MALLORCA, SPAIN: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A BALEARIC ISLAND PARADISE

Finally, checking Spain off the bucket list. And more importantly, finally visiting Mallorca! The largest island in the Balearic Sea, Mallorca is a beachgoer’s dream, home to a craggy coastline riddled with more than 200 picturesque calas (small inlets) and beaches. Couple that with the storybook villages, picturesque waterfronts, fresh seafood, delicious tapas, cliff jumping and hiking, and you have one of the most sought-after summer destinations in Europe. Below is my complete guide to the island including the best beaches, sights, hotels, Airbnb rentals, restaurants, Google Map pins and more.

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Beach day at Calo des Moro, one of the most famous beaches on Mallorca.

HOW MANY DAYS ON MALLORCA?

EIGHT TO 10 DAYS. Mallorca might be an island, but it’s a massive island. And while more than a week is a lot of time to dedicate to any destination, I’d say it’s the minimum you need to get a good taste of Mallorca. There are more than 200 beaches and calas scattered along the picturesque coastline, as well as villages, hikes and historical sights to discover.

Everything on the Mallorca is reachable by car, but driving distances are long. And while a one hour drive to reach an epic beach might sound reasonable on paper, it becomes pretty draining to do this several days in a row. With 10 days on the island, you can alternate the road trip days. It makes a big difference!

Almost every cobbled lane in Valldemossa is lined with potted plants and flowers. OUTFIT DETAILS: Free People two-piece set linked here, ASOS hat linked here.

Boat days are the best days on Mallorca.

MALLORCA QUICK TIPS

• “CALA” – WHAT IS IT? You’ll hear this word a lot on Mallorca. A cala is a coastal cove or inlet. Most of the island’s best beach spots are actually calas, hence the names Cala Pi, Cala Llombards, Cala Formentor, etc.
• CURRENCY – The local currency is the Euro. It’s always a good idea to have local currency handy, but it was hardly necessary on Mallorca. Everywhere took credit cards – restaurants, gelaterias, boat rentals, petrol stations, etc.

Afternoon at Cala Llombards – arrive before 11 AM to enjoy the beach without the crowds. OUTFIT DETAILS: Lovers + Friends one-piece linked here and ASOS hat linked here.

Palma Cathedral and views of the ultra curvy Sa Calobra Road.

WHEN TO VISIT MALLORCA

• JUNE & SEPTEMBER – Mallorca has become quite popular in recent years. And while it’s hard to escape the summer crowds, June and September offer the best balance of warm weather, hotel selection and hotel prices. And it’ll be slightly less busy than July and August.
• JULY & AUGUST – July and August temps can be unbearably hot, and summer crowds peak this time of the year.
• APRIL, MAY & OCTOBER – Lodging pricing is reasonable during shoulder season, but the island is not fully open in April, May and late October. Weather can be hit and miss, and likely too cold for beach days in April.
• NOVEMBER TO MARCH – Avoid visiting this time of the year. The weather is cold with chances of rain.

Sa Calobra.

The crystal clear waters of Cala Llombards.

BEST BEACHES ON MALLORCA

CALA DEIA

Cala Deia is a beautiful cove located on the west coast, just below the village of Deia. The crystal clear water sparkles deep shades of turquoise offering up an ideal setting for sunbathing, swimming and cliff jumping. This is a rocky beach – no sand in sight! So arrive early to claim a good boulder, rock or platform for sunbathing. IMO, the best spot is a cement slab that extends into the water at the base of the Ca’s Patro March staircase.

CALA LLOMBARDS

There’s a reason everyone loves Cala Llombards. It’s ridiculously beautiful. The water color is a particular shade of blue, the prettiest on the island. And the sandy beach, sunbathing rocks, boathouses and swim ladders give the cala so much character. Arrive early to enjoy the beach before it gets busy, but even with crowds, it’s a great place to spend the day.

CALA MARMOLS

Cala Marmols is a stunning, unspoiled inlet reachable only by boat or a 5-km exposed hike. It’s easiest to visit by boat, as there are no facilities on the beach.

