The main draw for people coming to Mallorca are, of course, its world-renowned beaches. However, there’s a whole host of other activities to do on the island not only in the summer but also in the winter. So, whether you're just looking for something to do after a sunbathing session or you simply don't enjoy the beach, we promise you you'll have no time to get bored here!
What to do in Mallorca?
With hundreds of hours of sunshine per year, Mallorca is an outdoor-lovers paradise. Some activities are perfect for solo travellers while others are more suited to romantic couples. Families and groups will also find a wide range of things to do in Mallorca. From relaxing to full-on adrenaline, from child-friendly to adults-only, from outdoor fun to indoor bad-weather activities, there is something for everyone in Mallorca.
Below are our three favourite activities in Mallorca but there are plenty more to choose from. Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration.
1. Boat trips & sailing: With more than 250 beaches and coves, breathtaking cliff edges and turquoise waters, there is no better way to explore the island’s beautiful 554 kilometres of coastline than from a boat. The main ways of doing this are, depending on your budget, to charter a yacht, hire a boat or book a boat trip with one of the many companies located all around the island.
2. Watersports: Mallorca is the perfect holiday destination for watersports thanks to its warm summers, island breezes and scenic coastline. There are plenty of watersports centres offering equipment hire and lessons in activities like sailing, scuba diving, wakeboarding and kite surfing all around the island. Alternatively, thrill seekers can enjoy rides in speedboats, jet skis or banana boats.
3. Hiking: Once the summer season is over, Mallorca becomes a hive of activity for walkers and hikers. The dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in west Mallorca and the more modest Serra de Llevant mountains in the east boast the most popular hiking routes on the island but, even if walking and hiking in Mallorca have become more popular in recent years, most paths and routes are still very quiet. There are relatively easy paths suitable for beginners, whilst other hiking trails take you to the five summits that reach over 1000m, perfect for keen walkers looking for a challenging route.
4. Cycling: Many professional cyclists choose Mallorca as their training ground during the off-season, especially from February to May. However, the island offers something for every cyclist, from some of the most impressive and demanding climbs to leisurely rides. Bike hire shops and cycle-friendly hotels have popped up all around Mallorca in recent years making it one of the best destinations in Europe for two-wheel aficionados.
Boat trips
There’s no better way to explore Mallorca’s captivating coastline than by boat! With numerous scheduled boat trips of varying lengths of time and at reasonable prices, taking a trip to the sea is highly recommended. Many of these include stops for swimming and snorkelling in the famous crystalline Mallorcan waters. Port de Palma, Puerto Pollença, Port d’Alcúdia, Port de Sóller and the resorts on the east coast are some of the marinas from which boat trips are frequently available. Whether you want to visit a different beach for the day or explore the coves and do some snorkelling, there is sure to be a boat trip to suit.
Sailing & yachting
There are plenty of sailing schools on the island that will accommodate you whatever your level. There’s even an opportunity to take things to the next stage by completing your qualified boating or sailing licenses in Mallorca. Palma, Cala Nova Port, Puerto Pollença, Port d’Andratx, Port d'Alcúdia and Santa Ponça have some of the best-known sailing schools on the island.
Rock climbing
Mallorca is without a doubt one of Europe’s most beautiful and varied sports climbing hotspots. An abundance of top quality limestone means that the island has an unparalleled variety of routes of all grades - suitable for experienced and beginner climbers. Mallorca's expert climbing guides will show you the best routes on the island and teach you to climb if you're new to the sport. Some of the most famous areas for rock climbing are located near Valldemossa, where you will find the Sa Gubia and Fraguel crags, in the Serra de Tramuntana islands or the Cap de Formentor.
Water solo climbing
There is also the possibility of practising water solo climbing (or psicobloc) in Mallorca, an exciting version of cliff climbing that was actually born on the island. Climbers from around the world come here to try challenges like the Cova del Diablo just north of Porto Cristo, Cala Serena near Cala d'Or and Cala Barques in the north.
Indoor climbing
On the outskirts of Palma there are a couple of indoor climbing centres. The largest, in the north-west, features over 30 high climbing routes and a bouldering area; they even have facilities to practice circus acrobatics, including a trapeze, and offer indoor and outdoor climbing lessons and courses for children. The other one is located inside the massive FAN Mallorca shopping centre, near the airport.
