Mallorca (or Majorca as some foreigners call it) in one of the most beautiful Island in the Mediterranean, spectacular views and countryside make this Island a holidaymakers delight.
When exploring Mallorca you will discover a wealth of coves, mountains and secluded beaches, picturesque villages, colourful markets, marinas and the capital Of Palma is a historical, architectural and shopping paradise.
If you are keen to travel to Spain to enjoy amazing resorts and beaches, you will always be able to have the perfect relaxing holiday in Mallorca.
Start planning your a dream trip to Mallorca today.
Mallorca Weather
Mallorca enjoys wonderful weather throughout the year as a Mediterranean Island. Listed below are the average temperatures
Mallorca average temperatures:
Jan – 10°C
Feb – 11°C
Mar – 12°C
Apr – 14°C
May – 16°C
Jun – 21°C
Jul – 24°C
Aug – 24°C
Sept – 23°C
Oct – 18°C
Nov – 14°C
Dec – 11°C
Getting Around
There are many low cost flights from Europe to Mallorca’s main city, Palma de Mallorca. Find cheap flights on Skyscanner.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to travelling around the island. There is a comprehensive bus network that takes you from town to town, or you can hire a car so that you can be in complete control of your itinerary.
Alternatively, you can rent a moped, or work off your meals by cycling. It’s never too far from one town to another, so there’s plenty of time for sight seeing however you choose to travel. Use the local ferry services to visit the other Balearic Islands and make the most of your holiday time.
Best Areas & Places to Stay
These are some of the most popular areas to book hotels.
Magalluf
Anyone in the 18-30 age bracket whose holiday mission is fun, sun and soaking up sangria (or all manner of alcoholic beverages) will have the time of their lives in Mallorca’s raucous party resort. Magalluf, situated about 10 miles (16km) west of Palma has become singleone of Europe’s most popular destinations for young British travellers as well as Hen and Stag parties.
It sports hundreds of bars, discos and clubs, and has a broad range of budget accommodation and restaurants. The resort and its long sandy beach is particularly packed during June, July and August with holidaymakers.
During the off-season it is much quieter with several of the wilder entertainment venues closed, and in recent years has been drawing older clientele and families during this period.
Palma Nova
Together with its neighbour Magalluf, the resort of Palma Nova on the south west coast of Mallorca makes up the most popular holiday area on the island. Situated a few miles west of the capital Palma, and the Son Sant Joan International Airport, most visitors to Palma Nova come on package tours from Britain, intent on enjoying a lively, fun-in-the-sun holiday.
The purpose-built resort offers all you need and more, from lovely beaches to wild nightlife. The three sandy beaches of the holiday strip, Es Carregador, Playa de Palma Nova and Son Maties, are backed by a long promenade and have blue Flag status.
Palma Nova is separated from Europe’s famed party capital Magalluf, by a rocky headland, but the resorts are basically merged into single conglomerate of hotels and apartments offering a range of accommodation from budget self-catering to luxury-serviced suites.
Palma Nova is known as the quieter section of this hedonistic seaside development, and therefore ideal for families.
Santa Ponsa
Situated on the south west coast of Majorca, Santa Ponsa is more than just a popular holiday resort. The town also has an important place in the island’s history, for it was here that Jaime I landed in 1229, to begin his recovery of the island from the Moors. The spot where Jaime I landed is marked with the Cruz de la Conquista, a large cross on the headland, and if you climb up to it you’ll be rewarded with great views.
Nowadays, the lively resort has all the facilities you could wish for – good beaches, white sands, a pretty marina and plenty of shops, restaurants and bars. Santa Ponsa belongs to the bracket of busy family-orientated Majorca resorts with a cheerful and friendly atmosphere. The small village has grown vastly, making it a great base from which to explore either the west coast, with its picturesque villages along the dramatic rocky shoreline, or venture east to taste the nightlife of neighbouring Magaluf.
Santa Ponsa is home to 3 beaches in a long sweeping bay, all of which are family friendly with white sand dipping to clean and shallow water. Regular boat trips leave the beachfront and the marina through the day and are a fantastic way to sightsee as you cruise along the south west coast.
The resort comes alive in the early evening, when the atmosphere is lively and bustling in the many bars that play live music. Though it’s nothing like the Club 18-30 scene at neighbouring Magaluf, making it great for families looking for an activity-filled holiday in Majorca.
