10 Best Places to Visit in Mallorca: The Ultimate Bucket List
Mallorca is a small island, but man there is a lot to see! This island has it all—stunning beaches, epic mountain views, and everything in between. And we're not just talking about the epic scenery everywhere you go, guys. The food and drinks you get there will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
But hold on to your horses, okay there cowboy? First, you have to learn about the top places to visit in Mallorca so you can make the most out of your vacay. Luckily for you, your best travel advisor, most clever fella on the face of Earth is right here. So, grab your bikini, your camera, and your sense of adventure. Let's get started, these are the Mallorca best places to see!
You might also be interested in reading:
- Andalusia Itinerary: Southern Spain in 10 Days
- Barcelona Itinerary: 5 days in Gaudí’s Metropole (with day trips)
- All You Need to Know about Spanish Tapas (+Restaurant Tips)
- The 10 Best Museums in Spain’s Top Cities
- The 16 Most Beautiful Beaches in Spain
Is Mallorca worth visiting?
Hmm, let me put it this way. Are you into crystal-clear turquoise waters, breathtaking mountain views, delicious food and drink, and all-around good vibes? Then this paradise-like island is the right choice for you! Mallorca has beautiful places, that would literally make your head dizzy—looking at you Sa Calobra! And if you are not... What are you into then? (rolling my eyes so hard, they could probably pop out of my head)
Check out my map of the best places in Mallorca
Best places to visit in Mallorca
Before we hop into detailed descriptions of Mallorca's top places you NEED to see, here's a quick list of them all, in order of how I liked them:
1. Cap de Formentor: Views, views, views. And cliffs.
2. Palma de Mallorca: The pretty capital city.
3. Castillo de Alaró hike: An endorphin rush guaranteed!
4. Sollér and Port de Sollér: What I consider the best base on the island.
5. Alcúdia: Beaches and history, what more could you want?
6. Fornalutx: What some consider the most beautiful Spanish village
7. Valldemossa: Another village you'll want to move to.
8. Sa Calobra: Twist and turn you way down to an almost-secret beach.
9. Es Trenc: Beach goals.
10. Cuevas del Drach: Umissable for cave lovers.
Mallorca's calling your name! Here's the detailed lowdown on its top spots:
1. Cap de Formentor
Driving along Cap de Formentor
Cap de Formentor is a place to get the best Instagram pics without a doubt. With a picturesque lighthouse at the very tip of the peninsula, it serves you the best views possible on a silver platter.
But the road leading there is not for the faint hearted! Warning: high risk of motion sickness—and also a scuffle with a random local goat (or cyclist). The road is a twisting, winding, hair-raising ride that will put even the most skilled drivers and the stomachs of the bravest to the test. But trust me, just like everything I ever recommend to you, it’s worth it. And this is one is an ultra Jan trademark guarantee!
Views of the Cap de Formentor in Mallorca, Spain
As you go further and further, you'll be rewarded with some serious jaw-dropping vistas of the sea and the cliffs below feeling like you're standing at the end of the world. The whole drama of huge waves crashing into rocks and splashing higher than your hopes for a cute pic of the lighthouse without a tourist in it is pretty darn awesome.
Note: The roads on Formentor are restricted access from roughly the middle of June to the middle of September to prevent overcrowding. That means that between 10 am and 10:30 pm, you have to get on a bus in Port de Pollença and see the cape that way. It stops in all the main places I mentioned. I visited off-season too and it's a very different experience being able to do your own thing, stop wherever you want for as long as you want... but parking at the lighthouse?! It will test your patience.
2. Palma de Mallorca
My favorite, Palma de Mallorca
Palma is definitely leading the list of best towns in Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca is a cocktail of astounding history, vivid culture, and stunning nightlife. If life is like a box of chocolates and you never know what you're gonna get—in Palma you get all the chocolates! And liters of sangria on top of that.
If you're history buff by day and party animal by night, or either of those you have to stop in Palma de Mallorca. Well, the airport is there, so you actually have to anyways. Here are some top places you shouldn’t miss on your stroll through Palma’s exceptional Old Town.
La Seu
Mallorca Cathedral
La Seu, known also as Mallorca Cathedral, is probably the most famous landmark of Palma. And it sure is a huge landmark, you can't miss it with its 44 meters (144 ft) making it one of the tallest cathedrals in Europe. This Gothic masterpiece can give you some serious neck pain from all the oohs and aahs you're going to do, you've been warned!
