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Friday 10 December 2021

What to see in Mallorca: 23 essential beaches, towns, and museums

 

23 essential beaches, towns, and museums in Mallorca

 The island of Mallorca, which makes up the Balearic archipelago together with Ibiza and  Menorca, is one of the most attractive destinations in Spain and the entire Mediterranean coast.

Discover a magical place, which does justice to its fame and where you will find all kinds of options to enjoy an unbeatable vacation. Landscapes, history, archeology, culture, gastronomy, monuments, art, beaches, mountains ... and of course a lot of fun.

Mallorca is, without a doubt, one of the favorite tourist places for national and international tourism, receiving thousands of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. In this article, we show you why.

Next, we are going to give you the keys so that you do not miss any of the essential places on your tourist getaway. Because there are many things to see and do in the largest of the Balearic Islands.

Mallorca
Mallorca


  1. Essential cities and towns in Mallorca

o   Palma de Mallorca

o   Acadia

o   Valldemosa

o   Soller

o   Manaker

o   Andarta

o   Delia

o   Pollens

o   Capdepera

o   Puerto Portals

  1. Best beaches and coves in Mallorca

o   Calla Figuera

o   Cala Mondragon

o   Cala d'Or

o   Cala Mitjana

o   Cala Mesquida

o   Other beaches and coves

  1. Natural wonders of Mallorca

o   Sierra de Tramuntana

o   Head of Formentor

o   Caves of Drach

o   Cabrera Island

  1. Museums in Majorca

o   Juan March Foundation

o   Es Baluard Museum

o   Joan Miró Foundation

 

 Essential cities and town 

Palma de Mallorca

In addition to its magnificent beaches, Palma de Mallorca offers endless possibilities related to history, art, architectural heritage, gastronomy, and fun. On the shores of the bay, the Cathedral of Palma, known as “La Seu”, stands proudly, an impressive Gothic temple that defines the skyline of the city. Do not forget to visit the Bellver Castle, the Lonja de Palma, and the gardens of the Marivent Palace. Of course, it is also mandatory to walk the Paseo Marítimo to let yourself be infected by the animation of the city.
A recommended excursion from the capital is to travel on a hundred-year-old train to Sóller. It departs from Palma de Mallorca and enters the Sierra de Tramontana. The train's machinery dates from 1912 and, during the 27 kilometers of travel, the traveler takes a trip back in time to the beginning of the 20th century. Before its inauguration, the town of Sóller was isolated from the rest of the island.

Acadia


It is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Mallorca. They disembark here attracted by the magnificent beaches, the history, and the tourist attractions of this walled city that has more than 30 kilometers of rugged coastline. All the beaches and coves of Alcúdia have a singular beauty, although the most popular are the kilometer-long beaches of fine, golden sand that are called Alcúdia and Muro. If you are passionate about water parks, here is the Hidropark Alcúdia, ideal to enjoy a day with family or friends. Also, don't forget to go to the great traditional Alcúdia Market, which is held next to the city walls.

Valldemossa


Sheltered by the Serra de Tramuntana, the small town of Valldemossa is a true haven of calm and tranquility, despite being only 17 kilometers from Palma de Mallorca. Here the composer Frédéric Chopin and his partner, the writer George Sand, took refuge for a long time, but there have been more artists who were seduced by the magnetism of this place.
Be sure to visit the Cartuja de Valldemossa, a monastery built in the 15th century that has become one of the most visited monuments on the island due to its beauty and rich history. You can also visit its charming fishing port and the birthplace of Santa Catalina Thomas, the only Majorcan saint.

Manacor


In addition to being the hometown of tennis player Rafael Nadal, Manacor is a town whose historic center contains real gems, which are summarized in the Museum of History of Manacor. Also worth a visit is the church of Nostra Senyora dels Dolors, the church of San Vicente Ferrer, and the tower of the Royal Palace. If you are passionate about sports, be sure to visit the Rafael Nadal Museum Xperience, which, in addition to being a tribute to the athlete's unique career, has modern simulators so you can test your skills in different sports. Another of Manacor's great assets is its coastline, with 9 beaches and 16 coves.

Soller


It is one of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca. Sóller has a well-preserved old town that takes the visitor, through its narrow cobbled streets, to the island's heyday. Don't miss out on emblematic buildings such as the neo-Gothic church of San Bartomeu or the Sóller bank, as well as numerous French-influenced palaces. Here is the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences, the Ethnological Museum, and the Modernist Museum. If you like shopping, every morning there is a market in the center of town. And don't forget to get on the centenary train of Sóller.

