The largest of the Spanish Balearic islands, Mallorca ticks all the vacation boxes. Whether you want to relax on some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean and eat fresh island fare or explore the mountains of The Serra de Tramuntana and the buzzy cultural capital of Palma De Mallorca, this island will not disappoint. To truly discover the island, hiring a car is always recommended. While the island isn’t huge, driving off the main roads can be slow. Depending on your time frame and the pace you move, you can either base yourself in one area and make day trips from there or embark on a little road trip taking different stops across the island.
To get you inspired, here’s our guide to the best bits…
What to Do
Hit the beach
The beaches bring Mallorca fans back to this island again and again. From tiny rocky coves to large expanses of white sand, there’s a beach to suit everyone in Mallorca — over 300, to be precise. On the North East coast, Cala Deià, a pretty pebble beach, is a highlight, while over on the North West tip, the Formentor peninsula boasts Cala Formentor, a 1km stretch surrounded by verdant woods. The Eastern area reached from Arta has lots of lovely turquoise swimming spots such as Cala Torta and Sa Font Salada, while in the South, Caló des Moro, a little beach hidden between cliffs, is truly stunning. For a beach day with a difference, hire a boat and get the chance to see some off-the-beaten-track spots.
Visit medieval towns and villages
Mallorca is steeped in history and is dotted with towns and villages that date back to the 14th century. Stroll the winding streets, visit castles and soak up the architecture. We recommend the towns of Capdepera, Pollenca, and Alcúdia and the villages of Deià and Valldemossa.
Explore Palma De Mallorca
If you have it, the island’s capital of Palma De Mallorca is well worth your time. It’s got a beautiful Moorish old town, world-class galleries, and a never-ending supply of good food. Of course, you can’t miss the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, known to locals as La Seu and one of the tallest gothic cathedrals in Europe. At the same time, we recommend Es Baluard, a large collection of modern and contemporary art in a 14th-century building. So whether you’re looking to stock up on local gastronomic treats for a picnic or want to soak up the local atmosphere, Mercat de l’Olivar is the market to mark.
Discover the mountains
If you’re beached out, The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in the North West of the island is a beautiful area offering a change of scenery. Running for nearly 90km, this UNESCO World Heritage Site comes complete with two lakes and impressive peaks (Puig Major is 1,445m). As a hub for cycling and hiking tours, you can also drive between beauty spots for a laid-back option.
Where to Eat
Terrae
From top Venezualan chef David Rivas comes a small-scale sustainable restaurant (there are only seats for 15) in the seaside town of Puerto Pollensa. At Terrae, the inventive food is based around locally sourced and foraged food and served tapas style. When the weather is warm (the hot season lasts from about June to mid-September), the best tables are under fairy lights on the terrace.
Ca’s Patró March
Perched above one of the island’s best beaches, Cala Deià, vacation lunches don’t get much better than here. This casual eatery is where you go to eat freshly caught fish and drink cold local wine while admiring the screensaver-worthy rocky cove. Ca’s Patro March was the location for the global mini-TV series The Night Manager and has since become a popular spot for potentially seeing someone famous on vacay.
OMBU
In the heart of Palma, opposite Plaza de la Reina fountain, OMBU serves up tapas dishes with a twist that locals and visitors gravitate towards. Each dish is presented beautifully by combining local ingredients and being inspired by international flavors. The simple and chic decor, energetic ambiance, and open kitchen layout make it inviting and fun.
Where to Stay
Belmond La Residencia
Nestled on the edge of Deià, one of the island’s prettiest villages, this old stone manor house has welcomed guests since 1700. Nestled between lush gardens with mountain and sea views, Belmond La Residencia has two panoramic pools (one specifically for adults), a spa, tennis courts, an outdoor hot tub, and a pretty terrace for sundowners. Plus, it’s just a five-minute walk to boutiques and restaurants. Not only is there an on-site art gallery and sculpture garden, but you can also take art classes or a walking tour to a local art studio.
Can Ferrereta
One of the hottest post-pandemic openings, Can Ferrereta, lives up to the hype. Situated in Santanyí in the southeast of Mallorca, this 17th-century mansion has been turned into a five-star hotel that retains the charm of a family holiday home — albeit of someone with a lot of money and very good taste. The spa uses ingredients like local seaweeds, natural oils and herbs, fresh salts, and marine mud to complement its treatments.
El Llorenc Parc De La Mar
For a base in the buzzy heart of Palma with a cool and calm rooftop to escape to, El Llorenc Parc De La Mar is just the ticket. The infinity pool with views across the city is the jewel in their crown, but the spacious design-led rooms are also something to write home about.
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