Is Mallorca Worth Visiting?
Mallorca has a bad reputation. It is seen as a cheap holiday destination; a party island overrun by young tourists wanting to get drunk every night.
And ok, I have to admit I eventually did find them: loud British tourists ordering their first beer at 11am and, even more embarrassing to me as a Dutch person, large groups of Dutch boys, barely old enough to legally drink, showing off their decreasing condom supply as their vacation progresses.
But, it took me over two months of living in Mallorca to first come across this type of tourism.
So yes, if you are looking for a party destination Mallorca might be an option. But thankfully Mallorca has much more to offer than the infamous areas of Magaluf and El Arenal. And that is what I want to share with you in this Mallorca travel blog.
I want to show you what’s great about visiting Mallorca.
Also Read: Things to Know Before Traveling to Spain
Mallorca or Majorca?
Ok, before I tell you more about Mallorca, let me answer the two questions I get the most: “Is it Mallorca or Majorca?” and “Is Mallorca Majorca?”
Yes, Mallorca and Majorca refer to the same island. But the correct spelling is Mallorca.
Majorca with a j has been widely used by the British and although not correct, somehow it stuck when Mallorca became more popular as a tourism destination and these days you will even see it in big advertising campaigns.
The ‘double l’ in Spanish is pronounced as a “y” in English, but in some Spanish accents it also sounds a bit like a “j”, so perhaps that’s where it comes from.
Anyway, just remember it is Mallorca, not Majorca.
The Island of Mallorca and Why You Should Visit It
Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, with a long and fascinating history.
Its current population is nearly 1 million with most living in and around the city of Palma. This number increases dramatically during the summer months, when many seasonal workers and tourists descend upon the island.
Visiting Mallorca: a Gorgeous Island, Largely Unspoilt, with Beautiful Scenery
The rich and famous have been visiting Mallorca for generations and consequently, the island offers a large number of unique luxury accommodations.
Mallorca’s hotels range from beautiful historic buildings that have been converted to provide every modern convenience, to charming fincas (converted farmhouses) in the countryside and comfortable villas throughout the island.
It’s true that some of Mallorca’s coastline has been taken over by resorts but these do tend to be very self-contained and are easily avoided if parties & crowds are not your thing.
There are vast stretches of beach, particularly in the south, where there has been no development.
Tip: If you are looking for a hotel in Mallorca I recommend checking Booking.com for a wide selection and the best deals.
Majestic limestone cliffs plunge into the translucent sapphire- and turquoise-hued waters of the Mediterranean for the length of the island’s western and northern coasts.
Vast plains with almond trees, olive trees, and vineyards stretch across the interior. And yachts drop anchor in idyllic inlets along the eastern and southern coasts, which are otherwise only accessible on foot.
Mallorca’s rich history still shows in all the wonderful buildings. Especially Palma de Mallorca is a must-visit for anyone who loves architecture.
The rich cultural history has left many sights to explore throughout Mallorca though, with castles & ruins, cathedrals & monasteries, grand manor houses & gardens, and a host of art galleries and museums.
The stunning scenery throughout the island and its moderate climate make it a popular island for hiking, cycling, and all sorts of water sports.
The warm & dry climate is perfect for golfers and there are over 20 golf courses on the island.
Tip: if you are looking for things to do in Mallorca ranging from water sports to sightseeing tours and wine tastings, check out Get Your Guide.
Each Region in Mallorca Has Its Own Particular Appeal
Visit the northeast of Mallorca for history, the east coast for beaches and caves, the north and west for spectacular mountains and picture-postcard villages.
If you are visiting Mallorca and want to explore ‘the real Mallorca’ I would recommend renting a car because public transport is somewhat limited.
Visit as many of the different towns as you can. Drive along the coast for some amazing views of the Mediterranean and make sure not to miss the Serra de Tramuntana (Tramuntana mountains) with its picturesque villages and amazing winding roads.
Serra de Tramuntana
The Serra de Tramuntana runs along the north-western coast of Mallorca, from the town of Andratx in the west to Cap de Formentor in the northeast, and has been awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO.
It covers around 30% of the island’s territory and more than 1,000 km2 (over 386 sq mi). The scenery is characterized by bizarrely shaped limestone rocks, pine woods and grass with some, partly abandoned, fincas (farmhouses) in between.
The coastline is steep and has several small, rocky bays.
Mallorca is a Good Year-Round Destination
Mallorca has well-maintained roads and excellent travel connections to the rest of Europe and mainland Spain, by air and by sea, making it an easy destination to visit.
Although it does get quieter after the summer months end, Mallorca is a year-round destination.
I would recommend visiting Mallorca before or after the summer months (June until August) if you want to avoid the crowds.
Mallorca Tourism
Mallorca with its rich culture, history, beautiful scenery, and good climate has welcomed tourists since the early 1960s and today is more popular than ever.
Fortunately, most of the mass tourist market is confined to the southwest of the island. The rest of Mallorca retains a more authentic charm.
Is Mallorca Safe?
Yes, Mallorca is generally very safe for tourists and locals alike. Violent crime is rare, and the island has a well-established police presence, especially in popular tourist areas.
However, as with any destination, do keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded spots like markets or beaches, where petty theft can happen.
