Things to Do in Mallorca: What to See, Do & Where to Go

Mallorca (also known as Majorca) is one of Spain’s most complete travel destinations. From golden beaches and hidden coves to historic cities, mountain villages and unforgettable experiences, the island offers an incredible variety of options for every type of traveller.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break, a family holiday or a longer stay, deciding what to do in Mallorca can feel overwhelming — simply because there is so much to choose from. You can explore the cultural highlights of Palma, relax on some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches, hike in the Tramuntana Mountains or discover authentic local life in traditional villages.

In this guide, we bring together the best things to do in Mallorca, combining must-see attractions, iconic places to visit and unique experiences across the island. This article is designed to help you plan your trip easily, whether you’re looking for sightseeing ideas, outdoor activities, day trips or hidden gems beyond the resorts.

Things to know before exploring Mallorca

This section works as a practical Mallorca travel guide, helping you understand what to expect before deciding what to do and see on the island. Before diving into the best places to visit and activities, it helps to understand a few basics about the island. Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and is located in the Mediterranean Sea, making it easily accessible from most European cities.

If you’ve ever wondered about the name difference, there’s no confusion at all. Mallorca and Majorca refer to the same island — Mallorca is the Spanish and Catalan name, while Majorca is the traditional English spelling. You can find a clear explanation of the difference between Mallorca and Majorca if you’d like to understand how both names came to be used.

Getting around the island is relatively easy, but your experience will depend on how you travel. Public transport connects Palma with most major towns, while renting a car gives you more freedom to reach beaches, viewpoints and rural areas. You can find practical advice in our article on how to get around Mallorca.

If you’re planning your first visit, our complete Mallorca travel guide is a great place to start, covering practical tips and essential information to help you plan your trip. And if you’re not yet familiar with the island’s location, this guide shows where Mallorca is on the map and how it fits within Spain and the Balearic Islands.

Mallorca is also a year-round destination. Summer is ideal for beaches and water activities, while spring and autumn are perfect for sightseeing, hiking and exploring villages with fewer crowds. If you’re unsure when to visit, our guide to the best time to travel to Mallorca breaks it down by season and weather conditions.

With these basics covered, let’s explore the top things to do in Mallorca and the places you shouldn’t miss during your stay.

Top Things to Do in Mallorca (Must-See Highlights)

Mallorca offers an exceptional mix of culture, nature and iconic landmarks, which is why it consistently ranks among the best places to visit in Spain. If you’re wondering what to do in Mallorca on your first visit, this section covers the island’s essential highlights — the places and experiences that define Mallorca and shouldn’t be missed.

From historic cities and mountain landscapes to scenic viewpoints and traditional villages, these must-see highlights give you a well-rounded introduction to the island. They combine sightseeing, local culture and natural beauty, making them ideal whether you’re planning a short break or a longer stay.

These are the experiences that most travellers associate with the best things to do in Mallorca, and they also serve as a perfect base for discovering more hidden gems and lesser-known spots across the island. These highlights cover what to visit in Majorca for first-time travellers.

Explore Palma de Mallorca: Cathedral, Old Town & Castell de Bellver

Exploring Palma de Mallorca is one of the essential things to do in Mallorca. The island’s capital combines history, architecture and Mediterranean lifestyle in a compact and walkable city. Palma is also one of the top places to visit in Mallorca if you only have a short stay on the island.

The most iconic sight is Palma Cathedral, also known as La Seu. Located by the sea, this Gothic masterpiece is one of the top places to see in Palma de Mallorca and a symbol of the city.

Behind the cathedral lies the Old Town, a network of narrow streets, historic courtyards and lively squares. Highlights include the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, local cafés and traditional architecture that reveal Palma’s layered history.

For panoramic views, visit Castell de Bellver, a unique circular castle set on a hill overlooking the city and the bay. It’s the perfect way to add a scenic viewpoint to a day of sightseeing in Palma.

Discover the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains

The Serra de Tramuntana is consistently ranked among the best places in Mallorca for scenery and nature. It runs along Mallorca’s northwest coast, stretching from Andratx in the southwest to the Formentor peninsula in the north. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain range is known for its dramatic scenery, coastal cliffs and traditional stone villages.

There are several ways to discover the Tramuntana, depending on your travel style. Many visitors explore it by car, following one of the island’s most scenic routes, while others choose hiking trails or guided excursions that showcase the area’s landscapes without the need to drive. Organised tours are a popular option for seeing highlights in a single day.

Along the way, the Tramuntana is home to some of Mallorca’s most iconic places, including villages such as Deià, Valldemossa and Sóller, as well as breathtaking viewpoints over the coast. Thanks to this mix of nature, culture and accessibility, the Tramuntana is consistently ranked among the best places to visit in Mallorca.

