While Ibiza gets a lot of the PR and recognition, Mallorca sees more visitors. All of the islands offer your typical sun, sea, and sand. But with Mallorca, there are a lot of cultural gems and stunning landscapes. It’s also easy to get around, it’s cheaper than Ibiza, and has some great food.
Car rental in Mallorca with ROIG and the like will be needed, as most of the best sites are a short drive away. But, with low traffic and amazing views, the drive itself becomes something of an activity too.
1. Palma Cathedral
Your journey will most likely begin in Palma, the island’s vibrant capital. If you land early in the day, you may as well catch the Palma Cathedral before you set off to your villa/hotel. This is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, as Spain often does so brilliantly.
It has an imposing structure reflecting on the blue waters, which isn’t always a context we see cathedrals in. There’s a lot of interesting light inside too coming from the stained-glass windows as the sun (almost always) shines bright).
2. Sóller and its Vintage Tram
The next stop should be Sóller, a small village nestled in a lush valley of orange groves. It sits between the mountains and the sea. This is one of the few sites where you may want to park your car and take the public transport route, as there is a vintage tram ride from Palma to Sóller. This has picturesque views of the countryside, but the tram itself is historically significant. Once there, you can walk through the charming streets.
3. Cap de Formentor’s Cliffscapes
For the adrenaline junkies and/or nature lovers, Cap de Formentor has some dramatic cliffscapes and panoramic views of the sea. The drive is somewhat daunting for some, but its winding roads lead to viewpoints that are some of the best the island has to offer, so make sure to bring your camera.
4. The Hidden Coves of Cala Figuera
Mallorca’s coastline is dotted with hidden coves, but Cala Figuera stands out as one of the most memorable. It’s a quiet spot away from the crowds, with clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling. This is great for a picnic or reading session as you enjoy the Mediterranean sun.
5. Valldemossa
Valldemossa is another historical village with its own charm. It has the infamous cobbled streets, but the ancient Carthusian Monastery is what sets it apart. There’s a lot of artistic heritage around, as well as a local delicacy ‘coca de patata’, which is a sweet, fluffy pastry.
6. The Night Markets of Pollença
No visit to Mallorca is complete without experiencing the vibrant night markets of Pollença. They are an assault on the senses (in a good way), with local artisans selling everything from handmade jewelry to delicious street food. It’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir..
Mallorca is an island that may seem small at first, but it has the ability to spring up surprises on each repeat visit. The best way to see the island is by driving from village to village, coast to coast, and exploring as you go. There needn’t be an itinerary at all, besides keeping a few gems saved away.
