The best places in Mallorca

The name Alcudia derives from the Arabic word Al-Qudiya, which translates to The Hill. The name refers to the location of the bustling town with its 20,000 inhabitants: it is situated high in the north of Mallorca between two bays. The well-preserved fortress in Alcudia is the oldest on the island of Mallorca. Construction of the six-meter-high city wall began in the 13th century to defend against numerous pirate raids in the coastal areas. Alcudia also impresses holidaymakers with its long sandy beaches, beautiful old town, and the surrounding harbor Port d'Alcudia. The Playa de Muro is particularly popular, stretching far to Can Picafort in the east. Other highlights include the bays around Alcudia, La Portabella as a remnant of an old Roman residential complex, and the harbor Port d'Alcúdia, where one can enjoy the harbor atmosphere.

Portocolom is a picturesque fishing village on the east coast of Mallorca that has preserved its traditional charm. The village is located in the municipality of Felanitx and is known for its large natural harbor, which is considered one of the most beautiful and largest natural harbors on the island. The harbor of Portocolom is also the centerpiece of the village. Here, both fishing boats and yachts anchor, and along the waterfront promenade, there are numerous restaurants and cafés serving fresh fish and seafood. The colorful boathouses and idyllic atmosphere make the harbor a popular spot for walks and enjoying the views.

Can Picafort is a holiday resort on the north coast of Mallorca, belonging to the municipality of Santa Margalida. In the past, Can Picafort was a small fishing village, but today it is considered a modern holiday center with a variety of options.

Port de Sóller is a picturesque harbor town on the northwest coast of Mallorca, nestled in an impressive mountain landscape and surrounded by lush nature. The town is located near the city of Sóller and is known for its beautiful, sheltered bay with crystal-clear water and fine sandy beach. The harbor of Port de Sóller is a popular stop for sailors and yachts, and the promenade is lined with charming cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. A special highlight in Port de Sóller is the historic tram, which has connected the harbor and the city of Sóller since 1913. A ride on the nostalgic Tramvia offers breathtaking views of the surrounding orange and lemon orchards and is a must for every visitor. The area around Port de Sóller invites numerous outdoor activities. Hikers and cyclists appreciate the many paths and trails that wind through the stunning landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Boat trips along the coast and to nearby coves and beaches are also very popular.

Santa Ponsa is a popular holiday resort in the southwest of Mallorca, located about 20 kilometers from the island's capital, Palma. The town is known for its beautiful, spacious bay with fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for beachgoers and families. The promenade in Santa Ponsa is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, creating a vibrant atmosphere. In the evenings, one can stroll leisurely along and enjoy the various culinary offerings. Santa Ponsa also has historical significance: In 1229, King Jaume I of Aragon landed here to free Mallorca from the Moors. This event is celebrated every year in early September with a grand festival, the Rei en Jaume Festival, which includes colorful parades, music, and traditional dances. For golfers, Santa Ponsa offers several top-notch golf courses with beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for water sports such as sailing, diving, and windsurfing.

Pollenca is a beautiful town in the north of Mallorca, about an hour away from the capital, Palma. It is known for its winding streets, cobblestone paths, and historic buildings. The old town of Pollenca holds many surprises, making it easy to get lost in the atmosphere of this charming town. The main attraction of Pollenca is the historic Calvario steps that lead up to the chapel of Calvary. Here, you can enjoy a great view over Pollenca and beautiful sunsets. At the top of the Calvario steps, there are several restaurants and cafes that offer both traditional Mallorcan cuisine and international specialties. For those seeking some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Pollenca offers numerous opportunities for hiking, walking, or cycling on the many trails scattered throughout the town - and the Mediterranean coast in the northeast of Mallorca is also very close by.

