Is Mallorca worth visiting? I’m here to spill the tea on the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I’m usually gushing over Spanish destinations because Spain feels like my home away from home, but in this post, you’ll see exactly what I liked and disliked about this island.
If you want to know my final verdict, then yes, I do think Mallorca is a good place to visit, but here’s everything you need to consider before planning a trip.
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*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. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
My favorite carb in Mallorca: The hot chocolate at Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo in Palma. The island is also known for its pastries, but many of them contain lard (which I don’t consume as a pescatarian).
The Main Thing That Bothered Me About Mallorca, Spain
Tourists, Tourists, and More Tourists
So here’s the thing – I knew Mallorca was touristy and obviously did not expect to be the only one there. BUT it was a different kind of touristy, and I didn’t even visit the peak season.
As a huge Spain lover, it wasn’t my first time in this country (far from it).
I think I visited enough places to know that some regions have yet to be discovered while others have become extremely popular. Yet, in most cases, there’s still a reasonable balance between tourists and locals.
For example, even in a bustling city like Madrid, you don’t have to make a lot of effort to experience its authentic side, and you definitely don’t feel like only tourists are around you.
I’m not saying that Mallorca’s authentic side is non-existent, but I feel like the touristy vibe can overshadow it sometimes, and I wish they were more balanced because that’s a big deal for a traveler like me.
Other than that, there’s also the stereotype of only being surrounded by drunk tourists.
I’d say it depends on where you’re staying because some towns are notorious for being popular party destinations (like Magaluf) while others are more tranquil (like my beloved Port de Pollença).
Is Mallorca Worth Visiting? All the Things to Love About It
You Can Find Quiet Even in Touristy Places
Considering everything I’ve written about tourists in Mallorca, it really wasn’t difficult to find quiet areas, even in the island’s most visited cities and towns.
The minute you stray from the streets where all the shops and restaurants are, you see fewer and fewer people.
If you think about it, that’s kind of sad, but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy having some streets and alleys all to myself. In these tranquil moments, I could really feel the special vibe of Mallorca.
The Weather
What is Mallorca like in terms of temperatures? As a sun-drenched Mediterranean island (though I’ve encountered a couple of cloudy mornings), Mallorca offers fantastic weather almost all year long.
Take into consideration that it can get extremely hot and humid in July and August (27°C-33°C / 80.6°F-91.4°F by day) and not warm enough to take a dip in the winter months (14°C-17°C / 57.2°F-62.6°F by day).
That still leaves you with more than enough time to visit Mallorca while enjoying idyllic weather.
The summer months are also when hotel prices can be unbelievably expensive, so spring and fall can be good choices for your Mallorca trip.
Beautiful Beaches
Being one of the best beach destinations in Europe, it’s not surprising that Mallorca boasts a dreamy coastline. With dozens of heavenly beaches with crystal-clear waters, this island is a great place to unwind and soak up some sun.
It’s good to know that even though Mallorca is touristy, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every single beach is overcrowded with people, whether you’re staying in the north of Mallorca, in the south, in the east, or on the west coast.
In fact, when I visited popular places like the resort town of Port de Pollença and Formentor Beach, I was pleasantly surprised by their tranquility.
Important to know: Accessibility varies from beach to beach. Some can be reached by bus, some by car, and others require 15-30 minutes of walking from the nearest road/parking lot (including passing through steep, unpaved paths).
Enchanting Towns
Strolling through the cobbled streets of historical European small towns is one of the greatest joys in (my) life, and Mallorca is home to quite a few visit-worthy ones.
From Valldemossa to Alcudia to Pollença, there are more than enough picturesque places that are an absolute delight to explore.
If you love unique experiences, you should also know that you can reach the town of Soller with a vintage train dating back to the early 20th century.
I thought it was going to be an overrated attraction, but I highly recommend it as the views along the way are truly stunning.
Jaw-Dropping Natural Landscapes
One of the best reasons to visit Mallorca is that you don’t only get to see dreamy shades of blue (courtesy of the Mediterranean) but also miles and miles of green.
So many roads offer breathtaking views of fields, almond trees, orange groves, and even vineyards.
If that’s not enough, one of the most scenic parts of the island is the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s home to some of the towns I’ve mentioned and countless hiking trails, cycling trails, viewpoints, hidden coves, and unique manmade landmarks.
Other natural areas you can explore are the coastal Mondrago Natural Park and Sa Dragonera Natural Park (located on a nearby uninhabited island). If you’re an avid nature lover, these parts of Mallorca will surprise you.
Rich History
When Mallorca is often perceived solely as a beach destination, it’s easy to forget that it’s steeped in history.
From prehistory and Roman times to the Arab rule and the conquest of the island by King Jaume I of Aragon (who became the King of Majorca) in the 13th century, each era had its impact on Mallorca and left landmarks you can still visit today.
These include remains of prehistoric and Roman settlements, Moorish gardens, medieval walls, monasteries, cathedrals, and palaces. If you’re a history lover, you’re in for a treat.
Must-See Manmade and Natural Landmarks
Diving a little deeper into all the historical landmarks you can see in Mallorca, anyone can find at least one point of interest to enjoy.
