Mallorca is one of Spain’s most popular vacation spots in the Mediterranean Sea. This lush and beautiful land is the home of some of the most gorgeous natural settings in Europe. Between its stunning beach resorts, limestone mountains, and mysterious coves and caves, there’s no shortage of outdoor attractions in Mallorca.
If this is your first time visiting the island, then you have several items to add to your Mallorca vacation itinerary. Many people don’t know that Mallorca is not just for beach bums. The island is home to a rich history and gorgeous architectural styles, plus its full of art galleries and modern art museums.
Mallorca attracts everyone, so whether you’re planning a family vacation or an epic solo trip, you won’t want to miss out on these ten must-see attractions in Mallorca.
The top ten things to do in Mallorca
Your Mallorca vacation is the perfect island getaway for every type of traveler. Whether you like to go cave exploring, visit art museums, or lounge in the sun, there are plenty of things to do in Mallorca for everyone. Below is a list of 10 must-see attractions in Mallorca so that you can plan an epic holiday in the sun.
1. Step back in time at the Mallorca Cathedral
The Mallorca Cathedral, also known as La Seu, is breathtaking and one of the top attractions in Mallorca. This magnificent sandstone cathedral is the gem of the island and is the final resting place of Spanish royalty.
Be sure to grab this skip-the-line ticket to get front and center without waiting in a long queue. Visitors will also notice the creative additions done by Spain’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaudí, from the early 20th century.
2. Live like a King or Queen at the Royal Palace of La Almudaina
This decadent royal palace dates back to the 14th century when kings and queens would spend their holidays in Mallorca. This palace is home to gorgeous royal apartments, a grand staircase, and rich artifacts and tapestries that are fitting of the royal treatment.
Visitors can stroll through the gardens, watch the swans glide across the lake, and take amazing photographs of the Bay of Palma. This ticket grants you entry to the palace during a specific time slot, guaranteeing a seamless visit to one of the top attractions in Mallorca.
3. Say hi to sharks at the Palma Aquarium
If you’re unsure what to do in Mallorca, then head to this perfect family-friendly activity. The Palma Aquarium is home to hundreds of sea creatures cared for by a devoted team of conservationists.
Kids can explore the pirate ship, watch an immersive movie at the 3D cinema, or see the sharks get fed in Europe’s deepest shark tank. Plus, the Aquarium is the home of Europe’s biggest living coral collection. After a few hours at the aquarium, parents will feel like a kid at heart again.
4. Watch the dolphins flip at Marineland Mallorca
Part of Mallorca’s appeal is the fantastic marine life that surrounds this island jewel. Marineland Mallorca is an opportunity for your family to catch dolphins flipping in action. There are seven talented dolphins, plus sea lions that are just as friendly and sweet.
Marineland has plenty of other creatures, including a giant aviary with pink flamingos and Humboldt penguins. If you have some spare time, head to the Tropical Houses to check out a rainforest environment where parrots, iguanas, and poison frogs live. This amazing activity is the icing on the cake of your Mallorca family holiday.
5. Explore the colorful Genova Caves
First-timers must visit the Genova Caves, as it’s one of the most unique attractions in Mallorca. Bring the whole family on this self-guided tour and journey underground to discover colorful and rare rock formations.
The caves are linked by natural corridors, so you’ll journey about 36 meters underground. If there are any budding geologists in your family, they’ll get a kick out of learning about the creation of these unique rock formations.
6. Splash and relax at Aqualand El Arenal
The best attraction to add to your Mallorca family holiday is Aqualand El Arenal. The largest waterpark on the island has over 20 water rides for different age levels, so there’s something for everyone at Aqualand.
The waterpark is set in beautiful tropical surroundings, so Mallorca vacation vibes are in full force–especially in the jacuzzi area. If you need a break from sightseeing and want to lounge by the pool, this waterpark is the perfect spot to be.
7. Test your athleticism at the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience
If you’re wondering what to do in Mallorca, then this is probably the coolest attraction on the island. Mallorca’s golden child happens to be one of the best tennis players in the world, Rafael Nadal. Nadal grew up in a large town on the island and now has an immersive experience dedicated to his success.
