Mallorca

Mediterranean paradise—dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountains, 200+ stunning beaches, historic Palma, and endless hidden calas.

900K Population
€95 Daily Budget
5-7 Days Needed
🏖️⛰️🏰 Beach+Mountains+Culture
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Best Time
May-Jun, Sep-Oct
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Airport
PMI (Palma)
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Transport
Car Rental Essential
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Languages
Spanish, Catalan

🏖️ Top Attractions & Must-See Places

Mallorca offers incredible diversity. UNESCO mountains, hidden coves, historic towns, and some of Europe's best beaches.

Palma de Mallorca

Beautiful capital with Gothic cathedral (La Seu), historic old town, Arab Baths, Bellver Castle, marina, shopping on Passeig des Born. Perfect blend of history, culture, beaches, and nightlife.

⏰ Full day 💰 €15 cathedral 🏛️ Historic city
Book City Tour →

Serra de Tramuntana

UNESCO World Heritage mountain range. Dramatic cliffs, winding roads, villages like Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller. Best scenery in Mallorca. Driving Ma-10 coastal road is spectacular! Cyclist paradise.

⏰ Full day 💰 FREE 🏔️ UNESCO Site
Book Mountain Tour →

Caló des Moro

Tiny paradise cove with turquoise water and white sand. Instagram-famous (gets crowded!). Arrive early (8am) or late afternoon. Small but absolutely stunning. Worth the stairs down!

⏰ 2-3 hours 💰 FREE 📸 Instagram famous
Book Beach Tour →

Cap de Formentor

Dramatic northern peninsula with lighthouse, stunning viewpoints (Mirador Es Colomer), winding cliff roads. Sunset spot. Limited parking in summer (take bus or arrive early). Breathtaking!

⏰ Half day 💰 FREE 🌅 Stunning views
Book Excursion →

Cuevas del Drach

Dragon Caves with Europe's largest underground lake (Lake Martel). Guided tours with classical music concert on boat. Spectacular stalactites/stalagmites. Cool inside (16°C). Book online ahead!

⏰ 1.5 hours 💰 €17 🎵 Music concert
Book Cave Tour →

Sóller & Port de Sóller

Charming mountain town with vintage wooden train from Palma (€25 return). Orange groves, beautiful plaza, tram to Port de Sóller beach. Historic and picturesque. Don't miss!

⏰ Half day 💰 €25 train 🚂 Historic train
Book Train Tour →

Playa de Muro

6km of white sand beach, shallow turquoise water, perfect for families. Less crowded than Palma beaches. Alcúdia Bay natural park nearby. Best family beach on island. Free parking available.

⏰ Half-Full day 💰 FREE 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family perfect
Book Beach Day →

Valldemossa

Mountain village where Chopin spent winter 1838-39. Cobbled streets, monastery (Royal Carthusian), beautiful views, cafés serving coca de patata (local pastry). Romantic and authentic.

⏰ 2-3 hours 💰 €10 monastery 🎹 Chopin museum
Book Village Tour →

🏖️ Best Beaches & Calas

Mallorca has 200+ beaches and hidden calas (coves). From party beaches to secret paradise spots. Something for everyone!

🏝️
Caló des Moro

Tiny, gorgeous cove with turquoise water. Most Instagrammed beach in Mallorca! Gets packed (100+ people in small space). Arrive 8am or after 5pm. Stairs down. No facilities. Bring everything. Absolutely worth it!

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Es Trenc

6km Caribbean-style white sand beach, natural park (protected). Shallow turquoise water, no buildings. Gets busy but spreads out. Nudist section at far end. Parking €6. Mallorca's most famous beach.

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Cala Tuent & Cala Sa Calobra

Remote pebble beaches accessed via dramatic winding Ma-2141 road (10km, 800+ curves!). Sa Calobra has gorge (Torrent de Pareis). Crowded in summer. Best by boat from Port de Sóller. Spectacular drive!

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Cala Mondragó

Two protected coves (S'Amarador and Mondragó) in natural park. Pine forests, walking trails, clear water. Family-friendly, facilities, restaurants. Less crowded than Es Trenc. Beautiful and accessible. Parking available.

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Playa de Palma

5km beach near airport. Lively atmosphere, beach clubs (Balneario 6), restaurants, water sports. Party vibe, German tourist hub. Close to Palma city. Good for nightlife lovers. Can be crowded and touristy.

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Cala Varques

Secret beach (20-min walk from parking). Beautiful natural cave for shade, white sand, clear water. No facilities - bring supplies. Quieter than famous beaches. Nudist-friendly. Local favorite. Peaceful paradise!

🌤️ Weather & Best Time to Visit

Mallorca has Mediterranean climate. Hot summers, mild winters, pleasant spring/autumn. 300 sunny days per year!

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Spring (Apr-Jun)

Best time to visit! 20-27°C, wildflowers blooming, fewer tourists than summer. May-June perfect for beach. Easter can be busy. Ideal for hiking and cycling in Serra de Tramuntana.

