Is Mallorca worth visiting? If you’re only thinking beaches and booze, think again. Yes, there are party spots and plenty of sand, but that’s barely scratching the surface. Mallorca is wild mountains, tucked-away calas (coves), winding cliff roads, and rustic villages that still move to their rhythm. You can hike the Serra de Tramuntana, feast on sobrasada in a sleepy inland town, then end the day watching the sun drop behind olive groves. It’s one of Spain’s most diverse islands – and far more than just a summer escape. Sure, it gets crowded. But if you go with your eyes open, Mallorca rewards you.
Mallorca is often seen as just another beach holiday destination – and that’s a mistake. It’s not only one of the best islands in Spain, but it’s also one of the most varied. If you’re building a Spain itinerary and skipping Mallorca, you’re leaving out coastlines, mountains, markets, and some of the best driving roads in the country.
Sure, there are resorts – some loud, some lazy – but the island is big enough to avoid them completely if that’s not your scene. Inland villages like Sóller, Fornalutx, and Pollença still feel local, with orange groves, old stone houses, and cafés where time slows down. Up in the Serra de Tramuntana, you’ll find dramatic cliffs, wild goats, and viewpoints you’ll have to work for. The beaches? Some are busy, but others – like Cala Tuent or Caló des Moro – take a hike or a rough road to reach, and they’re all the better for it.
Palma, the island’s capital, is underrated. There’s a gothic cathedral, buzzing food markets, and enough galleries and bars to keep you busy for a weekend.
Bottom line: Mallorca deserves its spot on any list of the best places to visit in Spain. Just go beyond the beach towel.
Sand beach in Palma de Mallorca, gothic cathedral in background, Spain © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock
Mallorca might come with baggage – think package holidays and party strips – but plenty of travelers and writers are digging deeper and finding a lot to love. The verdict? If you look beyond the clichés, the island more than delivers.
“Visitors today experience a sophisticated blend of old‑world charm, natural beauty, and upscale indulgence.” (amateurtraveler)
“Mallorca has a bad reputation. It is seen as a cheap holiday destination; a party island overrun by young tourists wanting to get drunk every night… but thankfully Mallorca has much more to offer than the infamous areas of Magaluf and El Arenal.” (spendlifetraveling)
“It really wasn’t difficult to find quiet areas, even in the island’s most visited cities and towns… In these tranquil moments, I could feel the special vibe of Mallorca.” (mypathintheworld)
“The short answer is yes – both Ibiza and Mallorca are worth visiting and fantastic options. Each island is full of beauty, with pristine beaches, excellent food, and centuries of history to explore.” (She Knows Islands)
“If you want to go to Mallorca, go outside school holidays.” (Reddit)
Mallorca, Spain
Is Mallorca worth visiting? Absolutely. It’s one of the best Balearic islands to visit thanks to its mix of dramatic landscapes, easygoing charm, and something-for-everyone appeal.
You get variety without hassle: mountain drives in the Serra de Tramuntana, quiet inland towns where siesta still matters, cliff hikes, food markets, and historic train rides. If you’re looking for genuinely rewarding things to do in Spain, Mallorca packs a lot into one island.
The coastline’s a major draw too. Some of the best beaches in Spain are here – from long stretches like Es Trenc to tucked-away calas you’ll have to hike or boat to reach. There’s no shortage of swim spots, and if you go early or off-season, you’ll have many of them to yourself.
Mallorca also makes travel easy if you’re visiting Spain with kids. The distances are short, the beaches are safe, and there’s enough variety to keep both adults and little ones happy without exhausting anyone.
It’s scenic, laid-back, and full of surprises – and it doesn’t take much effort to slip away from the resort crowds and see the island at its best.
Mallorca @ Shutterstock
Mallorca’s got a lot going for it, but it’s not flawless. If you’re planning a trip to Spain and putting Mallorca on the list, it helps to know what might trip you up – and how to avoid it.
None of this is a dealbreaker. But if you're heading to the island without a plan, you might miss the best of it.
Mallorca rewards curious travelers. Sure, the beaches are a draw – but there’s more here than sun and sand. From jagged mountain passes to historic towns and hard-to-reach coves, this is an island built for exploring. If you want to see Mallorca at its best, start with these spots.
The backbone of Mallorca – and easily its most impressive natural feature. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range runs along the northwest coast, offering some of the island’s best drives, hikes, and views. Winding roads connect villages like Deià, Valldemossa, and Sóller, each with stone buildings, terraced hillsides, and views that are worth every hairpin turn.