Drive or Boat to Sa Calobra & the Torrent de Pareis

Sa Calobra is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Majorca, famous for both its dramatic setting and the journey required to reach it. The winding mountain road, carved into the Tramuntana Mountains, is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in Majorca.

From the cove, a short walk through tunnels carved into the rock leads to the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis, a monumental gorge framed by towering cliffs. This natural landmark is often listed among the top Mallorca attractions and is one of the island’s most photographed landscapes.

For those who prefer not to drive, Sa Calobra is included in the popular Island Tour, a full-day experience that combines mountain scenery, coastal views and unique transport routes. It’s one of the easiest ways to see one of the best places to go in Mallorca in a single day.

Visit the Village of Valldemossa

Nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains, Valldemossa is one of the most charming and atmospheric villages on the island. Known for its stone houses, narrow streets and mountain setting, it regularly appears among the nicest places in Mallorca.

Walking through Valldemossa is a pleasure in itself. There are many things to do in Valldemossa: scenic viewpoints, traditional cafés and a calm, authentic atmosphere that contrasts with the busier coastal areas. It is also closely linked to history and culture, adding depth to the visit beyond its visual appeal.

Thanks to its location, Valldemossa is often combined with nearby villages and scenic drives through the Tramuntana, making it one of the most rewarding places to see in Majorca for travellers interested in landscapes, culture and local life.

Beaches, Coves & Natural Highlights in Mallorca

Mallorca’s coastline is one of the island’s greatest attractions, offering everything from long sandy beaches to small hidden calas framed by cliffs. This variety makes exploring the coast one of the most rewarding experiences for visitors looking to discover Mallorca’s natural beauty.

Some areas are known for calm, easily accessible beaches, while others hide secluded coves with crystal-clear water and a more untouched feel. Combined with coastal viewpoints and natural formations, these landscapes consistently rank among the most beautiful places to visit in Mallorca.

Whether you explore by car, on foot or as part of a boat excursion, Mallorca’s beaches and calas showcase a side of the island that goes far beyond resorts and urban areas. If you’re wondering where to go in Mallorca for beaches and nature, see below some ideas.

Relax on Mallorca’s Best Sandy Beaches

Mallorca is home to a wide selection of sandy beaches, many of them known for calm waters, easy access and long stretches of sand. These beaches are ideal for swimming, relaxing and spending full days by the sea, especially for families and travellers looking for comfort and space. For a more detailed overview, including practical tips and the best areas to visit, we recommend checking our guide to the Mallorca best beaches.

In the south of the island, Es Trenc stands out for its white sand and clear, shallow water. Often compared to Caribbean-style beaches, it is one of the most iconic coastal spots in Mallorca and a favourite for relaxed beach days.

In the north, beaches around Alcúdia, such as Playa de Muro, offer a different experience. These long sandy bays are known for their gentle conditions, excellent facilities and views towards the surrounding countryside and mountains, making them especially popular with families.

Further north, Formentor Beach combines crystal-clear water with a spectacular natural setting, surrounded by pine trees and the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains. Together, these beaches represent some of the most accessible and well-loved sandy beaches on the island, each offering a distinct coastal experience.

Discover Hidden Calas & Secluded Coves

Beyond the long sandy beaches, Mallorca is famous for its calas — small coves often hidden between cliffs, with crystal-clear water and a more unspoilt feel. Discovering these secluded spots is one of the most memorable ways to experience the island’s coastline and a highlight for travellers seeking quieter, more natural settings.

Many of Mallorca’s most beautiful calas require a short walk or are best reached by boat, which helps preserve their wild atmosphere. Well-known examples include Calo des Moro, famous for its dramatic scenery, and Cala Varques, a favourite for its clear water and relaxed vibe. In protected areas like Cala Mondragó, you’ll also find a balance between nature and easy access.

If you want to explore more of these spots and plan your visits properly, we recommend reading our guide to Mallorca’s calas and hidden coves, which covers access tips, best times to visit and alternatives to avoid crowds.

Explore Natural Landmarks & Scenic Viewpoints

Mallorca’s landscapes go far beyond beaches and coves. The island is home to impressive natural landmarks and scenic viewpoints that reveal its more dramatic side, from mountain gorges to rugged coastal cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean.

One of the most striking natural sights is the Torrent de Pareis, a monumental gorge carved into the Tramuntana Mountains. Its scale and setting make it one of the most remarkable natural areas in Mallorca and a favourite among nature and photography enthusiasts.

Along the coast, viewpoints such as Cap de Formentor and Mirador Es Colomer offer sweeping views over cliffs and open sea. These spots are especially popular at sunrise or sunset and are often included on scenic drives through the north of the island.

Exploring Mallorca’s viewpoints and natural landmarks adds depth to any itinerary and highlights why the island is so often praised for its varied and striking scenery.

