The largest member of the Balearic Islands is rightly popular among vacationers, alongside Ibiza and Menorca. Fantastic beaches, secluded, quaint towns, and beautiful nature are among Mallorca’s attractions!
Mallorca is located in the western basin of the Mediterranean Sea. Its coastline has a total length of 554 km. Some parts of it are gently sloping sandy beaches, while others are rocky, steep coastlines.
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Mallorca attractions
Palma de Mallorca
The capital and largest city of the Balearic Islands. It is advisable to move around the city center on foot or by bicycle, as the sights are quickly accessible.
Its most famous attraction is the Sa Seu Cathedral, built of sandstone (also known as Catedral de Palma or Seu de Mallorca), which, in addition to its religious function, also served a secular purpose, notably protecting the city from pirate attacks with its wide facade. It’s an impressive building worth admiring from the outside during a walk.
The Bellver Castle is another must-visit building. Originally a stunning royal fortress, then a summer residence, and later a royal prison. Today, the building houses a museum, but the view from the castle is well worth the admission price.
The Palma Aquarium is an excellent program for families. It offers numerous attractions from both underwater and above water worlds, from parrots to snakes, all the way to blue sharks. The braver ones can dive in the shark aquarium too! Ticket prices and all information are available on the official website.
Magaluf
Located close to the capital, it’s the „party center” of the island. The city has two beaches. You can get there from the capital by bus 106.
Katmandu Park is an amusement park with many entertainment options. Prices and all information can be found on the official website.
There is also an aquapark, the Western Water Park. Prices, ticket purchase (cheaper online), and all information can be found on the official website. You can get there from the capital by buses 104 and 105.
The Pirate Show is a theatrical entertainment show depicting the adventures of Captain Morgan. The performance takes place on a real-size pirate ship. It’s a great entertainment program. All information can be found on the official website!
Marineland
A few kilometers from the capital, this dolphinarium offers not only dolphin shows but also parrot shows. Additionally, various marine animals and snakes can be seen.
Prices, ticket purchase (cheaper online), and all information can be found on the official website!
Palma – Sóller railway line (Ferrocarril de Sóller)
Connects the island’s capital, Palma, with Sóller, located at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
The train first passes through the houses of Palma, then travels through flat land up to Bunyola. Afterward, it climbs upwards and eventually goes through a 2856-meter tunnel, emerging on the other side to the panorama of Sóller. The journey involves passing through 12 tunnels and over 5 pillar-supported viaducts.
It departs from the Placa de Espana station in the capital. You can also buy a section ticket to Bunyola, but it is worth taking the train to Sóller. Ticket prices and schedule can be found here!
From the final station, you can take a tram to Port de Sóller. You can also buy a combined ticket (train+tram), with prices available at the previous link.
Sóller, Port de Sóller
The railway line ends in Sóller, which is not a large city and can be explored in 1-2 hours. In the city center, it is worth visiting the Iglesia de Sant Bartomeu cathedral and the Can Prunera museum.
From here, you can take the mentioned tram (Tranvía de Sóller) to the port, Port de Sóller. The tram runs along the seaside promenade, but the bay is very small. Perhaps it’s worth coming here for the atmosphere.
Alfabia Gardens
Located along the Palma-Sóller railway, north of Bunyola, this complex consists of gardens and orchards.
It was once the private garden of the Alfabia royal family. After entering, a palm-lined promenade leads to an orange grove. Inside the garden, there are bamboos, pergolas, and a lake.
Entrance fees, opening hours, and all information can be found here!
Ecovinyassa
This wonderful lemon and orange plantation is located on the eastern border of Sóller.
Primarily, herbs and jams are made from them. The farm practices organic farming.
It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm. Advance booking on the website is mandatory! The admission includes juice and a snack.
El Arenal (S’Arenal)
Following Playa de Palma, this party place features a long beach. Alongside Magaluf, it’s another „party center” on Mallorca, predominantly frequented by Germans. The most popular party spot here is Megapark.
It’s home to one of Europe’s largest water parks, Aqualand, with prices, ticket purchase (cheaper online), and all information available on the official website. Bus 23 from the capital takes you there.
Bus 21 from the airport goes to El Arenal.
Dragon Caves (Cuevas del Drach)
Located on the outskirts of Porto Cristo, this cave contains one of the world’s largest underground lakes (Lake Martel), 180 meters long and 40 meters wide. The ticket includes a boat ride while live music is played from boats.
Ticket prices and all information can be found on the official website!
Alcudia
Considered the central part of the eastern coast, it’s a popular holiday destination with a long beach, ideal for those not exclusively interested in partying. It has two main areas: the old town and the holiday area, Port d’Alcudia.
It also features a water park, Hidropark, with prices and all information available on the official website.
A fun maze park for kids, El Laberinto, has information available online.
Bus 351 from the capital takes you to Alcudia.
Portocolom
This eastern coastal settlement was once a fishing village. A unique feature is the colorful seaside houses. It has one of the island’s largest bays, perfect for a stroll while admiring the boats.