In the late 19th century, the cathedral was damaged by an earthquake and after a few years the cathedral had to be restored also because of some structural shortcomings. But every cloud has a silver lining. The renovations were led by Antoni Gaudí himself, my favorite Spanish fella I never get tired of! His work all over Spain never ceases to amaze me, and La Seu is no different. See for yourself!
As you explore the cathedral's interior, you'll be transported back in time to an era when kings and queens ruled the land and religion was a central part of everyday life. Only the Pope blessing you is missing.
You can find there the largest rose window offering breathtaking light play. The audio guide tends to ramble on and on, so unless you are really interested in history, maybe just use your eyes and take in the beauty and give your ears a rest. There’s also a guided tour available.
Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle
A castle on the hill watching over the city right from Game of Thrones series, that’s Bellver Castle. The only different things are the missing dragons, beheading and incest—at least I hope so.
Bellver Castle offers a wonderful panorama of the city and the bay washed by the Mediterranean Sea. As it's located pretty high, you need to take about 500 steps to get there. Well, do it for your physique, you'll shine in your swimsuit on the beaches later on. No complaining and make it to the rooftop, that’s where the magic happens.
Fun fact: Bellver Castle is the only round castle in Spain. Okay, maybe just a fact, the only fun thing may be the dizziness you get when you lose yourself in the maze-like castle.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Royal Palace of la Almudaina
You already feel like royalty, now it's time to be royalty. Royal Palace of La Almudaina is the official residence of the King and Queen of Spain. Ladies, maybe you'll meet your Prince Charming there, so leave Shrek at home.
But those of us who came for the place and not the royal pipedream, get ready for splendid courtyards, ornate ceilings, and regal tapestries. If you're a fan of opulence and luxury, you're in for a treat.
As you stroll through the palace's lavish halls and admire the breathtaking views of the sea, you might start to feel like you're a few centuries back. I've immediately seen myself as a court jester entertaining the royalty with my cracking jokes, as I'm the funniest guy under the sun. At least that's what I've heard...
3. Castillo de Alaró hike
The hike gave me a hard time, but the view was definitely worth it!
Distance: 5.3 km (3.3 miles) out and back
Hiking time: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 269 m (883 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate
To experience the best of Mallorca, take Castillo de Alaró hike. An endorphin rush guaranteed! One of the top 3 things to see in Mallorca! The hike to Alaro castle was a pleasant surprise for me and I’d recommend it to anyone that doesn’t mind a steep hill.
I would consider the hike mildly challenging, but the scenery you get? Totally worth the sweat. Obviously, it leads uphill and sometimes the terrain can be rocky. Occasional stairs would muddle your way. But nothing that would particularly destroy you till the rest of your vacation. As a treat, the views continue the entire way.
The stairs leading up to Alaro Castle
The castle ruins on top are the bonus you've dragged yourself up the whole time for. Take some nice photos, stare out at the wide sea and dramatic mountains and back down you go. Be careful, it can get slippery, so mind your step!
4. Sollér and Port de Sollér
Port de Soller
Port de Sollér is a picturesque town on the northwest coast of the island. This charming town is like a beacon of Mediterranean beauty, with a natural harbor that's sure to make your heart skip a beat. It's next to Sollér, which is a town 4 km (2.5 miles) away up towards the mountains.
Wooden tram at Port Soller
Normally, I would tell you to take a walk from there, but that way you would miss the main attraction of the harbor city thanks to Port de Sollér stands out and must be on your Mallorca itinerary. Hop aboard the vintage wooden tram and prepare to be whisked away on a tour of the surrounding mountains and charming villages.
Sollér’s extremely charming Old Town
It's like you are in this magical time-travel machine, that takes you back to the beginning of the 19th century, from which this first tram in Mallorca is. The tram will make you think of the cable cars in San Francisco, as they look similar in style.
This journey through time and space will take you about 15 minutes and cost you EUR 8. What a bargain—and it's much more photogenic than the one from The Time Machine! My Insta followers would agree.
Hotels in Mallorca: The best place to stay is Soller!
If you want to travel around Mallorca and visit all these incredible places, I recommend staying in Soller. It’s the place that has the best atmosphere and best scenery on the island, close to both mountains and beaches. It’s also a working city, which in my book is always nice and it gives you a sense of what real life is like on the island, unlike a beach resort. So, these are the ones we stayed in and couldn’t be more satisfied.
The one in the typical Soller house: Ecocirer Healthy Stay Hotel
Aren't even the pictures of Ecocirer Healthy Stay Hotel relaxing and calming? And those mountain views!