Andratx


It is one of the oldest cities in Mallorca. Andratx, located in the southwest of the island, is located in one of the valleys of the Sierra de Tramontana. With its traditional narrow streets dotted with small art galleries, the town is well worth a visit. Its town hall is located in the Son Mas castle and the town preserves the ruins of the Trappist monastery La Trappa.

Deià


Located in the northwest of the island, just 30 kilometers from Palma de Mallorca, Deià is a small town in the Sierra de Tramontana that has seduced many artists for its bohemian and quiet character. What attractions does this town have? In addition to its stone alleys, here is the House of Robert Graves, the English writer who signed the famous novel 'I, Claudio'. It also has an Archaeological Museum and one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island, Son Marroig, one of the main properties of Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria in Mallorca. Do not forget that the pleasant cove of Deià is one of the best places to enjoy a beautiful landscape and a quiet day at the beach.

Pollensa

The archaeological and artistic heritage of Pollensa is surprising, considered the cultural cradle of Mallorca, because many poets, artists, and musicians come from here. There are many attractions in this beautiful coastal town, from Calvari, which is reached by a climb of 365 steps, to the Santo Domingo convent, in whose cloister a Classical Music Festival is held, or the Joan Marcha gardens, that still conserve a medieval tower.

Capdepera

Located at the eastern end of Mallorca, the municipality of Capdepera is a jewel with interesting tourist proposals in the three main centers that make it up: Capdepera, Cala Rajada, and Canyamel. Because this area has been occupied since the Bronze Age, numerous vestiges of the cultures that have passed through have been found.

In the town of Capdepera, some beautiful walls are preserved, the Capdepera castle, a fortress from the 14th century, and the church of Sant Joan. It is worth visiting on Wednesdays, which are the days when a lively market is held. It currently has a fairly touristy profile, since it has some complexes in its vicinity.

It is also a perfect destination for golf lovers, who have an 18-hole course located between this town and the town of Artà. The Capdepera Golf course was designed by renowned American golf course architect Dan Maples and is among the island's favorites for golfers.

Puerto Portals

Puerto Portals is the marina of Portal Nous, a town in the municipality of Calvià. It is one of the essential places to "see and be seen" since the famous faces of the island are concentrated here. Jim Carrey, Paris Hilton, and Bill Gates, among hundreds of other celebrities, have passed through this place.

In a place like this, there is no shortage of luxury yachts in its more than 6,500 moorings, no exclusive boutiques or elite restaurants, and terraces. Our recommendation is to go there to get to know the atmosphere, indulge yourself in a gourmet treat and play at discovering the familiar faces, which are always there, in the summer season. If you go in the evening, order a cocktail on the Paradigm terrace and enjoy the views.

Mallorca
Mallorca


Discover the best beaches in Mallorca

Cala Figuera

Located about 60 kilometers southeast of Palma, Cala Figuera is a district of the rural town of Santanyí. It is a beautiful rocky cove with spectacular transparent waters. It is surrounded by cliffs and, due to the lack of parking and its difficult accessibility, it is not a crowded space during the summer season. Of course, the yachts, from the sea, do approach this little paradise and many remain anchored in the middle of this spectacular landscape.

Cala Mondragó

Not far from Cala Figuera, you will find Cala Mondragó, one of the best beaches in the southeast of Mallorca, which usually has a distinctive blue flag. It has been part of the Mondragó Natural Park since 1992, so its natural beauty is protected. The beach has all kinds of services: bathrooms, showers, restaurants, umbrellas, etc. Along the beach, there are trails of between 1 and 10 kilometers through the natural park

Cala d'Or

This tourist complex located in the southeast of Mallorca, between Portocolom and Portopetro, stands out because its constructions do not usually exceed two heights and because, in addition, nature surrounds the whole place. Cala d`Or is surrounded by an area of ​​pine trees and beaches with transparent waters where both families and groups of friends can enjoy a few days of vacation and relaxation without giving up good restaurants, shops, and bars. In addition, you only have to move a little to enjoy beautiful coves such as Cala Esmeralda, Cala Gran, Cala Ferrera, or Cala Petita.

It also has a good marina with more than 600 moorings, which is at the same level as other more renowned ones such as those in Port Adriano or Andratx.

Cala Mitjana

Just two kilometers from Cala d'Or is this cove with calm, blue-green waters. It is made up of two arms divided by the entrance of the sea, a strip of 70 meters and rocky character, and another slightly larger, of 120 meters, with fine white sand.

La Cala Mitjana is suitable for practicing underwater fishing and is common to see sailboats or yachts moored nearby. Although it can also be accessed on foot, bathers are not always willing to walk about 20 minutes through uncomfortable paths to reach it. Of course, once there, with the beach to themselves, no one regrets.

