The pearl of the Mediterranean and the largest island of the Balearic archipelago, Majorca is one of the world’s most popular resorts for a reason. Here centuries-old history is intertwined with unique architecture, first-class beaches and azure sea. Mallorca’s natural beauty amazes with the variety of landscapes: tropical jungles and coniferous forests, winding mountain roads and picturesque villages, bizarre caves, waterfalls and bays will not leave indifferent even the most experienced traveler.
Incredibly delicious traditional cuisine and organic winemaking, elite restaurants (including Michelin-starred restaurants), well-developed hotel and transportation infrastructure, vibrant nightlife, and the opportunity to combine a vacation on the islands with a trip to Europe have made Mallorca an attractive destination for celebrity tourism: celebrities often come here. If you are going on a trip to this amazing island, you can be sure that the time spent here will be unforgettable and the desire to return will be constant.
What to see in Mallorca: island sights
One of Majorca’s most important assets is its rich history, reflected in its colonial architecture and ancient ruins. It is famous for its ancient castles and fortresses, referring back to the times when the Arabs and the kings of Aragon ruled here. I will tell you about what to see, taste and where to go on the island.
Palma de Mallorca
The capital of the island and one of the most culturally fascinating cities in Spain. Walking through the historic center, you will see masterpieces of Gothic and Moorish architecture: churches, cathedrals, palaces and castles, fountains and bridges, striking in their grandeur and variety of styles.
Santa Maria or La Seu Cathedral
The construction of the main monument of Palma de Mallorca began in the early 13th century after the liberation of Mallorca from the Moors and lasted more than 400 years, which was reflected in the external appearance of the Gothic building. The influence of the Renaissance, Baroque and, of course, the Moorish heritage is clearly visible. At the beginning of the 20th century, Antonio Gaudi, the superstar of Art Nouveau architecture, worked on the restoration of the cathedral.
The facade of the temple, as well as its interior decoration, is impressive with many details: massive socket windows that allow light and shadow to play, sculptures, carved doors, paintings, statues and the main altar decorated with gold and crystals – it can take more than one hour to see this miracle of architecture!
Almudaina Palace
This palace was built in the thirteenth century on the principle of the Alcazar, an Arab fortress, to protect the city from attacks. One of the oldest buildings on the island, it was rebuilt in the 14th century and lost its original function as the residence of the Spanish royal family. It still owns half of the building and the rest is occupied by the National Museum.
Be sure to check out the royal courtyard: there is a Gothic chapel of St. Anne of the XIV century, the entrance to which is decorated with sculptures of mythical animals.
Almudaina is not just a palace, but a whole complex of buildings and a garden with fountains. Inside there are ancient tapestries and carpets of different epochs, rugs, paintings, frescoes, medieval fireplaces and armor, outside there is a powerful facade, the edges of which are crowned by four watchtowers. One of them is called the Tower of Heads, on which the heads of executed criminals were once left for instruction.
The palace is open for visits in summer from 10:00 to 19:00 and in winter from 10:00 to 18:00. Tickets can be purchased online, basic tickets cost 7 euros.
The ruins of Arab baths
If you want to experience the period of Moorish rule over Mallorca, I recommend a walk through the ruins of the Arab baths, which are located within the old town. Once upon a time, they were just part of the luxurious palace of one of the richest Muslims living in the area.
According to another version, they belonged to the modern Almudaina. The baths date back to the X-XI centuries and are immersed in greenery – the buildings are hidden in the middle of a lush garden. Entrance costs 2.5 euros.
Belver Castle
To see another of Mallorca’s most important pieces of architecture, you have to climb the mountain. Construction of Belver Castle began at the very beginning of the 14th century, commissioned by the royal family. This Gothic-style building looks like something that might well have appeared on a Game of Thrones screensaver, with its unusual round shape and four towers – three small and one large.
If you’re interested in music, check out the announcements on the castle and museum website – sometimes there are wonderful classical music concerts in the courtyard.
Throughout its existence, the Belver has changed its purpose several times: from the 18th century it was used as a prison for political criminals, and now it is a working museum dedicated to the history of Palma. It is open to the public from 10:00 to 18:00 from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 15:00 on Sunday and holidays, Monday is a day off.
Alcudia
This charming fortress town in the north of the island can be reached in an hour by bus from Palma or 40 minutes by car. Alcudia will appeal to those attracted to medieval architecture and shopping. On Tuesday and Sunday from 8:30 to 13:30 the narrow streets of the old center turn into a huge market where you can buy everything from leather and jewelry and clothes to spices and vegetables.
