Mallorca bucket list: 23 best things to do in Mallorca, Spain

Here’s your bucket list of things to do in Mallorca, Spain! I’ve explored this captivating island from its pristine beaches and epic Serra de Tramuntana landscapes to caves and charming villages. This list includes everything you have to do when in Mallorca!

Mallorca is one of the most diverse islands I have ever been to. We even spent a couple of months living there and explored everything this unique island had to offer. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is something for everyone in Mallorca.

On this list, you’ll find the best things to do in Mallorca, complete with photos, descriptions, and locations on the map. I hope you enjoy your time on one of my favorite Spanish islands as much as we did. Happy travels!

1. See the paradise beach Caló des Moro

To me, Caló des Moro beach embodies Mallorca like no other place. These small bays, called coves (or ‘calas’ in Spanish), with golden sand, turquoise water, and pine-tree-covered coastal cliffs, are the epitome of Mallorca.

Without a doubt, Caló des Moro is the most beautiful beach in Mallorca. This wild and secluded cove is a small piece of paradise and one of the best places to visit on this Mediterranean island.

I’ve been here many times, and this postcard view never gets old!

Caló des Moro is a wild beach with no infrastructure. It is also rather small with limited space between the rocks so take that into account and try to arrive earlier in the day before it gets too crowded.

Location: Caló des Moro

2. Try ensaïmada, the traditional Mallorcan pastry

If you pay attention to people at the airport, you might notice that many travelers are carrying ‘pizza boxes.’ No, those aren’t pizzas—they’re bringing home the most popular Mallorcan pastry, the ensaïmada.

Trying ensaïmada is a must-do on your bucket list in Mallorca, and you’ll find them in every bakery, pastry shop, or breakfast café. This traditional breakfast pastry dates back to the 17th century and has become a symbol of Mallorcan identity.

Ensaïmada is made from a sweet, airy dough shaped into a spiral and dusted with powdered sugar. The classic version is plain, but you can also find it filled with pumpkin jam, chocolate, or almond cream. I’ve eaten about 10 of these treats. Yum!

3. Admire the Gothic wonder, the Cathedral of Mallorca

There is another, very different symbol of Mallorca—the Cathedral of Mallorca. This cathedral is the most striking building in the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca. It is one of the tallest Gothic structures in Europe, dating back to the 13th century.

The majestic cathedral, known as La Seu, features one of the largest rose windows in the world, a 44-meter-high nave, and a chapel inside designed by Antoni Gaudí, the famous architect of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família. It’s a must-see in Mallorca!

Location: Catedral de Santa María de Mallorca

4. Listen to an underground concert at the Drach Caves

Cuevas del Drach or Dragon Caves located in the village of Porto Cristo on the east coast of Mallorca are the most famous caves in Mallorca and probably in all of Spain. These caves have been known to locals since the Middle Ages.

Known for their impressive rock formations, underground concerts, and boat rides in a 170-meter-long and 30-meter-wide underground lake named Lake Martel, these caves have become one of the most popular places to visit in Mallorca.

As you enter the impressive cave, you’ll first wander through an underground maze before arriving at a large hall resembling an auditorium, with seats facing the lake. This is where you’ll be surprised with a live concert!

Musicians, seated in a boat, float across the lake while performing a classical music concert for you. Sounds pretty wild, right? After the concert, you’ll have the chance to hop into a boat and cross the lake yourself! The best adventure in Mallorca!

Lake Martel is one of the largest underground lakes in the world, and I felt truly special riding a boat in the depths of the cave. This is one of the main tourist attractions, and there will be lots of people, but I still highly recommend visiting these caves!

Location: Coves del Drach

5. See the jaw-dropping views at Mirador Es Colomer

If there is one place not to miss in Mallorca, then it has to be the Formentor Peninsula with its epic coastal landscapes. Located on the north coast of the island, this peninsula features sharp, steep cliffs, a rugged coastline, and panoramic sea views.

One of the best places to visit in this peninsula is Mirador Es Colomer viewpoint named after the tiny island called Es Colomer (you can actually spot it from the coast). Mirador Es Colomer is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Mallorca!

