What to do in Majorca: natural sites, historic heritage, and activities

Sa Calobra is a maritime cove on the northwest coast of Mallorca, enclosed by vertical limestone walls rising over 200 meters (656 feet). The access road extends 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) through the Sierra de Tramuntana and includes approximately 800 curves, among them a complete hairpin turn known as the Corbata. This cove marks the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis, a gorge that cuts through the mountain range. Access is either via the winding mountain road from Escorca or by boat from Port de Sóller. The rocky coastal formation is among the notable geological features of the Mallorcan cliffsides.

This 14th-century cathedral rises above Palma's harbor with an interior height of 144 feet (44 meters). The central nave extends 253 feet (77 meters) in length and is lit by 61 stained glass windows that cast colored light onto the stone columns. The Gothic structure was built over several centuries and displays elements of Catalan architecture. The rose window above the altar reaches 43 feet (13 meters) in diameter and ranks among the largest Gothic windows in Europe.

These caves in Porto Cristo rank among the most significant underground formations on the island of Mallorca. The Drach Caves extend for approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) and contain several connected chambers with stalactite and stalagmite formations. The system includes Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in Europe, which reaches a length of 580 feet (177 meters) and a width of up to 130 feet (40 meters). The caves were explored and documented in the late 19th century. Visitors can walk through illuminated galleries and take boat rides on the underground lake, during which classical music concerts are performed.

These historical gardens in Sóller date from the 13th century and preserve the design principles of Arabic garden art. The estate includes an 18th-century pergola with decorative elements and a hydraulic system that feeds numerous fountains and water features. The grounds demonstrate the Moorish tradition of water management and combine architectural structures with vegetation. As part of Mallorca's cultural heritage, the Alfàbia Gardens document the agricultural and aesthetic practices of different historical periods on the island.

This marine inlet on the Formentor peninsula sits between rock walls that rise up to 98 feet (30 meters). Pine vegetation grows along the coast, while the water drops to a depth of about 49 feet (15 meters). Cala Figuera fits into the rugged northern coast of Mallorca, where sheltered coves alternate with steep cliffs. The cove belongs to the numerous formations that define Cape Formentor, one of the most distinctive coastal sections of the island with its jagged rock formations and Mediterranean vegetation.

This castle was built in 1311 on a hill 367 feet (112 meters) high above Palma and is one of the few circular fortifications in Europe. The structure features three towers, a moat, and two levels of galleries surrounding the central courtyard. The ramparts provide views over the city and the Bay of Palma. The castle served as a royal residence, a prison, and now houses a museum of city history. The architecture combines Gothic elements with 14th-century military defensive structures.

This nature park protects 1700 hectares (4200 acres) of wetlands comprising marshes, waterways, and reed zones in northern Mallorca. The area supports over 250 bird species and serves as a stopover for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa. The reserve maintains trails and observation points that wind through different landscape formations, offering insight into the Mediterranean ecosystem and its seasonal variations throughout the year.

This cove is located on the southeastern coast of Mallorca in the municipality of Santanyí and forms a natural rock formation. The beach at Caló del Moro extends for 100 feet (30 meters) in length and is framed by ochre-colored rock walls that rise approximately 66 feet (20 meters) in height. The clear seawater remains shallow near the shore. The cove is accessible via a steep path and forms part of the rugged coastal landscape of the region, which features numerous similar inlets and natural rock formations.

This nature park in Santanyí covers 766 hectares (1893 acres) of protected coastal territory in southeastern Mallorca. The landscape includes limestone cliffs, pine forests, wetlands, and two sandy beaches, S'Amarador and Sa Font de n'Alis. A network of walking paths leads through Mediterranean vegetation and provides access to different coastal sections. The park serves as habitat for migratory birds and native plant species. Visitors can explore the geological formations and coastal ecology of the region.

This archaeological site preserves the remains of Pol-lèntia, the first Roman settlement in Mallorca, founded in the 1st century BC. The complex includes a Roman theater, a forum, and several residential structures that provide insights into urban life during Roman rule on the island. Excavations reveal mosaics, column remnants, and foundation structures that document the architectural legacy of this ancient colony and enhance understanding of the Roman presence in the western Mediterranean.

This nature park extends across the northeastern mountains of Mallorca, protecting a region of Mediterranean vegetation and coastal landscapes. The hiking trails of Llevant Nature Park pass through pine forests and garrigue vegetation to reach the Monastery of Betlem, a 19th-century hermitage. From the elevated paths of this park, views extend over the bays of Artà and the Mediterranean Sea. The protected area covers approximately 6,680 acres (2,703 hectares) between the municipalities of Artà, Capdepera, and Son Servera, preserving habitats for birds of prey and endemic plant species. Several marked routes of varying difficulty levels traverse the landscape between the coastline and the mountains.

