Top Things to do in Majorca - Essential Highlights

When many people think of Spain, they may think about partying in the famous capital of Barcelona, or trying traditional signature tapas at the bar of the local Spanish restaurant.

Majorca is the crown jewel of Spain’s Baleric Islands and one of the most exciting islands in the Meditterean and is one of the most favourable locations to travel in Europe due to its sunny sky and warm destinations. The Spanish name for the Island is Majorca, however the Catalan spelling is Mallora. Used interchangeably on the internet and in the media, people are often confused regarding the right usage of the city name. People come to Majorca for its all inclusive seaside beach resorts, most specifically at Palma de Mallorca. I loved lounging at the all-inclusive pools, sailing on the beaches and playing water sports. In the 1950s, rapid tourism began to come to Majorca, as the city saw drastic changes in appreciation of its climate and scenery. Many people may not know that however, there are so many other things to explore besides the all inclusive resorts, including exploring the hidden caves full of stalagmites and travelling to see the natural landscapes such as the Cape de Formentor.

Brief History

The administration and power of Majorca changed hands many times from the Romans, to the Moors to various other groups. During the colonization by the Romans, Palma was selected as the name of the city located on the sweep of a large bay, and today is the capital of the Balearic Islands. The real development of the city, however, began in 1220 when Jaume I of Aragon laid the foundation for the architecture and the cathedrals of Palma. During the 13th and 14th century, pieces of churches and castles were built throughout the region in a effort to establish dominance, with these legacies still present today. Currently, Palma and Majorca as a whole are popular Spanish destinations for people in northern Europe wanting to escape the cold weather.

Top Attractions:

1.Lounging at the all-inclusive resorts

There are many all-inclusive resorts that lie throughout Palma, offering entertainment, water sports, amenities and private beaches for you to enjoy your time in the Spanish sun. Surrounding all of these all-inclusive resorts include buffets that offer views of the sunsets and various bungalow and resort style buildings that line the pedestrian walkways of the resort. A tip would be to book a package trip with your travel booking provider to get a discount on the roundtrip price on flights, all-inclusive hotels and more.

2. Checking out the various beaches & beach towns

Majorca is surrounded by pristine beaches lining the island, and if you want to explore the less known beaches, be sure to head over to the port city of Port de Sóller, among others, for its quiet charm nearby the beach, along with its own tram trolley to take you on a tour of the city, with beaches dazzling along your tour. While Palma may be Majorca's most well known city, there are many hidden cities to discover on the Island of Majorca. With distinticive quaint oceanside villas and houses that illustrate the story of the island of Majorca, sometimes strolling through a small town gives you more insight on the people than browsing through a museum.

2. Sailing

The Medditteran Coast is famous for sailing, and when you are in Majorca, don’t miss out to go sailing to some of the nearby islands surrounding Palma. The sailing season in Majorca runs all year round so don’t be afraid to try sailing around the Island on a yacht, from the various ports of origin. With around 42 ports and anchorages , there is something to explore for everyone. Many people choose to do a boat tour with a destinated yatcht/boat tour, with the convenience of docking at designated ports and choosing their own itinerary.

3. Isolated Caves

Credits to Niels Kliim

People may not know but there are over 200 isolated cave systems located all over the island of Majorca due to its geology in particular, however there are only a distinct few that resonate strongly with the locals in particular. The Cuevas de Arts cave is impressively tall at 22mm tall, featuring impressive stalagmites compared to similar caves. Situated on the crest of a cliff overlooking the bay of Canyamel, it is quite a distance from the city, but a nice detour away from the city senery.

4. Natural Landscapes

The Coast of Cap de Formentor is a example of one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in southern Europe. If you have time, be sure to check out this amazing natural landscape. Majorcans call this the “meeting point of the winds” because the winds from North Africa, the Alps, Atlantic Ocean meet at the cape together, creating a gateway for meeting. Although the Cape is not located in the main tourist spots, it has inspired many artists and poets to capture the beauty of this far away place.Located near the Lighthouse are hiking routes, a beach and various other areas to explore.

Credits to Dirk Vorderstraße

5. Archeiture Marathons - Cathedral de Mallora

This 14th century cathedral is one of Europe’s tallest Gothic structures, and stands in the heart of the city of Palma. One of the most significant things incorporated in the Cathedral that differentiate it from others include the 61 stained-glass windows. Also known as La Seu, the Cathedral was originally built whilst Jaume I was on a voyage to the Island and he made a pact that if he aided the Island of the Moors peoples, he would build a cathedral. Of course, he succeeded, and the resulting Cathedral underwent renovations over time, but its strikingly symbol of Majorca’s history remains clear.

Credits to SBA73

6. Castell de Bellver

Credit to Maria Rose Ferre

If you looking to discover history outside of the all inclusive resorts, be sure to head over to Bellver Castle, a Gothic-style castle to the west of the center of Palma. As the former residence of the Kings of Majorca, this majestic castle is a peculiar sight to see within the beaches and seaside shops. It has an impressive military history along with the distinction of being one of the few castles built in a circular shape. Today, it is the seat of the city's tourist museum, allowing visitors to experience the history of Majorca, with the story of how King James II built the 14th century castle, and its various uses over the ages.

Chelsea Reviews: 4/5

Majorca is the perfect getaway for getaways to the Medditeranean, as its location confirms the accessibility of the beaches from the European continent and England as well. I loved the warm temperature, Spanish friendliness, and sipping the Pina coladas on the beach. If Mexico if the getaway destination for North Americans, then similarily the Spanish Island of Majorca is known for been a popular beach destination for Europeans, especially during spring break. If you want to really explore Palma beyond the superficial typical beach narrative, then be sure to check the city of Palma, caves, and natural scenery that stretches beyond the coast.