Mallorca’s capital often gets overlooked in the rush to the beach – big mistake. Palma has a Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline, a lively old town full of winding alleys and café terraces, and a food scene that’s far better than you might expect. Explore the buzzing Santa Catalina neighborhood, grab local produce at Mercat de l’Olivar, or hit the waterfront for drinks at sunset. It’s walkable, vibrant, and still feels lived-in despite its popularity. Worth at least a full day, ideally more.
Cap de Formentor, Mallorca © Shutterstock
The town of Sóller sits in a fertile valley filled with orange trees, surrounded by mountains. It’s a postcard-perfect place with a leafy main square, art galleries, and a slow pace that makes it easy to linger. Getting there is half the fun – take the vintage wooden train from Palma, which has been rattling through the hills since 1912. From Sóller, you can hop on an old tram down to Port de Sóller, a quieter beach spot with good restaurants and calm water for swimming. It’s touristy, yes – but still charming.
If you like your views dramatic, Cap de Formentor delivers. This rugged peninsula at the island’s northern tip is all cliffs, winding roads, and blustery viewpoints that look out across the Mediterranean. The drive up is one of the most scenic (and nerve-wracking) on the island, especially in high season when cyclists and rental cars compete for space. But the reward is huge – from the lighthouse at the tip to hidden beaches like Cala Figuera. Go early or late in the day for fewer crowds and cooler light.
One of the most photographed beaches in Mallorca – and one of the hardest to get to. Caló des Moro is a small, rocky cove on the southeast coast with clear turquoise water and cliffs on both sides. It’s a short but steep walk down, with no facilities, so bring what you need. In summer, it fills up fast, and the swimming space is limited. But if you arrive early or out of season, it’s stunning. Think less “day at the beach” and more “swim, sun, and leave before the crowds arrive.”
Mallorca @ Shutterstock
If you're asking is Mallorca worth visiting, the answer is yes – but getting the best out of it takes a bit of planning. Mallorca’s variety is what makes it great, but that also means you need to know how to get around, where to stay, and when to go. These practical Spain travel tips will help you avoid the common mistakes and make your time on the island count.
Renting a car is the best way to explore Mallorca. Public transport covers the basics – Palma, Sóller, some east coast towns – but you’ll miss the calas, mountains, and inland villages if you rely on buses alone. Driving gives you the freedom to chase sunsets, stop in sleepy towns, and hit beaches that are well off the tourist map.
Just be prepared: some mountain roads are narrow and winding, and parking can be a hassle in smaller towns. Stick to compact cars and book early if you're traveling in peak season. If you don’t want to drive, base yourself in Palma and use day tours or trains to hit nearby spots. The vintage train to Sóller is worth doing once, even if it's more scenic than speedy. Taxis are fine for short trips, but they add up fast, and Uber isn’t widely available.
The best time to visit Spain – and Mallorca especially – depends on what you want.
Some restaurants and hotels shut from November to March, especially outside Palma. If you’re coming for hiking or local festivals, spring and autumn strike the right balance between weather and access. Whatever time you visit, aim to avoid weekends at the most popular beaches – local traffic and limited parking can turn a quick swim into a half-day project.
Porto Soller, Mallorca
The best areas to stay in Mallorca depend on what kind of trip you’re planning. Some places are made for lazy beach days, others for mountain hikes or old-town charm. The good news? You’ve got options. Whether you're renting a car or sticking to public transport, here are the standout spots to base yourself – including a few of the best places to stay in Mallorca for couples.
Avoid the resort zones unless you’re after all-inclusive convenience – charm lives elsewhere. Book early in summer – the best spots go fast.
Mallorca is safe, but busy. In summer, the crowds can be intense, especially at top beaches and sights. Roads get clogged, parking disappears, and popular calas like Caló des Moro fill up before 10 am. If you're after a quieter trip, avoid July and August altogether. Spring and autumn have a better balance: fewer crowds, less heat, and more space to explore. Palma can feel touristy in places, but the vibe is generally relaxed and welcoming.
Petty theft is rare outside the capital, but always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. At the beach, don’t leave bags unattended – even in quiet spots.
In the mountains, trail signage isn’t always perfect, so download maps or use offline GPS if you’re venturing off-road. Overall, the island is easygoing, and most issues are avoidable with a bit of awareness and planning.
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