14+ Bucket List Things to Do in Mallorca

The Balearic Island of Mallorca is known for its all-inclusive resorts, stretches of sandy beaches and pristine waters– but this Mediterranean gem has so much more adventure and magic up its sleeve. The first time I visited Mallorca, I fell in love with the island’s laid-back charm, coastal villages and crystalline waters. This Balearic island offers so much more than beach days – though there’s plenty of those, too. From the bustling food scene in Mallorca to the winding trails through Serra de Tramuntana to the hidden wineries, there’s so much to explore in Mallorca for all types of travellers. Here are my favorite things to do in Mallorca. 

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The Best Things to Do in Mallorca

From pilgrimage trails to historic train rides to deep sea bouldering, the island of Mallorca offers a wealth of incredible experiences for travellers. Here are my favorite things to do in Mallorca, Spain. 

Rent a Boat at Porto Cristo

When we visited Mallorca, the best thing we did – hands down – was rent a boat on the beautiful east coast of the island and tell the captain, take us where you would want to go. 

To this day, I still recommend this to everyone if they can swing it; renting a boat is truly one of the best things to do in Mallorca. Especially on the east coast, many of the most beautiful and untouched beaches – like Cala Varques – can only be accessed by long hiking…or boats. 

We rented a boat with Charters Llevant and had the most INCREDIBLE experience exploring the tiny bays and nooks of the Mallorcan coastline. 

Explore Cap de Formentor

Mallorca’s northern coastline offers some of the most dramatic scenery, and Cap de Formentor is no exception. Knife-edge cliffs and limestone peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana offer stunning views as you drive through the iconic Cap de Formentor peninsula. 

It’s the type of drive that makes you want to stop for photos every five meters – and that won’t change when you reach the beach at Platja de Formentor, a thin strip of beach and a wide stretch of crystal blue waters. 

While you’re in the area, don’t forget to check out Cap de Pera Lighthouse, a stunning building perched on a cliff. 

Pro tip: If you’re up for it, consider renting a boat and arriving from Port de Pollença – it’s a beautiful ride. 

Try Mallorcan Wine

The Spanish are known for their wine, and Mallorca is no exception – even if most of their wines are not exported. They grow local grapes like Callet and Mantonegro here as well as international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Many local vineyards are open for tastings, including Bodegas José L. Ferrer, Bodegues Macià Batle, and Mallorca’s oldest winery Bodega Ribas.

To avoid drinking and driving, consider this wine tour – or this private tour from Palma which takes you to local wineries. 

Visit Palma de Mallorca & Try Their Restaurants

Palma de Mallorca is one of the most exciting food destinations in Europe: Twelve Michelin stars, several Michelin Bib Gourmands, and countless innovative new spots nestled amongst World Heritage locations heralded by creative, award-winning chefs.

What was once merely a tourist spot, overlooked by foodies everywhere, has completely transformed in the past decade. Palma de Mallorca has shaken off its old reputation and firmly emerged as one of the world’s most up-and-coming culinary destinations. 

Find my complete list of the best restaurants in Palma de Mallorca here. 

Drive to Sa Calobra – the most beautiful drive in Mallorca

Sa Calobra is perhaps one of the most beautiful slices of Mallorca and one of the most iconic cycling routes in the world. Two beaches make up Sa Calobra: Cala Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis, divided by the Torrent de Pareis (river gorge) on the northwest coast of the island. The drive down here can be harrowing, but offers breathtaking views. During the summer months, you’ll find plenty of people driving the road to reach the beautiful beaches down below. 

Go Deep Water Soloing (Bouldering) in Mallorca

Mallorca is one of the premiere destinations for bouldering above deep sea waters, or deep sea soloing. Climbers of all levels will love climbing the unique boulder problems – and taking a dip in the sea when they fall. Cala Barques, Es Pontàs, Cova des Diable are some of the most popular spots, but local guides will be able to take you to the best spots for your skill level. If you’re looking to head out for the day, check out Rock and Water Mallorca. 

Take the Train From Palma to Soller

The vintage, wood-panelled Ferrocarril de Sóller takes visitors and locals alike on a winding journey from Palma de Mallorca to Sóller. The historic train has been running through the mountains since 1912 with a one-hour journey that may just end up being the highlight of your trip. Pass lemon orchards and farms, olive groves and ancient villages until you emerge at the beautiful beachside town.

