Mallorca is the kind of island that rewards you for taking the scenic route. Beyond its turquoise beaches, you’ll find stone villages tucked into the Tramuntana mountains, quiet coastal roads, historic towns and little places that make you want to stay longer. Over the years, we’ve explored many corners of the island, and these are some of our favourite places to visit in Mallorca, from famous highlights to spots that feel a little more off the beaten path.
a love letter to mallorca’s most beautiful places
Getting to Mallorca is easy, whether you are arriving from mainland Spain, another European city, or a nearby island. Most travelers fly into Palma de Mallorca Airport, which is well connected to many destinations across Europe. Alternatively, ferries from Barcelona, Valencia, Cities in France and other Balearic Islands offer a more relaxed way to reach Mallorca, especially if you are bringing a car.
Once you arrive, renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the island. It gives you the freedom to discover Mallorca’s beaches, mountain villages and hidden corners at your own pace, rather than relying only on public transport.
Palma is the lively heart of Mallorca, where historic streets, Mediterranean views and a relaxed island atmosphere come together. From the impressive cathedral to the charming old town, there is plenty to discover, while the city’s cafés and waterfront make it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Start your visit around the old town and explore Palma on foot. Along the way, you will find beautiful architecture, lively squares and plenty of places to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat. Additionally, these are some of the spots we would not miss:
Sóller and Port de Sóller are one of our favorite corners of Mallorca. Surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains, orange groves and the Mediterranean Sea, you get a little bit of everything here. We love coming to Sóller for a slow afternoon, wandering through the old town and then heading down to the port for sunset.
Some highlights in Sóller & Port de Sóller:
Valldemossa is easily one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca. Tucked into the Tramuntana mountains, it’s full of charming stone houses, narrow streets and colorful flowers.
We love simply walking around without a plan, stopping for a coffee and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Although Valldemossa is popular, it still feels authentic and is definitely worth a stop when exploring the west of Mallorca.
Highlights in Valldemossa:
Perched between the Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean, Deià is one of Mallorca’s most atmospheric villages. Its stone houses, quiet streets and stunning surroundings have attracted artists and travelers for decades, while the nearby coast adds even more charm.
If you’re looking for beautiful places to visit in Mallorca, the Tramuntana is a great place to start.
Built into the Tramuntana mountains overlooking the Mediterranean, Banyalbufar is a peaceful village with some of Mallorca’s most beautiful coastal views. Its famous terraces, stone houses and quiet atmosphere make it a great stop away from the busier parts of the island.
When we travel, we always save the best places we discover from hidden viewpoints and cozy cafés to beautiful beaches and must-see spots. To make trip planning easier, we created interactive travel maps with all our favorite locations in one place. Simply open the map and explore the places we personally visited.
Fornalutx is one of those little Mallorca villages that feels like a postcard. Surrounded by mountains and orange groves, its stone houses, flower-filled streets and peaceful atmosphere make it a beautiful stop in the Tramuntana.
→ Highlights in Fornalutx:
Alcúdia is a great mix of history, beautiful streets and relaxed island life. We love wandering through the old town, where stone walls, small shops and charming cafés make every corner worth exploring. And because the beach is just nearby, you can easily combine a little sightseeing with some time by the sea.
→ Highlights in Alcúdia:
Sineu is a small, authentic village in the heart of Mallorca and a great place to experience a quieter side of the island. We especially love coming here on market day, when the historic center fills with colorful stalls, local produce and a lively atmosphere. The weekly Sineu Market is one of the island’s most famous markets and is definitely worth planning your visit around.
Beyond the market, take some time to wander through the narrow streets, discover the old stone houses and stop for a coffee in the village square.
Santanyí is a charming little town in the southeast of Mallorca, best known for its popular market. However, during the summer high season, the market days can get extremely busy. Honestly, we recommend visiting Santanyí outside of market days if you want to enjoy the town at a more relaxed pace.
→ Some highlights in Santanyí:
There are so many places to visit in Mallorca, but Santanyí is a great choice if you want to explore the southeast of the island.
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Artà is a charming town in the northeast of Mallorca and a great place to experience a more authentic side of the island. We love its relaxed atmosphere, pretty streets and the views from the hilltop church. Compared to some of Mallorca’s more popular towns, Artà often feels a little quieter.
→ Some highlights in Artà:
Capdepera is a charming little town in the northeast of Mallorca, known for its impressive medieval castle and quiet old streets. It feels a little less touristy than some of the island’s bigger destinations, which is exactly why we like it.
→ Some highlights in Capdepera:
Portocolom is a charming fishing village on the east coast of Mallorca, known for its natural harbor, colorful waterfront houses and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a nice place to escape the busier resorts and enjoy Mallorca at a slower pace.
Tip: One of our absolute favorite places in Portocolom is the Bar Blau just outside.
→ Some highlights in Portocolom:
Sant Elm is a small coastal village in the southwest of Mallorca, right where the Tramuntana mountains meet the Mediterranean. We love it for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful sea views and the view of Sa Dragonera just offshore. It’s a great place to slow down, enjoy the beach and watch the sunset.
For us, Sant Elm is one of the more peaceful places to visit in Mallorca, especially if you want to get away from the busier resorts.
Pollença is a charming town in the north of Mallorca, known for its historic streets, stone houses and relaxed atmosphere. We love exploring the old town and climbing the famous Calvari Steps for the views. If you’re looking for beautiful places to visit in Mallorca, Pollença is definitely worth a stop.