This bucket list spot gets especially busy during sunset when the viewpoint and the nearby Albercutx Watchtower attract locals and tourists seeking the most dramatic sunset views on the beautiful island of Mallorca.

This is one of those ‘you have to see it to believe it’ places!

If you have more time, I recommend driving to the northernmost point of the island, Cap de Formentor—marked by a large, white 19th-century lighthouse sitting on a cliff 210 meters above the sea. The road leading there has limited traffic restrictions.

Location: Mirador de Es Colomer – Cap de Formentor

6. See the Sóller Church & take a tram to Port de Sóller

Sóller is one of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca nestled between the Serra de Tramuntana mountains near the northwest coast of Mallorca. It is known for its iconic 16th-century Church of Sant Bartomeu and its famous vintage tram.

Sóller church is one of the bucket list places to visit in Mallorca. The intricate stone carvings, large arches, and a blend of Gothic and modernist elements is a masterpiece by the architect Joan Rubió i Bellver, a student of the famous Antoni Gaudí.

Visiting this iconic symbol is one of the top things to do in Sóller. We also visited the inside of the church (for a symbolic fee) to see its vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. I especially loved the massive rose windows.

The medieval church has become a symbol of Sóller and has been ever-present in many cultural and historical events in the town for centuries. Even today people gather in the main square to eat, drink, and socialize with the church quietly overlooking it all.

Many travelers come to Sóller, explore its old town, then hop inside its vintage tram for a short ride to the nearby Port de Sóller for lunch at a seaside restaurant and a scenic stroll along the promenade, and then travel the same way back.

Location: Sant Bartomeu Church

7. Try the legendary Sóller orange ice cream

There is another reason to visit Sóller and it deserves its own place on the bucket list of things to do in Mallorca – trying the local legend, Sóller orange ice cream made of Sóller Valley’s sun-kissed oranges which are known for their sweetness and distinct flavor.

Sóller Valley is also called the Orange Valley. They have cultivated citrus trees here for centuries. These special oranges once were favored by French aristocrats and were shipped from Sóller to France earning the little town lots of money.

So trying the orange ice cream is a must when visiting Sóller!

There are many ice cream shops all around Sóller and I would guess you can get orange flavor in each one of them. We went to Gelat Sóller – a local artisan ice cream brand that has been making high-quality ice cream with local ingredients for 30 years!

Location: Gelat Sóller

8. Go cliff-jumping at Cala Llombards

Mallorca is a paradise for cliff-jumping enthusiasts! There are plenty of jumping spots for all difficulty levels from beginners to professionals. If you haven’t tried cliff jumping then Mallorca is the best place to try it! It is a popular activity over here!

One of my favorite spots for cliff jumping is Cala Llombards. This secluded beach is the epitome of Mallorca’s natural beauty and coastal charm with its powdery white sand, turquoise water, and rugged cliffs covered with pine trees on both sides.

There is a small paved pathway along the cliffs where you can find a spot, leave your stuff, and then go cliff-jumping. The idyllic beach also hosts charming fishermen’s garages for boats right by the water. Look at those pretty green doors!

Location: Cala Llombards

9. Admire the natural wonder of Es Pontàs

There is another reason for visiting Cala Llombards and it is this incredible sea arch Es Pontàs, one of the natural wonders of Mallorca.

Es Pontàs translates as ‘the big bridge’ and is one of the most iconic rock formations in Mallorca. I have been to this beautiful place three times and the views never disappoint!

Es Pontàs is a natural bridge-like sea arch right off the coast of southeast Mallorca. You can either see it from the coast at Mirador de Es Pontàs, visit during a boat tour, or swim to it from the coast at Cala Llombards.

This sea arch is also favored by cliff-jumping professionals. We saw many adrenaline junkies cliff-jumping there! If you are into cliff jumping and sea arches, then check out Cala Varques, one of the hidden gems in Mallorca.

