Things to Do in Mallorca

The unique cultural landscape of Serra de Tramontana landed it a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The craggy mountain range covers the northwest side of the island of Mallorca. Standing tall at 1,445 meters, the range’s principle peak Puig Major is the tallest in the Balearic Islands. The limestone mountains receive a higher amount of rainfall than the rest of the island, and often receive snowfall in the winter.

Due to the biodiversity of plant and animal species - and to protect against urbanization - the area has been protected as a natural reserve. Historic villages with structures such as water mills, farms, agricultural and irrigation systems remain in place. Some methods have been in use since the Middle Ages, and demonstrate both Christian and Muslim cultural influence in this area.

With ocean views of turquoise waters and pine-forested hillsides, it is a popular place to enjoy scenic hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Cradled in an orange grove-covered valley, the Balearic village of Sóller serves as a refreshing inland respite during a visit to Mallorca. The river-cut town is crisscrossed by a maze of old world streets that surround the main Plaça de Constitució, where you’ll find cafés, City Hall and San Bartomeu Church, whose original construction dates back to the 13th century.

Other attractions include the Railway Station, with its exhibitions dedicated to works by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. Then there’s the Jardi Botanic, a botanical garden that blooms with native flora and fauna and is also home to a Modernist mansion now occupied by the Museum of Balearic Natural Sciences. Perhaps the town’s most notable attraction, however, is the vintage train and tram system, which has been making the journeys to and from Palma and the port of Sóller for about a century.

On Mallorca’s northwest coast, the Torrent de Pareis River wriggles its way through the Tramuntana Mountain Range, leaving massive limestone-carved canyons in its path. At the river’s end, it breaks through a rugged coastline that is home to the neighboring village of Sa Calobra, as well as a slew of small beaches.

It’s the hidden beach at the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis that most come for, though. Not accessible by car, the pebbly shoreline can only be reached via boat or by foot from the port of Sa Calobra after walking along the cliffs and through a set of tunnels.

The journey to the village and canyon of Sa Calobra is quite possibly as impressive as the destination itself; reaching the village by car requires traversing a switchback- and vista-filled road. Meanwhile, arrival by boat allows for unparalleled views of the steep cliffs as they plunge into the sea.

Though not the most impressive caves on an island famed for its immense underground system of limestone caverns, the Cuevas del Ham - or Caves of Hams - are nonetheless a popular stop for multi-destination guided day trips. Built along an underground river called the Sea of Venice, they are most notable for their spiral and hook-shaped "stalactites," very different from those seen in most other Mallorca caves.

The tour takes about 45 minutes, and includes a softly lit medley of Mozart tunes, played on the slowly flowing sea.

The lovely old town clustered around Sa Seu, the 13th century Cathedral, is a delight to wander through, exploring narrow winding streets, sitting in outdoor cafes and discovering the history of this diverse city poised between Europe and Africa, with traces remaining of its Roman, Christian and Muslim periods of rule. And of course there are the beaches and yacht harbors and lovely clear water for swimming.

Cruise ships dock in the commercial port some way from town and it is not a pleasant walk. Most lines will provide a shuttle service, otherwise taxis are easily found – head to the Cathedral and begin exploring the town from there. Within the town center everything you will want to see is within walking distance.

One of the most vibrant bazaars in all of the old world, Mallorca’s Inca Market sits cradled in the midst of one of Spain’s most beloved towns.

Also known as “Leather City,” by the locals, should you choose to take a visit, you’ll see why. Leather merchants from all over the Balearic region flock here, so if you’re in the mood to find a deal on some quality leather, here’s the place to hunt for one. Everything from cow-hides to chaps to necklaces, belts, purses and shoes can be found here, but be ready to haggle. The Spanish are famous for their negotiating skills so don’t be shy to try and strike a bargain. When in Rome, after all….

In addition, jewelry, carved wood, lace, and fresh produce from across the land can be seen here, so even if you don’t have a dollar to spare, the market in Inca is still a good spot to stop by, see some beautiful craftwork and meet some interesting locals.

Along Mallorca’s southeastern coast you’ll find a collection of sweet coastal towns, idyllic beach coves, and one especially photo-beckoning sight, Es Pontàs. This natural rock arch loops high out of the clear, crystalline waters just off shore, where it lures everyone from sunrise seekers to picture takers and rock climbers.

And its location near other ideal island destinations makes it an even more deserving trek. While in the area, claim a plot of sand on the nearby, cove-protected Cala Santanyi beach; explore the sweet, old-world streets of the more inland town of Santanyi; and wander the coastal trails of Mondrago Natural Park.

Perched on the coastal cliffs of the island of Mallorca, Cala Figuera was once only a modest fishing village and small harbor. Today it is one of the most picturesque towns that has maintained its whitewashed homes and colorful boat houses, making it popular with visitors. There are no public beaches or easily accessible parts of the coast, so the village maintains its quiet feel.

Views of the clear waters are particularly worth seeking, from coastal paths winding along the cliffs and hillside. Rock and sand formations, beaches, coves, a lighthouse, and of course, the turquoise sea are all visible from relatively flat walking paths. The main cove is dramatically surrounded by steep mountains. Still operating as a fishing town, the seafood is the specialty of the restaurants here. As evening approaches, you may even be able to watch the fishing boats coming into port with their daily catch.

Though now recognized as one of the most beautiful beach areas of Mallorca, Cala Santanyi was not part of the initial tourism boom on the island — in fact it hardly welcomed visitors until the 1960s. That quiet, relaxed atmosphere remains undisturbed, though a variety of outdoor activities both in and out of the beautiful water are offered. The long, white-sand beach here is scenically surrounded by rocky cliffs and forests filled with pine trees. Boat trips, as well as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving all take place in the calm waters just off of the beach. Hiking in the nearby cliffs, or exploring the adjacent nature reserve are options to explore the Mediterranean landscape. There are also three main restaurants along the beach area with shaded lounge areas and local food and drink if you’d rather take the relaxed approach.

Located on the western coast of the island, and about a 15-minute drive from Palma, Aqualand El Arenal is exactly where you’ll want to go to take your island adventure to the next level. The water park offers all sorts of hot-weather relief in the form of adrenaline-inducing slides, themed pool areas, and relaxing river cruises.

The park very much has something for everyone, too, satisfying those who seek thrills as much as those who just want to chill out. Attractions include wild slides of all types, from free-fall to twisty-turny, side-by-side races, and a tornado-style chute. Meanwhile, there are more tame activities such as the surf beach with its big waves, the Jacuzzi, and milder slides that are more suitable for little kids.

Arguably the most beautiful beach on the Balearic island of Mallorca – and certainly its most unspoiled – the three-km (1.75-mile) stretch of Es Trenc is found on the southwest coast near the resort of Colonia Sant Jordi. Thanks to the soft, sugar-like golden sand and the pristine, shallow water, this is a favorite beach for families; there are sunbeds and parasols to hire as well as lifeguards on duty in the summer months. Facilities also include several bars and restaurants along the beach, including the popular chiringuito (casual beach restaurant) of S’Embat in the purpose-built enclave of Ses Covettes, where several areas of the beach are given over to nudity. Despite its length, Es Trenc becomes very crowded in high summer, but a quiet spot can always be found. The beach also gets packed with wind surfers when the sea breezes start blowing.