Mallorca is the largest and most popular of the Balearic Islands – hardly surprising, since the Spanish island is enchanting its visitors with over 500 kilometers of coastline, the most beautiful beaches, paradisical bays and breathtaking sunsets. Here you will find picturesque Mallorca beach hotels, small boutique hotels and classic design hotels. Mallorca has many faces: gorgeous sandy beaches and coves, beautiful hiking routes and bike trails, picturesque villages, a unique hotel and restaurant scene and on top of that the appealing capital Palma de Mallorca with its turbulent history. After a successful development towards quality tourism, the island with its Mediterranean charm nowadays not only attracts sun worshippers but also a large number of discerning individual and active travelers.
Green valleys between steep cliffs - the pristine nature of the Tramuntana in the northwest of Mallorca is perfect for relaxing, hiking and cycling. Off the beaten track you will find picturesque villages such as Valldemossa, Deia and the "capital of the Tramuntana" Sóller.
Hiking and biking: Especially in spring and autumn the Sierra Tramuntana is a paradise for hikers and cyclists. The trails are of varying degrees of difficulty but mostly mild to moderate. A real challenge, however, is the descent into the gorge Sa Calobra. With a mix of rugged mountains, green valleys and magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea a very diverselandscape awaits you. Both road cyclists and mountain bikers will be pleased with the changing ups and downs of the Tramuntana mountains. Several professional teams use the north of Mallorca as a training camp in February and March.
Scenic Viewpoints: The road from Andratx to Sóller offers several spectacular views of the cliffs of the Tramuntana. Worth seeing is the Mirador de Ricardo Roca; afterwards you can stop for one or more of the medieval watchtowers which are great observation points due to their exposed position. Those in a hurry take the tunnel from Palma to Sóller, which is more convenient and shortens the journey drastically. Travelers need to keep in mind, though, that a toll will be charged on this route.
The scenic and culturally diverse north impresses with the remarkable rock formations of Cap Formentor, the historic cities of Pollenca and Alcudia and the tourist-oriented harbour towns Port Pollenca and Port d’Alcudia as well as Ca’n Picafort with its long sandy beach.
Sandy beaches & tourist center: Mallorca’s longest sandy beach is extending over 10 km between Port d’Alcudia and Ca’n Picafort. This fact was recognized in the early 70s and exploited accordingly, resulting in tourist urbanization along the coast. The infrastructure caters mainly to families with children and includes hotels and resorts in up to three rows behind the beach and many tourist bars and restaurants along the road. During low season, however, a long beach walk along the scenic bay may be quite recommendable. A small and quiet fishing village which remained largely authentic is Colonia de Sant Pere - without spectacular sights, but with a pleasant, serene charm.
Alcudia Old Town & Market day: In stark contrast to the port city stands the beautifully preserved, labyrinthine old town of Alcudia, the oldest settlement in Mallorca - particularly well preserved is Porta San Sebastià. Also worth a visit are the church Iglesia Parroquial Sant Jaume and the Roman Remains of Pollentia (Ruinas de Pollentia), an archaeological site from the Roman period. On Saturdays a weekly market offers fresh and appetizing Mallorcan produce of all kinds and is a welcome variation to the usual touristy markets.
Cap Formentor: From Port Pollenca the narrow peninsula Cap Formentor can be reached in about 20 kilometers. Due to its particularly beautiful scenery a tour to Cap Formentor is one of the highlights of a holiday in Mallorca – especially when the sun sets. The Platja Formentor, situated a few kilometers behind the Mirador de Mal Pas, is a nice, though not necessarily lonely beach with pine trees and crystal clear waters.
Swimming & Sightseeing: Adjacent to the bay of Alcudia the bay of Pollenca charms with its alluring hinterlands. Another popular destination is the mountainous peninsula La Victória with the church Ermita de la Victòria, which is a good starting point for hiking tours. On the way to La Victória lies the elegant village Mal Pas with its marina and several beautiful beaches. A cool place for a break is the stylish Chill Afternoon Bar in the town center. The fascinating limestone caves of Campanet are hidden in the hinterland of Alcudia along the way to Inca.
The gentle east coast consists of many small bays cut deeply into the rocks and a rural hinterland. Tourist resorts alternate with quiet fishing ports; popular destinations are the caves of Arta and Porto Cristo.
Old town of Arta: Arta is a charming little town that has been less affected by mass tourism due to its location in the countryside - although many foreigners have settled and opened hotels and restaurants here. Noble town houses line the narrow streets, on Tuesdays there is a market on the Placa de Conqueridor. Outstanding attractions are the parish church and the castle of Artà, the oldest castle in Mallorca, and the Sanctuary of San Salvador, located on a hill overlooking the village.
Fishing villages, Calas & secluded natural beaches: The east coast of Mallorca consists of smooth landscapes; instead of long sandy beaches fjord-like Calas alternate with tourist resorts and old fishing villages. The little town of Capdepera with its castle serves as a local authority for the coastal towns of Cala Ratjada (particulary popular with young German tourists), Cala Mesquida with its beautiful sandy beach, Font de Sa Cala and Canyamel. A beautiful hike from Artá starts in Cala Torta and leads from there over a rocky path towards Cap Farrutx, where even in high season hikers will find beautiful secluded natural beaches and plenty of rest. Largest tourist centers in the east are the adnated bays of Cala Millor and Cala Bona, whereas the harbour of Porto Cristo in the south is more placid.
Dripstone caves: The "Coves de Arta" are situated close to Canymel, a tourist resort with a not very attractive beach. The caves are among the biggest attractions of the island and served as a pirate hideout in the Middle Ages.
