Mallorca - A Beach Lovers Paradise
Mallorca, otherwise spelt Majorca, is the largest of the four main Balearic Islands in Spain. I was taken by surprise at the beauty of Mallorca and what it has to offer, from picturesque beaches to mountainous areas and historic quaint villages.
Whether you enjoy lazing around on the beach catching sun rays or a more active holiday exploring and hiking, there is something for everyone here in Mallorca.
Despite Mallorca being the largest of the Balearic Islands, it is easy to travel by car.
Within this article, I shall provide you with all that you need to know about Mallorca’s hidden gems.
Best Side of Mallorca
There is truly not a best side of Mallorca as different coastlines will appeal to individual tastes.
North Coast – With its long sandy beaches and shallow waters, Northern Mallorca appeals to families and those who love water-sports. The resorts of Alcúdia and Pollensa are very popular here.
East Coast – If you are searching for Mallorca’s hidden gems, then the eastern side will appeal to you with its pristine bays and incredible coastline. There are also many historic villages here which are less crowded and far more picturesque than the larger resorts such as Alcúdia and Palma.
South Coast – This region ranges from Palma to Cala D’Or. Bear in mind that many people chose to stay in the south due to the close proximity to Palma Airport and the Old Town so you can expect busier beaches and less hidden gems. Although, some of Mallorca’s most famous beaches are in the south, including Es Trenc.
West Coast – The west of Mallorca is incredibly scenic and is home to the Tramuntana Mountain Range. Be prepared for long winding roads across the mountains with unbelievable views and many chances to stop at viewpoints. If you are searching for an active getaway then the west coast will appeal to you due to the numerous hiking opportunities.
With that being said, lets dive right into the best things to do in Mallorca!
Best Things To Do in Mallorca
Sa Calobra and Torrent De Pareis
Sa Calobra is deserving of its own article as there is soo much to experience and see here. To begin with, you will embark on a scenic car journey amongst winding roads through the mountains with the chance to stop off at multiple view points.
The road is known as the Snake Road and is one of the most difficult roads to drive in Spain. Some parts can be a little dangerous so be sure to have adequate driving experience before driving yourself. Totalling a distance of 13 kilometres (8 miles) the road is not actually that long but the serpentine curvature will indeed make the journey seem a lot longer than it is.
Once you have completed the journey, you will find yourself at a gorgeous little cove, hidden beach and gorge. Torrent De Pareis, really has it all with its mountainous backdrop and incredible rock formations.
To top off the uniqueness of Torrent de Pareis, to reach this hidden gem in Mallorca, you will walk through 200 metres of carved tunnels through the mountains. Despite the journey, this location is still fairly busy with tourists due to its phenomenal beauty so be sure to visit in the early morning for a quieter experience.
If you are unable to visit by car, then you can arrive by boat from Port de Soller.
Portals Vells
I wouldn’t call Portals Vells a well kept secret but would definitely name it a hidden gem of Mallorca. It was the first beach I visited in Mallorca and I would definitely put it in the top 5 due to its unique features.
Surprisingly, this sandy cove is located just 6 kilometres from the party strip of Magaluf and it offers a refuge from chaotic atmosphere. Portals Vells is popular with the locals and it is a great snorkelling location due to the calm water conditions.
What I love about this stunning little cove is that it isn’t just a beach. You can take a walk along the cliff to this beautiful rock chapel, inside a cave, which was built by local fishermen to celebrate safe return. There is also a lovely restaurant on the beach serving delicious Spanish food and tapas. There are also two other beaches within walking distance: El Mago and Playa del Rei.
Botanicactus
Botanicactus is one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe showcasing dozens of different cacti.
I would consider this to be one of Mallorca’s hidden gems as we were some of the only people visiting. It really is an impressive garden featuring many plant species and a man made lake with tropical plants.
Tickets cost €11
Palma Old Town
Palma Old Town is totally worth visiting and is easily accessible. Spend your day wandering the medieval streets, enjoying the history, eating at one of the luxurious cafe’s or restaurants and shopping to treat yourself or for souvenirs.
Palma Cathedral is one of the most spectacular sites here and is definitely worth a visit. You will also find a small market outside selling local handicrafts which make great souvenirs.
If you enjoy shopping in local handicraft shops then you will be best pleased with Old Town. There are many little gift shops selling locally sourced products.
There are quite a few churches dotted around Palma Old Town and they all have very charming characteristics. Spend some time away from the crowds exploring the less popular sites which are still just as beautiful.