Location: Mirador de Es Pontàs

10. Climb the iconic 365 Calvari Steps

Climbing the iconic 365 Calvari Steps, or Escala del Calvari, in the picturesque Pollença is one of the bucket list things to do in Mallorca. The unique experience combines great views with a little bit of exercise.

The iconic stairway consists of 365 stone steps, symbolically representing each day of the year. The steps start in the heart of Pollença town and lead uphill to the 18th-century Calvari Chapel. This is a climb everyone must do when visiting Mallorca!

Historically, the 365 Calvari Steps were created as a path for pilgrimage but today they serve as a famous landmark and tourist destination. At the top of the stairs, you will find a small chapel as well as different viewpoints overlooking Pollença.

We came to Pollença for the stairs but stayed for its historical charm. Other things to do in Pollensa include crossing the ancient Roman Bridge of Pollença, stopping for tapas and sangria at Plaça Major, and admiring the frescoes in Pollença Church.

Location: Calvari Steps

11. Drive the iconic Sa Calobra Road to Torrent de Pareis

Driving the serpentine twists and hairpin bends of the famous Sa Calobra Road is one of the most exciting things to do in Mallorca for real thrill-seekers! My husband loves winding mountain roads so he was absolutely ecstatic to drive here, haha!

If you are just like him (and have a rental car!), driving Sa Calobra road or MA-2141 is one of the absolute must-do things to do in Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana mountains. It is considered one of the most iconic roads in the world!

The best section of the 13-kilometer road starts at the Nus de Sa Corbata or the Tie Knot and then descends 800 meters ending at the secluded beach of Sa Calobra – another one of the beautiful beaches and top places to visit in Mallorca.

Sa Calobra pebble beach is actually the mouth of a stream named Torrent de Pareis. There is a narrow opening between two cliffs where the stream enters the sea. You can access it via a pedestrian tunnel carved into the coastal cliff. Such a cool place!

Location: Sa Calobra Road – Torrent de Pareis

12. Visit Valldemossa, Mallorca’s most picturesque village

Valldemossa is a charming mountain village in Mallorca. It is known for its cobblestone streets, traditional Mallorcan architecture, and such landmarks as the Carthusian monastery and the Palace of King Sancho.

I recommend stopping in Valldemossa for a couple of hours to explore its scenic viewpoints and explore the cobblestone streets and idyllic squares, including the most beautiful street in Mallorca – Carrer Rectoria.

The liveliest place in Valldemossa is Plaça Cartoixa Square – this is where life happens. There are outdoor restaurants, boutique shops, cafes, and a view of the former monastery. An ideal place to hang out and people-watch!

Location: Mirador de Valldemossa

13. Try the taste of Valldemossa – Coca de Patata

We are not done with traditional must-try local pastries in Mallorca. If there is one more thing you have to try it is one of the culinary symbols of Valldemossa – coca de patata. It is a soft, airy, and fluffy bun made of potatoes, flour, sugar, and eggs.

This pastry has been around for many centuries in Valldemossa. We tried ‘cocas’ many times during our visit to this picturesque town. It is the perfect snack when you want something light and not too sweet. Honestly, I could not taste the potatoes at all!

You will find them in every bakery in Valldemossa. We went to Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas, a traditional local bakery that has been around for about 100 years. Go to Forn i Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas if you want a café with tables to sit down.

Location: Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas – Forn i Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas

14. Make a stop for the postcard views of Deià village

Deià is another dreamy mountain village in the Serra de Tramuntana just a short drive from Valldemossa. For centuries, this has been a place favored by many celebrities and artists due to its peaceful atmosphere, inspiring scenery, and old-world charm.

These days many tourists travel to Deià village for its postcard views and traditional Mallorcan charm. Even if you don’t have time to explore Deià, just driving by and stopping for one of those iconic hillside shots from Carretera de Deià is a must!

If you have more time, I recommend hiking up Deià hill to the Sant Joan de Deià Church and the cemetery next to it for the most scenic views over the surrounding area, mountains, and olive groves.

Besides, none of the other villages in Mallorca have as many cafés and restaurants with scenic terraces as Deià! There are a couple of them lined along the main road like Cafe Deiá or you can plan a more fancy lunch at the famous La Residencia Hotel.

