Mallorca: from sea to summit

When people think of Mallorca, they often picture two things: beach parties or quiet resorts filled with retirees. But the island has a lot more to offer in between.

Beyond the clichés, Mallorca is a place of contrast where rugged mountain trails lead to hidden coves, and small towns offer great food, local culture, and a slower pace. Whether you're into hiking, café-hopping, or relaxing at the beach, there's a version of Mallorca that feels personal and unexpected.

This isn’t the party island or the retirement escape. It’s something better: laid-back, beautiful, and easy to explore on your own terms. Keep reading the blog for a bonus activity that we're sure not many other travel blogs cover!

Good to know:

• Official language: Spanish and Catalan (although English and German are also widely spoken)

• Currency: Euro's (EUR)

• High season is from June to September.

• Credit cards are widely accepted but it's always useful to carry a bit of cash on you.

• Mallorca's population is approx. 966,000 and Palma is its capital.

• Best season: it's a popular holiday destination so travelling in the shoulder seasons from April to June or September to October would be better if you would still like the warmer temperatures but with less crowds. We travelled in December which is much colder but ideal for exploring as there are way less people.

• The best way to travel around the island is by renting a car. It's only about 100km wide (East to West) and 75km long (North to South).

Top sites to visit:

• Valldemossa

• Sóller

• Far des Cap Gros (close to Port de Sóller)

• Pollença

• Albercutx Watchtower

• Platja de Muro

• La Trapa (hike)

• Puig de Massanella (hike)

• Calo del Moro

• S'Almonia

• Puig de Galatzó (hike)

• Cala Màrmols

• Cala Figuera

• Cap de Formentor & Far de Formentor

• Deià

Day 1 & 2: Valldemossa, Sóller, Far des Cap Gros & Deia

Valldemossa & Port de Valldemossa

Nestled in the Tramuntana mountains, Valldemossa is often called one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca and it lives up to the hype. The town is famous for its charming traditional stone houses, built from warm, limestone that blends naturally with the surrounding landscape. These houses often have small wooden shutters painted in soft greens or blues, and terracotta-tiled roofs, giving Valldemossa a timeless, rustic character. Don’t leave without trying the coca de patata. It's a light, sweet potato pastry that’s perfect with a coffee or thick Spanish hot chocolate.

About a 15-minute drive down a winding mountain road lies Port de Valldemossa. Only make the drive down here if you are a confident driver as the roads are narrow. It's a tiny fishing cove that’s far less developed than other coastal areas. There’s not much here, just a few homes and a restaurant but the quiet, rocky shore and clear blue water make it worth the descent if you're after a beautiful sunset view or a peaceful dip in the water.

Soller, Port de Soller & Far des Cap Gros

A little further north, Sóller sits between lush citrus groves and the dramatic peaks of the Tramuntana mountains. A great place to start exploring is the main square, home to Sant Bartomeu Church. One of Sóller’s well-known attractions is the vintage wooden tram that runs between the town and Port de Sóller on the coast. Although we skipped the ride since trams are common where we’re from, we made sure to snap some photos as it rolled past the church.

Unlike the rugged coves elsewhere on the island, Port de Sóller offers a wide, walkable bay surrounded by mountains. It's one of the few natural harbours on Mallorca’s west coast and the promenade is lined with cafés, shops, and boats bobbing in the marina. It’s a great place for a relaxed seaside lunch or a sunset drink.

For one of the best views in the area, head up to the Far des Cap Gros lighthouse. It sits on a cliff just above Port de Sóller and offers sweeping views of the bay and beyond. It’s especially stunning at sunset. You can either drive there or hike from Port de Sóller (approx. 2.5km).

Deià

One stop that can’t be missed is Deià. It’s one of Mallorca’s most beautiful villages. There is something charming about this place and even though there isn’t a long list of attractions, there’s something about the place that keeps us coming back (we’ve been back 3 times). It’s a place to wander slowly, admire the stone houses and soak in the scenery.

