April 6, 2026
On a
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I have to admit I’d always turned my nose up at the largest of the Balearic islands. Put off by the tales of jam-packed beaches and bustling tourist resorts, its image as a magnet for party animals kept it off our travel list for a long time. Until an offer to join an extended family holiday was too good to refuse. And I’m so glad it did as I unearthed a whole island of delights.
On our week break to the Mediterranean island we enjoyed the Caribbean-esque scenes of the azure waters and enticing beaches associated with Mallorca.
Not one to spend all my time laying horizontal catching the rays, my explorer instincts soon kicked in. Within seven days we managed to cover a lot of ground. Squeezing in all corners of the island we explored some unforgettable landscapes rich in high mountains, small fishing villages, and underground caves.
North Coast Gems of Mallorca
Pollença
We were a short drive away from this incredibly picturesque Mallorcan rural town. Think cobbled narrow streets, stone houses, and an impressive historic square lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars. Café culture is large here. We slipped into the tradition with complete ease joining the locals supping beverages or (licking ice creams in the case of the kids) whilst watching the world go by in Placa Mayor. The square is also home to the 18th-century Nostra Senyora Del Angels church with its spectacular rose window.
If you fancy a mini-pilgrimage, climb the 365 cypress tree-lined steps (representing each day of the year) from the town centre leading you to El Calvari.
Take a bottle of water particularly in the summer months, the steep steps can be quite a trek in the sweltering heat. When you reach the simple and peaceful hilltop chapel the rewards don’t stop there. The views at the top are magnificent rolling out to the Bay of Pollença over a patchwork of terracotta rooftops.
For those with a penchant for shopping don’t miss the tiny lanes brimming with artisan boutique shops. No surprise my wallet was empty after our first visit.
For the sun worshippers, the long swathes of sandy beaches are not too far away either in Puerto Pollença. The marina and cafe-lined promenade have enthralling views of the rugged Formentor Peninsula.
Cala Formentor
Another glorious spot and a hidden gem in Mallorca is Cala Formentor. The beach has a stunning pine forest backdrop and views of the mountains. With turquoise crystal clear waters and a white sandy beach, you’ll never want to leave.
My only regret was not making it to the end of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and the razor-edge cliffs of Cap de Formentor.
Book Now: Tour of Formentor: Market, Beach, and Alcudia Town
East Coast Gems of Mallorca
Cuevas del Drach
Without doubt the world-famous Cuevas del Drach (Caves of Drach) is one of the island’s grandest and most popular tourist attractions.
Inevitably this does mean the slow penguin shuffle is required for the 1.2kms winding path, which leads to a series of dramatic cave formation chambers. The tours take about an hour. After staring at the jaw-dropping shapes, colours and sheer size of the stalactites and stalagmites it ends with a rather cheesy but strangely enjoyable classical music recital. When was the last time you were serenaded at an impressive underground lake?
Book Now: Mallorca – Cuevas del Drach Bus Tour from the North & East
Gems On The South Coast Of Mallorca
Palma
The historic capital is a vibrant and stylish city. It has it all – culture, luxury hotels, trendy restaurants, bars, and a beautiful marina.
Read Next: Barcelona – 5 Must See Sights and Things to do
Palma’s old town is centred around the majestic gothic cathedral, abundant with ancient passages, historic monuments, and incredible architecture.
Book Now: Palma de Mallorca Old Town Guided Bike Tour and Tapas
Gems On The West coast Of Mallorca
Deià
The quiet, enchanting village perched on a hilltop in the Serra de Tramuntana is one of the prettiest and most exclusive on the island. It’s long been a magnet for the creative-minded, like the English poet Robert Graves and authors Agatha Christie, Evelyn Waugh, and Kingsley Amis.
The steep cobbled streets, stone houses adorned with bougainvillea, impressive views across the crystal clear Mediterranean, and stunning mountain vistas help you ease into the laid-back air of the coastal village.
Deià is also home to the Belmond La Residencia, a stunning boutique hotel set amongst acres of scented olive and citrus groves. We sipped on cocktails and enjoyed the exceptional views over the picturesque village of Deià and later feasted on the most delicious tapas in one of their restaurants Café Miró.
Cala Deià
A thirty minute walk or short drive away is Cala Deià, where you’ll find a small shingle beach set within a captivating coastal inlet.
