Mallorca Travel Guide - Free Web & App
Your ultimate guide to Mallorca. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.
Mallorca, Spain, combines Tramuntana peaks, secluded coves, historic villages, Roman remains, island cuisine and Mediterranean walking, cycling and sailing.
Island Landscapes
Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, a Mediterranean island whose character changes markedly between mountain, plain, coast and city. The Serra de Tramuntana forms a rugged backbone along the north-west, rising above terraced valleys, olive groves and villages such as Sóller, Deià, Valldemossa and Pollença. To the east and south, the landscape opens into quieter coves, limestone headlands, beaches and low agricultural country, while the central Es Pla is shaped by fields, orchards and traditional rural settlements.Read more about Mallorca
History and Island Culture
Exploring Mallorca
When is the best time to visit Mallorca?
Best: April–May, October · 21–26°C| Month | High (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15 | 35 |
| February | 16 | 30 |
| March | 18 | 25 |
| April (best) | 21 | 20 |
| May (best) | 26 | 15 |
| June | 30 | 10 |
| July | 32 | 10 |
| August | 33 | 10 |
| September | 31 | 15 |
| October (best) | 26 | 20 |
| November | 21 | 25 |
| December | 17 | 30 |
Getting to and around Mallorca
How to get there
Transportation
Best attractions in Mallorca
Mallorca’s attractions range from Palma’s historic centre and cathedral to landscapes that demand slower exploration. In the Serra de Tramuntana, the road between Sóller and Pollença passes through mountain scenery, while Valldemossa, Deià and Fornalutx provide distinct village settings among terraces and olive groves. Alcúdia’s old town and the nearby Roman remains of Pollentia connect present-day Mallorca with antiquity, and the wetlands of s’Albufera de Mallorca offer important bird habitat near the north coast. Mondragó Natural Park in the south-east combines pine woodland, scrub, farmland and sandy coves, while the Artà peninsula leads to coastal scenery around Cala Torta and Cala Mesquida. The Cuevas del Drach near Porto Cristo are among the island’s best-known cave attractions, with large chambers and underground lakes. Offshore, Cabrera Archipelago National Park protects a separate island environment reached by boat, subject to access arrangements and marine conservation rules.
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Tourist attraction
Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca
Explore the breathtaking Gothic architecture of the Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca, a stunning symbol of Palma's rich history and culture.
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Tourist attraction
Palma Aquarium
Discover Palma Aquarium, a premier attraction in Mallorca showcasing marine life, conservation efforts, and interactive experiences for the whole family.
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Tourist attraction
Castell de Bellver
Experience the architectural wonder of Castell de Bellver in Palma, a historical castle offering stunning views and a glimpse into Mallorca's rich past.
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Tourist attraction
Parc natural de Mondragó
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and tranquil beauty of Parc Natural de Mondragó, a must-visit destination in Mallorca's Balearic Islands.
Best landmarks in Mallorca
Palma Cathedral, known as La Seu, is Mallorca’s defining architectural landmark, standing beside the Almudaina Palace and the remains of the old city walls. Above Palma, the circular Castell de Bellver is notable for its unusual form and long connection with the city’s defence and political history. In the north, the Roman theatre and forum of Pollentia near Alcúdia are among the island’s most important classical remains, while prehistoric sites such as Ses Païsses near Artà reveal a much earlier society. The Serra de Tramuntana is itself a cultural landmark, where dry-stone walls, terraces, water channels and mountain villages express centuries of agricultural adaptation. At the coast, Cap de Formentor, the cliffs around Sa Calobra and the coves of Mondragó provide powerful natural reference points, though access, weather and seasonal restrictions can affect how they are experienced.
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Cathedral
Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca
Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca, a gothic architectural marvel in the heart of Palma.
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Tourist attraction
Drach Caves
Discover the stunning Drach Caves in Porto Cristo, Mallorca, where natural beauty meets geological wonder in an unforgettable underground adventure.
