Mallorca Tips

Mallorca, the Balearic Island, has a reputation: a place for party vacations and bachelor parties centered around Ballermann 6. However, this is only a small part of the island, which is often forgotten. This dream destination in Spain has so much more to discover.

Mallorca offers much more than that:

Secluded coves, idyllic mountain villages, countless winding roads, and a plethora of recreational activities for the whole family make Mallorca a top-notch travel destination even now.

In this article, we will share our best tips, attractions, and highlights for Mallorca. We have searched for idyllic coves, the most beautiful beaches, and stunning locations.

My tip: You can find the real hidden gems on this map:

NEW: My guide to Mallorca with over 160 of the most beautiful places, coves, attractions, views, markets, and food recommendations (including bars). All locations are saved for your mobile, desktop, or tablet in Google Maps. With just one click, you have all the places I visited and recommended in Mallorca saved. I also add tips in notes, so you can easily find where all the places are located.

I hope that your Mallorca vacation will become an unforgettable trip thanks to my tips!

On the Balearic Island, there are over 150 beaches and coves. This raises a central question: Are there still secluded beaches with turquoise water? Our answer is: Yes, definitely.

However, we need to look at this question more closely. The answer is unfortunately not so simple.

We have visited four supposedly secluded coves across the island. Here are the locations with our tips and information:

This easily accessible cove, Cala Torta, is located at the eastern tip of the island. The last few hundred meters of the access road pose quite a challenge for rental cars. Upon arriving at the parking lot, it's a 3-minute walk to the beach. You can expect a fine sandy beach and a small beach bar that provides refreshments during the peak season.

In our case, we experienced very strong east winds and, due to the waves, we couldn't test the water for ourselves. Nonetheless, the cove is idyllic and secluded. Cala Torta is our tip for anyone who doesn't want to miss out on an ice cream or an early cocktail while enjoying the beach.

You can reach Platja del Coll Baix after a 30 to 45-minute hike on foot. This beach has the longest walking path from the parking lot. The narrow hiking trail turns into a loose, rocky path with 'climbing sections' over large boulders after many winding turns just before reaching the beach.

At first glance, this looks more difficult than it actually is. We recommend that you don't give up too soon in the last few meters. You will need a towel to make yourself comfortable on the beach of fine pebbles. The northern beach Platja del Coll Baix is certainly the most secluded beach on our list.

Idyllic is probably the best way to describe it. Cala des Moro is the most beautiful cove I have ever seen. High cliffs stretch along the cove, which has carved a path through the existing cliffs. Due to this extreme formation, there are hardly any waves in the crystal-clear, turquoise, shallow water. A calm sea invites you to swim.

To reach the cove, you need to park your rental car about 1 km away in a parking lot. After 5 minutes on the road, the access to the cove leads down a hiking path to the sea. The actual 'beach' is tiny and mostly covered with large rocks. It's not a beach for those who want to stay all day.

After 2 hours of swimming fun, we left the beach just in time because on our way back, we met at least 50 people heading to the cove to swim.

Upon arriving at the parking lot, we could hardly believe our eyes. The once completely empty parking lot was well-filled, and car after car was desperately looking for a parking space.

Note: Unfortunately, during our visit, we had an unpleasant encounter with some jellyfish (commonly known as fire jellyfish). A touch with this very common species is painful but mostly harmless.

After a quick visit to the pharmacy, we soon had the right ointment on hand. Right after application, we felt a significant relief.

For this spot, we left particularly early in the morning. We hoped for a secluded cove in western Mallorca. From our finca, we had to cross the mountains of Serra de Tramuntana.

Going downhill, you will experience one of the most beautiful winding roads on the island (make sure to enjoy the views). After that, we finally reached the small village of Sa Calobra.

We immediately noticed that Sa Calobra is not a typical Mallorcan village. It resembles a touristy little place with four ice cream cafes located right next to each other. There are also many cheaply-looking restaurants.

When we arrived around 9 AM, all shops were still closed. It takes about 5 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the cove.

Upon arrival, you will find a narrow, empty cove between two high cliffs with a pebble beach early in the morning. However, we found the side turned away from the sea even more beautiful.

