Our full guide to Mallorca!

Characterised by good weather 300 days a year, Mallorca is a perfect all-season destination with activities to do all year round, including sea, sports, events, nightlife and tourist attractions. 

So whether you are in Mallorca for a day trip or have planned a longer holiday, you will always find something to do and see on this beautiful Balearic island!

What to visit in Palma de Mallorca?

If you are in Mallorca for a short time, you must absolutely not miss its capital, Palma de Mallorca. Between pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters and tourist attractions from various eras, you can have a holiday that is both cultural as well as relaxing and fun.

In one day, you can visit Palma’s historic centre, which dates back to the period of Arab rule and was built according to the Casbah traditions. Among the buildings worth seeing in the old town is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the most important religious building, also known as the 'Seu', the name given to cathedrals by the Aragonese. It was built in place of the great mosque of Medyna Mayurca by James of Aragon as a vow for surviving a storm and its interiors are lit by a central rose window, one of the largest in the world!

A golden sunset at the Cathedral of Santa Maria, known as the 'Seu'

Next to the Cathedral is the Almudaina Palace, the residence of the King of Spain during his visits to the island. Staying in the centre, a few minutes away, you can visit the Arab Baths, a small circular room whose vault is supported by columns. It houses a lush garden, ideal for a short break in the shade of palm trees. Meanwhile, in the Carrer de Can Savellà, one can admire beautiful stately houses with Arabic-style architecture.

Continuing your stroll, you cannot miss the splendid Basilica de Sant Francesc, which combines Gothic and Baroque styles. You can end your stroll through the centre with a visit to Plaza Mayor, surrounded by art nouveau buildings with several shops and restaurants, and the Baroque-style City Hall. If you feel like walking more, move inland to visit the Arena, which is still a venue for events and shows or you can stroll along the waterfront and explore La Llotja, a Gothic-style building that hosts art exhibitions.

Then continuing along the promenade, fans of modern and contemporary art will find their perfect destination at the Es Baluardo museum. But even if you are not an art lover, we still recommend a visit for the museum's incredible panoramic view of the city.

About twenty minutes on foot or by transport you can visit the Nuevo Pueblo español, an open-air museum representing a typical Spanish mediaeval town. And, if you plan to spend more time, (and in this case it will be better to rent a car) about 3 km from Palma, on a hill, stands the Bellver Castle. Built in Gothic style, it is one of the few circular castles in Europe, houses the city's Historical Museum and offers a fabulous view of Palma.

Tip: The castle can also be easily reached on foot by walking through the Bosque Del Castillo De Bellver.

Mallorca 's natural beauty

Between caves and natural parks, the island is home to several beautiful natural spots that are sure to delight adventurous and outdoorsy travellers. Among these spots, not to be missed are the Caves of the Dragon (Cuevas del Drach), home to one of the largest underground lakes in the world, Lake Martel. They are located in Porto Cristo, about 60 km from Palma.

Tip: Don't miss the excursion with a concert and light show in these caves.

Lake Martel, one of world’s largest underground lakes in the Caves of the Dragon

Also near Porto Cristo, you can visit the impressive Hams Caves (Cuevas dels Hams). Plus, about 80 km from Palma, in Canyamel, are the Cuevas de Artà, famous for their stalactites with anthropomorphic figures!

The most beautiful beaches in Mallorca

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has tons of incredible beaches. In particular, the north of the island is characterised by wild, rocky beaches while the south is home to white sands and clear waters reminiscent of the Caribbean.

Beaches in North of Mallorca

Located on the north coast and accessible via a narrow path, the pebbly beach of Cala Tuent is characterised by strong currents that make it ideal for windsurfing. Described as a natural monument, the wild Cala de Torrent de Pareis can be reached by crossing another beach, Sa Calobra, through a tunnel through the rocks.

Teal-blue waters washing the shores of the natural monument Cala de Torrent de Pareis

Beaches in Southeast of Mallorca

The south-east coast features beaches of rare beauty, from Calo des ses dones, characterised by the presence of two jetties, to the famous Cala Santanyi, famous for the Es Pontàs viewpoint (a rock arch carved out by the sea) and the paradisiacal Cala Mandragó, located in the Parque Natural del Mondragò as well as the nearby Cala S'Amarador with shallow waters ideal for children. There is indeed plenty to choose from and enjoy according to your taste and preference!

Also in the southeast of the island, protected from locals by signs to divert tourists, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, Calo des Moro. The beach is very small, with pearlescent white sand and crystal-clear water: a true paradise on earth. But before going, it is important to know there are no services and you have to park nearby and walk for half an hour to reach the beach. Regardless, it is a trip worth taking!

Beaches in West Coast of Mallorca

On the west coast, definitely more suitable for those who like beaches with facilities is Playa de Palma, also known as El Arenal, and it is the most famous and popular beach in Palma de Mallorca. The other beach in Palma is Cala Estància, which is also quite well-serviced but crowded.

Tip: Looking for a villa not too far from Playa de Palma? The beautiful and spacious Eco Fina Can Alegria With Pool is the one for you! Perfect for family holidays.