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Castle
Castell de Bellver
Explore the enchanting Castell de Bellver in Palma, a historic castle with breathtaking views and rich cultural significance.
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Historical landmark
Plaça d'Espanya
Explore the vibrant Plaça d'Espanya in Palma, a historical landmark where culture, architecture, and local life converge beautifully.
Explore Mallorca on the map
Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.
Best hotels in Mallorca
Best restaurants in Mallorca
Mallorca’s food reflects its agricultural interior, Mediterranean coastline and long trading history. Traditional cooking includes tumbet, a layered dish of vegetables; pa amb oli, bread with olive oil and toppings; arròs brut, a richly seasoned rice dish; and sobrasada, a soft cured pork sausage. Ensaïmada is the island’s best-known pastry, while almonds, citrus, olives, local wines and seasonal produce appear widely in markets and restaurant kitchens. Palma offers the broadest choice, from traditional cellers and bakeries to contemporary dining, while Sóller, Alcúdia, Pollença, Artà and other established towns provide restaurants, cafés and village establishments. In rural areas and small coastal settlements, options may be limited outside the main season, and visitors should not assume that a remote beach or mountain trail has food facilities nearby. Farm shops, weekly markets and local bakeries are useful for assembling picnics and discovering regional products.
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Tapas
OMBU Passeig del Born
Discover exquisite tapas and cocktails at OMBU Passeig del Born, Palma's premier destination for Mediterranean cuisine.
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Tapas
Bar Andaluz
Discover Bar Andaluz: A vibrant tapas bar in Platja de Palma serving authentic Andalusian cuisine amidst a lively atmosphere.
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Restaurant
Ginger Beach
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors at Ginger Beach in Platja de Palma – where every meal becomes a seaside celebration.
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Restaurant
Restaurante Pura Vida Mallorca
Discover authentic Mediterranean flavors at Restaurante Pura Vida Mallorca in Cala Figuera—where fresh ingredients meet stunning coastal views.
Best bars in Mallorca
Evening life in Mallorca varies sharply by area. Palma has the island’s widest concentration of wine bars, traditional taverns, cocktail venues, live-music spaces and late-night entertainment, particularly around the historic centre, Santa Catalina and the waterfront, although the atmosphere changes from one street to another. Larger resorts such as Magaluf, s’Arenal and parts of Alcúdia have a more commercial nightlife scene, while Port de Sóller, Pollença, Artà and inland villages tend towards restaurants, hotel bars, cafés and traditional pubs rather than large clubs. In the Tramuntana and quieter rural areas, evenings are centred on village squares, local festivals when scheduled, or the hospitality of a country inn. Venue opening patterns and seasonal activity vary considerably, so visitors should check locally rather than expect nightlife in every settlement.
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Gastropub
Shamrock Palma
Discover Shamrock Palma: A vibrant gastropub blending Irish warmth with Palma's lively culture, perfect for food, drinks, and live entertainment.
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Bar
Bar Abaco
Discover the enchanting ambiance and exquisite cocktails at Bar Abaco, a premier lounge bar in Palma, Mallorca, perfect for a magical evening out.
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Pub
Three Lions
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Three Lions in Palma, where great food, live music, and a friendly atmosphere await.
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Pub
Atomic Garden
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Palma at Atomic Garden, a popular pub known for its eclectic drinks and lively atmosphere.
Best nightclubs in Mallorca
Evening life in Mallorca varies sharply by area. Palma has the island’s widest concentration of wine bars, traditional taverns, cocktail venues, live-music spaces and late-night entertainment, particularly around the historic centre, Santa Catalina and the waterfront, although the atmosphere changes from one street to another. Larger resorts such as Magaluf, s’Arenal and parts of Alcúdia have a more commercial nightlife scene, while Port de Sóller, Pollença, Artà and inland villages tend towards restaurants, hotel bars, cafés and traditional pubs rather than large clubs. In the Tramuntana and quieter rural areas, evenings are centred on village squares, local festivals when scheduled, or the hospitality of a country inn. Venue opening patterns and seasonal activity vary considerably, so visitors should check locally rather than expect nightlife in every settlement.
