Double-minded if Mallorca is worth visiting? As someone who moved to Spain 8 years ago—and has been on and off the Spanish island several times a year—I have found plenty of (super cool) reasons why the answer is YES!
The Balearic Islands offer quite a combination: natural beauty, cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisine. Because Mallorca is the biggest of the Balearic islands, it also gets extra points in terms of these aspects 😉
However, I want to add here—Mallorca is more than just the overcrowded party spot you’ve heard of. It’s a lot more than that. You just have to know the right spots and places to visit in Mallorca. And that’s what I’ll be talking (read: raving) about today.
So… let’s put rest to the million-dollar question, is Mallorca worth visiting for tourists, once and for all?
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Other blog posts about Mallorca you should check out:
Mallorca bucket list: This blog post includes a bucket list with must-see places in Mallorca. Full of recommendations from a true Mallorca fangirl!
Hidden Gems in Mallorca: This blog post is for you if you want to avoid the tourists and explore Mallorca’s off-the-beaten-path places.
Mallorca 7-day itinerary: I wrote the perfect itinerary to stay in Mallorca for a week. This is your chance to have the perfect beach vacation. Make sure to check it out!
FAQs: Is Mallorca worth visiting?
How many days are enough for Mallorca?
This isn’t the kind of place you just breeze through. So, I’d say, ideally, 4 to 7 days.
If you only have a long weekend, though, you can still enjoy the highlights. (Just be prepared for FOMO and a possible return trip 😉).
You’ll want a few days to hit Mallorca’s most popular beaches, a day (or two) for hiking, and of course, some time for wandering through its towns. There are so many must-see spots in Mallorca. Believe me, even if you do not want to go partying!
This also puts the famous question to rest “Is Mallorca worth visiting for a week?”. Yep, it is.
Which part of Mallorca is the nicest?
I’d say it really depends on what you’re after.
For luxury—Palma, Mallorca’s capital, is hard to beat. This features a stunning cathedral, great nightlife, and a delicious dining scene. For something quieter, consider Port de Soller.
The East of Mallorca is also a great place to visit, especially for its dreamy sand beaches with crystal clear water.
One of my favorite places to visit in Mallorca is the North Coast. There are so many hiking destinations and beautiful small towns you can visit here. I wrote a blog post about visiting Alcudia, which you can find here.
Is Mallorca a good place for a holiday?
In one word: YES. Or actually, let’s make it two words: Definitely yes! I emphasize this so much because Mallorca offers something for every type of traveler (including backpackers, those traveling with family, friends, etc.). If you like to spend a day exploring gorgeous beaches, then Mallorca is the right place for you!
Is Mallorca expensive?
That really depends on what you are used to.
Mallorca is sometimes considered one of the “more expensive” regions in Spain. But if you’re traveling from European countries, you’ll feel quite the opposite. In fact, travelers from Europe often find Mallorca to be one of the most affordable travel destinations (here’s a cost breakdown for an idea of what to expect).
But Mallorca can be as expensive as you make it. There are many low-budget hotels and cheap restaurants. But Mallorca is also well-known for its fine-dining restaurants. You can find a very good list of them here.
What is the best time to visit Mallorca? When is Mallorca worth visiting?
If you’re looking in terms of weather, the best time must be June to August. This is when the temperature is warm and pleasant (expect a maximum of 31 °C). But this is also when Mallorca gets crowded, and the prices go up. So… if you don’t like bumping into tourists on your trip, this might as well be the worst time to visit Mallorca. When I visited Mallorca in August last year, we spent half our trip finding a place to park our rental car. The weather is great, but it is the high season on the island.
For lesser crowds, you can consider the mid-season (somewhere between September and October). During this period, the temperatures are mild and there are fewer crowds. In fact, when I get asked, is Mallorca worth visiting in October, I never hesitate to say yes. (You’d need to be brave to enjoy a swim during this period, though).
Where should I stay to make the most of my Mallorca trip?
I got you. Here are 3 hotels that I can recommend:
El Llorenc Parc de la Mar (€€€): One of Palma’s most beautiful hotels and you will probably not find a better option in this location. Everything is perfect about this place: The view! The interior! The location!
Hotel & Restaurant Jardi d’Artà (€€): The area around Artá is one of the most beautiful one in Mallorca, and I highly recommend staying there. This hotel looks like a green oasis. Check it out!