CALA MURTA

A stunning remote cala in the far north surrounded by rocks and forest. It’s a bit of a hike to reach the beach, but worth it to spend the day at the beautiful beach. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a goat or two!

CALA PI

The beach is long, narrow and usually picturesque. But when it’s overcrowded (especially during the summer), the water can turn cloudy by midday. Also, if the seafloor is covered in bark when you visit, it’s mushy to step on, and the water looks more brown than blue.

CALA S’ALMUNIA

This beach is a must-visit while on Mallorca. A craggy crack in the coastline has formed two small coves where beachgoers flock for sunbathing, cliff jumping, swimming and boathouse vibes. It’s also a five-minute walk to Calo des Moro via a coastal trail, so easy enough to visit both in one day.

CALA TUENT

Lovely beach that reached via the same windy road that leads down to Sa Calobra. Cala Tuent is a pebble beach surrounded by greenery and mountain views.

CALO DES MORO

Calo des Moro is a stunning inlet along the island’s southeast coastline. Admire the breathtaking view from atop, and then it’s a short hike down to reach the water. The beach itself is surprisingly small. And depending on the tide, there might be little to no sand at all, in which case beachgoers claim rocks and boulders for sunbathing. The water color here reminded me of Favignana in Sicily.

ES PONTAS

Es Pontas is a stunning natural arch that sits just off the island’s southeast coast. The viewpoint is accessible via a short walk from the parking area, and from there a trail leads down to the water. On a calm day, swim out to the arch where a rope hangs from the soaring limestone ceiling for thrill seekers to swing and jump into the water.

ES TRENC

If you need a break from the island’s narrow rocky calas, take a trip out to Es Trenc, a long sandy beach on Mallorca’s south coast. It’s an endless stretch of powder white sand and a seascape of vibrant blue water, but no facilities.

PORT DE SA CALOBRA BEACH

A lovely small port beach that is the first water you’ll see on the walk from the parking lot to Sa Calobra. It isn’t nearly as epic as Sa Calobra, but still worth a stop. It’s beautiful.

PORT DE VALLDEMOSSA

It’s a rather narrow drive down to the village beach from Valldemossa, but once parked it’s a lovely place to spend the afternoon. The waterfront is charming, and an absolute vibe.

SA CALOBRA

Hands down my favorite beach on Mallorca. Sa Calobra is reachable via one of the island’s curviest road. Park at the paid lot, and then follow the path along a gorgeous stretch of coastline out to Sa Calobra, an absolutely stunning beach that sits trapped between two limestone cliffs. The cove is wide and deep, so the water here doesn’t get murky when crowded. There are rocks, cliffs and stone steps to swim out to for cliff jumping. And the water color is stunning.

Exploring the charming alleyways of Valldemossa.

Valldemossa is one of the loveliest villages on Mallorca.

MALLORCA GOOGLE MAP PINS

Mallorca is my favorite island in Spain, and I’m sharing more than 100 of my Google map pins from across the island with you guys here. The map is savable to your Google account, and easy to use for trip planning and navigation once on the ground in Mallorca.

Map pins include:

• must-visit destinations, churches, historic sites, viewpoints, villages
• hotels, villas, Airbnbs
• bars, cafes, cliff bars, gelato shops, restaurants, tapas spots
• beaches, calas, cliff jumping locations,
• boat rental companies, ferry ports
• photo from several of these locations

Destinations included in the map: Alcudia, Deia, Fornalutx, Palma, Port de Soller, Soller, Southeast Coastline, Valldemossa

More than 100 Google map pins from across the island are available here.

EXPLORE MALLORCA

ALCUDIA OLD TOWN

This lovely Old Town in north Mallorca is a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours exploring. The historic town centre is walkable. Highlights include the Porta de Moll, St. Debastian’s Gate and medieval walls.

BELLVER CASTLE

Bellver is a beautiful Gothic castle that sits perched on a hilltop overlooking Palma. It boasts a rare circular shape, and dates back to the 14th century.

