Mallorca 2023: The Unbeatable Travel Guide

8 min readJun 6, 2023

Welcome to the ultimate travel guide to Mallorca for 2023. This comprehensive guide will serve as your go-to resource for the island’s finest offerings, from top-notch restaurants and must-visit attractions to thrilling activities, unique local products, and luxurious hotels.

Mallorca, a Mediterranean gem, caters to a diverse range of travelers. Whether you’re planning a family beach vacation on a budget, a quick city break in Palma, or a lavish retreat where luxury is paramount, Mallorca is a treasure chest of experiences waiting to be unlocked.

For those with a taste for luxury, Mallorca is a gastronomic haven with a worldwide reputation for its unique luxury hotels. Here, you can indulge in exquisite local wines, gourmet delicacies, and discover a range of artisanal products in stylish boutiques and traditional shops. The island is also a hub for various activities, sightseeing adventures, and cultural events throughout the year.

In this ‘Ultimate Travel Guide to Mallorca 2023’, we’ve handpicked the best of what the island offers to its visitors.

Luxury Vacation Villas in Mallorca

If you’re searching for a luxurious holiday villa to rent in Mallorca this summer, look no further! We’ve selected the most exclusive villas available for rent this year. Simply decide which part of Mallorca you wish to explore and select the villa that aligns with your preferences.

Top-Tier Restaurants

Mallorca’s thriving gastronomic scene is a dream come true for food lovers. The island’s seven Michelin-starred restaurants add to its allure.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants

VORO Restaurant and Es Fum Restaurant

In 2019, VORO restaurant at the Cap Vermell Grand Hotel earned its Michelin star.

Es Fum at the St Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, another one-star establishment, offers a variety of tasting menus, including options for vegetarians and young gourmands.

Marc Fosh Restaurant and Adrián Qutglas Restaurant

In the capital city of Palma, two restaurants stand out for their Michelin-starred cuisine: Marc Fosh, led by the only British chef in Spain with a Michelin star, and Adrián Qutglas.

Es Racó d’es Teix Restaurant and Restaurante Jardín

Es Racó d’es Teix, Deià’s sole Michelin-starred restaurant, offers exceptional food, attentive service, and stunning village views, especially if you choose to dine on the terrace.

Contrary to expectations, the popular resort area of Puerto Alcúdia is home to Restaurante Jardín, where Macarena de Castro serves innovative cuisine.

Andreu Genestra Restaurant

The one-star Andreu Genestra restaurant, located within the rural Hotel Predí Son Jaumell near Capdepera, is another must-visit. Chef Andreu Genestra also runs Aromata in Palma.

Hidden Culinary Gems

DaiCa Restaurant

DaiCa restaurant and petit hotel, which opened in 2012 in the village of Llubí near Inca, is a hidden gem where chef Caterina Pieras brings a modern twist to traditional Mallorcan and Catalan recipes.

Miceli Restaurant and Arrels Restaurant

Miceli in Selva is where chef Marga Coll creates dishes based on her daily market purchases. Alternatively, in the southwest, you can enjoy her breakfast or dinner at Arrels by Marga Coll, located at the 5-star Gran Meliá de Mar in Illetas.

Forn de Sant Joan Restaurant and Adrián Quetglas Restaurant

In Palma, Forn de Sant Joan in La Lonja and Adrián Quetglas are among the top dining spots. Mar de Nudos and the renowned fish restaurant Ca n’Eduardo offer stunning harbour views.

For dining experiences by the Mediterranean, check out our curated list of favorite spots.

Must-See Sights

Historical Sites

Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is a sightseeing gem. The Cathedral, known as La Seu, is a must-visit. From there, wander through the Old Town’s maze-like streets, historic ‘palacios’, and picturesque courtyards. Don’t miss the Arab Baths and Bishop’s Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling city.

Art Galleries

Art enthusiasts should visit the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Palma, which hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions. For a more intimate art experience, Rialto Living, a lifestyle store, features a charming upper-floor art gallery showcasing works by local artists.

Venture into the countryside near Alcúdia to discover the Ben and Yannick Jakober Foundation, which houses a remarkable collection of children’s portraits from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Palma boasts more art galleries per capita than any other Spanish city. To save time, check out our guide to the best galleries in Palma and around Mallorca.

Nature Lovers’ Paradise

For breathtaking views, journey along the Serra de Tramuntana coast from Andratx to Puerto Pollensa. Along this route, you’ll find charming spots like Estellencs, Banyalbufar, Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Fornalutx, and the Lluc monastery. The drive down to Sa Calobra, with its hairpin bends, is a thrill, and once you reach the port, the dramatic Torrent de Pareis is just a short walk away. For another scenic drive, head from Puerto Pollensa to the windswept lighthouse at Cap de Formentor.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The UNESCO World Heritage Site mountains are Mallorca’s pride. Learn more about the island’s ‘backbone’ in our guide to the Serra de Tramuntana.

The southern part of Mallorca has its own charm. Visit the old market town of Santanyí or the idyllic fishing village of Cala Figuera. Near Ses Salines, the salt pans create a unique landscape, with mounds of salt resembling miniature snow-covered mountains.