This bay lies within Llevant Natural Park on the northeastern coast of Mallorca and extends 1,640 feet (500 meters) along the shore. The beach at Cala Agulla consists of white sand and is framed by forested hills. The water is shallow and reaches greater depths only gradually, which is characteristic of the protected coves in this region of the island. The surrounding area is part of a conservation zone that preserves Mediterranean vegetation and the natural coastal landscape.

This white tower has stood on the northern cliffs of Mallorca at Cape Formentor since 1863. The 72-foot (22-meter) tall lighthouse marks the island's northernmost point and serves as a navigation aid for vessels along this exposed coastline. From Formentor Lighthouse, views extend 180 degrees across the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged coastline of the Serra de Tramuntana. The lighthouse surroundings display the characteristic rock formations typical of this part of the island, where steep cliffs drop directly into the sea.

These limestone caves form an underground system of passages and chambers extending 36 feet (11 meters) below the surface. The Génova Caves display geological formations with stalactites and stalagmites created over millennia by water seepage. The cave system lies within a residential area on the western edge of Palma and complements the island's natural and architectural heritage. Visitors can explore the illuminated passages and chambers on a guided tour that provides insights into Mallorca's subterranean geology.

This railway line has connected Palma with the town of Sóller since 1912, crossing the Tramuntana mountains along a route of 17 miles (27 kilometers). The historic wooden carriages travel through tunnels and over viaducts, passing orange and lemon groves while offering views of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range. The Sóller Train operates several times daily and represents a functioning example of Mallorca's railway heritage with its original electric equipment and restored carriages from the early 20th century.

Fornalutx is located in the Tramuntana mountain range and preserves its architecture with traditional houses built from local stone. The cobblestone streets of this village wind through terraces carved into the mountain slopes. Stone staircases connect different levels of the settlement, while the buildings display regional construction techniques. This village serves as a starting point for hiking routes into the surrounding mountains and provides access to the natural areas of the Sierra de Tramuntana.

This limestone arch rises 59 feet (18 meters) above the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Santanyí. Marine erosion has shaped this geological formation over centuries, creating a natural gateway in the rock. Es Pontàs has become a notable point along Mallorca's rocky southern coast, which alternates between sandy beaches and coves like Cala Figuera. The arch is visible from land and sits near Cala Santanyí. The natural structure demonstrates the ongoing effect of wave action on the island's limestone formations.

This palace was built in the 13th century on the foundations of an Arab citadel and continues to serve as an official residence during royal visits to Mallorca. The Royal Palace of La Almudaina combines Islamic and Gothic architectural elements, documenting the island's different periods of rule. The fortress complex includes several courtyards, royal chambers, and a chapel. The palace stands directly adjacent to Palma's cathedral, forming the historic center of the capital. Various halls contain royal tapestries and historical furniture from several centuries.

Estellencs is a mountain village in the Tramuntana range, built on terraced slopes that descend toward the Mediterranean coast. Narrow streets connect stone houses and lead down to a small fishing harbor. Olive groves and vineyards surround the village, reflecting the agricultural character of the area. The church of Sant Joan Baptista stands in the center, while traditional residential buildings preserve the historical building style of the region. From various points in the village, views extend over the coastline and the surrounding mountain terrain.

This museum houses a permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs from the 20th and 21st centuries within a 16th-century military fortress. The art collection includes works by Spanish and international artists, documenting the development of modern and contemporary art in Mallorca. The historic fortress walls provide a setting for rotating exhibitions and cultural events. The museum's terraces offer views across Palma Bay and the old town.

Cala Beltran is a small cove protected by limestone cliffs 66 feet (20 meters) high. This coastal formation along Mallorca's southern shoreline displays shades ranging from white to orange. The turquoise water of this cove is particularly clear, allowing good visibility of the seabed. The cliffs form natural windbreaks and limit access to this section of coast between larger coves in the area.

This 15th-century Gothic building served as a commercial center for maritime traders and as an exchange for port goods in Palma. La Lonja was constructed between 1420 and 1452 following the designs of architect Guillem Sagrera and represents a notable example of Catalan Gothic architecture. The rectangular structure features a large hall with spiral columns that rise to form a vaulted ceiling. The facades display pointed arch windows and octagonal towers stand at each corner. After its original function as a commodity exchange, La Lonja was later used for various purposes including as a granary and museum. Today the building serves as a cultural center and hosts rotating art exhibitions.