The drive to Deià is part of the experience. The winding coastal road offers beautiful views and you’ll likely pass one of the many red and yellow buses navigating the tight turns. We were always amazed at how the chauffeurs manage those curves with nerves of steel.

Parking can be a bit tricky here because it’s a small place, we recommend parking here. From here it’s a 10 minute walk but it’s scenic and worth it.

Deià has a handful of lovely boutiques and cafés perfect for a relaxed browse:

• De Moniö – Stop in for one of their incredible chocolate chip cookies.

• Obsolete – A beautifully curated shop with a mix of international and local brands.

• Villa Rullan – Inside the building you’ll find a cute little boutique filled with handmade creations.

If you enjoy hiking, there are several scenic routes around Deià offering breathtaking views of the coastline and mountains.

Day 3: Pollença, Albercutx Watchtower & Platja de Muro

Pollença is a charming town known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant town square. Start your visit by climbing the Calvari Steps, which lead up to a small chapel with panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Perched high on the cliffs above Pollença Bay, the Albercutx Watchtower is a 16th-century lookout once used to spot pirate ships along the coast. These days, it’s better known for its incredible panoramic views of the Formentor Peninsula, Pollença Bay, and the surrounding mountains. The walk up to the tower from the nearby parking area is short and scenic. Getting inside the tower involves climbing a set of old metal steps, some of which are rusted, narrow, and partially missing. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, so use caution if you decide to climb up. That said, the 360° views at the top are absolutely worth it!

Just a few kilometers from Pollença, Platja de Muro is one of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches. Its long stretch of fine white sand and shallow turquoise waters make it perfect for families and anyone looking to relax. We were visiting in December so it was empty but we could imagine that during the summer there would still be enough space as it's about 6km long. There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants nearby, but we packed our own sandwiches and snacks from the local market in Valldemossa and enjoyed a quiet, picnic-style lunch right on the sand.

Day 4: La Trapa

If you're driving from Valldemossa to La Trapa, make a quick stop at Torre des Verger. It’s a small 16th-century watchtower perched on the cliffs above the sea. The climb up the narrow spiral staircase is steep but short, and the views over the coastline are stunning.

La Trapa is a beautiful coastal hike of 9.5km, it took us 2.5 hours with stops for snacks and photos. The trail takes you up through quiet forested hills to the ruins of an old Trappist monastery, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views over the Dragonera Island and the open sea. The path is rocky in places, but not too difficult, and the landscape is incredibly peaceful. The best photos can be made at the Mirador de la Trapa! After the hike, we drove down to Port d’Andratx for lunch.

Day 5: Puig de Massanella

At 1,364 meters, Puig de Massanella is the second-highest peak in Mallorca and offers some of the island’s most expansive views. It's a moderate hike (12km, close to 5 hours with snack and photo breaks) and is scenic along the way. It has some steep stretches and rocky terrain near the top. It's not too technical, but you’ll want decent hiking shoes and plenty of water and food. One important note: the main access route crosses private land, and there’s a cash-only entrance fee (6 EUR per person). There’s no card reader or booking system, so be sure to bring euros with you. If there is no one at the gate, they will be further up the trail and you can pay them there.

From the summit, you can see all the way to the sea, and looking inland you’ll spot the striking Gorg Blau and Cúber reservoirs nestled in the mountains below. The mix of sharp limestone peaks and the blue lakes makes the climb worth it!

Day 6-7: Exploring Mallorca by Air, Land & Sea (from Palma to the Southern beaches)

Palma de Mallorca

After days in the mountains and quiet towns, Palma brings a nice shift in energy. The capital has a mix of Gothic architecture, boutique shopping, and laid-back seaside cafés. We spent a few hours exploring the Old Town, admiring Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca, and wandering through shaded alleys lined with old sandstone buildings.