Mallorca’s trails, beaches, and charming towns are all enjoyable with basic travel precautions, making it a safe destination for solo travelers, families, and everyone in between.
Mallorca’s Food and Culture
Mallorca has perfected the art of coastal living, with Mallorcan food (including the freshest seafood), wine (vineyards are rarely more than an hour away), and natural attractions at the center of the whole experience.
All across the island, locals are returning to their cultural roots. The island’s old manor houses, country estates, and long-abandoned farms have sprung back to life as refined rural retreats.
Food is also at the heart of this revival, with the island’s chefs – inspired as much by their Mallorquin grandmothers as by the innovative trends of Mediterranean nouvelle cuisine – revitalizing the mainstays of the Mallorcan kitchen.
Also Read: Famous Spanish Food You Should Try
Places to Visit in Mallorca
Some of the places to visit in Mallorca, in my opinion, are:
- Palma de Mallorca – the beautiful capital city
- Port de Soller – one of the nicest coastal resorts
- Valldemosa – the most gorgeous village
- Alcúdia – because of its Roman remains
- Cap de Formentor – for its breathtaking views
- Puerto Portals – with its beautiful luxury marina
Spend a minimum of two days in Palma de Mallorca to see the highlights of this lovely city.
The other places could be visited on day trips, but of course the more time you have, the more you’ll be able to really experience these places and get to know a more authentic side of Mallorca.
Once you’ve seen this side of Mallorca I’m sure you’ll hate having to leave!
So, Is Mallorca Worth Visiting?
Mallorca is a gorgeous island and definitely worth visiting.
I have lived in different parts of Spain for years now and have seen most of the country. And still I believe Mallorca is one of the most beautiful parts of Spain.
And if you ever get the chance to spend some time working and/or living on this island like I did last summer, definitely go for it!
Also Read:
- Some of the Best Activities in Mallorca
- What to See & Do in Soller, Mallorca
- How to Rent a Boat in Spain (Including Mallorca)
- Things to Know Before Visiting Spain
- What’s it Like to Live in Mallorca
Would you like to know more about life on this beautiful island or about Mallorca tourism? Leave a comment below and I will reply asap!
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Hi: We are planning a week long trip for mid June and want to rent a 4+ bedroom villa. Do you have any suggestions on best town to use as a home base and best resources to book a villa? We plan to explore the island and will rent two cars for our 7 adults. Thanks so much!
Steve
Hi Steve,
Where to base yourself in Mallorca really depends on what type of trip you are looking for. For the most authentic Spanish experience I personally would book a villa somewhere in the interior and just drive in a different direction every day to explore. But, you’re going to an island so you might prefer to be on the coast. If you’re young (under 30) and want a simple party trip you could consider El Arenal. But otherwise I’d avoid that.
Nice coastal towns in Mallorca that can make a good base I would say are Soller and Alcudia. In the southeast Cala d’Or could be a good base that has plenty of tourist facilities and is a good location for exploring quieter areas around it.
I personally tend to use Booking.com to book anything, including villas. You can select ‘holiday homes’ and ‘villas’ when searching. As a platform I find them offering much better quality than Airbnb.
Hello there,
I am planning to visit Mallorca with 2 of my friends (guys vacation). Is it worth the hype visiting Mallorca or the North of Spain. If so, what could be the budget for a 10 day trip in July?
Hi Matej,
That’s a difficult choice! Mallorca is very different from the north of Spain, so it really depends on what type of trip you prefer. The north is cooler (nice temperature in July though), has stunning nature, great for hiking and outdoor activities, plus some nice cities to explore. But the sea is cold so it’s less of a beach destination. Mallorca is a typical island destination with beautiful beaches, nice coastal towns, beach resorts and a real summer vacation vibe.
As for a budget, this depends on whether you’re looking for a budget trip or more luxury. You can find low budget rooms with a double bed or 2 single beds for 50 Euros per night. But if you want something a bit nicer you’ll end up paying closer to 100 Euros per night, or much more for luxury hotels and resorts in Mallorca. You could get a simple dinner for 10 to 15 euros, more if you go to upscale restaurants.
I hope this helps!
Hi Sanne,
I stumbled upon your blog post while doing some research for a month–long stay in Mallorca. Thank you for the info, it’s very useful. How did you go about renting? We are looking for an apartment to rent for the whole month. Do you know if there are real estate companies renting for such periods?
Well, for longer term rentals in Mallorca I’d recommend Idealista. You could definitely still check that, but a month will be too short for most properties that are listed there. For just a month, Airbnb and VRBO are probably your best options. Some home owners do offer good discounts for monthly rentals.
I would like to go for a cycling trip to Mallorca. Is third week of March too cold? Thank you
Hi Julia,
No, during the day it will be well above 10 degrees Celcius and it gets closer to 20 Celcius towards the end of the month. I would say that’s good cycling weather. The only thing is that the water will be cold and it’s not warm enough to lie on the beach. But if that’s not what you’re looking for then I think for a cycling trip the third week of March works.
