There is more to Mallorca than its beautiful beaches and famous tourist resorts. Rocky mountains and lush wooded hillsides fall steeply down to the sea. Tourists are delighted by the historic towns and charming villages, loaded with tourist attractions like medieval churches, ancient castles, and art museums. The island is rich in culture and activities, so you won’t be short of things to see and do while you are here.
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.CASTELL DE BELVER
The circular Gothic masterpiece north west of the capital Palma de Mallorca was built for King Jaume II of Mallorca back in the 13th century. A bridge leads into the castle’s courtyard, which is lined with Romanesque and Gothic arcades. Also visit the history museum and chapel in the castle. History buffs will enjoy the museum. Kids will enjoy playing king of the castle as ascending to the top offers excellent views of the city and surrounding areas below.
2.LA SEU - PALMA CATHEDRAL
This magnificent Gothic cathedral whose sandstone walls and flying buttresses seem to rise out of the sea, is a proud symbol of the city and island. In the west portal down the long nave with light pouring in through the rose window – you can see one of the world's largest, 12m across and studded with 1,236 pieces of stained glass. The columns are ringed with wrought-iron candelabra designed by Gaudi. His most controversial addition is the unfinished Crown of Thorns, fashioned from cardboard and cork and suspended above the altar. On the south front, facing the sea you can look at the 15th century Portal del Mirador door by Guillem Sagrera featuring scenes from the Last Supper.
3.THE PALMA TO SOLLER VINTAGE TRAIN
This train ride is one of the most popular day trips in Mallorca. The antique wooden carriages run along a 27 km narrow gauge railway through valleys full of olive, orange and almond groves to the beautiful town of Sóller, deep within the Tramuntana mountains. You can take a short 5 km trip to Port de Soller with a connecting tram ride to one of the west coast's only sandy beaches.
4.MARINELAND WATERPARK
It is the perfect place for anyone to enjoy the hot summer days to cool of. They are located in Alcúdia, in the north west, in Playa de Palma and near Magaluf, in the south west. The park has a good selection of slides and slippery rides. Children love playing at the water park and seeing the dolphins and sea lion show.
5.CAVES
With some of the most impressive cave systems in Europe, the island boast with around 200 systems. For the most magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations, head to the east coast of Mallorca, Cuevas del Drach or Cuevas de Artà. Unique rock formations are a common sight in In some of the smaller bays you will come across some of the caves.
6.ROBERT GRAVE’S HOUSE IN DEIA
The poet, novelist, historian and author spent much of his life at this house on the edge of the picturesque village of Deià. The house with his furniture and belongings pretty much stayed the way it did when he lived there. You can also stroll around the beautiful garden, with its almond, olive and carob trees or walk down to the tiny beach, as Graves himself used to do, for a swim and lunch by the sea.
7.S’ALBUFERA NATURE RESERVE
Located on the northeast coast near Port d’Alcudia these wetlands are great for birdwatching, cycling and walking. The reserve is home to more than 200 bird species that inhabit the reserve at different times of the year include kestrels, Eleonora’s falcons and purple herons. You cannot drive in the reserve – you can hire a bike and get a map from Sa Roca visitors centre.
8.MONASTERY OF VALLDEMOSSA
Built in the 14th century this magnificent Carthusian monastery stands on the site of an ancient Moorish Alcázar. The Carthusian Monks prayed and lived here for more than 400 years. The monastery has welcomed other illustrious guests including the pianist Frédéric Chopin and novelist George Sand who spent the winter of 1838-1839 at the monastery. The 14th century Palacio Rey Sancho was built for King Jaime II on the expansive grounds of the monastery.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
- The Calvia Coastline
- Cala Figuera: A Fishing Port
- Iglesia de San Petro
- Convento de Sant Bernardi
- Monasterio de Santa Maria de Bellpuig
- Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles
- Port de Pollenca
- Iglesia de Puig del Calvari
- Sant Bartomeu Church
- Alfabia Palace
- Sa Capelleta Monastery
- Port of Valldemossa
- Bastion of Sant Ferran
- Santa Ana
- Catedral de Mallorca
- Cala Llonga
- Sant Josep de sa Talaia
- Sant Antoni de Portmany
- Portinatx
- Es Canar
The best way to get around is by car hire. Other transport available is busses, taxis, scooters or by foot.
The best time to visit Mallorca is from March to May, when average temperatures are in the 60s and 70s and the crowds of summer tourists haven't yet descended on the island. Fall is another nice season with mild temperatures and cooling rains.