I love how Ecocirer Healthy Stay Hotel is in one of the typical stone Soller houses. It’s on one of the narrow streets just to the south of the very central part of Old Town, where many locals live, so you’ll feel like you’re one of them. The rooms are surprisingly spacious, bright, and with very comfortable beds. Breakfast is fresh, local, colorful—it’s basically art!
The one with no kids: L’Avenida Hotel
Some fancy business is happening here @ L’Avenida Hotel
If you have no little screaming bundles of joy with you and want a little fancier hotel with a pool, check out L’Avenida Hotel, an adults-only 4* hotel close to Sollér’s town square. It’s full of character and elegance, and breakfast is served by a large private pool on the sundeck and near the secluded garden.
5. Alcúdia
Alcúdia streets
Alcudia is a charming medieval town located in the north, known for its picturesque streets, historic architecture, and beautiful beaches. But the main draw of Alcudia is its Old Town. It's enclosed by a well-preserved medieval wall with majestic gates, that have survived to this day.
As you stroll through the narrow streets, be aware of your steps—you can get lost very easily. Wandering in this old maze will feel like you've stepped back in time, with stone houses, archways, and old churches lining the way. But don't let yourself be fooled by its age. Even though Alcúdia may be the great-grandma of cities, it's also trendy and chic. The town's main square, Plaça de Carles V, is a hub of youthful activity, with cafes, restaurants, and pubs. In Alcúdia they party like there's no tomorrow.
The church of Saint Jaume
But if you are more of an architecture fan or if a hangover would cost you your life or two weeks of bed rest like me, just grab a coffee and go visit some gems of the town.
Originally a part of the town fortification, The Church of Sant Jaume was rebuilt in 1893 to a neo-gothic piece of art. Besides the church itself, you can visit the baroque Chapel of Sant Christ and the display up on the gallery, provided by the Alcúdia parish. Alcudia's Old Town has several impressive ones to choose from, each with its own unique history and architecture. And if you're feeling particularly pious, you can light a candle and pray for forgiveness for all those shots you took last night.
6. Fornalutx
Fornalutx
One of many rural villages around the island that will make you want to move there and live your movie-like Mallorca life is Fornalutx. It deserves a place in this list mainly because of Karin as she was already Googling “apartments for rent in Fornalutx”.
I also agree, Fornalutx is undeniably one of the prettiest hilltop villages, but since it’s also referred to as “the most beautiful Spanish village”, you can gage just how much people love it. It was originally a Moorish farmstead.
While there, I recommend visiting the town hall with its’ 17th-century defense tower and the gothic church with a baroque touch. But even without looking for a particular landmark, you’ll enjoy getting lost in the countless alleys, walking up and down stairs between the stone houses and getting glimpses of mountains from every corner.
7. Valldemossa
Valldemossa
Yet another coastal village with its typical rural stone houses architecture that Mallorca has plenty—the best are rightfully on my list. But this one will release your inner artist; make you pull out a quill and write a romantic novel or two. Same as Gorge Sand who wrote her novel A Winter in Majorca after trip there.
The major attraction in Valdemossa is the Royal Charterhouse from the 15th century built for King James II of Mallorca. In the 19th century, this complex was also a home for Frederic Chopin and said Gorge Sand.
But for me it was the town itself. The narrow cobblestone streets, lush gardens, and colorful houses with balconies full of flowers look like a postcard from the 19th century. I would describe the whole experience as historic, artistic and slightly romantic, which makes it sound more like a destination for retired people who like to sit on benches and people-watch. However, for a nice short visit it’s definitely worth it, though you don’t need to spend more than an hour or two there.
8. Sa Calobra
From the crazy drive down to Sa Calobra
Firstly, I would like to say that the journey is the destination here. Sa Calobra is a tiny beach in between sky-high cliffs that you get to through a series of pedestrian tunnels carved into the mountain. And man, what a stunning ride it is! I don’t want to underestimate the charm of the beach, but the maze of tunnels, dramatic cliffs and occasional sheep on the way just has something to it.
It's like a rollercoaster ride, only with better views and fewer screaming children. The hairpin turns will have your stomach doing somersaults, and the sheer drops on either side will have you questioning your life choices, or at least the decision to visit Sa Colabra. But don't worry, it's all perfectly safe... probably.
Sa Calobra beach
Once you arrive at the beach, you won't be disappointed either. Sa Calobra is like a travel agency ad comes to life, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, jagged cliffs, and tiny beach. You'll feel like in a scene from a movie, only with more sunscreen and fewer handsome leading men (if you're not traveling with me, ofc).