During NYE the city comes alive with small parades, live music, and decorated plazas, especially around Plaça de Cort and the Cathedral area. Locals gather for the traditional grape countdown at midnight, eating twelve grapes, one for each chime of the clock, to bring good luck for the year ahead. If you’re planning to eat out, be aware that most restaurants offer fixed New Year’s Eve menus. These multi-course meals often come with wine pairings and champagne but they can be expensive, and nearly every place requires a reservation well in advance. We opted for a spontaneous evening and found a buzzing pizza restaurant that was open.

Mallorca by Air

For a unique way to experience the island, we rented a helicopter through the Helicopter Centre just outside Palma. Since Oleg is a pilot, so we had the chance to fly the route ourselves! It's an incredible way to explore Mallorca from the air.

We followed the coast over the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana, soaring past terraced mountains, cliffside villages, and the winding roads we’d driven earlier in the trip. From above, everything looks quieter, more remote and best of all, it's away from all the tourists.

Don't worry, if you’re not a pilot you can still book a scenic tour with one of their instructors. Either way, it’s an unforgettable way to see the island from a whole new angle.

Calo des Moro & S'Almonia (the best hidden beaches on the island)

Tucked away on Mallorca’s southeastern coast, Caló des Moro and S’Almonia are often named among the island’s most beautiful beaches. With crystal-clear turquoise water, steep cliffs, and a wild, unspoiled setting, they feel like hidden gems far from the resort crowds. However, don't mistake hidden for secret. They are well known and attract crowds in the summer.

To reach them, you’ll want to park at Parking Caló des Moro / S’Almunia, which is the closest official parking spot. From there, it’s about a 1–1.5 km walk but skip the main road (ignore the signs). A smaller coastal path (see a small map below) offers a more scenic and direct route along cliffs.

When we visited in December, we had the beaches almost completely to ourselves. The lack of crowds, warm sun, and dramatic scenery made this our favourite beach day of the trip. But we can imagine that in summer, things are quite different. The beaches are small, and with limited facilities, they can get packed quickly (especially Caló des Moro).

It’s also worth noting that neither beach is particularly family-friendly. Caló des Moro involves some steep steps and rocky terrain. Caló des Moro and S'Almonia are connected by a path, just follow the signs. S’Almonia is excusively rocky cliffs, more of a sunbathing-and-swim-spot than a stretch of sand. There are a few charming traditional stone houses nestled into the cliffs. These homes, with their rustic façades and terracotta roofs, blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. They add a lot of charm to this wild coastal spot, making the walk down to the beach feel like stepping into a hidden village by the sea.

If you're up for the short hike and don’t mind a bit of ruggedness, these beaches offer some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Mallorca!

Updated October 2025: We visited Mallorca again in late summer and discovered even more great tips to make the most of the island after peak season.

Day 8: Puig de Galatzó

Puig de Galatzó is located in the Serra de Tramuntana and ideal if you’re based out of Palma or in the (south) West part of Mallorca. The hike is moderate (10.8 km, 5 hour round trip with photo breaks ), has great views and suitable for beginners.

There are a few parking spots along the road right where the hike starts (39°38'07.1"N 2°26'12.2"E). If you get there before 9:00 am, you should have no trouble finding a space. The trail is clearly marked and follows a circular route. We recommend doing it anti-clockwise. The climb is a bit steeper this way, but the views on the way up are much better and make the effort feel worth it. The way back down is more gradual and takes you through forested sections with fewer views, which is much nicer once your legs start to feel tired.

The view from the top is stunning. You feel like you’re completely surrounded by mountains and on a clear day you can see all the way out to the sea. It is a great spot to stop for a while, so make sure to bring food and drinks for a picnic. There is plenty of space at the summit to sit and spread out, though we went on a particularly quiet day and hardly came across anyone else.

