Are you thinking of visiting Mallorca? This gorgeous Spanish balearic island can often be misjudged as being a party island for the “brits abroad” crowd. And, although you can dance ‘til dawn in Magaluf, Mallorca is so much more than this one resort.
Mallorca is a gorgeous island with a historic capital city to explore, a huge variety of beaches and bays, incredible scenery with lots of hikes, and cute towns in the mountains.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Mallorca several times during my adult years and the island never ceases to show me something new.
If you’re thinking of visiting for the first time, or are heading to Mallorca for a repeat visit, here are the best things to do in Mallorca. Add them to your list!
One thing about Mallorca that you might not be aware of are its pretty mountain towns. Valledemossa, Fornalutx and Deia and three of the main places that are worth a visit in the Tramuntana Mountains. These places are easiest to visit by booking a day trip or by hiring your own car. Take your camera as their stone buildings, quiet streets and hilly scenery make for some great photo opportunities!
Read More: The 13 Most Beautiful Towns In Mallorca
The train from Palma to Soller is one of the most wonderful day trips you can do in Mallorca. Buy a ticket from the train station, or book online ahead of time, and hop on this old mode of transport to the mountain town of Soller.
The journey takes around an hour and along the way you’ll stop at Bunyola, make a pit stop for a view over Soller, travel over viaducts and through 13 tunnels before reaching your final destination.
Soller is pretty town where you can easily wile away a few hours. Wander around the narrow streets, stop for fresh orange juice at one of the many cafes, or people watch in the main square before heading back to Palma.
Tickets cost 25 Euros for a return ticket.
Top tip: Get the earliest train possible and book ahead of time if you can. Tickets are limited and can easily sell out on a busy day. If it’s a hot day, it’s also worth taking an electric fan to stay cool!
An additional trip to the Palma to Soller train is the Soller to Port de Soller tram. If you’re able to get the first train from Palma and get the last train back to Palma from Soller, you’ll have more than enough time to include this on your day trip to Soller.
The tram takes around 30 minutes and when you’re in Port de Soller, you can enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants looking out towards the sea or spend an afternoon at the beach. It’s such a scenic area of Mallorca and is well worth the visit if you have the time.
Tickets cost 32 euros for a combined train and tram ticket.
Top tip: Take your swimming gear so you can have a dip in the sea! Also, if you’re staying in Soller or Port de Soller, you can take a trip on the tram independently of the train!
Read More: 5 Great Places To Eat In Port De Soller and Hotel Review | Bikini Island And Mountain Hotel in Port De Soller, Mallorca
A walking tour is always a great way to get your bearings in a new city. If you’re limited on time too, it’s an easy way to see the highlights! Even if you’ve visited Palma before, a walking tour might show you some places you’ve never seen.
There are many companies that do walking tours but we did one with Mallorca Free Tour. Our guide was really knowledgeable, had a mini speaker so we didn’t miss what she was saying, and provided a really comprehensive 2 hour walk around the cathedral and Palma’s Old Town.
Although the tour is free, it’s recommended to give the guide a tip at the end of the tour. Most guests were giving around 10 euros each but it’s whatever you can afford and feel like is a fair price.
You can’t miss Palma Cathedral on a visit to Palma. This 14th Century building also known as Le Seu, is a landmark in the city and is unmissable if you’re arriving by sea. It’s one of Europe’s tallest Gothic structures and a tour inside will give you a unique view of the 61 stained glass windows as well as the central rose window which is most spectacular in the morning light.
Adult tickets are 9 euros with an optional audio tour. A guided tour costs 24 euros for an adult ticket.
The journey to Sa Calobra is an adventure in itself and there’s more on that below! However, the beach at Sa Calobra, one of Mallorca’s most remote beaches, is worth the winding roads!
There are two beaches in Sa Calobra – one is in front of the restaurants and the other is at the end of a narrow paths around the cliffs. When you reach the end of this path, you’ll emerge from a tunnel to an opening at the end of the Torrent de Pareis. This beach is pebbly and has no facilities so come prepared with food and drinks if you’re planning on staying a while.
Read More: A Road Trip Guide To Sa Calobra In Mallorca
Another place to spend a beach day in Mallorca, and I think one of the prettiest beaches I’ve ever seen, is Calo des Moro. Again there are no facilities at this beach, and it’s around a 10 minute walk from the car park but trust me, it’s more than worth it for the views. The bluest of blue water is one of the first things you’ll see but explore a little further and you’ll find an additional beach – Cala s’Almunia which is equally as pretty.
Read More: 7 Of The Best Beaches In Mallorca To See This Summer
The Drach Caves, almost 1200 metres long and 25 metres underground, are definitely one of the best things to do in Mallorca. They’re especially great on a hot day as the caves temperature ranges between 17 ºC to 21 ºC. A tour will take you down to Lake Martell, one of the largest underground lakes in the world and will end with a beautiful concert which really showcases the acoustics of Drach Caves.
Ticket prices are from 9 euros for children and from 16 euros for adults.
These are 8 of the best things to do in Mallorca. Let me know if there’s anything else that needs to be added to the list or if you try out any of the above!