Water activities and boat trips in Mallorca

Exploring Mallorca from the sea is one of the most memorable ways to experience the island. With over 550 kilometres of coastline, crystal-clear waters and hidden coves only accessible by boat, water activities are a must when deciding what to do in Mallorca.

Boat trips in Mallorca range from relaxed coastal cruises to half-day catamaran excursions with swimming stops, snorkelling and time to enjoy secluded beaches. These trips are ideal for first-time visitors who want to see different parts of the island in a single day while enjoying the Mediterranean at a relaxed pace. 👉 You can explore different options in our dedicated guide to boat trips in Mallorca.

For wildlife lovers, dolphin watching in Mallorca is a unique experience. Most dolphin tours depart early in the morning, when the sea is calm and dolphins are most active. Watching them swim freely in their natural habitat, with the sunrise over the Mediterranean, is one of those moments that stays with you long after your holiday ends.

If you are looking for more adrenaline, jet ski excursions in Mallorca are perfect for adding excitement to your trip. Riding along the coast combines speed, sea views and access to areas you wouldn’t reach otherwise. These experiences are especially popular among groups of friends and travellers looking for fun, energetic activities during their stay.

For a slower but more immersive experience, kayaking in Mallorca allows you to explore sea caves, cliffs and small calas at water level. It’s a fantastic way to discover hidden corners of the island, particularly along the east and north coasts, and suits couples, solo travellers and anyone who enjoys active sightseeing.

Best Towns & Villages to Visit in Mallorca

If you want to go beyond beaches and discover the island’s character, these towns are some of the best places to visit in Mallorca. They combine history, scenery, local life and viewpoints — the kind of Mallorca points of interest that turn a holiday into a proper travel experience. These are some of the best towns and villages in Mallorca to experience local life:

Sóller & Port de Sóller

This is one of the most popular day trips in Mallorca from Palma. Few day trips feel as “Majorca” as visiting Sóller and Port de Sóller. One of the most iconic ways to get there is on the Sóller Train, a vintage wooden railway connecting Palma with the Sóller valley and considered one of the most memorable things to do and see in Mallorca. Many visitors also choose an organised excursion that includes the train and the historic tram, making it easy to enjoy this route without planning every detail.

Once in Sóller, the town centre is perfect for a relaxed walk. The main square, Plaça de la Constitució, is dominated by the impressive church and surrounded by cafés and historic buildings. Here you’ll also find notable modernist architecture, including the famous Banco de Sóller, one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. This is also the ideal place to stop for a freshly squeezed orange juice or orange ice cream, made with the local citrus that made the valley famous.

From Sóller, the wooden tram to Port de Sóller adds another highlight to the day. The port offers a calm seaside atmosphere, with a promenade lined by traditional boats and small restaurants. For even better views, you can walk up to one of the nearby viewpoints above the harbour, where the combination of mountains and sea shows why this area is among the best places to go in Mallorca.

Deià

With barely 1,000 inhabitants, Deià is one of the smallest but most atmospheric places to see in Majorca. The village is compact and can easily be explored in one to two hours, making it a perfect stop when driving through the Tramuntana mountains.

Parking can be limited and difficult, especially in busy periods, so it’s best approached with a short visit in mind. A simple walk through the narrow streets leads naturally uphill towards the church area, where a short climb rewards you with excellent panoramic views over the village and coastline — one of the highlights of visiting Deià.

If time allows, you can continue down to Cala Deià, a small rocky cove known for its clear water and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a swim or for lunch at the seaside restaurant, adding a coastal touch to this otherwise mountain-focused visit.

Alcúdia Old Town

Alcúdia Old Town is one of the most important historic towns on the island and a key stop among Mallorca’s cultural places of interest. Its well-preserved medieval walls still surround the old town, and walking along them gives a clear sense of Alcúdia’s strategic importance in the past.

Just outside the walls are the Roman ruins of Pollentia, the remains of the ancient city that once played a central role in the island’s history and is often considered one of Mallorca’s earliest capitals. This site adds real depth to any visit focused on understanding the island beyond its beaches.

For atmosphere, Alcúdia is at its best on market days: Tuesdays and Sundays. On these days, the streets fill with stalls and local life. After exploring, take time to wander the narrow lanes, sit in one of the small squares for a drink, or continue on foot towards the nearby coast to enjoy views over the Bay of Pollença.

Pollença

Pollença is a town with strong character and a more traditional feel, making it one of the most rewarding places to visit in Mallorca for travellers interested in culture and atmosphere.

The town’s most famous landmark is the Calvari Steps, a climb that leads to one of the best viewpoints in the north of the island. From the top, the views over the town and surrounding countryside are particularly impressive and well worth the effort.

Pollença is especially lively on Sundays, when the weekly market takes place. It’s an ideal day to combine sightseeing with a relaxed coffee in the main square, soaking up the local rhythm of life that defines this part of Mallorca.