Learn about Nadal’s epic tennis career, including his wins and losses, while comparing your athletic stats to one of his fun sporting challenges. One of the most popular attractions in Mallorca, this activity is great for kids and tennis lovers alike!
8. Wander the studios at the Fundació Miró Mallorca
Fans of modern art and the incredible Joan Miró can get closer to the artist’s inspirations and influences by visiting the Fundació Miró Mallorca. The artist’s home has four unique architectural spaces and is one of the most creative things to do in Mallorca.
Miró’s paintings are on display, including some of his large-scale sculptures in the surrounding tropical gardens. It is one of the highest-rated attractions in Mallorca and is perfect for art enthusiasts on vacation.
9. Escape the crowds at the Jardines de Alfabia
Those who want to immerse themselves in Mallorca’s lush green landscape will find it at the Jardines de Alfabia. Away from the crowded beaches, the Tramuntana mountains are home to a rich garden oasis that’s a combination of Moorish and classic English landscapes.
Travelers say the Jardines are breathtaking and a peaceful oasis away from the crowds. Get all your Mallorca family holiday photos here at one of the most beautiful attractions on the island.
10. Say hi to the fishes on the Mallorca Cruise & Glass Bottom Boat
If you’re a first-timer googling what to do in Mallorca, you’ll probably come across an epic boat ride. This ticket lets you board a small-group catamaran to explore the southwest coast of Mallorca. The glass-bottom boat lets you peer into the crystal blue water and see marine life in its natural habit.
You’ll also dock at the Malgrats Islands, where you can swim in the water and cool off from the hot sun. This is one of the top things to do in Mallorca for small groups eager to spend an afternoon exploring Mallorca’s pristine waters.
Extra Attraction: Day Trip in Mallorca
Journey through mountains on Tren Sóller
One of the best day trips in Mallorca is taking the famous charming train from Palma to Sóller. The Sóller train has been operating since 1912 and travels through the mountains of Serra de Tramuntana. Enjoy this one-of-a-kind scenic view from vintage carriages, and feel like you’re transported back in time.
This special day trip in Mallorca is an all-day tour conducted at your own pace, starting with taking the train to the charming town of Sóller. After exploring Sóller on a colorful tram, you’ll board a boat to Sa Calobra to see some of the rocky coastline and gorgeous ocean views.
Every moment of this day shows off the magic of Mallorca and is one of the best attractions on the island.
Where is Mallorca located?
Mallorca is only a 55-minute flight from Barcelona and is a popular travel destination for Europeans. Located in the Mediterranean, Mallorca may be considered a small island at only 1400 sq miles, but it is the largest island of the Balearic. Since Mallorca is home to beaches and mountainous terrain, it can take a while to travel to the island by bus or car.
Is it pronounced Mallorca or Majorca?
If you’re a first-time visitor to Mallorca, you may see the island’s name spelled a few different ways, mainly either Mallorca or Majorca. Majorca is the Catalan spelling of the name, and Mallorca is the Spanish spelling. In that area of Spain, Catalan is the primary language, but Spanish, English, and some German are also spoken on the island.
Where should a first-time visitor stay in Mallorca?
As a first-time visitor to Mallorca, the best way to enjoy the island is to stay a few days in Palma to get your feet wet. The island’s beautiful metropolis is the perfect base to learn about the land’s rich history and to be close to beaches and public transportation.
Palma showcases Mallorca’s wide and varied history, with many Roman, Moorish, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian influences throughout the city. Many conquests and power struggles are present in the backdrop of the island’s history in Palma.
First-time visitors will enjoy the city’s many galleries, historical buildings, shops, and restaurants. Plus, the city has plenty of parks, green spaces, and beaches for the outdoorsy types.
Families visiting the island have plenty of incredible attractions to choose from on their Mallorca vacation. Primarily, the Palma Aquarium is a great afternoon activity to escape the hot sun. Palma is also a beautiful metropolis with a gorgeous Old Town and other rich cultural hotspots that you won’t want to miss.
Hotels in Palma
Looking for more fun things to do in Mallorca? Then check out this list of amazing Mallorca attractions.