But that’s not all! Alcudia also preserves remnants of the Roman Empire’s grandeur: there is a real archaeological park called “Pollentia” with excavations of a Roman settlement and an amphitheater.
After a stroll through the ancient ruins, you can settle down in the pedestrian square in the heart of the city and lazily watch the passers-by with a glass of wine and a snack. The Can Polit restaurant, which offers Spanish classics such as fresh fish and seafood tapas and brochettes (small meat and vegetable kebabs), is a great place for this.
Valldemossa
The Sierra de Tramontana mountain range along Mallorca’s northwest coast is home to many pretty villages that look like they’ve stepped out of a postcard. Valldemossa itself is no exception. With the tops of medieval churches, cobbled streets and cats lounging in the sun against a backdrop of mesmerizing mountain scenery, it feels as if time has stood still here.
The area is also rich in architectural monuments: the Cartesian monastery, where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand once spent the winter together (rumor has it that no one wanted to rent an apartment to the scandalous couple). The building was originally used as a royal residence until it was handed over to the Cartesian monks in 1399. Arched corridors lead you to the cells, which have become themed museums.
Sollier
Soller is extremely well located. This typical medieval town with cobbled streets lined with traditional houses with green shutters is set amidst the mountainous beauty of the Sierra de Tramontana and lush valleys of orange trees. The latter are considered one of Mallorca’s trademarks.
Among the sights I will highlight the Gothic Church of St. Bartolomeo, which bears Baroque and Art Nouveau features (its facade was designed by Gaudi’s pupil) and the Can Pruner Museum, which occupies an Art Nouveau mansion where works by Picasso, Miró, Matisse, Basquiat and Magritte are on display.
For those who can’t sit still, Soller is the ideal starting point for numerous easy hiking routes in the Sierra de Tramontana or along the coastline. The same goes for cyclists, whether beginners or professionals, with roads and paths to choose from of varying degrees of difficulty.
The fruitful surroundings of Soller, Deià and Fornaluch are called the Valley of Oranges: in spring and summer, the aroma of citrus fruits makes you dizzy. In spring, this abundance is celebrated for about two weeks at the Orange Fair (Fira de la Taronja). During this time, the market stalls are bursting with all sorts of products based on oranges, pomelos and lemons, and restaurants are inviting you to taste dishes with these ingredients.
Petra and Sineu
There are many curious towns lurking in central Mallorca, surrounded by farmland. Petra is known as the birthplace of Fray Junípero Serra, the missionary who many claim was responsible for the founding of California.
The sleepy streets of Petra will appeal to those who love peace and quiet, with the high points of the city offering magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, with windmills and vineyards scattered throughout. Organic winemaking enthusiasts can sign up for a tour or tasting.
In Sineu (20 minutes by car from Petra) there is a market on Wednesdays, where you can finally feel like a local – tourists rarely come here. It’s easy to find: listen for the bleating of sheep as farmers come from all over the area to sell their livestock. The majestic Convent de la Concepció, once a palace for the royal family, and St. Mary’s Church, with its huge bell tower and museum of medieval pottery, tower over the town.
Port d’Andraich and Sa-Dragonera
Surrounded on both sides by rocky headlands, the fishing harbor of Port d’Andraich is one of Mallorca’s most sought-after resorts. It has everything for swimming, sailing and luxury vacations.
Along the harbor stretch marinas, piers, boat rentals, sailing clubs, swimming pools, cafes and restaurants overlooking the sea, where fish and seafood are served. As for beaches, they are not plentiful, but there are designated bathing areas, just not as extensive as in the rest of Mallorca.
A short boat ride and you’re in the Sa Dragonera Nature Park, a tiny uninhabited island shaped like a dragon (hence the name). The protected area is particularly famous for its huge population of lizards, some of which are quite unique: they cannot be found in any other part of the world.
Capdeper Castle
Another important historical monument of Mallorca is located on top of a mountain in the northeastern part of the island. Capdenera Castle is actually a fortress built in the 14th century to provide shelter for the local population and to protect them from possible attacks by pirates. It was abandoned and forgotten in 1854 until the end of the 20th century, when it was finally handed over to the local authorities.
Now the castle works as a museum: here you can get acquainted with exhibits telling the history of the island. There are panoramic views of the coastline and the town of the same name – a must-see after a long tour of the surrounding countryside, and one of the towers is home to falcons and owls!
Dragon Caves
Mallorca is famous for its caves! One of the most beautiful and tourist favorite, the Dragon Cave, is located in the east and is characterized by amazing shapes and reliefs of the walls, as well as bizarre stalagmites and stalactites. In general, it is a series of caves with several underground lakes, and in some places you may even be lucky enough to see rock paintings – people once lived here.