Archaeological sites & castles
The island of Mallorca has been a crucial territory throughout history because of its location on the main commercial route in the Mediterranean. Here you can visit impressive prehistoric settlements and well preserved Roman ruins that are a testament to Mallorca's historical importance. A few centuries after that, the Middle Ages were a turbulent era in Mallorca, with the island changing hands often because of its strategical location. The various fortresses and castles dotted along its coastline and on its countryside's hilltops are a consequence of these battles. Many can be visited.
Caves
The interesting geological history of Mallorca has led to the formation of stunning natural caves. The Cuevas del Drach and the Caves in Artá are the most popular. There are also beautiful coves and gorges.
Guided tours
Discover the best that Mallorca has to offer with an expert local guide. From learning about the historical city of Palma, the island's old market towns and legendary hiking trails, to experiencing its traditional food and drink. One could say that there's a lot to see in Mallorca.
Live music
Mallorca manages to attract its fair share of well known international artists to play live in one of its many venues, while some of its beach resorts boast amazing club scenes. The local music scene is also worth checking out. Many bars in Palma and across the island feature live music while in the old town of Palma, in La Llonja you'll find plenty of jazz and blues clubs.
Museums & galleries
Mallorca is full of rich heritage and this is very much reflected in the number of museums and galleries on offer around the island. If you are keen to learn about this beautiful island's history and find out more about its culture you will find yourselves spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit. A trip to Palma is an absolute must for those keen to learn but there are castles, monuments, museums and galleries to be found all around the island.
Natural reserves & parks
Immerse yourself in Mallorca’s natural beauty by heading to a nature reserve where you can soak up the scenery whilst learning about the different wildlife the island offers. There are a number of wonderful nature reserves in Mallorca that you can visit that have visitor centres and educational walking trails. One of Mallorca's reserves, Sa Dragonera is home to 361 different plant species, 18 of which are endemic to the Balearics. It also boasts an impressive number of wall lizards, bats and the largest Eleonora’s falcon population in the archipelago. Other popular wildlife parks include Mondragó Natural Park for its unspoilt white sandy beaches and breathtaking views of turquoise waters, S’Albufera Nature Reserve for its birdlife (around 200 species) as well as plants, fish, reptiles and insects. Last but not least, Llevant Peninsula Nature Reserve is renowned for its remote beaches and its colonies of Mediterranean tortoises.
Religious buildings
The wide range of religious buildings scattered around Mallorca showcase the island's long history. From old sanctuaries to medieval and Baroque churches and monasteries, architecture enthusiasts will have their pick.
Theatres
Mallorca is a large island with a bustling cultural scene, so there is no shortage of theatres here. Many of the shows are in Spanish or Mallorquí, but you can also head to a dance or circus performance.
Cycling
The island offers a wide range of cycling options from flat rolling roads to mind-blowing mountain climbs, which means cyclists of all levels of ability can enjoy a day out exploring Mallorca by bike. With its diverse terrain and fantastic weather conditions, it’s no surprise Mallorca has become one of the most illustrious cycling destinations in the world. There are cycle paths and cycling routes aplenty on the island. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains are a particularly popular destination in the springtime (February-April). Cycling enthusiasts will find lots of accommodation in the form of little hotels that cater to cyclists in villages in and around the mountains. There are also a number of cycle hire shops around Mallorca that rent and sell bikes with all the gear.
Mountain biking
There are a number of adventure companies offering mountain biking excursions in Mallorca, so you are guaranteed to find some terrain to suit your individual skills. Mountain biking is a challenging and fun activity, but if you are new to the sport then do let a guide take you out for the day and show you the ropes. There are also numerous cycle hire shops offering everything you could possibly need.
Sea fishing
You can dangle a fishing rod in most places around the island of Mallorca and it's often something you can do by yourself, or with friends, from a harbour wall, the beach or a boat. A fishing license is required in Mallorca for anyone of 14 years or over. Why not speak to some of the specialist companies who offer guided trips, excursions and yacht charters for coastal or deep-sea fishing? It’s worth checking whether the chartered fishing trips are covered by a 'collective' or 'boat' license (they should be) which means you won’t need to purchase a license yourself.
Gyms
Sports centres in Mallorca usually feature fully equipped gyms with cardio equipment, resistance weight machines, free weights and fitness classes. Many also offer day passes.
