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 Majorca that will allow you to discover these aspects, but we are sure that along the way you will find unique places that are not yet popular among tourists.
Things to do in Mallorca: the 10 essentials
It is a large island, so the best way to get around it is by car, the ideal way is a car hire Majorca and you can even consider doing a roadtrip staying in different locations. With these ideas we help you to organise your plans to do in Mallorca.
1. Palma de Mallorca
You can start by learning about the island’s culture and historical past by visiting the historic centre of its capital. Here you will find the amazing Gothic cathedral of Santa María (La Seu) and the royal palaces such as the Almudaina Royal Palace. Next to it is the s’Hort del Rei (King’s Gardens), of Muslim origin.
You can also stroll through the streets that conserve 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 outside the city to see Bellver Castle.
2. Valldemossa
📍 Discover how to get to Valldemossa
The next place to stop is Valldemossa, one of the most charming villages on the island and where you will also find the Frédéric Chopin Museum (who liked to frequent the village), the Royal Charterhouse, the King Juan Carlos Gardens and the Palace of King Sancho. You will also find excellent restaurants with typical gastronomy.
3. Deyà and Sa Foradada
📍 Find out how to get to Deyà and Sa Foradada
Another of the island’s pretty villages is Deyà, with its steep cobbled streets. Three kilometres away you will come across another pretty cove, Sa Foradada, between enormous stone walls. Nearby is also the Foradada viewpoint, which is worth a stop and our favourite place to watch the sunset, as well as Cape 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
📍 Discover how to get to Soller
If you want to discover an iconic Mediterranean village, with its typical houses with colourful facades that will remind you of Italy, don’t miss the village of Soller. The famous Soller Train also departs from there, which will take you along the more than 30 km that connect Sóller and La Palma, also crossing the Tramuntana mountain range, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. We also recommend you try the local delicacies, as the area has excellent citrus groves, almonds and produces excellent olive oil.
5. Fornalutx
📍 Discover how to get to Fornalutx
Just 4 km from Sóller is Fornalutx, another iconic village that is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, along with Pollensa.
6. Hiking in the Serra de la Tramontana mountain range
📍 Discover where the Tramontana mountain range is located
If you love nature and hiking, as well as visiting the villages we recommend, take one of its nature routes, which are available at different levels of difficulty. You can discover beautiful places such as the Hermitage of Maristella or the famous Stone Route. And, if you are not so keen on walking, you can start from Andratx, go to the viewpoint in San Telmo with views of the island of Sa Dragonera and stop at the different villages and viewpoints, such as the Torre del Verger and the village of Bañalfugar.
7. Pollensa and Pollensa port
📍 Find out how to get to Pollensa
The village and the port are 7 km apart and are perfect for discovering two different sides of the island. In the village you will marvel at the 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 the perfect place to 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 over 300 metres high, beautiful viewpoints such as d’es Colomer viewpoint and Talaia d’Albercutx, or the Formentor lighthouse itself. It is a perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
In addition, nearby you have the Formentor coves and Figuera, with their fine white sands and transparent waters, so take your swimming costume!
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, an underground 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. Follow 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 shops on the island, choose from these things to do in Majorca and you will discover the essence of the island. We are sure you will enjoy it and you will be short of days… that’s why we recommend you to stay at least 7 days in Mallorca. Enjoy our island like this, without rushing, or just come back one day!