The main sandy beach at Santa Ponsa is backed by pine woods, and is very popular at weekends when local families come here for the day. Close to the marina there’s a smaller beach in its own sheltered cove. It’s ideal for children, as the sea is shallow, but it can get crowded at weekends.
Keen golfers looking for a challenge can play on a championship golf course in Santa Ponsa – it hosts the Balearic Open, but is also open to visitors and you can hire clubs and trolleys.
Palma
Palma is the capital of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands and is a busy, cosmopolitan city in true Spanish style. The city centre forms a lively montage of shopping centres, a maze of narrow lanes and restored buildings surrounded by ancient ruined city walls, and modern boulevards.
Palma is a great city to stay if you are after a city break, but for more of a summer holiday I would recommend the other resorts.
Like mainland Spain, Mallorca and Palma itself was under Moorish control between the 9th and 13th centuries until the re-conquest by Jaume I of Aragon. The Moorish heritage is still evident as are the remnants of Palma’s golden years when it rose to wealth and prominence in the 15th century as the prime port of call between Europe and Africa.
Set on the beautiful bay Bahia de Palma, the city became a favoured Royal retreat, which helped it to become the popular holiday destination of the rich and famous. Despite the invasion of foreign tourists Palma has kept its local flavour, particularly in its old quarter lined by cafes and tapas bars. Often the native dialect of mallorquin is the only language heard in the backstreets.
Alcúdia
Alcudia lies in a large bay on the northeast coast, 45km from Palma. It has a splendid beach flanked by a range of amenities geared to holiday makers. The resort offers a variety of family activities and with a water park nearby, it’s clear that children in particular will have a magnificent time here. In addition to the imposing Old Town, discover more about the plush and gripping history of the area.
There are some superb palaces to dazzle your eye and Roman ruins to explore. Alcudia boasts one of the longest beaches in Majorca, 8 kilometres of fine white sand, punctuated now and then by pine-dotted dunes. If you are feeling restless, expend some energy by climbing Sa Talaia d’Alcudia, a hill from which you can see grand views of the bay and the surrounding area.
Alcúdia is a delightful town, surrounded by 14th-century walls, lies at the base of the peninsula separating Pollen Bay from Alcúdia Bay. Originally, this was a Phoenician settlement. Having conquered the island, the Romans built a town here, called Pollentia, which from the 2nd century was the capital of the island. In 456, it was destroyed by the Vandals.
Around the year 800, Moors built their fortress here, naming it Al-Kudia (On the Hill). After the Reconquest, Alcúdia prospered as a trading centre well into the 19th century.
The beautifully restored town is entered through the vast Porta de Moll gate. The Gothic church of Sant Jaume at the centre is 13th-century.
Near the church are a few remains of Roman houses. Adjacent to these is Museu Monogroic, which displays objects from Roman times. On the outskirts of town, along the road to Port d’Alcúdia, is the Oratori de Santa Anna. Built in the early 13th century, it is one of the oldest Mallorcan sanctuaries.
Nearby are the remains of a first-century BC Roman theatre – this is the smallest Roman theatre to have survived in Spain.
Port d’Alcúdia, 2 km (1 mile) south of the town, is the most popular tourist destination on Mallorca’s northeast shores. It has a lovely sandy beach, a marina and a harbour as well as hotels, restaurants and clubs.
The road to Es Mal Pas brings you to Cap des Pinar where, in 1599, Philip II erected a watchtower, Torre Major. A branch road leads to the Ermita de la Victoia. It has a revered 15th-century wooden statue of Victoria, Alcúdia’s patron saint.
C’an Pastilla
Over 50 years ago, C’an Pastilla was one of the initial Mallorcan resorts to gain popularity, particularly with British holidaymakers, and it has started to show its age somewhat. It is set on the island’s south coast, close to the capital Palma, and is right next to Palma’s lively international airport.
C’an Pastilla is linked to the more German-orientated El Arenal by a walkway and has a long, beautiful beach with plenty of sun-loungers and umbrellas. A mini tourist train runs along the sea front and also links the resort to El Arenal.
C’an Pastilla is a low-key resort, with much of the nightlife centring on British-style bars and hotel entertainment; El Arenal tends to offer more in the way of nightlife.
