Majorca Holidays

See the sights

Soak up these must-visit sites that give a glimpse into Majorca’s long history.

• Pama Old Town –

  Wander through winding streets lined with Moorish architecture and leafy plazas. Highlights include the Gothic La Lonja and the peaceful courtyards of the Royal Palace. Between the sights, you’ll find plenty of art galleries, boutique shops and cosy cafés that are perfect for a spot of people-watching.

• Palma Cathedral –

  Known as La Seu by the locals, this cathedral is hard to miss with its huge spires and massive stained-glass windows. If the inside looks familiar, it’s because it was designed by Antoni Gaudí – the same brain behind La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

• Bellver Castle –

  A fortress on a hilltop overlooking Palma and its harbour. Built in the 14th century, it’s a rare example of Gothic architecture in Spain. Walk through its corridors and chambers, learn about Majorcan history in the museum, then head up to the rooftop terrace for city views.

• Palma to Sóller by train –

  Travel in style on this vintage wooden train that dates to 1912. The route takes you through Majorca’s countryside, past olive groves, citrus orchards and mountains, before reaching Sóller.

• Valldemossa –

  Nestled in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, this charming town sits close to Sóller on Majorca’s northwest coast. It’s known for its postcard-perfect hilltop church, stone buildings and peaceful atmosphere. The town’s also famous for its connection to composer Frédéric Chopin – you can visit his former home, which has now been turned into a museum.

Beach days

Majorca has no shortage of great beaches, whether you're after watersports or a quiet spot to unwind.

• Cala Millor –

  Cala Millor’s clear waters are popular with scuba divers – join a guided tour at one of the local centres to scope out the best spots for marine life and underwater rock formations.

• Cala Agulla –

  This scenic bay has plenty of natural beauty – it backs onto pine forests and mountains, and there’s a little peninsula that stretches out from the sand.

• Es Trenc Beach –

  Often called Majorca’s ‘Caribbean beach’, Es Trenc doesn’t have hotels or high-rise buildings nearby, unlike some of the island’s more popular beaches. It’s surrounded by sand dunes and salt flats, adding to the untouched appeal.

• Playa de Muro –

  This beach comes with soft white sand and gentle waves that are especially popular with families. You’ll find sunbeds, restaurants and watersports kiosks all the way along, and Albufera Natural Park’s walking trails are right next door, too.

Outdoor activities

From coastal paths to mountain trails – Majorca’s countryside makes it easy to get out and explore.

• Mountain hikes –

  The Serra de Tramuntana mountains have earned UNESCO World Heritage status. They’re covered in walking paths and climbing routes that zig zag across terraced hills, olive groves and pine forests, and past ancient monasteries, secluded beaches and alpine villages.

• Caves of Drach –

  Explore this vast network of underground caverns and lakes, including one of the largest underground lakes in the world. The cave’s natural acoustics are so clear that live classical concerts are sometimes held here, with musicians performing from boats.

• Torrent de Pareis Gorge –

  Starting from Escorca, this challenging hike takes you through the gorge’s tunnel of rock walls and ends at the secluded Sa Calobra beach. It’s known for being one of the best hikes on the island, thanks to its tricky terrain, huge cliffs and natural rock pools.

• Cycle through Albufera Natural Park –

  Hire a bike and cycle along the flat coastal paths, pedalling past wetlands, lagoons and bird habitats. You’ll have the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, making for a great photo opportunity.

Shopping

These are the places where browsing often turns into buying.

• Local markets –

  Open on Wednesdays, Sineu Market is one of the island’s oldest, selling local cheese, sausages and crafts. Santa Catalina Market in Palma offers a similar feel with more focus on seafood, olives and wine, and is open most days, except Sundays.

• Majorcan pearls –

  Perlas Orquidea in Palma is known for jewellery made with local pearls, from classic necklaces to more modern designs.

• Passeig del Born, Palma –

  The city’s main luxury shopping street, lined with designer boutiques.

• Deià and Sóller –

  These mountain villages have a relaxed, boho feel, and are home to small shops selling handmade ceramics, textiles and jewellery by local artists.

• Local produce –

  Look out for Flor de Sal from Es Trenc and Majorcan olive oil from the Tramuntana mountains – simple, good-value buys that travel well.