Can Prunera is a bourgeois residence from 1911 that has been transformed into a museum of modernist art. This house in Sóller displays the architecture of Catalan Modernisme, with characteristic facades, wrought iron work, and stained glass windows. The museum holds works by Joan Miró, Santiago Rusiñol, and other artists from the 20th century. The exhibition spaces occupy the original rooms of the house, offering visitors insight into the lifestyle of the Mallorcan bourgeoisie in the early 1900s. Can Prunera adds to the architectural heritage of Mallorca with an example of the modernist movement.

This white sand beach sits within Mondragó Nature Park on Mallorca's southeastern coast. Cala Mondragó features turquoise waters in a protected cove bordered by limestone rock formations. The beach is part of a conservation area that preserves Mediterranean vegetation and coastal ecosystems. Pine forests extend behind the beach, providing shade for visitors. The cove offers gently sloping bottoms and clear water suitable for swimming. Walking trails connect Cala Mondragó to neighboring coves and wind through the park's protected landscape.

This natural cove extends 150 meters (490 feet) in length at the end of a fjord-like inlet between limestone cliffs covered with maritime pines. Cala Pi forms one of Mallorca's sheltered coastal sections where steep rock walls rise on both sides of the narrow sea inlet. The beach at the end of the cove consists of fine sand and pebbles. A 17th-century watchtower stands atop one of the cliffs overlooking the water. The cove lies on the southern coast of the island and is surrounded by a small holiday village that extends along the cliffs. A stone stairway leads down from the upper level to the beach.

The Campanet Caves extend across an underground area of about 10,800 square feet (3,200 square meters) in the northern part of Mallorca and belong to the geological formations that characterize the island's interior. This natural cave system consists of several interconnected chambers where stalactites hang from ceilings, stalagmites rise from floors, and freestanding columns join both surfaces. The cave contains an underground lake whose water maintains a constant temperature throughout the year. The passages lead through rooms of varying size, with geological processes over several hundred thousand years having created the present structures. Unlike the larger Drach Caves near Porto Cristo, this site receives fewer visitors and thereby preserves its original conditions.

This fortress was built in 1300 on a hill above the town of Capdepera by order of King James II. The fortification consists of walls enclosing an area of approximately 2 acres (8,000 square meters) and includes several towers and the Chapel of Our Lady of Hope. From the ramparts, there are views of the Mediterranean Sea and, on clear days, the island of Menorca approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) away. The fortress originally served to protect the population from pirate attacks and represents an important example of medieval military architecture on Mallorca.

Son Marroig was the former residence of Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, who came to Mallorca in the nineteenth century and wrote extensively about the Balearic Islands. The estate preserves the original furnishings from that period, including furniture and personal belongings of the archduke. An exhibition room displays documents and photographs relating to the history of the region and to Ludwig Salvator's scholarly work. The terrace provides views over the Mediterranean Sea and the coast of the Sierra de Tramuntana. The property sits on a rocky promontory on Mallorca's northwest coast between Deià and Valldemossa. A neoclassical pavilion made of white Carrara marble stands in the garden, formerly used as a retreat for reading and writing.

This 350-yard (320-meter) beach of fine sand lies in Capdepera and is bordered by natural dunes and pine trees. Cala Mesquida offers clear waters suitable for swimming. The dune landscape behind the beach provides natural protection and contributes to the preservation of the coastal ecosystem. The beach represents one of the well-maintained coastal sections in northeastern Mallorca, combining sandy shore with Mediterranean vegetation. The protected location makes this area an example of the island's natural coastal formation.

This marine center houses 55 aquariums featuring over 700 different marine species. The Palma Aquarium offers an underwater tunnel where visitors can observe sharks. The facility presents various Mediterranean and tropical habitats, complementing Mallorca's natural coastal experience with insights into the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea and other oceans. The exhibition includes rays, corals, and numerous fish species from different climate zones.

Miramar Monastery is a medieval complex in the mountains above the coast between Valldemossa and Deià. The institution was founded in the 13th century by Catalan philosopher Ramon Llull and originally served as a school for oriental languages. Today the complex includes a church, maintained gardens, and a landscaped park. Exhibition rooms document the history of the site and display artifacts from different periods. The grounds offer wide views over the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding Tramuntana mountain range.

This beach in Muro extends for 4 miles (6 kilometers) along the northern coast of Mallorca, forming one of the longest continuous stretches of shoreline on the island. White sand is bordered by a dune belt and pine forest. The adjacent s'Albufera nature reserve, the largest wetland in the Balearic Islands, lies immediately behind the coastline. The beach connects southward with other sections of Alcúdia Bay and offers shallow water that extends dozens of yards into the sea. Natural vegetation and the protected location contribute to the preservation of the dune landscape.