The charming little town of Deia is located on the northwest coast of Mallorca in the Serra de Tramuntana. Deia is just a three-quarters of an hour away from the capital Palma and is also very close to other popular places such as Valldemossa and Soller. Deià is characterized by its charming alleys, the small Mallorcan stone houses, and many green gardens. It is also home to excellent cuisine and has been visited by much world-famous celebrity over the past decades for this reason alone. Highlights of the village include the Museum of Son Marroig, the pretty church of Sant Joan Bautista, and the Robert Graves Museum. For hot summer days in Mallorca, Deia offers beautiful coves, one of which is the picturesque cove Cala Deia, stretching between two scenic cliffs. For hiking enthusiasts, there is the adjacent nature reserve.

Palma de Mallorca is the capital and the most visited destination of the Balearic Island. The tourist hotspot is located on the southwest coast of Mallorca and offers many beautiful sandy beaches in addition to the world-famous Playa de Palma.

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.

Santanyi is a municipality in the southeast of Mallorca. The town stretches with its golden sandstone houses inland from the island. Santanyi regularly attracts large artists to Mallorca, captivating creatives with its backdrop, the lights, and the many art galleries. You don’t have to look far to recognize the pirate-influenced past of the place. The fortified city walls and the city gate Porta Murada are still symbols of the corresponding fear felt by the people who lived here at the time. Off the coast near Santanyi, you can also find one of the most famous photo motifs of Mallorca, es Pontas, a free-standing rock arch a stone's throw from the rocky shore. If you want to see more of Mallorca, a boat trip to the island from the nearby Cabrera Natural Park is a great option, where you can admire rare animal and plant species.

The small authentically Mallorcan town of Soller is located in the northwest of Mallorca, including Port de Soller, which lies directly on the coast. The town became wealthy in the 19th century through the cultivation and sale of oranges, with the income allowing the residents to build the town at that time. Even today, many old buildings adorn the town in Mallorca. Highlights include the marketplace Plaza Constitución, which houses the town’s landmark, the church of Sant Bartomeu. Soller has a vibrant cultural scene, with the celebration of the patron saint Bartholomew coming alive at the end of August in front of the church and in the town square. The five-day festival includes exhibitions, concerts, as well as riding and sports events. The train Tren de Soller, known in German as the Red Lightning, is the hidden star of the municipality. The historic railway line, built in 1912, runs from Palma de Mallorca in the east to Soller in the northwest, providing a spectacular route through the picturesque mountain landscape of the Serra.

The small fishing village of Cala Ratjada on Mallorca has developed into one of the most popular holiday destinations on the island since the 1960s. The Mallorcan town is located on the eastern side of the Balearic Island and, along with Palma and Alcudia, is one of the most visited places on Mallorca. Cala Ratjada is situated directly by the sea and offers many beautiful beaches in its vicinity, such as Platja Son Moll or the family-friendly Platja Cala Agulla, which is perfect for snorkeling. The over 650,000 visitors each year have transformed the small fishing village into a lively holiday resort that can impress even the most discerning Mallorca tourists with its many restaurants and hotels. A special highlight in Cala Ratjada is the harbor, where numerous restaurants have been established with a wonderful view of the sea. Despite the many holidaymakers, Cala Ratjada has retained the charm of a fishing village.

The holiday resort of Cala Millor is located directly on the northern coast of Mallorca. The Mallorcan municipality lies along a nearly two-kilometer-long sandy beach. The family-friendly beach of Cala Millor in Mallorca is also great for snorkeling and boating. It's no wonder the town's name translates to Best Bay. As the bathing resort of Cala Millor was originally designed for tourism in the northeastern part of Mallorca, visitors' wishes are well catered for: right along the beachfront promenade of Cala Millor, alongside countless hotels, there is a lovely shopping street. Here, boutiques, supermarkets, fashion stores, souvenir shops, and restaurants line up. Additionally, some bars and clubs offer lively parties and a vibrant nightlife along the promenade and in the town center. Furthermore, party trips to Mallorca's party hotspots in Cala Ratjada and Palma are offered.