Majorca trip planner

Majorca Holiday Planning Guide

Majorca's shoreline stretches 550 km (342 mi), with golden beaches and tranquil waters ideal for leisurely sailing trips. But while the island's coast attracts nearly eight million tourists each year, Majorca offers much more than beaches. Away from the most popular resorts, chances for an enjoyable and authentic Majorca vacation abound, including exploring its signature limestone cliffs, now popular for cliff jumping. Deeper inland, you'll find rugged mountains and sprawling plains covered with vineyards. In the island's interior, numerous small restaurants serve delicious and affordable authentic Mediterranean food.

Places to Visit on Majorca

Palma de Mallorca: Home to more than half the island's inhabitants, this cultural hub offers a mix of historical Majorca attractions.

Calvia: Relax on beaches, explore archeological sites, or go for a round of golf at Calvia, a seaside destination that boasts both rugged nature and elite resorts.

Soller: Situated between the mountains and sea in a lush valley, the charming town of Soller features tapas bars, outdoor cafes, and a vintage train that makes a great day trip on any Majorca itinerary.

Port d'Alcudia: The scenic Port d'Alcudia on Majorca's northern coast is a quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the south, known for its vast stretches of beaches and water park.

Magaluf: During your Majorca holiday enjoy all that Magaluf has to offer, from sandy shores, clear water, and exclusive resorts to a thriving nightlife.

Port de Pollenca: Experience the small-town atmosphere in Port de Pollenca, the northernmost town on the island with lovely walks, a marina, and coastal beauty.

Pollenca: Escape tourist crowds and ease into the leisurely lifestyle of Pollenca, an alluring small town that represents the best of northwest Majorca.

Peguera: Playfully called "Little Germany" for its many German-speaking visitors, Peguera boasts three inviting beaches and an attractive promenade.

Palmanova: This major resort and beach destination near Magaluf is known for its party atmosphere in the summer and family-friendly atmosphere the rest of the year.

Llucmajor: The southern gem of Llucmajor preserves an authentic Majorcan feel; you can explore a nearby archaeological site or play a round at the golf course.

Things to Do on Majorca

Popular Majorca Tourist Attractions

Palma Cathedral Le Seu: It's hard to miss the beautiful, sandstone-walled Cathedral (Le Seu), a 13th-century Catalan Gothic building towering over Majorca's capital and one of the city's major draws for tourists.

Ferrocarril de Soller: Discover the island's most gorgeous landscapes during a scenic, old-fashioned train ride along Soller Railway, an attraction that offers daily rides from the city of Palma.

Alcudia Old Town: Experience European charm during your Majorca vacation with a visit to Alcudia Old Town, a historical neighborhood that contains cafes, narrow streets, markets, and stunning architecture within its medieval walls.

Caves of Drach: Discover a mysterious natural attraction in Porto Cristo with a guided tour through Coves del Drac, a series of four magnificent underground grottos.

Katmandu Park: Entertain the whole family during your Majorca holiday with a visit to Katmandu Park, a theme park boasting a fun house, thrill rides, mini golf, an aquarium, and more.

Palma Aquarium: Located near a popular beach, this aquarium shelters over 700 species from around the world and enjoys a reputation for its conservation efforts.

Hidropark: If you're seeking a thrilling family-friendly attraction where you can cool off and enjoy water rides, add Hidropark to your Majorca itinerary.

Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver): Visit Bellver Castle during your Majorca trip for a glimpse into the island's history and to admire the attraction's well-known architectural style.

Es Trenc: To experience a beach that has maintained its natural, pristine beauty, head to Es Trenc, a stretch of shoreline featuring white sand dunes and clear waters.

Golf Fantasia: Situated in a tropical oasis, Golf Fantasia offers visitors of all ages a fantastic mini golf experience that includes three diverse courses, lush gardens with wildlife, and a 19th-hole bar.

Planning a Majorca Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit on Majorca with Kids

Boasting a number of destinations that are equally enjoyed by adults and kids, Majorca makes an excellent choice for family beach holidays. If you want a quiet Majorca vacation, head to Cala d'Or on the island's east coast, or opt for northern shores, calm beaches, and a water park at Port d'Alcudia. To be closer to the action, stay in Palmanova, a major beach resort near the capital with plenty of options for families. A day trip to Soller lets you experience small town charm, taste the island's favorite ice cream, and visit family-friendly attractions like a famous scenic train ride.

Things to Do on Majorca with Kids

Many families like to visit Soller to take a ride on Ferrocarril de Soller, an old fashioned train that can also be accessed from Palma de Mallorca. Of course, Majorca is home to a number of family-friendly beaches, including the untouched Es Trenc, a beautiful beach located between a natural park and the ocean. Animals lovers will enjoy viewing marine life at Palma Aquarium and watching land creatures roam around at Parc Natural de Mondrago. The island also offers visitors a variety of water parks to enjoy, including Hidropark and Western Water Park. Enjoy some interactive family fun at Katmandu Park and Golf Fantasia, which offer children, teens, and their parents a wide selection games and entertainment. Finally, historical sites like Palma Cathedral Le Seu, Alcudia Old Town, and Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver) will add a new understanding and appreciation of your surroundings during your Majorca holiday.

