Mallorca is a wonderland that can be so easily ruined, it’s ridiculous. She’ll give you postcard perfection, a predictable luxury bubble, or something else entirely. To be fair, it’s almost too easy to get it wrong. She can be a revelation, she can become a habit, or it can be the beautiful and boring holiday paradigm. And it’s ok. You know why? Because this way we get to keep the best of it for ourselves
ONE: THE WHEN AND THE WHERE ARE KEY
Skip the summer crush, go for the shoulder seasons: late spring or autumn. The air is freer, the crowds are whispers, and the seawater temperature is perfect. Shun the generic beach resorts. Hunt down a finca tucked at the feet of the Tramuntana, or a villa overlooking the sea. Mallorca’s about private escapes. Find a spot that lets you explore on your own terms. Car? Non-negotiable.
TWO: FORMENTOR
Cape Formentor is the dragon’s tale, while Tramuntana is its ancient backbone. The Formentor peninsula is where Mallorca’s mountains plunge into the sea.
The drive along the peninsula is a masterclass in scenic drama. Prepare for vistas that will silence you, your passengers holding their breaths – the Amalfi Coast will seem tame. It’s worth every hairpin turn. The initial stretch, through lush Mediterranean forest, and Formentor beach are an incredible treat, while the Formentor Lighthouse is the cherry on top. Tip: stop at a panoramic “mirador” along the way, or plan a hike to Cala Figuera or El Colomer for killer views and an adrenaline kick.
THREE: PALMA
One of the best cities in Spain, easily. Yes, it’s that city where you could actually live. It has the beat of a big city with the perks of a holiday retreat. La Seu steals the show: you will always remember this as the most beautiful cathedral. Jaw-dropping architecture and majestic interior, but it’s the pose that makes all the difference: it reigns absolute on its height overlooking the sea and the port as a beauty queen on the podium. Magic happens on the tiny streets of Old Town, with cute shops, hidden bars and courtyards that feel like secret gardens. Then for the cool vibes and the luxury shopping you can splash on Passeig des Born, where Palma struts its stuff. Designer shops, chic cafes, people-watching gold. Get your food fix in Mercat de l’Olivar: Fresh seafood, local produce, tapas, well, you know, Mallorca. 🙂 Castel de Bellver is also a must.
FOUR: FROM PALMA TO SÓLLER
So, Sóller. You’re going. By car or by vintage tram, that’s up to you. The road, a winding ascent through the Tramuntana mountains, presents panoramic views but demands focused driving and entices to a stop or two to take in the views. The tram, on the other hand, is a laid-back, romantic ride through orange and lemon groves. Plus, the photo ops are pure gold.
Sóller itself is a true gem of Art Nouveau charm, not at all flashy, but subtly elegant. Plaça Constitució is the heart; it feels as if the tram stops right in the city’s intimate lounge: order an “angel’s kiss” (local almond liqueur) or a sangria, and watch the world go by. For dinner, find a table at a family-run “celler” in the backstreets.
The Port of Sóller, a short tram ride from the town, is a separate entity with a different vibe. It’s a working port, not a yacht club. Seafood is the play here. Find a place with outdoor seating, order the fresh catch, and watch the sun dip. Basically, Sóller’s about curated charm, while the port is about raw, authentic coastal life.
FIVE: TRAMUNTANA MOUNTAINS
Arrive for the sea, stay for – or in – the mountains. Rugged peaks, hidden villages. Drive the mountain roads, find your view. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s unforgettable. Tramuntana isn’t just a mountain range; it’s a reminder that Mallorca holds a depth and wildness that transcends its sun-soaked reputation. This is where the Magaluf people are rare and secrets are kept. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its limestone landscape has been sculpted by centuries of erosion, creating a true arcade adventure land. It’s a maze of hiking trails, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging climbs, a discovery of breathtaking gorges (ooh, Sa Calobra) and the most beautiful villages on the island – see chapter SIX 🙂
SIX: MOUNTAIN ESCAPES: DEIA and VALDEMOSSA
Time capsule vibes. Cobbled streets, local life, genuine hospitality.
Deià offers the five star rustic chic, with its weathered stone houses tumbling down the hillside towards the sea. More than half of Deia residents are affluent foreigners, enjoying the unassuming, bohemian vibe. Celebs found refuge here for over a century, with the most recent and enduring example being Michael Douglas and wifey Zeta Jones, whose estate, S’Estaca, is nestled along the scenic coast road towards Sóller, near Deià.
Then there’s Valldemossa, Mallorca’s highest town, where Chopin and his lover Georges Sand spent a winter renting rooms at the Cartuja de Valldemossa. The Real Cartuja (Royal Carthusian Monastery) includes the church, cloisters, and old pharmacy. The town itself is a maze of charming streets, perfect for aimless wandering.
Finally, the Santuari de Lluc, deep in the mountains, isn’t just a religious landmark. It’s a prime base for exploring the Tramuntana. The on-site accommodations are surprisingly up-to-date, and the restaurant is quite impressive, making an overnight stay a smart move for modern pilgrims. This gives you direct access to the network of trails around Lluc, where the views are genuinely next-level.
SEVEN: THE WILD WEST
Just a thirty-minute drive west from Palma, and bang! It feels like a different country altogether. When you reach Sant Elm, you take in the Dragonera views and suddenly, you’re convinced: this must be best spot on the entire island. Then Andratx makes you wonder if you shouldn’t spend the night, or even several nights. Finally, you discover the marjades of Banyalbufar – those terraced agricultural slopes built by the Moors to grow olives and vines high up the mountain look like giant, green staircases tumbling down to the sea. Life should be this simple: sip your Malvasia and wait for the golden hour.
EIGHT: THE BEACHES
Mallorca is all about finding your favorite cala – the most frequent local word you’ll hear. Calas are the hidden coves that are the island’s true seaside treasure. Beyond its broad, bright beaches, Mallorca’s true character lies in the drama of its secret coves, tucked into the rocky coastline.
So, there can be no single top beach here, apart from the unique Es Trenc. Mallorca’s famed ‘virgin’ beach, preserved from development after decades of protest, stretches meaningfully along the south coast between Colònia de Sant Jordi and Sa Ràpita: pine trees, cicadas, white sand, Mediterranean shrub, a sense of natural disarray.
Not to miss: Calo del Moro, Cala Fornells, Platja Formentor, Cala Varques, Cala Romantica, and the Albufera Reserve with the eastern part of Playa de Muro