This northern town on Mallorca is encircled by 14th-century walls that define its historic core. The old quarter contains cobbled streets, squares, and buildings spanning several centuries. The medieval fortifications have been restored and remain accessible for walking. Markets take place twice weekly in the streets, offering local produce and crafts. Alcúdia combines its historical past with modern facilities and sits near the northern coast of the island and the s'Albufera nature park.

This beach extends for 2 miles (3 kilometers) along the northern coast of Mallorca near the historic town of Alcúdia. The fine sand beach features showers, lifeguard stations, and a promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels. The calm, shallow water makes this beach particularly suitable for families with children. The proximity to nature reserves like s'Albufera offers opportunities to explore the diverse coastal landscapes of Mallorca, from sandy beaches to rocky formations and natural parks.

This amusement park in Magaluf combines physical and virtual attractions designed for families and children. The facility includes the House of Katmandu, an upside-down building featuring interactive rooms, a mini-golf course, a haunted house, and a theater with 4D effects. Visitors can experience water slides, climbing structures, and game-based challenges. The park is located near the Magaluf beachfront and provides an alternative to the beach activities found along the coast. Attractions are designed to appeal to different age groups, with an emphasis on playful experiences and physical participation.

This natural coastal stretch extends over 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) along the southern shore of Mallorca and borders a protected dune system with Mediterranean vegetation. The fine sandy beach lies largely undeveloped in the landscape and preserves the original character of the Mediterranean coast. The shallow water and light sand are features of this bay, which forms part of the island's varied coastal landscape. Es Trenc constitutes one of the longest continuous beach sections on Mallorca and provides insight into the natural coastal formation before tourist development.

Valldemossa sits 1,125 feet (343 meters) above sea level on the slopes of the Sierra de Tramuntana in northwestern Mallorca. This mountain municipality is known for its narrow cobblestone streets and the 14th-century royal monastery where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-1839. The surrounding mountains provide access to hiking trails through holm oak forests and terraced olive groves that extend toward the coast.

This mountain village sits on the northwest coast of Majorca, between the sea and the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana. Deià has attracted writers and artists since the late 19th century. The steep terraced slopes are covered with olive groves. The village is dominated by the cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean, where the poet Robert Graves is buried, who lived here from 1929 until his death in 1985. Narrow streets lead to stone houses with ocher tiles. The small museum in the Robert Graves house displays his study and personal belongings. Below the village, the cove of Deià provides access to the sea through a pebble beach surrounded by pines and rocks.

This harbor lies in a horseshoe-shaped bay on the northwest coast of Mallorca, approximately 18 miles (29 km) north of Palma. Port de Sóller serves as a mooring point for boats and ferry connections, linking the sea to the interior through a historic tramway line that has operated since 1913. The harbor is framed by mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana and provides access to hiking trails and coastal paths. The bay was historically a trading center for citrus fruits and olive oil. Today, this harbor hosts restaurants along the promenade and beaches on both sides of the bay.

Port de Pollença sits on the northern coast of Mallorca in a gently curved bay at the foot of Cap de Formentor. This coastal town maintains a calm character with a two-mile (three-kilometer) sandy beach and a promenade lined with tamarisk trees. The Bay of Pollença provides conditions for water sports including sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. The town serves as a starting point for hikes to the Formentor peninsula and lies near the s'Albufera natural park with its 4,200 acres (1,700 hectares) of wetlands.

This uninhabited island off the southwestern coast of Majorca is protected as a natural park and preserves a largely undisturbed Mediterranean landscape. Dragonera spans 741 acres (300 hectares) and reaches a maximum elevation of 1,181 feet (360 meters). The rocky coastline provides habitat for lizards, falcons, and various seabird species. Two 19th-century lighthouses mark the northern and southern ends of the island. Hiking trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Majorcan coast. The visitor center provides information about the geology, flora, and fauna of this protected area, accessible by boat from Sant Elm.

This cove in Escorca lies on Mallorca's northwestern coast, near Sa Calobra and the Torrent de Pareis. The beach at Cala Tuent consists of coarse, olive-colored sand mixed with pebbles and is framed by the rocks of the Serra de Tramuntana. The cove is accessible by a winding mountain road or by boat, offering access to the sea in a scenic setting away from larger tourist flows.

This torrent forms one of Mallorca's most dramatic gorges. The dry riverbed winds through the Serra de Tramuntana and reaches the sea at Sa Calobra on the island's northwest coast. The hike through the canyon requires scrambling over boulders and passes walls rising up to 656 feet (200 meters). The route leads through narrow passages where little daylight reaches the depths before opening to the small pebble cove.