Things to Do in Mallorca by Type of Traveller

Mallorca things to do vary a lot depending on how and with whom you travel. One of Mallorca’s biggest strengths is how well it adapts to different travel styles. The island offers a wide range of experiences depending on who you’re travelling with and what kind of trip you’re planning, from relaxed escapes to active adventures and lively getaways.

Whether you’re visiting as a couple, travelling with family, exploring solo or coming with friends, Mallorca makes it easy to shape your itinerary around your interests. Some travellers prioritise beaches and scenery, others focus on culture, food or outdoor activities, while many look for a balance of everything.

Breaking things down by traveller type helps you quickly identify the experiences that best match your plans and avoid feeling overwhelmed by choice. Below, we’ll highlight what Mallorca offers for different types of visitors, so you can make the most of your time on the island.

Best things to do in Mallorca for young adults and groups

Mallorca is one of the best Mediterranean destinations for young travellers looking for fun, social experiences and unforgettable moments. If you’re searching for things to do in Mallorca for young adults, the island offers the perfect balance between daytime activities and lively nights.

During the day, boat trips in Mallorca are a top choice for groups, especially catamaran cruises with music, swimming stops and a relaxed party atmosphere. For more adrenaline, activities like jet ski excursions along the coast are extremely popular and easy to combine with a beach day.

Many of these experiences are also ideal if you’re travelling with friends or planning a group trip. From boat parties to water sports, Mallorca offers plenty of options for those searching for things to do for young adults, as well as organised activities for special occasions such as hen and stag do holidays in Mallorca.

Things to do in Mallorca with family

Mallorca is one of the best family destinations in Spain, thanks to its safe environment, short travel distances and huge variety of attractions for children of all ages. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Mallorca with family, the island makes it easy to combine fun, beaches and light sightseeing.

For younger children, places like Palma Aquarium, Marineland Mallorca and Safari Zoo Mallorca are among the most popular attractions, offering educational experiences mixed with entertainment. Theme parks and water parks such as Aqualand Mallorca or Western-style parks provide full days of fun, especially during the summer months.

Choosing the right area to stay also makes a big difference. Resorts in the north of the island, such as Alcúdia and Playa de Muro, are especially popular with families thanks to their long sandy beaches, shallow waters and wide range of family-friendly hotels and apartments. These areas also offer easy access to nature, beaches and attractions without long drives.

Mallorca remains an excellent destination for families, although it’s worth noting that prices have increased noticeably since 2025, particularly in peak season. Planning ahead and choosing the right area can help keep the trip enjoyable and good value for money.

Things to Do in Mallorca for Couples

Mallorca is an excellent destination for couples thanks to its mix of scenery, culture and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Beyond beaches, there are many experiences that make the island especially appealing for romantic getaways or short breaks.

Exploring charming villages like Valldemossa or Deià, enjoying scenic drives through the Serra de Tramuntana or watching the sunset from coastal viewpoints are some of the most memorable things to do together. Couples often enjoy combining light sightseeing with quiet beaches, local food and slow-paced plans that don’t require long travel times.

This balance of nature, culture and calm experiences makes Mallorca one of the best places to visit in Majorca for couples, whether you’re looking for romance, relaxation or shared discovery.

Things to Do in Mallorca for Solo Travellers

Mallorca is also a great destination for solo travellers, offering safety, good public transport and plenty of opportunities to explore independently. If you’re travelling alone and wondering what to do in Mallorca, the island is easy to navigate and full of varied experiences.

Solo visitors often enjoy walking through historic towns, hiking sections of the Serra de Tramuntana or discovering local markets and cafés. Mallorca’s mix of lively areas and quieter corners makes it easy to choose your own pace — whether that means socialising in Palma or enjoying peaceful moments in nature.

Thanks to its diversity and accessibility, Mallorca works perfectly for solo trips focused on culture, landscapes and personal exploration.

Mallorca Travel Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip to Mallorca is relatively easy, but knowing a few key details in advance can help you make the most of your time on the island. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions travellers ask when deciding what to do in Mallorca and how to organise their trip.

Final Tips & How to Plan Your Mallorca Trip

Mallorca is a destination that rewards good planning. The island is larger and more diverse than many travellers expect, so combining must-see highlights, charming towns, beaches and a few organised experiences is often the best approach.

To get the most out of your stay, consider mixing independent exploration with guided activities. Excursions and tours are a great way to visit places like Sa Calobra, the Tramuntana mountains or the coast without worrying about logistics, parking or driving narrow mountain roads.

Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, nature, beaches or unique experiences, planning a loose itinerary in advance will help you avoid rushing and enjoy Mallorca at its best. Explore our selection of excursions, boat trips and activities in Mallorca to complete your trip and turn a good holiday into a great one. These experiences complete any list of the best things to do in Mallorca.

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