Mallorca (Majorca), one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, offers an exquisite blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and modern leisure activities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture buff, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing beach vacation, Mallorca has it all. So, when you’re planning your next holiday to Mallorca, check out this comprehensive guide to the top activities, attractions and things to do in Mallorca on holiday to make the most of your trip.

1. Explore the beautiful Mallorca beaches

Mallorca is renowned for its stunning coastline and picturesque beaches. With its diverse range of sandy beaches, each with a unique charm, Mallorca promises an unforgettable experience for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike:

• Playa de Palma is one of the longest beaches in Mallorca, and is a great place to relax in the sun or go for a swim.
• Cala d’Or’s charming coves and clear waters make it an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil beach escape.
• Playa de Muro is the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. With a long stretch of beach and upscale resorts, it caters to both nature lovers and comfort seekers.
• Sa Calobra is an adventure in itself, accessible via a winding mountain road. Nestled in a rocky cove, it’s a hidden gem that invites exploration and discovery.

Travel Expert Tip: When renting a villa in Mallorca (Majorca), choose one of the  Mallorca villas that is close to the beach. This will allow you to maximize your time on the sand and minimize the time you spend traveling back and forth. A long journey back to your villa or hotel can be tiring, and it will make it harder to enjoy your vacation the next day.

2. Explore Palma de Mallorca

Discover the historic charm of Mallorca’s capital city, Palma, by visiting landmarks such as:

• Palma Cathedral (La Seu): This Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Palma is one of the most iconic landmarks in Mallorca.
• Bellver Castle: A Moorish castle sited on a hill overlooking Palma offering stunning views of the city and the bay.
• Almudaina Royal Palace: One of the oldest royal palaces in Spain, and conveniently situated in the heart of Palma.
• Plaça Major: This is the main square in Palma. It’s a great place to people-watch, go shopping, or have a meal.
• Mercat de Santa Catalina: Sited in the heart of the city, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The market is open every day, packed full of fresh produce, seafood, meat, cheese, and other local products.

3. Visit historical and cultural attractions

Mallorca has a rich history and culture dating back to Roman times. With so many historical and cultural attractions to see, you’re spoiled for choice. Top picks include:

• The Roman city of Pollentia: This ancient Roman city in the north of Mallorca is where you can learn about the island’s Roman history.
• The Talayotic settlements: These are ancient settlements built by the Talayotic people who lived on Mallorca from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. There are a number of Talayotic settlements scattered around the island just waiting to be explored.
• Robert Graves house: An English poet, novelist, and scholar, Graves settled in Mallorca in 1929. His house in Deià is now a museum, and there are a number of walking trails in the vicinity named after him.

4. Go hiking and biking in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains

The Serra de Tramuntana mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer some of the best hiking and biking in Europe. There are trails for all levels, from easy family hikes to challenging mountain climbs. A few of the most popular hiking trails in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains include:

• The Sa Calobra Gorge Trail: This is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you through the stunning Sa Calobra Gorge.
• The Torrent de Pareis Canyoning Trail: This is an exhilarating hike that takes you through a series of canyons and waterfalls.
• The Fornalutx Hike: This is a beautiful hike that takes you through the town of Fornalutx and the surrounding mountains.
• The Valldemossa Hike: This historic hike takes you through the town of Valldemossa and the monastery where Chopin and George Sand lived.
• The Orange Route (or Ruta de la Naranja in Spanish) is a self-guided tour that takes you through the heart of the Golden Valley in the Tramuntana Mountains. It includes several stops at orange groves, as well as traditional villages and restaurants.

5. Visit the town of Fornalutx

This is a beautiful town (mentioned above) in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. It’s known for its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning views.

• Explore the town’s winding streets: The streets of Fornalutx are a maze of narrow alleyways and whitewashed houses. It’s a great place to wander around and get lost in the beauty of the town.
• Visit the town’s church: The Church of Sant Joan is the main church in Fornalutx. It was built in the 17th century and is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.
• Take in the views from the Mirador de Fornalutx: The Mirador de Fornalutx is a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Take a picnic and relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Have lunch or dinner at a traditional restaurant: Fornalutx has a number of traditional restaurants that serve delicious Mallorcan cuisine. Try some of the local specialties, such as sobrasada, paella, and ensaimada.

6. Go scuba diving or snorkeling

The waters around Mallorca are clear and beautiful, offering many opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. A few of the best places to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Mallorca include:

• Sa Calobra: This is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, as there are a number of interesting underwater caves and formations.
• Dragonera Island: This is a small island marine reserve just off the coast of Mallorca, home to a wide variety of marine life.
• Cala Mondrago: This beautiful cove in the south of Mallorca is a great place to go snorkeling and swim with the colorful fish that live in the clear waters.

