The best excursion destinations in Mallorca

The highest located municipality in Mallorca, Valldemossa in the Serra de Tramuntana, is only about a 20-minute drive from Palma de Mallorca, yet it feels as if you are in another world. Picturesque streets, wonderful architecture, and lush vegetation characterize this splendid municipality.

The Lluc Monastery, or Santuari de Santa Maria de Lluc, is a pilgrimage site at an altitude of 500 meters in the Serra de Tramuntana and is known as the spiritual center of the island. Its history can be traced back to the 13th century, although the current buildings are significantly younger. The church was consecrated in 1914, with the foundation stone being laid in the 17th century. Inspired, among others, by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, the monastery church was expanded in the early 20th century in a neobaroque style. He also had five groups of sculptures designed, representing the fifteen mysteries of the rosary. The monastery church befits the pilgrimage site with its modest interior – behind the altar is a black Madonna figure that symbolizes Mallorca's patron saint, Mare de Déu de Lluc, the ‘Mother of God of Lluc,’ and is regarded as the goal of pilgrims. Since 1974, the figure has marked the end of the pilgrimage from Palma to Lluc. Today, the Lluc Monastery houses a boarding school with a musical focus.

In the south of Mallorca lies Platja es Trenc, not far from Campos. This beach is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe but is also considered the longest natural beach in Mallorca. Behind the beach, there is an expansive dune landscape nearby, adorned with small picturesque bushes. This gives the beach an almost Caribbean flair. It is accessible by car and on foot, making it perfect for small children and families due to its gently sloping shore. Additionally, Platja es Trenc offers sunbed rental, restrooms, a restaurant, lifeguards, and an area where nudism is permitted.

At the eastern end of the Mallorcan peninsula of Formentor – known by the locals as the 'Meeting Point of the Winds' – lies the breathtaking viewpoint of Cap de Formentor. In 1892, a lighthouse was built here, surrounded by rare plant species. The steep cliffs rise to their highest point, Fumart, at over 380 meters above sea level – the bays of Cala Figuera, Cala Murta, and Cala Pi de la Posada nearby are located at the northernmost point of Mallorca. One can reach Cap Formentor from Port de Pollença via a 13-kilometer road along the coast. Leaving Cap Formentor behind, a winding road leads to Talaia d’Albercutx, a watchtower that offers a beautiful view over the peninsula. It should be noted that during the peak season, the access road is frequently closed to cars and motorcycles due to the high influx of visitors. Here, one can rely on buses, but Cap Formentor can also be wonderfully explored by bicycle.

The Palma Aquarium is a popular excursion destination in the capital of the Balearic Island of Mallorca. It regularly enchants its visitors, especially children who are fascinated by the underwater world on display. A highlight of the aquarium is the shark tank, which is over eight meters deep and is regarded as the deepest in Europe. The visit to the aquarium is accompanied by classical music. On the premises, you will find two spacious cafés, a souvenir shop, and an adventure playground for young guests. Ticket prices vary depending on what additional options you choose; adults can visit the aquarium from 30 euros, and children from 17 euros.

The former monastery Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Sant Salvador dates back to the 14th century and was built on a mountain about 500 meters above sea level. At the time of its construction, the Black Death was widespread in the country, and there was a myth that the altitude would keep the disease at bay. In the 18th century, the monastery was completely renovated. A highlight of the setting is the Christ monument built in 1934. The seven-meter-tall copper statue stands on a 37-meter platform from which one can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of Mallorca. Also, there is the 14-meter-tall Picot cross, located a ten-minute walk from the monastery. The monastery near Felanitx is open daily from 07:00 to 20:00, and every Sunday, one can attend Mass at 18:00.

The Cuevas del Drach are considered the largest stalactite caves in Europe and are located on the southeast coast of Mallorca, near Porto Cristo. The visit to the magnificent Dragon Caves takes about an hour. Visitors descend approximately 25 meters underground and follow a tunnel that is over one kilometer long. The temperature in the Cuevas del Drach is 21 degrees, and the humidity is 80 percent. Following the path through the caves, one passes countless stalactites and stalagmites. Next to the tunnel, there is a body of water that leads to a large lake at the end of the tour, and a small boat ride is included. Admission to the Dragon Caves is 16 euros for adults and children over 13 years old, while the visit costs 9 euros for children under 13 years old.

The Gothic fortress Castell de Bellver is located about three kilometers from the center of Palma de Mallorca and, unlike most other castles, was built in a round shape – unique in Europe. Constructed in the 14th century, the fortress once served as a defensive structure and later as a prison. Noble inmates included, for example, the widow of King Jaume III and her children; prior to their imprisonment, the Castell de Bellver served as the residence of Jaume III. The Castell de Bellver, which means 'Castle of the Beautiful View' in German, offers a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles: the arches of the lower level are Romanesque, while the columned gallery of the upper floor is Gothic. The castle was built around a courtyard – the surrounding floors are also rounded. On the terrace of the second floor of Castell de Bellver lies a former strategic observation point that offers a magnificent view over the bay and Palma de Mallorca. Since 1931, the fortress has been owned by the city and houses the Museum of City History as well as exhibition spaces.

The Cathedral of Palma is considered the main attraction of the city; it is a popular photo motif and simultaneously the bishop's seat of Mallorca, also known as 'La Seu'. Since visitors can admire a fascinating spectacle of sunlight inside at noon, many refer to it as the 'Cathedral of Light'. The construction of the church lasted 400 years – King Jaume I laid the foundation stone for the mighty church in 1230, after the liberation of Mallorca from the Moors. Although the construction of the nave was completed in 1587, the building was only finished in the 19th century with the fine-tuning by the renowned Art Nouveau architect Antoni Gaudí. He had the Baroque altar removed to expose the Gothic altar and also made improvements to the acoustics. Palma's Cathedral is among the most significant and largest Gothic buildings in Spain. With a diameter of 11 meters, the eastern main rose window is regarded as the largest in the world. For a truly special view, one should definitely climb the 215 steps to the cathedral's rooftop terrace.