Mallorca is the largest of the Spanish Balearic Islands, offering beautiful sandy beaches, rocky mountain landscapes, pretty stone villages with traditional green window shutters and plenty of art and culture. Whatever time of year you visit, there’s plenty to enjoy and in this article I’m sharing some of the best places to visit in Mallorca, to help you plan your trip.
The climate is mild in winter, with warm Mediterranean sunshine in spring and autumn and hot summers perfect for beach relaxation and swimming.
To get the best deals on your next sunshine holiday, check out these Barceló offers on hotels and resorts worldwide for latest discounts and bargains.
This is a sponsored article in partnership with Barceló Hotels.
This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Places to visit around Palma de Mallorca
1. Palma Cathedral
In the island’s capital of Palma, one of the most visited Mallorca attractions is La Seu, the cathedral of Santa Maria, which dominates the view from the sea. The huge sandstone Palma cathedral was built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier mosque from the period of Moorish occupation of Mallorca.
In the Parc de la Mar in front of the cathedral you can wander around the huge lake. A ride in one of the horse-drawn carriages which is also one of the most popular things to do in Palma.
As you enter the cathedral, the lofty interior is bathed in the light of 61 stained glass windows, including the central rose window which catches the morning sun.
Look out for the side chapel that was designed in the modernist style by Antoni Gaudi, the architect better known for his work in Barcelona. Get your skip the line ticket to Palma Cathedral here.
2. Palma Old Town
You can easily spend a lazy afternoon wandering around the old town of Palma. Among the medieval streets are small squares where you’ll often find a pleasant cafe to stop for a coffee or ice cream.
As a contrast to the Medieval architecture, you may also notice the two Modernist houses Can Rei and L’Aquila. Their decorative tiled panels are reminiscent of the Gaudi architecture you see in Barcelona.
Art lovers will want to seek out the Fundación Pilar i Joan Miró near Palma, a cultural institution that is dedicated to the Catalan artist Joan Miro. His mother and wife were from Mallorca and the gallery is located in the house where he retired in his 60s.
3. Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Another of the top things to see in Palma is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, which is right opposite the cathedral. It’s a fortified palace that was built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Moorish fortress.
You can wander through numerous grand rooms furnished with antique furnishings and tapestries, in keeping with also being the official residence of the King and Queen of Spain.
4. Castell Bellver
Just outside Palma is the Castell Bellver, a 14th century Royal fortress, set in pine woods with a fine view over the bay of Palma and the Tramuntana mountains. The circular central courtyard is surrounded by several defensive towers and the Castell was used for some time as a prison but now houses a museum that covers Palma’s history, with concerts being held here in summer.
Tip: An easy way to visit Castell Bellver is in this hop on hop off bus tour of Palma, if you select the ticket that includes the castle.
Stay at Occidental Playa de Palma
For the best of beautiful beaches and access to the island’s capital, stay at Hotel Occidental Playa de Palma which is close to Palma and only 200 metres from the popular El Arenal beach.
When you visit Mallorca, this hotel has one of the best-equipped cycling centres on the island and is the ideal hotel for those who love sports such as diving, hiking or golf. There are five top golf courses nearby, easily accessible within 20 km of the hotel.
Guests can also enjoy a complete Wellness Centre with a sauna, a Turkish bath, a heated indoor swimming pool and a massage service, not to mention the heated outdoor swimming pool that is covered in the winter.
Barceló Hotel Deals
Looking for a hotel in Mallorca? Then check out these Barceló Hotel offers. The best rates are guaranteed when you book directly and when you sign up as a my Barceló member. Check here for other hotels in Mallorca.
Places to visit in the south-west of Mallorca
5. Puerto Portals Mallorca
For a taste of the glamorous side of Mallorca, visit the marina at Puerto Portals, to the west of Palma which is full of glitzy super yachts in summer. This is where the celebrities come to party, with buzzing nightlife, stylish restaurants and designer shopping.
If you like to people watch, arrive in the evening for a stroll and stay for dinner in one of the many restaurants that line the harbour. In the summer there’s a sunset market on Wednesday and Thursday evening, where you can shop for handicrafts and jewellery.