Swimming
Being an island, Mallorca isn’t lacking beaches, so there’s the more obvious option of taking a dip in the sea but there are also swimming pools aplenty. If you aren’t staying at a hotel, apartment or a villa that has a pool, you can look for the closest beach club or waterpark. The main towns and resorts have sports centres with indoor or outdoor heated swimming pools, so you can take a swim all year round.
Team sports
Most towns and villages in SeeMallorca.com have indoor and outdoor multisports courts where you can play basketball, football, handball and other team sports. You may have to book the court in advance – ask at the local tourist office or directly at the sports centre's front desk. Remember that in Spain there are both natural and artificial turf pitches – if this is important to you then make sure you do your research before you book.
Yoga
Yoga has taken the world by storm in the last couple of decades and Mallorca is no exception. From yoga sessions on the beach to dedicated centres offering other sports and therapies such as Pilates and meditation, you'll get your pick when staying on the island.
Helicopter tours
Treat yourself to a helicopter tour of the island with one of the tour operators. This is an exclusive experience which enables you to see aerial views of Mallorca’s celebrated mountains and seas.
Hot-air ballooning
Take to the skies by hot-air balloon in Mallorca to experience floating over the island’s spectacular views and scenery like never before. You may see wildlife and animals you can’t see from the ground. The pilot controls the height but the wind determines which direction you take, so the flight can take anything from one to two hours, depending on when a suitable landing site comes into view.
Paragliding
Whether it's your first time paragliding and you want to enjoy a tandem flight with a qualified pilot or you are an experienced pilot and would like to discover more of what Mallorca has to offer, then you will find a company for your individual needs. This activity is mostly carried out in the north, around the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença (taking off from the Puig de Sant Martí) or in the Serra de Tramuntana, meeting near Sóller.
Golf courses
With more than 20 golf courses to choose from and Mallorca’s mild winters, families can tee off all year round. If 18 holes are too much for you or the younger ones, try the Arabella Golf Son Quint pitch and put course (9 holes).
Mini golf
Everybody loves a bit of crazy golf, so challenge your friends and family to a game at one of the many mini golf or crazy golf courses located in the resorts across the island. This light-hearted sport is guaranteed fun and games for all ages! These fun-fueled activities can be found in most popular resorts, but our top picks are in Katmandu Theme Park in Magaluf and Fantasia Golf in Palma Nova.
Horse riding tours & lessons
Horse riding and lessons are available in Mallorca, so you can discover the island's beauty on horseback. There are several types of excursions you can take, from a stroll along one of the beautiful beaches to a trek high up into the Tramuntana Mountains. You don't need to be an experienced rider, beginners are welcome!
Bowling
There are ‘Ten Pin Bowling’ alleys in Mallorca to keep all of you entertained. They are often located in family entertainment centres with arcades and restaurant facilities. This the perfect activity for when the rare bad weather strikes in Mallorca, or if you just fancy a break from the sunshine. Mallorca’s main bowling alleys are located in and around Palma (Mallorca Bowling is the most noteworthy) but you will find some smaller ones in the more commercial beach resorts too.
Cinema
You can catch the latest films and releases in Mallorca on your holiday. Look out for VOS (Versión Original Subtitulada) or VOSE (Versión Original Subtitulada en Español) for the English speaking films. Well-known cinemas on the island include OCIMAX, IMAX, Multicines and CineCiutat.
Spas
If it is calm and relaxation you are after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments. A day spa is also the perfect activity when the weather turns. You can keep warm and revive aching muscles in saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis or take a refreshing dip in a swimming pool.
Tennis
Tennis is one of the most popular sports in Mallorca. In recent years there has been a significant investment in the sport, which means that there many tennis clubs and courts available for the enthusiast or the amateur all around the island. Part of this enthusiasm comes from the incredible success of Rafa Nadal, everyone's favourite Spanish tennis player. Originally from Manacor (east of Mallorca), Nadal has done a lot to raise the profile of tennis in on the island, even opening a state of the art tennis school and sports centre near his hometown. The courts in Mallorca are generally clay or hard courts, and you can book them as a non-member at most of the clubs. A complete list of clubs can be seen on the Federació de Tennis de les Illes Balears website.
Squash
There are a few squash courts located in the sports centres on the island. Be sure to bring your own squash rackets and book a court in advance by getting in touch with your local sports centre. You might be able to find one with their own coach so you can have private lessons to brush up on your skills whilst on the island.
