Things to do in Mallorca: sights, activities and plans worth doing

Palma, the Tramuntana and the north

In Palma, Mallorca Cathedral, La Seu, is an essential visit. Not only because of its size or its striking silhouette facing the sea, but because of the filtered light that turns the interior into an almost liquid space. Nearby, you will find the old town, aristocratic courtyards, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, the La Lonja district, and the promenade along the bay.

Then there is the Serra de Tramuntana, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape, with villages such as Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Fornalutx, and Banyalbufar. This is Mallorca at its most elegant and mountainous: narrow roads, dry-stone terraces, viewpoints, and villages that seem made for slow wandering.

It is also worth spending time in the north: Alcúdia, Pollença, Cap de Formentor, and wide beaches such as Playa de Muro. This is a very complete area if you want to combine the sea, history, and open landscapes.

Things to do in Mallorca that are worth your time

One of the best things to do in Mallorca is to take a road trip through the Tramuntana. You do not need to cover the whole range in one day; in fact, it is better not to. A good plan could be Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller, stopping at viewpoints and taking your time over a drink or a bite to eat.

A boat trip is also worthwhile, especially if you want to see coves that are difficult to reach or enjoy the coast without depending so much on a car. In summer, however, it is best to book in advance and avoid the most crowded excursions if you are looking for peace and quiet.

For hiking lovers, Mallorca has some beautiful routes: coastal paths, sections of the Ruta de Pedra en Sec, walks through the Tramuntana, and trails leading to viewpoints. Not all of them are easy, and in summer the heat can make any walk much harder.

Another highly recommended activity is visiting a cave, such as the Caves of Drach or the Caves dels Hams, especially if you are travelling with children or if the weather is not on your side. They are touristy, yes, but they are still a powerful visual experience.

Recommended day trips from Palma and around the island

A classic excursion is to travel from Palma to Sóller on the historic train and then continue to Port de Sóller by tram. It is a beautiful, nostalgic, and very photogenic experience, although it is not always cheap or particularly fast. It is most worthwhile if you want to enjoy the journey itself rather than simply get there as quickly as possible.

Another very complete outing is the Alcúdia and Pollença area. You can stroll through Alcúdia’s old town, climb the Calvari steps in Pollença, head down to the port, and end the day on a northern beach. It is a good mix of culture, sea, and local atmosphere.

Cap de Formentor is spectacular, but it can also be frustrating in high season due to traffic restrictions, parking issues, and overcrowding. If you go, go early, check access carefully, and do not treat it as an improvised visit in the middle of August.

Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis are another great classic. The scenery is impressive, but the road has many bends and is not ideal for people who get carsick or for anyone looking for an easy-going day. You can also get there by boat from Port de Sóller, which is a more relaxed option.

Tours that may be worth it

A guided tour of Palma can be very useful if you are interested in the city’s history and do not want to limit yourself to admiring pretty façades without understanding them. Palma has Arab, Gothic, Modernist, and Mediterranean layers that are much more enjoyable with context.

Food tours can also be worthwhile, especially if they include markets, local produce, and genuine Mallorcan cuisine, not just tastings designed for tourists. Look for experiences featuring sobrasada, tumbet, frito mallorquín, cocas, ensaimadas, or island wines.

Boat tours are a good option if you choose carefully: small groups are better, as are morning or sunset departures and routes that do not promise “secret coves” that are impossible to find in August. In Mallorca, many famous coves stop feeling secret as soon as summer arrives.

What to do in Mallorca when it rains

Although Mallorca is associated with sunshine, a rainy day does not have to ruin your trip. Palma is the best refuge: the cathedral, museums, galleries, courtyards, cafés, covered markets, and old streets that have a special charm when the pavement is wet.

The caves are another good option when the sky closes in. You can also visit wineries, enjoy a long lunch inland, or explore villages such as Valldemossa or Sóller if the rain is light.

With children, Palma Aquarium can save a grey day, as can some indoor activities in and around Palma. The key is not to obsess over the beach: Mallorca has enough culture and gastronomy to carry a day without the sea.

Free things to do in Mallorca

There are many free things that are well worth doing: walking around Palma’s old town, exploring markets, swimming in public coves and beaches, wandering through Tramuntana villages, watching sunsets from viewpoints, or taking easy walks by the sea.

You can also enjoy places such as Port de Sóller, Palma’s seafront promenade, Alcúdia’s old town, or the viewpoints along the west coast without paying an entrance fee. That said, “free” does not always mean easy: at many coves, the real cost lies in getting there, parking, or dealing with the crowds.

What to do in Mallorca with children

Mallorca works very well for families if you choose the right area and pace. Northern beaches, such as Playa de Muro or some parts of Alcúdia, are usually convenient thanks to their sand, shallow waters, and nearby services.

With children, caves, calm boat trips, the Sóller train, Palma Aquarium, markets, and short nature walks also work well. What is best avoided are overly ambitious plans involving lots of bends, intense heat, or coves with difficult access while carrying umbrellas, backpacks, and tired children.

What to do in Mallorca as a couple

For a romantic getaway, Mallorca can be very special if you avoid the island’s noisier side. A sunset in the Tramuntana, dinner in Deià or Valldemossa, a night in Palma, an early-morning cove, or a road trip along the west coast can be incredibly charming.

It is also worth looking for characterful accommodation in inland villages or small hotels near the mountains. If the idea is romance and calm, it is better not to stay in areas that are too crowded or too focused on nightlife.

What to do at night

Nightlife in Mallorca changes a lot depending on the area. Palma offers the most complete option: bars, terraces, restaurants, cocktail bars, music, and an elegant atmosphere that does not rely solely on partying. La Lonja, Santa Catalina, and the city centre are good areas for dinner and drinks.

Magaluf and some areas in the southwest are better known for intense nightlife, especially in summer. You may enjoy them if you are looking for an unfiltered party atmosphere, but they are not the best choice if you want a quiet, local, or sophisticated experience.

In villages such as Sóller, Pollença, Artà, or Valldemossa, the night is slower: outdoor dinners, lit-up squares, short strolls, and silence. For many travellers, that is precisely the most beautiful side of Mallorca.