The island of Mallorca is located in the heart of the Balearic archipelago, part of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most complete holiday destinations in Europe. In few places is it possible to find so many historical, architectural, gastronomic, cultural and, of course, natural attractions. All this in an area of just over 3,500 square kilometers.
It is no surprise that it is one of the most visited islands in the world, especially chosen by tourists from Northern Europe for their holidays.
Mallorca is synonymous with sun and white sandy coves and crystal clear water, but also with mountains and urban tourism.
Can you imagine being able to spend a relaxing morning on a paradisiacal beach and, in the afternoon, take a high mountain route with privileged views of the Mediterranean? And now that we are imagining the ideal plan, why not finish the day with a spectacular dinner in one of Palma’s fabulous restaurants?
History and architecture lovers will also find endless attractions to satisfy their curiosity. This island offers plans and attractions for all tastes.
Mallorca Cathedral
There will be those who will be surprised to see how we start our list of best places to see in Mallorca without mentioning a beach or one of its impressive coves. But we assure you, you will be even more surprised if you don’t know it, when you see its spectacular cathedral for the first time.
The Cathedral of Santa María de Mallorca is one of the most beautiful on the planet. Built in a marked Gothic style on the shores of the bay of Palma, it stands out both for its exterior beauty as well as for its marvelous interiors.
Santiago Rusiñol said about it: “I do not think that it is possible to admire a temple that with greater simplicity of means reaches the highest beauty”.
Its origins date back to the beginning of the 13th century, at the request of King James I, who after saving himself from a shipwreck at sea, wished to erect a temple in honor of the virgin.
Since then, the Seu, as the cathedral is popularly known in the city, has undergone a multitude of refurbishments, including the one carried out by the architect Antoni Gaudí made in some areas of its interior.
If you are lucky enough to be able to visit it on February 2nd or 11th November , you will be able to enjoy first-hand the so-called Spectacle of the Eight. During those two days, the sunlight penetrates its enormous rose window directly, projecting its colorful reflection on the wall in front of it. The phenomenon causes that for a few minutes, the cathedral seems to have two rose windows located right in front of each other.
It must be taken into account that the main rose window of the Cathedral of Mallorca is, in fact, the largest in the world, so the visual spectacle is truly breathtaking.
Equally impressive is its enormous organ, a true relic of the year 1477, composed of four 56-note keyboards and a 36-note pedal.
As part of the visit you can also visit its Chapter Museum, with several sculptures, pictorial collections and works of goldsmithing.
Valldemossa village
From the beautiful Palma de Mallorca, we move to another smaller town, but with little to envy in terms of beauty.
Located in the heart of the Tramuntana mountains, this charming town of cobbled streets once enchanted the famous musical composer Frédéric Chopin, who spent several months of his life living there with his lover, the writer George Sand, of French origin.
Among its many charms are the Gardens of King Juan Carlos, the Palace of King Sancho, the museum of the aforementioned Frédéric Chopin, located in what was his home, or the Royal Charterhouse.
Nor can you leave its streets without trying the delicious dishes of its restaurant Es Taller, one of the most recommended on the island to taste the traditional Mallorcan cuisine.
Pollença
We continue with another of the most beautiful villages on the island of Mallorca.
The town of Pollença stands out for the beauty of its historical center, full of pastry shops and cafes distributed among its steep alleys. It is one of the best places on the island to taste its traditional ensaimada, as well as the popular Ca’n Xim.
The amazing Plaza Mayor of the municipality, with a 17th century church, becomes every Sunday a fantastic craft market.
To enjoy the breathtaking surroundings from a unique perspective, we recommend climbing El Calvari.
Port of Pollença and the Roman Bridge are other sites not to be missed.
Alcúdia
As you can see, we have started with several recommendations of a more rural and architectural nature, but don’t worry, the natural wonders of Mallorca will also be part of our list.
Alcúdia is the ancient capital of the island and another of the towns well worth visiting.
Once again, we come across a network of cobbled streets and a historic center that invites our imagination to travel to the past.
