I’ve just returned from Mallorca yet again, and honestly, I’m already thinking about when I can go back.
I used to think Mallorca was mostly a charter holiday and party destination. Then I visited for the first time five years ago, and completely changed my mind.
Since then, I’ve fallen in love with this incredible island. Yes, Mallorca has some party areas, but there is so much more to discover. From dramatic mountain roads and charming stone villages to hidden coves and spectacular hiking trails, it constantly surprises me.
So, I’ve rounded up 22 of the most epic things to do on the island. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or finding yourself going back again and again, I hope this list helps you discover a side of Mallorca you might not have expected.
Looking for the best places to stay in Mallorca?
🌟 Palma de Mallorca >> Hotel Basílica overlooking a beautiful basílica.
🌟 Cala d’Or >> Eques Petit Resort; the pool area and grounds are stunning.
🌟 Sóller >> I love love love L’Avenida, set in a 100-year-old manor house.
🌟 Cala Figuera >> You have to see this house in the most stunning location.
🌟 Cala Mondrago >> Hotel Playa Mondragó on the beach is a hidden gem.
I’ve written this article in collaboration with Linda from She Knows Islands to give you a well-rounded selection of things to do in Mallorca. She’s an expert in all things hiking and island life, while I’m the beach and shopping connoisseur 🤭
Map of Mallorca’s top attractions
I have included all the top attractions from this article, plus a few extras, in the map below. Click on the rectangle in the upper right corner to access it in full size, or on the star to add it to your maps.
1. Spend a day in Mondragó Natural Park
Mondragó Natural Park is, without a doubt, my favourite area in Mallorca. I just spent another week there. Located on the southeast coast, this beautiful nature reserve combines some of the island’s most spectacular beaches with pine forests, rocky coastline, wetlands and easy walking trails.
The park is home to several gorgeous beaches, my personal favourite is Playa S’Amarador. With its soft white sand, incredibly clear turquoise water and pine-covered surroundings, I think it’s one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
From here, you can also follow the coastal paths to nearby Cala Mondragó and the smaller Caló des Burgit, so there’s plenty to explore beyond simply claiming a spot on the sand.
🌟 Be sure to check out my complete guide to Mondragó Natural Park.
2. Get lost in Palma’s beautiful Old Town
No trip to Mallorca would be complete without spending some time in Palma.
Palma Cathedral, known as La Seu, dominates the city’s waterfront and is the island’s most iconic landmark. The enormous Gothic cathedral is spectacular from the outside, but I also recommend stepping inside to see its incredible stained-glass windows and the modernist touches added by Antoni Gaudí.
From here, simply get lost in the maze of narrow streets behind the cathedral. This is one of my favourite ways to spend a few hours in Palma. You’ll find beautiful historic buildings, hidden courtyards, independent shops, cafés, museums and plenty of little corners that are just begging to be photographed.
Don’t miss the Arab Baths, one of the few surviving examples of Moorish architecture in the city, or the elegant Passeig del Born, one of Palma’s prettiest streets for shopping and people-watching.
🌟 Don’t miss >> My popular Palma de Mallorca one-day itinerary!
3. Enjoy the views from Bellver Castle
If you’ve read my blog before, you know that I’m obsessed with castles. So, of course, I had to include it. Bellver Castle is a gem that is often overlooked, even though it is located just 3 kilometers southwest of Palma city center.
Built in the 14th century, Castell de Bellver is one of the few circular castles in Europe. You can explore the central courtyard, the Gothic-style chapel and a small museum that chronicles the history of Palma. But let’s face it, the main reason to visit is the gorgeous panoramic views.
To get there from Palma, you can drive or take the EMT bus to “Plaça Gomila”, from where it’s about a 15-minute walk uphill to the castle. Alternatively, you can walk all the way along the seafront promenade and then uphill.
4. Ride the historic train from Palma to Sóller
The historic train from Palma to Sóller is one of Mallorca’s most iconic experiences—and, in my opinion, one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the island.
The beautifully preserved wooden carriages have been travelling between Palma and Sóller since 1912, taking passengers on a scenic journey through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
The journey itself is a big part of the experience. As the train leaves Palma behind, you’ll pass through the countryside, orange groves and mountains before eventually arriving in the beautiful town of Sóller.