6. Sa Dragonera Natural Park
If you have a hire car, spend a day exploring the pretty west coast of Mallorca and make a stop at the viewpoint for Sa Dragonera Mallorca, a natural park that makes a nice photo. This small island on the south-west tip of Mallorca is a nature reserve and is named because it is said to resemble a sleeping dragon.
The island is uninhabited, but you can visit on a boat trip from nearby Santa Ponça beach to swim, spot the birds and lizards, walk the island on foot and visit the small museum.
7. Banyalbufar
Also worth a stop as you tour the west coast of Mallorca is the small village of Banyalbufar, overlooking the rocky coast where the slopes of the Tramuntana mountains meet the sea. The village is known for the picturesque stone terraces, where in the past vines were planted to make the local Malvasia wine.
Now there are mostly crops of vegetables, fruit and tomatoes. There are just a few cafes and shops here but it’s worth a stop for a photo and wander around if you’re touring the area.
8. Serra de Tramuntana
The Serra de Tramuntana makes a backbone of mountains that runs along the western side of Mallorca from the south-west corner to the northern tip of the island. This rocky mountain range with its ancient woodlands, reservoirs, dry stone terraces and pretty mountain villages has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for the cultural significance of its landscape.
This is a favourite area of Mallorca for walking and hiking, and on my last visit to Mallorca I walked several sections of the GR221 Dry Stone Route trail, that winds through the Serra de Tramuntana.
You can read about the first section of the Dry Stone Route we walked from Deia to Lluc monastery and the second part of the walk that took us through the north of the island from Lluc monastery to Port de Pollença.
9. Valldemossa
On the western side of Mallorca, the picturesque hilltop town of Valldemossa is surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana with views of the sea in the distance, but if you don’t have a hire car, you can reach it by bus from Palma.
The village is has a literary history, since it was at the Carthusian monastery in Valldemossa (now open as a heritage museum) that the writer George Sand spent a winter in 1838 with her lover, the composer Frederic Chopin.
The town is a popular spot for walkers in the surrounding Tramuntana mountains and to wander around the charming narrow streets with a scattering of art galleries, bars and restaurants.
10. Deia
Close to Valldemossa and worth visiting on the same day, is Deia. It’s another of those picturesque Mallorcan towns, with honey stone houses and traditional green shutters. The town became popular with writers and artists after the English writer Robert Graves bought a house here in the 1930s. Since then Deia established its reputation as a community for artists, as well as a favourite haunt of celebrities.
The Robert Graves house is now open to visit and there are several art galleries and nice restaurants where you would while away an hour or two. Visiting these pretty stone villages is one of the popular things to do in Mallorca if you have a hire car and want to see a more authentic side of the island, away from the beach resorts.
11. Soller and Port de Soller
Continue along the road that skirts the coast (or walk on the GR221 walking trail as we did) and you’ll reach the town of Soller which is known for the Valley of the oranges that surrounds the town. It makes a popular day trip from Palma as there is a vintage narrow gauge train that dates back to 1912 and runs a few times a day between Palma and Soller. For a fun day out, take this one day sightseeing tour that includes the vintage train ride to Soller.
Read about the walk we did from Deia to Soller on the GR221 Dry Stone Route, the long distance hiking trail through the Tramuntana mountains.
Soller in Mallorca
On arrival spend some time enjoying the ambiance of the main square of Plaça Constitució where there are a number of cafes and browse the market if you happen to be there on a Saturday.
You can continue to Port de Soller which is a separate location by the sea. Take the old tram that’s known as the Orange Express and wander along the promenade, lined with shops and restaurants.
Read More: Why Port de Soller is perfect for luxury holidays in Mallorca
12. Fornalutx
To complete your tour of the pretty mountain villages of western Mallorca, continue to Fornalutx. The golden stone houses, narrow lanes with stone steps and traditional green painted shutters make for some great photos.
Around the main square of Plaça d’España there are a few cafes where you can grab a coffee or buy a snack at the local bakery. There are plenty of trails that lead out from the village if you want to explore more of the surrounding Sierra de Tramuntana landscape.
