Top things to see and do in Mallorca

Have you ever stopped to think about the incredible fortune of having the Balearic Islands "in your backyard"? It's time to put aside dreams of Thailand, the Riviera Maya, and the Maldives—paradise is just a short flight away! Among these five stunning islands, Mallorca stands out as the largest and perhaps the most famous, boasting countless enchanting spots waiting to be discovered. In this post, we will delve into the best things to see and do in Mallorca.

If you’ve never been there, it’s high time to change that!

If you’re wondering, “What should I visit in Mallorca?” your instincts might lead you straight to the beaches. And indeed, the Mallorcan beaches are among the island's greatest treasures. However, this article will encourage you to look beyond the obvious. Mallorca is also home to charming inland villages, a capital city with one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country, stunning hiking trails, scenic roads, and breathtaking caves and more.

Are you ready to uncover everything that’s worth seeing in Mallorca?

Discovering the Top Beaches in Mallorca

Mallorca is a true haven for sea lovers. With over 550 kilometers of coastline and more than 300 beaches, options abound for every preference—fine sand, rocky shores, pebbled beaches, and even some that can only be reached by boat! With so many alternatives, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about which beach to choose.

→ To help you out, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 beaches and coves of Mallorca which you can explore in detail in our article on the best beaches and coves in Mallorca.

Here are three of our favorites:

• Cala Pi: Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning natural landscape, surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine trees. It’s an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.
• Es Trenc Beach: Famous for its fine white sand and shallow turquoise waters, making it perfect for families.
• Cala des Marmols: A remote cove that is difficult to access, situated on the southeastern coast of Mallorca. It is renowned for its pristine beauty, with clear waters and white sands framed by steep cliffs.

Exploring Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a vibrant city that captivated us from the start (we even discovered a cozy little bar serving delicious mushroom sauce milanesa at a great price!). Every trip to Mallorca should begin in its capital, which is undoubtedly a must-visit destination.

But there's much more to Palma than just tasty milanesa. You'll find delightful surprises around every corner, such as the stunning Cathedral, the elegant Passeig del Born, the historic Bellver Castle, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, the Jewish Quarter (Call), and the picturesque fishing neighborhood of Es Jonquet!

→ For a deeper dive, check out our article on the best 15 things to see and do in Palma de Mallorca.

Palma is a small city with immense charm, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. If you’re unsure how to get there, we’ve got you covered with the best options for reaching Mallorca. Once you’re there, we recommend exploring the city on foot rather than renting a car, as the beauty of Palma lies in wandering its streets.

Discover all the tours and activities available in Mallorca through Civitatis. Find info and prices here.

Charming Villages to Visit in Mallorca

While Palma is indeed a gem, we must not overlook the picturesque villages scattered across Mallorca. One of the best experiences is to embark on a route through these enchanting spots. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Andratx

Doesn’t the name sound like a blend of Obélix and anthrax? Fear not, it has no connection! If you want to visit a coastal village surrounded by cliffs, islands, and breathtaking waters, mark it on your map!

Port d’Andratx

While you're there, take a stroll around the lovely harbor that boasts an array of restaurants and cafes. The ambiance is charming, and we think it’s one of the best places to visit in Mallorca, especially during sunset!

Pollença

A small city founded by the Romans, where you can wander, visit the Gothic chapel of Roser Vell, and enjoy a cold beer. We especially recommend climbing up to the Calvary and, if time permits, strolling down to the port.

Valldemossa

North of Palma, in the Sierra de Tramuntana, lies this quaint stone village. It’s a must-visit for tourists spending more than three or four days in Mallorca, offering a fairy-tale atmosphere with its narrow streets adorned with colorful flowers. Plus, you'll enjoy the stunning natural scenery!

Other noteworthy villages include Soller, Alcudia, Capdepera, and Artá.

Hiking Adventures in Mallorca

The Sierra de Tramuntana (approximately 15 km from Palma) is a hiker's paradise. To discover the best trails, embrace the old-school approach: head to a village in the Sierra, step into a local bar, and ask the patrons for their recommendations. They’ll likely direct you to hidden trails that won’t be found in any guidebook.

Furthermore, Mallorca is home to several natural parks, such as S’Albufera de Mallorca, which is worth visiting for breathtaking views and opportunities to observe local wildlife. For example, the water rail is quite amusing; though you might also spot it at a nudist beach, but that’s a different story entirely! 😀

Another natural park worth exploring is Mondragó, located in the southeastern part of the island, which features beautiful coves and landscapes perfect for a couple of days of exploration. Near there, you will find the stunning Cala Figuera.

Road Trip around Mallorca

During our visit to Mallorca, we made the fantastic decision to rent a car—and it was an absolute game-changer! The freedom it provided was priceless (well, except for the rental cost!), and we regret nothing. Renting a car and embarking on a road trip around Mallorca is always a great plan. It allows you to explore hidden gems that would otherwise be inaccessible.

You can start your journey in Palma de Mallorca and head north, perhaps spending the night in a charming spot in the Sierra de Tramuntana, eventually reaching Cap Formentor, the northernmost point of the island, while passing through delightful villages and breathtaking vistas. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to see and do in Mallorca.

* If you want to reach this spectacular location without a car, there are tours that visit this area from Alcudia.

Exploring the Caves of Mallorca

Did you know that Mallorca is home to some stunning caves? Of course, the renowned Dragon Caves and Hams Caves are the most famous.

For additional information:

• Excursion to the Dragon Caves from Palma
• Visit to the Hams Caves with "Magical Mozart" show (without transportation)

If you seek thrills, Cova des Coloms might be your ideal choice. Just remember, swimming skills are a must!

Indulging in Balearic Gastronomy

Continuing our exploration of the best things to do in Mallorca, let's talk about something we absolutely love: indulging in delicious food! With our sweet tooth, we couldn't resist including a mini gastronomic section. 😉 You can't leave the island without trying the most typical specialties of the Balearic Islands, such as sobrasada, cocas, and of course, ensaimada.

But there are also other lesser-known yet equally delicious dishes such as rubiols (baked pastries), arroz brut (a traditional rice dish), tumbet (a vegetable dish), and buñuelos de viento (sweet fritters). To savor them at their best, visit a traditional bakery.

Oh, and another must-try for the locals are Quelys, delicious savory biscuits that pair perfectly with sobrasada. Be sure to pick up a bag to take home!

Exciting Excursions in Mallorca

Additionally, if time allows, you can take a ferry to visit nearby Ibiza and Menorca, or partake in something more original, like a hot air balloon ride! You can find more info and prices here.

Check out our recommendations for the best plans to enjoy in the Balearic Islands.

Did you find our guide helpful? We’re sure we may have missed something. Do you know of other things to see and do in Mallorca? Share your thoughts with us!

* Photos from Shutterstock

Best Beaches in Mallorca