There stretches the mouth of a stunning Jurassic Park-like gorge. I was unaware of how much natural variety Mallorca has to offer. Of course, we didn't hesitate to explore the gorge and this impressive nature a bit.

Torrent de Pareis is nearly a 7 km long hike through this gorge (duration: about 4 hours). A little tip: This hike is considered one of the most extraordinary on the whole island. About 400 m of cliffs rise on the left and right of the path. At times, you will have to overcome climbing walls with taller rocks.

You should have a bit of experience and good fitness.

When we returned from the hike to Cala Torrent de Pareis, the cove was full. The way back to Sa Calobra resembled a one-lane road with constant oncoming traffic. The restaurants and ice cream cafes were full, and the secluded flair was thus gone.

We also recommend an early start for this tour.

What is now with the coves in Mallorca? Are they still secluded and deserted? Yes and no.

All four coves were empty until noon, very idyllic, and visually impressive. Thanks to many online descriptions and a good route guidance through Google Maps, the secluded coves of Mallorca are no longer hidden gems.

Our best tip for Mallorca: To have the perfect vacation feeling at one of the spectacular coves by the sea, you have to get up early. If you can make it to one of the places by 8 - 9 AM, you will have at least two hours to yourself at the cove.

So don't be fooled by Instagram.

The pictures on Instagram always show you the dreamlike coves without people. Probably all the photos were taken early in the morning.

The Serra de Tramuntana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. The mountain range stretches over 90 km, with a maximum width of 15 km. It encompasses an area with 20 municipalities and runs through almost the entire northwest of Mallorca. With over 50 peaks over 1000 m high, the Serra de Tramuntana is undoubtedly the ideal hiking area in Mallorca.

The mountain passes should not be underestimated either. Road cyclists and motorcyclists get their money's worth there. The most beautiful winding road is certainly the road to Sa Calobra. It is jokingly also called the 'Snake Road' and lives up to its name.

In Sa Calobra starts or ends the probably most beautiful hike in Mallorca: 'Torrent de Pareis'.

You can find detailed information about the hike here.

In the Serra de Tramuntana, there are some noteworthy reservoirs along whose shores you can take relaxing walks. Also, the most beautiful villages on the island, such as Sóller or Valldemossa, definitely count among the top attractions of Mallorca.

Valldemossa impressed us so much that we dedicated an extra tip to this small mountain village.

Valldemossa is an idyllic mountain village nestled in the Serra de Tramuntana. Okay, it's touristy and crowded, but still beautiful.

With its narrow streets, sandy-colored buildings, and some cultural as well as historical highlights, it is one of the most appealing sights in Mallorca.

The car-free town center with countless cobbled streets gives the 2000-inhabitant village its dreamy charm. From personal experience, we can confirm that you can find some of the best tapas restaurants on the island here.

At the center stands the 700-year-old Carthusian monastery. In this monastery, you can visit the original pharmacy as well as the library and many other rooms.

Our tip: Admission is included in the Mallorca Pass (check it out here).

Valldemossa is also known for the Polish composer Frederic Chopin, who spent time there to seek relief for his illness. In memory of Chopin, a short piano concert takes place every day in the concert hall of the monastery.

Additionally, Catalina Thomas was born in Valldemossa. She is the only saint in Mallorca and is especially revered here in her birthplace. Nearly all houses in the village feature colorful bricks that tell the story of the saint, a hidden gem in Mallorca that not everyone knows.

Sóller is one of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca. The authentic small town is located in the Valley of Gold, also known as the Orange Valley. Even on the way, it is clear that everything here revolves around citrus fruit. At 1,000 meters above sea level, right in the mountains, the perfect climate for growing oranges and lemons prevails.

For those interested, we recommend a visit to the farm Ecovinyassa, a farm focused on environmental education. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you can sign up for a guided tour through the groves. A hidden gem in Mallorca that many visitors do not know about.

Here you will learn everything about the cultivation of various citrus fruits. The German Franz Kraus established ecological fruit growing here in the valley. Anyone wishing to enjoy a piece of Mallorca at home can order the oranges online at Fet a Sóller and have them delivered directly.