Day 9: Cala Màrmols (our favourite, hidden and remote beach)

Before visiting Cala Màrmols, our favourite beach in Mallorca was Caló des Moro. It is a beautiful rocky cove with soft sand and clear water. The downside is that it’s easy to reach and very well known, meaning it gets incredibly busy in summer.

Cala Màrmols came up while we were searching along the coast for more interesting spots. After reading a few reviews, we realised it would be a bit of a commitment. The walk is around 10 km return, following the cliff edge the entire way and no shade. The closest place to park is by the Far del Cap Salines. There is plenty of parking space along the road in that area so there’s no need to arrive early.

We arrived in the afternoon at around 15:00 and were surprised to find only about five other people there. It felt incredibly peaceful and completely untouched. We had read that boats sometimes stop here but when we visited there was not a single one in sight.

You often see Sa Calobra mentioned as the prettiest beach in Mallorca but it really depends on what you are looking for. The drive is beautiful and walking through the tunnels to Sa Calobra are fun and add a bit to the experience. The paid parking is convenient and close by but the beach itself was underwhelming. It is a pebble beach and quite crowded. If you are travelling with young children, Sa Calobra is probably the easier option.

If you are happy to walk, come prepared and put in a bit of effort, Cala Màrmols is on another level. Pack plenty of water, food, sunscreen, a hat and wear proper shoes. In return, you will be rewarded with what felt to us like one of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches and if you’re lucky like we were, it will feel like a private beach!

Day 10: Cala Figuera

Cala Figuera was one of those places that completely surprised us (in a good way). The town is incredibly picturesque and felt much quieter than we expected when we visited in the afternoon. Before going, all we had really seen in photos were the houses along what looked like a harbour, with their green doors and boats. Locals still use it as a fishing port and you’ll see the traditional llaüt boats moored along the water.

What we did not realise until we got there is how lovely it is to walk around. You can follow the water all the way along but we recommend wearing flip flops or slippers as sometimes the water sometimes spills over the walkways and get right up to the doors of the boat sheds.

As we wandered, our minds started to drift, and we found ourselves daydreaming about what life could be like in a place like this. Cala Figuera is still a working fishing village and that everyday rhythm adds to its charm.

Day 11: Cap de Formentor & Far de Formentor

Mallorca’s weekly markets

Exploring Mallorca’s weekly markets is one of the best ways to soak up local life. Most markets start around 8–9am and begin to wind down by 1–2pm. Plan to visit early so you can secure parking more easily.

• Consell (Sunday): A big outdoor flea market and a great spot for antiques, vintage finds and unexpected treasures.

• Inca (Thursday): One of the island’s largest markets, famous for its leather goods, clothing and wide selection of local produce.

• Sineu (Wednesday): One of the oldest markets on the island and one of my favourites. The market’s origins dates back to the 14th century, it’s full of character with everything from farm animals to artisan stalls.

• Santanyí (Wednesday & Saturday): Set in a beautiful town, this market is colourful and vibrant. It does get quite busy but that’s all part of the charm. It has a lovely mix of local crafts, food and fashion.

Where to stay:

Valldemossa

Ca's Papa (150 EUR/night) - A small and beautiful hotel located in the centre of Valldemossa. We loved the mint green shutters which would swing open on a stunning view of the town. There is a cozy shared living room on the ground floor where you can enjoy a drink any time of day. The service was friendly and breakfast was included in the price, which made it absolutely worth it! Just be aware that if you're not as mobile, this may not be the best hotel to stay at as there are quite some steps.

Palma

Joe's Gomila Boutique Hotel (170 EUR/night) - A modern hotel located next to a bar/restaurant. They have a rooftop with swimming pool. While it’s about a 20–30 minute walk to the heart of Palma, depending on your destination, it’s also easily accessible by taxi or bus. One of the perks for us was saving on parking fees, making this a practical and comfortable choice for our stay.

