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Attractions in Mallorca

Discover the top reasons to visit Mallorca

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Palma de Mallorca
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Updated

One of the top tourist destinations in Europe, and probably the world, Mallorca attracts all kinds of visitors. From those looking for a sun, sand and sea type of holiday to culture vultures, foodies, hardcore sportspeople or nature lovers – the island is the perfect destination.

This is thanks not only to its glorious weather and natural beauty but also to its wide range of facilities and services that make a holiday in Mallorca effortless, whether it's a luxury break or a cost-effective trip you're after. Below are a few of the things that make the island a favourite among tourists from all around the world.

Top 10 Sights & Attractions in Mallorca
1 Palma de Mallorca Gothic cathedral, museums, marina, urban beach, restaurants, shops, nightlife
2 History & Culture Churches & cathedrals, castles & ruins, caves, museums & art galleries
3 Events Traditional fiestas, live music, sports
4 Food & Drink Restaurants, vineyards
5 Mountains & Sports Natural parks, hiking & walking, cycling, rock climbing, scenic trains
6 Sea, Sailing & Beaches Beaches, boat trips, watersports
7 Shopping Shops & boutiques, markets
8 Villa Holidays Villas
9 Charming Villages Towns & villages
10 Family Fun Theme parks, waterparks

Jump to

  1. Boat Hire
  2. Nature & Parks
  3. Castles & Ruins
  4. Religious Sights
  5. Rocks & Caves
  6. Museums & Galleries
  7. Vineyards
  8. Hiking
  9. Villas
  10. Cycling
  11. Dining
  12. Towns & Villages
  13. Guides & Tours
  14. Ports & Marinas
  15. Themeparks, Adventure & Waterparks
  16. Things to do
  17. Palma
  18. Events
  19. Beaches
  20. Shopping

Boat Hire in Mallorca

Join a boat trip for a day or half day at sea with one of the many companies based in Mallorca's main beach resorts and ports. There is a wide range of boat trips on offer: small and large, catamarans or motor boats, each with a different package available... the choice is endless. Day trips are the most popular and usually include lunch and a stop-off at one of the more remote beaches where you can try some swimming, snorkelling, stand up paddle boarding or kayaking. Or take a sunset cruise in the evening and enjoy the views with a glass of bubbly. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, perhaps a speed boat too will get the heart racing.

Boat Hire in Mallorca

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Nature & Parks in Mallorca

There are several natural parks in Mallorca. The main one is the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range that runs up the west coast. The highest peak here is the Puig Major, at 1,445 metres, and the whole area has World Heritage Status from UNESCO. There are great walking trails to be explored, and the small hilly roads are very popular with cyclists and car road trippers. The other main natural park is the Llevant Peninsula Nature Reserve in the north east, where the rugged hilly landscape overlooks the coast. Mallorca’s wetlands are also famous, with more than 400 different species of flora found in the large area of S’Albufera Nature Reserve. These wetlands are prime spots for bird watching; the main local bird species include Black Vulture, Eleonora's Falcon, Audouin's Gull, Moustached Warbler, Balearic Shearwater and Balearic (Marmora's) Warbler.

Castles & Ruins in Mallorca

The island's castles are imposingly beautiful and, whilst some have been transformed into hotels, others remain some of the island's most prominent historical monuments. Bellver and Capdepera castles are two of the most prevalent, preserved in their original state. The Royal Palace of La Almudaina proudly sits beside Palma’s iconic cathedral, is officially a royal residence even today but its gardens are open to visitors most of the year.

There are also a number of ancient ruins on the island. The most famous are those of the Roman city of Pollentia which has been preserved for almost 2,000 years. Stone buildings, courtyards and cobbled paths are all identifiable. Bronze Age settlements like the impressive Ses Paisses can also be visited.

Religious Sights in Mallorca

Mallorca is overflowing with history which is evident from the high number of churches and cathedrals all around the island.

Almost every village, town and city in Mallorca has a beautiful church right at its centre, some more famous or distinctive than others. Most of them have roots in the Middle Ages and boast unique art pieces inside combined with majestic façades designed to stun visitors outside. If you can see only one, Palma’s Gothic cathedral, the most famous historical landmark on the island, should definitely be on your list.

