11 unique hidden gems in Mallorca, Spain
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Let me share with you the most enchanting hidden gems in Mallorca, Spain! It’s hard to avoid crowds in Mallorca, but there are still some hidden places and secret spots that don’t see the mainstream crowds.
We spent a couple of months living in Mallorca and exploring everything this beautiful island has to offer. From lesser-known postcard villages to secret photo spots and natural wonders, there’s still plenty to explore in Mallorca off the beaten path.
On this list, you’ll find some of the best hidden gems in Mallorca all with photos, descriptions, and locations on the map. I hope you enjoy your time in one of my favorite islands as much as we did. Happy travels!
1. Sa Capelleta Chapel near Sóller
Sa Capelleta is one of the best-kept secrets in Mallorca! The serene chapel hides in the rugged mountains of Serra de Tramuntana a short walk from Sóller and stuns its visitors with its unique blend of Gothic and Modernist architecture.
When we stopped by this chapel, there was only one other visitor and it was in the middle of a summer day in Mallorca!
I had never seen a chapel like this before! The picturesque sanctuary is around 100 years old and features a small altar and stained glass windows. It felt like a little house from a fairytale!
The path leading from Sóller to the chapel winds through gorgeous landscapes and offers unbeatable views over the surrounding countryside. The scenery and the unique architecture make it one of the most beautiful places in Mallorca!
However, you don’t necessarily have to hike there. There is a small gravel road where you can access this place by car. But there are only a couple of places to leave your car so be quick.
If you peek inside the fairytale chapel, you’ll see the interior that looks grotto-like with stone walls and stalactite formations. This was one of my favorite hidden gems in Mallorca!
Location: Sa Capelleta
2. Idyllic Port of Cala Figuera
Cala Figuera and especially its picturesque port is my favorite coastal village in Mallorca. This charming fishing village is a hidden gem and often gets overlooked by the scenic mountain villages but I’m here to tell you to definitely visit this place!
Cala Figuera is known for its coastal charm with its narrow bay, azure waters, and charming white boats as well as the white fishermen’s houses lined at the water’s edge with pine trees hanging above.
It’s not like people don’t know about this oasis. They do but it doesn’t get the typical cruise ship traffic that you can see near Soller and other little towns in the Serra de Tramuntana.
Cala Figuera is the picture-perfect postcard village where you can find some of the most photo-worthy places in Mallorca. There’s even a path along the coastline named the ‘Photography Route’ where you can take lots of idyllic photos.
We visited the village in the morning and it was the perfect place to go for a walk along the coastline right by all the boats parked in the bay. It was a clear day so the colors of the crystal-clear waters were popping!
We walked along the small waterfront pathway connecting two bays from one bay to the next and then back. As you can see from the many beautiful photos, it was a successful morning walk, haha! This place is the epitome of a charming village!
Location: Port of Cala Figuera
3. Sa Cova Foradada
Sa Cova Foradada is a unique perforated rock that looks like a sea cave located near Portocolom coastal village on the east coast of Mallorca. It is a bit remote and off the beaten path but at least you can access it at any time of the day.
The unique thing about this perforated sea cliff is that you can see a nearby lighthouse through the hole which makes it the perfect place for unique photos in Mallorca. Especially at sunrise or sunset hours with everything shining in golden colors.
We came here during the day and it was beautiful. There is a bit of a climb down some rocks so bring appropriate shoes. I wouldn’t go there when the sea is rough or it is rainy as the coastal areas become dangerous. It was definitely worth a short stop!
Location: Sa Cova Foradada
4. Village of Fornalutx
Fornalutx is an idyllic village nestled between the Serra de Tramuntana mountains just a few kilometers from Sóller. Because of the short distance between these two places, some travelers even choose to hike from Sóller to Fornalutx.
But unlike crowded Sóller, you can still arrive early to Fornalutx (it is a 45-minute drive from Palma de Mallorca) and wander around the streets in complete silence just like we managed to do.
This charming village is often regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain due to its rustic charm, well-preserved traditional Mallorcan architecture, and dramatic mountain landscapes. We spent a whole day exploring Fornalutx and I loved it!
The origins of the authentic mountain village of Fornalutx date back to medieval times when the territory was under the rule of Moorish forces but later, in the 13th century, it was reconquered by the Spaniards.
There are no popular tourist attractions in this village and one of the best things to do in Fornalutx is just wander around the charming village and explore the narrow streets, picturesque stairways, and dramatic views of the mountains.
Many travelers use this village as a starting point for different hikes around the mountains. Parking lots fill up quickly however the village still remains relatively calm. If you have more time I recommend finding a nice restaurant with a view for lunch.
Location: Fornalutx
5. The roofless L’Església Nova
Església Nova (‘the New Church’) is one of the most iconic hidden gems in Mallorca. The unusual church is located in Son Servera municipality in the northeast of Mallorca and is a true architectural wonder.
As you can see from the photos, the unique thing about this church is that it doesn’t have a roof!
What was meant to be a full-blown church designed by Joan Rubió, one of the students of the famous Antoni Gaudí, is now a unique tourist attraction and a venue for different events like concerts, weddings, etc.
There were grand plans for L’Església Nova Church 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.
To me, it is one of the most beautiful places in Mallorca and deserves a quick stop.
You can visit the church for free during its working hours. It is a public property and anyone can enter there. Although I wouldn’t necessarily go there specifically to see the church, I still recommend visiting this marvel if you are in the area.