Hi Sanne
My husband and I are planning a trip to Mallorca from 18th sep to 23rd Sep. Can you please suggest us 2-3 destinations? our preference is that it should be a mix of nightlife (1-2 nights), not so busy touristy places and car drives. Can you please help us in getting the most of these 3 things and suggesting which place will be best for what? Thank u so much in advance
Hi Krisha,
I’d recommend starting in Palma for good nightlife and culture. Then, since you have a car, I’d stay in Soller for a couple of nights and explore the surrounding area from there. It’s a great area to explore by car and by being based in Soller you still have nice restaurants and cafés to go to in the evening.
Enjoy your trip! I’m sure you’ll love Mallorca 🙂
Thnx so much for ur reply Sanne. Any other recommendation besides Soller pls. I wish to stay in some boutique property away from the big cities
Soller definitely isn’t a big city. But, since you have a car, you don’t have to stay in the center of any town.
There are some beautiful boutique hotels just outside Soller. Deia is a cute town but accommodation there is pricey. Check out accommodation around Fornalutx for slightly more bidget friendly options.
Because you only have a few days I’d say that’s a good region to stay in. You could go as far as Alcudia, but that’s definitely a bigger town with more tourists.
Hi Sanne! Thanks for your Mallorca posts! I find reading you quite interesting and your recommendations will be useful!
I’ll be reading more of your blog!
Hi Sanne,
Your blog is so helpful! I’m planning a surprise trip for my partner but sadly it has to be over a weekend in July, I know it will be at its busiest, but can you still enjoy Port de Sollér around this time? Is the public transport from Palma to Sollér overrun? I’m just nervous it could ruin the trip!
Many thanks in advance,
Tammy
Hi Tammy,
You absolutely can!
Yes, it will be busier, but Port de Sollér is thankfully not the main place for mass tourism in Mallorca so I think you’re a lot better off there than in one of the tourist towns such as El Arenal.
Hi Sanne,
Love the blog. My wife and I are planning to come in mid June for nights and we were planning on staying at Can Ferrereta in Santanyi.
We’re looking to relax and to be near some beautiful beaches, but I’m unsure whether we’ll feel too far removed on that side of the island. I’m sure we can do a day and dinner in Palma, but do you think we’ll regret not staying closer to the capital?
Thanks so much.
Josh
Hi Josh,
Well, that depends. I think if you’re just looking to relax, Can Ferrereta is great and you’ll find enough beautiful beaches around there. And like you said, you can go to Palma for a day. I don’t think you’re too far from Palma if you only want to go there once for a day.
But, I would say the north-west side of the island is more beautiful and has more to offer when it comes to cute small towns and impressive nature.
Hi Sanne,
I just came across your blog about Mallorca. I have visited Mallorca way back in 1993, May, and this is a trip down memory lane. I loved the island. I understand your love of Soller, have you spent much time in Andratx? We stayed in Palma, I had a friend from the Netherlands living there. Often, we went to the outdoor market for fresh olives and lemons. Is the Walking Man trail still there? I believe we ended up in Soller. Also, either in Andratx or Soller that there was a shop named Sniffers. The clothing all had some kind of animal with a huge nose. I wish I knew which town we bought them in. Can you deduce where? Do you recommend any real estate company for looking into retirement in Mallorca?
Hi Martha,
Things definitely have changed since you were in Mallorca back in 1993! Expect it to be quite a bit more developed and busier.
I have visited Andratx but haven’t spent much time there so I can’t say I know it well.
I don’t know about the Walking Man trail or Sniffers, so they might both not be there anymore.
As for real estate companies, things work slightly differently in Spain than in most other countries. Because not every agent has the same properties on offer, as a buyer you tend not to stick with one agent (although of course they will all try to persuade you to). You visit all of the agencies you can find to see which properties they are offering. And once you’ve found a property you like I HIGHLY recommend using an independent lawyer/solicitor. The seller’s agent might say they can do all the checks and paperwork for you, but I’ve heard too many horrible stories of sales without good lawyers (I used to work at an estate agency in Spain).
I hope you’ll find a great place to live and enjoy Mallorca!
hi Sanne, we will come to Mallorca for 1 week in june as a couple. We would love staying in the non crowded ares of the island. Do you have advice on which hotels and places could be nice? I allready did some research but my first impression is that its all quite expensive. We have a car so we plan to stay a couple of nights in palma and then search for a nice second location. thank you
Hi Frank,
That sounds like a great combination: a few nights in Palma and a few nights somewhere quieter to explore the area by car.
I would recommend Deia. I think the north and northwest side of the island are the most interesting if you want to get away from the crowds a bit and see some beautiful parts of the island. Deia is a very cute, small town. As a hotel idea I’ve always liked the look of Es Moli in Deia: https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/es-moli-deia.xu.html?aid=1761066&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&label=visit_mallorca
From there it’s an easy drive to Cala Deia, Valldemossa and Soller. And you could easily drive further north as well if you want to explore more.
But yes, unfortunately the cheapest hotel options are some of those standard, touristy hotels by the touristy beaches. You could of course do that as well and just see it as a place to sleep, since you have a car to go to wherever you want for the day. But if you ask me for a cute, quieter town that will give you nice memories of where you stayed, I’d recommend checking some pictures of Deia to see what you think of that.
Have a great time visiting Mallorca!
thank you so much!
Hi,
I wonder whether you could advise me on which destinations I might like in Mallorca. To give you an idea of what I am after (which may not exist):
– For my son (age 13), I think somewhere with a nice pool and walkable to a sandy beach. Also walkable to restaurants and cafes. Probably means we need a resort.
