adminMallorca is a surprising island that has a lot of hidden gems. It’s not just the party island for teenagers or the all-in hotel spot for tourists. Mallorca is an island that attracts families, sport addicts and adventure seekers. It’s also the place to be when you want a short break. It just takes two hours to get here by plane from Belgium. Read all tips on how to book and organize your trip here.
In this article you’ll find:
- hidden gems on Mallorca
- fun outdoor activities
- unique experiences
Palma de Mallorca – Discover the Capital
The island’s capital is definitely worth a visit. The imposing cathedral, La Seu, can be seen from afar. The streets around the cathedral are filled with typical street vendors—walk quickly past and don’t get tempted by trinkets! Behind the cathedral, you’ll find the Almudaina Palace, the royal palace with a photogenic courtyard. A little further towards the city center, you’ll reach the old streets and squares (Casco Antiguo district), perfect for dining or shopping. Be sure to enjoy tapas in the trendy Santa Catalina neighborhood.
Tip:
- Palma can get busy. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon.
- There is a spacious underground parking lot near La Seu cathedral where you can park relatively cheaply.
- Palma is a perfect city to explore by bike. Join a tour here!
Valldemossa – Charming Mountain Village
Valldemossa lies idyllically in the Tramuntana mountains. This place is very charming with its narrow alleys, colorful flower balconies, and cozy restaurants.
The former Valldemossa monastery is the village’s main attraction. Frédéric Chopin and George Sand stayed here during a winter in 1838. Inside, you can explore their rooms, a small museum, and even enjoy a mini Chopin concert. Take time to stroll through the gardens as well.
The church of Sant Bartomeu with its striking green dome is also worth a visit. Around Valldemossa, you’ll find beautiful hiking trails such as the ones to Puig des Teix or Camí de s’Arxiduc.
Parking: There is a large paid parking lot on the edge of the village. From there, it’s a short walk to the center.
Public transport: Bus 203 from Palma stops in Valldemossa—handy if you don’t have a car.
Deià – Artist Village with a View
Deià is a charming mountain village that has attracted artists, writers, and travelers for decades. I personally think this is Mallorca’s cutest village. It’s not one of the hidden gems of Mallorca any more, but it’s definitely worth a visit! The biggest challenge here is finding parking! So come very early or late in the day.
Several spots in Deià are worth a stop. The British author Robert Graves lived in Deià for decades. His house is now a museum offering insights into his life and the village’s cultural scene. At the highest point in town is the church of Sant Joan Baptista, with stunning views over the valley and sea. Next to the church is the cemetery where Robert Graves is buried. Deià has a rich artistic tradition, with several small galleries featuring contemporary and classic art, often with a Mallorcan or Mediterranean touch—fun to wander in and out.
Every Saturday morning, there’s a small market with local products: artisanal cheese, jam, jewelry, and art.
Hike to Cala Deià. After about a 30-minute walk, you reach this rugged cove with crystal-clear water. Lunch at Ca’s Patro March is highly recommended.
Parking: Small parking lot at the village entrance. Come early, especially in high season.
Public transport: Bus 203 from Palma stops in Deià (and Valldemossa).
Sóller – Nostalgic Train Ride
The train ride from Palma to Sóller is a must! The wooden trains creak and squeak but look beautiful. The route crosses the island’s mountainous west. Sóller itself is charming with a beautiful church and cozy squares—perfect for a day trip! From Sóller, you can take a vintage tram to Port de Sóller if you want to enjoy some beach vibes. Both the train ride and Sóller are very popular with tourists, so buy your tickets well in advance at Palma’s end station.
You can also take a combination ticket from Palma to (Port de) Soller and the boat to Sa Colobra here.
Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis
Sa Calobra (“the snake”) is undoubtedly one of the most impressive places in Mallorca. The drive there is an attraction in itself. The Ma-2141 winds 14 km through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. If you get car sick, bring medication. There are hairpin bends, dizzying cliffs, and the famous “knot” (a 270° bend where the road crosses itself).
You can also do what we did: take your bike on the ferry from Port de Sóller to Sa Calobra village by the sea and cycle the winding road back up! This is a popular outing for cycling clubs on Mallorca vacations.
A short walk from Sa Calobra through a lit tunnel along the cliff wall leads to the spectacular Torrent de Pareis gorge, where a small river flows into the sea. Here is a second beach—a broad, pebble-covered cove between giant cliffs. This is one of my favorite hidden gems of Mallorca!
Cala Tuent – Quiet Cove
Near Sa Calobra lies this secluded bay, perfect for those seeking peace and nature. The beach is surrounded by mountains and pine trees. You can reach it by boat from Port de Sóller or by car. Take the Ma-10 towards Lluc and follow signs to Sa Calobra. Just before Sa Calobra, there’s a turn-off to Cala Tuent—follow it. The tips about motion sickness apply here too!
Tip: Bring plenty of food and drink as there are few facilities and no mobile reception. A truly remote spot!
