Your Mallorca Travel Guide

Mallorca, the largest of the Mediterranean’s chain of Balearic Islands, offers a wealth of experiences for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure throughout the year.

Summer sunseekers will find the perfect spot among the scores of beaches and coves — each with their own vibe — and can wrap up the day by dining alfresco on the freshest catch of the day.

Spring and autumn welcome culture lovers seeking to explore ancient monasteries and Palma landmarks — when not partaking in wine tastings at family-owned vineyards. In winter, active day-trippers trek or bike through storied stone villages, past whitewashed lighthouses, or up the jagged Tramuntana Mountains.

Whatever your season, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Mallorca.

Mallorca’s Beaches, Coves, and the Great Outdoors

Mallorca offers your pick of perfect sunny spots. It features more than 250 beaches, ranging from unspoiled sandy stretches to rock-ribbed coves.

The white sands of Playa de Palma are just a short distance from the city’s majestic cathedral La Seu and feature a lively promenade lined with shops, cafes, and buzzy nightlife. Es Trenc, arguably the most popular beach on the island, is equally popular but pristine; its shallow waters add a touch of tranquility. For a more secluded experience, you can scramble up steep trails to discover the tucked-away coves and snorkel-ready dips of Cala Brava.

During the late summer season, you might want to head to quieter east side beaches framed by rocky terrains and picturesque pathways. Cala Mondragó Natural Park hosts one of the most immaculate coves on the island, while a brisk hike down the path takes you to the larger, more serene Cala S’Amarador. 

A popular day-trip is to rent a car or boat for further eastbound exploration. The pine-peppered Playa de Formentor, with its neighboring lighthouse and the discreet crystalline waters of Cala Varques, is among the island’s most Instagram-worthy vistas.

For panoramic views, explore in and around the Tramuntana sierra, an area ripe with hilltop hamlets, lush forests, and scenic mountain trails. Popular stops include postcard-perfect villages such as Deià or the charming coastal towns of Banyalbufar and Andratx.

Meanwhile, golfers have their choice of more than 20 courses all around the island. Marriott’s Club Son Antem offers two challenging 18-hole courses as well as a driving range and lessons.

Family Fun Under the Sun

Mallorca isn’t just a playground for adults — there’s a big menu of fun activities for children, too. Open between May and October, three family-friendly water parks keep travelers cool and entertained. Aqualand El Arenal is the largest and features daredevil slides and themed wading pool areas for the little ones. Other sea-inspired activities include youth sailing lessons and the Palma Aquarium, home to one of the deepest shark tanks in Europe.

Back on land, you can book a day of coastal horseback riding or visit the Puig de Galatzó natural reserve. This adventurer’s paradise of waterfalls, rocky roads, suspension bridges, and indigenous wildlife will suit every outdoor enthusiast. Continue your island exploration with the hauntingly beautiful stalagmite and stalactite mineral formations of the Genova or Drach caves, on foot or by musical boat. And for a memorable day-trip, jump on the antique tram from Palma to Port de Sóller for a wander and grab a gelat de toroja (orange-flavored ice cream), a specialty of this aromatic, citrus-tree-covered town.

The “Off” Season Is Still “On”

When the weather cools, opt in to cultural activities, both indoors and out. Take a stroll through the yacht-filled Palma port with visits to Castell de Bellver, a former Gothic castle turned museum with a panoramic lookout point. And visit the ornate Royal Palace of La Almudaina, a one-time alcazar today serving as a summer residence for Spanish royals.

To explore local art, stop by the Es Baluard museum, which includes some 700 Balearic and international contemporary artworks. Or visit the Joan Miró Foundation, where you tour the private studio and a sculpture park of the celebrated Spanish modern artist, who lived and worked in Mallorca for more than three decades.

At the fabled monastery Real Cartuja in Valldemossa, walk in the footsteps of author George Sand and composer Frederic Chopin. Or peruse rare Picasso engravings in the adjoining gallery museum. The fall harvest season is a fun time to check out Binissalem, one of Mallorca’s main wine-producing hubs.

Some of Mallorca’s biggest festivals and events take place after high season, including the Día de los Reyes Magos parade in January that commemorates the biblical Three Wise Men. Then there’s Sant Sebastià, a 10-day activity-filled homage to one of Mallorca’s patron saints held in late January.

A Mini Guide to Mallorcan Cuisine

Mallorca’s cuisine combines traditional Moorish, Catalan, and Spanish flavors with Mediterranean ingredients.

While the capital city Palma offers the full gamut of specialty meat, fish, and veggie dishes, travel inland for heartier fare. Eat sobrasada (cured pork sausage), tombet (vegetable stew), and arròs brut (Mallorcan paella) paired with local wines. Along the coast, dine on lightly seasoned seafood dishes such as caldereta de langosta (lobster stew), Verderol a la Mallorquina (local fish with spinach and onion), and Caragols a la Mallorquina (snails cooked in white wine). Trempó salad, with tomato, onion, and green pepper, is an island-wide favorite.

Whether visiting its gorgeous beaches for dramatic scenery or to dive into local culture and food, Mallorca offers you the best of all worlds any time of the year.

Where to Stay:

 

Vacation to an authentic Mediterranean island for a European escape. Marriott’s Club Son Antem is an ideal place to stay for an adventure unlike any other. Stay at the resort for beautiful grounds, expertly designed townhouses, and an inviting atmosphere. Take a dip in the pool or spend your afternoon on the greens of the resort’s two golf courses. When it’s time to head into the city, visit the charming countryside for beaches, shopping, dining, and classic Spanish hospitality.