Exploring the Wine Region

If you’re a wine enthusiast, head to the wine-producing region around Binissalem. Many wineries here offer tours and tastings. The peaceful hamlet of Biniagual, privately owned but open to the public, is a short distance from the Bodega Biniagual winery and produces award-winning wines.

Activities to do in Mallorca

Beaches

With 262 beaches to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice in Mallorca. Some of the best include Formentor, Es Trenc, Cala Mondragó, Cala Mesquida, Cala Torta, Port de Pollensa, Playas de Muro, and Alcúdia.

For a blend of dining, drinking, and stylish relaxation by the Mediterranean, visit a top beach club like Purobeach Palma & Illetes or Anima Beach.

Cultural Festivals

Embrace the local culture by attending concerts of all musical genres, annual music festivals, ballet, opera, theatre, cinema, and art exhibitions and events. Venues for music, theatre, and dance include Palma’s Teatre Principal, Palma Auditorium, and the Trui Teatre. The Balearic Symphony Orchestra offers a season of concerts outside the main holiday season. Annual events include the Deià International Music Festival, Valldemossa’s Chopin Festival, Pollensa Festival, Festival MúsicaMallorca, and Festival de Música Clásica Port de Sóller.

Mallorca International Film Festival

Film buffs can attend the annual Evolution! Mallorca International Film Festival each November, which screens the year’s best shorts and documentaries from around the world.

Dinner Shows

The best dinner shows take place at Pirates Adventure in Magaluf, Son Amar, and The Bright Nights — hosted in the stunning Jardines de Alfabia. If you’re a garden enthusiast, spend a day exploring these gardens and the nearby Raixa estate, located off the Palma to Sóller road. Es Revellar Art Resort near Campos offers Art Nights during the holiday season, combining a tour of the art-filled garden, a light show, and dinner.

Indoor Activities

In need of an indoor activity? Consider the Sport Xperience by Rafa Nadal in Manacor, the Modernist Can Prunera art museum in Sóller, CCA Andratx (contemporary art centre), Palma Aquarium, or the Planetarium at Costitx.

Outdoor Activities

Mallorca’s climate makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities, whether on land or at sea. Whether you’re into golf, cycling, tennis, hiking, rock climbing, or water sports, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best activities.

Best Mallorcan Products

Wines

Mallorca has a rich artisanal tradition, making it easy to find locally made products to take home. These include wines from over 70 bodegas. Specialist suppliers Rullán Navarro or Catavinos in Palma can guide you in selecting the best wines to buy.

Our guide to Mallorca’s Top Ten Wines features renowned bodegas like Es Fangar, Biniagual, Tianna Negre, and Ribas.

Gourmet Products

For gourmet food products, visit Mos Espai Gastronomic. Look for Flor de Sal’s hand-harvested salt from Ses Salines — the top local salt brand. The seasoning product Ametlla+ is made from local almonds and adds flavor to various dishes. Mallorcan extra virgin olive oils are highly regarded. Among these, Son Moragues (sold in a limited edition Gordiola glass bottle) and Son Naava — Mallorca’s only Demeter biodynamic olive oil — are two of the best.

Leather Products

The island’s high-quality leather goods include globally recognized footwear brands like Camper, Bestard Mountain Boots, Barrats, Lotusse, and Farrutx. Tony Mora manufactures top-quality cowboy boots to measure, and in Palma, Monge has a studio/shop producing high-quality artisan-made shoes, which can be bespoke. Other leather crafts include bags by Abaccino from Petra, and garments (including made-to-measure) by Munper.

Fabrics and Jewelry

You’ll find everything from table linen to garments made from the traditional ‘cloth of tongues’ fabric — known as ‘robes de llengües’. Family firm Teixits Vicens makes the best of these fabrics at its factory and shop near Pollensa.

If you’re a jewelry aficionado, visit local jewelers Isabel Guarch’s or Nicolas Joyeros’ Palma shops/ateliers. These designers create exceptional pieces inspired by the Mediterranean surroundings.

Best Hotels

5-star Hotels

If you prefer international hotel brands, you’ll find 5-star hotels from Jumeirah, Hilton,Cap Vermell Grand Hotel, and St Regis on Mallorca.

Many boutique and finca hotels offer a high level of personal service and exclusivity. The best of these include Can Mostatxins (in the walled town of Alcúdia), Can Estades (Calvià), Es Revellar Art Resort (Campos), and Son Sant Jordi Boutique Hotel in Pollensa.

In Palma, the privately owned 5-star hotel Palacio Ca Sa Galesa charms with its free afternoon tea for guests, while Sant Francesc Hotel Singular delivers a flawless experience.

Adults-only Hotels

For an adults-only resort hotel with an unbeatable wine cellar, consider booking a room at Hotel El Coto in Colonia de Sant Jordi.

There you have it — the ultimate insider’s guide to Mallorca for 2023. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, a culture vulture, or a luxury seeker, this Mediterranean gem has something for everyone. Enjoy your journey of discovery and make the most of everything this beautiful island has to offer.