Pro tip: From April to October, catch the train from Palma to Soller six times a day. However, November, December, February and March sees reduced service along the line, with just four trains a day. If you’re visiting during summer, you’ll need to buy tickets in advance. 

Explore Valldemossa 

Considered by many to be one of Mallorca’s most beautiful villages, Valldemossa is set in the Tramuntana mountains of Mallorca – but the city rarely makes many lists like these. 

This charming local village seems stuck in time, but it’s a great stop if you find yourself driving from Palma to Deia or Soller. There’s plenty of charming shops, local restaurants and winding roads to explore to break up the drive. It’s one of those can’t-miss things to do in Mallorca. 

Have Lunch at Santanyi

Mallorca is known for its beautiful beaches, but the tiny, quiet inland towns seem almost forgotten to time, though no less worth your time. During our Mallorca road trip, we spent some time in Santanyi, a lovely little town with a great square and tons of phenomenal restaurants. 

Our favorite restaurant in Santanyi, by far, was Restaurant Es Molí. Their fresh salads and local ingredients were some of the best food we had on the island! 

Alternatively, we also loved Restaurant Es Vinyet, Restaurant Manique and Alchemy.  

See Mallorca from a Hot Air Balloon

There’s no better way to see Mallorca’s dramatic scenery than from the sky. A romantic hot air balloon ride offers a unique perspective of the island’s dramatic cliffs, rugged mountains and breathtaking coastline. Plus, it’s just really, really cool. If you’re ready to set sail, this is my favorite hot air balloon ride in Mallorca. 

Explore Deia 

Mallorca is home to some of the most charming mountain villages, and Deia is perhaps the most famous of them all. Located on the island’s northwest coast, this quiet village sits between Serra de Tramuntana peaks and long stretches of valley, a winding road leading down to the city’s beach. 

There’s nothing quite like this beautiful town, which feels like a time capsule to the past. When visiting, don’t forget to stop by British poet Robert Graves’ dream house, Casa de Robert Graves. 

Pro tip: If you’re visiting Deia, consider visiting Son Marroig, which once belonged to the famous Habsburg Archduke Ludwig Salvator. The views from the garden are simply stunning. 

Soak Up the Sun on East Coast Beaches

Mallorca has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever visited – so many that I’ve dedicated an entire blog post to my favorite beaches in Mallorca. You’ll find most of these beaches on the island’s east coast, where long stretches of sand and crystalline waters attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer. 

One of my favorites? Cala Mondrago, perhaps. Located in a nature reserve just southeast of Santanyí, this beach (also known as Sa Font de Nalis) is a great spot for beachgoers looking for a spot that is both easy to access and beautiful. High-rise hotels and villas haven’t quite found their way to this section of the island, though the beach does offer a few amenities, from a beach bar to parasol rentals. You can park near the beach and walk five minutes down to the coast. 

Hike to Calo des Moro

Another one of my favorite beaches in Mallorca is Calo des Moro. This not-so-hidden-secret was one of the most incredible beaches we visited in Mallorca. 

Calo d’es Moro is beautifully maintained by a private foundation, which owns and cares for the beach. This jaw-dropping beach requires a little bit of rocky hiking, and the route isn’t always obvious (follow the crowds!). Once you reach the beach, you’ll need to climb down steep rocks to reach the shore. Don’t let the extra effort deter you. 

Pro tip: This is hands-down one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca, though it can get quite crowded in the summer. Plan to arrive early to grab a little spot in the sand. 

Hike the Ruta de Pedra en Sec

Hikers come from far and wide seeking out the wild, jagged peaks and sculpted limestone that make up Mallorca’s UNESCO World Heritage Serra de Tramuntana. This range is a hiker’s dream, with beautiful summits and stunning scenery. There are plenty of ways to explore this range, from day hikes to multi-day treks; take, for example, the tricky 13km (8-mile) stretch from Valldemossa that heads uphill to the 1064m (3491ft) Puig del Teix with rewarding views of sea and mountains. 

For a longer backpacking journey, tackle the Ruta de Pedra en Sec, or GR221, which stretches 140km (87 miles) from Port d’Andratx to Port de Pollença. Hikers will follow well-marked signs to follow the trail, which weaves through olive groves, sweeping peaks with 360 views and everything in between.

Samantha Tatro

Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started Undiscovered Path Home to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News, The Adecco Group, and more.