The Ultimate Mallorca Bucket List

Hello there! If you are looking for inspiration on what to do in Mallorca, then you have come to the right place! I have been traveling to Mallorca for more than twenty years with my family and gathered up a lot of knowledge about all the highlights of Mallorca. Therefore it was quite easy for me to put together this ultimate Mallorca Bucket List.

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FAQ on Visiting Mallorca

When to Visit Mallorca?

I will never get tired of telling everyone who reads my blog posts not to visit Mallorca during summer but in April – Mai or September – October instead. During these periods you will have decent to great weather but most importantly, you will have the chance to enjoy all the places I listed below without the huge crowds the island attracts during the summer months. Mallorca is a place that suffers from mass tourism. Avoiding the months of June, July, and August will give you the luxury of not being pushed around by crowds. Furthermore, if you want to go hiking in Mallorca, not going during the summer months will spare you from being fried by the sun!

How to Get to Mallorca?

Most people, including myself, arrive in Mallorca by plane. Mallorca has a huge international airport (PMI). Also, be sure to check twice, if you are looking for flights, because there is also „Las Palmas“ in Gran Canaria and it might have happened to me before, that I searched for flights and ended up looking up the wrong destination. 

Where to Stay in Mallorca?

To me, the most amazing area to stay in when visiting Mallorca is between Felanitx and Santanyí. The area around S’Horta and Cas Concos is incredibly picturesque and romantic. There on every turn, you can smell the scent of Pines and if you are on time almond flowers. The two best hotels to stay in are the Sa Nau Agriturismo, which is heaven on earth if you are looking for a lovely rural and elegant place to stay in, and the Son Terassa Hotel, which is the ultimate Mallorquín getaway. 

How to Get Around in Mallorca? 

While you can explore Mallorca by public transport, it is way easier and more comfortable to get around by car, especially when you are staying close to s’Horta. 

Experiences 

Roadtrip the Serra de Traumuntana

One thing that I never get tired of when traveling to Mallorca is going on the mandatory road trip in the Serra de Tramuntana. The Serra de Tramuntana is certified World Heritage and has some of the most incredible views to offer to you. The mountain range is just stunning and will take your breath away every single time you drive past another serpentine. Some of the most memorable places in the Serra de Tramuntana are Valldemossa, Banyalbufar, and Sóller, which are lovely picturesque mountain villages. But there are also beautiful beaches like the Cala Deía (the place where my parents fell in love with each other) and the Sa Calobra. 

Additional Tips: 

• If you are not keen on driving, I recommend you not do the Tramuntana road trip from June – August. The streets in the mountains are already small and narrow enough but during these months, they are also incredibly packed with tourists. You would not be the first one to just turn around and drive the other way again, so maybe plan this road trip for a less crowded time. 

Exploring Palma

One thing you can’t miss when traveling to Mallorca is to explore its vibrant capital – the city of Palma de Mallorca! Even before you reach it, you can see its cathedral and churches from afar and once you step foot in it, it will sweep you right off them. When visiting it, I usually make my way from the Passeig Marítim to the Plaça Major. On the way, I usually do a lot of window shopping and make a short stop at the Gaudí house before walking towards the beautiful Ramblas and eating at the La Boveda, one of Mallorca’s best tapas restaurants. And it is the highlight of every trip to Mallorca! 

Additional tips: 

• For a few years now, parking in Palma has now forbidden for anyone but residents. But you are not only not allowed to park there but will be fined only for driving in. That’s why I always park in the parking lot at the Passeig Marítim. When approaching Palma from the airport, you will not be able to miss this parking lot, since there are signs everywhere, guiding towards it.
• Palma de Mallorca is one of my favorite cities in the entire world. Why? Because it is one of those cities that didn’t get completely swallowed by those huge fashion brands. Right there you will find the most amazing small boutiques filled with unique clothing and accessories. 

Market in Santanyí 

Markets in Mallorca are where I usually stock up on basket bags, flowy dresses, decorative items, and more! My absolute favorite one has to be the one in Santanyí. It takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the narrow streets of Santanyí and is growing more and more popular each year. That’s why I recommend getting there as soon as it opens at 9:00 am. One of my favorite places to visit there is the Can Gelat, where you can get the best Pa amb Oli!

Recommended: How to Explore Mallorca

Visit the Cap de Formentor for Sunset 

The Cap de Formentor is the most Northern point of Mallorca and one of the most magnificent I can imagine. There is only one road leading to the end of the peninsula, ending at the Cap’s Lighthouse. The scenery is so rough with steep cliffs and roaring surf underneath the Cap. Its position also makes it the most perfect place to see a wonderful sunset. We arrived there on time for golden hour and stayed almost two hours until the sun dropped into the ocean in the end. 

You can easily park your car there and explore the area a bit until the sunset starts. There is a nice spot for taking pictures just a little down the road, you just have to be careful when walking on the street. My tip for photographers is to bring a lense with which you can zoom a little in to bring the lighthouse closer to you. 