The historic narrow-gauge train from Palma to Sóller is definitely a special experience. Since 1912, the train has been shuttling on the narrow tracks between the capital and the small mountain village. Winding through beautiful landscapes past almond and olive trees, the train journeys 27 km through 13 tunnels into the mountains towards Sóller.

The one-way ticket costs 25 euros and takes about an hour. You can find the exact schedule online.

We definitely recommend booking a round trip. In our case, we started in Palma. Since we took the ride on a Saturday, we had a pleasant surprise as there is a large market in Sóller on Saturdays.

You can park at a barriered parking lot directly at the small station of the Ferrocarril de Sóller in Palma.

You should definitely visit the island capital Palma de Mallorca at least for a day trip. You must see the Cathedral La Seu, the Royal Palace Almudaina, or the harbor in Palma. But what about the streets that casual visitors don't walk because they are looking for the fastest route? Turn into one of the quiet alleys in the old town. Or the small park S'Hort del Rei below the Royal Palace. Insider tip: Especially in the early morning before 10 AM, you rarely encounter tourists.

Or visit the small bookstore Literanta on Carrer del Call. Inside, you can also find a café that is favored by locals. A real insider tip from the locals.

If the cathedral in Palma is too crowded, you can visit the second most beautiful one on the island. The basilica Sant Francesc is a little hidden in the old town and is also beautiful.

The Sant Martí district has some insider tips as well. Nice restaurants and small tapas bars also offer vegan food. Try it out on Carrer de Sant Feliu.

Read more: Here you can find our best tips and top attractions for Palma de Mallorca.

The northernmost and simultaneously easternmost tip of Mallorca is by no means a hidden gem anymore, but still worth a visit. Early in the morning, you will have this impressive backdrop of steep cliffs and a lighthouse all to yourself.

The locals call Cap de Formentor the 'Meeting Point of the Winds'. Be sure to dress appropriately, especially outside of the hot summer months. During our visit in May, a fresh wind blew.

Don't underestimate the time! The many winding roads to Cap can make the drive a lengthy affair. Depending on where you live on the island, you should allow yourself enough time for the journey by car.

Note: From June to September, the access road is closed to private traffic. Between 10 AM and 7 PM, only shuttle buses are allowed on the route.

The road is not closed in the sense of being forbidden. However, it is controlled strictly. Both cars and motorcycles get tickets if they do not adhere to the times on the way there or back. If you drive to the Cap early in the morning, you should keep an eye on the time. Make sure to return before 10 AM.

Buses on line 353 start in Port de Pollença and travel via Playa de Formentor to the lighthouse. Near the main bus stop in Port de Pollenca, you can easily park your car.

You can find the current bus schedule here.

Whether flea market, craft market, or weekly market, countless markets take place every day all over Mallorca. This way, you can experience the weekly market in a different municipality each day.

The markets take place between 9 AM - 1:30 PM. The most important market in Mallorca happens on Sundays in Pollença. This market is so popular that it is visited by thousands of people from all over the island.

The markets in Mallorca are ideal for purchasing fresh food like fruits and vegetables or local products like Sobrassada or cheese. You will find stalls everywhere selling handicrafts, leather bags, woodwork, jewelry, and clothing.

The most beautiful markets in Mallorca are located in Sineu, Sóller, and Inca.

The market in Sineu takes over the entire village every Wednesday (8 AM to 1:30 PM). Every square and alley are filled with stalls. In between, there is live music ranging from unplugged guitar music to experimental didgeridoo sounds on electronic beats.

In Sóller, the market on Saturdays mainly revolves around food. Perfect for purchasing local meat and cheese, or fresh fish for a barbecue. Caution is advised as the village's tram slowly winds its way through the stalls.

Inca is referred to as the leather capital. Here, the market on Thursdays features the largest selection of leather and craft products.

During our visit to Mallorca, we had the Turbo Pass for Mallorca (check it out here, also referred to as the Mallorca Pass). The pass is a kind of sightseeing pass. The advantage?

You pay only once for the pass and can visit many attractions on-site without having to pay entry fees again. You can conveniently order the pass from home before your trip. Once you have bought the Mallorca Pass, you essentially have an entrance fee flat rate.