Some of the highlights of this island are:
- Remains of villages from the Bronze Age like the Talaiots de Son Fornés
- Ruins of the Roman city of Pollentia
- Medieval walls of Alcudia
- Palma Cathedral, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and Bellver Castle (in Palma de Mallorca)
- Capdepera Castle
- Royal Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa
If you’re more of a natural landmark kind of traveler, head to the infamous caves of Cuevas del Drach and Cuevas dels Hams, visit Cap de Formentor (Mallorca’s northernmost point) or hike in the Torrent de Pareis canyon.
Palma Is Such a Lovely City
Is Palma de Mallorca worth visiting? I’m pretty sure most people don’t travel to Mallorca just to spend a day or two in the capital, Palma, but don’t underestimate this city.
I thought it was just going to be a base point from where I would take day trips, but I discovered an intriguing city with an incredible old town (and other fascinating neighborhoods), lots of historical landmarks, a great culinary scene, photogenic architecture, and so much more.
So if you’re only a short flight away and a quick Spanish weekend break is all you’re looking for, consider spending it in Palma de Mallorca.
The Culture
If you’re a culture buff, Mallorca is going to win you over.
Apart from the capital city of Palma, which is home to many museums and art galleries (including the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Joan Miró Foundation), you’ll find quite a few intriguing places to visit.
These include the Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum in Valldemossa, where the gifted Polish composer spent a very productive time on the island, and La Granja d’Esporles, a museum dedicated to Mallorca’s history and traditions (housed in a 17th-century mansion).
If you’re after authentic souvenirs, pearls, salt, and ceramics are some of the traditional must-buys. Another unique experience is booking a stay in a finca, a traditional Mallorquin countryside farmhouse/estate.
You can also visit the weekly markets taking place in plenty of towns across the island, indulge in typical Mallorquin food (if you love seafood, vegetables, and baked goods, you won’t be disappointed), attend some festivals, and the list goes on.
Diverse and Unique Activities
I hope that by now, you understand that there’s a lot more to do in Mallorca than just unwind at the beach. Besides all the activities and places I’ve mentioned so far, this island has a few more surprises.
Outdoors enthusiasts can go hiking, cycling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canyoning; wine lovers can tour central Mallorca’s vineyards; others can take a boat tour to watch dolphins in the wild. Pretty exciting, right?
You Can Explore It by Car or Public Transportation
Is Mallorca a good place to visit without a car?
There’s no doubt that taking a road trip would be an ideal way to discover Mallorca’s hidden gems, conveniently get to every nook and cranny of the island, and have the most flexibility.
That said, you can also plan a Mallorca itinerary that doesn’t require renting a car (as I did) yet still includes some of the most beautiful places on the island.
Reachable by bus are picture-perfect spots like Mirador Es Colomer (the most iconic viewpoint in Mallorca), Jardines de Alfabia, Valldemossa, and Alcudia, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Traditional Mallorquin Food
It’s not surprising that you can stumble upon plenty of tourist traps when you’re looking for a place to eat.
But if you make the effort to find typical local food, you’ll be rewarded with dishes like Tumbet (a bit similar to ratatouille), Coca de trampó (thin bread baked and topped with vegetables), and frito Mallorquín de marisco (seafood with vegetables).
Good to know: Mallorca’s most famous pastry, ensaïmada, as well as some other local pastries, are not vegetarian-friendly – they are made with pork lard.
Suitable for Different Groups of Travelers
Considering what Mallorca has to offer, it can be a good destination for couples, families, groups of friends, and even solo travelers.
As you can see, its attractions are also suitable for different interests, whether you just want to unwind at the beach, enjoy the natural scenery, get to know the local history and culture or take in a bit of everything.
The Mediterranean Vibe Is Addictive
Even though I love exploring different types of destinations in Europe and I love visiting them in different seasons, there’s something addictive about the tranquility of a Mediterranean island on a sunny day.
So when you get to the quiet spots of Mallorca, whether inland or coastal, you feel that contagious laid-back Mediterranean vibe.
Spain Is Always a Good Idea
I know I’m biased because I feel like Spain is my home away from home, but it really is a destination that never disappoints me, even if not everything is perfect.
No matter what region you visit in Spain, you’ll always find beautiful places to visit, interesting local culture, good food, and so much more.
Should You Visit Mallorca? The Verdict
This island is much more than meets the eye, so I definitely think it’s worth visiting Mallorca, but I also recommend choosing wisely when to do so.
I visited at the end of May, and there was already a very respectable number of tourists on the island, so I can’t imagine how crowded it gets in July and August.
I know it’s not possible for everyone, but avoiding traveling to the Balearic island during these months will surely make a positive impact on your trip. Otherwise, you might not love Mallorca as much as I did.
If you’re wondering how many days in Mallorca are enough, I’d say that you need a minimum of 5 days, though I encourage you to spend 7-10 days in Mallorca if you have the time (I could have easily spent 2 weeks there).
Other Mallorca and Spain Travel Guides
Planning a trip to the Balearic Islands? Read:
- Breakfast and brunch places in Palma de Mallorca
- Free things to do in Palma de Mallorca
- What to pack for Mallorca
- Must-see landmarks in Spain
- Best road trips in Spain
- Hidden gems in Spain
- Novels set in Spain
- Spain travel quotes
- Spain travel tips
- Spain themed gifts
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