-however, I keep looking and as soon as I see that the hotels offer kids’ clubs and ‘entertainment’ and all-inclusive buffets, it puts me off – I don’t want to be surrounded by screaming kids and sunburnt adults and shouty people. I don’t mind a bit of tackiness, I don’t want a lot.
-posh resorts – Too expensive, attracts people who are into showing off wealth and possessions, not down to earth enough (plus I am not rich!)
– I will tell you where I have been that I liked in case you have been there and it gives you an idea of my taste – Cascais in Portugal
-reading your article, do you think Port de Soller could be the one? what is the beach like though? Do you think it has any activities to keep a 13 year old happy? Anywhere else you could recommend?
Hi Ruth,
Well, it depends a bit on what your son likes. If he is into watersports then Soller will be nice. He could do a scuba diving course there and will then definitely have a great memory, and a new skill!
If watersports aren’t something that could keep him entertained, then maybe El Arenal is better as a base, just because it has a more varied offering of entertainment. I would avoid the bigger hotels with kids clubs because yes, I completely understand the tackiness you are worried about 😉
I would choose a smaller hotel (no more than 20 or so rooms) with a small pool and walking distance to the beach. This way you can avoid some of the sides of Mallorca you clearly don’t like, yet still be within walking distance of all the entertainment. There is plenty to do around El Arenal to keep your son entertained!
And if you plan to stay for a week or more then I’d definitely recommend renting a car to explore more of the island.
Hi, my partner and I are planning a trip to Majorca mid October and aren’t really sure about what area we should stay in. I know that’s the end of season but we want somewhere with really nice restaurants and beaches and still has a bit of a lively scene to it. Where would you recommend staying? Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Caitlin,
How long are you staying? Palma is great if you want good restaurants and culture, and now that high season is over it’s not too crowded. Port de Soller is great for its beach and has good restaurants too, plus you can easily visit Soller itself from the port, and surrounding towns and beaches.
So if you have enough time and don’t mind changing location, maybe a few nights in Palma and a few nights in Port de Soller?
Thanks for this article. And I find the comments just as informative and historicly very interresting. I’m going to the island tommorow to look for an old finca to fix up as a vacation home/full time home for when I retire.
Hi Ben,
Thanks. And that’s great! There are definitely a good number of older fincas on Mallorca that would make a great project. I hope you find a suitable one and enjoy Mallorca!
Did u find one?
Great article. We are 4 active USA seniors who love European travel. We have plans to visit Mallorca in October 2021, having had to cancel last year! We will fly in/out of Palma thus basing there.
We will do self-guided tours of the Palma area, and take the train on our own to Soller and on to Port Soller. Do you think that is a reasonable plan? Then we would like to hire driver/guides to visit other areas of the island as Alcudia, Deia, Valdamossa, etc. Could you advise us on this plan, any other suggestions, and most importantly we need information on guides.
Thank you kindly for your help!
That sounds like a great plan!
Palma is definitely easy to explore on your own and taking the train to Soller will be a great experience. Just ask your hotel or Airbnb host for how to use the train and they will I’m sure be happy to explain everything. And although not everyone’s English might be perfect, the people in Mallorca are super friendly and will always find a way to help you out!
Hiring a car with driver is not very common, but there are many tours to book, including private tours.
Get Your Guide is a popular platform for that in Europe: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Mallorca&lc=l47&searchSource=2&partner_id=QS7NT3B&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=spend_life_traveling&placement=content-end
If you want to visit Soller, Port de Soller, Alcudia, Deia and Valldemossa I would recommend booking a hotel in the area for at least one or 2 nights, to have enough time to explore the area.
Enjoy! I’m sure you’ll love Mallorca! 🙂
We visited Mallorca in December, 2018. There were 4 of us senior ladies.
We were there 2 weeks and stayed at the PuroHotel in Palma. It was lovely. We either walked or took the bus & train. There is an on & off tour bus in Palma. We took the train to Soller & Port Soller. I believe we took the bus to Valdemossa & we also did the Drach Caves. It was wonderful. I think your plan is a great one.
Hi Sanne-
Thanks for the info. Is it crowded right now or do you think there are less tourist due to travel restrictions? Which part of the island do you think is quieter? Looking for an all inclusive hotel that is kid friendly. Thanks
Hi Judith, it’s definitely still quieter than in normal years. But I do expect it to pick up later in the year if things continue to go well. The interior of the island would be the quietest, but you probably want to be on the coast. Then I would say the North, Northeast and Northwest are your quieter options.
For a good all-inclusive hotel in a quieter part of the island, check out this one: https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/viva-alcudia-sun-village.en.html?aid=1761066&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Hola, I lived in Mallorca ( Esporles mainly, plus many other places on the island) and we left 2 years ago because of suffocating over crowding and tourism. We now live in a beautiful coastal area of Galica, with no tourists most of the year. Mallorca became a tourist Disneyland, and we could not even go to the beaches anymore because they were so crowded, everywhere! Horrible traffic and crime have become normal now. I would not live there anymore.
Wow I’m sorry to hear that!
I found living in Soller quite ok. Busy in summer but actually very quiet after the summer season ended.