Cap de Formentor – Panoramic Views
This cape offers some of Mallorca’s most stunning views—cliffs, sea, and mountain landscapes come together. This peninsula is also known as “the meeting point of the winds.” There is a lighthouse and several viewpoints. Don’t miss Mirador Es Colomer, one of the most photographed spots on Mallorca.
You reach Cap de Formentor by car via the Ma-2210 from Port de Pollença.
Tip: Avoid crowds by going early morning or later in the day. In high season (July–August), the road beyond Mirador Es Colomer is often closed to private traffic from 10 am to 10 pm; then you must continue by shuttle bus or bike.
Alcúdia – Historic Center
Alcúdia’s old town is surrounded by impressive 14th-century city walls built to protect against pirate attacks. You enter through one of the large gates—the Porta del Moll or Porta de Mallorca. Inside, a maze of narrow streets and squares houses cozy restaurants, bars, and shops.
Just outside the walls are the impressive ruins of Pollentia, an ancient Roman city from 123 BC. Here you can walk among the remains of a forum, amphitheater, and old streets.
Tip: Visit the local market on Tuesday or Sunday!
Playa de Muro – Ideal Beach for Families
This long beach with fine sand and shallow water is perfect for children. There are sunbeds, restaurants, and water sports available. Avoid during peak season; it’s better outside of it!
Tip: In high season, parasols and sun loungers fill up fast.
Parc Natural de s’Albufera – Natural Beauty Near Alcúdia
Just a stone’s throw from Playa de Muro, between Alcúdia and Can Picafort, lies Mallorca’s largest and most valuable nature reserve: Parc Natural de s’Albufera. The area covers over 1600 hectares and is home to more than 270 bird species, including flamingos, herons, and ospreys. Especially in spring and autumn, it’s an important stopover for migratory birds. I love hiking here—it’s a perfect place to unwind. The park is free to access via the visitor center at the entrance on Ctra. Artà-Alcúdia (Ma-12). From there, you can follow several well-marked walking and cycling routes with viewpoints and observation hides.
Cuevas del Drach – Underground Magic
These impressive stalactite caves house one of the largest underground lakes in the world. The classical music concert inside the cave adds a special touch. The caves are very popular, so you receive a time slot for your visit. But each time slot admits many people, so if you’re among the first inside, you may still encounter the previous group. This was in late October… If you visit in high season, book your tickets online well in advance! The crowds are more than worth it for the stunning caves themselves.
Book your ticket here (entrance and boat).
Cala Mondragó – Twin Cove in a Nature Park
On Mallorca’s southeast coast, in the municipality of Santanyí, lies Cala Mondragó—an idyllic cove with fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. This spot is part of the Parc Natural de Mondragó, a protected 785-hectare nature reserve known for its biodiversity and pristine landscapes.
There are great hiking trails here, but the real highlights are the beaches: Cala Mondragó, S’Amarador, and Caló des Burgit. The farther you walk, the quieter it gets!
Es Trenc – White Sand and Clear Water
On Mallorca’s south coast, between Sa Ràpita and Colònia de Sant Jordi, lies Es Trenc—one of the island’s last untouched beaches. With its long stretch of white sand, turquoise water, and natural dunes, Es Trenc is often called “Mallorca’s Caribbean coast.”
Es Trenc extends about 3 kilometers and is surrounded by the protected Parc Natural Maritimoterrestre d’Es Trenc-Salobrar de Campos, home to dunes, salt pans, and wetlands that shelter various flora and fauna, including flamingos and other migratory birds.
Parking here is paid.
Cycling Around Pollença – Active Enjoyment
This region is popular with cyclists due to its beautiful roads and views. You can choose challenging routes or flat rides. Here you are close to the mountains, so you can make it a tough ride if you want!
Lose the map, follow the coast, and let Mallorca surprise you at every turn
Sineu Market – Authentic and Lively
The oldest market on Mallorca takes place every Wednesday in Sineu. You’ll find local products, handicrafts, and even farm animals.
Tip: Arrive early, as parking in the town center is limited.
Artà – Authentic Mallorca in the Heart of Llevant
I discovered this town during my last trip to Mallorca. It’s located somewhat off the beaten path and hasn’t fallen victim to mass tourism. We visited on market day. The entire town center is transformed into a seemingly endless market!
One of the most striking sights is the Santuari de Sant Salvador, a 13th-century sanctuary situated on a hilltop. After climbing 180 steps, you get a panoramic view of the town, the surrounding hills, and the Mediterranean Sea.
At the foot of the hill stands the imposing Transfiguració del Senyor church, a Gothic building that dominates the town’s skyline. You can visit the church, but I didn’t find it particularly impressive. What is definitely worth it, though, is taking the narrow spiral staircase to the top – honestly, it seems never-ending! You can walk among the vaults up there. Few dare to make the climb, so you’ll probably have this immense viewing platform all to yourself!
