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Are you wondering about the best things to do in Mallorca?
Welcome to Mallorca, a sun-soaked Mediterranean island that has something for everyone! This is the place where I call home, and it’s an incredible destination for tourists looking for an unforgettable vacation.
From stunning beaches and crystal clear waters to lush mountains and charming villages, Mallorca has so much to offer. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or cultural activities, there are plenty of great things to do on this beautiful Balearic Island.
As a local here, I’m passionate about exploring all that my beloved island has to offer. By discovering hidden gems off the beaten path and enjoying some of the more popular attractions like Palma Cathedral or Es Trenc Beach, you’ll never get island fever, that’s for sure! Join me as we explore some of the best things to do in Mallorca!
The Best Things to Do in Mallorca
Read on for some of my favorite activities on the largest of the Balearic Islands
1. Explore The Caves of Drach
The Caves of Drach in Mallorca are a must-see destination for any traveler. Located on the east coast of Mallorca, these stunning caves extend for almost 1200 metres and reach a maximum depth of 25 metres below ground level. Inside you will find Lake Martel, one of the biggest underground lakes in the world.
The temperature inside ranges from 17ºC to 21ºC, making it a perfect spot for an adventure! Not only that, but every visit includes a live concert performed by a quartet playing classical music – what more could you ask for? So if you’re looking to explore something unique and exciting during your trip to Mallorca, make sure to check out the Caves of Drach!
2. Visit Valldemossa
Valldemossa is a charming village located in the heart of Mallorca. With its picturesque streets lined with shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, it’s a great place to explore for those looking for an escape from some of the busier beach resorts on the island.
Not only does Valldemossa have plenty to offer culturally and historically but it also provides visitors with natural beauty; lush wooded hillsides dotted with manors and beautiful boutique hotels provide spectacular views over Mallorca and beyond.
This is a great place to spend a few hours wandering through the shops and enjoying the views from the lovely terraces in the square. Then you can carry on to Deia for lunch.
3. Go for Lunch in Deia
Visiting Deia on a day trip is an absolute must for any tourist visiting Mallorca! It is also a natural continuation of any trip to Valldemossa. This picturesque village is brimming with culture, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
With its bohemian vibe that draws in artists, musicians, and writers from all over the world, the atmosphere here is relaxed and inspiring. From Michelin-starred eateries to traditional Mallorcan tapas, Deia is considered one of the gastronomic capitals of the Mediterranean and a great place to enjoy an unforgettable lunch.
No visit to Deia would be complete without a dip in Cala Deia, even if it’s just your toes! This tiny gem of a beach hidden among the cliffs just is just a 10-minute drive away and will take your breath away.
4. Spend A Day At Es Trenc Beach
Are you looking for an unforgettable beach experience? Look no further than Es Trenc Beach east of Palma! This stunning beach is known for its crystal clear Caribbean blue waters and bright white sand that stretches over two kilometers along the south of the island.
Backed up by sand dunes, rocky outcroppings, shrubs, and pines, it’s a paradise for nature lovers who appreciate the sense of remoteness and wild beauty here. It’s worth mentioning that there are no shops or accommodations nearby, so it’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and food. Plus, there are no showers or changing stations onsite either. However, vendors can often be seen walking along the beach selling various items such as sarongs, cold drinks, jewelry, or fruit.
Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun or go for a swim in the turquoise waters, this is the place to do it!
5. Take A Hike In The Tramuntana Mountains
Hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana is a must-do activity for any tourist visiting Mallorca. Experience nature at its finest with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from some of Mallorca’s highest peaks.
With trails suited for all skill levels, anyone can explore this majestic mountain range and enjoy the natural beauty it has to offer. Winter brings snow-dusted mountain tops, while summer brings extremely warm weather. The best time to hike in Mallorca is spring or autumn, when the heat is not at its peak, and the air is a little cooler.
My favorite hike goes up Galatzo Mountain. This is a moderate trail with an elevation gain of about 500 meters, so it’s great for people with a little hiking experience. The views from the top are incredible, and you can take in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea stretching out below you. Don’t forget the picnic!
