Why visit Mallorca
The largest of the Balearic islands, Mallorca, is a quite famous tourist destination. However, it is not just a party spot as many think but has a variety of offerings that usually pass under the radar. The island has a half-kilometre-long coastline of sandy beaches as well as historical sights often paired with amazing landscapes. Also, Mallorca offers a Spanish UNESCO World Heritage Site – Tramuntana Mountains, unavoidable because of its charming small villages and breathtaking viewpoints.
Here is the list of the reasons to visit Mallorca any time of the year!
Its beaches
Mallorca is very well known for the abundance of beautiful beaches – 262 of them. The most popular one is Alcudia Beach. This very long stretch of white sand, with clear water and good infrastructure, is perfect for families.
Among the most beautiful ones on the east coast is Cala Mondrago Beach, located in the protected area of the Natural Park of Mondrago. This double bay is covered with white sand and surrounded by pines that give good shade.
Camp de Mar Majorca
Among the smaller beaches, there is Calo des Moro, located on the southern coast. This beach is secluded with cliffs from both sides and it was awarded a Blue Flag for the water quality. However, it isn’t a hidden gem anymore, but if you visit out of season, give it a go.
Speaking of the most interesting ones, Sa Calobra beach, besides the wavy access road, has a very clear sea that you enter through the path in between two massive cliffs.
Another, a bit overlooked one, is Cala Banyalbufar. This beach, situated on the west coast, some 45 minutes away from Palma, has a small stretch of pebbles, but it’s the pillars embedded in the rock that give it a unique look. It is worth visiting, especially if you find yourself in the picturesque town it is situated in – Banyalbufar.
There are also Cala Gat and Son Moll beaches, considered one of the best beaches in Spain.
Beach in Mallorca
Sights in Palma
The Cathedral of Santa Maria is an unavoidable sight if you visit the main city of Palma. The Gothic Roman Catholic church was built by the Crown of Aragon on the site of a former mosque. The cathedral is also referred to as La Seu, and is truly a spectacular example of architecture that took 400 years to build! The tallest Gothic cathedral in the world is also called the Cathedral of Light, due to the rosette on the front of the church that lets the sun in. Besides the cathedral, you can also enjoy the promenade in front of the cathedral. It is called Parc de la Mar or Park by the Sea. It is dotted with restaurants and local artisan kiosks, but more importantly, numerous palm trees and a manmade lake.
Then, stroll down to Palma Old Town to see Modernist buildings called Can Forteza Rey and El Aguila. These palaces are worth your visit because they are decorated with tile mosaics, reminiscent of Gaudi’s architecture.
Another sight in Palma is the Bellver castle. This circular castle and fortress from the 14th century, is today the city’s History Museum. Speaking of museums, you can visit the Museum of Mallorca that displays the remnants of the Jewish culture from the Old Jewish Quarter “Call Maior”.
Cathedral in Palma
Art events
Summer is the peak of the season for Mallorca when many fun events take place, including those cultural ones. One of them is Artdemossa, an open-air exhibition that takes place in July in Valldemossa, as a part of the Festes d’Estiu Valldemossa. There, you can enjoy art expositions like artisan displays, paintings, photography, sculpture and even musical and other performances. All of these are placed along the cobbled streets of the town and in the monastery garden.
Another event is the Deia International Music Festival. It brings about the local, as well as artists from all over the world. It is dedicated to chamber music and can be held at the Deià church, at the historical residence Son Marroig, (chosen by some as their wedding venue) with a spectacular view or at the Miramar monastery.
Party spot
The famous Mallorca party spots especially dot the south of the island. One of the best-known hotspots is the resort town Magaluf, where you can find nightclubs hosting international DJs, as well as other kinds of music.
Another buzzing hotspot is the main town Palma. There you have districts with cosy bars such as a small Jazz Voyeur club in La Lonja district, with live music, or the inevitable Abaco Cocktail bar, which resembles a baroque palace. Moreover, districts that offer great nightlife are Paseo Marítimo and Santa Catalina, where you can meet the internationals.
Furthermore, since the island is known as a yachting destination, the small city of Puerto Portals became quite popular. It is situated on the southwest coast of the island and is the glamorous yachting destination for celebrities, dotted with designer boutiques and first-class clubs.
Picturesque villages
Mallorca is filled with picturesque villages like Valldemossa, Banyalbufar and Sóller, huge tourist attractions. Besides the fact that it is only a 20-minute drive away from Palma, Valldemossa, the most famous of them, seems frozen in time. One of the main attractions there is the Carthusian monastery where the composer Frederic Chopin had a stay with his lover. In any case, Valldemossa’s cobbled streets with flower pots all along will make you visit as soon as you see it in picture.
The cobbled streets are characteristic for one more city, also famous for its oranges – Soller. The city is not only known for its markets but also for the main square Plaza de la Constitucion and the church of St Bartholomew. The last, but not the least is the town of Banyalbufar, founded by Arabs in the 10th century. The town is unavoidable on this list for its hillside terraces which were used to grow vines and olives.
Motor boats and traditional waterside houses in Puerto Soller