But I can imagine you’ve seen quite a change in Mallorca over the years.
I agree. We have lived in Spain since 2004 and moved to Mallorca a few years ago. We are so pleased we decided to leave and move back to the mainland. The island is suffocating and toxic and when living and working there the Mallorcans can be racist and unwelcoming.
Last time I stayed on the island we rented an Aston Martin (we really did, total blow out holiday) and took it round the island and found the Bond tunnels round towards the north-west and rented a villa. We came back fully recharged.
I love traveling too and spent a good deal of time in Mallorca last summer. I really liked Bunyola which is a stop on the wooden train from Palma to Soller and loved the west coast. Deia was pretty; the drive to Orient was…challenging…did not like Inca. I think the south east is too touristy. Soller I thought was pretty touristy though pretty.
Good afternoon,
Enjoyed reading your post Sanne! I’m also a world traveling fool and traveling to Barcelona 2/19-3/2 with a few friend and extending our trip in Mallorca. We’re renting a car and traveling the island counter clockwise. March 2-3 Deia, March 3-4 Alcudia, March 4-5 Arta’, March 5-6 Alaro’, March 6-8 Palma. My dilemma is do we continue driving the coastline south or head back west via central area to Alaro and hike? It’s chilly this time of year and the coast drive south looks touristy. One of my friends is also departing on 3/5 from Arta – hence we need to keep moving since she is taking a taxi or train from Arta to catch her flight on March 5th. LMK – since I can cxl my room in Alaro.
Hi Joanna,
Wow you’ll get to see quite a bit of Mallorca, that’s great!
To be honest, I think the south has less to offer. It’s touristy with lots of standard beach hotels, touristy shops and restaurants… The good thing about going in March is that it won’t be busy yet. But whether that makes it worth going… If you enjoy hiking I would definitely go hiking instead. If you like the idea of having seen all the different sides of Mallorca, then go to the south. It isn’t horrible and it is different from the north and east so you’ll still have new places to explore and new things to see.
I hope this helps. Have a great time in Barcelona and Mallorca!
Hi!!! Where would you recomend to go hiking? Any tips? 🙂
I really enjoyed hiking around Soller. From Soller to Deia is a nice hike. And in general that part of the island has better hiking, so I’d base yourself in Soller for at least a few days if you want to do some hiking in Mallorca.
We will be coming to Barcelona end of March/early April. We only have one day, and we were thinking of flying into Mallorca for just the day. What do you think of that? Is it just too short? Or can we wander around Palma de Mallorca and get a good feel for the island? Is it walkable? I’m thinking April 1st will still be too cold for anything on the water, correct? If so, what would you recommend we do? We are not really interested in partying/drinking but more the natural beauty of the island. Thanks for any recommendations you have!
Hi Karen,
One day isn’t really a lot of time to see much of Mallorca, but there are some options…
It’s enough time to see the highlights of Palma de Mallorca. So you could just go and explore Palma de Mallorca, enjoy the sights, some local food and then head back to the airport.
Or, if you’d rather see something else, I’d go with a tour to see as much as possible. I highly recommend this trip to Soller: https://www.getyourguide.com/mallorca-l47/mallorca-tramuntana-tour-with-historic-railway-ride-t62634/?partner_id=QS7NT3B&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=spend_life_traveling&placement=content-end&cmp=Mallorca
Or, if you’d rather be on the water, then check out this Catamaran cruise:
https://www.getyourguide.com/mallorca-l47/mallorca-half-day-magic-catamaran-cruise-to-palma-bay-t112329/?partner_id=QS7NT3B&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=spend_life_traveling&placement=content-end&cmp=Mallorca
I hope this helps. Have a great time in Mallorca! Even for just a day it’s a great island to visit.
Hi Sanne,
I really enjoyed reading your blog. My fiance and I are looking to visit Mallorca for our honeymoon this coming Sept-Oct. Do you think this is an appropriate honeymoon destination? Any in particular areas of Mallorca you would stay in vs. others? We love food, wine, quaint and beautiful views, but also like to walk/hike/cycle and venture around.
If you are thinking Mallorca isn’t for us, could you recommend any other travel destinations? You seem to have a wealth of knowledge in terms or travel.
I really appreciate it.
Best,
Brynn
Hi Brynn,
If you love hiking, good food and quaint towns then Mallorca is a great honeymoon destination!
I would recommend renting a car and staying in or around Soller. Did you read my article about Soller?
https://www.spendlifetraveling.com/life-in-soller-mallorca/
If you want to splurge, then check out the Belmond La Residencia hotel in Deia.
But otherwise there are also lots of nice hotels in Soller that cost a lot less.
Enjoy your honeymoon and I hope you’ll have a great time in Mallorca! 🙂
Hello again Sanne,
Thank you for your thoughts on Formentara. I was thinking of islands that you like other than the Balearic group–Europe or elsewhere. If you care to mention them I’d appreciate it.
Thank you
John
Hi John,
Wow there are so many islands I love (I’m really an island person 🙂 ).