Aquariums
Discover some of the remarkable animals that exist in the world's oceans by visiting Palma Aquarium, based near the airport, which has more than 700 species of fish and sea creatures. Alternatively, there is Marineland next to Puerto Portals, which is a sea-life centre with dolphin and sea lion shows.
Karting
Karting is a popular activity for people of all ages. There are both indoor and outdoor tracks of various sizes around the island, so whether you are staying in the north, south, east or west of the island you will be able to find a place to race. With the most modern facilities available, Mallorca promises to give even the most seasoned karters a thrill. Feel the adrenaline rush and race to beat the rest of the family!
Paintballing
Challenge friends and family to a game at one of the few paintballing indoor and outdoor centres based on the island. A great team-building exercise, in most cases you're split into teams and a variety of scenarios and courses are offered at the beginning of all games, with each game lasting approximately 2 hours.
Theme parks & zoos
Mallorca offers some unique theme parks catering for families of all ages, from tree top adventures to upside-down houses. You’ll be sure to find something for everyone. Some of the best-known are located in areas like Magaluf, Palma Nova and Santa Ponça, including Katmandu and Jungle Parc. Animal lovers can head to Safari Zoo in Cala Millor, La Reserva in the Tramuntana, Natura Parc in Santa Eugenia or the Artestruz Ostich Farm in Campos.
Waterparks
Waterparks are always a winning activity for both adults and children to enjoy in Mallorca! You can spend hours of fun splashing around together with the exciting slides, rapids and wave pools at the waterparks the island has to offer. In recent years we have also spotted inflatable floating water parks at some of the bigger beaches, these devices have everything from climbing walls to trampolines and keep both adults and children entertained. The island's most popular waterparks are Western Waterpark and Aqualand, both located on the south-west coast.
Walking & hiking
The walking paths and hiking trails in Mallorca can generally be split into two categories: coastal and mountain. Coastal routes are all very accessible and mostly very easy (more like strolls than hikes), but still worth doing for the unbeatable views of the coastline and access to fabulous beaches along the way. Mountain trails can be reached by car, bus or train and generally require a little more energy due to steep inclines. They are a great way to explore Mallorca’s terrain and the many traditional villages that are dotted around the countryside.
Running
Mallorca is the perfect place to pop on those running shoes and head out to explore. With the beautiful scenery and wonderful landscapes, you can run for miles or simply head out for a short jog. There are a number of trails to follow and even some events that you can participate in.
Birdwatching
Mallorca, like many other Mediterranean islands, is an ideal place to spot migrating birds between Europe and Africa. Spring and autumn are the best times for bird watching, ideal as the weather at this time is lovely for walking. The most vulnerable of the birdlife in Mallorca are the Osprey and the Black Vulture, both of which live in the Tramuntana mountain range. The mountains are also home to Audouin’s Gull, Eleonora’s Falcon, Moustached Warbler and Marmora’s Warbler which are all quite rare. Head to the S’Albufera Natural Park, the Lluc area in the Tramuntana mountains, La Gola and the Boquer Valley in Port de Pollença or the Artá Peninsula. Find out more information and details about where to go birdwatching in Mallorca.
Beach watersports
From jetskiing and flyboarding to pedal boats, banana boats and doughnuts, there are more than enough watersports to keep you and the family entertained in the summer months (April-October). It's usually the more commercial beaches and marinas that offer watersports. In the west of the island, try Magaluf, Santa Ponça and Palma Nova. In the north, there are plenty of activities to get involved in around Alcúdia and ort de Pollença’s beaches. You might struggle to find such activities on the beaches of the island's east coast as they are smaller, more tranquil destinations. You will also find volleyball nets on some of the larger beaches on the island, which are available for the general public to use. This is a great spontaneous activity for families looking to stretch their legs whilst taking a break from the sun loungers.
Canoeing & kayaking
Mallorca’s tranquil water and 300 days of sunshine make it the perfect destination for a spot of kayaking or canoeing. From complete beginners to experts, these are fun watersports that can be enjoyed by everyone. Many beaches offer hourly rentals or, for those who want to get serious about it, there are a number of places on the island that offer courses and trips with certified guides. This is a great way to explore Mallorca’s turquoise waters, breathtaking cliffs, hidden caves, nooks and crannies. You may even get close and personal with some fish along the way!