Location: Deià

15. Watch the sunset in the sea at Mirador de Sa Foradada

Mirador de sa Foradada is another postcard view in Mallorca and if you arrive early to find a parking spot you can combine the visit to this place with another one of the bucket list things to do in Mallorca – watching the sunset in the sea.

Mirador de sa Foradada is famous for its unique perforated sea cliff stretching into the sea. Just in case you decide to wait for the sunset, check out the nearby Foradada Restaurant and ask for a table. Unbeatable views are guaranteed!

If this viewpoint is too crowded already, you can check out other fantastic sunset viewpoints offering great views of the Mediterranean Sea, like Torre del Verger, Mirador d’en Ricardo Roca, or other spots along the coastline.

Location: Mirador de sa Foradada

16. Admire the colossal rock formations at Coves d’Artà

Artà Caves next to the Bay of Canyamel in the Northeast of Mallorca is a large network of spectacular limestone caves in Mallorca. I have to be honest and say that out of all the caves, these are my favorite caves in Mallorca!

Firstly, there are no hordes of tourists or crowds because you can only see the cave by joining a guided tour. Secondly, the groups are rather small. I think we were about 20 people in our group which makes it a more intimate experience.

And, finally, the cave itself. I have been to many caves in Mallorca and around Spain and I have never seen something so spectacular as Arta Caves. I felt like I was in an underground city. The halls and galleries are endless and massive.

The stalactites and stalagmites reach as high as 40 meters high towering above our heads. I felt like a dwarf wandering around Moria (fans of The Lord of the Rings will know, haha)!

The whole underground landscape was out of this world. Cuevas de Arta have a rich history and have been known and used by humans since ancient times. Even the father of science fiction, Jules Verne, has visited the caves to draw inspiration.

In addition to the jaw-dropping inside, Caves of Artà also have the most beautiful cave entrance in Mallorca (see photos above). The massive stairway looks like the mouth of a giant. It is such a bucket list place to visit in Mallorca!

Location: Coves d’Artà

17. Try traditional Mallorcan tapas like Pa amb oli

One of my favorite things to do wherever I travel is to try local foods. Mallorca surprised us with many local delicacies, and one of them was Pa amb oli. It translates as ‘bread with oil’ and it is one of the must-try traditional dishes in Mallorca.

We found Pa amb oli in QuitaPenas Valldemossa restaurant while exploring Valldemossa and it was one of the highlights of our visit to the charming village.

These crunchy slices of bread drizzled with local Mallorcan olive oil and rich layers of toppings like spreadable Mallorcan sobrasada sausage, Mahón cheese from nearby Menorca island, and other meats and vegetables were fantastic!

I’m sure the toppings on these slices of bread vary from place to place. So, when you go for lunch at a Spanish, Mallorcan, or Mediterranean restaurant, see if they offer pa amb oli. We weren’t very hungry, and pa amb oli was enough to satisfy us.

Location: QuitaPenas Valldemossa

18. Walk around the Medieval Walls of Alcúdia Old Town

The old town of Alcúdia is the most beautiful old town in Mallorca. It is known for its well-preserved medieval walls, city gates, traditional Mallorcan architecture, and popular weekly markets.

As you enter Alcúdia through one of its medieval city gates, this medieval town captivates you with its narrow streets, cobblestone squares, boutique shops, and quaint cafes. We have visited Alcúdia many times and it is as charming as it gets!

Walking around the medieval walls of Alcúdia is a bucket list thing to do in this small town. If you only have time for one thing then the glorious walk around the walls is the one.

Other landmarks in Alcúdia include the 14th-century Sant Jaume d’Alcúdia Church as well as the ruins of the ancient Roman city Pollentia. See all the things to do in Alcúdia Old Town here! Alcúdia was one of my favorite places to visit in Mallorca.

Location: Alcúdia Old Town

19. Drive the scenic MA-10 through Serra de Tramuntana

Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is the pride and joy of Mallorca and one of the best ways to experience this area is by driving through the mountains and soaking it all in!

