The Top 10 Things To See and Do in Mallorca

Located in the picturesque Sierra de Tramuntana, the Gardens of Alfàbia are bursting with colourful vegetation and idyllic water features. The greenery envelops a historical farmhouse, which is open to the public. The building is an architectural gem—its features hark back to the Moorish occupation and are combined with Baroque elements from the later reformation of the site.

Be transported back in time at the ruins of the Roman city of Pollentia. Founded in 123 BC, the city was once the capital of the Balearic islands. Nowadays, the site, including the well-preserved Roman theatre and forum, is open to the public. Bring plenty of water and comfortable shoes and spend the morning exploring. Finish your visit with a look around the museum to learn about the fascinating history of the ruins.

If sightseeing has taken its toll on your feet, a ride on the Sóller train is a great way to discover the Mallorcan landscape without moving from your seat. Since its opening in 1912, the train has been operating daily. The efforts to preserve the rustic, old world charm have been successful. Its narrow gauge, for example, which is characteristic of the first trains, has been maintained.

Be sure to take a camera along when you visit Cap de Formentor. This zone, where the Sierra de Tramuntana meets the Mediterranean, marries together the beauty of mountainous and coastal landscapes. The journey through windy, narrow roads is not for the faint-hearted, but the views from the various lookout points which punctuate the trajectory are well worth the trip. Check out the windswept lighthouse, Faro de Formentor, which is perched on a cliff.

Art lovers should not miss the Museu Fundació Juan March. The museum is a converted stately home nestled in the old town of the island’s capital, which dates back to the 17th century. The collection features some of the masters of the Spanish vanguard, including Salvador Dalì, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. Despite its small size, the museum offers a varied tour through Spanish art of the 20th century.

Mallorca is home to a number of impressive castles. The Bellver Castle is particularly worth a visit, given the variety of its historical uses. Construction of the castle began in 1300 by order of James II, King of Mallorca, and it was designed to be a royal residence. Three kings of Mallorca resided here, including Jaume II, Sanç I and Jaume III. In 1717, it became a military prison, then later a private residence. The castle also imprisoned a number of French soldiers defeated at the Battle of Bailen. In 1821, the castle was temporarily converted into a currency factory, before becoming a prison again during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), when more than 800 Republicans were imprisoned here.

The Mondragó Natural Park offers the opportunity to admire the island’s native vegetation and animals. The land in this park is shaped by decades of agricultural activity and a smattering of dry stone walls, irrigation ditches and waterwheels, creating a rustic charm. After a morning of bird-watching on the dry landscape, cool off in the crystal-clear water of the park’s beaches. The adventurous might like to snorkel from bay to bay.