Port de Sóller
Soller is a beautiful little village nestled in the mountains in north west Mallorca. As an old fishing town, Soller offers great seafood restaurants amongst other cafes.
This picturesque village is soo worth a spot on your itinerary! If you are short on time, pop by for lunch or dinner by the seafront. Those of you with a more relaxed schedule can enjoy a sunbathe on the beach (sun-beds are available here).
One contributor to the popularity of Port de Sóller is the vintage tram which allows tourists to explore Sóller for a couple of hours.
Cala Formentor Beach
Mallorca is full of unbelievably beautiful beaches so it was hard for me to choose my favourite but Cala Formentor may just be my top choice. It is an idyllic bay situated in the northwest of the island. During the peak tourist season in summer, the beach can get very busy, especially as many boat trips stop here around midday. We visited at 09:00 am and there was barely anyone in site – a miracle in Mallorca! The serenity and peace you can experience here is soo worth coming early before the crowds develop – this is a very popular beach.
I found Cala Formentor to be the best spot for swimming and snorkelling. The water was crystal clear and the visibility was great.
Facilities, including toilets, restaurants and sun loungers, are available here too. There is only a small car park so be sure to visit early enough to get a space if arriving by car.
Cap de Formentor
You are going to love Cap de Formentor if you enjoy a viewpoint. This destination is located in the north east of the Traumunta Mountains and offers some of the most spectacular views on the whole island. In fact, the lighthouse here is one of the most famous spots for sunset in the whole of Mallorca!
Please make a note that there are road restrictions which prevent cars from driving to Cap de Formentor between June and September 10:00 am and 22:30 pm to limit the number of vehicles due to the popularity of this viewpoint. You can take a shuttle bus at any point of the day or drive outside of these times. We visited before 10:00 am and it was very quiet and peaceful but of course, sunset would be the ideal time to visit for the best view.
If you are looking for an adventure, hire a bicycle and complete the 35km length whilst taking in the dreamy surroundings. It is a very popular route for cyclists but also for anyone up for the challenge – you can rent an electric bike to make it a lot easier!
Pollença
Port de Pollença is a small resort town with a sandy bay, overlooked by the Tramuntana mountains.
It is a perfect evening destination with a seafront promenade with plenty of restaurants, shops and markets.
We were lucky enough to witness this beautiful moon in Port de Pollença with an unbelievable orange hue. I have never witnessed anything like it, we were just strolling along at a market and looked up to see this!
Cala s’Almunia
Are you a thrill seeker? If so, this will be the perfect place for you.
Cala s’Almunia offers amazing cliff jumping opportunities – all at your own risk! I enjoyed a whole afternoon here jumping from various sized cliffs and had soo much fun.
The small rocky cove is surrounded by charming little fishing huts, some of which can actually be rented out. There is a small sandy beach but is only 10 metres long and 30 metres wide. Unfortunately, there are no facilities here but this also contributes to a less crowded environment.
Playa de Muro
Playa de Muro is the longest sandy beach in Mallorca, totalling almost five and a half kilometres. The turquoise sea paired with the white sand and warm waters seem more like the Caribbean than Spain!
The beach is split into 4 sectors so be sure to research which will be the most ideal for you. During the summer, sectors 1, 2 and 4 are usually quite busy. Sector 3 is the most undeveloped and can only be reached by a longer walk, so if you are looking for tranquility then consider this section of beach. You will find a wooden jetty as shown above in sectors 1 and 2.
Torrent de Cala Pi
Cala Pi is a small town with a singular church, some shops and resorts.
The beach is only 45 metres long but almost 140 metres wide, offering enough room to set up your parasol. You can also hike from Cala Pi or take a short walk up the cliff to the right of the beach for scenic views across the ocean.
Overview of Mallorca
Mallorca certainly exceeded my expectations in all aspects, from its incredible coastline to the majestic mountains. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach holiday or looking for an adventure, Mallorca has something to offer. I can confidently say that Mallorca is my favourite beach destination that I have visited so far in Europe and that I would be keen to return in the future.
Despite being a well known tourist destination, it is still possible to find a sense of peace here in Mallorca and escape the crowds if you plan your days and have early starts. You should expect crowded beaches if visiting during the peak season of July – August but this did not affect my time here at all (I visited at the end of July) If you are looking for an escape from the crowds then consider spending some time in the mountains as it is far less crowded or visiting outside of peak season.