If you're keen on getting away from the more touristy hot spots, try driving (or hiking) to a hilltop sanctuary to experience 'the other Mallorca' providing peace and quiet far away from the crowds. There are several chapels, hermitages, sanctuaries and monasteries dotted throughout the island, mainly dating back to medieval times. Originally inhabited by monks, they were places of pilgrimage. Nowadays, they provide excellent starting points for hikes, and you can spend the night in some of them in fairly basic but cheap accommodation.

Rocks & Caves in Mallorca

Whilst the island boasts around 200 cave systems, two of them are renowned for being some of the most impressive in Europe. To see magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations, head to the east coast of Mallorca to embark on one of the guided tours of either Cuevas del Drach or Cuevas de Artà. Unique rock formations are a common sight in Mallorca so it is likely you will come across some on your stay especially if you venture towards the smaller bays.

Museums & Galleries in Mallorca

There is a superb range of art galleries, both private and public, as well as museums in Mallorca, You can see works by Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and many other top-tier artists here, as well as exhibitions specialising in different interests from the history of Mallorca through to the tradition of Mallorcan pottery or antique toys.

Vineyards in Mallorca

Mallorca is quietly building a reputation for fine wines. Since the 1990s, local winemakers have turned the industry around and are now producing award-winning stunning wines. Native grapes include Callet, Manto Negro and Moll, and these are generally blended with imported grape varieties to produce full bodied reds, fresh rosés and thirst quenching whites. Plenty of vineyards are open for tours and tastings. Even if you don't have time to visit, we'd recommend you try a bottle at one of the local restaurants as not many Mallorcan wines make it off the island.

Hiking in Mallorca

The dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in west Mallorca and the more modest Serra de Llevant mountains in the east see more walkers each year, so grab those hiking boots from the cupboard before packing your bags to visit the island. The best time for hiking is probably autumn, spring or late summer when the temperatures are slightly cooler and the crowds have disappeared. Spring is also a wonderful time to walk through the countryside when flowers and greenery fill the landscapes.

Villas in Mallorca

Villa holidays have been popular in Mallorca for decades. There is quite a collection of villas on the island, with an array of sizes, prices and styles available, with or without swimming pools! It is a particularly popular choice of accommodation for families and groups of friends looking for flexibility and privacy. Villas can often spark interest amongst groups seeking the best value for money accommodation. Nonetheless, there's a villa for everyone and for every budget, from cheap and cheerful, through to traditional farmhouse finca, and topping out with some serious luxury. Properties are scattered throughout the island but with a concentration of property rentals on the north and west coast.

Cycling in Mallorca

In recent years, Mallorca has become increasingly popular with cyclists thanks to its mild winters and varied terrain. There are the Serra de Tramuntana mountains to explore for the brave, and charming lanes and coastal cycle paths to those looking for something more leisurely. The north west of Mallorca is the most popular, be sure to check out the scenic towns of Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller whilst you are at it. Alcúdia and Pollença are also desirable spots for keen cyclists, so much so Bradley Wiggins has a base there. It is possible to hire a bike in almost every town on the island and there is a range of bikes available so that even the most amateur cyclist can explore the island’s beautiful countryside by bike.

Dining in Mallorca

Mallorca is gaining a reputation for its first class restaurants and local gastronomy. There are even several Michelin-starred eateries popping up all over the island. Many local chefs who have trained overseas and made a name for themselves have returned to the island to set up restaurants serving up traditional Mallorcan cuisine with an innovative twist. These restaurants tend to offer tasting menus, which are an excellent way of sampling local cuisine at very reasonable prices. Whilst Palma is the island's gastronomic haven serving up something for everyone, Mallorca's coastline also offers many opportunities to find a dining spot with spectacular sea views. 

Towns & Villages in Mallorca

There are many beautiful, unspoilt villages to explore across Mallorca, each with its own distinctive character and strong sense of tradition. In the west, Deià and Valldemossa sit within the Tramuntana mountains, long favoured by affluent visitors, while Sóller charms with striking architecture and citrus groves. In the north, Pollença features historic lanes and squares. Central Sineu offers a traditional Wednesday market, while eastern Artà and Santanyí showcase artistic flair and medieval character.

