The landscape of the island surrounded by the Mediterranean comes close to the idea of a Garden of Eden, already. Yet there are five paradise places that put an even stronger spell on both locals and visitors. The Mallorca gardens are a testament to the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. From botanical sanctuaries to royal retreats or sculpture gardens, each park offers a distinctive experience that captivates you with its unique character and beauty.
1. Raixa
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 mountains has Arab roots and a Roman touch. Today, the magic place is open to the public. Whether you just want to stroll through the garden, learn more about the Tramuntana or admire the architecture, Raixa is worth a visit.
The mansion houses a fantastic inter-active exhibition. Covering interesting aspects of flora and fauna as well as the landscape of the mountain range. You can also catch a glimpse of day-to-day life in the past and the diverse culture of the Tramuntana towns and villages.
2. Jardines de Alfabia
A walk through the Jardines de Alfabia with the historic manor and surrounding gardens is full of fabulous discoveries. The estate at the foot of the Coll de Sóller is a rare piece of paradise. Follow the signs and learn about the eventful history of the mansion and its inhabitants. You can still catch a glimpse of the bedroom where Isabel II slept when she was on Mallorca.
Or simply get lost in maybe the most splendid of the Mallorca gardens with its enormous variety of Mediterranean plants, fanciful shapes and colorful outfits. Stroll along the lemon, orange and olive groves and marvel at the unique perspectives of the surrounding mountains. And don’t miss the pergola with its water fountains, a cool surprise on a hot summers day.
3. Jardí Botànic de Sóller
If Mallorca were a garden, it would be the Jardí Botànic de Sóller. More than one thousand species are growing here, among them every plant that can be found on the Balearic Islands. Rare ones like a palm tree called elephant foot. And a few steps further down orange and lemon trees, typical for the Sóller valley.
At key points, panels in four languages explain the plant world around you. Rock and fissure-loving plants, for example. Plants that grow in torrent beds or on the cool side of the mountains. But also endangered species. And a small exhibition at the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences tells about the prehistoric animals that populated the flora of Mallorca.
4. Marivent Palace Gardens
The park adjacent to the residence of the royal family is different from the other Mallorca gardens since it is an open-air museum at the same time. With twelve sculptures by Joan Miró forming a permanent exhibition of contemporary art.
Some visitors come to the Jardines de Marivent from the nearby Miró Foundation. Others learn only here about the opportunity to visit the museum and the studio of the famous artist who used to live and work just 400 meters from the Marivent Palace Gardens.
5. Sa Bassa Blanca
Ken and Barbie, the golden couple, are strolling down a palm tree avenue while a group of little people lines up in a circle, as if for a game. Hippo, rhino, elephant and other granite animals are peacefully grazing in the declared wildlife sanctuary. From a remote corner of the garden, the giant kraken seems to be in control of the whole scene.
Find one of the many shady benches, take a break and listen to the wind in the trees, to the birds twittering and insects humming. The sculpture park of Museo Sa Bassa Blanca is one of those magic places on Mallorca. Situated on the Victoria peninsula right by the sea it is a true oasis and an extraordinary escape. 
Read about urban oases in Palma, here.
