Mallorca is one of those places that stays with you, long after the tan has faded. Mallorca is a unique island stuffed with history, picturesque mountain towns, beautiful hidden beaches, and, of course, its vibrant capital city, Palma. Most people imagine package holidays and all-inclusive resorts when they think of Mallorca, but dive deeper into the island, and you’ll discover so much more.

The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca sits in the Mediterranean Sea off the south coast of Spain and has long been a hotspot for European sun holidays. I’ve been lucky enough not only to holiday here, but to live in the heart of Palma for 6 months whilst working as an au pair, and this island captured my heart. Preconceptions of tacky package holidays were blown well and truly away once I scratched the surface a bit deeper and discovered the beating heart of this stunning Balearic Isle.

Mallorca’s diverse landscape of dramatic mountains, golden beaches, and quaint villages offers something for everyone, no matter what type of holiday you are looking for. The best things to do in Mallorca stretch far beyond the sun lounger. I guarantee you’ll leave with incredible memories and the urge to come back and explore again! This Mallorca guide covers it all, so you can make the most of every last day on the island.

How To Get To Mallorca

Palma International Airport is the third-largest airport in Spain, serving millions of passengers from all over Europe, including year-round routes from many airports in the UK.

Flights are available from a range of operators, including British Airways, Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, and you can often grab bargain flights during off-peak times – perfect for travellers who want to avoid the crowds. 

The Best Time To Visit Mallorca

With an abundance of beaches to laze on, most visitors choose the summer months of July and August to visit Mallorca, but I would advise choosing the shoulder season months (May to June and September to October) to explore freely without the intense Mediterranean heat on your back.  

Prices are cheaper, there are fewer tourists, and everything feels far calmer, especially those tiny mountain towns which can get overrun during July and August. The shoulder season months are a perfect blend of sunshine (that you can actually explore in), fewer crowds, and (slightly) more affordable prices. 

Where To Stay in Mallorca

As the seventh largest island in the Mediterranean, covering 62 miles from east to west and 46-50 miles from north to south, it’s quite frankly huge, with a variety of places to stay for all types of travellers, depending on the sort of trip you want. 

The jewel of the island is its breathtakingly beautiful coastal capital city of Palma. Here you can marvel at the Gothic cathedral, explore cobbled streets in the city’s Old Town, discover La Almudaina (which is now a Royal Palace), and eat and drink in some of the best restaurants in the Mediterranean. Stay in Palma for a vibrant city stay with easy access to the beach and a plethora of restaurants and bars to choose from. 

Families should head to Port de Pollença for clear, calm waters and a laid-back beach atmosphere where days are spent snoozing in the shade and dipping in and out of the sea. Watersports, a stroll along the boardwalk and dinner in one of the waterfront restaurants are the order of the day here, if you can peel yourself off the golden sand, that is!

Travellers looking for romance, nature, and a more authentic Mallorcan experience should head to the mountain towns of Deià or Valldemossa. These quaint historical villages are nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage Serra de Tramuntana, where visitors can explore quiet cobbled backstreets, spectacular hikes, and the peace and serenity of the mountains. 

If you are looking for a mix of mountain views, stunning golden sands and hustle and bustle without the crowds, then Port de Sóller should be at the top of your list. Nestled at the foot of the Tramuntana mountain range, this gorgeous coastal village has a charming marina, picture-perfect beaches, and a historic wooden tram that connects the Port to the pretty town of Sóller. 

Getting Around Mallorca

If you’re looking to explore the hidden beaches and winding roads of Mallorca, then renting a car is a must; however, many of the island’s best gems are accessible via bus from Palma, and it is a far more relaxing way than navigating those tricky mountain roads!

There are two types of buses in Mallorca:

• The EMT buses cover the metropolitan areas of Palma, connecting you to some of the city’s local beaches.

• The TIB buses are the intercity transport connecting Palma with many of the larger towns, villages, and spots across the island.

In my opinion, this is the best way to explore, especially if you visit during the summer months, when parking is limited. You can pay for the TIB buses by tapping on and off, and with frequent timetables, affordable prices, and air conditioning, what’s not to like?

How Much Does Mallorca Cost?

As a popular holiday destination, Mallorca doesn’t benefit from super-affordable prices (like other Spanish spots), especially during the busy summer months. In Palma, prices in bars, restaurants and shopping are similar to those in London and across the UK, so travellers looking to save the pennies might struggle. 

But you can reduce costs by choosing a quieter time to visit (those shoulder season months again!), staying in self-catering accommodation, and making meals at home rather than going out to eat. I shopped at the local market to grab fresh fruit and veg, and I always packed a lunch for a beach day – you can’t beat a homemade sandwich smothered in alioli, and a bag of Lays crisps!

The Best Things To Do in Mallorca

Explore the gorgeous capital city of Palma

I could sing my praises about Palma all day long – this city well and truly has my heart! There’s so much to see and do here, and the first thing on your list should be the spectacular Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral of Santa Maria, often called La Seu. This gorgeous piece of architecture, right in the heart of the Old Town, sits opposite La Almudaina Palace and overlooks the beautiful Parc de la Mar. It’s the symbol of the city and an absolute wonder to behold, from whatever angle. 