Son Brull Hotel & Spa (€€€): If you want to splurge during your stay, this is THE place to go. Stay in a 17th monastery building in the forest of Mallorca. Enjoy complete privacy during your luxury Mallorca trip!
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Is Mallorca Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why It Is
1. You will see Spain’s most beautiful beaches
Mallorca’s beaches… Let’s just say, they’re a world apart. The famous Es Trenc features powdery white sand. Simultaneously, there are hidden coves, like Cala Mesquida. If you want to lounge like a celeb, Cala Deia is for you (it’s a known haunt of the rich ‘n’ famous). And I am not kidding. Beyonce and Kylie Jenner are known to have visited the area.
The moral of the story… there’s a beach for every type of mood. During my visits, I realized going early in the morning—or later in the afternoon—can help avoid crowds. Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Mallorca sun is the kind that sneakily fries your skin 🥴
Here you can find my top 5 of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca:
- Platja d’Alcúdia (huge white sand beach close to Alcudia. The water is very shallow which makes it very family-friendly. One of the best places to stay in Mallorca)
- Cala Banyalbufar (rocky beach with crystal clear water)
- Cala Mesquida (the clearest water you will ever see in your life)
- Cala Figuera (hidden beach you can access only on foot)
- Cala Deiá (beach close to the Mallorqui town of Deiá)
Explore Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches on a boat!
My personal tip: The most beautiful beaches of Mallorca are only accessible by boat. That is why I really recommend doing a boat tour in Mallorca to explore the hidden bays most people miss. When I visited Mallorca in summer, my friend and I went on this 4-hour boat tour and visited 3 gorgeous beaches in the North of Mallorca. You will have plenty of time for snorkeling and swimming around these fairytale bays. And the best part: Food and drinks are included ;-)
2. For breathtaking hikes and viewpoints: Hike the Serra de Tramuntana
The Serra de Tramuntana deserves a special mention—partly because it offers some of the most breathtaking hiking routes in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the northwest of the island. You won’t find much rush here because the rugged landscape of the mountains means it’s sparsely populated.
You especially want to appreciate Sa Calobra; the views here will have your jaw on the floor. By the way, don’t forget to bring extra snacks—you’ll thank me after those zigzag roads.
Is Mallorca worth visiting for hiking? Yes, absolutely! And those hikes are so worth it!
3. Mallorca’s capital Palma is a true highlight
Don’t skip the island’s capital: Palma. You can expect a blend of history and modernity here. While you’re there, wander through the cobblestone Palma Old Town. My boyfriend and I both love wandering around the city. Every time, we feel transported to another era (but with way better coffee).
Also, Palma’s Gothic Cathedral is a symbol of the island’s rich history. This visit should deffo be on everyone’s to-do list when visiting Mallorca. You do not have to go outside, admiring it from the outside counts as well ;-)
Is Mallorca worth visiting? Yes, for going shopping in Palma de Mallorca
Palma is one of Mallorca’s highlights. The capital of the island is home to many Spanish brands and you will see that the items in Spain will be cheaper than in other countries. So make sure to check out Zara, Mango, and Stradivarius during your Mallorca trip. And if you are looking for designer pieces, Palma also has your back. You will find Louis Vuitton and smaller designer boutiques all over Palma and the remaining island. If you want to find a unique piece no one else will have, this is your place to go!
4. Because Mallorca’s food is underrated!
The Balearic islands’ gastronomy is really varied. Some of my favorites are:
- Trempo (a typical Mallorcan salad)
- Tumbet (quite like a Mallorcan veggie garden brought to the table)
- Suckling pig (a special treat often made on Christmas)
- Ensaimada (a sweet pastry I love with my coffee. Make sure to visit “Can Joan de s’Aigo” in Palma for their Ensaimadas! Thank me later!)
- Seafood Paella (I have to admit Paella is not from Mallorca. But there is nothing nicer than ordering a great paella with fresh seafood on the island)
Is Mallorca worth visiting for food and a great restaurant? Yes it really is!
5. Mallorca’s nightlife is famous all over the world
If you’re a night owl, Mallorca has your name all over it. The DJ never stops in the beach bars and clubs! One of the craziest things about Mallorca is that one part of the island has a crazy party scene, and the rest of the island is a dreamy beach holiday. So you can have both!