Stay at Occidental Cala Viñas
The 4 star Occidental Cala Viñas offers direct access to the white sands and clear waters of Cala Viñas beach in the south-west of Mallorca. It is well located to enjoy the beautiful south coast beaches and explore the authentic towns on the western side of Mallorca.
This is a great hotel for families and couples alike, with a daily entertainment programme. The hotel rooms are bright and recently redecorated. There are two swimming pools and 2 children’s pools as well as a fitness centre, spa and small supermarket.
Barceló Hotel Deals
Looking for a hotel in Mallorca? Then check out these Barceló Hotel offers. The best rates are guaranteed when you book directly and when you sign up as a my Barceló member. Check here for other hotels in Mallorca.
Places to visit in the north of Mallorca
13. Drive the MA 2141 Sa Calobra mountain road
If you’re exploring the north of Mallorca by car, be sure to take in the amazing views on the MA 2141. This road snakes up from Sa Calobra on the coast towards the Gorg Blau reservoir in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
The road winds through the arid rocky landscape with hairpin bends galore. It makes you feel as if you’ve fallen into a sports car advert.
There are a few points where you can stop to take photos. Although the road itself is not too steep and in good condition, you need to take care. There are sheer drops at many points.
14. Santuari de Lluc
The Lluc monastery in the north of the island is Mallorca’s most sacred site. It has been a centre of pilgrimage since the 13th century. The former monastery is now run as a hotel, offering simple accommodation which is popular with walkers.
We stayed a couple of nights there when I was in Mallorca walking the GR221 Dry Stone Route. Read about our visit here.
The chapel is famous for the small statue of the Madonna known as La Moreneta. She is encrusted with gold and jewels and one of the important things to see in Mallorca for the pilgrims who come here.
The Madonna statue faces away from the church into the prayer chapel where you can climb some steps to see her. During the mass she swivels around to face the congregation.
The choristers at the choir school are known as Es Blauets due to their blue robes. You can attend one of the masses to hear them sing.
The Lluc monastery is surrounded by beautiful gardens. There’s also a small museum to visit showing the art of impressionistic artist Josep Coll Bardolet. Bardolet was a Spanish painter whose adoptive home was Valldemossa.
15. Pollença and Port de Pollença
Our walk from Lluc monastery ended in at the pretty rural town of Pollença at the end of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. The small town has an authentic feel with pale stone buildings and small cafes and shops around the main square of Plaça Major.
For more of a holiday feel, head a few kilometres further to the coast where you’ll find the sister town of Port de Pollença.
In past centuries, towns developed away from the coast in locations that were more secure from attack from the sea. Only later as tourism developed did the fishing villages on the coast expand.
Puerto Pollensa, as it’s also known, was one of these fishing villages that developed into a popular holiday resort. It’s located on a pretty horseshoe bay, with a marina lined with lots of hotels, holiday apartments and restaurants.
16. Cap Formentor
From Port de Pollença it’s a short and scenic drive to the lighthouse at Cap de Formentor, at the northernmost tip of Mallorca. Although the lighthouse is not open, you can park nearby and walk around. It offers views over the cliffs where you may spot falcons and other seabirds.
Stay at Formentor, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Also on the Formentor peninsula is the Formentor, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. It faces the idyllic Formentor Beach and is the perfect place for a few days of relaxation.
The boutique hotel opened in the 1930s and has hosted celebrities such as Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and F Scott Fitzgerald becoming closely linked with artists and writers over the years.
The rooms and villas enjoy views of the sea and mountains with elegance, light and comfort in the interior design. The hotel offers numerous watersports activities, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, paddle surfing, or kayaking. Or enjoy a boat trip to discover the natural beauty of this northern coastline.
The Formentor, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, boasts an exclusive selection of restaurants. These range from the elegance and privacy of the main restaurant, to informal dining at the beach snack-bar.
The hotel is set in a natural landscape of Mediterranean woodlands, surrounded by colourful, landscaped gardens. Through this you have direct access to the Formentor beach with crystal clear waters and fine sand.