Get lost in the cobbled streets and narrow passageways of the Old Town, relaxing with a drink or two in the picturesque plazas and stroll or cycle along the waterfront promenade, which stretches for miles east and west along the coast. Rent a bike and cycle past delicious seafood restaurants, waterfront bars, and places to dip and cool off. 

Spend an evening in the vibrant Santa Catalina neighbourhood. Once a fishing village, the area is the bustling, cool part of Palma. Hip coffee and brunch spots, and fantastic restaurants line this colourful area, with windmills dotted around harking back to its historic past. 

Take the train from Palma to Sóller

One of the best things I did in Mallorca was to take the vintage train (Tren de Sóller) from the centre of Palma to the picturesque town of Sóller. This charming wooden train chugs its way through the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, offering enchanting views of orange groves and mountains. The vintage carriages feature open-air seating so you can admire the views and feel the breeze as it meanders along, taking about an hour to reach Sóller.

Once you get to Sóller, spend a couple of hours exploring before getting the tram down to Port de Sóller. The tram runs right along the promenade, with fantastic views of the bay and those crystal clear waters!

Spend a day in the picturesque town of Deià

The gorgeous hilltop mountain town of Deia is situated in the Tramuntana mountain range and is a perfect day trip from Palma. The town is famous for being a hideout for celebs and a favourite spot for bohemian-chic creatives; it is home to the former home of British poet Robert Graves. Surrounded by orange and olive groves, Deia’s slow and rustic charm is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Palma. 

From here, you can hike down to the picturesque cove of Cala Deia, where you can swim (although watch out for jellyfish!). Ca’s Patró March was made famous by the BBC drama The Night Manager, making it a fantastic spot for a lazy lunch — just be sure to book ahead, as it’s become quite the destination. We stopped for a relaxing drink after our swim, before the lunchtime rush, and had no trouble getting a table.

Visit a local market in Pollença

Pollença is another mountain town along the Tramuntana range, which hosts a lively Sunday market that attracts locals and tourists alike. There’s plenty of traditional local produce on offer – you must try a freshly squeezed orange juice. If the heat allows, don’t miss a walk up 365 Calveri steps to a small chapel and a viewpoint with 360-degree views over the town and all the way to Port de Pollença. 

If you’re in the mood for some more hiking, then take a trip to the top of the Puig de Pollensa, which is home to the oldest monastery in Mallorca and breathtaking views of the mountains. You can hike the 330m mountain in an hour, but be sure to take plenty of water if it’s hot! 

Hike up to Bellver Castle for panoramic views of Palma’s harbour 

Situated 3km from Mallorca’s capital, Bellver Castle is Spain’s only round castle and is a fantastic example of Gothic architecture. The hike up to the castle is easy enough, but can be tiresome in the heat (from personal experience), so take plenty of water. You can access the castle by road if you’re driving, but where’s the fun in that?

The perfectly preserved castle has fantastic views across the Bay of Palma and the marina, and features an interesting museum exploring the history of Palma through its colourful ages, including Roman, Arab and Spanish periods. 

Spend a few days relaxing in Port de Sóller 

Port de Sóller is one of the best beach areas to stay in Mallorca, in my opinion. This charming town has a fantastic mix of everything you want from a beach stay: golden sands, clear, calm waters, a bustling marina, mountain views and proximity to charming Mallorcan mountain towns. 

The town never gets too busy, but with the right amount of hustle and bustle, Port de Soller is the perfect place to relax, enjoy beach life and feel miles away from everything whilst still enjoying the amenities of a beach resort. 

Rent a car and drive (or cycle!) one of the island’s windiest roads, Sa Calobra

Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for cycling fanatics, Sa Calobra is a tiny beach world-famous for its winding route to and from which attracts cyclists from all over. The beach itself is a small pebbled cove nestled between rocky cliffs and the river gorge, but it’s the road to the beach that makes this place a star. 

If you’re more interested in the beach and cove rather than the treacherous roads down, then you can get a ferry from Port de Soller to enjoy a more leisurely commute. 

Soak up the sunshine at one of Mallorca’s stunning beaches 

With over 550km of coastline, you are spoilt for choice for beaches in Mallorca. It really depends on the vibe and type of beach day you’re looking for, but some of the best beaches include:

• Caló des Moro for crystal-clear waters in a natural rocky cove
• Es Trenc for 2km of powdery white sands backed by dunes – the capital’s own Ca’n Pere Antoni
• the gorgeous beaches of Ses Illetes (just a short drive from Palma)
• or the family-friendly sands of Alcudia, to name just a few!

There really is a beach for everyone here, and Mallorca’s are particularly stunning.

Have you been to Mallorca?

What are the best things to do in Mallorca? Anything you’d add to this Mallorca bucket list?

Leah Salisbury