The town itself consists of a crowded prime strip, with a range of restaurants, bars and petite shops as well as an attractive marina. There are various watersports on offer, as well as the enormous waterpark at El Arenal and a mini-golf course, jeep safaris, cruises and more.
A regular bus service runs to Palma de Mallorca and there are also neighbouring villages and historical sites to explore. More often than not, C’an Pastilla is merely a stop off point for visitors to the island, but those who stay can expect a delightful beach holiday.
C’an Picafort
C’an Picafort is a relatively big resort situated on the north east coast of Mallorca on the gorgeous Bay of Alcudia, about an hour away from Palma. The resort grew from a small fishing village (remains of which can be seen in the town’s working harbour) and today, spreads along a grid of petite streets near the main beach.
Pedestrian-friendly with a promenade ideal for evening strolls, the resort has become popular with those seeking a relaxing beachside getaway. There are many bars, restaurants and nightclubs and plenty of shops and a bustling market on Fridays.
C’an Picafort is also right next to Son Baulo, which has its own beach, shops and restaurants. There are many activities to indulge in during the day such as cruises, horse riding, jeep safaris, go-karting, biking and watersports, and excursions to neighbouring areas provide a more local Spanish flavour. Santa Margalida has more than 150 archaeological sites, including the Son Real Necropolis (also known as the Cemetery of the Phoenicians) that was used as a burial site from the Iron Age to Roman times.
The nearby S’Albufera Wetlands Park offers first-rate bird-watching opportunities and a chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna. (photo:Li-sung)
Cala d’Or
Like most resorts in Mallorca, Cala d’Or (Golden Cove) evolved from a small fishing village. ‘Discovered’ by a group of avant-garde artistes in the 1930′s, their whitish, flat-roofed houses around the scenic fishing harbour lead Cala d’Or to become a likeable spot to have a holiday home or an ideal location for a relaxing seaside holiday.
The original village and harbour were situated in one of the small rocky coves which abound on Mallorca’s east coast. The resort has now spread out to encompass many of these coves, all now beset with enchanting hotels, apartment blocks and villas.
It is a very chic resort, recommended for families because most establishments cater extremely well for children. There are numerous adjacent smaller resorts and quaint villages clustered around the calas all along the south-east coastline which means visitors can make excursions to explore the delights of places like Cala Egos, Puerto Petro, Cala Mondrago, Cala Figuera, Cala Santanyi and Cala Llombarts.
The Cala d’Or marina is the heart of the east coast resort area, attracting the fashionable yachting set.
Cala Millor
Cala Millor is the liveliest and largest holiday resort on Mallorca’s rugged north-east coast. The name means ‘better bay’, which is indicative of its prime attraction: a mile or more long stretch of sandy beach, which slopes gently into a crystal clear azure sea, protected at each end by rocky headlands. Sunbeds, parasols and pedalos can be hired for the day by sunseekers.
The rest of the island’s east coast is lined with inlets and coves, which are fun to explore. Cala Millor developed as a favourite tourist destination from one hotel, the Eureka, built in the 1930s, and is now a lively enclave of high-rise hotels and apartment blocks, slowly merging into neighbouring resorts along the coast, fronted by a broad pedestrian promenade along its alluring beach.
Adjacent to Millor, across the headland to the north, is the quieter and more conventional resort of Cala Bona, while a few miles to the south is the well-known resort of Sa Coma.
Cala Millor is about 40 miles from the Son Sant Joan International airport in the south of the island. The area is packed with shops, markets, entertainment venues, bars and restaurants to ensure non-stop fun in the sun, particularly fit for family holidays.
Cala San Vicente
Cala San Vincente is a beautiful little resort set in what is still essentially a fishing village. Situated on the north eastern coast, about three miles from Pollensa, Cala San Vincente boasts spectacular scenery, appealing old houses and three beaches. This is not the place to come for all-night parties or immense hotel complexes, but suits those seeking to relax and enjoy the character of the area.
The prime beach is Cala Barques, where holidaymakers can expect to share the space with local fishermen repairing nets, as well as their equipment! There are also many beachside restaurants and bars on offer. Tucked around a rocky hillock is the tiny, but often crowded Cala Clara beach. A little bit further on is the popular swimming beach of Cala Molins, whose sand is imported each year.
The water is mild and crystal clear and ideal for swimmers, and the views are spectacular. There is not much in the way of shopping on offer in Cala San Vincente besides the basics, but the nearby town of Pollensa offers a greater selection and a bustling Sunday market, as well as many historic buildings.