5. Slow down in Sóller and Port de Sóller
Sóller, a picturesque town nestled in a lush valley of orange groves between the mountains and the sea, is a gem of Mallorca’s west coast.
Known for its historic charm, Sóller is connected to Palma by a vintage wooden train that winds through the scenic Tramuntana range. The town’s main square, Plaça Constitució, is surrounded by cafes and is home to the beautiful Church of Sant Bartomeu.
A short tram ride away from Sóller town lies Port de Sóller, a tranquil harbor with a curved bay, sandy beach and a promenade lined with shops and restaurants. This coastal village is a haven for water sports, relaxation and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Pro tip >> Stop by Ecovinyassa, a stunning orange and lemon farm, on the way from Sóller to Fornalutx. Remember to make a reservation!
6. Stop by Fornalutx
If you couldn’t tell by now, I have a serious soft spot for charming old villages — and Fornalutx is no exception. Tucked away in the Tramuntana mountains and surrounded by fragrant orange and lemon groves, this little village is ridiculously pretty.
Take some time to wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, admire the traditional stone houses and soak up the incredible mountain views. It’s small, so you won’t need hours here, but I definitely think it’s worth making a stop.
If you’re heading towards Sa Calobra, Fornalutx makes the perfect little detour — and, in my opinion, a great excuse to stretch your legs, grab a coffee and take approximately one hundred photos.
7. Explore Deià and Cala Deià
Deià is one of Mallorca’s most beautiful villages; it’s easy to understand why its dramatic mountain setting has inspired artists, writers and musicians for centuries.
Wander among the traditional stone houses and winding streets, stop at one of the village’s lovely cafés, and make your way up to the historic Church of San Juan Bautista for beautiful views across the village and surrounding Tramuntana Mountains.
Below the village, Cala Deià is one of the island’s most scenic little coves, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs. It’s a beautiful place for a swim and an even better excuse to stop for lunch by the water.
📸 Pro tip >> When driving between Deià and Valldemossa, I love to stop at Mirador de Valldemossa II for one of the most spectacular views along this beautiful stretch of coast. You can find it on the map above.
🎫 Pro tip >> Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller and many more are included in this popular tour!
8. Wander around beautiful Valldemossa
Just south of Deià, you’ll find Valldemossa, another one of Mallorca’s impossibly pretty stone villages. Its narrow streets, traditional honey-coloured houses and flower-filled corners make it easy to see why it has become such a popular stop on the island.
The village’s most famous attraction is the Royal Carthusian Monastery (Real Cartuja de Valldemossa), where composer Frédéric Chopin and writer George Sand famously spent the winter of 1838–39.
I especially love simply wandering through the streets, popping into the small local craft shops and admiring the beautiful Mallorcan architecture. Valldemossa can get very busy, particularly in the middle of the day, so I recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
🥾 The villages are linked by one stage of the GR221 long-distance trail, also known as the “Ruta de Pedra en Sec” (Dry Stone Wall Route), which I highly recommend for everyone who wants to explore Mallorca’s beautiful nature.
9. Marvel at Torrente de Pareis
You have to see this place, it is truly spectacular. Torrent de Pareis, a dramatic limestone gorge, is one of the island’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Carved over millennia, the 200-meter-tall cliffs descend dramatically into the sea, culminating at the stunning pebble beach of Sa Calobra.
Get there early to find a parking spot clearly marked on Google Maps, and from there, it is a short walk (400 meters) towards the outlet of Torrent de Pareis. Read more about hiking the area further down.
10. Get your adrenaline fix in Mortitx Canyon
Fancy swapping Mallorca’s beaches and charming villages for a bit of adventure? Then Mortitx Canyon might be just what you’re looking for.
Hidden among the rugged landscapes of the Serra de Tramuntana, this dramatic canyon is a popular spot for canyoning. Expect to scramble through narrow gorges, rappel down rocky sections and, depending on the conditions and route, swim through natural pools — definitely not your average Mallorca sightseeing experience!
