Mallorca is a beautiful Mediterranean island with great weather, beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine. Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and part of Spain, but has a rugged landscape and an otherworldly quality. Rocky mountains and lush wooded hills drop steeply down to the sea. Along the picturesque coastline, dramatic cliffs provide sensational viewpoints and pristine coves sparkle with crystal clear waters. Holidaymakers are also delighted by the historic towns and charming villages, full of tourist attractions such as medieval churches, ancient castles and art museums. The joy of Mallorca is the combination of culture and nature. On the same day, visit the capital’s glorious Gothic cathedral, then sunbathe on a pristine beach. Stroll through the walled medieval village of Alcudia, be inspired by a 15th-century monastery or relax in the glamorous resort of Puerto Portals. With so many options on this idyllic island, tourists have plenty of reasons to stay for a week or more.
1 The cultured capital of Palma de Mallorca
The cultured capital of Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca, a beautiful capital, offers the perfect combination of relaxation by the sea and culture. Two impressive monuments, the cathedral and the castle, give this city the prestige of other capitals in Europe. The glorious Catedral de Mallorca(La Seo) overlooks the old harbor and appears from a distance as a beacon of faith. This Grade II listed sandstone building dates back to the 13th century but was not completed until the 17th century. The beautiful Gothic facade has sculptures by Guillermo Sagrera. Visitors are awed by the interior of the cathedral with its carillon nave rising to a height of 44 meters. The huge space covers an area of 6,600 square meters. Beautiful stained glass windows with several rose windows (the largest dating from 1370) illuminate the sanctuary with an ethereal glow. Much of the interior was remodeled in the early 20th century by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. In the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), Gaudí’s giant canopy is shaped like a crown of thorns. The Capilla de la Trinidad contains the sarcophagi of Kings Jaime II and III. From the terrace on the south side of the cathedral, tourists can enjoy a beautiful view of the bay.
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The formidable 13th century Castillo de Bellver sits on a hilltop three kilometers from the historic center of Palma de Mallorca. Once a royal stronghold, the castle’s unusual circular plan was influenced by oriental architecture. A bridge leads to the castle courtyard, which is dotted with Romanesque and Gothic arcades. The castle is open to the public and has a history museum and chapel.
Other points of interest include the Fundación Pilar i Joan Miró in the house where the artist lived. This museum has an excellent collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures by the Catalan artist. For those who prefer to lounge by the sea, the closest option is at the Miro Foundation on the Cala Major . This wide sandy beach is very popular in the summer. Other beaches are the Playa de Palma and the Playa del Arenal .
2 The old town of Alcudia
Surrounded by lush greenery and pine forests, Alcúdia is one of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca. This beautifully preserved walled medieval town is also known for its interesting historical monuments, delicious food and traditional fiestas. The city is away from the sea and was fortified to protect against pirates who were a danger during the Middle Ages. Of the old ramparts, only the Xara and Palma gates and the Renaissance-era Bastion of Sant Ferran remain. Alcúdia has a distinct Old World ambiance with its winding medieval streets and palatial Renaissance houses. Important churches include Santa Ana and Sant Jaume and the baroque chapel of Sant Cristwith a 15th-century statue of Christ. Alcúdia also has archaeological sites because the town was built on the site of an ancient Roman settlement. Remains of Roman houses, a forum and an amphitheater lie south of Sant Jaume church.
Several interesting tourist attractions can be found outside the city. For those who enjoy birdwatching, La Albufera Natural Park on the Bay attracts over two hundred species of birds all year round. A popular nearby seaside destination is the resort of Puerto Alcudia with its sandy beach, stylish promenade and restaurant scene. The coastline around this area also has many pristine coves of crystal clear water. The Yannick & Ben Jakober Foundation is an excellent museum of modern and contemporary art (open to the public on Tuesdays, tours by appointment only Wednesday to Saturday). This eclectic museum is located seven kilometers from Alcudia in a beautiful garden with a sculpture park.