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Disco club
Tito's Mallorca International Club
Discover the pulsating nightlife at Tito's Mallorca International Club, a premier disco club offering thrilling parties and spectacular views in Palma.
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Disco club
Bar Sabotage
Experience the electrifying nightlife at Bar Sabotage, Palma's top disco club offering unforgettable nights filled with music and dance.
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Disco club
Rockefeller's Disco Pub
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Rockefeller's Disco Pub in Palma, where music, dance, and socializing create unforgettable moments under the stars.
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Night club
Social Club
Discover the pulse of Palma's nightlife at the Social Club, where music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere await you.
Best shops in Mallorca
Shopping in Mallorca is strongest in Palma and the larger towns, with independent food shops, bakeries, galleries, markets and retailers carrying island-made goods. Local products include ceramics, leather goods associated particularly with Inca, woven textiles, olive oil, wine, almonds, pottery and traditional food specialities such as sobrasada and ensaïmada. Palma’s markets and central streets offer the broadest choice, while weekly markets in towns including Sineu, Pollença, Alcúdia and Artà are useful places to encounter produce and small-scale goods, although the character and selection vary by day and season. Inca is historically associated with footwear and leather manufacturing, and Sóller is known for products linked to its citrus-growing valley. Remote coves, mountain villages and protected natural areas have few shopping facilities, so supplies should be bought in a larger settlement before travelling into the countryside.
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Shopping mall
FAN Mallorca Shopping
Explore FAN Mallorca Shopping for a diverse retail experience, tasty dining, and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of Palma.
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Department store
Rialto Living
Discover Rialto Living, a captivating blend of art, design, and lifestyle in Palma, offering unique home goods and a charming café experience.
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Gift shop
ALE-HOP
Explore ALE-HOP in Palma for unique gifts and charming souvenirs that capture the essence of the Balearic Islands.
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Clothing store
Maricastaña
Explore the vibrant fashion scene at Maricastaña, Palma's top destination for stylish clothing and exquisite jewelry.
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Mallorca essentials
Currency and Payment
Safety
Emergency Situations
Do's and Don'ts
Local Tips
From Eve
Local phrases worth knowing
You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.
Basics
| English | Local | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | [oh-lah] |
| Goodbye | Adiós | [ah-dee-ohs] |
| Yes | Sí | [see] |
| No | No | [no] |
| Please/You're welcome | Por favor/De nada | [por fah-bor/deh nah-dah] |
| Thank you | Gracias | [grah-thyas] |
| Excuse me/Sorry | Perdón/Lo siento | [pair-dohn/loh syen-toh] |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? | [koh-moh ehs-tahs] |
| Fine. And you? | Bien. ¿Y tú? | [byen. ee too] |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Hablas inglés? | [ah-blahs een-glays] |
| I don't understand | No entiendo | [noh ehn-tyen-doh] |
Eating & Drinking
| English | Local | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| I'd like to see the menu, please | Me gustaría ver la carta, por favor | [meh goos-tah-ree-ah bair lah kahr-tah, por fah-bor] |
| I don't eat meat | No como carne | [noh koh-moh kahr-neh] |
| Cheers! | ¡Salud! | [sah-lood] |
| I would like to pay, please | Me gustaría pagar, por favor | [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-bor] |
Emergencies
| English | Local | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | ¡Ayuda! | [ah-yoo-dah] |
| Go away! | ¡Vete! | [veh-teh] |
| Call the Police! | ¡Llama a la Policía! | [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-thee-ah] |
| Call a doctor! | ¡Llama a un médico! | [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh] |
| I'm lost | Estoy perdido/a | [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/pair-dee-dah] |
| I'm ill | Estoy enfermo/a | [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ehn-fehr-mah] |
Shopping
