10 Things You Simply Must Do in Mallorca
Earlier this summer, my husband and I jetted off to Mallorca for ten days to soak up some European sun, taking advantage of the easy connection through Montreal to Palma de Mallorca — a brand-new destination for Air Canada. With beautiful beaches, incredible food, historic towns and plenty of sunshine, it was the perfect place for a summer escape.
Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, the Mediterranean archipelago that also includes Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. It has long been a favourite sun destination for British and German travellers looking for a quick escape, but it still feels relatively new and undiscovered for many North American travellers.
Mallorca is often reduced to beaches and busy resorts, but the island offers so much more. Beyond its beautiful coastline, you will find mountain villages, orange groves, colourful markets, and winding coastal roads. After exploring the island from north to south and east to west, these are the ten things I would recommend every first-time visitor simply must do…
1. Explore Palma’s Old Town
Mallorca’s sprawling central city, Palma, deserves much more than a quick stop on the way to or from the airport. Begin near the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, known locally as La Seu, which rises dramatically above the waterfront. From there, explore the surrounding lanes, hidden courtyards, small squares and historic buildings. The amazing architecture throughout the Old Town is an intriguing mix of Gothic, Moorish, Baroque and Modernist.
The best way to experience Palma is simply to wander. Browse the shops, stop for tapas or a glass of wine, and get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets. Give yourself at least half a day, although you could easily spend much longer getting lost here.
2. Discover the Villages of the Serra de Tramuntana
The UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana runs along Mallorca’s northern coast and contains the island’s most gorgeous scenery. Mountain roads twist through olive groves, terraced hillsides and stone villages, with glimpses of the Mediterranean appearing between the peaks.
Two of the most beautiful stops are the villages of Deià and Valldemossa. Deià clings to a hillside above the sea and has long attracted artists, writers and musicians, while Valldemossa is known for its stone houses, flower-filled lanes and historic monastery. With their rolling green surroundings and honey-coloured buildings, this part of Mallorca reminded me of Tuscany. It is a very special side of the island, and perhaps my favourite spot on the island…
3. Eat as Much Mallorcan Food as Possible
Mallorca has incredible food and an amazing selection of local restaurants. Honestly, I still dream about the paella. Seafood is obviously a draw, but the island’s cuisine also makes wonderful use of tomatoes, peppers, olives, almonds, citrus fruit and local olive oil.
Look for pa amb oli, rustic bread topped with tomato, olive oil and anything from cheese to cured meat. Whether you are dining at a chic restaurant or a tiny family-run spot tucked down a side street, you will not be disappointed by the incredible cuisine.
4. Drive the Road to Cap de Formentor
The road to Cap de Formentor is regularly described as one of the most scenic drives in Europe… and that’s because it is. The road winds through a dramatic landscape of steep cliffs, rugged mountains and impossibly blue water before reaching the lighthouse at Mallorca’s northernmost point. If you are visiting during the summer, wake up early and complete the drive before seasonal restrictions begin (after 10:00AM, private vehicles are not permitted access to the road, and it can only be reached by bus). Trust me, it is worth setting the alarm.
Make your first stop at Mirador Es Colomer, where a walkway leads to panoramic views over the peninsula and surrounding sea. Continue to the iconic lighthouse before turning back towards Playa de Formentor, a stunning public beach on the same peninsula as the Four Seasons Mallorca Resort. The calm, clear water is a wonderful reward after navigating the intense drive.
5. Wander Through Sóller
Set in a lush valley surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, Sóller is one of the prettiest towns in Mallorca. The main square is lined with cafés and dominated by the impressive Church of Sant Bartomeu. Find a table outside, order a Sóller Bomb (freshly-squeezed local orange juice combined with ice cream or frozen yogurt) and wait for the vintage wooden tram to rumble directly through the square. If you time your photo correctly, you can capture it passing beneath the church.
The town became prosperous through its citrus trade, and oranges are still very much part of its identity. You can even tour a functional citrus grove on the outskirts of town, Ecovinyassa, where I had the most delicious tomatoes and the freshest orange juice I’ve ever tasted.
6. Visit One of Mallorca’s Famous Markets
Nearly every town in Mallorca has its own market day, so it is easy to fit one into your itinerary. We visited the popular market in Santanyí, which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning. The stalls spread through the historic centre and around the main square, filling the streets with local produce, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, artwork and plenty of food.
Pick up something made by a local artist, try a snack from one of the food stalls, or stop for coffee and people-watch. The markets can become VERY busy, particularly during the summer, so arrive early if you want to browse before the crowds appear.
7. Spend a Day at a Beach Club
You do not need to stay at a seaside resort to enjoy Mallorca’s stunning coastline. A beach club day is a fun European experience and a great way to embrace the slower pace of island life. We spent the day at Gran Folies in Cala Llamp, which is set against the cliffs overlooking beautifully clear water. It requires an advance reservation, especially during the summer, but there are beach clubs all around Mallorca offering everything from glamorous party scenes to peaceful, laid-back afternoons.
Reserve a set of lounge chairs (prices vary based on location and inclusions, but start from €20) , order lunch and drinks directly to your spot, and alternate between the sea and the pool whenever you need to cool down. Bring a book, settle in for the day, and bake in the sun. It may feel like an indulgence to do nothing for the day, but having at least one completely unscheduled day is really, really nice.
8. Tour the Rafa Nadal Museum & Academy
I am including this one for the tennis fans, but even if you are not a tennis buff, the Rafa Nadal Museum & Academy in Manacor is impressive. The museum follows Nadal’s career through trophies, memorabilia and interactive exhibits. It is modern, engaging and much more entertaining than a traditional ‘museum’.
Be sure to add a tour of the academy so you can see the training facilities, courts, and school campus. The fitness and sports facilities are used by the wider community, and there is none of the stuffy private-club atmosphere you might expect. You also come away with a real sense of Nadal’s passion for Mallorca and the work his organization does to support young people on the island. It was a really great experience.
9. Search for Turquoise Water Along the Southern Coast
If you arrived in Mallorca imagining brilliant turquoise water, white sand, and tiny coves framed by rock… head towards the island’s southeastern coastline. Es Trenc is one of Mallorca’s longest and best-known natural beaches, with pale sand and shallow water that looks almost Caribbean on a sunny day.
The smaller coves (called calas) are beautiful as well. Cala Llombards, Caló des Moro, Cala s’Almunia, and Cala Mondragó are among the best-known, although popularity means that parking can be challenging. Choose one or two rather than trying to race between them all, wear sturdy shoes for the rocky paths and bring water. Once you see the colour of the sea, you will understand why these little coves appear in nearly every Mallorcan postcard.
10. Go Underground at the Coves del Drach
The Coves del Drach, or Drach Caves, are a little kitschy… but they are popular for a reason. Located near Porto Cristo on Mallorca’s eastern coast, the cave system is filled with stalactites, stalagmites and enormous underground chambers shaped over thousands of years.
The visit culminates at Lake Martel, where you take a seat in an underground auditorium and watch illuminated boats move across the water while musicians perform a short classical concert. If you are already exploring eastern Mallorca, it is absolutely worth adding to your day.
Mallorca is the kind of destination that can be whatever you want it to be. You can spend your days relaxing beside the Mediterranean, exploring historic towns, driving through the mountains, or eating your way around the island. Even after spending ten days there, I still felt as though I only scratched the surface.
With Air Canada’s new service making Mallorca easier for Canadians to reach, I have a feeling this long-time European favourite will not remain a secret for much longer.
Written for Paull Travel by Morgan Winter, August 2026