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Summer (Jul-Aug)

28-32°C, hottest and busiest season. Beaches packed, prices peak. Water perfect (25-26°C). Book months ahead. Coastal areas have breeze. Inland very hot. Great for guaranteed sun and beach.

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Autumn (Sep-Oct)

Second best time! 22-28°C, warm sea (23-24°C), fewer crowds, lower prices. September still feels like summer. October perfect - warm with deals. Swimming still excellent!

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Winter (Nov-Mar)

15-18°C, mild but too cool for beach. Some rain, mountain snow possible. Many hotels/restaurants closed. Palma stays lively. Great for cycling, hiking, off-season exploring. Very cheap accommodation!

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Sea Temperature

17-19°C in winter (too cold for most), 21-22°C May-June, 25-26°C July-August (perfect!), 23-24°C September-October. Swimming season May-October. Summer months warmest.

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Best for Cycling

March-May and September-October ideal for cycling. Professional teams train here in winter/spring. Summer too hot for serious cycling (30°C+). Serra de Tramuntana has challenging climbs. Europe's cycling mecca!

🏘️ Best Areas & Towns to Stay

Choose based on priorities: city culture, beach relaxation, mountain nature, or party scene. Each area has distinct character.

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Palma de Mallorca

Capital city with culture, nightlife, shopping, restaurants, cathedral, beaches (Playa de Palma 10min). Perfect base for exploring island. Hotels cheaper than resorts. Best for culture and city lovers.

🏛️ Culture 🎉 Nightlife 🛍️ Shopping
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Alcúdia & Port d'Alcúdia

North coast family resort. Long sandy beaches, calm shallow water, medieval old town, Roman ruins, markets. Less party-focused, more relaxed. Best for families with kids and couples.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families 🏖️ Long beach 🏰 Historic
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Sóller & Port de Sóller

Mountain town in Serra de Tramuntana valley. Orange groves, vintage tram, beautiful architecture, authentic atmosphere. Quieter, more upscale. Best for nature lovers avoiding mass tourism.

⛰️ Mountains 🎨 Charming 🍊 Authentic
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Cala d'Or

Southeast resort with multiple small sandy coves, marina, white-washed buildings. Upscale, family-friendly, restaurants, boutiques. Less crowded than Palma area. Beautiful coastline, good base for exploring.

🏖️ Multiple calas ⚓ Marina 💎 Upscale
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Cala Millor

East coast resort with 1.8km sandy beach. Good for water sports, walking promenade, restaurants, family atmosphere. Less British than southwest. Close to caves (Cuevas del Drach). Value for money.

🏄 Water sports 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families 💰 Good value
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Southwest (Paguera, Santa Ponça)

Popular with British/German tourists. Pine-backed beaches, resorts, golf courses, water sports. Family-friendly with good facilities. Can be touristy. Close to Palma. Best for convenient beach holidays.

🏖️ Beach resorts ⛳ Golf 🌊 Water sports

🚗 Getting Around Mallorca

Car rental essential for exploring Mallorca properly. Public transport limited outside Palma. Cycling extremely popular.

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Car Rental (Essential)

€20-35/day for compact cars. Absolutely necessary for hidden beaches, mountain villages, Cap de Formentor, cove hopping. Book online in advance (cheaper). Automatic cars cost €10-15 extra/day. Roads excellent, Serra winding.

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Buses (TIB)

Connect Palma to major towns. Line 210 to Alcúdia, 203 to Sóller (cheaper than train), A32 airport to Palma (€5). Infrequent to villages. Single tickets €1.50-10. Tourist Pass available. Not practical for exploring.

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Sóller Train

Historic wooden train from Palma to Sóller (€25 return, 1 hour). Beautiful mountain journey through 13 tunnels. Vintage tram continues to Port de Sóller (€8). Must-do experience! Book online to skip queues.

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Cycling

Mallorca is cycling paradise! Professional teams train here. Road bike rentals €25-50/day. Serra de Tramuntana has iconic climbs (Sa Calobra, Puig Major). Bike lanes along coast. March-May and September-October best.

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From Airport

Palma Airport (PMI) 8km from Palma city. Bus A1 to Palma (€5, 20min). Taxis €20-25 to Palma, €50-80 to north/east resorts. Rent car at airport for best rates and convenience.

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Parking Tips

Popular beaches have paid parking (€5-10/day, arrive early in summer). Palma has underground garages (€20-30/day). Blue zones in towns €1-2/hour. Villages have free street parking. Cap de Formentor limited (bus alternative).

💰 Budget Planning

Mallorca is mid-range for Spain. More expensive than mainland but excellent value for Mediterranean island destination.

Budget
€60
Per Day (~$65 USD)
Hostel/Budget Hotel €30-40
Meals €15-20
Transport €5-10
Activities €5-10
Mid-Range
€95
Per Day (~$104 USD)
3-star Hotel €50-70
Meals €30-40
Car Rental €20-30
Activities €15-25
Luxury
€300+
Per Day (~$330+ USD)
5-Star Resort €200+
Fine Dining €80+
Activities & Spa €50+
Private Experiences €70+

🗺️ Best Day Trips & Excursions

Mallorca perfect size for day trips. Drive complete island in 2-3 hours. Every corner offers something special!