Together with the color palette of illumination all this creates a truly dizzying spectacle. Sometimes there are short concerts of classical music here – an unforgettable experience.
Beaches of Mallorca
Mallorca boasts a huge number of immaculate beaches, often flowing seamlessly from one to the next: many of them are Blue Flag certified, a certificate of superior quality for the pickiest beach lover. I’ve selected a few for you – to suit all tastes.
Cala S’Almonia
The rocky cove of S’Almonia in the south-eastern part of Mallorca is hidden amongst the pine trees. For those for whom comfort is paramount, this place is strictly contraindicated: you will have to get to the steep natural stairs, there is no beach infrastructure, and the nearest restaurant is several kilometers away.
And the beach itself is tiny (only 10 meters in length) – if there will be more people here, it is likely to have to leave things on the rocks that surround S’Almonia from all sides. And sometimes you have to jump off them too – sometimes you can’t even see the sand.
Near S’Almonia are the slightly more popular beaches of Calo des Moro and Cala Marmols. To see them all, take a scenic walk along the coast to the Ses Salines Lighthouse, the southernmost point of the island, for fantastic views of the various rock formations and azure water.
If you don’t want to go all the way, at least visit Calo de Moro, lovingly dubbed ‘Mallorca’s last paradise’ by locals. Unfortunately, the elderly and sedentary will have to look for other options: the descent is very difficult almost everywhere.
S’Illot (Alcudia)
The white sandy beaches of Port d’Alcudia are undoubtedly worth a visit, but the real highlight of the region is the string of quiet coves framed by pine groves to the north-east of Alcudia. One of these is S’Illot, which means “little island” in Catalan. S’Illot got this name because of the rock in the sea right in front of it (you can climb it if you want). This is a good place for those who are tired of tourist-filled resorts and loud entertainment.
Kala Deya
A 10-minute drive from Deia is another paradise for those who prioritize peace and fabulous views. There are many sacrifices to be made: it’s a wild and rocky beach, so you’ll need comfortable shoes and perhaps a sun lounger or chair to make yourself comfortable.
You probably won’t be able to enjoy the view all by yourself – this place is very popular with artists, who set up their easels here and soak up the beauty of the surrounding nature from morning to night. However, there are a couple of restaurants serving freshly caught seafood with terraces directly facing the sea, and high cliffs leading to pine forests.
Cala d’Op
This resort will suit those who do not like to choose: staying in Cala D’Op, you can visit both wild beaches and quite comfortable and equipped with everything you need. All of them are located in charming coves within walking distance of each other: tiny Cala Serena, luxurious Cala Ferrera and Cala Esmeralda, vast Cala Gran and many others. Pine trees, cliffs, white sand and a variety of restaurants, bars and hotels attract masses of tourists during the peak season: so get ready to share the fun with other vacationers.
Playa Ciudad Hardin
Located five kilometers from the capital of Majorca, the beach of Ciudad Hardin is an ideal option for those who are not spoiled by crowds of people, infrastructure and water activities. 450 meters of snow-white sand, easy access to the water, clean and calm sea (the beach is marked by the “blue flag”), an endless succession of cafes and bars, sun beds, umbrellas, toilets and showers, lifeguards, playgrounds for children – it seems as if you were somewhere in Miami.
When to go to Mallorca
Mallorca is visited all year round: the climate is very mild and even in winter the temperature rarely drops below 17 degrees Celsius. If you are ready to sacrifice beach vacation and swimming – come in winter or in the first months of spring: in this period there are fewer people and you can enjoy all the beauty of the island in a relaxed atmosphere. Moreover, prices are much lower during this time than during the bathing season.
The ideal time to explore the island on foot or by bike is in March and April. During these months, everything starts to bloom and fragrance, and the cities host many notable festivals and other events. Source: DJ Nick-otronic / mpon9jlNK4k Unsplash
The beach season starts in May and ends in September-October. At this time, especially during the school vacation months, resort towns are flooded with tourists, so look what you value more: peace of mind or the opportunity to sunbathe in the sun. If you do decide to buy tickets during the peak season, it is better to buy them for September: the temperature is more gentle and there are fewer people.
Palma festivals and celebrations
Festival Palma de Mallorca is a must for anyone who wants to embrace the island’s festive culture and traditions, just have a good time and watch the locals party and relax.