And if all that adventuring works up a thirst, you’re in luck. Mortitx is also close to a local vineyard, so you can potentially swap your helmet and hiking gear for a glass of Mallorcan wine afterwards. Now that’s my kind of adventure.
11. Pollenca, Port de Pollenca & Cap Formentor
Pollença, Port de Pollença and Cap Formentor are three highlights in Mallorca’s northwest that you can easily combine and visit in one day.
Pollença is located inland and is a historic village with beautiful narrow streets around the main square, Plaça Major. My personal highlight is the impressive staircase that leads to the El Calvari chapel. After 365 steps (one for each day), you are rewarded with a great view over the village.
Just on the other side of Pollença, I can recommend the walk up to Puig de Maria. After a steep 30-45 minute climb, you will have a great view of the north coast and, of course, Pollenca from the former monastery.
Port de Pollença is a popular coastal town with a beautiful beach promenade. Perfect for a lunch break and a stroll along the coastline. The harbor, where traditional llauts lie alongside modern yachts, gives the town a special flair. From here you can go sailing, windsurfing and diving.
Cap Formentor, the spectacular peninsula, forms the northernmost point of Mallorca and is known for its striking lighthouse and breathtaking views. From June to September, the road is now closed for private vehicles (I was once stuck in a jam here for 2 hours), so take the bus departing from Port de Sóller instead.
12. Go hiking
One of my favorite pastimes in Mallorca is hiking. Due to the summer heat, it is best to explore the island on foot only during the shoulder and off-season, from approx October to May.
The east and south coasts are not only famous for their beautiful beaches, but there are also some great coastal hikes and walks to explore.
I recommend the lovely half-day walk that connects Cala Agulla, at the northern end of Cala Rajada, with the beautiful bay of Mesquida, a large sandy beach. Halfway, you’ll have to make a small climb to reach a mountain with a watchtower ruin. It offers an incredible 360-degree view of both beaches.
My second suggestion is the fantastic cliff walk from the Cap Blanc lighthouse to Cala Pi. The cliff views all along the way are simply spectacular.
Mallorca’s west coast is a different story. The Serra de Tramuntana spans from north to south with peaks reaching nearly 1500 meters.
If you have time, you should hike the famous GR221, which connects Port Andratx with Port de Pollenca, 140 km further north. Alternatively, you can do what I did and hike several sections as day hikes.
🥾 If you want to hike the GR221 as part of a group, I highly recommend this 4-day guided hiking experience.
My absolute favorite trek in Mallorca is the challenging route through Mallorca’s Grand Canyon. Only in summer, you can hike along the dry riverbed of the Torrent de Pareis with rock walls up to 300 meters high to reach the beautiful beach of Sa Calobra.
13. Rent a boat
One of the best things you can do in Mallorca is to get out on the water. Guided boat tours are available in most port cities, but you can also rent your own boat.
You do not need a license to rent a small day cruiser, as we did in Santa Ponsa. And at €160, it was surprisingly affordable for our group of 4.
14. Step back in time in Alcudia
The old town of Alcudia is another gem in Mallorca that many seem to miss; instead, many are drawn to the all-inclusive resorts next to Port de Alcudia.
But I highly recommend you set aside a few hours to explore this charming town, renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval walls, Bougainvillea-covered houses and cobbled streets. Every Tuesday and Sunday, you can browse local produce, crafts and souvenirs at the local market.
Alcudia also serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the northern part of the island, including the nearby S’Albufera Natural Park.
15. Spend an afternoon in Cala Figuera
Cala Figuera is, in my mind, the most beautiful village in Mallorca. With its traditional whitewashed fishermen’s cottages, colourful boats bobbing in the water and picturesque rocky inlet, it feels like one of the island’s most picturesque hidden gems.
One of my favorite things to do here is simply wander along the waterfront, following the narrow paths around the harbor and taking in the beautiful views. Don’t miss the chance to explore both sides of the inlet, where you’ll find plenty of photo spots and a glimpse of the village’s traditional fishing culture.
Cala Figuera is also a wonderful place to slow down, even though there isn’t a beach in the village itself.
16. Learn to cook in a historic windmill
One of my favourite ways to get to know a new destination is through its food, which is why I think this Spanish cooking experience in Palma is one of the most unique things to do in Mallorca.
