You might wonder if it’s possible to find secret places in such a famous Spanish destination and Mediterranean island, but you’ll be happy to know that there’s no shortage of hidden gems in Mallorca (sometimes spelled Majorca in English).
This Balearic island is big enough to hide plenty of secluded beaches, non-touristy towns, and lesser-known landmarks. So if you want to explore Mallorca off the beaten track, let’s get to know a few of them.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Still haven’t booked your accommodation in Palma? Check out the highly-rated Mallorca Suites, Ca n’Alexandre, and Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa (note that highly-rated hotels in the center are pricey).
Want to explore Palma de Mallorca with a guide? Book one of these free walking tours:
– Free Walking Tour of Palma de Mallorca
– Mysteries and Legends Free Evening Tour of Palma (in Spanish)
– Free Walking Tour of the Palma City Walls
Don’t want to explore the island by yourself? Check out these highly-rated tours:
– Tour from Palma to Soller, Deiá, Valldemossa
– Tour from Palma to the Formentor Peninsula
– Excursion from Palma to 3 of the most beautiful coves in Mallorca (Cala Llombars, Cala S’Almonia, and Calo des Moro)
– Hot air balloon flight over Mallorca
Places to Experience Mallorca off the Beaten Path
Jardines de Alfabia
Taking a day trip from Palma to Soller with the vintage train is a popular tourist activity, but when you purchase a round-trip ticket, you’re missing out on a gorgeous Mallorca hidden gem.
After visiting Soller, choose to go back to Palma by bus (204) and get off at Jardines de Alfabia before returning to the city.
Dating back to the Arab era in Mallorca (10th-13th centuries), this unique complex consists of an estate and gardens you’ll never want to leave. From ponds and fountains to orange and palm trees, every corner here is picture-perfect.
While the circular route taking you through the gardens and house is not long, you can easily spend a couple of hours here, taking in the beauty and tranquility of this incredible green space.
To top it all off, you’ll find a charming cafe area, which is a total bonus because coffee always tastes better when you’re overlooking stunning scenery.
Get your tickets here, and consult the latest opening hours here.
Raixa
Not too far from Jardines de Alfabia, you’ll find an amazing secret place in Mallorca – another photogenic complex consisting of a villa and gardens (also reachable by bus 204).
The Raixa mansion’s origins also trace back to the Arab era in Mallorca, and since the conquest of the island by King James I of Aragón in the 13th century, it was owned by several noble families who remodeled it over the years.
You’ll love strolling around the area surrounding the house, which boasts landscaped gardens, a majestic sculpture-adorned staircase, ponds, fountains, and so much more. It’s hard to believe that such a beautiful place is completely free to visit!
The complex is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, and only large groups need to make a reservation in advance.
Cala Antena
By Paulina from ukeveryday
If you’re looking for one of the top things to do in Mallorca that are off the beaten track, visit the east coast of the island. You will find there many sandy beaches surrounded by stunning cliffs that will take your breath away.
One of the most beautiful hidden places in Mallorca is Cala Antena. This tiny beach has no road access to it, so to get there, you will need to drive to Cales de Mallorca, then hike for 30 minutes.
A short walk to this secluded beach is worth the effort because it offers incredible views of the rugged coast of Mallorca.
Crystal-clear water, sun beds with umbrellas, and a small beach bar will allow you to relax at one of the best hidden spots in Mallorca. This tiny beach surrounded by lush greenery looks stunning and offers a great day out on the east coast of the island.
Cala Varques
By Nadine from Le Long Weekend
If you’re looking for a secret beach in Mallorca, you must visit Cala Varques!
Located midway up the eastern coast of the island, it’s a tranquil spot, away from the masses. Getting there can be a little tricky, however, but that adds to its secluded appeal.
Due to its inaccessibility, it’s not one of the most family-friendly beaches in Mallorca and is instead enjoyed by a more grown-up crowd who appreciate the tranquil bay, soft white sand, and gentle crystalline water.
In the summer months, there’s a small ad-hoc beach bar serving cool drinks. And it’s an excellent place to go snorkeling – so be sure to bring your mask!
There are no car parks nearby Cala Varques, so you’ll need to find a parking spot in the small lot just off the main (Ma-4014) road.
Continue down the small gravel road towards the beach on foot. Once you’re at the end, you’ll reach a metal gate. Look for the star with an arrow, and scale the 6ft (1.8 meters) rocky wall.
