Discovering Mallorca: 10 Must-See Destinations

5 min readJul 1, 2023

Immerse yourself in the allure of Mallorca, an island that narrates the sagas of the Mediterranean, where the sun and sea dance in harmony, and the mountains cradle the heavens. This captivating island, a hidden jewel in the Balearic archipelago, is a masterpiece adorned with vibrant hues of culture, history, and natural splendor. From the dynamic spirit of Palma to the serene allure of Fornalutx, Mallorca is a medley of experiences waiting to be unearthed.

In this guide, we encourage you to embark on an adventure through the top 10 must-see destinations in Mallorca. Each location is a chapter in the island’s narrative, brimming with unique adventures, awe-inspiring landscapes, and unforgettable moments. So, buckle up, as we navigate you through the heart of Mallorca, unveiling its hidden gems and treasures. Welcome to the ultimate exploration of Mallorca!

Palma

Palma, the glowing “pearl of the Mediterranean,” has experienced a significant metamorphosis, evolving into a city more beautiful than ever. The city’s narrow lanes around the Plaza Mayor are dotted with charming boutiques and shops, while the main streets, Avenida Jaime III and Paseo del Borne, flaunt the sophisticated labels of the fashion world.

The city is a cultural hub with numerous galleries and museums, such as: Es Baluard — a gallery and museum in Palma and, Palau March — a gallery and museum in Palma

Hosting diverse exhibitions and classical music concerts year-round. Palma also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, with trendy restaurants and bars sprouting in the districts of El Terreno, Santa Catalina, and La Lonja.

Santanyí

Santanyí is a delightful town where locals and tourists alike relish the daily routine while enjoying a café con leche or a glass of wine on one of the many square terraces. The town has drawn many international artists over the years, leading to a lively art scene with numerous galleries and workshops tucked away in the quiet country town’s narrow lanes. The best time to visit is during the market days on Wednesday and Saturday when you can savor breakfast in one of the cafés and observe the bustling market activity.

Portocolom

Named after Christopher Columbus, Portocolom is a traditional fishing village on Mallorca’s east coast. The village is nestled around a large, irregular-shaped bay, where boathouses, a lighthouse, and anchored boats contribute to the scenic beauty of the place. Even in the peak of summer, Portocolom maintains a peaceful atmosphere, and parking is seldom an issue. Restaurants and bars are abundant, with some situated right on the water’s edge.

Puerto Portals

Puerto Portals is one of the island’s glamour spots, a place to see and be seen. During the summer, you might spot a few celebrities. The marina, with over 650 berths, is a favored spot for the jet set to dock their gleaming boats. There’s an array of designer boutiques, impressive offices housing prime real estate and yacht agents, and numerous places to enjoy a drink or a meal while watching the world go by.

Deià

Deià, a quaint coastal village on Mallorca’s northwest coast, is among the island’s most picturesque villages. Nestled in a ravine at the foot of the Teix mountain, with views out to the Mediterranean below, Deià has long been a magnet for renowned artists, writers, and other creative individuals. The village houses a few intriguing small boutiques, galleries, and shops, and plenty of places to eat and drink.

Pollensa

The town of Pollensa is an ancient locale with charming narrow streets and an impressive main square, lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars. Its Roman bridge signposted ‘Pont Roma’, is still in use. The town also hosts the summer’s Pollensa Festival, offering a program of music and other cultural events, set in the attractive Santo Domingo cloisters.

Formentor

A visit to the north of Mallorca is incomplete without exploring the island’s northern tip — the Cap de Formentor — where the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range meets the Mediterranean, at the end of a 20-kilometer peninsula. The scenery along this dramatic road is truly breathtaking, with viewing points at the Mirador de Mal Pas and the Talaia d’Albercutx watchtower. The pine-fringed white sandy beach is one of the most spectacular on the island with views of the bay of Pollensa, and the crystal clear water makes it a major attraction on the northern coast.

Sóller & Port de Sóller

The town of Sóller, located in the west of Mallorca, prospered due to the valley’s abundant citrus groves. Many locals went to work in France and returned — their fortunes duly made — to build some of the handsome Modernista properties that grace this town today. The town now has good access to the rest of Mallorca, thanks to the opening of the Sóller road tunnel. Upon arrival in Sóller, you’ll find numerous bars and cafés in the main square, under the shadow of the imposing church of Sant Bartomeu. A frequent tram service rattles along through citrus groves between the town and Port de Sóller.

Valldemossa

Valldemossa, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by terraced terrain, feels like a different world from the capital, despite being only a 15–20 minute drive from Palma. The town is perhaps best known as the place where the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and his lover, the writer George Sand, spent the winter of 1838/9, staying in rented rooms in the monastery. The town has plenty of shops and boutiques, as well as places to eat and drink. For the Mallorcans, Valldemossa has a more important claim to fame: it was the birthplace of the island’s only saint: Santa Catalina Tomás.

Fornalutx

Fornalutx is considered by many the most beautiful village in Mallorca and one of the most stunning in Spain. You’ll find it deep in the Sierra de Tramuntana, with winding streets, narrow stone steps, and flowers and greenery everywhere. Its houses are decorated with colorful painted tiles, some dating back to the 16th century.

Related: Bicycle rental in Mallorca

We hope you find this guide to the top 10 must-see destinations in Mallorca useful. We’re confident that these recommendations will lead to many memorable experiences on this beautiful island. We always appreciate your feedback, so feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. Enjoy your journey through Mallorca!