Barceló Hotel Deals
Looking for a hotel in Mallorca? Then check out these Barceló Hotel offers. The best rates are guaranteed when you book directly and when you sign up as a my Barceló member. Check here for other hotels in Mallorca.
17. Alcúdia
A short drive from Formentor is the ancient Roman town of Alcúdia with its Medieval centre surrounded by the old town wall. Among the things to see in Alcúdia are the archaeological remains of the Roman settlement of La Portella.
The imposing city gates of Portal de Moll have palm trees standing guard, and the Sa Bassa Blanca museum offers art and sculpture. Although the old town of Alcúdia is set a little away from the coast, you can also drive on to Port de Alcúdia. Its beaches and marina offer a more typical holiday experience.
18. S’Albufera natural park
Just 5 km down the coast from Port de Alcúdia is the S’Albufera natural park. This area of lagoons and wetland is a haven for birds and wildlife.
S’Albufera is a popular location for birdwatchers. They come to spot the rare birds that migrate here and the ospreys that come to fish in the lagoon.
There’s a car park and visitor centre, with footpaths, cycle trails and bird hides to enable you to move through the reeds and marshy areas.
East coast of Mallorca
19. Artá
If you drive along the east coast of Mallorca, make a stop at the inland town of Artá. A Moorish fortress overlooks the fertile plains and the mountains of the Llevant natural park.
There’s a weekly market every Tuesday where you can buy local handicrafts and authentic souvenirs such as pottery and handmade baskets.
Visit the Santuari de San Salvador which has been restored. You’ll see what the Medieval fortress would have looked like when it was built in the 14th century to protect the town from invasion from the sea.
Nearby on the coast are the caves d’Arta with stalactites and stalagmites. Visit in a guided tour to see them lit up with coloured lights and sound effects.
20. Cuevas del Drach and Coves dels Hams
A little further down the coast are more caves that you can visit, the Cuevas del Drach (Dragon caves) and Coves dels Hams. At the Cuevas del Drach the tour takes around an hour along 1200m of level paths. It features coloured lights, classical music and a boat tour.
Nearby you can make a similar but separate tour of the Coves dels Hams (buy your ticket in advance here). It features a main cave and 12 galleries with music and lighting effects. Visiting either of the cave complexes which were formed 10 million years ago, is a good choice if you get the odd bad weather day in Mallorca.
21. Mondrago natural park
As you continue southwards along the eastern coast of Mallorca, the coast is rocky with some gorgeous coves and beaches that are well worth a stop. The Mondrago natural park is a protected area where you can visit the unspoiled beaches of Cala Mondrago and S’Amarador.
Be warned that they can get very popular at weekends and high season. Visitors are drawn by the clear turquoise waters and unspoiled natural landscape in these rocky coves. They are among the best beaches in Mallorca and a great place to swim and snorkel.
Stay at Barceló Ponent Playa
Close to the Mondrago natural park, in the popular resort of Cala D’Or is the Barceló Ponent Playa is a three star hotel. This is a great choice for your holiday in the south-east of Mallorca. The hotel is located right on the seafront in Cala D’Or, with direct access to the Cala Ferrera beach.
Beautiful, bright rooms with a terrace make it a perfect place for a holiday with your family, partner or friends. This is an all inclusive hotel, so you’ll have access to a complete range of restaurants.
The buffet restaurant serves Mediterranean and international dishes. There’s a poolside snack bar, a beach bar, and two other bars, one with live music and shows.
The hotel has a wide variety of facilities, including an outdoor and indoor pool, mini golf course and tennis court. There’s live music and shows and plenty of entertainment for the children. Wifi is free in communal areas and rooms.
Barceló Hotel Deals
Looking for a hotel in Mallorca? Then check out these Barceló Hotel offers. The best rates are guaranteed when you book directly and when you sign up as a my Barceló member. Check here for other hotels in Mallorca.
22. Cala Figuera
As you continue along the south-east coast, there are more beautiful places to visit in Mallorca. The picturesque fishing village of Cala Figuera is backed by rocky cliffs, pines and the fig trees that give the village its name.