Location: L’Església Nova
6. The coastal gem – Banyalbufar
Tucked away in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, Banyalbufar is a hidden gem on Mallorca’s west coast. This village is renowned for its iconic terraced landscapes, which cascade dramatically from the coastal cliffs down to the Mediterranean Sea.
Banyabufar’s terraces date back to the Moorish times when they were developed for agricultural purposes some time around the 10th century. And they continue to serve this purpose to this day!
Banyalbufar is celebrated for its wine, especially the rare Malvasia grape, which has been cultivated here for centuries. While Banyalbufar may not offer many activities, it’s an ideal place to pause and take in the views!
There’s a nearby defence tower Torre del Verger known as a popular spot to watch the sunset. But, honestly, any place along the coastal road will do just fine. The sea views from this part of Mallorca are unmatched!
Location: Banyalbufar
7. Cala Varques
Boasting a massive natural sea arch, Cala Varques is one of the best-kept secrets in Mallorca. This wild beach is located in one of the most remote areas on the island of Mallorca. You will need a minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours to visit this place.
The beach features some of the most beautiful coves with shallow waters and fine white sand made for snorkeling. The coastline is also lined with rocky cliffs, perfect for cliff jumping for all levels of adventure seekers.
If you follow the coastline from Cala Varques, you will soon stumble upon one of my favorite hidden gems in Mallorca – a natural sea arch. It’s one of the coolest rock formations in the area, and you can even walk across the natural bridge.
Fittingly for such a hidden gem, this area can only be accessed on foot via a 2-3 kilometer hike from the nearby highway MA-4014. You can leave your car at the road bend 200 meters north of the intersection with the beach access road.
Location: Cala Varques – Pont natural d’Es Caló Blanc
8. Coves de Campanet
Hidden in the northern part of Mallorca near the Serra de Tramuntana mountains are impressive caves in Mallorca – Coves de Campanet. They were only discovered in 1945 and since then have become a treasured tourist attraction on the island.
If you are dreading the usual crowds that travel to other popular caves like Cuevas del Drach then this might be a great place for you. These absolutely spectacular caves only had two other visitors besides us when we were there on the weekend.
Coves de Campanet features large chambers and galleries filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The caves also feature a couple of small underground lakes. Some of the chambers and galleries even have names like ‘Room of the Lake’.
You can walk around by a manmade pathway while checking out all the rock formations up close. It took us about 40 minutes to explore the caves and I really liked what I saw – it was very impressive!
What I found interesting about these caves is that there is evidence these caves were inhabited by humans in prehistoric times. There is also a restaurant Ses Coves next to the entrance offering scenic views over the surrounding mountains.
Location: Coves de Campanet
9. Portals Vells
Portals Vells is a stunningly picturesque area a short drive from Palma de Mallorca featuring idyllic secluded coves with shallow water, coastal caves, a picturesque little port, pine forests, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Cala Portals Vells boasts a rocky coastline surrounding small beautiful beaches with soft white sand. This area offers a peaceful escape for both tourists and locals alike. Despite its growing popularity, it still retains an off-the-beaten-path charm.
We actually lived nearby during our stay in Mallorca and wanted to come here because of the coastal caves and I quickly fell for this little corner of Mallorca island.
Cova de Portals Vells cave is also known as Cova de La Mare de Déu named after a sculpture of the Virgin Mary that was reportedly placed in the cave around 1450 by sailors.
Inside the cave, there is also an altar dating back to the Middle Ages. Later this cave was used to extract stones for the construction purposes of Palma Cathedral.
The cave is located next to the beach and you can get to the cave by walking a short coastal hike starting from the beach. The area here is quite rocky so it is best to have appropriate shoes.
Location: Cala Portals Vells – Cova de Portals Vells
10. Village of Portocolom
Named after the explorer Christopher Columbus, the picturesque fishing village Portocolom in eastern Mallorca is one of the island’s authentic hidden gems. And it is the ultimate postcard village!
I had seen photos of this small village on the internet and immediately knew I had to visit. Portocolom is known for its colorful waterfront, with traditional fishermen’s houses and boat garages displaying every shade of color along the coastline.
The village also boasts a large natural port, the beautiful sandy beach Cala Marçal, and the 19th-century Faro de Portocolom lighthouse. The village’s coastal scenery is like no other and is best enjoyed with a long walk along the waterfront.
This is the ultimate place to go for a dinner by the water. The village boasts many waterfront restaurants and cafes. We came here in the morning and this place was super quiet and peaceful.
Location: Port of Portocolom
11. Sanctuary of Sant Salvador
The majestic mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana is not the only place boasting spectacular views in Mallorca. There is one especially unique place on the east coast of the island, the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador.
The former monastery dates back to the 14th century and it sits on top of a 500-meter hill, Puig de Sant Salvador, near Felanitx town in eastern Mallorca. We went there for the sunset and the views did not disappoint!
It is a scenic drive uphill rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views. The complex on top features a large cross, a statue of Christ, and a sanctuary building with a chapel and a small museum. Come here for the most magical East Coast sunsets!
Location: Sanctuary of Sant Salvador
Happy exploring!
Mallorca is one of my favorite islands I have ever been to. Years ago I thought Mallorca was a party island made for beachgoers. Now, after visiting Mallorca 5-6 times it is hard for me to think of a more diverse and multifaceted island than Mallorca.
We spent many months living in Mallorca while traveling around and discovering something new each time we went out the door – caves, villages, beaches, or epic views in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I hope you enjoy your time in the turquoise waters, picturesque villages, and crazy landscapes of Mallorca as much as we did and I hope you get some travel inspiration from this blog post! Happy exploring!
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