The Balearic island of Mallorca is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean and is renowned for its limestone mountains, Moorish architecture, sun-drenched beaches, and hidden coves. There’s a vibrant cultural scene too, with its many galleries, world-class restaurants, and colourful festivals. With so much on offer, I’ve selected just a few of the best places to see and things to do in Mallorca that will introduce you to some of the island’s highlights.
Santanyi
Stood against a backdrop of glistening Mediterranean waters and swaying palms, Santanyi is a picturesque town lined with sandstone buildings. The marés stone, which has been quarried for over 1,000 years and used to build many iconic buildings in Mallorca, is what gives the town its distinctive golden glow.
As you stroll among the weaving streets lined by pavement cafes, restaurants and boutiques, you’ll be drawn into Santanyi’s laid-back charms. And although it’s only a relatively small town, there are plenty of things to do here.
Things to do in Santanyi
- Visit the outdoor street market
- Explore the galleries and art workshops
- Shop or dine at Plaza Mayor
- Walk along one of the beaches
- Visit Mondragó Natural Park
- Hire a bike and ride along one of the cycle trails
- Book a wine tasting tour at one of the local vineyards
- Walk to Es Pontas, a natural arched rock
Visit Palma de Mallorca
Known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”, Palma is Mallorca’s thriving capital full of diverse culture and striking architecture. As well playing host to the Gothic Santa Maria Cathedral (commonly known as La Seu), the city boasts the most beautiful old town. The winding cobbled streets of Palma Old Town are flanked with medieval churches, historic palacios, and quaint squares. The area is at the top of the list of places to visit in Mallorca, particularly for history buffs and anyone who can’t resist a table full of traditional Spanish tapas.
Things to do in Palma de Mallorca
- Visit Santa Maria Cathedral
- Explore the Almudaina, an Arab fortress now a royal residence
- Walk through the forest to the 14th century fortress, Bellver Castle
- Sample the regional food and drink at one of the many restaurants or cafes
- Cycle or walk along the seafront to Portixol
- Visit the Arab Baths in the old town
- Visit the Es Baluard Art Gallery
- Take a boat trip on the Rafael Verdara, the oldest working ship in Spain
- Learn about the marine life at Palma Aquarium
- Hit the beach
Colonia de Sant Jordi
Once a quiet fishing village, Colonia de Sant Jordi is now a colourful resort town on the Southeast Coast of Mallorca. Owing to its idyllic beaches and lively promenade, it has become a popular and trendy place for visitors wanting gorgeous views and top-class bars and restaurants. Es Trenc is a 10km stretch of beach with a picture-postcard backdrop of azure waters, white sands and salt lakes.
Colonia de Sant Jordi is a paradise for food lovers, with cool, fashionable bars and restaurants serving up the most delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Imagine dining on dishes of the freshest fish and seafood, paella, tapas or pizza whilst gazing across the Mediterranean Sea. Cassai Beach House is a particularly stylish seafront restaurant, and was once an old fisherman’s house.
Things to do in Colonia de Sant Jordi
- Dine at a seafood restaurant
- Walk along Es Trenc Beach
- Stroll around the local market
- Take a boat trip to Cabrera National Park
- Enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving
Port Adriano
If you like nothing more than to walk around marinas drooling at super yachts, Port Adriano is the place to go. Redesigned by French architect Phillippe Starck in 2012, this contemporary marina is home to luxury yachts, high-end boutiques and some of the best restaurants in Mallorca.
Port Adriano is located in the town of El Toro, close to Nova Santa Ponsa and is a popular attraction for the yachting community. But there are other things to do here other than admire the yachts.
Things to do at Port Adriano
- Hit the beach
- Drink cocktails and dine at one of the restaurants
- Try your hand at paddle surfing, fly boarding, and jet skiing.
- Practice your swing at one of the nearby golf courses
Portals Nous
Playground to the rich and famous, Portals Nous is a glamorous resort on the south west coast of Mallorca. If you’re looking for the best places to visit and things to do in Mallorca, then this needs to be on your list.
Not only will you see multi-million-pound yachts at the marina of Puerto Portals, you’ll also find upmarket boutiques, restaurants and portside cafes. If you’re more of a doer than a lounger, there are plenty of water sports available.
Things to do in Portals Nous
- Browse designer boutiques
- Dine at one of the restaurants
- Visit Ermita de Portals Nous, a clifftop church
- Stroll around Puerto Portals marina
- Go swimming or enjoy a variety of water sports
Valldemossa
If sightseeing in Mallorca is your thing, a trip to the historic town of Valldemossa is a must. Clinging to the hillside in the Tramuntana mountains, the town is surrounded by lush terraces and affords the most phenomenal views. Polish composer, Chopin, visited the town in 1838, and it now hosts an annual Chopin Festival.
The monastery at Valldemossa is an incredible sight and was once the royal residence of King Sancho of Majorca. Its stunning location and interiors have made this one of the most popular things to see in Mallorca. As well as its rich past, Valldemossa also has lots of shops and places to eat and drink.
Things to do in Valldemossa
- Visit the Real Cartuja de Valldemossa (monastery and former royal residence)
- Hike along the Path of the Archduke
- Visit the Frederic Chopin and George Sand Museum
- Take a look inside the Parish Church of Saint Bartholomew
- Take a tour of the Ermita de la Trinitat, a hermitage still run by monks
- Explore the port
- Stroll around the Jardins Rei Joan Carles
Deià
Nestled at the foot of the Teix mountain, Deià is a beautiful mountain village which was placed firmly on the map when English poet, Robert Graves, moved here in the 1930s. From the village you can soak up some of the most incredible views in Mallorca as you peer down vertiginous peaks to the Mediterranean. The village makes up part of the landscape that was given World Heritage Site and is certainly one of the most picturesque and fascinating places to visit in Mallorca. It’s no wonder so many artists have been inspired by Deià.
Things to do in Deià
- Visit La Casa de Robert Graves
- Walk up to the temple of Son Marroig for spellbinding views and sunsets
- Take a tour of the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
- Relax on the beach
- Discover the local restaurants and bars
If you’ve enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Mallorca, discover more adventure travel blogs and things to do in New York.