White fisherman’s houses are used to store boats line the harbour and make a pretty photograph. There’s no sandy beach here, but it’s worth a stop for lunch at one of the seafood restaurants to soak up the charming atmosphere.
23. Es Pontas rock arch
A little further along the coast you can get a view of the natural rock arch of Es Pontas in Mallorca, that has been eroded over time by the sea. Drive to the viewpoint near Cala Santanyi then take a short walk from the car park. Take care as the path is rocky and steep requiring trainers.
The arch became famous in 2007 when the American climber Chris Sharma ascended it in a deep water solo climb, featuring it in his film King Lines.
24. Cala de Moro
Another of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca is also located on the south-east coast at Cala de Moro. Here the sea has formed a deep, rocky inlet with clear turquoise water that’s wonderful for swimming.
This is an unspoiled beach with no beach bars or other facilities, and it’s a little more difficult to access. You need to park along the coast road and then walk down a steep path to reach the beach. Also check out the nearby beach of S’Almunia which is also in a similar rocky cove just around the headland.
Now is a great time to book your holiday in the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and other sunshine destinations with these Barceló Hotel offers on hotels and resorts worldwide. The best rates are guaranteed when you book directly and when you sign up as a my Barceló member.
Read next
If you’ve enjoyed this article, you can also read about my previous trip hiking on the GR221 Dry Stone Route in Mallorca
About Barcelo Hotels
Barceló is the 2nd largest hotel chain in Spain and the 29th in the world. They feature a portfolio of 251 hotels of 4 & 5 stars, and more than 55,000 rooms in 22 countries.
To get the best deals on your next sunshine holiday, check out these Barceló hotel offers on hotels and resorts worldwide for latest discounts and bargains.
The my Barceló discount is up to an additional 20% for reservations at barcelo.com and its own call center, depending on the stays already enjoyed (see program conditions).
The application of the offer as a whole would be the promotional code for this campaign, the hotel’s own offer and the my Barceló customer discount. Promotion subject to the maximum discount allowed in each hotel.
Map of the best places to visit in Mallorca
Click below for the map of best places to visit in Mallorca
Plan your trip to Mallorca
Looking for a guide to Mallorca? The Lonely Planet guide to Mallorca will give you all the information you need on things to see and do.
Looking for a guide to Mallorca? We recommend the Lonely Planet Guide to Mallorca
Pin it
This article was sponsored* by Barcelo Hotels
* More info on my policies page
This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com
Never miss an update! – Subscribe to receive our latest articles and newsletter
Bilal shah
Monday 8th of February 2021
Thanks for sharing this beautiful article with us. Mallorca is really a wonderful place. I shall definitely try to plan out to visit these beautiful sceneries of Mallorca.
Ourtaxi4you
Wednesday 13th of January 2021
Hello! Excellent and very complete article about our wonderful island! :) Just let me add that the Formentor, a Royal Hideaway Hotel changed ownership in December 2020 and It will now be managed by the Four Seasons company. I'm telling you because the hotel will be undergoing renovation works for two years and it will not be available for bookings. Greetings and happy 2021! Sergio, Ourtaxi4you.
Heather Cowper
Monday 15th of February 2021
@Sergio Thanks for the update, good to know
Travel Center UK
Wednesday 6th of January 2021
Such an awesome article, I'm planning to visit in April, What do you think? I wish I could travel now but unfortunately I don't think i could travel, The Images You've provided are just amazing. Since i like to hike i'm looking forward to the Serra de tramuntana, How distance it it from the town?
Heather Cowper
Monday 15th of February 2021
@Kane The Tramuntana mountains are so beautiful - the southern end is within an hour of Palma
Cristine
Wednesday 23rd of December 2020
Wow! What beautiful scenery you have here, I wish I could travel right now! I will definitely be adding this to my bucket list and hoping to visit sometime. Thanks for sharing this lovely post.
Johnny
Monday 14th of December 2020
Wonderful post. Thank you for this amazing one, Mallorca is really a great place to visit. Last year I was there and I had a great experience.