Cabot Tres Torres Apartamentos (79 EUR/night) - Located near Playa de Palma and just a short drive from the airport, we found this to be a very convenient area to stay. The apartments look like they’ve recently refurbished and were clean and comfortable. During the winter months, reception doesn’t seem to operate 24/7. This wasn’t an issue for us, as the staff were flexible but it’s good to be aware of in case you’re planning on arriving late. The property also has a swimming pool on-site and free street parking is available.

Esporles

loftOtel canet (123 EUR/night) - This was a typical agroturismo stay, set on a small farm with pigs, donkeys and ponies. There were quite some facilities, including mini golf and a swimming pool, making it an especially family-friendly place to stay. We loved our apartment, but the real highlight was the breakfast! Freshly prepared every morning, with coffee made to order. It was genuinely one of the best breakfasts we had in Mallorca, made by the warmest and most welcoming staff.

For the foodies:

Note that many of the outdoor restaurants mentioned here are seasonal and typically close during the winter months. For most of the dining spots we recommend, reservations are advised, especially in peak season. If a restaurant doesn’t have a phone number or online booking system, we would often stop by the day before to reserve a table in person or arrive right at opening time to secure a spot.

Breakfast/coffee

• Forn i Pastisseria Ca'n Molinas - Valldemossa (a great place to try Coca de Patata which is a soft and sweet potato bun. It's the bakery's signature item and a Valldemossa specialty. The ensaimada is also delicious. A spiral-shaped pastry made from a dough that’s rich in flour, sugar, eggs, and a key ingredient called “saim”, which is pork lard. Don't let that put you off, you don't really taste it! We love that the place already opened at 7:00am)

• Palma bread - Cala Major and Palma (a Scandinavian-style bakery making some of the island’s best bread. Their pastries are equally addictive and they're known for their cardamom and cinnamon buns. Try their spandauer and almond croissant which is rich and generously filled!)

• Fika Farina coffee and bakery - Palma (a good stop for cinnamon buns if you’re right in the center of Palma. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you smell the cinnamon and see a queue outside the door. Not really a place to hang out, it’s more for takeaway)

• Sa Ruta Verda - Caimari (geared towards cyclists who are likely to pass by this village as it’s a popular cycling route. The coffee and sandwiches were amazing. Don’t worry if the place is busy, spots free up quickly)

• Sa Mola 13 - Sineu (another cyclist hotspot serving amazing coffee. A great place to stop after passing by the weekly market)

• Bo’s - Pollença (a lovely place for coffee and food right at the foot of the Calvari steps. We recommend taking a seat on their terrace, it’s the perfect spot for a little people watching while soaking up some sunshine)

• Plantshack - Cala Major and Palma (a laid back spot for excellent smoothie bowls and good coffee)

• Doble Coffee - Esporles (for coffee and a sandwich, complete with a lovely terrace to sit and relax while enjoying the surroundings)

• Otra - Palma (if you’ve ever wanted coffee paired with great music, Otra is the place to be! The interior is small and cozy, so be prepared to get close to your fellow patrons)

Lunch/snacks

• Mimado - Palma (a chic hole-in-the-wall gem with just a handful of bar seats and a whole lot of charm. Don’t miss their cheeky chicken sandwiches: crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive. We recommend ordering a side of smoky corn ribs and washing it all down with their zesty lemonade)

• Blend Brunch Cafe - Port d'Andratx (we came here after our hike at La Trapa, completely famished an hour before their closing time. We were happy that they were still serving their full menu. Try the traditional bread roll from Palma, the llonguet with pulled pork. Also if you're a coffee lover, this place served the best coffee of the trip)

• Ca Na Pou - Santanyí (this town is best known for its vibrant markets and narrow charming alleys. We stopped by Ca Na Pou for some takeaway sandwiches, a convenient spot located right among the market stands)

• Che Gelats! - Cala Major (on our way from Playa de Illetes to Palma, we stopped for ice cream and alfajores. They seem to specialise in all things dulce de leche which is sweet caramelised milk)