The beautiful child-friendly Eco Fina Can Alegria With Pool (ID 5775) close to Playa de Palma

Also on the west coast, in the municipality of Calvià, is the beach of Portals Vells, characterised by fine sand and numerous caves to explore, and the beautiful and well-equipped Camp de Mar, which has as its special feature: a wooden bridge connecting it to a restaurant located on a rock about 20 metres from the shore.

What to do and see in different seasons of Mallorca?  

Mallorca in winter

You've probably never thought of going to Mallorca in winter, but know that there is always something to do, with the added advantage of the low season prices making everything more affordable and less crowded. And if you have the chance to spend more time in Mallorca, you might consider making this your digital nomad stop. 

First of all, the previously recommended tour of Palma's old town is always worthwhile, and visiting the city without the summer overcrowding and scorching sun will certainly be much more enjoyable.

Celebrating Christmas and other exciting festivals in Mallorca 

During the Christmas period, one can admire Palma's beautiful Christmas lights, and for that, the Paseo del Borne is the place to be. On Christmas Eve there is a special midnight mass where the Song of the Sibyl, dating back to the Middle Ages, is performed.

Palma’s magical Christmas atmosphere in Paseo del Borne

Tip: Take the opportunity to visit the Christmas markets in Plaza Mayor and the Port Adriano theme park. Between markets, you can relax over a hot chocolate accompanied by some excellent churros.

If you plan to celebrate the beginning of the New Year in Palma, you can attend the celebration of the Festa de L'Estandard, which takes place on 31 December in Plaza Cort. It commemorates the arrival of King Jaume I's troops in Palma and the end of Moorish rule. The celebration begins with a ceremonial march, the reading of the poem 'La Colcada' at midday and ends with a solemn mass.

On the same day, the Paseo del Borne fills up for one last party, usually with DJ sets, while at Plaza Cort, according to Spanish tradition, locals celebrate by eating 12 grapes, one for each stroke of midnight.

If you want to celebrate in a disco, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to nightclubs. In Magaluf there are several frequented by northern European tourists, with BCM and Pacha being among the most popular. But, if you do not want to wander out of Palma, we recommend Tito and El Divino. 

If you are going to stay longer still, then do attend the arrival of the Three Kings that is celebrated on 5 January with the picturesque and colourful Cavalcade of the Three Kings. Sant Sebastià, the patron saint of Palma, is celebrated from 19 to 20 January during the Fiesta des Foguerons with concerts and fireworks.

If you visit Palma in February, you cannot miss the Carnival, known as Sa Rua, which takes place the last weekend before Easter Lent. The highlights of the celebration are the coronation of the carnival queen, the burial of the sardine, and the parade de las Rues, or several people parading in costume and dancing in a group, followed by other people dressed in black, mourning the death of the sardine. 

We end the winter season with Balearic Islands Day, which is celebrated on 1 March. This day is very popular because it celebrates the autonomy acquired by the archipelago. In Palma it is celebrated with a fair that starts at the Parc de la Mar and ends at the Baluard.

 Tip: At the fair you can buy typical hand-baked and hand-painted ceramics and many tasty delicacies such as cured meats, Menorcan cheeses, Ibiza flao and much more.

Mallorca in summer

Apart from spending the day at the beach or hiking in nature parks and picturesque caves, one event not to be missed is San Juan's Night of Fire - La Nit de Foc - which is celebrated all over the island on the eve of St John's Day. Once the sun goes down, people dressed as demons come out into the streets and perform a fire show. During the evening they celebrate with bonfires, fireworks and a concert at midnight.

The incredible fire dancers on La Nit de Foc in Mallorca

Mallorca in spring

Easter is a very popular holiday throughout Spain, and is also celebrated in Mallorca. 

There are processions on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On Maundy Thursday, in Palma, there is the 'Crist de la Sang' in which parish brotherhoods parade carrying a representation of the crucifixion and wearing cone-shaped hoods.

Also during Easter, on the outskirts of Palma, there is the Fira del Ram with its rides, ideal for spending an evening with family or friends. The celebrations continue on the Sunday after Easter, Angel Sunday, in the woods of Bellver Castle. The day is dedicated to family activities and outdoor dining.

If you visit Palma in April, you can visit the Fira del Llonguet dedicated to the typical bread of Palma. The Llonguet is made with white flour and is enjoyed lightly toasted with rubbed tomato and oil or cold meats and cheeses. The locals are crazy for it!

At the beginning of June, Corpus Christi takes place, which, besides being a religious ceremony, is also a celebration of spring. 

Mallorca in autumn

If you have the opportunity to visit Mallorca in autumn, you can take advantage of it to enjoy the last days of sunshine on the much less crowded beaches. Also, in October, the Virgins' Eve is celebrated, in which serenades are dedicated to all the girls on the island while the singers are offered sweets and muscat wine. One should not forget that in Mallorca, the nightlife lasts all year round and the clubs and discos are also open in autumn and winter.

Feel like visiting Mallorca? The island is easy to reach by plane or ferries from Spain and Italy. All you need to do is book a holiday home to complete an effortless holiday!