DEIA

Deia is part of a cluster of storybook villages on the island’s west coast. It’s small, and not a lot going on, but perfectly serene to visit in the evening, especially if you have a dinner reservation at El Olivio, Restaurant Nama or Restaurante Miro. Wander through the village and you’ll find a handful of boutiques, restaurants and a church perched on the village hilltop.

DRACH CAVES

Popular tourist attraction in Porto Cristo, home to four interconnected caves riddled with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as an underground lake, Lake Martel. Visitors can explore Black Cave, White Cave, Cave of Luis Salvador and Cave of the French on foot. It typically takes about an hour.

FORNALUTX

Another charming cluster of stone houses, cobbled lanes and potted plants, Fornalutx is a mountain village that sits trapped in the Serra de Tramuntana. The fairytale setting is filled with the tapas restaurants, shops, a church and market square.

MIRADOR COLL DE REIS

On the drive to Sa Calobra Beach, stop at Mirador Coll de Reis for epic views of the ultra curvy Sa Calobra Road that winds down to the waterfront below.

MORTITX CANYON

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, explore the stunning waterfalls and canyons of northern Mallorca. Mortitx Canyon in the Serra de Tramuntana is particularly stunning, and no canyoning experience is necessary if you book with a tour company. Món d’Aventura is a solid option.

PALMA CATHEDRAL

This stunning 14th century Gothic Roman cathedral sits in the heart of Palma, towering over Old Town and the Bay of Palma. The best photo location to capture the entire church is from across the lagoon, along the stone ledge.

PORT DE SOLLER

Bustling waterfront filled with sailboats and yachts that feels quintessential Europe on warm summer evening. The waterfront is lined with tapas bars, seafood restaurants, cafes, gelato, shops and beach clubs. A great place to stay on the island if you can find a place.

SANT BARTOMEU CHURCH

Sant Baromeu Church sits is the heart of little Soller surrounded by bustling restaurants, shops and the occasional passing tram. It’s a 13th century Roman Gothic church, and it’s the most beautiful on Mallorca.

SOLLER

Soller is home to a lovely village square surrounded by a gorgeous church, al fresco dining, gelato and little boutiques. There is a historic tram that connects Soller to Port de Soller, a fun way to travel between the two villages.

VALLDEMOSSA

Possibly the prettiest village on Mallorca. Similar to Deia, Valldemossa is built up a hilltop, but it’s a bit more bustling with a variety of boutiques, cafes, shops and restaurants. Spend an afternoon navigating the maze of cobbled lanes lined with the most potted plants and flowers you’ve ever seen.

Cala Pi.

Cala S’Almunia and Calo des Moro.

MALLORCA HOTELS

AGROTURISME GOSSALBA

If you want to get away from the crowded calas and the bustle of Palma for a couple of nights, head 30 minutes north to Agroturisme Gossalba. The 18th century property is a finca that houses nine rooms that have been completely restored with much love. There’s loads of character to this place. The views at sunset surrounded by 2,000 olive trees are particularly lovely.

BELMOND LA RESIDENCIA

The most famous luxury hotel on the island, the Belmond La Residencia occupies an entire hillside overlooking the picturesque village of Deia. The location on the island is ideal – Valldemossa, Cala Deia, Port de Soller and even Sa Calobra are an easy drive. And the property is stunning, boasting more than 70 rooms, suites and villas, several with views of the mountains and private swimming pools.

CAN FERRERETA

If you’re visiting Mallorca for 10 days or more, it might be worth dividing your time between the east and west coast to save time on commuting back and forth. If that’s the case, Can Ferrereta is a wonderful east coast option located in darling Santanyi. Once a 17th century mansion, the property has been completely converted into a five-star luxury retreat, home to more than 30 spacious rooms. Color palette is soothing whites, beiges, browns and naturals – beautifully designed.