Mallorca’s southeast features beautiful bays such as Cala Mondragó, the charming Cala Figuera and Cala Santanyi. The eponymous little town in the heart of the island hosts one of Mallorca’s most beautiful markets. Along the south coast the dreamy beach of Es Trenc allures visitors, in the country side villages like Ses Salines or Cas Concos are still considered an insider’s tip.
Mallorcan village flair: Despite the fact that some may call the hinterland of the south coast monotone, there are many pretty villages, windmills and fig trees on the roadside. Particularly worth seeing is Santanyi, especially on market days (Wednesdays and Saturdays). The historic old town is ideal for strolling and shopping. The village Ses Salines with its almost archaic tableaus on the church square reflects Mallorca as it must have been before the invasion of tourism, and is ideal for a meal after a day at the beach in Es Trenc. Even sleepier is the village Cas Concos, however, with the restaurant “Viena” it has has to offer a hip and trendy hangout. Also worth a visit is the monastery of San Salvador, which is located more than 500 meters above sea level near the cozy little town of Felanitx.
Beaches & natural preserves: THE dream beach on the island with Carribean flair is called "Es Trenc" and extends along both sides of the never-completed ghost holiday resort Ses Covetes. The fine sandy beach with a laid-back beach bar is also popular among locals. The water is crystal clear and turquoise and the beach slopes so slowly that even infants can hardly be put at risk there. The coves Cala Mondragó and Cala S’Amarador are also very beautiful and have luckily been declared nature reserves - Otherwise the idyll would have quickly found an end.
Mallorca’s south west is marked by the vacation resorts of the first hour in Peguera, see and be seen in the exclusive resort of Port d’Andratx overlooking the celebrity hill, weekly markets in rural Andratx and Mediterranean flair in the romantic bay of Sant’Elm. Icing on the cake are the top restaurants in Portals Nous.
Gathering place of the in-crowd: Port d’Andratx is THE celebrity spot of the island. The marina harbours the boats of the well-heeled and the cafes on the waterfront serve primarily one purpose: "see and be seen". There is no sandy beach, therefore Port d’Andratx also lacks the respective hotel facilities. More placid and tranquil is the little village of Andratx, nestled amidst the most fertile area of the region, which has to offer a very nice weekly market and an old parish church.
In the "Llanura del Centro" famous wine-producing areas & the liqueur distilleries around Binissalem allure tourists. Santa Maria del Cami is known for artisanal craftworks and Inca is well-known for the outlets of famous leather factories. Sineu gleams, Petra spreads a medieval charm and Manacor is enticing visitors mainly because of the Majorica Pearls.
Wine & handcrafts: On the road from Palma to Alcudia lies the tranquil town of Santa Maria del Cami, which is famous for its handicrafts, the parish church and the Minorite monastery. Binissalem is the center of Mallorcan wine and liqueur production. The largest winery of the island, the Bodega José Luis Ferrer, can also be visited. See all Vineyard Hotels Mallorca
Crooked old towns: Sineu, once fifth largest city of Mallorca and at times even the royal residence, is now a village with barely 500 inhabitants, which has retained its medieval charm. The weekly market is still one of the best on the island – despite increasing orientation towards tourists. In addition to typical touristy products you can buy different kinds of original handcrafts. 10km to the east lies the tranquil town of Petra, which exudes a slight flair of an Arab medina with its winding streets. Manacor, Mallorca’s second largest town does not shine with a very harmonious cityscape, but features some interesting monuments such as the Gothic parish church Nostra Senyora de Dolores and the Museu Arqueologic. Tourists come mainly because of renowned pearl jeweller Majorica and their factory store.
Mallorca is an all-year-round destination, the best time to visit is in the spring, late summer, and early autumn months, but especially in May, September and October. The weather is still nice and warm, the water has the perfect temperature and there are no tourist crowds to share the beach with. In addition, the low season is usually also cheaper.
These hotels are easily accessible from Palma de Mallorca airport: the small hotel Pure Salt Residences (about 12 minutes by car), the luxurious hotel Cap Rocat (about 15 minutes by car) or the Boutique Hotel Calatrava (about 25 minutes by car). Basically all hotels in the capital Palma de Mallorca are a good choice if you want to stay near the airport.
In the northwest you will find unspoilt nature in Tramuntana, the region of the mountain range with the same name. The picturesque villages Valldemossa, Deià and [Sóller](/soller-hotels, away from mass tourism, are definitely worth seeing. In the north of Mallorca you will find towns like Pollenca and Alcudia as well as the harbour towns Port Pollenca, Port d'Alcudia and Ca'n Picafort with its long sandy beach. On the east coast you will find the town of Artà, fishing villages and secluded natural beaches. On the south coast the dream beach Es Trenc, in the back country secret villages like Ses Salines or Cas Concos and in the southwest there are the glamorous ports and celebrity flair in Port d'Andratx. And last but not least: the capital Palma and its surroundings.
These are the best luxury hotels on Mallorca, top rated and beautiful: The Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden is small, but wow! Just like the historic luxury hotel Convent de la Missio.
Among the best spa hotels in Mallorca: The Santa Clara Urban Hotel & Spa with an elegant spa area with multi-jet showers, saunas and hammam.
It is not always easy to find the special hotel for your vacation. However, the most beautiful hotels in Mallorca definitely include Predi Son Jaumell Hotel Rural, as well as Carrossa Hotel & Spa or Hotel Creu de Tau Art & Spa | Adults only.
These hotels in Mallorca have spa facilities and offer everything around the topic of relaxation & well-being: Fontsanta Hotel Thermal & Spa | Adults only and Hotel Esplendido as well as Hotel Rural Son Mas.
Close to the water, beach bar, beach chairs - these beach hotels are among the best in Mallorca: Pleta de Mar, Luxury Hotel by Nature | Adults only, El Vicenç de la Mar | Adults only or Melbeach Hotel & Spa | Adults only.