Family-friendly attractions

If you’re travelling with children, these amusement parks are worth factoring into your plans.

• Fantasy Park, Cala Millor –

  A good option for a low‑key family outing. There are go‑karts and bumper cars for older children, plus trampolines and bouncy castles for the littlest ones.

• Western Water Park, Magaluf –

  A Wild West‑themed waterpark with plenty to keep everyone entertained. Expect fast slides, ring flumes, wave pools and dedicated splash areas for younger children. It can get busy in peak season, so visiting earlier in the day often makes things feel more relaxed.

• House of Katmandu, Magaluf –

  A theme park based around the Himalayas with interactive exhibits, fun activities and 4D cinemas set in an upside-down Tibetan mansion.

Traditional dishes

If you already enjoy Spanish food, you’ll feel at home with Majorcan cooking.

• Ensaimada pastry –

  A light, spiral pastry usually filled with cream, chocolate or simply dusted with icing sugar. It’s a go-to breakfast snack, but works any time of day.

• Sobrasada sausage –

  A soft, spreadable sausage made with pork and paprika, giving it a rich, smoky flavour. Often served with bread or used in stews.

• Tumbet –

  A simple vegetarian dish of layered fried vegetables, like potatoes, peppers and aubergine, topped with tomato sauce.

• Frito Mallorquin –

  A traditional mix of pork, liver and vegetables, sautéed with spices. You’ll spot it on plenty of tapas menus.

• Savour Arròs Brut –

  Majorca’s take on the ‘dirty rice’ dish, cooked with meat, vegetables and spices in a rich broth. It’s best eaten with bread to soak up the sauce.

Classic favourites

The Majorcans are very proud of their local food, but you’ll still see paella, tapas, tortillas and other classic cuisine from Spain on menus here.

• Paella – An iconic Spanish rice dish cooked with saffron, meat or seafood and vegetables. It’s made for sharing, so good if you’re eating as a group.

• Sopas mallorquina – Thin slices of bread layered with vegetables and rich stock, soaking up all the flavour. It’s simple, filling and very local.

• Bocadillos – Small baguette-style sandwiches filled with ham, cheese, chicken or tuna. Easy, affordable and ideal for lunch on the go.

• Chocolate a la Taza – Thick, rich hot chocolate, usually served with churros for dipping.

• Helado – Ice cream is everywhere here, from classic flavours to local options like fig and almond – perfect for a quick, low-cost treat by the seafront.

Nightlife

Magaluf’s where you’ll find the superclubs and 24-hour parties, but Palma and Alcudia also have a solid nightlife scene.

• Nikki Beach, Magaluf – A chic spot for cocktails and live music in a luxury seafront setting. Reserve a daybed for sunbathing and stay until it gets lively around sunset.

• Purobeach, Palma – Re-charge by the water at this wellness-focused beach club. There’s an infinity pool overlooking the sea, plus a spa.

• Santa Catalina, Palma – This is Palma’s nightlife district, packed with cool bars, clubs and live music venues.

• Banana Club, Alcudia – A reliable option for a good night out, this club’s popular with tourists and locals. They put on regular themed nights, but there’s always a live DJ and a packed dancefloor.

• Anima Beach, Palma – This laidback beach bar is the place to go for cocktails and small plates. It’s a great spot for a relaxed evening or the first drinks of the night – plus there are great sea views, too.

Bus

Majorca’s public bus service is one of the best ways to travel around the island. It’s cheap and reliable, with routes between the major towns, beaches and touristy spots. The bus schedules change each season, so it’s a good idea to check timings before you plan to travel.

Car hire

If your plan is to explore the island, renting your own car is a sensile choice. Whether you hire one for your whole trip or just for the day, you’ll have the flexibility to go wherever you like, whenever you like. If you’re heading up to the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, make sure you’re comfortable driving on winding roads.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available across Majorca’s resorts and towns, but they’re best kept for short trips as costs can add up. If you want a bit more control over your spend, apps like Cabify let you check fares in advance, book ahead and pay upfront, so there are no surprises.

Ferries

Ferry services run regularly from the ports in Palma and Alcudia to Menorca and Ibiza. It only takes a couple of hours, so you can easily do a daytrip to the other Balearic Islands.