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What to see in London in 4 days
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Culture
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Mallorca boasts a wide variety of landscapes, villages, and monuments within a very small area. On the island itself, you can go from a cove to a mountain trail, from a historic town centre to a viewpoint overlooking the sea, or from a local market to a small inland village.
If you're planning your trip and want to know exactly what to see in Mallorca, this guide brings together some of the most representative places and several ideas for exploring the island.
And if you want to delve deeper into the capital, you can also consult the specific guide on what to see in Palma de Mallorca.
Culture
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The range of tourism in Mallorca is enormous, meaning that even on long stays, there are always places left to discover. One of the island's great advantages is how easily you can combine completely different activities in a single day.
You can start the morning with a hiking route and end the afternoon enjoying local gastronomy, or go from a rural escape in the mountains to a lively urban route. All this makes the island the ideal refuge, whether for a quick weekend getaway or for a long, truly relaxing holiday.
Among the most recommended activities in Mallorca is exploring the Serra de Tramuntana, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with some of the island's most famous landscapes.
For magical moments, don't miss the sunsets from one of its viewpoints or let yourself be captivated by its local markets, such as the Mercado de Santa Catalina in Palma or the one in Santanyí. If you fancy enjoying the sea, boat trips to virgin coves like Cala Varques or Cala s'Almunia are an idyllic experience.
You should also explore charming villages like Valldemossa, Sóller, Andratx, or Calvià, or simply wander through the old town of Palma.
In addition, there are countless activities to do in Mallorca: top-level cycling routes, diving in crystal-clear waters, kayaking at dawn, wine tasting at centuries-old wineries, or gastronomic tours that are a true delight.
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Located in a valley surrounded by mountains and orange trees, Sóller is a town that stands out for its modernist architecture and bohemian atmosphere, which you'll notice from the moment you set foot on its streets.
One of the most emblematic experiences is taking the historic wooden train from 1912 that connects Palma with Sóller, a route that crosses the Serra de Tramuntana and offers spectacular landscapes.
Once in Sóller, you can take the historic tram that descends to the Port de Sóller, a natural harbour that is one of the best places to taste the famous Mallorcan red prawn.
From here, you can continue exploring other villages in the Serra de Tramuntana with journeys of between 20 and 40 minutes by car.
Situated at the southwestern tip of the island, the town of Andratx offers a traditional scene of stone houses that attracts tourists from all over the world. Special mention must be made of its port, Port d'Andratx, which is one of the most exclusive not only in Mallorca but in the entire world, where fishing boats coexist with luxury yachts in a privileged natural setting.
The best time to visit the port is at sunset, when the light falls on the boats and the bay becomes particularly photogenic.
In the western part of the island, near the Serra de Tramuntana, lies Calvià, a historic municipality between the coast and the mountains, which is a benchmark for tourism in Mallorca. Much more than sun and beach, it has managed to preserve its traditional charm, being perfectly connected to Palma Nova, Magaluf, and Andratx.
Calvià Vila is the administrative heart of Calvià and a haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the coast. Its narrow streets and church are a reflection of Mallorcan rural architecture. It's a reference point for cyclists and hikers exploring the Galatzó estate.
If you enjoy hiking or cycling, this is one of the best starting points for routes towards the Serra de Tramuntana.
On the coast of Calvià, Magaluf has evolved enormously in recent years, offering a vast and varied range of leisure activities, from its famous nightlife to exclusive designer beach clubs. Its white sandy beach is ideal for families, and it boasts attractions like Katmandu Park, making it a benchmark for entertainment for all ages.
Beyond the parties, it's worth discovering its beach clubs during the day, when the atmosphere is more relaxed and family-friendly.
More than a village, Sa Calobra is an impressive geological enclave in the municipality of Escorca. Access is an adventure in itself via a winding road that descends towards the sea. Upon arrival, a pedestrian tunnel carved into the rock leads you to the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis, a small pebble beach nestled between gigantic limestone cliffs.