This beach extends approximately 0.9 miles (1.5 km) along the northern coast of Mallorca, near Cape Formentor. The clear waters and pine-fringed sandy stretch form a sheltered bay on the northern shore of the island. The beach lies at the end of a winding road through the Tramuntana mountains, offering access to the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounding cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation characterize the landscape of this coastal area, which represents one of the northernmost points of Mallorca.

This sandy beach with an optional clothing-optional section sits on the eastern coast of Mallorca south of Porto Cristo. Cala Varques requires a 25-minute walk through pine forests and presents itself as a natural cove with turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs and vegetation. The remoteness and absence of any facilities make this beach a quiet refuge away from the island's tourist centers. Access via a footpath limits visitor numbers and preserves the unspoiled character of this coastal formation along Mallorca's diverse Mediterranean shoreline.

This coastal village sits at the southeastern tip of Mallorca, approximately 35 miles (56 km) from Palma. Colònia de Sant Jordi preserves its character as a traditional fishing settlement, while the harbor accommodates small boats and excursion vessels. Nearby beaches of Es Dolç, Es Carbó, and Es Trenc extend for several miles with fine sand and shallow waters. From this village, boat connections lead to Cabrera Island, whose national park lies about 8 miles (13 km) offshore and shelters protected Mediterranean fauna and flora.

This foundation presents the works of Joan Miró in an architectural complex designed by the Catalan artist and his friend Josep Lluís Sert. The collection includes more than 6,000 works, comprising paintings, sculptures, drawings, and ceramics created between 1956 and 1983. The museum displays Miró's creative process in his former studios, Son Boter and Sert, where the artist worked until his death in 1983. The Fundació is located in Cala Major, on the western outskirts of Palma, and enhances Mallorca's cultural landscape by presenting modern Catalan art in a Mediterranean setting.

This coastal town on the northwest coast of Mallorca sits in a horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Port de Sóller serves as the harbor for the town of Sóller, located 2 miles (3 km) inland and connected by a historic tram dating from 1913. The bay is marked by two lighthouses, Cap Gros to the north and Sa Creu to the south. The harbor promenade extends along the sandy beach and provides access to the mountains of the Tramuntana range. The natural setting shields the harbor from strong winds, making it an anchorage for boats and a starting point for hikes along the coast.

This sanctuary stands at 1,542 feet (470 meters) elevation in the Serra de Tramuntana and has served as a pilgrimage site since the 13th century. The Santuari de Lluc houses the Black Madonna, a Romanesque statue that is the object of religious devotion. The complex includes a 17th-century basilica, a cloister, and a choir where the boys' choir Els Blauets has performed since 1531. The site offers accommodation for pilgrims, a museum displaying archaeological findings and liturgical objects, and a botanical garden featuring native plants of the Balearic Islands.

This beach lies on the southeastern coast of Majorca, near Santanyí. Cala Llombards extends across a sheltered cove between rocky walls, where fine sand meets the clear waters of the Mediterranean. The cove is surrounded by pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation. The beach offers access to the sea through a gentle slope and sits in a region known for its natural coves and proximity to the Mondragó natural park. Cala Llombards combines the characteristic landscapes of Majorca's southeastern coast with the accessibility of a sandy beach.

This small beach on the southeast coast of Mallorca sits within a narrow cove surrounded by high limestone cliffs. Cala l'Almunia is accessible only by a steep footpath or from the sea. The clear waters and sheltered location make it a quiet bathing spot away from the larger tourist beaches of the Santanyí area.

This artificial reservoir lies within the Serra de Tramuntana in Mallorca and is fed by the Torrent de Gorg Blau. The dam was constructed to supply water to the island and sits at an elevation of approximately 2,625 feet (800 meters). The surrounding mountain slopes and rock faces form a dramatic backdrop, while the Ma-10 road passing through the area provides access to other natural sites along the northwestern coast.

This religious hermitage in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains stands at an elevation of 1,476 feet (450 meters) and provides access to Mallorca's natural landscapes. Escorca serves as a starting point for hikes to Torrent de Pareis and Sa Calobra cove, which lead to the island's northwestern coast.

This village sits on Mallorca's northwest coast, terraced between the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and the sea. The coastline of Banyalbufar consists of pebble beaches set between cliffs, while the slopes hold agricultural terraces used for cultivation since Moorish times. The mountain road offers views of the rocky coast and the descending cultivation areas that have shaped the landscape of this coastal section for centuries.