
Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands: a quick flight from the mainland, but a world of its own. Known for its striking coastline, limestone mountains, and historic cities, it’s the kind of place where every traveller finds their rhythm. Dive into Palma’s old town to explore Gothic landmarks like the Palma Cathedral, then climb Bellver Castle for panoramic views over the harbor. Head for the hills in the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO-listed mountain range perfect for scenic drives, hikes, or village-hopping through towns like Valldemossa and Deià. Prefer the coast? Stretch out on Playa de Muro or seek out a quiet cala with crystal-clear water. Go underground in the Caves of Drach or above the bustle in a citrus grove. Shop the Mercat de l’Olivar, sip local wines, or walk through almond orchards in bloom. However you explore Mallorca, a private guide helps you skip the crowds and see the island the way locals do.
Ease into quieter Palma streets and try alternative things to do, including small studios, neighbourhood markets, and breezy viewpoints:
Cultural experiences: Join the Tuesday-night Ruta Martiana in Sa Gerreria, hopping tiny tapas bars as locals do. On summer evenings, catch a ball de bot folk-dance set in Plaça Major and clap along.
Small museums and galleries: Ride out to Fundació Miró Mallorca in Cala Major to see Miró’s studios just as he left them. Back in town, the Museu Krekovic pairs bold portraits with quiet galleries you can linger in. Step into Can Balaguer to walk through a stately Palma home and its changing exhibits.
Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Drive up to the Na Burguesa mirador above Génova for late-afternoon light and a breeze off the bay. At sunrise, circle the paths around Castell de Bellver and watch the city wake below.
Shop for local products & souvenirs: Browse Mercat de Santa Catalina in the morning for sobrassada, olives, and sea-salt flakes. In the afternoon, handle the island’s signature roba de llengües at the Teixits Vicens boutique in Palma. Finish at the Lafiore shop on Carrer de Can Verí to choose hand-blown glass you can actually pack.
Experience Mallorca as it’s meant to be: one neighbourhood at a time
Palma Old Town: Stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of this historic neighbourhood, marvelling at the blend of Gothic and Moorish architectural splendour that graces every turn.
Santa Catalina: Sink into the casual, cool vibe of this vibrant neighbourhood, bustling with trendy boutiques, bohemian cafes, and the city's oldest market offering a melange of fresh local produce.
La Lonja: Step into the past as you navigate through this old mercantile quarter, laden with captivating landmarks steeped in history and culture.
Playa de Palma: Soak up the sun on this famed beachfront, allowing the rhythmic lull of the Mediterranean waves to soothe your senses, and the effervescent nightlife to lift your spirits.
Magaluf: Find yourself swept into a world of endless entertainment with lively bars, clubs, and thrilling water sports, perfect for those seeking a spirited and active holiday.
Spring: Watch almond blossoms tint the interior valleys, then lace up to hike Tramuntana trails in fresh, pine-scented air. Step into Palma’s Semana Santa processions as drums, candles, and carved floats move through stone-lined streets.
Summer: Swim calm coves before lunch, then drift between beach chiringuitos as evenings stretch late. Join Nit de Sant Joan on June 23 with bonfires and sea dips, while families snorkel the shallows and couples sail at sunset.
Fall: Follow the grape harvest to Binissalem for village celebrations and new vintages, or wander olive towns as presses start up. Cooler days bring relaxed coastal walks and long market mornings for food-loving travellers.
Winter: Settle into quiet stone villages perfumed by citrus, then warm up with ensaïmades in a café on Palma’s historic squares. Watch Christmas lights glow and greet the Three Kings parade before January’s Sant Sebastià bonfires and concerts.
Annual highlights roll from Nit de Sant Joan’s beachfront fires to Binissalem’s Festa des Vermar grape festivities in September. In November, the Caimari Olive Fair fills the foothills with tastings, and January sparks Palma’s Sant Sebastià week, with the city also turning out for the colourful Three Kings on January 5.
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How many days is enough in Mallorca?
Is Mallorca worth visiting outside of summer?
What can I do in Mallorca with limited time?