The famous Sa Calobra road may be unique but it is only a small part of the Serra de Tramuntana and the scenery doesn’t really change while driving Sa Calobra road. It is the same valley all the time.

So I recommend driving the road MA-10. It crosses the Serra de Tramuntana mountains all the way from the north of Mallorca to the south offering stunning vistas of rugged cliffs, azure waters, and picturesque villages.

Driving the whole road would take no less than 3 hours but you can choose a shorter section (my favorite part) from Andratx to Valldemossa or Deià. This route travels along the coastline with epic views over the Mediterranean Sea and Tramuntana.

This scenery is like from a movie with one hairpin turn after another, crystal-clear turquoise waters down below, and a mountain landscape far ahead. Don’t forget to stop by viewpoints, charming villages, or cliffside restaurants along the way!

Location: MA-10 Road

20. Celebrate life at a restaurant with a picturesque view

Talking about cliffside restaurants… Mallorca is the queen of scenic places and restaurants with panoramic views! You can find lots of amazing restaurants with sea views, with mountain views, and both, sea and mountain views around the island.

There are a couple of fantastic cliffside and seaside restaurants along the coastline with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Some of them are Bens d’Avall Restaurant, Restaurant Illeta, Restaurante de ses Barques, or Restaurant es Grau.

Port de Sóller is known to have plenty of seaside restaurants and so is Port de Pollença. There is also a popular restaurant located at the Cala de Deià beach called Ca’s Patró March.

You can also look for restaurants with panoramic terraces in some of the mountain villages, like Restaurante Miró and El Olivo in Belmond La Residencia located in the postcard village of Deià. We celebrated our anniversary here and it was magical!

As you can tell, there is no shortage of great restaurants with scenic views. So visiting at least one restaurant with a panoramic view must be on your Mallorca bucket list!

21. Visit one of the Weekly Markets in Mallorca

Mallorca is famous for its weekly markets, which take place all across the island. Every day, several markets are held in different villages or towns. Experiencing at least one of the traditional markets is one of the bucket list things to do in Mallorca.

There are a lot of places in Mallorca hosting weekly markets and you can’t visit them all. Instead, I suggest combining your visit to a village or town already on your Mallorca itinerary with a trip to one of these weekly markets.

For example, if you’re planning to explore Alcúdia and its medieval walls, consider going on a Tuesday or Sunday when the town hosts one of Mallorca’s largest markets. We managed to visit a couple of the markets and bought some goodies for us.

Usually, you can find a diverse range of stalls offering everything from cheeses and cured meats to handmade crafts, clothing, souvenirs, intricate jewelry, leather goods, and traditional Mallorcan pottery. You’ll definitely find something there!

22. Take a look at the roofless L’Església Nova

Església Nova (‘the New Church’) is one of the most iconic hidden gems in Mallorca. The unusual church without a roof is located in Son Servera municipality in the northeast of Mallorca and is a true architectural wonder.

It was meant to be a grand church designed by Joan Rubió, one of the students of the famous Antoni Gaudí but it never got finished due to the lack of funds so today we are left with a skeletal carcass with Gothic and Modernist elements.

You can visit the church for free during its opening hours. We found it completely empty in the morning shortly after it opened. If you happen to be in the area, then definitely stop by this unique marvel!

Location: L’Església Nova

23. Stroll the 13th-century Jardins d’Alfàbia

The lush historical Jardins d’Alfàbia gardens in Mallorca date back to the 13th century when this estate was created by the Moors who ruled over Mallorca at that time. Today they are open to visitors.

The scenic gardens feature fountains, palm trees, lush walkways as well as an abundance of exotic plants and flowers as well as a manor fit for royals.

There is a special walkway where you can switch on water fountains with streams of water dancing over the walkway (see the first photo). Just don’t get stuck in the middle when it turns on or you’ll be wet!

After the gardens, we also visited the 13th-century manor house with antique furniture and a fusion of Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles.

If you still have some more free time left after all the bucket list activities in Mallorca, I recommend stopping by and exploring this pretty estate!

Location: Jardins d’Alfàbia