6. Enjoy Some Tapas at the Olivar Market
Visiting the oldest Market in Mallorca, Mercat de L’Olivar in Palma is an experience like no other. Just like in many other European capitals, food tours and markets are some of the most popular activities for visitors. The vibrant colours of local and exotic fruits, vegetables, and cheeses make it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
You can sample before you buy, or simply enjoy some hearty traditional dishes from one of the bar counters while taking in the atmosphere of this bustling market. If you are looking for a truly local experience, it is definitely worth a visit.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Mallorcan culture or just have lunch with locals, Mercat de L’Olivar has something for everyone.
7. Wander Around Palma Old Town
Walking around Palma’s Old Town late afternoon is a delightful experience. Although some will tell you that the best way to explore European cities is in a tuk tuk tour, or on a hop-on hop-off bus, Palma is much better seen on foot. Starting from the stunning Cathedral of Palma perched atop a hill overlooking the old town, visitors can easily explore the ancient citadel’s winding alleys on foot.
The compact streets of the old town are lined with many historical monuments and gorgeous architecture, providing an intimate glimpse into the Mallorcan lifestyle. Make sure to check out Calle Sant Miquel for a plethora of old churches and buildings and Plaza Mayor de Palma – the city’s central square for a more bustling atmosphere.
Don’t forget to explore Plaça Mercat for some amazing Modernist and Art Nouveau buildings with a touch of Gaudi as well as the beautiful reflection of the cathedral in the pond at Parc de la Mar too with its gigantic mural by Joan Miró.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the culture or just take a leisurely stroll around town, Palma’s Old Town is sure to delight!
8. Go Shopping at Paseo del Borne in Palma
For those looking to shop in style while enjoying the atmosphere of Palma, a visit to Paseo del Borne is an absolute must! This elegant avenue has been nicknamed the Golden Mile due to its many luxury designers such as Rolex and Louis Vuitton.
And most shops lining the promenade, like Zara and Maximo Dutti, have collections exclusive to these shops in Palma! It receives a constant flow of traffic from both Avenida Jaime III and Carrer de la Unió, yet somehow still offers some sense of tranquility amid all the bustle.
With lofty trees providing welcome shade in summer and sparkling Christmas lights adorning their trunks in winter, this promenade is sure to delight any visitor who loves shopping for luxury items with a hint of history thrown into the mix. Don’t miss out on Palma’s most elegant part of town!
Booking.com9. Experience the Markets of Inca, Sineu and Santa Maria del Camí
This is my favorite thing to do on the island! Visiting the local markets of Mallorca is truly an unforgettable experience.
They all take place between 9:00 and 13:00 on different days of the week. The biggest and most popular market takes place every Sunday in Pollensa, but other great markets can be found throughout the island.
The markets of Santa Maria and Sineu occur on Sundays and Wednesdays, respectively, while the market in Inca happens on Thursdays. You’ll find an array of stalls selling everything from flowers and local produce to clothes and handmade accessories.
Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or just want to take in the atmosphere, it’s definitely worth a visit!
10. Take a Trip to Cap de Formentor Lighthouse
For tourists looking to explore Mallorca’s natural beauty as a day trip, a visit to Cap de Formentor and its nearby beach is an absolute must! Located in the Pollença municipality on the northernmost tip of the island, this narrow 20-kilometre-long peninsula is affectionately referred to as ‘the meeting point of the winds’ due to its high exposure to various weather systems.
With breathtaking views of cliffs, pine groves, and turquoise waters everywhere you look, it’s no wonder that this location has inspired numerous artists throughout history.
At Formentera Beach, not only can visitors enjoy swimming or snorkeling in crystal clear water, but they can also rent small paddle boats for further exploration along the coastline or grab lunch at one of several restaurants located onsite.
Whether visiting with family or friends, a trip to Cap de Formentor promises unforgettable memories!
11. Visit Sóller And Its Historic Train Line
Experience a truly unique journey when you ride the old wooden train from Palma to Porto Soller, one of Mallorca’s most picturesque places. This historic train line has been in operation since 1912 and takes an hour to reach its destination, stopping at Bunyola on the way.
As it passes through viaducts, bridges, and 13 tunnels, passengers can take in stunning views of cliffs, pine groves, and almond trees along the route. The Art Deco station at Sóller offers an art gallery as well as combined tickets for both the train and tram that will take you down to Port de Sóller.
This is a great activity to be done as a family but is also fabulous with friends. This is a charming experience not to be missed!
12. Taste Some Local Wine at Bodega Jose Ferrer in Binissalem
The José Ferrer Winery in Binissalem is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Mallorca’s rich wine culture. Established in the 1930s and still run by the same family, this winery produces some of the most exquisite wines on the island.
