Year after year the Spanish Balearic Island of Mallorca attracts millions of tourists from Europe and around the world. Ideally situated in the Western Mediterranean Sea, a five-hour ferry ride from the mainland Mallorca sees many of its visitors arrive at Palma de Mallorca where they find plenty of options available for onward transport that include rental cars, buses and taxis. Blessed with mild winters and hot summers Mallorca is primarily a summer beach destination but has plenty of things to keep you busy all year long. Below we have compiled a list in no particular order the 15 best things to do while visiting Mallorca.
Palma Cathedral
Built by King James I of Aragon in 1229 on a former Moorish mosque, the cathedral you see today was not completed until 1601. Legend has it that in the quest to push the Moors out of Mallorca, James the 1st and his Christian Army survived violent storms while on route to the island with the king, promising that if they survived he would build a great church in honour of the Virgin Mary.
Palma Shopping
When it comes to shopping Palma can rival the best cities in the world with its beautiful Passeig des Born, a tree-lined avenue full of bars and designer boutiques that include Hugo Boss, Mulberry, Zara and Louis Vuitton.
Gourmet Dining
While in Palma stop for lunch at the Michelin starred Marc Fosh restaurant where a three-course set menu meal can be had for 27.50€.
Joan Miró Studio
Surrealism lives on in the studio of Catalan artist Joan Miró where unfinished paintings remain on easels surrounded by paint splattered walls. A good friend of Picasso, Miro is rated as one of the most influential artists of the 21st century whose paintings appeal to a wide audience.
Drive in the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains
Think of your favourite Top Gear episode and prepare yourself for one of the greatest driving roads in the world. Home to the Oris Rally Clásico the mountain roads leading to Cap de Formentor offer not only spectacular views but hairpin bends on cliffs above the sea.
Cap de Formentor Sunset
Located on the northernmost point of the island 384m above the sea Cap de Formentor is the best place to watch the sunset on Mallorca.
Fornalutx
Often called the prettiest village in Spain the Tramuntana Mountain village of Fornalutx hasn’t changed in over 300 years. Wander the narrow cobbled streets while taking in the scent of the surrounding orange and lemon groves.
Tren de Sóller
Take a ride through the Mallorca countryside aboard a 100-year-old wood-panelled train. The train runs between the Plaza de Espana Station in Palma crossing a viaduct and passing through 13 tunnels before reaching the village of Soller.
Robert Graves’ House in Deià
Poet and author of I Claudius, Robert Graves spent most of his life on Mallorca living near the pretty village of Deià. The house looks the same as it did when Graves was alive, making it easy to imagine how the author lived day to day. You can even stroll down to the beach as Graves did and go for a swim.
Visit a Winery
Most of Mallorca’s top wines are produced in the northeast near the village of Binissalem. The top winery on the island is José L. Ferrer and is open to the public Monday to Friday from 11:00 am. Take a tour of the facility and its museum before sampling the best wines the island has to offer.
Take a Tennis Lesson
You may not know it but tennis ace Rafa Nadal is from Mallorca and has partnered with Spanish telecommunications company Moviestar to set up a tennis academy in his hometown of Manacor. All levels of players are welcome, from children to adults for lessons that range from simple instruction to full-blown camps.
Cliff Jumping
Cliff jumping may not be the first thing that springs to mind when finding the best things to do in Mallorca. However, if it’s an adrenaline rush that ‘floats your boat’ then why not join one of the adventure sports companies in Mallorca for a day of abseiling and jumping off a 13m cliff into the refreshing Mediterranean Sea. This is not something you should do on your own, so let the professionals take you to a location where you can safely jump.
Cooking Class
For many people, food and all associated with it is a big part of life and while in Mallorca you will get to experience Mediterranean flavours and dishes you might not be familiar with back home. Why not spend the time to learn some popular local dishes that you can prepare for your friends and family. One of the most popular cooking schools is Lonja 18 in Palma.
The Night Manager filming locations
Live the life of fictional multi-millionaire arms dealer Richard Roper while enjoying a gin and tonic at the Maricel Hotel and Spa in Calvià. Filmed at several locations around Mallorca the “Night Manager” is a BBC adaptation of the John Le Carre novel of the same name adapted to the Arab Spring. Each episode cost £3 million to produce and drew an audience of 8 million viewers. Film producers were spoilt for choice when selecting some of the most stunning & dramatic locations to use for the series and and some of the featured five-star hotels such as the Cap Rocat and stylish The famous fish restaurant in Cala Deià are now the sought out place to visit here on the island.
Cycling
Whether it’s the climate, location, scenery or simply the practical routes, Mallorca is one of the world’s top cycling destinations and a training ground for athletes preparing for the Tour de France. Just ask British sports personality Bradley Wiggins about why he spends so much time here. The great thing about wanting to cycle on the island is that you don’t have to bring your bike as its very convenient to hire one in Palma for around just £12.
Public and private transport to & from Palma airport
Getting from Palma Mallorca airport is now easier than ever thanks to its many transport options to get to its attractive locations on the island.
It is advisable to book transfers and taxis in advance so that the price is agreed beforehand and that there’s no ‘nasty surprises’ on the day. This will also give you an opportunity to arrange any extras you may need such as baby seats.
By Bus
There are two bus lines that connect the airport to the port, the Arenal area, and the centre of Palma. Although there is no train directly at Palma airport, there is a bus route that will get you to the nearest station.
- Route 21: S’Arenal – Airport
- Route 1: Airport – City – Port
With so much to discover, see and do on the island, it’s no wonder many return on holiday each year to this gem in the Mediterranean sea.