3 Puerto Portals: A Glamorous Seaside Resort
This luxury resort on the southwest coast of Majorca is a favorite destination of the Spanish royal family and other trendsetting visitors. The posh marina is filled with luxury yachts and attracts fashionable people to the yacht club, stylish shops, cafes and restaurants. With its expensive boutiques and flashy cars (Ferraris and Porsches are common) as you race through town, Puerto Portals feels like a smaller version of Monte Carlo in Monaco. Tourists can stroll along the waterfront while enjoying the scene and stop to shop at the designer stores. Gourmet dining is also a popular pastime at upscale restaurants such as the Michelin-starred Tristan Restaurant as well as the more casual Tristan Bistro and Flanigan Restaurant. Many of the cafes and restaurants have pleasant outdoor terraces to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine.
Nearby, Marineland is an attraction for families with children. Children love to play in the water park and see the dolphin and sea lion show. Also nearby is the Mood Beach Club , with a beautiful beach and gourmet restaurant.
4 The hilltop town and monastery of Valldemossa
The hilltop town and monastery of Valldemossa
Located in a picturesque setting between the Tramuntana Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, the historic village of Valldemossa is full of charm. Steep car-free streets and buildings with old stone facades give a special atmosphere. The mountainous area has lush vegetation and the slopes lead to the beaches and coves. Below the hilltop village is a pretty harbour; the Port of Valldemossa , which still feels like a small fishing village. Tourists will enjoy tasting the fresh fish specialties in the local restaurants.
Save time to visit one of the area’s must-see sights, the Real Cartuja de Valldemossa . This beautiful Carthusian monastery was built in the 14th century on the site of an old Moorish Alcázar. For more than four hundred years, this serene environment provided spiritual inspiration to the Carthusian monks who prayed and lived here. The monastery has welcomed other illustrious guests, including the pianist Frederik Chopin and novelist George Sand who spent the winter of 1838-1839 at the monastery. The couple rented a room in the convent and the room is now open to the public. During the time they lived here, Chopin composed Raindrop Preludeand other works, and George Sand wrote her famous book, A Winter in Majorca . The expansive grounds of the monastery also include the 14th-century Palacio Rey Sancho built for King Jaime II.
5 The beautiful coastal scenery of Sóller
This pretty little town is tucked away in an idyllic valley surrounded by a beautiful landscape of olive groves and citrus groves leading down to the sea. The famous Sóller Train takes tourists on a ride through the beautiful countryside. Visitors can also reach Soller by train from Palma de Mallorca . The ride is enjoyed aboard a classic Old World railroad car. The town has several important historical monuments, including the 14th-century parish church of Sant Bartomeu , a monument dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Sa Capelleta Monastery of Lluc road. Outside the city, past the Coll de Sóller hill, is Alfabia Palace, the site of the abode of a Moorish Vizier. The property’s beautiful gardens bloom with fragrant lemon and orange trees, date palms and bamboo plants. The palace is designed in baroque style and contains valuable furniture and paintings. Nestled in the valley, the Port of Sóller has a picturesque marina with the green hills in the background. Many small boats and yachts are moored in the marina.
6 Llucmajor-stranden
For those looking for a sunny beach holiday, Llucmajor would be an ideal choice. About 25 kilometers south of Palma de Mallorca, this spectacular stretch of the Mallorcan coast has many beautiful coves, beaches and cliffs. The 16th-century defensive towers along the Llucmajor coast offer stunning views. The Playa del Arenal is an extensive beach that runs all the way to Palma de Mallorca; the neighboring towns share the same beach. The calm waters of El Arenal beach are ideal for swimming, while part of the beach is a designated surfing area. Amenities include a yacht club, tourist office and public toilets. Umbrellas, sun loungers and water sports equipment are available for hire.