Visit the Market in Alcúdia

Another day in Mallorca another market in Mallorca. The market in Alcúdia is one of the biggest markets in Mallorca and is worth a visit for everyone! It is a paradise for shopaholics, no matter what they love to shop for. While I usually cruise for my annual new basket bag and gold jewelry, friends of mine were more hooked on all the beautiful dresses or local delicacies. And even if you don’t like any of the stalls, walking the medieval streets and city wall is worth the drive anyway! The market takes place on Sundays and Tuesdays and when going there, make sure to watch your bags and bring some time because of traffic.

One Week Mallorca Itinerary for First Timers

See The Sun Rise in The Island’s South East  

I admit it. My favorite place in Mallorca is not the prettiest or most picturesque there is. But this small town called Cala Murada is where I have been going for all of my life. When I stand there on the pier I do not only feel at home but also complete. And therefore it is easy for me to name the best sunrise spot on the whole island. Right there, where I belong, you can stand to witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises you will ever see. 

Explore the Incredible Beaches in the Island’s South

Some of the dreamiest beaches of Mallorca can be found only a short drive away from one another. Some of them got very Insta-famous, making them quite crowded during the summer months, which is mostly because of them being so incredibly beautiful. These beaches are the Calo des Moro, the Cala Llombards, Cala Santanyí and both Mondrago beaches. 

Hike The Sant Salvador

Besides Cala Murada, the area between Porto Colom and Felanitx is the one where I spent the most time when being on Mallorca. This perfect little piece of landscape is filled with almond trees, the scent of pine cones, and the bleh-ing of sheep that are living in almost every landlord’s yards. If you want to take in the entirety of this wonderful place, the best place to do so is the top of the Sant Salvador. This mountain attracts visitors from all over the island and it deserves that fame. Once you have reached the top, you can visit its church and café and take in the incredible scenery. 

See One of The Clearest Skies There Could be (And in August Watch The Shooting Stars) 

My auntie just recently said that the sky on Mallorca is the clearest one she has ever witnessed and that not even the sky in South Africa would come close to it. I am not quite sure how to feel about it, as it would mean that I am spoiled forever. The night sky on Mallorca is so clear that you can see all the stars. If you are in Mallorca during August, it is almost obligatory to grab some pillows and lay down outside, and watch the sky as it is the month where you can almost be certain about seeing at least a dozen shooting stars. Make sure to wish upon it. 

Stay in a Finca

Did you know that malloriquín farmhouses are called Fincas? Not many farmers still live there full-time but rent them out to tourists. When I was a kid, my family rented the same one year after year and it became a house and a home for me. A vacation on a Finca like Finca Son Jorbo will have you recharge your batteries and energy. The silence that comes with staying so far off big streets, only hearing sheep blerghing is so calming for the mind. Slowing down like this always helps me focus on what’s important again and I can recommend this to everyone who feels a little worn or burned out at the moment. 

5 Reasons for a Finca Vacation on Mallorca

The Food To Dos

Ok, I have run out of experiences for now. But this doesn’t mean that there is nothing more to discover in Mallorca. As it belongs to Spain, it is also a culinary Eldorado for every foodie on earth. Besides the classical tapas, Mediterranean cuisine, and fresh fish (ohh all the fresh fish) the Mallorquín came up with some extraordinary specialties that you need to try! 

Pamboli

Starting with a classíco that you can’t really unsee on Mallorca. Pamboli is a sort of sandwich but very unique in the way that the ingredients are chosen. It starts with a special pan de cristál and is covered in olive oil and a tomato paste. Then it is either left blanc or covered with Jamón de Iberíco or Queso de Mahon, a special Mallorquin cheese. Served with some olives it is just the perfect simple meal that once again proves, that simpleness is key. 

The Very Best Restaurants in Mallorca

Ensaimada 

As kids, my brother and I would be crazy for Ensaimadas. The sweet pastry from Mallorca is some kind of puff pastry, covered in powdery sugar and sometimes even filled with vanilla pudding. Doesn’t sound this to die for?

Butifarón

Hold onto your guts, this one isn’t for the faint-hearted. But it is a Mallorquín specialty and therefore I need to mention and you need to try it. The Butifarón is a blood sausage that looks like someone forgot a regular sausage in the flames of a BBQ and left it there for solid two hours. Definitely not something that you would like to try. 

But with some pan de cristál, fresh tomato, salt, and pepper this sausage suddenly turns into a delicatessé! Try it and you won’t be disappointed! 

Tumbet

Ready for one last tip? I promise you, this one is an easy one. Tumbet is Mallorquin vegetables and is serves with a sunny side egg on it. In my family, we even had it on Christmas Eve. The vegetables are cooked in a sugo of tomato sauce and nothing tastes as Mediterranean as this dish. Simply delicious and none should miss it when on Mallorca! 

And it is a wrap! There are my tips on what to do in Mallorca. I hope you liked this post and it helped you to plan your next holiday. If I forgot something that I really need to experience on Mallorca, let me know in the comments!