Tips for a Family Vacation on Majorca

In addition to being a great island for family holidays, Majorca also ranks as a top destination for partygoers in Europe, which is why you should choose your accommodations carefully. There are a number of family-friendly hotels and resorts to choose from, as well as restaurants and attractions that cater to adults traveling with children. If you are still concerned about avoiding the club crowd, consider planning your Majorca vacation during the spring or early fall, rather than the summer months, when the bulk of tourists throng the island. During your stay, it may be helpful to note that public transport does not charge for children under the age of four, and sunscreen, baby food, diapers, and other necessities can typically be found at supermarkets throughout the island.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday on Majorca

Cuisine of Majorca

The main ingredients you will see in Majorcan dishes are pork, fish, and vegetables cooked with garlic and olive oil. The food tradition on this island is mostly based in locally grown produce and Spanish recipes, with sausage, chorizo, and a regional version of paella called "arros brat" (dirty rice) available most everywhere. Coffee and desserts are an essential part of daily life here, so feel free to go native on your Majorca holiday by indulging in treats like ice cream, almond cake, flan, cheese, and pastries called "ensaimadas." As is typical in the rest of Spain, people in Majorca tend to eat dinner on the later side, after 8:30 pm, so it may be helpful to reserve a table at a restaurant in advance if you don't want to wait until late night to eat. For a unique dining experience, book a table at one of Majorca's old wine cellars, which have become a very popular type of restaurant venue called "celler."

Shopping on Majorca

Perhaps the most sought-after souvenirs from a Majorca vacation are the island's famous pearls, which you can find in Manacor. Leather goods also make excellent gifts; head to the outlets in Inca to buy these quality items at factory prices.

Virtually any shopping need during your trip to Majorca can be satisfied in Palma de Mallorca, where you'll find everything from luxury goods and popular international brands to local souvenirs. For some of the city's best shopping opportunities, head to Avenida Jaime III, Paseo del Borne, and the side streets off of these main drags. If you prefer to hang out in air conditioning while browsing top brands, visit Centro Comercial Porto Pi. Finally, you can take in the local color virtually anywhere on Majorca with a trip to one of its morning markets, held across the island on various days.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Majorca

History of Majorca

The earliest settlements in Majorca date back to 3000 BCE, and evidence of ancient civilizations still exists on the island today. The Carthaginians ruled the region until 123 BCE, when the Roman Empire took over this land. The Romans built a number of roads and buildings and are credited with leading the primitive island into modernity.

The 10th century CE ushered in centuries of Moorish rule, the stylistic influences of which you'll undoubtedly notice in the architecture during your tour of Majorca. In the Middle Ages, Christianity arrived via the Crusades, and many of the island's historical churches were built. However, it wasn't until the War of Spanish Succession that Majorca officially became a part of Spain in 1716.

Today, visitors can see the impact of these various empires and cultures through many of the historical attractions in Majorca, including Castell de Capdepera, Palma Cathedral Le Seu, and Alcudia Old Town. Since the boom of mass tourism in the 1950s, Majorca's beautiful beaches and proximity to major Spanish cities have made it a top destination for European travelers, especially those from England, Germany, and France.

Landscape of Majorca

Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, which include Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera--all formed approximately 150 million years ago. As is typical of a Mediterranean island, much of Majorca is lush and green with a wide range of landscapes, though it remains most famous for its golden shorelines. Sandy beaches, like the famous Es Trenc, stretch all around the island's coast. As much as you enjoy the sand and surf on your Majorca holiday, do try to take in the island's other gorgeous landscapes: vineyards grow in the central plains, the Tramuntana mountains dominate the western region.

Holidays & Festivals on Majorca

Majorca loves to put together a celebration, even during the winter months. If your trip to Majorca falls in December, you'll discover Christmas markets throughout the island's towns, with the most popular being in the capital. A traditional saint's day, Fiesta de Sant Antoni, happens on January 17 each year. In the spring, after Easter, many places celebrate the Festa de l'Angel; in the summer, towns gather for the eve of Midsummer Day; and in the fall, Binissalem and its vineyards give thanks for the grape harvest with Festa des Vermar. Cala d'Or and Sa Pobla host jazz festivals every year, while Esporles is home to the exciting San Pedro festivities.

Majorca Travel Tips

Climate of Majorca

Majorca enjoys a Mediterranean climate year-round thanks to its desirable location. Winters on the island are stormy and mild, and tend to be colder in the Tramuntana range, where snowfall is not unusual. Meanwhile, summers are hot and sunny throughout the island, which is why Majorca tourism reaches its peak from June through August. Temperatures in August, the hottest month, average at 26 C (79 F). If you want to eschew the crowds and still enjoy a pleasant Majorca vacation, September may be a good option, since the daily high remains a comfortable 27 C (81 F).

Transportation on Majorca

Discount airlines offer daily flights to Majorca's capital, Palma de Majorca, from other European cities. You can also take a ferry to Majorca from one of the other Balearic Islands. Once you've arrived on the island, it is easy to travel between major resort towns via bus, though bus routes change during the off season and on Sundays. If you prefer train travel, railway lines run between Puerto de Soller, Manacor, Inca, Sa Pobla, and Sineu. Renting a car is perhaps the most convenient way to do your Majorca sightseeing. If you choose to go this route, you're more likely to get a better deal by booking in advance--and this is a must in the high season, when demand is at its greatest.

Language of Majorca

Majorca has two official languages: Spanish and Catalan. While visiting the island, you will likely hear Mallorquí, a sub-dialect of Balear (a regional dialect of Catalan), though most natives speak both Spanish and Catalan. You may also hear locals and visitors speaking English, German, French, and other European languages, as Majorca attracts people from across the continent. No matter where your Majorca trip takes you, people will most likely be able to communicate in English, making it easy for tourists to travel freely.