7. Go on a boat trip to explore the coastline

Choose from one of the many boat trips on offer that will take you to some of the most beautiful places on the island, such as the hidden coves of the Tramuntana Mountains, Dragonera Island, and the Sa Calobra Gorge. A few of the most popular boat trips in Mallorca include:

• Cala d’Or boat trip: Take a boat trip to the beautiful coves of Cala d’Or where you can swim, snorkel, or just relax on the boat and enjoy the scenery.
• Sa Calobra boat trip: This boat trip takes you through the stunning Sa Calobra Gorge where you can marvel at the beautiful scenery before going for a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
• Dragonera Island boat trip: This boat trip takes you to the Dragonera Island where you can hike around the island, go snorkeling, or just relax on the beach and enjoy the tranquility.

8. Visit the Sa Calobra Gorge

The Sa Calobra Gorge, as mentioned above, is a stunning gorge in the Tramuntana Mountains. It’s a popular tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why; the gorge is simply breathtaking, with towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear waters.

There are a few different ways to experience the Sa Calobra Gorge: you can hike through the gorge, go kayaking, or take a boat ride.

• If you hike through the gorge, you’ll be rewarded with some fantastic views. The trail is well maintained and isn’t too challenging. However, do note that the path can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes.
• If you go kayaking, you’ll get up close and personal with the gorge’s stunning scenery, as you can explore the smaller caves and tunnels that line the gorge.
• If you take a boat trip, you’ll experience the gorge from a different perspective, and yes, you’ll be able to stop and swim in the inviting waters.

9. Visit the Caves of Drach

The Caves of Drach are a series of underground caves also found in the Tramuntana Mountains. They’re home to some of the world’s most beautiful stalagmites and stalactites and are named after the Drach River, which flows through them.

There are a few different ways to experience the Caves of Drach. You can take a boat ride through the caves, go on a guided tour, or simply explore the caves on your own.

If you take a boat ride through the caves, you’ll be able to see the stalactites and stalagmites up close. You could also take in a classical music concert that’s played in one of the chambers.

If you go on a guided tour, you’ll learn about the history of the caves and the different formations that you see. If you choose to explore the caves on your own, you can take your time and see everything that the caves have to offer.

10. Go stargazing

Mallorca is a great place to go stargazing, as the skies are dark and clear. There are lots of places on the island where you can go to stargaze, such as the Tramuntana Mountains, the Calvià Astronomical Observatory (which also offers guided tours and stargazing events), or if you want to be in a truly remote location, simply find a spot in the Calvià Desert and look up at the night sky.

11. Enjoy the local food and wine

Mallorca has a delicious and varied cuisine influenced by its Spanish, Catalan, and Moorish heritage. There are so many great restaurants to try on the island, but we recommend you start your day with a traditional “ensaimada,” a delectable spiral-shaped pastry dusted with powdered sugar and enjoyed with a cup of rich Spanish coffee. As you explore local eateries, remember to try the iconic “sobrasada,” a spreadable cured sausage bursting with smoky flavors and a hint of paprika.

12. Go shopping in Palma

Palma is a great city for shopping, with a wide variety of shops to choose from. You can find everything from high-end designer boutiques to local markets selling souvenirs and handicrafts. There are a lots of different areas in Palma where you can go shopping, including:

• The Paseo del Born: This is a pedestrianized street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• The Old Town: This is the historic center of Palma, and home to a number of small shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Mallorcan products.
• The El Corte Inglés department store: This large department store sells a wide variety of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.

13. Take a cooking class

Mallorca has a rich culinary tradition, so why not learn to make these traditional Mallorcan dishes? Cooking classes are a great way to learn about the island’s cuisine and try to cook some of the delicious dishes that Mallorca has to offer. Some recommended cooking classes in Mallorca include:

• Cooking with Miquel: A cooking class run by Miquel, a local chef who’ll teach you how to make some of his favorite Mallorcan dishes.
• Mallorca Cook: This cooking class is run by a team of chefs who’ll teach you how to make a variety of traditional Mallorcan dishes.
• La Cuchara de Mallorca: This class is run by a local chef who’ll teach you how to make some of the island’s most famous dishes, such as paella and sobrasada.

14. Try horse riding

If you fancy venturing further afield without spending all day walking, book in for a horse riding expedition and explore the many trails in the mountains and along the coast. This is a great way to experience the beauty of the island and to get some exercise at the same time. A few places that offer horse riding in Mallorca include:

• Son Marroig: This is a beautiful estate situated in the Tramuntana Mountains. It offers a variety of riding trails, including some that are suitable for experienced riders.
• Can Pastilla: This is a beach resort offering horse riding lessons and trail rides. It’s a great place to go horse riding if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience.