Keep in mind that road access is slow and has many curves. It is advisable to carefully calculate both the departure and return times.
Perched on a hill in the Serra de Tramuntana, Valldemossa is one of the most romantic and photographed corners of the island, with narrow, cobbled streets where stone houses are decorated with flower pots and tiles dedicated to Santa Catalina Thomàs.
Don't miss the village's typical "coca de patata", perfect for accompanying a hot chocolate or an almond granizado.
Located in Palma, facing the sea, the Mallorca Cathedral is one of the island's great symbols. Its Gothic architecture, the rose window known as "the eye of the Gothic" and the interventions by Antoni Gaudí make it an essential visit.
📍Check opening hours and prices
The Santuari de Lluc is the most important pilgrimage site on the island, located in the heart of the mountains. This 13th-century monastery houses the famous "Moreneta" (the black virgin), and features a botanical garden and a museum that narrates the spiritual history of the Serra de Tramuntana.
Did you know that Palma has one of the few circular castles in all of Europe? Surrounded by a lush pine forest, Bellver Castle offers a unique sight.
From its towers, you have spectacular views of the entire Bay of Palma and the Mediterranean. Inside, you can also visit the City History Museum to better understand its roots.
📍Check opening hours and prices
The Castell de Capdepera is a 14th-century walled fortress perched in the northeast of the island. Its walls protected the inhabitants from pirate attacks, and today, you can walk along its perimeter to enjoy unique views of the Menorca Channel.
Next to the cathedral in Palma, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina reflects the passage of different cultures through the island.
Its Muslim origins and later use as a royal residence make it one of the best visits to get acquainted with medieval Mallorca.
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To truly experience the essence of Mallorca, it's best to explore it at your own pace. Here are the neighbourhoods that should be on your list:
Getting lost in its narrow streets is one of the best things to do in Mallorca. Here you'll discover hidden noble courtyards, majestic churches, traditional shops that have stood the test of time, and a vibrant, authentic local life.
The bohemian neighbourhood par excellence in Palma; it was formerly a fishing area, and today it has become the city's gastronomic hub. The Mercado de Santa Catalina is its heart, where fresh produce mixes with a cosmopolitan and international atmosphere.
Historically, it was the refuge for artists, musicians, and writers. After a few years of dormancy, this neighbourhood by the port of Palma is regaining all its sparkle with the opening of new cultural spaces and cafés with a special charm that invite you to linger for hours.
In the north of the island, the historic centre of Alcúdia stands out for its perfectly preserved medieval wall. Strolling through its pedestrian centre is like immersing yourself fully in the municipality's history, with remains of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia just a few metres away.
Among the favourites of many travellers is Cala Figuera in Santanyí, with one of the most picturesque fishing harbours on the island. Its white houses with green shutters are built on the very cliffs of the harbour, with boats moored literally at their doorstep.
Mallorca is best enjoyed outdoors, and these places are some of my favourites:
It's the nerve centre of the capital; the place where something is always happening. It's the ideal starting point for any route through the shopping streets or towards the main monuments.
Located on the slopes of the Serra de Tramuntana, these gardens of Hispano-Arabic origin are an oasis of water features, ponds, and lush vegetation integrated into a historic stately home.
Right at the foot of La Almudaina in Palma, you'll find this haven of peace with fountains and flowers. It's a very pleasant place to rest and get some fresh air between visits.
📍Check opening hours and prices
If you're looking for 'the' sunset, this is it. Located near the beautiful village of Deià, its name comes from the peculiar perforated rock that juts out into the sea. Watching the sky turn orange is an unforgettable experience.
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The cultural offering is the soul of the island, with spaces that are well worth a visit:
Strategically located within the old city walls of Palma, this contemporary art museum is a gem in itself, both inside and out.