Its main beach, Cala Marcal, is small yet popular for its soft sandy shores and shallow waters, making it perfect for families.
Cala D’Or
Located on the southeast of the island, this quiet resort town is surrounded by several coves with beaches. The most popular among these are Cala Gran and Cala Esmeralda Beach.
The town is notable for its Ibiza-style white houses, which cannot be too modern.
The nearby Mondrago National Park offers more beaches, among which Cala Mondrago is the most famous.
Fornalutx
Considered the most beautiful village on the island. If you’re heading to Sóller, make sure to visit, as it’s just a few kilometers away.
Great views of the bay are worth the walk through the steep, narrow streets, and stopping for a coffee at a cozy bar.
Deià
The village has also become known for its atmosphere and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The settlement preserves traditional Spanish and Moorish architectural styles and traditions.
Numerous artists have visited here. One of the most famous was the English poet Robert Graves, whose house now operates as a museum.
There are several points in the area offering fantastic views of the sea.
Valldemossa
This small town, located 17 km north of the capital, is extremely atmospheric. Many say that one should not leave without seeing the city.
Its attractions include the Monastery (Real Cartuja), King Sancho’s palace, and the Frédéric Chopin-George Sand Museum. But most of all, just immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of the streets and alleys.
Banyalbufar
Continuing from Valldemossa, we arrive at the coastal village where the sight of the vineyards towering over the historic center is extraordinary.
Banyalbufar’s history was shaped by Moorish settlers in the 10th century, who created advanced irrigation systems and about 2000 stone terraces on the hillsides. The village’s name, which means „built by the sea” in Arabic. The terraces are mainly used today for vegetable and fruit cultivation, as well as for the replanted vine culture.
It’s worth stopping along the way at the Torres des Verger, a tower-like lookout where the tower offers fantastic views of the sea.
Torrent de Pareis
Europe’s second-largest canyon is located in Mallorca. It can be approached from the town of Port de Sa Calobra, and one should be prepared for lots of people and tourist buses during the tourist season.
The entrance to the canyon is easily accessible and developed, but further in, it is recommended only for more experienced hikers.
Formentor Peninsula
You can only get to the northeastern part by car. This, however, is a nearly 20 km long section filled with hairpin turns, so only those who are experienced drivers should undertake it!
In return, however, the visitor gets a unique experience! At the end of the road stands a lighthouse, but not only from there, but also from several points along the road, you can get a brilliant view (Cap de Formentor, Es Colomer).
Along the way, you can stop at a beach, Platja de Formentor. It’s not big, but it has a sandy shore and several restaurants and bars. This is the last point of the peninsula that can be reached by bus (route 353).
Best beaches in Mallorca
Es Trenc Beach
This beautiful beach, with its clear water and environment, is located in the southern part. Many people say it resembles a Caribbean beach.
Since it is not far from the capital, it tends to get quite crowded during the peak season.
A bus, number 530, operates here from the capital.
Playa de Muro
This 6 km long seaside beach is located south of Alcudia. This area is very well developed, and its shallow waters are ideal for families with small children.
You can get there from Alcudia by bus 352.
Playa de Palma
One of Mallorca’s most popular beaches, stretching from Can Pastilla to El Arenal, spanning a total of 5 kilometers. It’s a favored spot among young people.
Bus number 21 from the airport goes here.
Es Calò des Moro
Located on the southeast coast near Santanyí, this small beach is known for its crystal-clear water and magnificent rocks.
The beach can only be accessed on foot, so it’s advisable to arrive early, as it’s very popular. There are no services, just the splendid view.
Cala Llombards
This bay extends far into the northern part of the settlement. The shoreline is not long, but it is situated in a beautiful environment.
Cala Agulla
Located in the Llevant Peninsula Nature Reserve, this white sandy beach surrounded by dense pine forests.
It’s about 500 meters long and 50 meters wide. The beach is child-friendly, with shallow water and fine sand providing an ideal environment for children.
Cala Mesquida
Near the small town of Capdepera, this beach is about 350 meters long, with white sand and crystal-clear, turquoise blue water, surrounded by dunes and dense pine forests.
The beach was declared a special natural value by the Government of the Balearic Islands in 1991, due to the dune area and the large number of seagull and cormorant colonies living in the area.
Entertainment
Although Ibiza is the real party place, Mallorca also has famous and excellent clubs. Primarily, Magaluf is the entertainment hub, but in Palma, along the port promenade, there are plenty of bars and discos.
BCM Planet Dance
Located in Magaluf. A variety of performers and music programs await guests over 18 years old. Programs and all other information can be found on the official website!
Boomerang
Also in Magaluf, a popular place where various DJs entertain the partygoers. Information can be found on the website!
Tito’s
Located in Palma, on the Paseo Maritimo (port promenade), where this is the most famous club.
Megapark
Located in El Arenal, basically a German-style entertainment venue. It’s open not only at night but also during the day. Essentially a mix of a beer garden and a disco. One of the „craziest” places on the island, known for its big parties. Information can be found on the website!