It’s amazing what Mallorca has to offer, and no doubt you’ll have realised this as you’ve been making arrangements for your well-deserved holiday. To help you decide on what to see in Mallorca, we’ve prepared this article on the must-sees on the island.
WHAT TO SEE IN PALMA DE MALLORCA
You want to visit Palma de Mallorca, but don’t know where to start, right? Well, don’t worry; I can help you with that. This article will give you a good initial guide to the essentials.
Just three kilometres from the city of Palma you’ll find one of the places you just have to visit: Bellver Castle, the only Gothic-style circular castle in Spain. The views from the hill on which it stands, its architecture and its history make this monument unique!
And if you like discovering exceptional buildings, make sure you stop for a few moments in front of Can Forteza Rey and El Águila, two gems of modernist architecture in Palma. When you see them, the great Antoni Gaudí will come to mind, although these two spectacular buildings are not his work.
WHAT TO SEE IN MALLORCA IN 3 DAYS
Not sure what to see on a three-day visit to the island? No problem, let me recommend a few obligatory sights. If you’re staying in Palma de Mallorca, you will of course need to start with the city’s most iconic places, such as the cathedral, the treasures of its old town and its maritime quarter, where you’ll found my favourite building: the old Palma Lonja (fish market), or the headquarters of the guild of merchants.
Moving on to your second day, I would suggest somewhere that will appeal to all five senses. The Tramuntana Mountain Range, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, is the perfect combination of nature, human influence, architecture and history.
Situated in the northwest of the island, these mountains provide some stunning scenery and numerous hiking options. If you don’t have much time to explore them, I would recommend visiting the town of Valldemossa, with its unmissable views from the Sa Miranda dels Lledoners viewpoint, the gardens of King Juan Carlos I and, of course, the Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa. And if, like me, you love pastries, don’t leave without trying the coca de patata (a sweet roll made with potato) and specifically the one at Can Molinas.
It’s now time for us to continue our journey towards the village that has inspired many artists, none other than Deià. The writer Robert Graves and the archaeologist William Waldren, among many others, succumbed to its beauty. Be careful, or you will succumb too! And after visiting Deià, make a stop at Sóller, which was practically isolated from the rest of Mallorca for centuries. Do you know how this isolation was brought to an end? Its famous train was responsible, at the beginning of the 20th century.
If you’re a fan of architecture, its combination of modernist buildings and others that are truly ancient will win you over. Take a long look at the Plaza de la Constitución, the church of San Bartomeu and, just beside it, the former Bank of Sóller. And a stroll around the harbour is certainly something you won’t want to miss.
All good things must come to an end but wait; you have hours ahead of you and I recommend you make your way directly to the east of Mallorca to see three places that I’m passionate about. Firstly, I would stop at the Caves of Artá; and from there you can see the sanctuary of San Salvador, just five minutes from the village of Artá. From above you can enjoy some amazing views.
We then move on to the village of Capdepera, and more specifically to its medieval castle. As the story goes, it was from here that King James I prepared for the conquest of Menorca. And of course, you’re going to want to explore our beaches. Not far from this village is Cala Mesquida, which has the largest dune system in the Balearic Islands.
WHAT TO SEE IN MALLORCA IN A WEEK
If you’re visiting Mallorca for a week, you can take your time to enjoy the capital and savour everything it has to offer.
You can also spend more time in the Tramuntana Mountains; you won’t regret it!
On the northwest of the island you’ll also find the town of Alcudia and the walls that have protected it for centuries. A walk around the walls (the camino de ronda) is practically a must on your visit to the town, especially given the views that this offers. And if you’re interested in history, particularly the Roman period, you can also find the Roman city of Pollentia there. Did you know that it was founded before Palma de Mallorca?
Maybe you fancy exploring our bays and beaches? The island has more than 250! For some hidden gems, take a look at this selection of the best bays for adventurers.
WHAT TO SEE IN MALLORCA WITH CHILDREN
There is, of course, a lot to see in Mallorca with little ones.
As a father of two, I’ve discovered that a trip on the Sóller train is an enchanting experience!
If you’d rather explore the world of the sea, Palma Aquarium is a sure hit. A perfect way to have fun, learn and increase your awareness of the seas, the oceans and all the life inhabiting these waters.
Another option, where you’ll discover the world of dinosaurs and which both adults and children will enjoy equally, is Dinosaur Land. And if you add the experience of visiting the Hams Caves, you’re sure to have fun as a family.
And of course, a day at the beach is always a safe bet for a great time when on holiday.
Whether you’re coming for one day, three days or a week, whether you’re on your own, with your partner or the whole family, as you’ve just read, there’s so much to see in Mallorca. I’m sure you’ll love this destination and will want to come back again and again!