Some of its most important places of interest are the church of Sant Jaume, the Plaza de la Constitución and the wall that surrounds the town.
In the port area, you can enjoy the Mallorcan sun on the famous Muro beach, integrated into the beautiful S’Albufera Natural Park. There you will also find two of the best restaurants on the island, such as Figueret or La Ponderosa. Both options are especially recommended to taste the delicacies of the local gastronomy.
Finally, if you can choose, we recommend you to go to Alcúdia on a Tuesday or Sunday, days when the famous street market of the city is celebrated.
Fornalutx
Located in the middle of the valley of Sóller, the municipality of Fornalutx is, for obvious reasons, in the top 10 of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
It is true that if we look at it from a purely material perspective, we could say that Fornalutx is nothing more than stone houses. But this statement being true, the amazing beauty of the municipality is truly unquestionable.
Its most famous and picturesque streets are Carrer de l’Església, Carrer de Sant Sebastià and Carrer del Metge Mayol, without forgetting, of course, its beautiful Plaza de España. The latter is the ideal place to enjoy a good meal or simply a drink in one of its terraces, breathing the peace and tranquility of this unique village.
It is a stop that will not take up much of your time, and that should undoubtedly be part of any self-respecting tour of Mallorca.
Sóller village
Hundreds of orange trees welcome us on our arrival in Sóller, one of the most beautiful villages of the island. To get here, the best and undoubtedly the most authentic, is to take the centenary wooden train that leaves from La Palma and crosses the Sierra de Tramuntana. You will be amazed by the landscapes that will surround you during the itinerary!
The historic center of Sóller is a labyrinth of winding streets among which you will find several stately homes and palaces. Don’t miss Can Primera or the Posada de Can Prohom.
The Plaza de la Constitución is another of its most recommended attractions, with its Church of Sant Bartomeu and several terraces to have a drink enjoying the Mallorcan sun.
To access the port, we recommend that you take the electric streetcar that connects the center with its coastal area. Not far from there, besides tasting a good fish in one of the port restaurants, you can visit the Torre Picada and marvel at its impressive views.
Torrent de Pareis and Cala Sa Calobra
Yes, besides urban and rural tourism there are many other things to do in Mallorca. Visiting the Torrent de Paréis, a huge natural canyon, is undoubtedly one of them.
From the Port of Sa Calobra, a path that goes through several tunnels with spectacular natural windows and sea views, which will lead you to the beautiful cove of Sa Calobra, one of the most beautiful and recommendable in all of Mallorca.
The cove is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing day, surrounded by an amazing natural environment. The rock walls that surround it are several meters high and seem to form a funnel with the sea as a backdrop.
If you are fit and like hiking, another way to get to its white sand is through the route that starts from the village of Escorca, highly recommended for lovers of long walks.
And finally, but equally attractive, you can also reach its shores by boat, departing from the Port of Sóller.
No matter which option you choose to go, but if something is clear, it is that you can not miss this wonder of nature.
Sierra de Tramuntana
If before we recommended a special place for the most sporty travelers and hiking lovers, we could say that our next stop is directly, the trekking paradise.
Tramuntana mountains are one of the island’s main landmarks. Its more than 90 kilometers of extension, from peaks of more than 1000 meters high, whose summits are usually filled with snow in the coldest months of the year, to small towns and beautiful villages where the tradition and local customs still remain almost intact. A mix of natural and cultural attractions that you cannot miss if you travel to Mallorca.
The most famous hiking routes through its mountains are: the Puig de Teix ascent, the Ruta de Piedra, made up of 8 stages and with a total of 280 kilometers, and the Camino Esporles.
But if you do not have too much time to walk through its forests, a very interesting alternative is to discover its many charms by car. In this sense, the most recommended itinerary starts from Andratx, with stops at the Mirador de San Telmo, the Torre del Verger, the town of Banyalbufar, the Torrent de Paréis and the Faro de Formentor.
The international fame of the island in terms of tourism comes mainly from its beaches and coves, but we assure you that for the more mountainous travelers, Mallorca is a destination to be reckoned with.