As part of the protected DO Binissalem wine-producing area, visitors can gain insight into the local culture and sample some of the best wines! From young table wines to select reserves, there is something for everyone at this delightful winery.
Don’t forget to check out their cava – it’s the only Mallorquin cava on the island! A visit here promises to be a true delight.
13. Explore Bellver Castle
Located just west of Palma, Mallorca’s Bellver Castle is a must-see destination for tourists looking for an interesting experience lasting a few hours. The castle stands atop a hill surrounded by pine woods and offers stunning 360-degree views of the Bay of Palma and the mountains of Tramuntana.
Built in the 14th century as a grand fortress, this Catalan Gothic masterpiece boasts three defense towers, a moat with drawbridge and even its own keep! Visitors can take bus tours around the area or drive up themselves to explore this historic landmark.
And during summer evenings, don’t miss out on attending one of their concerts held in its courtyard under starry skies – it truly is an unforgettable experience!
14. Visit Porto Cristo’s Famous Coves
Porto Cristo is a charming fishing village in Mallorca that offers tourists an unforgettable experience. From the beautiful white caves, to the mermaid sculpture at Paseo de la Sirena and local market on Sunday mornings, the cute village is a sight for sore eyes!
But perhaps what stands out most about Porto Cristo is its delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re looking for traditional seafood dishes or vegetarian options, this quaint little village has plenty of restaurants offering delectable meals with a unique touch made possible by using only locally sourced ingredients.
A visit to Porto Cristo promises an amazing culinary experience as well as a chance to explore the beauty of this small town!
15. Take a Boat Tour Around Mallorca’s Coastline
A boat trip around Mallorca’s coastline is one of the best options on your summer holidays in Mallorca. With a coastline of more than 500 kilometres, Mallorca offers a great variety of boat excursions at sea. Just like in many other European cities, a sunset boat tour is a truly inspiring moment that makes your trip memorable.
Discover the beauty of the island, its white sandy beaches, crystal clear water coves, precious islets and dreamy landscapes. Different options include larger tours that visit specific beaches and coves along the coast, or a private chartered boat for a small group of people.
While both are enjoyable, one offers the chance to visit different parts of the coastline on a larger motor boat and maybe have lunch in a nearby coastal village, while the other offers a private, full day out filled with water activities like paddle board, swimming and just soaking up the sunshine while the skipper serves you a beer!
This is hands down the best activity in Mallorca, especially if you want to create lasting holiday memories.
16. Admire Miró’s Collection at Fundación Pilar I Joan Miró
For art lovers visiting Mallorca, a must-see destination is the Fundació Miró. Located near Cala Major close to Palma, this collection includes over 7,000 works of art by Joan Miro and his contemporaries.
Not only can visitors appreciate these beautiful pieces of artwork but they also have the chance to explore Miro’s studios and get a sense of how he worked and what inspired him. The Sculpture Garden provides an additional place for reflection on the work of Mallorca’s adopted son.
This unique experience promises to provide an enriching cultural experience that will stay with you long after your visit!
17. Connect with Nature on Sa Dragonera Island
Visiting Sa Dragonera Island is one of the highlights for travelers wanting to spend a day exploring its unspoiled and beautiful nature. The island measures almost 4 kilometers in length and 1 kilometer in width, making it the perfect size for a full day of hiking.
Along the way, visitors can take in the stunning views and spot wildlife, including the iconic black lizards of Mallorca and the many species of birds found here. There are four marked trails on Sa Dragonera which each take between thirty-five minutes and three hours to complete, so it’s easy to find a route that fits into your day.
Once you’ve explored the tracks and taken enough pictures to last a lifetime, it’s time to head back to Sant Elm, where regular boat trips will transport you across the strait in less than fifteen minutes. Whether your stay in Mallorca is long or short, visiting Sa Dragonera Island offers a day of nature-filled fun that will be remembered for years to come.
Author Bio
A beachcomber, an avid bookworm, and a teacher. Michelle is a Canadian travel blogger who writes about Ericeira and Portugal. She fell in love with the charming Portuguese village when she was enticed to move there by her Portuguese husband and never looked back. She now lives between Mallorca and Ericeira, with her family and Fluffy the hamster. Follow her adventures on Ericeirafamilyadventures.com.
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.