📍Check opening hours and prices
Mallorca was Miró's creative refuge. At this foundation in Palma, you can visit his original studio, exactly as he left it, and enjoy an impressive collection of his works in an environment brimming with inspiration.
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Housed in a minimalist building, CCA Andratx is one of the largest contemporary art centres in Europe. It's a museum that combines avant-garde exhibitions with residency programmes for artists from all over the world.
📍Check opening hours and prices
In Porto Cristo, on the east coast of Mallorca, these caves house one of the largest underground lakes in the world: Lago Martel. They are one of the island's main tourist attractions and have a horizontal development of about 1,200 metres in length and a depth of up to 25 metres below the surface.
📍Check opening hours and prices
If you're looking for different plans in Mallorca, here are some proposals that go beyond the usual. One of my favourites is the historic wooden train that runs from Palma to Sóller; a journey back in time through incredible mountainous landscapes.
You can also descend into the depths at the Cuevas del Drach in Porto Cristo, which house one of the largest underground lakes in all of Europe. And if you fancy a different experience, hot air balloon rides at dawn, horse riding along the coast, or snorkelling in the marine reserve of Cabrera Island are experiences that will make you see Mallorca with new eyes.
You can't talk about Mallorca without sitting down to eat. Mallorcan cuisine is honest, flavourful, and deeply connected to the land. You can't leave without trying the ensaimada (the sweetest souvenir), sobrasada, tumbet, or the traditional Mallorcan fritters.
I also recommend the coques de trempó, the hearty arròs brut, the classic lloguets, and any dessert made with almonds from the island. To experience it like a true Mallorcan, visit the markets, a village winery, or go tapas hopping in neighbourhoods like La Lonja or Santa Catalina in Palma.
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Mallorca is an island that knows how to celebrate, and it proudly preserves its popular traditions, many of them centuries old.
For example, the Fiestas de Sant Sebastià in Palma fill the city with bonfires and music in January. These are joined by the Fiestas de Sant Antoni, particularly rooted in towns like Sa Pobla, Manacor, or Artà, where the foguerons and animal blessings are the soul of the festival. Also famous are the Feria Medieval in Capdepera and the Sant Joan celebrations in various parts of the island.
But if there's one thing that's impressive, it's the correfocs and dimonis, iconic figures of Sant Antoni and present in many popular festivals in Mallorca, where fire and the rhythm of the drums transform festival nights into something magical.
Travelling to Mallorca with family is a sure bet, as the island is simply perfect for the little ones. There are activities for all ages: from fun water parks and aquariums to educational farms or interactive museums where they can learn while playing.
Exploring the Cuevas del Hams in Porto Cristo, taking the Sóller train, or playing knights in the island's castles are adventures that children will never forget.
If you're only visiting the island for a couple of days, a good itinerary for Mallorca is key to making the most of every minute and letting the island surprise you at every turn:
Day 1 - Cultural and urban immersion in Palma:
From the cathedral, you can walk to La Almudaina in just two minutes, as they are located next to each other.
After exploring the old town, Bellver Castle is about a 10-15 minute drive away.
From Bellver, it takes just 10 minutes by car to reach Santa Catalina.
Day 2 - The essence of the mountains and the charm of the southwest:
I recommend taking the wooden train to Sóller to see its mountainous landscapes and modernist architecture. Then, you'll need to continue the route by car to Sa Calobra, a journey of approximately one hour through the mountains.
From Sa Calobra, the journey to Valldemossa will take around one hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic.
From Valldemossa, you can reach Calvià in about 25 minutes by car. Then, Magaluf is just 10 minutes further.
To end the day, drive about 20 minutes from Magaluf to Port d'Andratx.
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So you don't miss anything, my advice is to have a good tourist map of Mallorca handy. Locate the points of interest and group them by area to optimise your travel, especially if you decide to get around by car.
Here is a map with all the points of interest in the guide and their location.
📍Check the exact route on Google Maps
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