Majorca or Mallorca, the largest of the 4 islands of the Balearics, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its warm, sunny climate, spectacular beaches, and amazing food. The island has a lot to offer: rich cultural experience, first-class accommodation, sporting facilities, and a growing reputation as a foodie destination. So, to make sure you enjoy your visit to the island to the fullest, we’ve put together this compact but informative Majorca travel guide.
Best Time to Visit
For those who come to Majorca for its beaches, the best — and most popular — time to visit is during summer, between July and August. Temperatures average in the high twenties and with very little rainfall expected. This time is all about beach parties and festivities, so expect a lot of people.
If you’re planning to enjoy more outdoor activities like hiking or biking, the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are best. The days are cooler, the crowds are few, and prices are reasonably low.
Best Places to Visit in Majorca
Palma de Mallorca
The capital city is abuzz with activity, vibrant, and full of history. Streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, architectural treasures, galleries, and shops. It’s the entry point for the majority of the tourists that come here. And it’s no surprise as there’s a lot to see and do here.
Catedral de Mallorca
Palma’s cathedral, or La Seu in Catalan, is the city’s iconic and most famous landmark. Its sheer scale and distinctive Gothic architecture is startlingly beautiful. Standing 44 meters high and 110 meters long and with many standout features such as the rose window – the largest in Europe – the main doorway, bell tower, and buttresses, the cathedral is impressive.
Almudaina Palace
Located along Palma’s seafront beside the cathedral is Almudaina Palace. This 14th-century fairytale-like castle is one of the official residences of the King and Queen of Spain when they are visiting the city. When visiting the palace, don’t forget to spend time in the Tinell Hall, which is famous for its high pointed arch, and the King’s Courtyard to take in the beauty of the palace. A must-see of course, is the Throne Room, Saint Anne’s Chapel, and the Arab Baths.
Alcudia
Another popular destination in Majorca especially for those who want a mix of history and fun under the sun. This magnificent walled town boasts more than 20 kilometers of coastline and fine golden sand beaches such as the Alcudia and Muro. If you want something else to do, Alcudia delivers in the form of the traditional Alcudia Market. Don’t miss out on walking the old town of Placa Constitucio with its narrow laneways filled with cafes, tapas bars, shops, and art galleries.
Serra de Tramuntana
Located on Mallorca’s northern coast, Serra de Tramuntana (“mountains of the north wind”) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll find it a joy to cycle, hike, or drive through a captivating landscape of deep gorges, rugged cliffs, and the Puig Major, the highest peak in Majorca.
Soller
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in Majorca, Soller is like a time machine to the past. Stroll through narrow cobbled streets to admire traditional Majorcan houses and French-inspired palaces alongside modern buildings. Learn about nature and culture at Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences, Ethnological Museum, and Modernist Museum. Like to shop? There’s a market that takes place every morning in the town center. Also, don’t forget to take a ride on the hundred year old Palma to Sóller train.
Food to Try in Majorca
Majorca is passionate about its food and its people are always proud to showcase the island’s culinary riches. Majorcan cuisine is a fusion of classic Mediterranean cooking with influences from the Moors, the Roman Empire, as well as from Catalonia and Spain.
Sobrasada
Sobrasada is a cured pork sausage made with pork loin, pork belly/bacon, paprika, salt, and pepper. It’s easy to find Sobrasada in the market. It’s also added to many dishes for flavor.
Tumbet
A dish perfect for vegetarians, Tumbet is a dish that showcases the island’s garden bounty. This dish is made with fried aubergines, potatoes, peppers, and sauce made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, oil, and salt.
Ensaimada
This light and flaky sweet pastry, similar to a croissant, is one of Mallorca’s popular foods. It is made of flour, water, sugar, eggs, mother dough and a kind of reduced pork lard named saïm. It’s certainly is popular as many tourists can be seen leaving the city with this pastry as a take home gift.
Arros Brut
Spain might be known for having paella as a local dish, but in Mallorca it’s Arros Brut that takes centerstage. This is a hearty rice in hot broth cooked with meat, sausages, and seasonal vegetables. The rice acquires a dark color due to mixing all the ingredients, which has led to the name “dirty rice”.
Pa amb oli
For the locals, pa amb oli – bread and oil – is the ultimate comfort food. People enjoy it all day long, as a snack or tapa topped with cheese, ham, roasted peppers, figs, fish, or basically anything.
How to Get Around in Majorca
Mallorca has a well-developed and efficient road and bus network, plus three train lines and a Metro service in Palma, so it’s easy to get around.There’s also a wealth of taxis to get you in and around town, and in Palma, it’s a joy to explore on foot. Or you can also rent bikes at Palma Bike and Go City for an easier way to move around Majora’s towns and cities.
If you’re planning to spend time inland or in one of the more remote coastal areas, renting a car will probably be more convenient. There are many car rentals at the airport, but be prepared for a long wait at the height of tourist season – summer.
Kalesa Recommends
Bodegas Angel
We say when in Spain, savor the wine. And when in Mallorca, visit Bodegas Angel for the best wine. The wines here are distinctly flavored due to the vineyard’s location – close to the sea and on a terrain of red clay called “Call Vermell” which is rich in iron oxide.
The winery owns 17.5 hectares of rolling vineyards, where one can find vines from 2006, 2007, and 1960. We especially liked that our winery tour included tasting 4 of their wines accompanied by lunch which consisted of a starter of Mahon cheese, paella, and cake or sweet wine.
Horno Sto Cristo Ensaimada
We can get enough of Horno Sto Cristo’s flaky and fluffy ensaimadas. It’s no wonder though, as they’ve been making this traditional Mallorcan delicacy since 1910. We had a hard time deciding which variety to get – original, chocolate filled, or cream filled – as they all look really heavenly.
And, we decided not to care about how many calories a serving of this yummy delight was as we shoveled bite after bite of the ensaimada. It certainly did not disappoint. We recommend coming in early in the morning for freshly baked ensaimadas paired with piping hot coffee.
Boat Tour
Drawn to the dazzling, sun-drenched waters or Palma, we decided to see more of the sea via the Rafael Verdera, currently the oldest active ship in the Spanish Fleet. We were part of a large group that privately hired the Rafael Verdera tour. We enjoyed every minute, from swimming, snorkeling, and eating – the food was absolutely fantastic and the crew was amazing! They made the trip an unforgettable experience for all of us.
Whatever your reason for traveling to Majorca – to enjoy the beaches, savor delicious cuisine, to go hiking, or immerse in culture and history – you’ll find it . And we hope that you take this Majorca travel guide with you when you do.
