Any Mallorca travel guide will confirm that the island has it all: exciting cuisine, craggy mountains, gorgeous beaches, and an elegant, buzzing capital.
Come here to explore the city, or head out into the countryside, where the Serra de Tramuntana range gives way to plains dense with olive, citrus, and almond orchards. Or, of course, to bask in the Mediterranean sunshine on one of the many glorious beaches.
Why Visit Mallorca
La Seu, Palma
Mallorca is the perfect Mediterranean destination in that it’s so multi-faceted. The island caters to every taste, from families to hikers, cyclists, sailors, and city-break fans. In the past, it has attracted artists, writers, and musicians including Joan Miró, poet Robert Graves, and Frederic Chopin.
Nowadays, the Spanish royal family vacation here most summers, staying at the swish Marivent Palace at Cala Mayor, to the west of Palma. So there’s more than a little glamor about the island, too.
What’s also appealing about visiting Mallorca is that the island is lively year-round, while its sister islands tend to be more seasonal. Come in spring and fall for hiking and exploring Palma, one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, or in summer for some beach time.
History & Culture
Plaza de Toros, Palma
Mallorca has been crisscrossed by different cultures for centuries thanks to its position in the center of the Mediterranean.
The Romans were the first significant settlers, arriving in 123 BC and staying for six centuries. From the seventh century, Spain was under Moorish rule, following the arrival of the Moors from North Africa. It’s one of the most important cultural influences on the island today in everything from architecture to place names.
Once the Moors had been ousted by King Jaume I in 1229, the island became part of the powerful Catalan empire. Today, it’s part of Spain, although it retains its own culture and customs.
Old Town Palma
While Spanish is the official language here, the island does have its own language. Mallorquin, a derivative of Catalan, is spoken in Cataluña, on the mainland. Mallorquin combines elements of French and Spanish, and you’ll notice that any signage on the island is in both languages. Often, you’ll see signs and tourist literature in English and German, too, reflecting the large expatriate populations of both.
Like the rest of Spain, Mallorca is predominantly Roman Catholic and has an impressive cultural calendar. Everything from saints’ days to Carnival and Holy Week is celebrated, with other festivals commemorating the olive and wine harvest and historical events such as the reconquest of the island from the Moors.
Wildlife & Nature
Serra de Tramuntana
Mallorca has abundant wildlife in the countryside, from mountain goats and wild cats to hedgehogs, frogs and toads, and lizards. In the warm Mediterranean, there are more than 400 species of fish, from grouper to tuna and barracuda. You could also see dolphins, rays, and sea turtles.
Two mountain ranges define the island’s landscape. The Serra de Tramuntana, all craggy peaks and plunging cliffs, runs parallel to the west coast and is popular with hikers and cyclists. The less dramatic Serra de Levant, another wonderful place for hiking in Spain, runs along the east coast.
In between is Es Pla, the flat, fertile plain that in early spring is a sea of snowy pink as the almond trees bloom. You’ll also find ancient olive groves and fragrant citrus orchards as you explore.
Tips for Visiting Mallorca
Restaurant in Palma
This Spanish island has a strong culture of hospitality and courtesy, so be prepared for a warm welcome. It’s typical to greet the shopkeeper when you enter a store; a simple “buenos dias” is polite. The local currency is the Euro and credit cards are widely accepted.
Although Mallorca is a busy vacation destination, some shops may still close between 2 pm and 5 pm for siesta. This is a time to relax in the shade, out of the heat of the day.
The Spanish eat dinner late; before 9 or 10 pm in summer is unusual. Nobody eats at 6 pm. If you’re hungry and your normal dining time is approaching, simply stop for sundowners and some tapas. This is what a lot of locals do to fill the gap between the end of the working day and dinner.
Things to Do & Attractions in Mallorca
La Seu and the Old Town
La Seu, Palma
Palma’s magnificent cathedral is impossible to miss; it dominates one end of the wide Palma Bay. It’s a beautiful example of Gothic architecture with its delicate pinnacles, flying buttresses, and vast rose window, the largest in Europe. Construction on the cathedral, which is built on the site of a former mosque, began in 1230, with sections added over the years.
There are modern touches, too; if you’ve been to La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, you’ll recognize the influence of Antoni Gaudí, who collaborated in work on the cathedral in the early 20th century.
For a small fee, you can access the cathedral’s roof terraces, which is worth doing for the close-up glimpses of the buttresses and the bell tower, as well as wonderful views down over the city and the bay. You’ll need to book this in advance—and there are no elevators, only steps.
Old Town, Palma
After viewing the Cathedral, head into the maze of the Old Town. You’ll find plenty of tapas bars here, as well as grand old mansions with beautiful, part-hidden courtyard gardens.
Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle
The 14th-century Bellver Castle, the only fortification in Spain in a circular shape, perches on a wooded hillside with impressive views down over the city.
This Spanish castle was built in 1300 as a royal home, but saw very little occupation and ended up as a military jail in 1717. Some of the original graffiti of the prisoners is still visible on the roof.
While you’re here, drop into the Palma History Museum, which charts the urban development of the city from prehistoric times to the 20th century via the Romans, the Moors, and the Christians who followed.
Fundació Miró
Fundació Miró
If you love contemporary art and sculpture, make time to visit the Fundació Miró Mallorca. Barcelona-born Joan Miró, one of the world’s most famous surrealists, lived and worked here from 1956 to 1983, creating many of his most spectacular pieces during this phase. More than 2,500 works are kept here, among them paintings, sculptures, and drawings, while Miró’s studio has been preserved just as it was when he was alive.
As well as the Miró collection, the modern space houses temporary exhibitions. You can also join a tour of the 18th-century farmhouse, Taller Son Boter, where Miró and his wife Pilar lived; some of the original sketches for his sculptures are graffitied on the walls.