CAP ROCAT

For over-the-top luxury, Cap Rocat occupies a remote stretch of coastline 30-minutes south of Palma. Once a 19th century military fortress, the property is now an opulent five-star resort. The rooms and suites open up to views of the Balearic Sea, some terraces with sea-facing plunge pools. There is a private beach, spa, cinema and two on-site restaurants.

FELANTIX HOME

I absolutely love the design of this three-bedroom Airbnb rental located in Son Prohens. The space is gorgeous, channeling all the boho vibes of the Greek islands with a white and tan color scheme. Location isn’t the most central when it comes to popular villages and restaurants – everything is a bit of a drive.

GRAN HOTEL SOLLER

Lovely hotel situated in Soller that is home to a rooftop swimming pool surrounded by spectacular views of the cathedral and mountains. The Gran Hotel Soller rooms are a bit dated, but clean.

JUMEIRAH PORT SOLLER HOTEL & SPA

Perched high atop Port de Soller with breathtaking views of the Balearic Sea is the Jumeirah Port Soller. It’s one of the more expensive properties on the island, home to more than 100 gorgeous rooms, suites and villas. At check-in guests are greeted with fresh squeezed orange juice and a pair of flannel pajamas. There are several on-site restaurants and bars, a spa and a variety of pool options for guests.

MEEM TOWNHOUSE

New property in Port de Soller, Meem Townhouse reminds me a lot of the hotels in the Greek islands. Lots of white & neutrals, minimalist chic and high airy ceilings. There are seven rooms available to book (I suggest avoiding Room 1 because it’s on the ground floor, and can be a bit noisy with street traffic). The fresh breakfast, cakes and breads are delicious, and service is impeccable. There is no hotel parking lot, but several paid lots are within a short walking distance (paid lots on the island are very affordable). Highly recommend staying here.

POSADA TERRA SANTA

Palma wouldn’t be my first choice for lodging, but I do think Posada Terra Santa is a lovely option in the capital city’s Old Town. The upscale boutique hotel occupies a 16th century mansion, now home to more than 25 plush, comfortable guest rooms. There is a rooftop terrace, pool and on-site restaurant.

VILLA SA TORRE

Port de Soller is my favorite area to stay on Mallorca. I love the waterfront atmosphere, as well as having dining options and the beach in such close proximity. If you’re traveling with a group, Villa Sa Torre is the best option in town. The four-bedroom, three-story house sits facing the waterfront, and it’s a mere a one-minute walk to the parking lot. It’s one of the oldest homes in Port de Soller, but it’s been completely renovated, while still retaining a lot of the old world character.

I found this place last minute, and it turned out to be such a gem. Loved my stay at Meem Townhouse!

My complete nine-day Mallorca itinerary is available here.

MALLORCA RESTAURANTS

BARBAFLORIDA CAFE

This charming little cafe in Valldemossa is a wonderful stop for a light morning breakfast, coffee or tea.

BAR DEPORTIU

Cute little al fresco spot in Fornalutx village for afternoon apertivo. The outdoor seating is perfect for people watching, cocktails and munchies.

BEACH HOUSE PORT SOLLER

A mist-visit shop on the Port de Soller waterfront that serves delicious smoothies and ice cream.

CA BENET BY DON PEDRO

A casual restaurant for dinner in Fornalutx with outdoor seating that is a vibe on a summer evening. The menu includes a selection of traditional Spanish tapas, sandwiches and salads.

CAFE CA’N TONI

Tasty little tapas spot located in the heart of Palma’s Old Town. Reservations are recommended at night when the restaurant is popping, but during the day it’s possible to walk in. Highly recommend sitting outside on their covered patio.

CA’N LIMONA

Delicious little Italian restaurant located in Soller that serves up a selection of fresh pasta and homemade sauces. The restaurant is pretty tiny, reservations recommended.

CA’S PATRO MARCH

The best restaurant view on the island is from Ca’s Patro March, perched above the stunning blue waters of Cala Deia. The menu is filled with fresh, delicious seafood options. Reservations are a must – this place books out months in advance. If you don’t have a reservation, arrive when the restaurant opens and put your name down in case there are any no-shows.

