Mallorca is a breezy island about 125 miles off the coast of mainland Spain. Europeans love it and especially the ones from northern countries. There they can find everything they’re looking for all year round. This could be either an easy weekend getaway or a fun vacation full of excursions and parties. Whatever your choice is, you will find it in the Mediterranean island and its capital, Palma. If you are eager to learn more, we gathered some things you should definitely do in Mallorca.
Palma but also Mallorca, in general, can be synonymous with a cheap destination for hard-partying travellers. This may be true during July and August, which are the busiest summer months. But the rest of the year, a bunch of tourists arrive on the island to live their perfect vacation in slightly different terms. All the fun is still there, with less busy streets and quieter neighborhoods. So wander in the alleyways of Palma’s medieval centre, go on a road trip to explore rural mountain villages and magical views, while discovering the other side of this surprising sunny island.
Things you should definitely do in Mallorca
1. Explore the island’s attractions
Admire the view from a stunning castle
The first attraction you’ll want to visit is definitely Castell de Bellver. About 1,5 kilometers away from the city center, Castell de Bellver is the best place to get the real feeling of Palma. This castle was built in the 14th century and is the perfect way to view all of the city from above.
Wander around the city
When you first get to the island we recommend you take some time to walk around. Admire the place’s streets and architecture, the beautiful views, and nature. Start at the harbor, where you’ll see an actual parking lot of yachts that are docked beside one another. Continue along the sunny promenade for some time and end up at the Catedral de Mallorca, a Gothic cathedral is known also as La Seu. If you want to admire this landmark from below, go towards Parc de la Mar. This park has everything, from a pretty fountain to a large pool and it will be worth your time.
2. Visit the old town
In the Historic old town of Palma, Romans, Moors and Christians have all left their mark over the centuries. If you’re a history lover, you’ll definitely enjoy this part of the city. Gothic churches, scenic squares and century-old interior patios are everywhere. The best way to see most of it would be to join a city bike tour. Distance won’t be a problem and you might as well benefit from the experienced tour guide who will be able to answer all your questions as well. If however, you prefer walking around, you might want to choose a more chilly day, or an hour when the sun is not making you more tired.
Spoil yourself with good food and retail spots
You will definitely stumble upon antique bookshops, furniture shops and even a vintage Vespa outlet. If you’re a fan of more contemporary tastes, ‘golden mile’ is also part of this historic center and you should visit it as well. There you can find the elegant avenue, Passeig del Born, which leads to Avenida de Jaime III. After that why not stop for a quick bite or a coffee break? Consider stopping for a traditional ‘ensaimada‘ pastry in one of the many cafés, or lunch someplace special. The evening in Spain is the best time for tapas. Spanish people love this time of the day and bars compete to produce the most inventive and tasty combinations.
Art & Cultural Heritage
If you still want to see more things, we recommend La Lonja. This architectural gem has the same name as the region. It used to be a maritime trade exchange center and is now empty and free to enter. You will find it next to a pretty square, with lots of food options as well. As for museums and galleries, we recommend visiting Es Baluard for conceptual art, the Museum of Spanish Modern Art for artists like Picasso and Mirò, as well as Palau March for diverse art, sculpture, and antique books.
Things you should definitely do in Mallorca
3. Explore more than the capital itself
An unmissable nature reserve
Mallorca is much more than Palma, even though we agree that the city is one of its highlights. Nevertheless, we recommend renting a car so you can hit the road and discover a more complete picture of the island. At first, head north out of Palma onto the roads that curl into the Serra de Tramuntana. The latter is a mountain range and Unesco World Heritage Site located along the northwestern coast. Take a moment to admire this miracle of nature and get a great view of the sea.
An opportunity to taste local products
Next up, just outside the pretty village of Valldemossa, you will find Son Moragues. This place is a Finca, or country estate, which was founded in the 14th century. Once home to Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, today the property is mostly focused on land conservation and produces olive oil from native varieties. You can either admire it while passing through or arrange a private tasting and tour of it. In this way, you’ll have the chance to walk alongside roaming sheep and once again enjoy the magnificent mountain views. Be sure to reserve your place online and enjoy your visit.
Road trip through the valleys
After this stop, continue north and take the scenic coastal road. It is an amazing drive through the mountains with distractingly good views. Your next stop could be Son Marroig, another of the archduke’s former homes where you can take some photos of the amazing coastline. Next up, the next destination is the town of Sóller. Located in a beautiful valley, the quiet town of Sóller comes to life on Saturdays when the streets fill with markets selling everything your mind can possibly imagine. Grab yourself a bag of warm bunyols, small tasty doughnuts, and wander in Plaza de la Constitución, the sunny main square. If you miss the sea already, why not walk towards the port which is not that far away.