A popular local attraction is a series of prehistoric man-made caves while closer to Pollensa are the Calvari steps; 365 tree-lined steps that lead up to the minute Calvari church and its antique wooden cross. For the less culturally inclined, a mini golf course is also on offer.
Calas de Mallorca
The casual and relaxing purpose-built resort of Calas de Mallorca is in the centre of the east coast of the island, close to the towns of Manacor and Felanitx. The resort is set on a cliff top with beautiful views and good beaches and is popular with families with young children.
Playa Domingos is the main beach and offers calm, crystal clear water that is ideal for snorkelling. The town itself offers a number of bars and restaurants, supermarkets, a few discos as well as shops selling the typical collection of souvenirs, jewellery and leather. Those fatigued of exploring these on foot can hop on the ‘tourists train’ that loops through the resort streets.
Much of the entertainment in Calas de Mallorca is offered by the hotels but for the more adventurous, hiring a car is the best way to explore the coastline and neighbouring areas. Neighbouring attractions include the Majorca Pearl factory in Manacor, the Caves of Drach, an aquarium and several fun parks.
Puerto Pollensa
The quiet resort of Puerto Pollensa stretches along a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay lined with sandy beaches. Set against the backdrop of the Boquer mountain range on the north coast of Mallorca, the resort has grown up around the picturesque fishing port that serves the scenic Roman town of Pollensa.
Quieter and more relaxed than the lively resorts of Magalluf and Palma Nova, Puerto Pollensa predominently attracts families and couples. Holidaymakers generally take inclusive packages at the resort’s family hotels, or rent luxury villas on the port. Cafes, restaurants and tourist shops line the celebrated Pine Walk promenade along with some graceful hotels, which overlook the broad sandy beach and the bay.
S’illot
S’illot is on the east coat of Mallorca and combines the larger resort town of Sa Coma and the smaller town of Cala Moreya. Cala Moreya is separated from Sa Coma by a fresh water lagoon and is within easy walking distance. Originally a fishing village, the Cala Moreya fishermen still pull in their boats each evening and haul them up a ramp at the end of the small beach.
The village has retained its appeal and visitors to the S’Illot area have the option of enjoying the peace and tranquillity of Cala Moreya, or the livelier aspects of its more upmarket neighbour Sa Coma.
Both towns have superb beaches though the beach at Sa Coma is much larger, and there are numerous good restaurants, bars and shops to explore.
S’illot is popular with English families and couples seeking a peaceful resort, with the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement on offer.
Sa Coma
Aside from the gorgeous beaches, Sa Coma’s surrounding countryside and the discovery of prehistoric remains attract nature lovers and sun-seekers alike.
Its amenities are more directed towards the family holiday and the surrounding area offers both tennis and cycling as well as a host of other activities including a small safari park or a visit to the nearby Porto Cristo, a Mallorcan port with plenty of traditional flavour.
Sa Coma is possibly the most modern resort on Majorca’s eastern shores yet it retains its traditional Spanish beauty and appeal.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Some of the more popular places to visit include Illetas, Cala D’or, Cala San Vincente, Porto Pollensa, Formentor, Puerto De Soler, Deya, Puigpunyent, Santa Maria, Pagera, Playa Sa Coma and Porreres.
These are some of the most popular things to do in Mallorca.
Explore Palma – the Capital
As Majorca’s biggest city and capital, Palma is something of a must-visit attraction. There is a lot to see here, not least of all its beautiful architecture, and one of the best ways to appreciate it is to wander among the buildings at your leisure.
Palma de Mallorca is one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. The capitol of the Balearic Islands deserves a thorough exploring. This is a typical Mediterranean city, bathed in the rays of the hot sun. In addition to palm trees and bobbing yachts there are numbers of magnificent monuments.
Old narrow streets are filled with historic buildings. The most iconic of them, the massive Gothic cathedral La Seu, is one of the finest churches of Spain. La Seu’s construction started in the early 1230s and lasted for over 400 years.
The cathedral is 6660 meter square and can be spotted from almost every corner of the city. As in the majority of Majorca, you can see that plenty of cash has been invested to keep the city clean and very touristy.