Hike to Castell d’Alaró
Atop the 822-meter high Puig d’Alaró lies the impressive Castell d’Alaró, a medieval fortress. The castle has an interesting history, and from here you get one of the most beautiful views on Mallorca. The hike to the ruins is quite challenging.
The most popular route starts in the village of Alaró and follows well-marked paths towards the castle. The hike is about 5.5 km round trip and typically takes around 2 hours.
Along the way, you pass olive groves, pine forests, and traditional Mallorcan farms. The path is partly paved, with breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys and mountains at various points.
Cala Figuera – Picturesque Fishing Village
On Mallorca’s southeast coast, in the municipality of Santanyí, lies the picturesque fishing village of Cala Figuera. The village sits along a Y-shaped bay, with whitewashed houses and bobbing fishing boats — a perfect lunch stop!
From the village, you can walk to the Mediterranean Sea. A short walk leads to the Torre d’en Beu, a 16th-century watchtower that once protected the coast from pirates.
Boat Trip Along the Coast
Discover the hidden gems of Mallorca from the water. There are boat trips to caves, secluded bays, and snorkeling spots. Note: the tourist season ends in late October, and (almost) no boat trips run after that!
Llevant Nature Park – Hiking and Birdwatching
This area is one of my favorite hidden gems of Mallorca. In the quiet northeast of the island lies the Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant — a vast natural area of 1,671 hectares. This area is one of my favorite hidden gems of Mallorca. The park is only accessible on foot or by mountain bike, with a network of well-marked trails ranging in difficulty. Maybe you have read some of the hiking posts on this blog? Austria, Kauai and Poland are three of my favorite hiking countries. Mallorca also has something to offer for hiking lovers. Popular routes include:
- Camí dels Presos: A historic route that passes a former camp for Republican prisoners from the Spanish Civil War.
- Puig de sa Tudossa: A challenging climb to one of the park’s highest points, with panoramic views.
- Camí dels Carabiners: A coastal path along secluded bays and the 16th-century watchtower Torre des Matzoc.
- For families, the Volta als Establits de s’Alqueria Vella is an accessible circular route with beautiful views over the valley of s’Alqueria Vella and the bay of Alcúdia.
Cabrera – Uninhabited Island Full of Nature
Just 10 kilometers south of Mallorca lies the island of Cabrera, one of the hidden gems and the largest of an archipelago of 19 islands and islets that together form the Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera. A boat trip takes you to this protected island, where you can hike, swim, and snorkel in crystal-clear water.
Tip: Book your ticket in advance, as access is limited. Private boats require a permit, and there are about 50 moorings available for private vessels.
Wine Tasting in Binissalem
Wine production in Binissalem dates back to Roman times. The area is especially known for its Denominación de Origen (D.O.) Binissalem, a quality label guaranteeing the origin and quality of the wines. Local grape varieties such as Manto Negro for reds and Moll (Prensal Blanc) for whites give the wines their unique character.
Some wineries you can visit:
Bodegas José L. Ferrer
Founded in 1931, this is one of Mallorca’s oldest and most renowned wineries. Visitors can choose from various tours, ranging from a traditional three-wine tasting to a premium experience with four selected wines. Tastings are often paired with local delicacies such as Mahón cheese and sobrasada.
Finca Biniagual
Located in the picturesque village of Biniagual, this finca offers tours through the vineyards and winery, followed by tastings of their wines paired with local products like olive oil and traditional tapas.
Celler Tianna Negre
This modern winery, founded in 2007, focuses on organic viticulture and indigenous grape varieties. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings with views of the Tramuntana mountains, accompanied by typical Mallorcan tapas.
Wine Train
You can also join a wine tour with the Wine Train, visiting two wineries, tasting regional wines and tapas, and traveling by vintage train through the vineyards.
Events
Every September, Binissalem celebrates the Festes des Vermar, a grape harvest festival featuring traditional dishes like fideos des Vermar, parades, and of course lots of wine.
In May, the region hosts Wine Days Mallorca, a nine-day event with wine tastings and cultural and gastronomic activities.
Pirate Cave at Cala Varques
On Mallorca’s rugged east coast, near Cala Varques beach, lies one of the island’s most intriguing spots, on of the real hidden gems: the Cova des Pirata, or Pirate Cave. This impressive stalactite cave is only accessible by sea.
Tip: Only suitable for experienced swimmers or with a guide.
Olive Oil Tasting
Mallorca is known not only for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture but also for its rich olive oil production. The olive trees that have adorned the landscape for centuries produce exceptional quality olive oil. Visit an olive grove to discover how olive oil is made. Taste different varieties and learn about traditional production.
A recommended place is Finca Son Mayol near Alaró.
Sunset at Sant Elm
From this charming village, you have a stunning view of the island Dragonera. The best spots are Cala Conills and the walking path to Punta Blaca.
You can also take sunset kayak tours from Sant Elm — a top experience!
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