If you're not in a mood for sunbathing but feeling rather adventurous, you can take a dip in the Torrent de Pareis, a river that flows through a narrow canyon and empties into the sea. Just be warned: if you are not visiting in summer months the water is ice-cold, just like my judgment on travel destinations I honestly gauge for you.
Sa Calobra is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves a good adventure, stunning views, and a healthy dose of existential dread. Just remember to pack your sense of humor (and maybe some motion sickness pills).
9. Es Trenc
Es Trenc beach
Es Trenc is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca and that's because of its Caribbean blue waters and sandy coast. But it's definitely not one of those fancy schmancy resort-like beaches with plastic chairs wherever you look. On the other hand, you won't find almost any facilities on or near the beach.
Es Trenc is an almost entirely wild beach, so if nature feels like it, the beach will be covered with sea grass. You found that icky? Grow up or don't go, I don’t care. I can enjoy this almost empty beach even in a high season only by myself. To get Es Trenc at its most peaceful, go in the morning.
Even though the competition of best beaches in Mallorca is crazy high, Es Trenc surely made my heart skip a beat. And not because of the nudist part of the beach on its remote end. I don’t consider myself to be a beach bum, but places like this make me wonder if heaven is a place on Earth with turquoise water and clear sand.
10. Cuevas del Drach
Cuevas del Drach
Are you into adventurous discovering nooks and crannies of dark undergrounds and geological marvels? Arguably the favorite tourist attraction on the east coast will give you exactly that!
The Drach Caves (Cuevas del Drac) is an underground complex of caves hiding one of the largest underground lakes in the world.
Lake Martel is exceptional not only because of its dimensions, but also because of its purity. Its water is said to be one of the clearest and purest on our planet. Hopefully, no oilfield will be found underneath so Americans won't start drilling there too!
You can take a boat ride across the lake while enjoying a classical music concert. Yep, you've read that right. There is a “concert hall” in the complex, where you can attend a short classical music concert. Quite a unique experience, I will definitely remember for a while.
The whole visit will take you about an hour. Though the human traffic jam is a real thing there, especially in the high season. If you don’t want your queuing to get inside turn into waiting for Godot, buy the tickets online. You can skip the line and save many years of your life you would waste waiting.
Are you ready to start planning your trip? Head over to my 7-day Mallorca itinerary. You'll be based in Soller and see all the top places in Mallorca. Before you pack your bags, here are some Mallorca FAQs that might be keeping you up at night:
FAQ 1: What is the cutest village in Mallorca?
Fornalutx is the cutest village in Mallorca, if I say so myself. Nestled in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, this picturesque village is known for its charming stone houses, stunning views, and artistic atmosphere... and making tourists want to sell all their belongings and become an artist here.
FAQ 2: What is the number 1 beach in Mallorca?
The number 1 beach in Mallorca is Es Trenc, renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. It's wide enough and far away enough from Palma that everyone can find uncrowded spot in this paradise slice of sand. Another excellent option is Playa de Muro, a beautiful and family-friendly beach. It literally goes on for days (because once you try it, you can't leave). For more details on the best beaches in Mallorca, check out my Mallorca Beaches article.
FAQ 3: Do I need a car in Mallorca?
Renting a car is highly recommended. It provides the flexibility to explore the island's many hidden gems at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas. Nobody wants to be stuck on a bus on vacation. The only public transportation that's worth it for the experience is the wooden tram in Soller and maybe the train from Palma to Soller.
FAQ 4: What part of Mallorca is best to stay in?
Soller is an excellent choice as a base for your stay in Mallorca. It's ideally located, ensuring you're never more than 1.5 hours away from any part of the island. Additionally, Soller offers a mix of beautiful scenery, charming streets, and easy access to both mountains and the sea. For a detailed itinerary that makes Soller a perfect base, see my 7-day Mallorca itinerary.
FAQ 5: What is the best time to go to Mallorca?
You can visit Mallorca anytime it suits you, it is welcoming at any time of the year. The island's mild and sunny Mediterranean weather ensures an enjoyable stay year-round. If it's rainy, you can relax in the island's lovely restaurants and bars. If it gets too hot, escape to the cooler northern mountains. And if the weather is just right, it's perfect for a beach day or a day exploring the incredible viewpoints. In my article about Mallorca's weather month by month, I even call October the rainiest month, which wouldn't typically sound very attractive... well guess what? Last time I visited was end of October and we had summer temps and zero rain. Go figure.
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