Guides & Tours in Mallorca

If the thought of hiking, biking and getting wet is all a bit too ‘action’ focused, the Palma to Sóller vintage train ride is one the most popular day trips in Mallorca. The immaculately kept antique wooden carriages run along a 27km narrow gauge railway through valleys full of olive, orange and almond groves to the beautiful town of Sóller, deep within the Tramuntana mountains. A connecting tram ride takes you on a short 5km trip to Port de Sóller which has one of the west coast's only sandy beaches.

Ports & Marinas in Mallorca

Explore Mallorca’s stunning coastline at your own pace on a luxury yacht charter. You can charter a yacht from one of the many companies on the island which can usually be found in ports and marinas. The ports and marinas are also where you can indulge in some of the island's swankier restaurants serving international food whilst enjoying a spot of people watching. Wherever you decide to go, it's worth calling up the restaurant in advance to avoid disappointment.

Themeparks, Adventure & Waterparks in Mallorca

For family-friendly fun, there are plenty of things to do with children on the island. Among the most popular family activities are theme parks and waterparks. Mallorca's theme parks cater for most age ranges. Activities like crazy golf, tree top adventure, paint balling and go-karting are some of the most popular. Mallorca's waterparks are the perfect place for families and groups to enjoy the hot summer days. With a good selection of slides and slippery rides, they are located in Alcúdia, in the north west, in Playa de Palma and near Magaluf, in the south west.

Things to do in Mallorca

Mallorca is a superb destination for both rock climbing and watersports. Its high-quality limestone offers diverse climbing routes, from single to multi-pitch, alongside world-famous deep water soloing, attracting climbers like Chris Sharma. Along the coast, warm summers and steady breezes create ideal conditions for sailing, scuba diving, wakeboarding and kitesurfing, with plenty of centres offering lessons, equipment hire, and high-speed thrills such as jet skiing.

Things To Do in Mallorca

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Palma

6 reasons to escape to Palma this winter 2019/20

Palma de Mallorca often surprises visitors with its beauty, style and lively yet intimate atmosphere. Home to half the island’s population, it offers top restaurants, shops, nightlife and a thriving arts scene. Its standout landmark, Palma Cathedral, rises above a maze of cobbled streets filled with museums and courtyards. The marina and seafront promenade are highlights, while an urban beach with clubs and restaurants lies just east of the centre.

Events

What's on in Mallorca July 2019

Mallorca hosts a packed calendar of events for all interests, from classical concerts and international DJs to wine fairs, regattas and market days. Traditional fiestas, often rooted in religion or history, bring towns to life with music, dancing and street celebrations. The island also boasts a vibrant live music scene and diverse sporting events, including cycling races, marathons and La Liga matches, ensuring something for everyone year-round.

Beaches

Mallorca in top 10 most popular destinations 2020

Mallorca offers beaches ranging from long white sandy stretches to secluded rocky coves. The east coast is known for picturesque bays and clear waters, while the west is more rugged with cliffs. Popular resort areas in the south-west and north feature stylish beach clubs and family-friendly facilities. Well-known spots include Playa de Palma, Port de Pollença, Port d'Alcúdia, Magaluf and Cala Millor.

Shopping

Artá Market

Palma de Mallorca is the island’s main shopping hub, with its old town full of independent boutiques, Spanish high street brands and designer labels. Nearby centres like Porto Pi Centro Comercial and FAN Mallorca Shopping add variety. For luxury shopping, head to Puerto Portals or Port Adriano. Across the island, weekly markets offer local produce, crafts, pearls and leather goods.

Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.

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Reset your mind & body in Mallorca autumn 2018
Puerto Portals,

Upcoming Events

The island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.

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Mallorca in March 2020 - What weather to expect & what to do
Mallorca in March 2020 - What weather to expect & what to do
TotalTri Mallorca International Triathlon, Cala Millor
An inviting outdoor patio with wicker tables & lounge seating under a straw pergola, offering a view of a vineyard & trees.
Magaluf Half Marathon
PalmaVela Regatta, Palma