Dinner

• Es Taller - Valldemossa (a restaurant transformed from a former mechanic’s garage, featuring a stylish interior. The fusion cuisine bursts with flavour, complemented by excellent service. We enjoyed the vibe so much that we had dinner here two nights. We highly recommend making a reservation)

• Balm Restaurant - Deià (this restaurant may be small, but it delivers in a big way. The setting is intimate and cozy, mirrored by the warm, attentive service. Each dish is thoughtfully explained, and the drinks menu is expertly curated. We even made room for dessert. A decadent ice cream cookie sandwich - absolutely unforgettable. If you’re in area, this place is a must-visit. Just be sure to book ahead!)

• Wasabi Palma - Palma (we are known to crave sushi, no matter where we are and this place hit the spot)

• Mola - Palma (located in Santa Catalina, Palma’s buzzing foodie neighborhood. Their food is best described as international fusion, and they serve it in a shared dining concept. We recommend making a reservation)

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Pizzeria Victoria - Palma (our new favourite spot for pizza in Palma. Run by a lovely couple, this cozy pizzeria serves up delicious pizzas made fresh right in front of you. We absolutely loved the warm atmosphere and authentic, homemade feel)

• Santa Chiara Pizza Napoletana Contemporanea - Palma (another fantastic option for pizza in Palma, especially if you enjoy creative flavour combinations. Think thoughtfully crafted toppings that truly work together, not Hawaiian-style. Don’t forget to ask for the chili oil!)

• Duke Restaurant - Palma (this place serves spectacular food with generous portion sizes. We were completely full by the time we left. Our highlights were the ceviche, the salmon and the burger. They treated us to a complimentary chocolate dessert after and free dessert earns extra points!)

• Molico - Sencelles (one of our top outdoor dining spots, the sunset view is amazing! The restaurant has a huge garden with plenty of seating. Some of the dishes are prepared on the outdoor grill which was delicious. We arrived around opening time but food service begins at 19:00, so you can enjoy drinks beforehand. If the evening turns a little chilly, they’re happy to provide blankets, which we were very grateful for during our October 2025 visit)

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Restaurant Illeta - Camp de Mar (our absolute favourite outdoor dining spot but only just. What truly sets it apart are the unbeatable sea views and the experience of walking across the little wooden bridge to reach the restaurant. It feels special from the moment you arrive. It does get busier and prices are higher compared to places like Molico. Reservations are essential and we recommend noting in the comments that you’d like a table by the water. We had the paella and loved it!)

• Mextial Taco Bar - Calvià (this one surprised us mainly because of its location, right near the heart of the island’s party scene. Don’t let that fool you. The ingredients were incredibly fresh and full of flavour. We ended up coming back twice and the staff remembered us, which is always a nice touch. We tried almost all of the tacos, and our favourites were the birria and the cochinita pibil, both absolutely delicious)

• Antic Grill - Bunyola (we only ended up here because we were staying nearby, but it’s absolutely worth a detour if you love steak. Their menu features dry-aged Txuleta from the Basque Country. Definitely ask for the staff’s recommendations, you won’t be disappointed! Our top tip is: don’t overdo it, as they include complimentary dishes. We received some delicious mussels as a starter. We shared a tuna tartare, which was enough for two and still had a 1kg steak afterward. If you prefer steaks less rare, ask for it being cooked medium. The staff are lovely and make sure you make a reservation as seating is limited inside)

  

  

  

  

  

  

Drinks

• The Library STFU - Palma (a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with serious character. The cocktails are beautifully crafted and creatively composed: equal parts art and flavour. If you're lucky, your drink might even come with a story)

• Lili's - Palma (while searching for espresso martinis on NYE we came across Lili's, and it turned out to be a great surprise. It offers both cocktails and a food menu. With a front-row view of the street, it’s also an ideal spot for people-watching)