→ Some highlights in Pollença:
Mallorca and beaches simply belong together. With its turquoise water, hidden coves and long stretches of golden sand, the island has a coastline that is almost impossible not to fall in love with.
What makes Mallorca special, though, is the variety. You can spend the morning on a wide sandy beach, hike through the Tramuntana mountains in the afternoon and end the day swimming in a tiny cala surrounded by cliffs. And because every part of the island has its own character, exploring the coastline can be just as exciting as exploring the villages and mountains inland.
From famous sandy beaches to hidden turquoise coves, we’ve explored some of our favourite spots around the island. Discover the beaches we love most and find the perfect places to add to your Mallorca itinerary.
Finding the right place to stay can make exploring Mallorca so much easier. From stylish boutique hotels in historic towns to peaceful countryside retreats and beautiful seaside stays, there are plenty of options to choose from.
We usually prefer choosing a hotel based on the places we want to visit in Mallorca. That way, you can spend less time on the road and more time exploring the beaches, villages, viewpoints and hidden gems that make the island so special. So, if you are planning your Mallorca itinerary, these are some of the stays we would have on our list.
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Cause we lived on Mallorca, we get to enjoy the island throughout the year and that means we get asked quite often about the best time to visit Mallorca. The truth is, it really depends on what you want to do. Mallorca feels completely different in summer than it does in winter, and each season has something special to offer.
👉 March – May
Spring is one of our favorite seasons on the island. The landscape is green, the almond trees and wildflowers are blooming, and the temperatures are perfect for exploring. It is also a great time for hiking, road trips and discovering Mallorca’s villages before the summer crowds arrive.
→ Why visit in Spring:
👉 June – August
Summer is the season most people associate with Mallorca. The beaches are at their best, the sea is warm and there is plenty happening across the island. However, July and August can be very hot and busy, especially around the most popular beaches and towns.
→ Why Summer might be your season:
👉 September – November
Autumn is another beautiful time to visit Mallorca. The summer crowds have disappeared, while the sea is still warm enough for swimming, especially in September and October. The cooler days also make exploring the mountains, villages and countryside much more enjoyable.
→ What to expect during Autumn:
👉 December – February
Winter is the quietest time of year in Mallorca. While it is not really the season for long days at the beach, it is a wonderful time to experience a quieter side of the island. You can explore Palma, hike in the mountains and enjoy local restaurants without the summer crowds.
→ Visiting Mallorca during Winter means:
For us, spring and autumn are the best times to visit Mallorca. We especially love April and May, when the island is green and full of flowers, and October and November, when the pace slows down and the weather is still often beautiful.
These months give us the perfect balance. It is warm enough to spend time outside and enjoy the coast, but not so hot that exploring the island becomes exhausting. And, perhaps most importantly, Mallorca simply feels a little more relaxed.
Getting around Mallorca is surprisingly easy, especially if you plan your trip around the places you want to explore. We usually recommend renting a car if you want to see more than just one area.
However, Mallorca also has a reliable public transport network, and for some trips, buses and trains are more than enough.
For us, *renting a car in Mallorca is the best way to explore the island. You have the freedom to visit remote beaches, mountain villages and scenic viewpoints without having to work around bus or train schedules.
The main roads are generally easy to drive, although some mountain roads can be narrow and winding. In summer, parking can also become difficult at popular beaches and attractions, so it is worth arriving early.
→ Good to know:
Buses are a convenient option if you are staying in Palma or travelling between the larger towns. Mallorca’s bus network connects many popular destinations, although services can be less frequent in smaller villages and remote areas.
Mallorca’s train network is limited compared with mainland Spain, but the historic train routes from Palma towards towns such as Sóller and Inca are a great way to see the island without driving.
The famous Palma-Sóller train is also an experience in itself, taking you through the Tramuntana landscape on one of Mallorca’s most scenic rail journeys.
A little planning can make a big difference when visiting Mallorca. While the island is easy to explore, there are a few things we have learned from living here that can make your trip smoother, especially if you want to see more than just the famous beaches.
Even though the island has a lot of hotels and accommodations, Mallorca can get very busy during the summer months, especially in popular areas such as Palma, Sóller, Alcúdia and Pollença. If you are traveling between June and September, we recommend booking your accommodation well in advance.
Summer is fantastic for beach holidays, but Mallorca is beautiful throughout the year. Spring brings colourful landscapes and mild temperatures, while autumn is perfect for hiking, sightseeing and enjoying quieter beaches.
Some of Mallorca’s most popular places can become very busy during the day. Getting an early start not only helps you avoid the crowds, but also makes parking easier and gives you a much more relaxed experience.
As always guys! Mallorca is home to some incredibly beautiful and fragile landscapes. When visiting beaches, mountains and natural areas, take your rubbish with you, stay on marked trails and respect local communities.
Sunday is often a family day in Mallorca, so popular beaches, restaurants and local spots can feel noticeably busier. If you are looking for a quieter experience, consider exploring earlier in the day or choosing a less touristy area.
You don’t need to speak Spanish to visit Mallorca, but learning a few simple words can go a long way. A friendly “hola,” “gracias” or “por favor” is always appreciated and makes everyday interactions feel a little more personal.
Instead of always heading to the biggest and most famous markets, look for smaller local markets in villages around the island. They are often less crowded and can be a much more authentic way to experience everyday life in Mallorca.
If there is a restaurant you really want to visit in Mallorca, it is worth booking ahead. Especially during summer, popular restaurants and small local spots can fill up quickly. We recommend reserving a few days in advance, particularly for dinner, sunset tables or restaurants with limited seating.