Nit de Sant Joan
One of the most popular celebrations takes place on the night of June 23-24, followed by the daytime Festival of San Juan. In Eastern Slavic tradition, this is Ivan Kupala, the day of the summer solstice, which praises blossoming and fertility and has its roots deep in paganism. With the advent of Christianity, this day became identified with John the Baptist – the Spanish St. Juan.
The religious aspect is not so important nowadays: during the holiday, fireworks are set off in the towns and villages of the island, torches and bonfires are lit on the beaches and meat is grilled. A tribute to paganism, bathing at midnight is believed to revitalize the body and purify the soul.
Another peculiar ritual on the night of St. Juan will appeal to those who are fascinated by pagan echoes in modern times: just like on Ivan Kupala, on the beaches of Palma on the night of June 24 people jump over a bonfire. As they should, three times. Source: egplatero / Flickr
The wildest fun is, of course, centered in Palma, on Playa de Palma beach and Parque de la Mar. The whole town comes alive with drumming, people dancing to folk tunes and the smell of national cuisine wafting through the air. The Night of St. Juan or the Night of Lights begins with a ritualistic run of people dressed as demons and devils and juggling fire to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. This madness is called “krefok” and symbolizes the victory of good over evil: this is how the area is cleansed of ghosts and pest demons.
St. Sebastian Festival
Winter holidays in Mallorca do not end after Christmas: during the whole week, starting from the night of January 19 to 20, Palma hosts an incredibly colorful festival dedicated to the patron saint of the capital – Saint Sebastian. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, when Mallorca was under the rule of the kings of Aragon – it is believed that the saint saved Palma from the plague. In 1524, a bone from his relics was brought here, which, according to the belief, put an end to the epidemic that swept the city.
All seven days in Palma feature free musical performances, parades, dance and pyrotechnic shows, cooking workshops and fairs. On the eve of the festival’s climax on January 19, a giant fire-breathing dragon appears in one of the main squares of the Plaza de Corte and a parade of drummers process to the Plaza Mayor, where a fire is lit to mark the beginning of the festivities. Locals leave their homes to join in bonfires and family barbecues, with music blaring from just about every corner.
Fira del Ram
Those who come with children or simply miss their childhood should absolutely visit the Fira del Ram fair: it takes place annually and lasts almost two months. Locals joke that spring is just around the corner when the attractions start to appear on the skyline of the capital.
Tens of thousands of people come to this event – and it is not by chance: the “menu” of Fira del Ram includes more than 150 attractions, including a 60-meter Ferris wheel, numerous carousels and stalls where you can win a plush animal for the dexterity of your hands.
All this fun is accompanied by the aromas of churros, crepes, waffles and cotton candy – such a cheerful atmosphere is sure to cheer up not only a child, but even the most bored adult.
How to get to and around Mallorca
You can get to the island by airplane. There are no direct flights to Mallorca, only connecting flights. A convenient option, for example, is to fly to Palma via Belgrade or Abu Dhabi. The journey in this case will take a little less than a day.
If you are planning to travel around the island, the best option is to rent a car. The roads are excellent, there are signposts and gas stations everywhere, and the views are great, especially if you take a route through the mountains. You can rent a car from National, Hertz and Sixt and other international companies.
Check the availability of cars on the sites and carefully read about insurance (what exactly they cover). In terms of documents, everything is very simple: age from 21 years, international license and driving experience of more than 3 years.
For those who don’t drive, buses and trains are the only way to get around – but no worries! Majorca has city, intercity and tourist buses, all of which are quite comfortable and air-conditioned. Tickets can be bought from the driver, at the bus station or from tobacconists.
The railroad connection is also quite well developed: from Palma you can get to most major cities by a new and comfortable train. Don’t forget that at the stop you have to press the exit button yourself, but you can easily buy tickets from the conductor if you didn’t have time at the station. Some train routes, admittedly, deserve special attention: such, for example, is the direction of Palma-Soller. The road passes through mountains, forests, plains and several tunnels, and the train itself is ancient, from the beginning of the XX century.
What to try in Mallorca
Mallorca serves Mediterranean and Spanish classics: you will find both meat and fish items on the menu, but I recommend emphasizing the latter – after all, you are on an island. Paella of meat and/or seafood, grilled octopus and squid, shrimp in butter with garlic sauce, baked and fried sea fish, fresh oysters, pasta, chowder – there is something for everyone.
Pa-amb-oli is a typical appetizer of the entire Balearic archipelago. It simply means “bread with olive oil” – and in general, the name sums up the whole essence of the dish. The base is slices of local bread, which are toasted, rubbed with garlic and tomato, and finally drizzled with olive oil. Of course, the matter is often not limited to this: on pa-amboli can be decorated with anything that the cook’s imagination allows – from chorizo and ham to cheese and olives. It is hard to imagine a better option to accompany a glass of wine in the afternoon.
