Beach lovers, cyclists, hikers or golfers, everybody seems to be excited about Mallorca. Many visit regularly, some even move to the island. Whatever your thing, it is definitely worth discovering other sides of the island too. Because we are frequently asked for recommendations, let’s introduce you to the 10 best things to do on Mallorca. 

1. Castles on Mallorca
Long before tourists conquered the island, Mallorca had been the target for piracy, raids and land seizures for many centuries. The castles witness this eventful history. Today, they are exciting destinations for the whole family. Most of them you can still visit. Some fully intact and well kept, others in ruins, inspiring the imagination of what battles might once have taken place there. The prominently located castles are also landmarks for hikers and cyclists. A few, however, can only be found if you know your way around.

2. Finca de Raixa
White clouds against a deep blue sky are reflected in the clear green water of the pond. What almost looks like a swimming pool is part of a sophisticated irrigation system. Turning the dry mountain into fertile ground. With the cypress trees and the neoclassical facade the impressive estate reminds of a Tuscan villa embedded in a lush park. In fact, Finca de Raixa at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains has Arab roots and a Roman touch. Today, the magic place is open to the public.

3. Cap de Formentor
The first thing you see of Mallorca when coming in by plane is usually Cap de Formentor. Mallorca’s northernmost outpost with the signature lighthouse, its untamed landscape and steep rugged cliffs is a great destination for both hikers and cyclists. All the more so because the main road to the tip of the peninsula is closed to private traffic during the summer. However, there’s a shuttle that takes you there. On the way one of the most scenic beaches of the island beckons. And the views from the Mirador Es Colomer are simply spectacular. 

4. Museums on Mallorca
Whether you are interested in nature, in the history of the island or in contemporary art, there is a number of fantastic museums on Mallorca covering all kinds of topics. Proud mansions, enchanted castles, lush gardens and architectural highlights, from playful modernism to plain yet grand exhibition halls. Places that you can enter for free just to take a curious look and linger for a short while. Others where you could easily spend half a day that are fun for the whole family.

5. El Tren
Mallorca’s historic railroad connects Palma and Sóller. The ride in the old wooden carriages is a unique experience that attracts children of all ages. On the way El Tren passes 13 tunnels and a viaduct with five arches offering a spectacular view of the Sóller valley. Here’s what only few people know: You can ask the conductor for a special stop in Alfabia. Then the train drops you off just a few steps away from a wonderful oasis, the Alfabia Gardens.

6. One day in Palma
Summer time is beach time on Mallorca. But you haven’t been to the island if you didn’t spend at least one day in Palma. Explore the medieval center of the capital of the Balearics and feel the buzz of this cosmopolitan city. Full of energy, lifestyle and entrepreneurial spirit. Meet young designers and artisans whose crafts date back to the 19th century. Taste the rich variety of Mediterranean cuisine. And get lost in the maze of narrow streets in Palma’s old town.

7. The roof terraces of Santa Eulàlia
A narrow spiral staircase winds up all the way to the rooftop. Up here, the city sounds give way to the wind whistling around the pinnacles of the beautiful Gothic church just behind busy Plaça Cort. Lofty, but not so high above the city that you no longer feel part of it. Many people know the rooftop terraces of the Cathedral but the terraces of Santa Eulàlia are still kind of an insider tip.

8. Take a boat
From the water, you get a completely different perspective of Mallorca. You can rent a boat or book a boat trip in almost all harbors around the island. Be it to one of the offshore islets, Sa Dragonera or Cabrera. Or to one of the numerous secluded bays which cannot be reached by land. For those who are not so seaworthy, it is best to choose a catamaran or a large excursion boat. 

9. Local markets
Markets are great places if you want to get to know a country and its people. On Mallorca, every day is market day. In the large market halls in Palma but also on traditional farmers and eco markets in changing locations all over the island. I particularly like the mercados in Artà, Santanyi, Sóller and Santa María del Cami. Next to seasonal agricultural produce you find typical island products like olives, wine or honey, and all kinds of artisan works. Or get lost in the bustling atmosphere of the unique Consell Flea Market. 

10. Sa Calobra
Sa Calobra is one of Mallorca’s dream destinations. You can reach the small bay in three different ways. The most adventurous is a hike through the Torrent de Pareis, the Grand Canyon of Mallorca, so to speak. Or you take the bicycle and go for a descent that surely makes the heart of every racing cyclist beat faster. But you can also get to Sa Calobra most comfortably by boat from Port de Sóller. Or you combine the hike or cycling trip with the boat ride and enjoy a bit of everything.

This is only a small selection of great things to do on Mallorca, of course. You will find many more ideas here on Estilo Palma, mostly in the categories Outdoors, Art and Style. There is something for everyone, it’s yours to discover.

Illustration by @weareinouestudio, pictures by @martiblaufoto