Caló des Moro and Cala s’Almunia
Its location, right between two amazing cliffs, together with its unquestionable natural beauty and its characteristic wild character, make it the best beach to visit in Mallorca.
It does not stand out especially for its extension, with just over 40 meters of fine white sand, but its appearance still retains the essence of a virgin beach that gives it a very special aura.
To access its shores you will have to complete a walking route of approximately half an hour, but we assure you that it is worth it.
Ten minutes from there, Cala s’Almunia, formed by rocks and sand, is another of the most beautiful bathing spots on the island. The clarity of its waters and its spectacular marine life make it the ideal place for snorkeling, with thousands of fish of different colors and shapes swimming around you.
Our recommendation is that you complete the boat trip that will take you to these two pearls of the Mediterranean. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to visit Ses Covetes, another of the most beautiful virgin coves in Mallorca.
Dragonera Island
One of the most recommended places to visit near Mallorca. For the first time in our list of recommendations we bring you an excursion outside the island, but its proximity to the Port of Andrach, makes it another of the must-see places for tourists.
It is located in the westernmost part of Mallorca and in it, the virgin and wild nature remains intact, only altered by visitors who pass through its trees and dreamy coves.
Its fauna and flora stand out for their diversity, composing natural sceneries that seem to be taken from a postcard.
It is not necessary to travel to the Caribbean or the Amazon jungle to find virgin landscapes, full of purity and splendor, with the incomparable presence of the sea as a luxury companion.
If you like hiking, escaping stress and obligations and connecting with nature during your holiday, you can not miss this magical place.
Mondragó Cove
This cove, which is actually two, is made up of two practically identical beaches, linked by a path that runs through the lush vegetation of the island.
Its aspect of virgin beach is not incompatible with an extensive list of services that include umbrellas and hammocks, restaurants and a jet ski rental service during the summer months.
But also, only with the help of goggles and a snorkel, you can spend an unforgettable day near its shores enjoying snorkeling.
The cove is part of the Mondragó Natural Park, a natural paradise that will also delight hiking lovers.
Drach Caves
We finish our list with one of the most special places to see in Mallorca.
Located in Porto Cristo, a small village that belongs to the area of Manacor, the Drach Caves are one of the largest subway galleries on the planet.
You don’t have to be a speleology enthusiast to be blown away by this natural hideaway. In fact, their exuberant beauty has made them one of the most popular visits for tourists who come to Mallorca and under its stalactites, it is possible to take boat trips and even listen to music concerts.
We assure you that this is a sensory experience that will become unforgettable. Of course, as we have told you, it is a highly requested excursion, so we recommend that you book it before your trip through the internet. You cannot miss this wonder of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions Mallorca
What are the must-see places in Mallorca?
If you do not have enough time to visit all the stops on our list, we recommend the following places you cannot miss in Mallorca: the beaches, the Drach Caves, Pollença, Alcúdia and the Tramuntana Mountains.
Where to eat in Mallorca?
The city of Palma de Mallorca is a fantastic place to eat. The area next to its marina has several of the most recommended restaurants in the city. In addition, the villages of the Sierra de Tramuntana and other inland municipalities are always a fantastic opportunity to taste the many delicacies of the local cuisine.
How many days is ideal to go to Mallorca?
Mallorca can be an ideal destination to go for 3 or 4 days, but our recommendation is that, if you can, you should invest at least a week in getting to know all the secrets that the island hides. This way you can enjoy each excursion without rushing, stopping to enjoy each place as long as necessary.
How long does it take to cover Mallorca from one end to the other?
The island of Mallorca is covered for approximately two hours from end to end. It has an extension of 3,500 square kilometers, which makes it advisable to rent a car or motorcycle to visit it, since in a matter of minutes you can connect different places of interest and make the most of your time.
When is the best time to go to Mallorca?
The best months to visit the island of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands in general are the months of May, June, September and October. This way, you will avoid the big crowds of the high season and you will also enjoy very good weather, so you can go to the beach and swim in the sea.
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