Anguilla in the Caribbean is a beautiful, less touristy island. Mauritius has great natural beauty and is bigger so has more to offer. Malapascua is one of many beautiful islands in the Philippines (I still have many to explore). I liked Koh Lanta in Thailand and Paros in Greece. Those are the first ones that come to mind 🙂
Hello Sanne,
I’ve enjoyed this blog. Would you care to tell us in your opinion which islands you have visited that are more beautiful, remote and unspoilt than Mallorca?
Thank you,
John
Hi John,
Thanks!
If you mean islands around Mallorca then I definitely recommend Formentera. It’s beautiful and a lot more unspoilt. Menorca is also a quieter alternative to Mallorca, but Formentera would be my number one recommendation.
Sanne,
My family of 5 (kids ages 22, 20 & 16) are looking at Mallorca over Thanksgiving week. My middle daughter is special needs, so hiking and other strenuous activity won’t work for her. My Husband and son plan to golf a few days. Will we be able to fill the time with sightseeing and driving to different parts of the island for a week? I’d love to spend a couple of days in Morocco or even Lisbon while the boys are golfing, but if you think there’s plenty to keep us busy for a week, I’ll stay there? Curious what your thoughts are? Is the weather decent? I know it’s not beach weather.
Hi Synda,
There is definitely enough to do in Mallorca to keep you entertained for a week, also without hiking and beach weather. But, it depends a bit on what you and your kids enjoy… In general the weather around Thanksgiving is still nice and good for exploring, although if you’re unlucky it can be rainy. You can easily spend 2 or 3 days in Palma de Mallorca, but by day 3 you will have seen and done most. If you love visiting small towns, driving through the countryside and eating lots of Spanish food then you’ll fill the remaining days easily.
Also check Get Your Guide for activities in Mallorca your family might enjoy:
https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Mallorca%2C+Spain&customerSearch=1&searchSource=2&partner_id=QS7NT3B&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=spend_life_traveling&placement=content-end
If you think you need a bit more variation then Valencia is a short flight away and a fun city to explore for a couple of days. Lisbon is also a good option, just a slightly longer flight.
Morocco I would say deserves more than just a couple of days so I’d save that for a separate trip.
I hope this helps and that your family will enjoy Mallorca!
Hi Sanne; my family, 7 adults, will be traveling to Spain in September. We initially planned to visit Montserrat but my brother is a huge fan of Nadal and would love to visit the island where he is from. We planned 6 to 7 days in the Barcelona area but are now looking at Mallorca for part of that visit. Not interested in active nightlife but wonder where the best place to stay for a short visit and opportunity to explore some of the island. Any suggestions would be great!
Hi Joann,
It depends how much time you’ll have in Mallorca… If it’s just 3 or 4 days I’d say stay in Palma de Mallorca (really nice city) and take a couple of day trips from there. You could travel by bus, rent a car (do ask your hotel for parking options because parking isn’t easy in Palma) or an organized tour like this one: https://www.getyourguide.com/mallorca-l47/mallorca-scenic-island-tour-from-the-south-t163878/?partner_id=QS7NT3B&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=spend_life_traveling&placement=%22other%22&cmp=comment
If you’re staying longer you could spend 1 or 2 days in Palma and then base yourself in Port de Soller for the rest of your stay. Get a rental car to drive to Soller, so that you can easily explore the surrounding area, which I would say is the nicest part of Mallorca if you’re not looking for a standard party/nightlife trip.
I hope this helps. Enjoy Mallorca!
Hi There,
Thank you for writing such a great blog for travelling in Mallorca. We are coming for 5 days in January and want to rent a car to drive around the island. Is that enough time?
Hi Pat,
Yes, although more time is of course better (more vacation time is always better 😉 ), Mallorca is compact enough for you to be able to visit a good number of places in just 5 days. So yes, I would definitely recommend renting a car and exploring the island (I highly recommend Soller and the area around it). Have a great time in Mallorca!
Hi Sanne, since you’re well traveled, my family of 6 adults and 1 toddler would like to visit Spain. We’re thinking of Mallorca, Barcelona and Bilbao area last week of April for 2 weeks. We love site seeing and eating. Any recommendations?
Hi Linda,
Those are 3 very different destinations!
Bilbao is still a bit chilly in April, especially in the evenings. But, if you are ok with that, then it’s a great place to visit.
Mallorca is nice in April if you want to avoid the crowds, but it will still be too cold to enjoy the water. So it depends on what you are looking for. If you want the best chance of good (beach) weather in April I would suggest going to the south coast. Malaga and surrounding areas are a good option.
Barcelona in April is great. It’s nice and sunny most days but cool enough to enjoy exploring a city.
So, if you are not looking for perfect beach weather and like to avoid high season crowds then I actually think this is a great combination of places to visit in Spain! It will give you a very nice varied view of what Spain has to offer.
Hi Sanne,
I stumbled upon your blog post while doing some research for a month–long stay in Mallorca. Thank you for the info, it’s very useful. How did you go about renting? We are looking for an apartment to rent for the whole month. Do you know if there are real estate companies renting for such periods?
Hi Elena,
My apartment in Mallorca was arranged through the dive company I worked with. They found that, with some difficulty, through a local estate agent once they were on the island.
If you want to find something before you arrive to Mallorca and are only staying for one month, I would probably just go through Airbnb and see who is open to monthly discounts.