The Old Quarter of Palma is the best place to start as, unsurprisingly, this is where you’ll find many of its most famous monuments, including the impressive cathedral. Opposite the place of worship is the Almudaina Palace, a striking building that was originally a residence for Majorca’s monarchs, but now houses a museum.
If you’ve got a passion for art, meanwhile, don’t miss the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, where there are pieces by the likes of Gauguin, Picasso, Barcelo and Cezanne, to name a few. You’ll find the gallery on Paseo Sagrera Avenue.
Es Trenc Beach
Majorca is famous for its beautiful beaches. On the island you will find both long and sandy or smaller and rocky sheltered bays. The one that is particularly worth seeing is Es Tranc beach in the south of the island. It is 4 kilometres long with white sand and turquoise water. The southern part of the beach is normally occupied by naturists.
Deia
Deia is considered to be one of the prettiest villages on the island of Majorca. It is located in the mountains on the north coast, about 10 km from Valldemossa. What captivates tourists here are stone houses with green shutters, steep narrow streets, beautiful church, many galleries, fine restaurants and luxury hotels. The medieval character of the village is still maintained, as even new buildings are erected in the old style.
Cap de Formentor
Fermentor is a peninsula extending 20 km north-west of the island. This is another place not to be missed in Mallorca, as it overs stunning and unforgettable views of the coast line. The road up the hill leads to the Cap de Formenter lighthouse, where you a viewpoint is located. The lighthouse was built in 1860. You can also hike to get to the top but I must warn you that this is a challenge for very fit people!
Valldemossa
Valldemossa is a small Spanish town located at a distance of 17 km from the capital – Palma. The town is picturesquely situated on a kill at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana. Steep, narrow streets and stone houses are glued to the mountain slopes.
Most Beautiful Beaches in Mallorca
Mallorca is blessed with an abundance of sprawling beaches but why not veer away from the tourist hotspots and spend the week on a secluded white sand paradise? Head to the Migjorn area in the south of the island where you will reach the gorgeous Santanyi region.
It is a beach lover’s heaven with white sands and turquoise waters. While the majority of the island can lay claim to providing the same, it is the view that sets Santanyi apart from the rest.
Life in this part of the island is much different to the popular north-west and you will find the peaceful nature absolute bliss. As such these beaches provide no tourist amenities so it is an adventure in itself just to reach them.
While Cala Llombards and Es Calo des Moro are favourites among sun worshippers, head further south to the Es Caragol beach for the best-kept secret in the Balearics. The beach is only 500 metres long but the seclusion creates a sense of tranquility other parts of the island simply can not provide.
Best Walks & Hikes
Mallorca boasts a wealth of fascinating cultural attractions, as well as some excellent hiking routes. You’ll get to experience some of Majorca’s most striking natural landscapes and encounter a bit of history along the way. These are some of the best walking trails.
Andratx to Sant Elm
As well as discovering Majorca’s cities, it’s important to spend time in the island’s rural areas to get a good overview of life here. There are some delightful trails that run between various villages, with the walk from the port of Andratx to the village of Sant Elm being particularly lovely.
This path covers around 7 km and will lead you along a stretch of the isle’s southern coastline with wonderful views out to sea. As you stroll, you’ll pass Sant Elm castle, which dates back to the 13th century, before you arrive in the village of the same name. This is a really chilled out seaside resort that’s a great place to unwind in for a few days before you continue your travels.
Cami del Correu (the Postal Trail)
This is a wonderful walk that boasts a lot of historical attractions, not to mention the fact that the route itself was once the road used by postal workers who travelled between the villages of Esporles and Banyalbufar. You’ll begin in the former of these, winding up in the latter.
The hike will lead you through a section of holm oak forest and promises amazing views of the coast, too. As it’s only a 4 km walk, you can take your time and enjoy some of the attractions along the way. Make sure you stop at Sa Granja – a farmstead that’s now an ethnology museum dedicated to showcasing and preserving Majorcan traditions. There’s also a restaurant here that serves up local specialities, so it’s a good place to visit for lunch.
If that piques your interest in Majorcan crafts, leave time to call in at Lafiore – a blown-glass factory – before you complete your walk in Banyalbufar.
Plan a Trip to Mallorca
It is easy to see why Mallorca is one of the most popular island to visit in Europe, the beaches, weather, friendly locals and incredible places to stay all add to the magic. If you are open to more Spanish destinations view my Menorca travel tips or travel guide to Ibiza.