If you want to go to the typical loud parties that Mallorca is famous for, you should try Magaluf. Or maybe keep things a little more sophisticated in Palma’s Santa Catalina district. But even smaller towns in Mallorca have a very cool party scene full of bars and clubs.
If you want to read more about Mallorca’s nightlife, you can find a very good guide here.
6. There is nothing like Mallorca’s charming villages
Mallorca’s inland villages are as charming as they come. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a postcard as you stroll through Valldemossa—especially with its flower-filled streets. On the other hand, Soller is famous for its orange groves. And, as you’d expect, my boyfriend especially loves the orange juice here; it sure is a class apart. If you’re in for a vintage ride, the old wooden train from Palma to Soller won’t disappoint!
The four most beautiful villages in Mallorca are:
- Deía: Deía is Mallorca’s dreamy village. The views of the Mediterranean Sea are gorgeous, the houses are so beautiful, and you will find the best restaurants of Mallorca here
- Soller & Port de Soller: Soller is a very beautiful village in the East of Mallorca. By the way, that area of Mallorca is perfect if you want to have a relaxing time. Soller is famous for its old tram, a gorgeous old town with an impressive church.
- I have a special admiration for Alcúdia. My friends and I spent a week there in summer last year and it was so much more beautiful than we expected. And a big plus point, the beach in Alcúdia has beautiful wide sand and seems to never end. A true dream!
- Many Mallorca travelers say that Valldemossa is the most beautiful town in Mallorca. And once you visit it you will understand why. The cobblestone streets covered in flowers will really take you back in time. Put Valldemossa on your Mallorca bucket list!
7. Mallorca has stunning cave systems!
Yep, Mallorca has caves. Coves del Drach and Coves dels Hams are two of the most famous caves on the Balearic island. These feature underground lakes and stalactites that honestly seem to go on forever. You can even take a boat tour in the Coves del Drach (the classical musical concerts performed on the water will make you fall in love). You know, a little eerie, a little magical, and totally unforgettable. Also… bring a jacket—it gets chilly down there, even in the middle of summer. This is one of the trips my boyfriend and I want to do when we are going to Mallorca next month!
You can find more information about it and book your tickets here!
8. Mallorca’s highlight: Visit the very Northern Tip of Mallorca
Cap Formentor is the northern tip of the island, where you can find a stunning peninsula—housing the Cap de Formentor lighthouse (this stands 210 meters above sea level). Also, you’ll love the views on the winding roads to Cap Formentor.
Here comes my biggest hidden gem in Mallorca I want to recommend for you: There is a cafeteria at the very tip of the island, that you can visit to have a meal with the most mindblowing views of the island. And I do not want to gatekeep it:
Look up “Far de Formentor” and you will find a small cafeteria at the very Northern point of Mallorca. You have to leave your car a couple of kilometers away, and then you can hike or take the bus. The views are so worth it!
9. The beautiful markets in Mallorca you will not want to miss!
One of the things I like to do most is to visit local markets of places I visit, and Mallorca has plenty of them!
Sineu Market is held every Wednesday—and is the oldest on the island. Here, you can find practically everything. You know, fresh produce, handmade leather goods, the list goes on. (It’s also a great spot to bargain for some souvenirs to take back home).
When you are staying in Palma de Mallorca, I have two markets for you: You can hit up Mercat de I’Olivar for fresh seafood. It is one of the most famous markets in Mallorca. Another option would be the daily market on Plaza Mayor. It is a bit more touristy, but still very nice!
10. Is Mallorca worth visiting? Yes, for its authentic hotels and fincas
As I previously mentioned, Mallorca offers the perfect place to stay for all kinds of travelers. But here, I don’t want to just mention the huge All-Inclusive resorts in Mallorca, modern buildings with new amenities. I want to talk about authentic hotels, some of them built in old monasteries, castles, or farmhouses. And they are more than just dreamy!
A couple of years ago I took my mom to Mallorca and we stayed in a small hotel called Hotel D´Interior Ca Mado Paula in Banyalbufar. It is located in a 19th-century home, only has 10 rooms and the interior is just lovely. It’s right next to Cala Banyalbufar, one of Mallorca’s prettiest beaches.
We felt like princesses during our stay here. Check out the photos below!