Away from the beaches and clubs, the diverse landscape of Mallorca offers a range of hiking, driving and golfing opportunities for active honeymoon couples.
Explore the island’s interior on foot, bike or by hire car, a scenic landscape of almond and olive groves, pine forests, whitewashed windmills and picture-perfect mountain villages scattered across the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
The west coast offers some of Mallorca’s most scenic driving experiences. Discover twisting roads that wind past secluded sandy coves atop vertiginous cliffs, through pine forests, lemon and orange groves.
Stop by charming fortified hilltop towns such as: Andratx, surrounded by fortifications; the pretty town of Estallenchs, sprawling across steep slopes at the foot of the Mount Galatzo; and attractive Bañalbufar, where you can enjoy panoramic sea views from the 17th century Mirador de Ses Animes (photo); and visit the medieval monasteries at Valldemossa and Lluc.
Explore narrow and winding roads that weave through wooded valleys and steep mountain slopes dotted with picturesque villages to a jagged-edged coastline of pine-fringed cliffs overlooking secluded sandy coves.
Choose from several marked hiking trails that network the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range stretching along the island’s west coast, where there are several peaks more than 1000m high, and in the Llevant Mountains to the east, with peaks up to 561m in height.
Try the six-day hike from Valldemossa (photo) via Soller to Pollença, which winds along centuries-old traders’ paths past gnarled olive trees through woodland, along dramatic canyons to mountain peaks offering spectacular panoramic vistas.
Or ride belle epoque rail carriages through inspiring mountain scenery between Palma and Sóller.
In Mallorca's capital, Palma de Mallorca (or Palma), explore atmospheric old alleyways and squares around the Plaça Santa Eulalia and along the seafront wander wide boulevards past 12th century ramparts at Ses Voltes.
The best of Mallorca's many sightseeing attractions, include…
In Mallorca's capital, Palma de Mallorca (or Palma as it’s commonly known), explore the atmospheric old alleyways around the Plaça Santa Eulalia and wander wide boulevards that were once the base of the original Moorish walls built to protect the city.
See the remaining 12th century ramparts at Ses Voltes on the seafront and visit the towering Gothic La Seu Catedral (photo) that took 400 years to build (from 1230 to 1601). Admire the cathedral’s spectacular 121m-long and 43m-high nave, supported by 14 slender 20m-tall pillars that branch out at the top like palm trees to support the single-span vaulted roof.
Explore a maze of rooms and examine Flemish tapestries at the Palau de l'Almudaina (photo), a Moorish castle later used by Mallorcan and Spanish royalty.
Pop into the elegant domed chamber of the 10th century Banys Àrabs (Arab baths), a former public bathhouse set in a walled garden of lemon and palm trees.
Then examine archaeological finds as well as medieval religious paintings inside the Museu de Mallorca, housed in a 15th century mansion. Don’t miss the 13th century Basílica de Sant Francesc, one of the finest of Palma’s medieval churches.
At Museu Fundació Pilar y Joan Miró, see a collection of more than 100 paintings and sculptures and scores of drawings housed in the artist’s former studio.
Later, browse fashion boutiques and choose from a range of al fresco bars and restaurants facing a bay renowned for its magical sunsets.
Explore this well-preserved 14th century circular castle built on a hilltop near Palma de Mallorca, enjoying panoramic views from the battlements.
Walk in the footsteps of the Knights Templar, who once owned this pretty town and built the imposing 13th century Church of Nuestra Senyora de Los Ángeles, which stands in the present day Plaça Major.
Walk charming narrow alleyways and enjoy views across to the 330m-high Puig de Maria, home to a 15th century Sanctuary.
Climb up the 365 stone steps of the Calvari of Pollença for panoramic views that stretch as far as Capo de Formentor.
Discover this dramatic peninsula by hire car along the 20km-long twisting, vertiginous road from Port de Pollença to the lighthouse at the cape's end.
Enjoy spectacular scenic views from miradores (lookouts) set atop 200m-high cliffs overlooking secluded rock-framed coves lapped by intensely coloured turquoise waters.
Wander the steep cobbled streets of Fornalutx, a pretty mountain village lined with stone houses and surrounded by groves of almond trees. Then drive through hairpin bends to the port village of Sa Calobra, with a tiny white-sand beach surrounded by soaring cliffs and overlooking a turquoise inlet.
Explore the maze of narrow streets in this medieval old town lined with tall ochre houses and surrounded by a 14th century wall indented with massive fortified gates and crenellated towers.
Later, drive out to nearby Pollentia to see Roman ruins at the 1st century BC Teatre Romà (Roman amphitheatre). Alcúdia is just 3km inland from Playa Puerto de Alcúdia.
Explore on foot or bicycle the largest wetland area in the Balearics – an 800ha expanse separated by low vegetation-covered sand dunes from the sea in the Bay of Alcúdia.
Hire a pair of binoculars from the reception centre and try to spot some of the 200-plus species that visit the park, including egrets, sandpipers, kingfishers (photo) and warblers. S'Albufera Nature Reserve is located between Port de Alcúdia and Ca'n Picafort.
Come for a night or stay longer at one of the most beautiful towns on the island, most notable for its palatial 19th century mansions, sprinkling of 16th century facades, an 18th century convent and a 16th century parish church.
Getting there: From Palma, take the train to enjoy spectacular views in the comfort of charming belle epoque wooden carriages with leather-covered seats, dating from 1912. Or hire a car and treat yourselves to a magnificent drive through lemon and olive groves thriving on stonewalled terraces, forested cliffs and quaint old stone farmhouses.
After strolling the narrow streets, catch the blue-and-brass tram that winds its way through town down to the attractive Puerto de Sóller. Soller sits on the west coast, around 30km from Palma.
Stroll among pergolas, a pavilion and ponds in this lush garden that surrounds a one-time Moorish palace on the outskirts of Sóller. Inside the palace, admire Arabic and Mallorcan furniture.
Walk in the footsteps of the English poet and writer Robert Graves, who lived here from 1929 until his death in 1985.
Stroll around the narrow tree-lined streets of this picturesque village surrounded by olive trees then wander down to the beach at Cala de Deià for a sunset drink and a chat with locals and expat literati.
Located in a stunning mountain setting of the Serra de Tramuntana, the inspiring setting of Deià has attracted artists and writers for centuries.
Visit the former home of writer and poet Robert Graves, which he built in 1932 overlooking the sea. Now a museum, the house boasts a wide collection Graves' furniture, books and personal effects.
Wander through a huge cavern crammed with an underground forest of stalactites and stalagmites as well as five subterranean lakes.
Tour the cavern by boat or time your visit with one of the frequent concerts held here. The caves are located on the east coast of Mallorca, south of Porto Cristo, around 61km east of Palma.
Latest update: Mallorca Sights & Attractions: 10 May, 2022
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