In a protected area at the foot of a tidal cove, the beach of Cala Pi has natural charm despite being surrounded by hotels and residences. Cala Pi is a sandy beach with soft crystal clear waters ideal for diving. Sunbathers can rent umbrellas and sun loungers. Another option is the small cove next to the Cala Blava estate. This beach is very quiet and offers a sensational view of the bay of Palma. Llucmajor also attracts golfers for its golf course and nautical sports enthusiasts as the area is excellent for sailing.
7 From havenstad Pollença
From havenstad Pollença
Pollença is known for its bustling harbor and beautiful bay with enchanting deep blue seas. In the shadow of the Pollença and the Calvari Mountains, the charming medieval town has two important churches. Nuestra Señora de los Angeles (Our Lady of Angels) is the town’s 18th-century parish church built on the site of a 13th-century church. From here, a cypress-lined staircase of 365 steps leads to the Iglesia de Puig del Calvari , a baroque pilgrimage chapel. The historic center of the city is just a few steps from the beaches. A popular choice is the Port de Pollença. This beautiful white sand beach has an extensive shoreline and moderate waves. The beach has a yacht club, water sports rentals, public restrooms and showers. Umbrella and sun loungers are available for rent. Cala en Gossalba is an isolated beach in a secluded protected location, accessible on foot or by boat. The coast is gravelly rather than sandy. Both Cala en Gossalba and the beaches of Port de Pollença are ideal for diving.
About six kilometers from Pollença is the old fishing village of Puerto de Pollença . From here, a scenic road runs 13 miles northeast to Cabo Formentor at the end of a long, narrow peninsula. The luxurious Barceló Formentor Hotel can be found on the Cabo Formentor overlooking the sea. On the other side of the bay, after a 15-kilometer drive along the coast, is the Mirador de Mal Pas viewpoint.
8 De pittoreske historische stad van Artà
The historic town of Artà is tucked away in a valley flourishing with almond, olive and fig groves. The mountains of Artà provide a beautiful backdrop with the rolling hills in the distance. In fact, Artà takes its name from the Arabic word for “garden” ( jertan ). From the town’s parish church, the Iglesia de Transfiguración del Señor , a cypress-shaded avenue leads to the hilltop where a fortress and the Santuari de Sant Salvador(chapel) standing overlooking the city. Tourists will enjoy beautiful views; the scene overlooks the densely packed red roof tiles of the city and stretches out over the verdant landscape. Artà still retains the remains of its old ramparts, which seem to dominate the city, and many palatial old houses, such as Na Batlessa , home to the municipal library. The town also has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Restaurante Andreu Genestra , on the Carretera de Palma a Manacor in a beautiful setting with countryside views from the outdoor terrace.
Outside of Artà is the archaeological site of Ses Paísses , the Monasterio de Santa Maria de Bellpuig , the 17th-century Franciscan monastery of Sant Antoni de Pádua , and the Ermita de Betlem (hermitage) surrounded by a rugged landscape of scrubland and rocky hills. Another attraction in the area is the Cuevas de Artá sight, a system of caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
9 Deia: A Charming Artists ‘Village
This charming artists’ village is tucked away in the Valle de los Naranjos (Valley of the Oranges), about 15 kilometers from Sóller, on a hillside surrounded by rolling hills and fragrant citrus plantations. The town’s quaint stone houses feature tiled roofs and green shutters, typical of rural Mediterranean architecture. Appreciating the idyllic setting, famed poet Robert Graves lived in the town for many years, inspiring other creative types to follow. The house where Graves lived, Ca N’Alluny, is now a museum open to the public. Deià is a lovely place to explore and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Take a relaxing walk and then stop for a meal. Renowned for delicious Balearic cuisine, the town is home to a number of top restaurants: the Michelin-starred Restaurant Es Raco d’es Teix , the award-winning Restaurant El Olivo in the luxurious Hotel La Residencia and the romantic dining room of Restaurante Sebastian which serves traditional Mallorcan dishes .