The three-hour experience takes place inside a beautiful old windmill, where you’ll learn to prepare several traditional Spanish dishes with a professional chef, including sobrassada, Spanish tortilla, paella and Catalan cream. Before everyone sits down together to enjoy the meal—and, of course, some Spanish wine.
I especially love that this feels like more than just another tourist activity. You get to learn about Spanish food, pick up recipes to take home and share a meal with fellow travellers in a truly unique setting
17. Visit the Cuevas del Drach
If you’ve had your fill of Mallorca’s beautiful beaches for a day, why not head underground instead? The Cuevas del Drach, or Dragon Caves, are one of the island’s most famous attractions, and they’re well worth adding to an east-coast itinerary.
Inside, you’ll wander through a series of impressive caves filled with dramatic stalactites, stalagmites and other incredible rock formations. The real highlight, though, is the enormous underground lake, one of the largest of its kind in the world.
It’s a completely different side of Mallorca and, in my opinion, a great way to mix up your itinerary between all the beaches, villages and coastal adventures.
Or if, like me, you’d rather skip the biggest crowds when possible, Cuevas de Campanet are a fantastic alternative. Tucked away in the northern foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, these beautiful caves feel a little more off the beaten track.
18. Ride horses at Naturacavall
For a more unique Mallorca experience, consider staying at Naturacavall, a beautiful family-run agroturismo and horse ranch near Manacor. You can rent a holiday apartment on the rural finca and enjoy the peaceful countryside, swimming pool and, of course, the horses.
Naturacavall also offers guided horseback rides through the Mallorcan countryside. I love that they rescue horses and give them a second chance. Caring for and retraining them while creating a life where the animals have plenty of space and freedom.
19. Hike up to Castell d’Alaró
The hike up to Castell d’Alaró takes a little effort, but I promise the reward at the top is worth it. Perched high in the Tramuntana mountains, the ruins of this ancient mountaintop castle offer some seriously spectacular views across Mallorca.
The hike is part of the fun, with beautiful mountain scenery along the way, but make sure you take plenty of water and give yourself enough time. In summer, I’d definitely recommend setting off early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
20. Shop until you drop
Shopping at Santanyí Market, every Wednesday and Saturday, is one of my favorite things to do in Mallorca. I love getting lost among the colourful stalls, where you’ll find everything from handmade jewellery and clothing to baskets, ceramics, local produce and plenty of tempting souvenirs.
It’s busy, buzzy and full of character, and for me, browsing the market is as much about soaking up the atmosphere as finding something to take home. Read my complete guide to Santanyí Market for my tips on how to get the most out of your visit.
For more market-hopping, head to Inca on Thursdays, when one of Mallorca’s biggest markets fills the town centre with hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and local specialties to leather goods and crafts.
Or visit Sineu on Wednesdays for a more traditional, historic market experience with local produce, crafts and its famous agricultural character.
21. Watch the sunset from a hilltop monastery
For one of the best sunset views in Mallorca, head up to Santuari de Cura, perched high on Puig de Randa. The drive up is an experience in itself, but once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramic views across the island.
I love that this feels a little different from Mallorca’s famous coastal viewpoints. Instead of watching the sun disappear over the sea, you can see the landscape stretching out beneath you. Mountains, villages and countryside bathed in that gorgeous golden-hour light.
It’s also a lovely spot to slow down with a drink or dinner at the sanctuary before watching the sunset. Or book in for a night at the beautiful hotel.
22. Enjoy the views in Banyalbufar
If you’re looking for a Mallorca village that feels a little bit magical, Banyalbufar should be on your list. Tucked into the western slopes of the Tramuntana mountains, this tiny village is surrounded by dramatic terraced hillsides that tumble towards the sea.
I absolutely love the views here, and the whole place has that wonderfully sleepy, old-Mallorca feel that makes you want to slow down. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the historic terraces and grab a drink while taking in the sea views.
🚙 If you want a driver to meet you when you land in Mallorca, check out Welcome Pickups. I’ve used them in 10+ countries now, and have only had great experiences!
🌟 Read next >> Mallorca: Everything you need to know as a first-timer
Leave a Reply