Arroche brut, or “dirty rice”, is another classic of Majorcan cuisine: it can be found in almost every establishment on the island. It is worth bearing in mind that arroche brut is not suitable as a snack, as it is a very dense and hearty meal.
Among Spaniards is very common what is called potaje – potage, a dish of peasant origin with lentils, beans or rice (if we try to explain it in familiar terms: something between soup and stew). Basically, arroche brut is a delicious broth cooked in an earthenware pot with rice, rabbit meat, pork, mushrooms and vegetables. The exact ingredients depend on the cook in each case, and there are about as many recipes for this dish as there are stars in the sky.
Sobrassada is a great appetizer for meat eaters. It is a dried sausage originating from the Balearic Islands and is made from minced pork, paprika and other spices. The main thing when drying is to keep the right balance of humidity and air temperature: the Majorcan autumn is ideal for this. The right sobrassada should give off spices and smoke, and the meat should be sweet. The unusual flavor is due to the pigs’ diet, which must include figs. In cafes, sobrassada is usually served on slices of bread or crackers.
Tombet is the Balearic variation of the well known ratatouille. Layers of potato slices, eggplant, red bell peppers in tomato sauce are sent to the oven until they turn into a casserole that is served as both a side dish and a main course.
Ensaimada is a sweet pastry from Mallorca made from coarse flour, yeast, water, sugar, eggs and – don’t be scared! – lard. It is shaped like a Greek snail, and is sold in almost any bakery or cafe: in principle, one of these with coffee is enough for a decent breakfast. Ensaimada can also be taken home as a gift.
Where to stay in Mallorca
Mallorca is very popular among Europeans and not only the island for a classic beach vacation. Therefore, there are both resorts with developed infrastructure and vibrant nightlife, and quite secluded corners to comfortably spend time in complete peace. These, however, can be visited and explored in one day.
If you decide to stay in the main city on the island – in Palma de Mallorca – you are guaranteed to find yourself in the center of all kinds of services and entertainment. And the choice of hotels here will be the richest and most interesting.
What to bring back from Mallorca
Artificial pearls have been produced on the island since the early 20th century. The technique involves coating glass beads with layers of fish scales and then polishing them to give them a lustrous shine. Stores offering a wide range of pearls are scattered all over the island – it is not difficult to find them. The best ones are in Manacor, a 15-minute drive from the Dragon Caves, where most of the factories specializing in this stone operate.
The tradition of pottery dates back to Mallorca’s distant past: for many hundreds of years, the island has been the heart of Mediterranean pottery.
Every corner of Mallorca is full of handmade pottery, which can be found in markets and boutiques alike. Pots and dishes of all colors, shapes and sizes, kitchen utensils, vases, jugs and even musical instruments such as siurellas.
The latter cannot be overlooked: these are clay figures with a whistle, colored white with red and green inclusions.
Mallorca is famous for its leather goods, a craft that has flourished here for centuries and is a source of national pride. In every tiny town you will find shops with a variety of leather products of very high quality, from shoes and bags to clothes and belts. Alcudia deserves special interest in this respect.
Other crafts to look out for include carved olive wood figurines, handmade woven bags and sandals made from Mediterranean palm trees, and glass figurines and vases.
As far as food is concerned, you should not pass by cheeses (of which there is a huge selection – both from cow and goat’s milk and sheep’s milk) and unusually juicy dried fruits. The big plus of the latter is that you can take them with you on the road, no matter how long it takes. We also recommend stocking up on turrón, a classic Spanish sweet of Moorish origin: it is usually served at Christmas.
Travel Tips
1. Mallorca has a lot of luxury places for rest – this applies to both hotels and restaurants, of which eleven (!) have received the greatest honor – a Michelin star. But keep in mind that a real gastronomic adventure can await you even where the amount of the bill is much lower than 150-200 euros per person. Look out for small establishments in Palma, Deia, Solera and other towns, check the ratings and remember that the best indicator is a large number of guests!
2. To try as much of the local cuisine as possible, take tapas – small appetizers served with wine or beer. Sometimes you may just get nuts, chips or olives, but in normal restaurants tapas are a meal in their own right (the portions are just small).
3. If you’re a fan of pottery and are interested in the process of making it, head to the town of Portol, where you’ll find an abyss of olleries (pottery workshops) and the Ruta del Fang hiking trail, which will lead you to the local ceramics museum.
