Mallorca Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Mallorca with our ultimate travel guide. Learn about the best attractions, hiking/biking routes, food, and local culture in this must-visit island in Spain.
- Introduction to Mallorca
- List of Places to Visit in Mallorca
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Mallorca
- Best Things to Do in Mallorca: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Mallorca
- Food and Drink Scene of Mallorca
- Where to Stay in Mallorca: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotels
- Hostels
- Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Mallorca: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Mallorca
- Best Time to Visit Mallorca
- Do’s and Don’ts of Mallorca
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Mallorca: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Mallorca
- Where to Go Next from Mallorca: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Mallorca
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands in Spain, is a perfect blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities. The island offers visitors a vast selection of attractions, including stunning beaches, historical landmarks, museums, hiking trails, and local markets. Mallorca is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and all adventure lovers.
List of Places to Visit in Mallorca
Here’s a list of some of the top places to visit in Mallorca:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Palma Cathedral
- Royal Palace of La Almudaina
- Palace of Alaro
- Sa Bassa Blanca Museum
- Museum of Mallorca
- Son Marroig
- Palma Aquarium
Natural Attractions of Mallorca: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Serra de Tramuntana
- The Caves of Drach
- Formentor Peninsula
- Mondrago Natural Park
- Albufera Natural Park
- Cala Millor Beach
- Es Trenc Beach
- Cap de Formentor
Hiking/Biking Routes of Mallorca
Mallorca offers numerous hiking and biking routes that take you to scenic locations, such as rocky mountains, glistening sea bays, and lush green forests. Some of the most popular hiking and biking routes in Mallorca include:
- Puig de Galatzó
- Ruta de Pedra en Sec
- Puig de Massanella
- Serra de Tramuntana
- Es Capdella to Estellencs
Best Things to Do in Mallorca: Activities and Tours
Apart from hiking/biking routes, Mallorca has a plethora of activities to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Mallorca:
- Island sailing tours
- Hot air balloon rides over the island
- Scuba diving in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea
- Rock climbing adventures
- Sea kayaking
- Stand-up paddling
- Caving and canyoning
Week-Long Itinerary for Mallorca
Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long visit to Mallorca:
Day | Activity |
---|---|
1 | Palma Cathedral, El Mercat de l’Olivar, Parque del Mar |
2 | Valldemossa, Soller, Port de Soller |
3 | Sa Calobra Beach, Torrent de Pareis |
4 | Caves of Drach, Cuevas dels Hams |
5 | Formentor Peninsula, Alcudia |
6 | Mondrago Natural Park, Felanitx |
7 | Cap de Formentor, Pollença |
Food and Drink Scene of Mallorca
Mallorcan cuisine boasts a variety of dishes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The food scene in Mallorca is influenced by many cultures, including Spanish, Arabic, and Italian. Here are some must-try dishes when in Mallorca:
Must-Try Dishes
- Sobrasada - a soft, spicy pork sausage
- Arros Brut - a rice soup with meat and vegetables
- Tumbet - roasted vegetables with potatoes and tomato sauce
- Frito mallorquin - a meat dish with vegetables, potatoes, and rosemary
- Pa amb oli - bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil
Local Beverages
- Hierbas - traditional Mallorcan liqueur made from a variety of herbs
- Palo - a strong homemade liquor made from coffee, lemon, and anise
- Wine from Binissalem and Pla y Llevant regions
Where to Stay in Mallorca: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Mallorca boasts some of the finest hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to all kinds of tourists. Here are some of the best places to stay in Mallorca:
Hotels
- Park Hyatt Mallorca
- Belmond La Residencia
- Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma
- Can Simoneta
- Hotel Joan Miró Museum Palma
Hostels
- Hostel Fleming
- Albergue Juvenil
- Hostel Ponderosa
Guesthouses
- Petit Hotel Rural Son Jordà
- Gran Hotel Son Net
- Hotel Born
What to Buy in Mallorca: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Mallorca offers some unique shopping experiences, including local markets, high-end shopping malls, and independent shops. Here are some of the incredibly unique souvenirs and local products you can bring back home from Mallorca:
- Pearls from Manacor
- Espadrilles
- Handmade pottery from Santanyí
- Salt from the salt flats at Es Trenc
- Enamel and silver jewelry
Local Culture and Customs of Mallorca
Mallorca has a deep-rooted cultural heritage that is expressed in its music, dance, architecture, and festivals. One of the most famous festivals in Mallorca is the Fiestas de San Juan, which originates from the midsummer solstice celebration. The local customs include siesta, where many shops and businesses close for a few hours each afternoon to take a lengthy break.
Best Time to Visit Mallorca
The best time to visit Mallorca is from May to October, during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the beaches are full of lively activities. The peak season is usually July and August when prices tend to be at their highest.
Do’s and Don’ts of Mallorca
Do:
- Respect the dress code at cultural and religious sites.
- Carry enough cash as some establishments may not accept credit cards.
- Learn some basic Spanish words and expressions.
Don’t:
- Dive off cliffs and rocks without an expert guide.
- Take sand or stones from the beaches as souvenirs.
- Sunbathe or walk around topless on beaches.
Safety and Health
Safety in Mallorca
Mallorca is generally safe, but tourists should always keep their belongings safe to avoid petty theft-like pickpocketing. When hiking or undertaking adventure activities, it is always best to use professional guides.
Health in Mallorca
Mallorca has a good healthcare system, and doctors are available if you require medical care. It is always recommended to take travel insurance before going on trips overseas.
Getting to Mallorca: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Mallorca
- Palma de Mallorca Airport
- Menorca Airport
- Ibiza Airport
Bus Stations Near Mallorca
- Palma Intermodal Station
- Sa Pobla Bus Station
- Inca Bus Station
Other Options
- Trains from Palma to Inca, Manacor, and Sa Pobla.
- Ferries from Barcelona, Valencia, and Ibiza.
How to Get Around in Mallorca
Mallorca has an extensive public transport system, and tourists can use buses, taxis, or trains to move around the island. Bikes, scooters, and cars can also be rented from major towns and cities.
Where to Go Next from Mallorca: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Mallorca is an excellent starting point to explore the rest of the Balearic Islands, including:
- Menorca
- Ibiza
- Formentera
- Cabrera Island
Conclusion
Mallorca offers its visitors a vast range of attractions from cultural landmarks to natural attractions and adventure activities. This island is the ideal location for those seeking peace and tranquility, as well as for those eager to explore the great outdoors. With its vibrant food and drink scene, excellent accommodation options, and a rich cultural heritage, Mallorca must top your list of travel destinations.