Cala Mesquida

Declared a Natural Area of ​​Special Interest since 1991, along with Calla Molto and Calla Aguila, Calla Mesquita is very popular throughout the summer. The cove is protected between two rocky areas that end in a dune system with mastic and pine trees. It is an ideal place to spend a day at the beach in an enclave with few buildings and crystal clear waters. Bird watchers will find here one of the largest colonies of cormorants and seagulls in the Balearic archipelago.

It is located just 7 kilometers from Capdepera and its access is easy. If you go by car, you can leave it in the nearest urbanization or the parking lot and then walk about 100 meters. Some buses stop 200 meters away.

Other outstanding beaches in Mallorca

The island of Majorca has no less than 550 kilometers of rugged coastline, which is why it boasts a large number of very beautiful beaches and coves, many of them with the distinctive blue flag. Choosing between its 262 beaches is a very complicated task, but apart from the beaches and coves already mentioned, there are others that it would not hurt to point out in our list of favorite beaches in Mallorca.

 

  • Formentor beach

This beach is one of the must-sees in Cape Formentor due to the beauty of the enclave and the cove itself. The setting could not be more idyllic: a strip of white sand lined with pine trees that almost kiss the turquoise water in some areas. On hot days the shade of the trees is the best refuge. It has all the services a bather may need, from hammock rental to water activities and restaurants.

This beach can be reached by car along the winding road of the Formentor peninsula, by boat, or by bus from Pollença.

  • Beaches of the bay of Alcúdia

The beaches of the Bay of Alcúdia are in a highly developed tourist area, so they usually have all the services that tourism requires. In this bay, you should not miss the so-called Alcúdia beach, a strip of golden sand bathed by the Mediterranean for about three kilometers and with a good assortment of restaurants nearby. It is one of the largest inlets in the Balearic Islands and is divided into two parts: from the marina to the Ciudad Blanca urbanization, and from here to Muro beach, another magnificent option for a day by the Mediterranean.

Although the temptation to stay on this beach is high, it is advisable to also visit other sandy areas and small coves. Among them is the Alcanada beach, very pleasant, framed by pine trees and with the islet of Alcanada (and its beautiful lighthouse) just in front; and the cove of Coll Baix, with a virginal aspect and access through a forest.

  • It's Trenc Beach

Es Trenc beach, with its ravishing wild beauty and its 2 kilometers in length, is one of the most beautiful in Mallorca. It is located in the protected environment of the Maritime-Terrestrial Natural Park of Es Trenc-Salobrar de Campos, which continues to ensure its authenticity away from tourist buildings. Many compare this beach with the Caribbean given the whiteness of its sand washed by a turquoise sea. This area is ideal to enjoy a day at the beach, eat at a nearby restaurant and pay a visit to the Salinas de Es Trenc where they will teach you the whole process to get salt from seawater.

  • Muro Beach

Located in the town of Muro (next to Alcúdia), Muro beach is one of the favorites of many families who return year after year to enjoy its white-sand beaches. Among its main attractions are its calm waters, which invite you to bathe with very little danger, accessibility, the presence of nearby restaurants and leisure areas for children. You should also know that Muro beach is divided into four sectors. The former has numerous hotels and restaurants nearby. The second and third are quieter, and the fourth, known as Es Capellans, is once again very lively and with very close tourist establishments. Almost all the sectors have a blue flag, which guarantees the good services offered to the bather.

  • Cala Portal Nous

Just 10 kilometers from Palma is the important tourist center of Portal Nous, an ideal place to spend a day at the beach, shopping, going to dinner, or simply strolling among the yachts. But if what you want is to sunbathe and take a bath, the small cove of Portal Nous, also called Bendinat cove, is more than enough with its 100 meters in length and just over 20 meters in width. On this beach of fine white sand, you will find umbrella and hammock rentals, showers, and good restaurants nearby.

  • Cala Portal Vells

This small Portal Vells beach, barely 50 meters long and 20 wide, is very popular with families for its white sand, turquoise water, and the presence of some caves to explore. It has two swimming areas and the water is so crystal clear that it is a pleasure to dive or snorkel near the shore. In summer, there is also a kiosk where you can buy sandwiches.

Natural wonders of the island

Sierra de Tramontana

Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2011, the Sierra de Tramuntana (or Serra de Tramuntana) is the backbone of Mallorca. It stretches 90 kilometers in the northwest of the island, between Cap de la Mola (Andratx) and Cap de Formentor. The sierra encompasses 20 municipalities, with an area of ​​just over 1,000 square kilometers. The highest peak is Puig Major, with 1,445 meters of altitude, followed by Puig de Massanella, with 1,364 meters.