After the visit, sit in the peaceful sculpture garden and listen to the sounds of nature while admiring yet more of Miró’s work.
Palau de l’Almudaina
Palau de l’Almudaina
Originally a fortress built by the Moors, the Palau de l’Almudaina in its current form was built at the end of the 13th century as a royal residence opposite the cathedral. This beautiful palace combines architectural styles ranging from Moorish to Romanesque, Renaissance, and Gothic. It’s still used by the Spanish royal family today.
You can visit the royal apartments, adorned with lavish tapestries and period furniture. Elsewhere, admire a Moorish lion fountain dating back to the 11th century, and the Capella de Sant’Anna chapel in the Romanesque style, created with rose-pink and white marble. Take time to stroll through the leafy gardens, too.
Valldemossa
Valldemossa
On the forested slopes of the Tramuntana mountains, Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca, and as such, one of the most visited. Serene old stone houses festooned with scarlet geraniums and mauve bougainvillea bask in the sunshine, while cafés and bars spill out onto cobblestone squares.
Valldemossa is famous as the village where composer Frederic Chopin and his lover, the French writer George Sand, retreated in the winter of 1838 with her two children. They rented a cell—in fact, a suite of rooms—in the Royal Carthusian Monastery.
The visit was not a success, partly because of Chopin’s advancing tuberculosis and partly because the winter was exceptionally cold and wet, as is described in Sand’s book, A Winter in Mallorca. But the pair put Valldemossa on the map. You can visit the monastery today and see a collection of letters, memorabilia, and Chopin’s piano in the cell where the couple stayed. You’ll also hear a recital of Chopin’s music.
Sóller
Sóller
Arguably as lovely as Valldemossa, the hill town of Sóller is cradled in a valley in the Tramuntana mountains, surrounded by ancient orange and lemon groves.
It was this citrus that made the town wealthy; the Moors dubbed it the Vall d’Or, or Golden Valley, on account of the fruit. Centuries later, in 1912, a railway line was constructed to Palma and a tram line down to the Port de Sóller. Today, it’s a destination for visiting yachts, sandy beaches, and fine dining.
Església de Sant Bartomeu, Sóller
One of the best things to do in Mallorca is to ride the vintage train from Palma up into the hills, ending in Sóller. You’ll appreciate the wealth of the town when you wander the streets between grand mansions and elegant squares. Check out the facade of the Església de Sant Bartomeu, a Baroque, 17th-century church renovated in the early 20th century by Joan Rubió, a disciple of the great Antoni Gaudí.
For something different, pay a visit to Can Det, the grand, 16th-century home of the noble Can Det family, who still produces olive oil today. See the olive mill and a 1,000-year-old olive tree, then sample the oil.
Playa Illetes
Playa Illetes
There are a number of Mallorca beaches within easy reach of Palma for a day of sunbathing and swimming. Palma Nova and Magaluf are two of the big vacation destinations, ideal for families or anybody who wants a lively scene with masses of facilities on hand.
Sheltered Playa Illetes, which lies to the west of the capital before you arrive at Palma Nova, is arguably much prettier. Here, across three smallish coves, rocks slope down to Caribbean-blue water, while pine trees provide greenery. This is an upscale corner of the island with some fashionable beach clubs. You can also simply stretch out on the sand for the day, or rent a kayak or paddleboard.
Food & Drink
Restaurant in Palma
Mallorca has a thriving culinary scene with most international cuisines available. However, it’s hard to beat the pleasure of tapas in a cool cellar bar in Palma’s Old Town or fresh fish on the beach.
For an authentic experience, try to make time for lunch in one of Palma’s markets, both of which have a selection of small restaurants in the midst of all the produce. Mercat de l’Olivar is packed with cheese, meat, vegetables, and fish stalls and has numerous gastronomic bars for tapas. Santa Catalina is more local, with plenty of tiny tapas bars to try.
Sobrassada
You’ll find abundant local specialties to try. Sobrassada, a spicy chorizo sausage, is served in stews, as a filling in empanadas, or panadas, as they’re called here, or as a spread on crispy bread. Tumbet is a tomato-based vegetable and eggplant stew, a great choice for vegetarians.
Coca Mallorquina is a delicious pastry topped with tomato, onions, and red peppers. Pa amb oli is also tomato-based and a great way to start any meal. Garlic is rubbed over sliced, crispy bread, which is then topped with grated tomato.
Ensaimada
There’s no shortage of sweet Mallorcan dishes to try. Rubiols are sweet pastry half moons, filled with anything from apricot jam to chocolate, or sweetened white cheese with lemon. Ensaimada is a swirl of pastry, shaped like a snail’s shell, filled with chocolate, cream, or pumpkin jam. It’s typical to have a pastry with your morning coffee—and the Spanish drink their coffee sitting in cafés, not walking around the streets.
You’ll find everything in Palma from simple tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants. For authentic island cuisine with a creative twist in a stylish setting, try Forn de Sant Joan, which is close to the cathedral. For traditional tapas, head to La Rambla in the center of the city and settle in at Bodega La Rambla, which does fantastic sharing plates—it’s a great way of trying a selection of different Spanish dishes.
Best Time to Visit
La Seu, Palma
Palma in particular is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Mallorca to make the most of the scenery is from spring—March, April, and May—to late fall, around November.
July and August is peak season, and the island will be busy with vacationers. In August, temperatures average 78.1°F (25.6°C), with highs of 89°F (31.6°C). May and September are two of the best months, when the weather is warm, but you’ll share the island with fewer people.
The climate is typically Mediterranean, with long, hot summers and mild, often rainy winters, when precipitation falls as snow in the Serra de Tramuntana.
Palma
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