There’s so much to experience in Mallorca, Spain, it’s hard to know where to start (or stop)! Thankfully, writer Ann N. Yungmeyer helps us narrow it down to 9 “musts.” Here’s her list of 9 things to do in Mallorca.

Save this article about 9 things to do in Mallorca to Pinterest to help you plan your trip. Photos by Ann N. Yungmeyer. Graphic by Real Food Traveler.

9 Things to Do in Mallorca – Beyond Sun and Sea

Alluring beaches and glistening turquoise waters may steal the show on Mallorca, but this Mediterranean paradise that boasts 300 days of sunshine a year offers widespread appeal, from cultural attractions and diverse gastronomy to natural wonders and architectural gems. Visitors to Spain’s most sophisticated Island of the Balearics will find unique, immersive experiences in the island’s lovely cities, mountain villages and rural countryside.

On the southern coast, the capitol city of Palma offers charming boutique hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and elegant shopping, making it a delightful base for exploring the island. Mallorca is small enough where driving from one side of the island to another takes roughly an hour. Whether you choose to rent a car and navigate on your own, use public transport, or hire a Mallorca Tourism guide for excursions, there is much to discover in the island’s unspoiled nature and rich heritage. Here’s our take on Mallorca must-dos:

Cooking class at Deborah’s Culinary Island – Going to market day in Old Town Palma with charismatic instructor Deborah Piña, then donning an apron and sharing a meal of Mallorcan home-style cooking is a recipe for good fun! In a historic bakery building converted to her cozy atelier, Deborah emphasizes her focus on “everyday cuisine, not restaurant gastronomy,” while orchestrating the peeling, chopping, and stirring pots among workshop participants. She shares her knowledge of the culinary traditions influenced by Roman, Moorish, North African and Catalonian cultures, while everyone enjoys a sumptuous charcuterie board and local wines. The seasonal menu may include a starter such as home-baked flat bread with assorted greens and raisins, a main dish of rice, sobrasada and artichokes, and dessert. Deborah points out the savory and sweet essence of Mallorcan cuisine – and toasts a festive meal for all!

Deborah Pina of Deborah’s Culinary Island in Palma.

Palma Cathedral Roof Terrace Tour – Palma’s monumental masterpiece known as La Seu offers an architectural highlights tour that includes a climb to the terraces for sweeping views across the city and harbor. Dating from 1229, the Gothic cathedral features stained glass and artistic interventions spanning many centuries including a modernist commission by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. The cathedral’s famous “Gothic Eye” is touted as the largest rosette window of all European cathedrals of this style. After peering up at it from inside the nave, you’ll climb the spiraled stone stairway to the exterior terraces for an up-close look through the Eye and at the bell tower, gargoyles, buttresses and spires.

Le Seu cathedral in Palma de Mallorca.

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Drach Caves – Near the east coast town of Porto Cristo, this natural phenomenon of underground caves is named for legendary dragons. You’ll walk along a lighted stone pathway through four interconnected caves covered in stalactites and stalagmites to Lake Martel, one of the world’s longest underground lakes. At the edge of the lake, you’re treated to a spectacular show of classical music performed by musicians on illuminated rowboats. The combination of darkness, musical effects and slow rhythm of movement across the water is a peaceful and magical experience – removing any fear of lurking dragons.

After the musical performance at Drach Caves, you can take a boat ride back to the cave entrance.

Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience – Tennis star Rafa Nadal hails from Mallorca’s eastern town of Manacor, and sports fans won’t want to miss an excursion to his hometown tribute to sports: an interactive museum and virtual reality sports experience. Try virtual racecar driving, skiing, mountain biking and more, then head to the outdoor courts for lessons or practice time. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of Rafa in person, as he lives nearby and is said to pop in frequently to his namesake attraction.

Ses Talaioles – This historic finca (farmhouse estate) in eastern Mallorca is one of the island’s best wine label vineyards for an informative tour and tasting experience. Winemaker Federico offers an exhilarating ride through the vines via Ultra Terrain Vehicle, followed by a tasting at the estate Bodega. You can enjoy a spread of local specialties including cheeses, olives, almonds and sobrasada, made from the farm’s indigenous black pigs, while sampling the wines and learning about grape varieties. Mallorca is experiencing a boom in wine production with numerous small vineyards in the prestigious Vi de la Terra appellation, many open for tours.

Picnic and wine tasting in the shade at Ses Talaioles.

Sóller Railway – Take a scenic journey on the narrow gauge train that links Palma to the northwestern town of Sóller. You’ll pass through mountainous terrain and into the “orange tree valley.” A pleasant town to stroll and shop, Sóller celebrates an abundance of citrus, and fresh squeezed orange juice is served in bars and cafés. From town, you can continue your excursion by historic tram to the Port of Sóller for more lovely views and a visit to the beach.

Sóller celebrates the orange with a monument in the town square.

World Heritage Serra de Tramuntana Mountains – Carve out some time to explore the Serra de Tramuntana, often touted the prettiest part of Mallorca. The mountain range runs like a backbone along the northwest side. Popular for cycling and hiking, the hilly terrain is dotted with vineyards, almond trees, olive and citrus groves. It’s a key area for olive oil production, and there are scenic walking routes amid the olive groves and along the ancient, dry stone terraces introduced by early island settlers. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011 for its sustainable agricultural intervention and cultural influences across the wild landscape.

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Deià and Valledemossa – The artist’s mecca of Deià is one of the most picturesque, historic villages in the Serra de Tramuntana. Built along a hillside, it invites browsing in artist studios and boutiques or lingering at a delightful café. Valledemossa is equally enchanting for wandering its quaint alleys and cobbled streets. You can tour the Carthusian monastery in Valledemossa where Frederic Chopin lived for a time with George Sand and composed his famous Raindrop Prelude.

An example of quaint alleys in Valledemossa.

Formentor Viewing Platform – At the northern tip of the island on the scenic Formentor peninsula, a steep, winding road leads to what may be the mother of all lookout spots. Es Colomer viewpoint has a stone pathway with steps to several observation terraces with fencing, but don’t look down! You’re standing on top of vertical mountain cliffs above the raging sea and crashing waves. Take your parka; Formentor is known as the “meeting point of the winds,” referring to converging air currents from the Alps, Iberian Peninsula, Atlantic Ocean and North Africa. You’ll be rewarded with unforgettable panoramic views across the mountains and Mediterranean Sea.

The Formenter viewing platform offers unmatched views over Mallorca’s northern penninsula and Mediterranean Sea.

The mild climate of Mallorca makes it an attractive year-round destination, though summer is high season for vacationers. Fall, winter and spring are the best times to visit if you like fewer crowds. For travel info visit either this website or this one to begin planning.

-Story and photos by Ann N. Yungmeyer

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