This way, you won't have to think about whether your budget can handle an additional entrance fee and you will typically see more. Just present the Turbo Pass at the ticket counter and receive free entry tickets.

Purchase the Mallorca Pass in advance here.

For those of us who don't want to just lie on the beach all the time, you should keep reading.

There are numerous activities and recreational offerings for the whole family. We have tested some of them for you. They range from hiking, climbing, balloon rides, to riding the historic train and tapas tours.

We wanted to go climbing again for a while, so we quickly booked a climbing course with rockandride-mallorca.com. Here you can book tours for every skill level with a guide. These last about 4 hours.

Unfortunately, you can only inquire via email through the website and not book directly.

The hot air balloon ride over eastern Mallorca was certainly the highlight of our trip. Our first experience with hot air balloons turned out to be extremely beautiful. The meeting point with the team for the balloon ride is located in Cala Millor. Jordi, our balloon pilot, was extremely professional yet also very entertaining and funny.

After we were allowed to help prepare the balloons, we went straight up into the air. Getting in is quite hectic, sporty, and a bit challenging, which is why the balloon ride is unfortunately not recommended for pregnant women.

We floated weightlessly in the evening light for a few minutes until Jordi started handing us glasses. So we floated toward the sunset with champagne in hand. After about 45 minutes of flight, we had to land, as the wind had already carried us quite far. We could have easily stayed up much longer.

Definitely an activity we will repeat.

Get your Guide offers three differently timed tapas tours under the provider 48h-in.de at different conditions. From the small tapas tour for 39 euros to the medium tour for 69 euros, to the large tapas tour for 105 euros, there should be something for every budget and preference. What all tours have in common is a guided tour through the historical old town of Palma.

You will learn many fantastic facts about the historical old town, delivered with a good mix of not too much and not too little information. In our case, it was charming, funny, and interesting, presented by Miguel, whom everyone seems to know in Palma. To lighten things up, we visited very authentic tapas or pincho bars in between.

Little tip: It's worth it to visit the bars separately again on the following days.

Of course, there are many more things you can do in Mallorca. With the Mallorca Pass, you can visit theme parks and museums for free or at discounted prices.

There can only be one answer from us. Best in the middle around Inca. Why? No matter which place we entered into the navigation, the travel time was always about an hour. So whoever wants to visit destinations all over the island is perfectly positioned near Inca.

For those who want to get by without a rental car, the area around Palma's coast is a good choice. There are regular buses that also take you back to the airport quickly.

Check out the tips for Palma.

There are many beautiful hotels in Mallorca; don't worry, the days of concrete bunkers are over. If you want to treat yourself to something special outside of Palma, we recommend the Lindner Golf Resort Portals Nous, just a stone's throw from Puerto Portals.

Even 'non-golfers' are very welcome here. Hannah spent a few nights here in spring and didn't want to leave. The proximity to Palma and the peace away from the hustle and bustle make the Lindner perfect for a vacation, even with family.

If you prefer total seclusion, we recommend considering a finca. You have your own domicile away from the stress of towns and usually with a private pool. Our finca for 6 people, equipped with a pool and barbecue area, we would definitely book again.

Of course, you will find options on popular online platforms like Airbnb or FEWO-direkt. However, we recommend the platform Fincallorca. All fincas are personally visited and inspected by staff. A real plus to ensure that you get what you booked.

After several visits to the island, we suggest avoiding the peak season (July - August).

For us, the best travel time is from April to June and mid-September to the end of October. The temperatures are still pleasantly warm and the visitor influx is manageable. In April and May, it can be quite windy at times. However, we were able to use the pool of our finca without freezing at any time.

The months from January to March are very popular for traveling during the almond blossom.

Mallorca remains one of the top travel destinations for families, trips with friends, as well as outdoor and sports enthusiasts. Whether young or old, big or small, everyone will find something to enjoy.

We recommend renting a finca. In terms of price, amenities, and flexibility, it far surpasses almost any hotel stay.

It is certainly possible to experience Mallorca in solitude and without the typical tourist crowds. For that, you should travel outside of the main travel season in summer (July and August). Additionally, you should get up early to explore the most beautiful corners before other tourists arrive.

Even though getting up can be hard at times - it's worth it!

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