Some of the most popular websites to rent apartments, used by locals: idealista.com, milanuncios.com, pisos.com, fotocasa.es, kyero.com
But almost all of the properties listed here are long term rentals, so the owners probably won’t be interested in just a 1 month rental. That being said, I definitely would check those websites because you might just find something and that will then most likely be cheaper than Airbnb.
Hey Sanne,
Thanks for the insight. I believe all who replied help form an accurate depiction to those of us considering a visit to Mallorca. Even if those comments are at polar opposites! I have lived on the Northern Californian west coast my entire life and have watched quiet beach towns become mired in gridlock. It’s frustrating to see people so disrespectful but that happens all over the world.
We used to vacation on the island of Lanai in Hawaii. It was a former pineapple plantation that had a very laid back, quiet and intimate vibe. You feel that you are the only ones occupying the pristine beaches and there is not one traffic light on the entire island! Unfortunately it has been recently discovered by the nouveau riche techies of Silicon Valley and prices have more than quadrupled.
My wife and I are considering Mallorca. Funny, we were told that Ibiza was the drunken spring break island to avoid by a close Irish family friend. We thought Mallorca would be a great place to visit and even purchase a small vacation home. It has similar climate as California, beautiful beaches, history, wine country (we’re not far from Napa) and we speak Spanish. However the last thing we want is to be around loud visitors who can’t hold their liquor! We could visit Mexico for that.
Where in Mallorca would you recommend?
Thanks again!
Hi Scotty,
Yeah, unfortunately, it’s getting harder and harder to find truly unspoiled places these days 🙁
But to be honest even Ibiza, with its reputation of being a party destination, has beautiful, serene parts!
And the same goes for Mallorca: it’s by no means an undiscovered destination, but if you stay away from Magaluf and El Arenal, which are the extremely touristy party places, the island has a lot to offer.
Palma de Mallorca can get overcrowded in summer, but the city does have character.
If you want to be on the coast I recommend the North West coast. It’s more rugged with beautiful little bays and less room for massive developments. Most towns here, although tourists do visit them, have retained their charm.
Inland is definitely less touristy so if you really want to get away from it all you could buy an old finca (farmhouse) and enjoy a much quieter side of Mallorca.
In short: yes, Mallorca is definitely still worth visiting even with all the tourism. Rent a car (which most of the partying tourists won’t) and explore the island to get a better feel for it. Depending on how long you want to go, you could base yourself in Palma for 2 or 3 nights to get a feel for the city and perhaps venture south on a day trip. Then base yourself in Soller for the remainder and explore the North, the West and inland areas from there.
I hope this helps and I’d love to hear what you think of Mallorca if you do decide to visit! 🙂
Fantastic Island, been there 2 years ago, and was amazed by the nature, views and clear blue water.
Next to Hawaii, Mallorca is the most beautiful place on earth. Always have a hard time deciding which one is more attractive.
As of now I live in Europe and Mallorca is the place to go for me. Have to admit, one day I could live there once my retirement is up.
Hi Jess,
Palma is definitely a good idea. Apart from that I love Port de Soller:
https://www.spendlifetraveling.com/life-in-soller-mallorca
Deia is another cute town with a lot to explore around it (do rent a car).
In general I would recommend the north-west coast if you are not into the overly touristy.
Also, if you aren’t into the overly touristy, young, beach-party type trip, definitely avoid Magaluf and El Arenal.
Hi Sanne
Thank you for the quick reply! Just wondering, given it is quieter during this time, how long would you suggest staying in Mallorca? Would a week be too long? Also would appreciate a suggestion regarding which town to stay at. We would definitely stay longer in Palma but would like to spend a few days somewhere else also.
Hi Jess,
If you don’t mind the island being quieter then I’d say Mallorca for Christmas is a great idea!
In Palma de Mallorca things should be lively enough, in the smaller towns you might find some places to be closed, but even those towns should still be fine. I can’t think of any parts of Mallorca I wouldn’t want to visit around Christmas.
If you plan to eat out for Christmas, I would recommend booking a restaurant. And ask your hotel or Airbnb if anything is going on in the area for New Year’s Eve or if they have any recommendations for what to do.
Hi, just wondering what you think about spending Christmas/new year’s period in Mallorca? I realize it will be quieter but don’t mind that as I prefer less crowds. Are restaurants open? Are there any places which would not be worth seeing during this time? Thank you!
Everywhere in Mallorca is now fully geared towards tourists, period. I lived in Mallorca for 20 years, and just now moved to a much more beautiful and un touristic part of Spain. (Not telling!). The prices in Mallorca are at least 40 % more than where I live now, and there are NO really wonderful restaurants that serve real food in Mallorca. Horrific traffic jams, mass overcrowding, even air pollution is a huge problem now in Mallorca. I am very happy I finally left and found another paradise.
I have to say that I don’t recognise the Mallorca that Camilla is describing. My family and I have just returned from a holiday at a “finca” in the centre of the island, near to Sineu, and we had the most idyllic time!
All we could hear were the birds and the bells that the farm animals wear, the roads were relatively empty except near large towns, the small towns and villages were sleepy and felt unchanged, and yet we were only 40 minutes drive away from the coast with its resorts and beaches. The mountains provide a beautiful backdrop in most directions.
We discovered Soller and its port this holiday, and would definitely like to return to that area next time; both the town and the port are lovely!