The small rocky cove is home to two restaurants and one for sure will require advance booking. Tom Hiddleston and The Night Manager fans join the queue – it’s where you’ll find the popular waterside restaurant Ca’s Patró March, used as a location for some of the scenes from the hit TV thriller.
Valldemossa
The quaint village of
The 13th-century Carthusian Monastery is one of the main attractions famous for once being home to the great composer Chopin. Outdoor thrillseekers won’t be disappointed either as the surrounding terrain is perfect for rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Book Now: Tramuntana Panorama Tour – Soller, Deiá, Valldemossa
Soller
If you’re pressed for time like we were, Soller makes a beautiful day trip from Palma. Board a charming wooden vintage tram that takes you past citrus groves on a scenic journey of the countryside. You’re so close you could do some fruit picking of your own!
Disembark and arrive in the main square Placa Constitucid. Join in the favourite tourist pastime of café lounging. There are some great, tapas bars, pastry, and ice-cream shops to indulge in. Then sit back and soak up the atmosphere.
Book Now: Mallorca: Tramuntana Tour with Historic Railway Ride
When you’re next in the mood for some sun, sea, and sand and can’t quite make it to the Caribbean. Mallorca is an island that really does have it all. Go and seek out some if not all its hidden gems!
Have you been to Mallorca? If so, I’d love to know your favourite area. Let me know in the comments box below.
PIN AND SAVE FOR LATER
Vicky says:
Mallorca has been on my radar for a while now. Great food, beautiful beaches and cute towns. What’s not to love. This post makes me want to go even more now!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Get booking Vicky! A great little beach break for next year.
Binny says:
I had never actually considered it but it looks so adorable and lots to do, combined with amazing weather. Definitely pushed on to my list now!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Neither had I Binny and I needed some convincing to go. I’d so recommend now, its a beautiful island and so close to us!
Håkon says:
All fine places,but there is also some nice ones on the souteast. Felanitx,nice town with few tourists.
Santuari De Cura,the best view on the island and good food.
Portopetro,nice old fishing village.
And my favourite beach Es Trenc…nice and quiet,no bars or hotels,just nice sand and clear water 🙂
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Well I’ll definitely be going back, so will bear these in mind for my next trip. Thank you!
Honey @ The Girl Next Shore says:
“I have to admit I had always turned my nose up at the largest of the Balearic islands. Put off by the tales of jam-packed beaches, bustling tourist resorts and magnets for party animals…” —> You and I both! However, I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about it recently, plus reading this makes me want to go! I liked the look of Belmond La Residencia!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Seriously Honey you should really consider. There are some stunning parts to the island, it’s something I thought I would never say.
Corey with fifi + hop says:
We went to Mallorca for the first time this summer and like you absolutely loved it. I know it has a bad rap, but it really depends on where you go. We stayed in Deia and explored the west and the north, and were completely smitten with its beauty. I’m impressed by how much territory you covered! I would love to return some day and see the caves as well as Palma. #CulturedKids
Nicky @ Go Live Young says:
Love Majorca although haven’t been for a while. There’s still lots of unspoiled gems #culturedkids
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Loads Nicky. Perhaps you should put it on your 2018 list!
Catherine's Cultural Wednesdays says:
Well that’s smashed all my preconceptions about Mallorca, what a stunning looking island and not too far away either. Thank you for linking up to #CulturedKids
Sima Sthanakiya says:
That’s one of the best thing a couple of hours away and you can pretend you’re in the Caribbean!
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) says:
I went to Mallorca about 15 years ago and like you I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, there are busy areas, but it’s not difficult to find beautiful, quiet parts that are relaxing and unspoilt. I do remember visiting the Drach caves. Fun, despite the crowds! Thanks for linking up with #CulturedKids
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Yeah, I’ll be back again for sure. Yes, it is a shame how busy the caves get, no surprise with them being so spectacular.
cat hooper says:
we went to porto pollensa a few years back and had a brilliant relaxed week. Very quiet and a gorgeous beachfront #culturedkids
Julia says:
Oh wow, this is incredibly interesting because I went to Mallorca on a cruise ship but compared to this I didn’t really see very much!
Julia // The Sunday Mode
Sima Sthanakiya says:
You’ll definitely have to go again Julie. Any excuse for a holiday, right?