Once on the other side, a few more arrows are leading the way down the path to the sand. Alternatively, there’s also a coastal route from nearby Cala Romantica.
Arab Baths (Banys Arabs)
By Portia from When I Wander
Visiting a Moorish bath house from the 10th century is a rare opportunity, so if you love historic sites, the Arab Baths in Mallorca should be on your list.
Only a short walk away from the Royal Palace and the Palma Cathedral, you can take a mini historical building tour as you wander through the narrow streets of Palma de Mallorca’s old town.
The entrance fee is about 3 Euros, and after you’re done carefully observing each of the different columns that support the Tepidarium (warm bathing room), you can head into the beautiful gardens.
It’s not a functional bathhouse, so you won’t get to take a dip, but you can imagine how it might have served the owner during a very different time, admire the surroundings, and rest from your travel adventures for a moment.
Bring your own snack or drinks, though, as there aren’t any to purchase here, but a nearby store might have something you’d like. You’ll have a choice of seating areas to get cozy in as you’re surrounded by a lush garden of orange trees, cacti, and palms.
Art-Nouveau Architecture in Palma
By Daniela from Ipanema Travels
One of Palma’s best-kept secrets is the abundance of Art-Nouveau architecture.
Quite interesting is that all variations of the Art-Nouveau Style are present in this beautiful city: from the Belgian and French influence with the curvilinear forms, through the Austrian Secession with its geometrical lines, to the Catalan Modernism with Neo-Mudéjar traits.
So, when visiting Palma, treat yourself and take a small walking tour along the most beautiful examples of Art-Nouveau architecture in Palma.
Start at Plaça de Weyler, where you can see the Gran Hotel – one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Across the street is Forn des Teatre with a lovely façade with green floral motifs.
A few meters further down the road at Plaça de Mercat are the twin buildings of Can Casasayas. With their undulated balconies and wavy façades, they are a good example of Catalan Modernism.
A short distance from Plaça de Mercat is Plaça del Marquès del Palmer. There you can admire next to each other two classical examples of Art Nouveau but from different schools.
To the right is Can Forteza Rey – a truly beautiful Modernista building with walls covered in trencadís – mosaics made of broken tiles – and next to it is the Almacenes El Águila in strictly Vienna Secession Style.
Last but not least, on the corner of Plaça de Cort and Carrer de Sant Domingo, you can admire the beautiful Can Corbella building.
Llucalcari
If you love visiting tiny hamlets as much as I do, add Llucalcari to your alternative Mallorca bucket list.
Technically, you won’t find any “special” sites or attractions here, but the whole reason to visit such a place is to find utter tranquility and enjoy the rural, coastal landscapes.
From the quintessential Mallorquin stone houses to the mesmerizing sea views, Llucalcari is an ideal hidden gem to add to a day trip from Palma to Valldemossa and Deia, two of the most famous towns in the area of the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
If you’re not renting a car, bus number 203 will take you from Palma de Mallorca through all three places.
Centre Maimó Ben Faraig
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Mallorca, here’s an intriguing one.
When you dive into Spain’s Jewish history, you realize that there were Jewish communities literally everywhere.
You might have had the chance to learn more about them in cities like Toledo, Cordoba, and Girona, but how much do you know about this aspect of Palma de Mallorca’s history?
I’m obsessed with discovering my Jewish heritage, so I knew I had to visit the Centre Maimó Ben Faraig, a tiny museum dedicated to the Jewish history of Palma.
While it only has two small rooms, it can also provide you with a map of points of interest in Palma’s Jewish quarter. Not much has remained of it, but it was still exciting to walk through its streets.
I especially loved finding the symbol of the Red de Juderías de España – Caminos de Sefarad, an organization that preserves the Jewish heritage and history in Spain. Imprinted into the pavement, the symbol says “Sefarad,” which is the Hebrew name for Spain.
Talaia D’Alcúdia Hike
By Linda from She Knows Islands
The Talaia D’Alcúdia is 444 meters above sea level, situated at the highest point of the Victoria peninsula, north of Alcúdia.
By reaching the summit, you will have fantastic views of the entire north coast of Mallorca, and in good weather, even the neighboring island of Menorca, Spain.
If you are in good shape, you can start your hike from Alcúdia’s old town and walk along the beautiful coastline to Cielo de Bonaire. Via shady pine forests, you will reach the former hermitage Ermita de la Victòria.