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Serra de Tramuntana Scenic Drive

Ma-10 coastal road from Andratx to Pollença (90km). Stop at Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Fornalutx (most beautiful village). Allow full day. Winding roads, dramatic views. Lunch at mountain restaurant. Unforgettable!

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Southeast Beach Hopping

Cala Mondragó → Caló des Moro → Cala S'Almunia → Es Trenc. Visit 4-5 beaches in one day. Arrive early at Caló des Moro (8am). Pack lunch, water, snorkel gear. Full day, lots of driving but worth it!

Boat Trip to Cabrera

Uninhabited island national park (1-hour boat from Colònia de Sant Jordi, €40-60). Pristine nature, Blue Cave, castle ruins, hiking, snorkeling. Day trips include lunch. Book ahead (limited daily visitors). Bring sunscreen!

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Sunrise at Cap de Formentor

Leave Alcúdia 5:30am, reach lighthouse for sunrise. Almost empty (summer parking restrictions start 10am). Breakfast at Hotel Formentor. Return via Mirador Es Colomer. Magical morning without crowds. Bring jacket (windy!).

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Wine Tour in Binissalem

Visit bodegas in Mallorca's wine region (20min from Palma). Try indigenous grape varieties (Manto Negro, Prensal Blanc). Tours €20-40 with tastings. Combine with lunch. Many wineries, book ahead. Beautiful countryside!

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Hiking Torrent de Pareis

Challenging gorge hike to Sa Calobra (3-4 hours). Requires scrambling over rocks. Go with guide if inexperienced. Only in dry season! Easier option: walk gorge entrance from beach. Spectacular but difficult.

🍽️ Food & Dining

Mallorcan cuisine is Mediterranean with Catalan influences. Fresh seafood, pork, vegetables, almonds, excellent wines.

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Ensaïmada

Iconic spiral pastry dusted with powdered sugar. Traditional Mallorca breakfast/snack. Plain or filled (cabello de ángel, chocolate, cream). Buy from historic bakeries. Take home in special boxes. Delicious with coffee!

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Sopas Mallorquinas

Traditional "dry soup" (more like stew) with vegetables and bread. Despite name, not soupy! Hearty peasant dish with seasonal vegetables. Order in local restaurants (not tourist places). Authentic Mallorca taste.

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Pork Dishes

Sobrasada (spreadable chorizo), black pudding (botifarró), lechona (roast suckling pig), lomo con col (pork with cabbage). Pork is king! Try at traditional cellars (cellers). Rich and flavorful. Local specialty!

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Seafood

Caldereta de langosta (lobster stew - expensive!), gambas (prawns), calamares, fresh fish grilled. Port restaurants have best seafood. Port de Sóller, Portocolom, Alcúdia good spots. Pricey but fresh!

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Tumbet

Layered vegetable dish (potatoes, eggplant, peppers, tomato sauce). Vegetarian Mallorcan specialty. Often served as side dish with meat/fish. Rustic and delicious. Similar to ratatouille. Try at local restaurants!

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Mallorcan Wine

Two DOs: Binissalem and Pla i Llevant. Indigenous grapes create unique wines. Visit bodegas for tastings. House wine in restaurants affordable (€3-5/glass). Try red Manto Negro. Quality has improved massively!

💡 Insider Tips

Beat the Crowds

Popular spots (Caló des Moro, Cap de Formentor, Sa Calobra) packed 10am-5pm in summer. Arrive 8am or after 6pm. September-October have 50% fewer tourists with same weather. May-June also excellent.

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Save Money on Meals

Menu del día (lunch menu) €12-18 for 3 courses + drink. Eat at local spots away from tourist areas. Palma's Santa Catalina neighborhood has authentic tapas. Supermarket picnics on beaches save tons!

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Palma Nightlife

Passeig Marítim has big clubs (Tito's, Pacha). Santa Catalina/La Lonja areas have trendy bars. Magaluf is party central (avoid unless 18-25). Dress code: smart casual. Clubs open midnight-6am. Pre-drink to save money!

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Hotel Strategy

All-inclusive in summer if planning beach days (saves money, convenience). Half-board or B&B if exploring island (more flexibility). Palma city hotels cheaper than beach resorts. Airbnb illegal in many areas!

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Free Activities

200+ beaches free, Serra de Tramuntana hiking free, Palma Cathedral exterior free, Cap de Formentor free, village exploring free, sunset viewpoints free. Can have amazing trip spending very little!

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Language Tips

Locals speak Catalan (Mallorquín dialect) and Spanish. English widely understood in tourist areas. Learn basics: "Bon dia" (good morning), "Gràcies" (thanks). Effort appreciated in villages. Menus often trilingual.

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