15. Go Golfing

Mallorca has a number of excellent golf courses, so why not play a round of golf surrounded by some stunning scenery. Popular golf courses in Mallorca include:

• Golf Son Vida: This championship golf course in the Tramuntana Mountains is one of the most popular golf courses in Mallorca, offering stunning views of the mountains and the sea.
• Golf Son Antem: This large golf complex in the south of Mallorca has two 18-hole courses, and is a great course if you’re looking for a challenge.
• Golf Santa Ponsa: This golf course in the west of Mallorca delivers a more relaxed experience.

16. Visit a Water Park

If getting wet and wild is your idea of a good time, take a trip to one of the water parks on Mallorca and cool off on a hot day:

• Western Water Park: This is a large water park in Magaluf, one of the more livelier resort towns on the island. It has a variety of water slides, pools, and attractions.
• Aqualand El Arenal: Located just 10km from Palma de Mallorca airport, this waterpark in El Arenal also has a variety of water slides, pools, and attractions.
• Hidropark: This smaller water park in Alcudia offers a more relaxed water park experience.

17. Take the the Sóller train

One of the favorite activities of the Spanish royal family when they visit Mallorca during the summer months, the Sóller train is a vintage train that takes you from Sóller to Port de Sóller. It’s a great way to see the scenery and experience a bit of history as the train rumbles through the Tramuntana Mountains offering stunning views of the changing landscape and sea.

18. Go canyoning in the Torrent de Pareis

This is a challenging but exhilarating activity that takes you through a series of canyons and waterfalls. You’ll need to be in reasonably good physical condition to take part in this activity, but it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of Mallorca.

19. Visit the Caves of Hams

The Caves of Hams are a series of underground caves in the Tramuntana Mountains. They’re home to some of the most beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in the world. The caves are named after the ham-shaped stalactites that can be found inside. To experience the caves in all their glory, take a 30 minute boat ride and see the formations up close.

20. Go off-road driving

There are a number of off-road trails on Mallorca which are a great way to explore the island’s rugged terrain. The trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, so you’ll find one suitable for your experience level. Some of the best places to go off-road driving in Mallorca include:

• The Tramuntana Mountains: If you’re after an off road driving challenge, the trails in the Tramuntana Mountains are steep and winding, with stunning views of the mountains at every turn.
• The south of Mallorca: This is a great place to go off-road driving if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience. The trails in the south of Mallorca are not as challenging as the trails in the Tramuntana Mountains, but they still offer some great scenery.

21. Go Kitesurfing

The waters around Mallorca are perfect for kitesurfing. There are a number of schools that offer lessons, so why not learn how to do this exciting sport? Some of the best places to go kitesurfing in Mallorca include:

• Cala Mondrago: This is a beautiful sheltered cove in the south of Mallorca, popular for kitesurfing.
• Cala Sa Nau: For a more challenging spot, this small cove in the north of Mallorca is perfect for more experienced kitesurfers.

22. Get Cultural

Mallorca has a rich cultural history with a number of art galleries, museums, and cultural centers to explore. A few of the most popular include:

• Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: This museum in Palma houses a collection of modern and contemporary art from Mallorca and around the world.
• Joan Miró Foundation: This foundation also in Palma, .houses a collection of works by the famous Catalan artist Joan Miró.
• Museum of Mallorca: This museum agin in Palma, is home to a collection of archaeological, historical, and ethnographic artifacts from Mallorca.

23. Take day trips

Mallorca is surrounded by a number of other islands, all of which are well worth exploring on a boat day trip:.

• Menorca: Mallorca’s smaller neighbour, this island is known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
• Ibiza: A much more lively island than Mallorca, and renowned for its party scene, but worth a visit as this island is more than just clubbing.
• Cap de Formentor: This popular Mallorca attraction, on the easternmost point of Mallorca, is a promontory of steep cliffs that rises above the Mediterranean Sea and is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, diving, and snorkeling.

24. Festes de la Mare de Déu de la Victoria

Participate in Mallorca’s vibrant festivals, like the Festes de la Mare de Déu de la Victoria, celebrating the island’s patron saint.

25. Simply relax

Of course, no vacation is complete without some time to relax and unwind. Mallorca is a great place to do just that. Whether you’re staying at a resort, a holiday villa, or a boutique hotel, you’ll be sure to find a place to relax and enjoy your time on the island.