Head of Formentor

It is the northernmost point of the island of Mallorca. The Cap de Formentor is a narrow peninsula about 20 kilometers long that forms a landscape worthy of a postcard. We suggest you take a walk through this privileged natural enclave because it will allow you to discover its beaches and coves, its unique lighthouse, and a spectacular horizon. It is also essential to enjoy Formentor beach, with its crystal clear waters, golden sands, and green pine trees, which has maintained its blue flag for many years. The emblematic Hotel Formentor contributes to this, where the Formentor Sunset Classics Festival is held every year, the great event with classical music in Mallorca.

Caves of Drach

These spectacular caves penetrate 1,200 meters into the subsoil of the island of Mallorca and leave us enraptured by the sculptures that nature designs, while we navigate between stalactites and stalagmites and listen to the noise of the drops that come off the ceiling. An exciting scenery that is between 11 and 53 million years old. Occasionally, exclusive classical music concerts are organized in the Drach caves due to their exceptional acoustics.

Cabrera Island

A highly recommended excursion from Mallorca is to the Cabrera archipelago, which is located just 10 kilometers south of Las Salinas on the island. The complex is made up of 19 islets. The most important is the island of Cabrera, which, although small in size, is large in biodiversity, and was declared a Maritime-Terrestrial National Park in 1991.

A boat trip to Cabrera allows you to discover its flora, with more than 400 botanical species, and the fauna made up of birds, fish, mollusks, reptiles, raptors, and some mammals. It is advisable to visit the visitor center for information or to carry out educational activities.

It is also a good opportunity to get to know its small coves, where tranquility is a constant. There are beaches of all kinds, with sand, rocks, or surrounded by cliffs. One of the best known is S'Espalmador, which is 140 meters long, has calm waters and gravel soil. The longest is Cas Pagés, 270 meters long and 12 wide, and sandy ground. Others that can also be enjoyed are Cala Donzell, Cala Ganduf, and Cala Santa María.

Among the constructions that can be visited in Cabrera are the 14th-century castle, the N'Ensiola lighthouse, the monument to the French prisoners, the Blue Cave, the Botanical Garden, and the Ethnographic Museum.

Museums to visit in Mallorca

Juan March Foundation Museum

This is a highly recommended visit both for its large collection of 20th-century works –by great authors such as Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró– and for the building where it is located.

The Juan March Foundation Museum has a good number of works by the most representative artists of the first avant-gardes, mid-century movements, and other more current generations. In its facilities, an old 17th-century house adapted as a museum by the architect Guillem Reyn's I Font, interesting permanent and temporary exhibits are exhibited. In addition, the museum develops an extensive educational program for young people and adults. On a walk through the city of Palma, you should not miss a stop at this interesting cultural center.

Es Baluard, Museum of Contemporary Art of Palma

The Es Baluard Museum is considered one of the maximum references in Contemporary Art in Mallorca. It was inaugurated in 2004 and has a collection made up of more than 700 works dated between the 19th century and today. In this museum, a special emphasis is placed on relating the artists and movements that have come together in the Balearic Islands with the international context. The frequent temporary exhibitions allow you to enjoy large exhibitions and reflections on art without leaving Mallorca.

Its location in a Renaissance bastion is a real luxury since you can enjoy the old historical spaces and the exceptional architectural adaptation made to function as an art center. The total area of ​​Es Baluard is over 5,000 m2, of which half is dedicated to exhibition spaces. It is divided into three floors that are connected to the exterior and the walls through ramps, balconies, and skylights.

The visitor can walk through the central patio, visit the old 17th-century cistern, access the viewpoint from which the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca can be seen, and move along the walls. In fact, on the wall, there is an exceptional restaurant, Es Baluard Restaurant & Lounge.

Miró Mallorca Foundation

The Fundació Pilar I Joan Miró was created in Mallorca with the vocation of being a space for the exchange of knowledge. Its mission is to show the art of Joan Miró and make his creative process known. The artist remained on the island from 1956 until he died in 1983; one of the most productive stages in its history. He donated to the foundation a large number of works, paintings, graphic work, drawings, and sculptures that he had distributed in his workshops. The foundation's headquarters are located in Cala Maior where Miró lived in his Mallorcan period, in a modern building designed by the well-known architect Rafael Moneo. You should also visit the Sert workshop, the Son Boter workshop, and the Sculpture Garden.

It is advisable to book a guided tour to learn, from the hand of experts, the work of Joan Miró, its history, techniques, anecdotes, and curious details. In addition to the exhibition rooms, the complex houses the library, the auditorium, the store, and a cafeteria located in the sculpture garden, with a terrace and views of the Moneo building

 

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