From here, even those who want to take the shortest way to the summit will have to walk.
Over wide gravel paths, it goes uphill, until just below the mountain top, which then rises again steeply on the slope. The 360-degree panorama that awaits you is absolutely worth the effort!
The way back towards Alcúdia is an outstanding high-altitude path, which slowly winds its way down. After about 30 minutes, you will see the picturesque bay Platja des Coll Baix below you. Bathing in its turquoise water is another highlight of this hike.
The hike from the beach to Alcúdia is still quite long but very easy on wide trails and narrow roads along characteristic dry stone walls. That 19-km hiking activity from Alcudia is an absolute highlight among the walks of Mallorca and is still a hidden gem.
Arta
Often overlooked, Arta is a charming town in eastern Mallorca.
The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and in fact, you can visit the remains of a Bronze Age Talaiotic village called Ses Païsses (located right on the outskirts of Arta).
Apart from visiting the archeological site and wandering through the small yet lovely old town, you should head up (by foot or by car) to Santuari de Sant Salvador.
It is Arta’s top landmark, consisting of a church surrounded by fortified walls, providing magnificent 360-degree views over the valley. There’s even a restaurant/cafe here.
If that’s not enough, this hidden gem in Mallorca is also known for preserving its craft traditions, from items made of palm to ceramics to jewelry.
Mirador Del Pujol De’n Banya
This amazing place is actually only a hidden gem to those skipping out on taking the vintage train to Soller. Since it is such a popular tourist attraction, I get why some people might think it’s overrated, but the views are worth it.
Right before getting to Soller, the train stops for a few minutes at Mirador del Pujol de’n Banya, an incredible viewpoint overlooking the valley. There’s no other way to reach it, so it’s literally hidden if you’re not taking the train.
Ecovinyassa
Brought to the island by the Arabs, oranges are one of the biggest symbols of the area of Soller and were once the main column of its economy.
If you’re looking for unique experiences and non touristy places in Mallorca, on the outskirts of the town, you’ll find a charming citrus orchard that offers self-guided visits that will take your trip to a whole new level of awesomeness.
You’ll learn about the different types of oranges and lemons, enjoy the most scenic views of the place itself and the Serra de Tramuntana, and indulge in freshly-squizzed juice and a snack.
Ecovinyassa is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 AM to 2 PM, and it’s required to make an online reservation.
Admission is €15 for adults and €7 for children (4-12 years old), which might seem pricey, but it’ll be worth it.
Montuïri
A medieval town you can add to your Mallorca itinerary (reachable by bus 401/403 from Palma) is Montuïri. It’s another one of those secret spots in Mallorca you don’t visit for the sights but for its authentic charm.
That said, this tiny town is home to a couple of landmarks, including the prehistoric village of Son Fornés (located a short drive away from the center) and the Archeological Museum of Son Fornés, the church of Sant Bartomeu de Montuïri, and several 17th-century windmills.
Salinas D’Es Trenc
You’ll see many souvenir shops on the island selling products containing salt from the flats of Es Trenc, located in southern Mallorca. But did you know you can actually visit these salt flats?
They offer guided tours, which can be conducted in several languages, including English, depending on the nationalities of the people in the group.
They take place at specific hours, which change a bit from time to time, so it’s best to consult the latest tour schedule (and prices) and reserve your spot via email (visitas@salinasdestrenc.com).
Apart from the tour, which will teach you about the production process, there’s also a small shop and cafe you can enjoy.
Best Hidden Gems in Mallorca: Map
Click here to access the MyMaps interactive map of Mallorca’s hidden gems.
Tip: After accessing the map, you can also open it on your Google Maps app. Simply open your app, tap the ‘saved’ icon at the bottom, scroll down and tap the ‘maps’ icon, and choose the MyMaps map you want to see (you can do the same on your computer).
Other Mallorca and Spain Travel Guides
More Mallorca travel tips:
- Cafes in Palma de Mallorca
- Reasons to visit Mallorca
- Free things to do in Palma de Mallorca
- Mallorca packing list
More Spain travel tips:
- Best Spanish road trips
- Famous landmarks in Spain
- Long weekend breaks in Spain
- Spain travel tips
- Spain travel quotes
- Gifts for Spain lovers
- Novels set in Spain
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