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

• Puig de Massanella

• Calo del Moro

• S'Almonia

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

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, honey-coloured limestone that blends naturally with the surrounding landscape. These houses often feature thick walls, 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 have nerves of steel and are a confident driver! 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 nestled 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 laid-back 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).

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!

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.

For the foodies:

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 - 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!)

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)

• Pizza Piola - Palma (an honourable mention for welcoming us on NYE, one of the few places open and willing to seat us without a reservation. Long story short, we did have a reservation at another restaurant that was closed and didn't bother to inform us. While we’d usually steer clear of any spot serving Hawaiian pizza, we’ll make an exception here. The service was kind, the atmosphere lively, and the food was good)

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)