Thanks for sharing your story Hans! Between 1977 and now you must have seen Mallorca change so much… I wish I would have had the chance to see the island back then!
But I am happy that you still speak positively about Mallorca and still return every year 🙂 And I am sure you know the best places on the island, the ones most tourists don’t know 😉
I arrived on Mallorca in December 1977, initially for a couple of months, because later I was supposed to go to Madrid for my Spanish-language studies. A Spanish friend of mine convinced me to stay on Mallorca – I then invested my money in a piano night bar in Palma, in the night-life area called Terreno. The bar became famous – and since I was also one of the pianists playing jazz there, I got to know quite a few Mallorcan girls and towards the end of that experience I got married to a girl from Soller – this was one year before I gave up the bar.
Needless to say that I got to know all those magnificent places all over the island – in particular Soller. And since I’m also a linguist, I also started to learn the insular version of the Catalan language, apart from the Spanish language…
Finally I returned with my Mallorcan wife to my mother country, Switzerland, but we continue to visit this beautiful island every year, since our daughter opted for Mallorca as her mother country.
Some 40 years later, I must admit that mass tourism has had some negative influence on the island, although this summer was the first time that tourism has somewhat declined due to the fact that Egypt is recovering cheap tourism.
I first arrived on Mallorca in 1970. The next year my mother bought a cottage in a tiny village in the mountains. The cottage cost as much as a car in the USA.
The locals were mostly very private people, then as now, but as I was a child I had more connections than the adult foreigners through relationships with the children. I ran with the local boys and played soccer in the village field.
Mallorca was a slow moving, peaceful, quiet island. From the church steeple about 1/2 km away one could hear a bird flap its wings as it took off. We would follow a Donkey cart up the hill in our broken down Seat 600. There was no other traffic. There was one phone in the village, located in a wooden booth at the local store. Mallorca had not completely awakened from the medieval age.
The eccentric expat personalities made for an exceptional social environment. Mostly English, but also Americans, Scots, Dutch, Danish, Swedish and South African. There were many poets and writers and artists. Some full time, some just for summers. The village was full of abandoned houses, some just ruins, which could be bought for a few hundred dollars. Most of the renovations that took place were exceptionally modest and beautiful. Discreet and tasteful. The exceptions in the village were two garish monstrosities built by two German women, one painted pink. There was almost no German presence on the island.
The vast changes to Mallorca are hard to sum up. Imagine an almost silent airport in 1970 with perhaps 50 people in all, collecting their bags from the one carousel, and a handful of taxis waiting for them. A plane lands. Maybe an hour later another plane. Picture Palma with so few tourists that when you saw another foreigner you might introduce yourself.
I know this phenomenon has occurred the world over. I feel lucky to have seen this exceptional island closer to its original state.
The blogger here has found a lovely island which does have some still authentic corners and breathtaking landscapes to be seen. It might be worth a visit if you are willing to go deep and take the time to find those places. I would encourage young people to do exactly that. Don’t miss what there is for you to see before it changes all the more.
What a beautiful Island! I didn’t know this Island although I’ve been to Spain! The only Island I know in Spain is Ibiza!
Spain is my favorite country since I’ve traveled. Definitely, I’ll visit Mallorca on my next travels!!!
I will say that everything you said was true. Mallorca is beautiful if you stay away from the mass tourism spots. Having said that if you are traveling for a short period of time, and are not from Europe you will be frustrated to say the least. GPS didn’t work. Traversing the island is difficult when signs have no direct (East or West) just town names and they aren’t always true. As a tourist who came for relaxation and a bit of sightseeing I was stressed and regretting ever coming to this Island. Or my favorite thing of no signs at all or them blending in with the building they are on. If you don’t have 2 months to learn the lay of the land and don’t enjoy being lost all the time, pick somewhere else. It isn’t a tourist trap but there has to be better out there for a quick and relaxing beach vacation.
Hi Greg,
I am sorry you feel that way about Mallorca and feel you have to express yourself in this way instead of sharing more useful facts and figures with my readers. Because of course, no place is for everyone and therefore neither is Mallorca.
But I lived on the island for months and have been back several times and still love the island. And no, not the parts that are overrun by tourists. But have you been to places like Deia, Llucalcari and Valldemosa? They are stunning and don’t cater to the mass tourism in the way you describe at all.
And for the record: this article did not earn me anything. I love Mallorca and I love showing people that it has much more to offer than drunk tourists in Magaluf.
Oh and if you would have taken some time to read a bit more about me you would have known that I have been living abroad and traveling the world since I was 17 so I do know what’s out there. And yes, I have been to more beautiful, remote and unspoilt islands. But those also require more money, time and effort to get to. Mallorca makes for a perfect European travel destination and I will happily give my money to my local Mallorcan friends who run small bars, restaurants, water sport companies etc… all of which are privately owned.
hi Sanne, how much did they pay you to write this nonsense? this island is just horrible and without looking at the map I can name a dozen more beautiful ones in the mediterranean sea. the vile architecture of the hotels, resorts and palma is a manifestation of a greedy mass tourism industry. there is nothing sustainable about this form of tourism. I am sure you have your reason to play in the hands of greedy hoteliers. Start travelling there is a world out there!