Beyond the historic center of Deia are several interesting tourist attractions. The Cala Deia is a small bay with a small beach and waters perfect for swimming. For sensational views and a serene escape into nature, head to the pretty town outside of Monestir de Miramar and Son Marroig Gardens on the Carretera de Valldemossa . In this idyllic setting, the gardens surprise visitors with their beautiful landscaping, terraces, pavilions, footbridges and pagodas. The Monastery of Miramar also has beautiful grounds with balconies overlooking the impressive cliffs and the deep blue sea of the coast.
10 The quiet, rural city of Petra
The quiet, rural town of Petra
Petra is a quiet rural town 43 kilometers from Palma de Mallorca and is listed as a Property of Cultural Interest. The main sight is the convent where Brother Junípero went to school. The city also has an excellent museum that illustrates the life and work of Brother Junípero Serra, who was born in Petra. Another tribute to the famous missionary is the festival every year on the third Sunday of September. This lively event features parades with impressive floats and colorful floral displays. Other monuments of interest in Petra include the Iglesia de San Pedro , a Gothic church with a forte-like facade; the Convento de Sant Bernardi, a peaceful haven created for the Franciscans; and the Santuario de Nostra Senyora de Bonany (Shrine of Our Lady of Bonany), a neo-baroque church that presides over a hilltop.
11 Cala Figuera: a fishing port
Along a beautiful coastline of serene turquoise waters, the Cala Figuera is a charming fishing village with a laid-back vibe. The town’s whitewashed houses are clustered around a hill that reaches the waterfront. Here many local fishermen do their daily job of repairing nets. In the earliest hours of the morning, the fresh catches of the day arrive at the port, ready to be sold at the market and then prepared into delicious fish dishes. As expected from a seaside resort, Cala Figuera offers a great selection of fish restaurants that serving fresh local fish. A scenic walking path runs along the waterfront along the harbor and then leads up to the cliffs. Rewarding views of the bay make the trip worthwhile.
For beach lovers, the popular destination is four kilometers south of Cala Figuera at Cala Santanyi . Well secluded, this pristine sandy beach is prized for its calm, crystal clear waters. Many visitors enjoy swimming, snorkeling and diving here.
12 The Calvia Coastline
A spectacular rugged landscape, Calvià’s coastline stretches for 50 kilometers of winding foothills, cliffs and coves. This area has many excellent beaches and remote islands, weeping sunbathers and nature lovers. One of the most beautiful beaches is Cala Vinyes , a small sandy coast with calm waters, ideal for bathing and swimming. Umbrella and sunbed hire is available, but the site has no public toilets. The Playa de Palmanovais an award-winning beach with excellent facilities (public toilets, disabled access, showers, parasol and sun lounger hire). lifeguard surveillance; a children’s play area; and safe, calm waters make this beach popular with families, plus there’s plenty of room to spread out. Palma Nova Beach has sandy beaches that stretch for almost two kilometers. The beach is also ideal for water sports and diving. Other beaches along the coast of Calvia include the Playas Paguera , an urban beach with public facilities, and Cala de Santa Ponsa , an extensive beach with a yacht club, umbrella and sun lounger hire, and a tourist information office.
Where to stay in Majorca (Mallorca) for sightseeing
We recommend these beautiful hotels in the main tourist areas of Majorca (Mallorca), such as Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia and its beautiful beaches:
- AH Art Hotel Palma: luxury boutique hotel in Palma de Mallorca, fantastic central location, personalized service, excellent continental breakfast, antique furnishings.
- Hotel Can Mostatxins: luxury mid-range in Alcudia, beautiful old mansion, modern interior design, wonderful hosts.
- Viva Blue & Spa: affordable hotel Playa de Muro, children’s club, adjacent nature reserve, 100 meters from the beach, large rooms, several swimming pools.
- Hotel & Spa Ferrer Concord: budget-friendly hotel in C’an Picafort, all-inclusive option, sea view, beach, indoor and outdoor pools.
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