CASSAI GRAN CAFE

Tucked away on the streets of San Salinas is one of the most beautiful restaurants on Mallorca complete with boho vibes, sage greens, foliage, rustic wood, airy ceilings and lots of light. While the space is stunning (fit for an Instagram feed), the food is mediocre and service is a bit slow.

CORAZON

Lovely spot for a sunset dinner in the Tramuntana Mountains, between Deia and Soller. It’s located inside a 15-room hotel with a philosophy that food should be local/, seasonal and medicinal. There is garden of 50 beds on property filled with vegetables, fruits and herbs, all grown without pesticides through local faming techniques. Truly farm to table.

EL OLIVIO

El Olivio sits perched over the village of Deia, offering up the most serene setting for dinner at Golden Hour. The restaurant is fine dining with a minimum per person spend, located on the Belmond’s La Residencia property. Reservations highy recommended months in advance.

ES TALLER

Lovely little tapas restaurant for a healthy dinner in the heart of Valldemossa village.

KINGFISHER

Kingfisher sits at the far end of the Port de Soller waterfront, serving up a selection of fresh seafood. It’s my favorite restaurant in all of Mallorca – the prawns, sea bream, sea bass, seafood stew, bread, gin + tonic … everything is amazing. Great ambiance in the evenings overlooking the beautiful waterfront. Reservations highly recommended.

OLA POKE

Popular spot for fresh poke bowls, juices and smoothies in Palma.

OSTERIA EL PATIO

One of the best restaurant options in Alcudia, Osteria El Patio offers a tasty selection of Italian dishes including bruschetta, pastas and pizzas.

PIZZERIA 500 GRADOS

A trendy pizza joiny in Palma that serves delicious wood-fired pies including classics and restaurants specialities.

RAW COCO GREEN BAR

Cute breakfast cafe in Palma that serves delicious smoothies, tasty muffins, toasts, waffles and acai bowls.

RESTAURANTE MIRO

If El Olivio is booked up, then it’s neighbor Restaurante Miro is a perfectly fine alternative. It’s the sister restaurant that’s also located at Belmond La Residencia. The view is a little different, but it’s the same serene outdoor ambiance of Deia, and the menu is filled with delicious, fresh options including seafood, pastas and salads.

RESTAURANT NAMA

Lovely restaurant in Deia, and one of the few upscale Asian fusion menus on Mallorca. Reservations recommended, request a table on the terrace.

Whether it’s an overnight stay or a sunset dinner, a visit to La Residencia is a must while in Deia.

The seafood on the island is fresh and delicious.

Best restaurant views on the island are at Ca’s Patro March. OUTFIT DETAILS: Fortunate One Store dress, linked here.

Fresh sea bream at Kingfisher, and Asian fusion at Restaurant Nama.

Golden Hour at Restaurant Nama.

Ambiance at Cassai Gran Cafe, a breakfast at Rawcoco Green Bar.

GET AROUND MALLORCA

A car is a must on Mallorca. The driving distances are long. For example, it’s more than an hour on the road to get from the village of Valldemossa to Cala Llombards. Everywhere you’re gonna want to visit is just easier to reach with a car. All the major car brands have rental counters at the airport. I rented from Avis and Hertz, and both were great.

Cala Llombards. OUTFIT DETAILS: Lovers + Friends one-piece linked here and ASOS hat linked here.

Summer scenes around the island.

Gorgeous coves and inlets on the walk to Sa Calobra.

Summers on the island are a dream.

GET TO MALLORCA

The Palma de Mallorca Airport connects Mallorca to domestic destinations within Spain, as well as dozens of cities throughout the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. The abundance of budget airline flights make Mallorca a quick, affordable weekend escape for most Europeans. For Americans, the easiest route is via the United Airlines direct flight that connects Newark to Palma.

Additionally, the ferry connects Mallorca to several destinations in Spain including Ibiza, Menorca, Valencia and more. I always use Ferryhopper to look up all ferry schedules and to book my tickets.

Deia.

Storybook vibes in Valldemossa.