🇪🇸Spain · Places to discover
What to see in Majorque?
19 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Majorca struggles against its reputation as a mass-market destination, though the island conceals genuinely varied geography: the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana to the west contrasts sharply with the agricultural plains of the centre and limestone coves of the south-east. Palma, its capital, functions as a proper Spanish city with markets, vermouth bars and the Gothic cathedral La Seu perched on the seafront.
September and October are the best windows: heat drops, crowds drop, prices follow. Budget a week minimum to venture beyond the beach circuit. A car rental is essential once you head inland. Skip the Magaluf area if you're after authenticity - it operates on a tourist logic that's barely connected to the real island.
Landmarks & heritage
3 places
1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Cartuja de Valldemossa
Former 14th-century monastery where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838–1839. The surrounding village is among the island's most beautiful, with golden-stone houses adorned with geraniums.
2Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Landmark
Banys Àrabs de Palma
10th-century Arab baths, a remarkably well-preserved remnant of Moorish presence in Majorca. Nestled in a secret garden in the heart of old Palma, away from the tourist bustle.
3Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Poble Espanyol de Palma
Reconstructed architectural village grouping replicas of emblematic Spanish buildings. Less well-known than its Barcelona counterpart, it also houses active artisan workshops and local galleries.
Religious sites
2 places
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Religious site
Religious site
Basílica de Sant Francesc de Palma
A 13th-century Gothic basilica housing the tomb of philosopher Ramon Llull. Its flamboyant Gothic cloister is one of Palma's finest contemplative spaces.
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Religious site
Religious site
Catedral de Santa Maria de Palma (La Seu)
Monumental Gothic cathedral built over 300 years, dominating Palma's seafront. The central rose window is one of the largest in Gothic architecture, and Gaudí left his mark on it in the early 20th century.
Castles & fortresses
2 places
6Wikimedia CommonsCastle
Castell de Bellver
Circular Gothic castle from the 14th century perched on a wooded hill overlooking Palma and the bay. Exceptional panoramic views at sunset, and one of Europe's rare round castles.
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Castle
Castle
Palau de l'Almudaina
A former Moorish royal palace transformed into a Gothic royal residence, facing the cathedral. The official residence of the King of Spain in Majorca, featuring state rooms and peaceful interior gardens.
Nature
2 places
8Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Nature
Torrent de Pareis
Spectacular canyon opening onto a pebble beach nestled between 200-metre cliffs. Trekking down the torrent on foot is an adventure reserved for experienced hikers, though the beach is accessible by boat.
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Nature
Nature
Serra de Tramuntana
Mountain range designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the backbone of Majorca with peaks over 1,400 metres. Ancient olive groves, stone villages and winding roads between sky and sea.
Parks & gardens
1 place
10Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Park
S'Albufera de Mallorca Natural Park
Largest wetland area in the Balearics, sanctuary to over 200 species of migratory birds. Locals come by bike early in the morning to observe herons, flamingos and kingfishers in cathedral-like silence.
Viewpoints
2 places
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Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Ricardo Roca Viewpoint
Wild viewpoint on the north-west coast, between Andratx and Estellencs, overlooking cliffs that drop directly into the sea. Accessible by a track, it remains unknown to organised tour circuits.
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Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Ses Barques Viewpoint
Discreet viewpoint on the road to Sa Calobra offering a plunging view over Sóller port and the west coast. Less frequented than the official viewpoints, it's the favourite stop of local cyclists.
Activities
3 places
13Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Activity
Tren de Sóller
Centenary wooden train connecting Palma to Sóller through the Serra de Tramuntana since 1912. Not an artificial tourist train – locals still use it regularly, and the journey itself is the attraction.
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Activity
Activity
Bodegues Binigrau
A family wine estate in the centre of the island producing wines under Binissalem appellation from native grape varieties such as Manto Negro and Prensal Blanc. Visits and tastings in an authentic finca setting.
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Activity
Activity
Dry Stone Route (GR 221)
Long-distance hiking trail crossing the Serra de Tramuntana from Port d'Andratx to Pollença over 150km. Marked with stone shelters, it offers the best way to understand the landscape shaped by Majorcan farmers.
Beaches
1 place
16Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Beach
Platja de Muro
Long stretch of fine sand on the island's north coast, bordered by the s'Albufera natural park. Less well-known than Alcúdia, it attracts mainly local families and kitesurfing enthusiasts thanks to the tramontane wind.
More to discover
3 places
17Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Place
Deià Village
Golden-stone village clinging to the mountainside above the sea, where Robert Graves lived and wrote for decades. The artist community that has settled here lends it a unique atmosphere between bohemian charm and authenticity.
18Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Place
Fornalutx Village
Regularly voted Spain's most beautiful village, this hamlet in the Sóller valley has preserved its cobbled streets and dressed-stone houses without falling into kitsch. Perfect for a stop after a hike.
19Wikimedia CommonsPlace
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca
Studio and museum where Joan Miró worked from 1956 until his death in 1983, preserved as he left it. The permanent collection and creative spaces offer rare insight into the artist's work and life.
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