Canyoning
The perfect adventure for active visitors whilst on holiday. Mallorca’s mountains, streams and rivers create the textbook natural obstacle course! With the supervision of a guide, you can plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides. There are a number of adventure companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways, from short beginners’ routes to longer ones for the more experienced individuals. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons and, whilst canyoning isn’t suitable for very young children, anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try the sport. Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult.
Caving & pot-holing
Mallorca is famous for its caves, so escape the sun for a few hours and explore a sea cave adventure with an experienced guide. You don't need to have done caving or potholing before because Mallorca’s vertical cave systems are a perfect introduction to the underground world of caving. Caving companies tend to offer these tours between April and October.
Coasteering
Coasteering is similar to canyoning, it involves climbing, jumping, abseiling and swimming, but this particular sport takes place along the coastline. It's great for those that like a bit of an adventure and want to try their hand at a number of different disciplines, as well as a good way to explore remote coastal areas and get that rush of adrenaline. Whether you are a complete adrenaline junkie or just coming across this sport for the first time, adventure companies tailor the routes, whilst taking into consideration the ages and abilities of your members of the group. Everyone can give it a go!
Diving & snorkelling
Dive into the beautiful waters around Mallorca and discover the world below. Anyone can go snorkelling and it's a great way to begin your underwater adventures without travelling too far away from the comfort of the waters’ surface. Many of the tourist shops in the resorts sell snorkelling gear. Scuba diving is a fantastic way to explore what lies below. If you are new to scuba diving, the diving schools around the island are more than equipped to show you the ropes and get you started. For those more experienced, there are endless excursions in Mallorca where you can dive into the beautiful blue waters and explore the depths below. Posidonia meadows filled with colourful fish, octopi, underwater caves, shipwrecks and more await you.
Flyboarding
Flyboarding (jetpack or hoverboard) has become a 21st-century international sensation in the watersports world. Imagine oversized boots affixed to your feet which allow you to be propelled into the sky above the water. Whilst not all watersports companies have this impressive piece of equipment, you will find more and more companies are investing in it because this surreal experience is becoming beyond popular.
Kiteboarding
There are a few places particularly well known for kitesurfers to catch good waves in Mallorca, try the east coast of Port de Pollença or Son Serra de Marina to catch some of the best waves. Long beaches like S'Arenal, Es Trenc and Sa Rapita are also good choices. The kite surfing schools provide lessons for people of all levels and have different styles of kites and boards for rent. There’s the opportunity to book courses (which is highly recommended for beginners), or individual 1-hour lessons.
Paddleboarding
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular global sport these days, often described as a cross between surfing and kayaking. It is also a fun way to explore the immediate coastline. Whether going solo, in a couple or with a group of friends or the whole family, you will find paddle boards to hire on various beaches around the island, usually rented out by the hour. No previous experience is needed, just hop on the board and start paddling.
Parasailing
Parasailing is a completely unique and incredible adventure. It’s also one of the top ways to enjoy Mallorca’s exhilarating coastline views. You can experience flying 200 feet in the air whilst getting a real birds-eye view of what’s going on below.
Surfing
Even if Mallorca is not well-known on the international surfing circuit, there are some areas where you can try the sport. The beaches around Peguera, Cala Major, Canyamel and Cala Mesquida are your best bets, even if conditions are changeable.
Wakeboarding & water skiing
There are water skiing and wakeboarding companies based around the island to cater for everybody’s needs. There is even a wakepark which claims to have the only cable system on the Balearic Islands, based in Alcudia.
Windsurfing
For windsurfing the bays in the north of Mallorca are particularly popular, so try Pollença, Alcudia or Can Picafort. There are some windsurfing schools for those new to the sport, while you can also just rent a board and see where the wind takes you. Remember to avoid the ‘swimming’ zones along the beaches during the summer months or you will have the water police after you!
Vineyard tours
Take a tour around one of the beautiful vineyards in Mallorca. Taste the carefully made wines, learn more about them, the grapes and the wine making process whilst enjoying the wonderful vineyard scenery. The area around Binissalem, Santa Maria del Camí and Sencelles, as well as Felanitx and Manacor are probably your best options when in search of a good wine tasting tour, but there are vineyards all around central Mallorca.
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