entertained, such as giant water slides and wave pools. The park also features play areas and chill out zones.
If you’d like to keep your family adventures dry and on land, then head over to the Safari Mallorca zoo near Sa Coma, about an hour’s drive from Palma and Alcúdia. You can tour through the safari park in your car or the safari train to spot giraffes, zebras, and monkeys roaming freely. For more ideas and a complete itinerary, check out our 7-day family holidays in Mallorca guide.
Some of the residents at the Palma de Mallorca Aquarium
Hiking and nature adventures
Ready to trade in the sunbed for something a bit more exciting that will get your heart racing? Then lace up your boots and head to the Tramuntana Mountains, where you will find some of the best hiking trails in the Balearic Islands. Once you make your way through the winding paths, dramatic cliffs, and olive groves, you’ll be rewarded with views that will fill your camera roll and stop you in your tracks.
If you’re more into paddles than peaks, grab a kayak or join a sailing tour to discover secret beaches and sea caves along Mallorca’s rugged coastline. At many beaches around the island, you can try stand-up paddleboarding to explore hidden coves, or even book a snorkeling trip to see the wonders beneath the waves.
For a truly magical experience that will keep you out of the sun, you will want to head to the spectacular Caves of Drach, near Porto Cristo. The system of caves is one of Mallorca’s major highlights and is home to one of largest underground lakes in Europe. When you visit, make sure to take the boat ride, which culminates with an orchestra performing classical music (bonus points if you can figure out the song).
Finally, if you’d like to wake up to glorious views of the Balearic landscapes every morning, there are plenty of great places for camping in Mallorca. There are about 8 sites across the island where you can pitch your tent or park your camper van, from places where it’s just you and the stars, to more organized camping spaces with amenities, such as tables, toilets, showers and kitchens.
The Caves of Drach will mesmerize you!
Food & local delicacies
After all your adventures across the island, you will no doubt work up an appetite, so it goes without saying that you should take a deep dive into the culinary delights of Mallorca. Kick things off with a warm ensaïmada, the island’s famous spiral-shaped pastry, which is simply divine when accompanied by a strong cup of coffee for breakfast (or even as a sweet pick-me-up any other time of day, we’re not judging).
Come lunchtime and for something a bit heartier, you can’t go wrong with sobrasada, a rich, spreadable cured sausage with a hint of spice. This local delight is often used in many local dishes, but it also pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a glass of local wine.
If you are spending a day by the sea or near coastal villages, you’ll find no shortage of restaurants serving up freshly grilled fish and seafood paella that tastes like summer on a plate. In town, you’ll stumble upon plenty of cafés and tapas bars, perfect for a relaxed drink or a quick bite with friends as the sun goes down.
Ultimately, though, the best way to discover the full range of Mallorca’s rich gastronomy and local products is to visit one of its markets, such as Mercat de l’Olivar in Palma. There you will taste everything from local cheeses and cured meats to olives and honey, as well as chat with some of the producers.
Coffee and ensaïmada, the breakfast of champions
FAQs
How do I get to Mallorca?
Getting to Mallorca is fairly straightforward, whether you catch a ferry or opt to fly. Mallorca is also connected by ferry to the Spanish mainland (Barcelona, Dénia and Valencia), neighboring islands of Menorca and Ibiza, as well as Toulon in France. Ferries either dock at the port of Palma on the western side of Mallorca or in Alcúdia, on the island’s northeast shores, giving you more options and flexibility when planning your trip.
The island’s international airport is about 9 km from Palma de Mallorca and is one of the busiest in Europe, especially during the summer.
Why visit Mallorca by ferry?
Although flights are shorter, traveling to Mallorca by ferry has many benefits.
- First off, ferries offer a more comfortable and relaxed experience, allowing you to get in the holiday mood as soon as you board.
- Ferries allow you to bring your car, bike or camper van with you, so you have more autonomy when exploring the island.
- Traveling by ferry is the more eco-friendly and sustainable way to visit Mallorca and the Balearic Islands.
- Hopping on the ferry opens up the door to a Balearic island-hopping adventure!
What is the best time to visit Mallorca?
Mallorca is at its busiest in the summer, but the reality is that any time of the year can be exciting, with each season bringing something different to the table. Let’s break it all down.
- The shoulder seasons (May-June & September-October) offer the best balance, with warm, sunny weather and relatively thin crowds. This is the best time to go hiking, cycling or exploring the island’s villages, without the intense heat.
- Summer (July-August) has long days and the warmest weather, making it perfect for spending a day on the beach. With larger crowds, you can also expect a livelier atmosphere, with plenty of public events and group activities being planned.
- The off-season in the Balearics (November-March) also has its charm, with cooler temperatures and a peaceful atmosphere. Winter in Mallorca is remarkably mild, with plenty of sunshine during the day, allowing you to explore the island at your own pace.
Where should I go after Mallorca?
If visiting Mallorca has whetted your appetite for more Mediterranean adventures, then you are in luck, as there are many more amazing islands right around the corner and just a short ferry hop away.
- Compared to Mallorca, Menorca is a quieter, smaller island with some of the best beaches in the Balearics and a laid-back vibe.
- While Mallorca and Ibiza share the same Balearic DNA and are only 2 hours away by ferry, they can feel worlds apart. But beyond its world-class nightlife and touch of glamor, Ibiza has an authentic, traditional side just waiting to be explored.
The view from Port de Sóller is stunning
Ready to start planning your escape to Mallorca? All you need to do is hop on a ferry, soak up the sea breeze, and let the adventure begin! Check out the Ferryhopper Map of ferries and start planning the Mediterranean holiday you’ve been dreaming about.