| English | Local | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| I'd like to buy... | Me gustaría comprar... | [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prar] |
| I'm just looking | Solo estoy mirando | [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh] |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | [kwan-toh kwehs-tah] |
| That's too expensive | Es demasiado caro | [ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh] |
| Can you lower the price? | ¿Puedes bajar el precio? | [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh] |
Time & Numbers
| English | Local | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| What time is it? | ¿Qué hora es? | [keh oh-rah ehs] |
| It's one o'clock | Es la una en punto | [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh] |
| Half past (10) | Y media | [ee meh-dee-ah] |
| Morning | Mañana | [mah-nyah-nah] |
| Afternoon | Tarde | [tahr-deh] |
| Evening | Noche | [noh-cheh] |
| Yesterday | Ayer | [ah-yehr] |
| Today | Hoy | [oy] |
| Tomorrow | Mañana | [mah-nyah-nah] |
| 1 | Uno | [oo-noh] |
| 2 | Dos | [dohs] |
| 3 | Tres | [trehs] |
| 4 | Cuatro | [kwa-troh] |
| 5 | Cinco | [theen-koh] |
| 6 | Seis | [says] |
| 7 | Siete | [syeh-teh] |
| 8 | Ocho | [oh-choh] |
| 9 | Nueve | [nweh-veh] |
| 10 | Diez | [dyehth] |
Transport & Directions
| English | Local | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Where's a/the...? | ¿Dónde está el/la...? | [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah] |
| What's the address? | ¿Cuál es la dirección? | [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon] |
| Can you show me (on the map)? | ¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)? | [pweh-dehs ehn-seh-nyar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)] |
| When's the next (bus)? | ¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)? | [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)] |
| A ticket (to ....) | Un billete (a ....) | [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah)] |
History of Mallorca
Prehistoric Talayotic Communities
Mallorca was inhabited long before written records, and its prehistoric landscape includes settlements and ritual structures associated with the Talayotic culture of the late Bronze and Iron Ages. The most recognisable remains are talaiots, large stone-built towers or monuments, together with fortified settlements and burial sites. Ses Païsses near Artà is among the island’s best-known archaeological sites, while Capocorb Vell near Llucmajor preserves another substantial prehistoric settlement. These sites show organised communities adapting to Mallorca’s agricultural resources and strategic terrain before the island entered the orbit of the ancient Mediterranean powers.
Phoenician, Roman and Late Antique Mallorca
Mallorca occupied a useful position in western Mediterranean trade. Roman forces conquered the Balearic Islands in 123 BC, and the settlements of Pollentia, near present-day Alcúdia, and Palma became important centres of Roman administration and commerce. Pollentia’s theatre, forum and residential remains provide the clearest archaeological expression of this period. After the Roman era, the island passed through Vandals and Byzantine influence before becoming part of the Visigothic and other early medieval political worlds. Agriculture, maritime connections and the strategic value of the island remained central to its development.
Islamic Medina and Christian Conquest
Muslim rule began in the tenth century, when Mallorca became part of al-Andalus and Madina Mayurqa developed on the site of modern Palma. Islamic irrigation, gardens and agricultural practices influenced the island’s productive landscapes, while the Serra de Tramuntana retained communities and terraced cultivation that would continue through later periods. In 1229, James I of Aragon conquered Mallorca, after which the island was incorporated into the Crown of Aragon and its population and institutions were reshaped. Palma’s Almudaina, surviving urban fabric and water systems preserve aspects of this layered medieval history.
Trade, Privateering and Island Fortification
Medieval and early modern Mallorca prospered through maritime trade, craft production and agricultural exchange, but its exposed position also brought raids and privateering. Coastal watchtowers and fortified churches formed part of a defensive network, while Palma’s walls and the circular Castell de Bellver reflect the island’s political and military importance. In the nineteenth century, commercial links expanded, and Sóller developed particularly strong connections with France through emigrant and trading networks. Citrus cultivation in the Sóller valley became closely associated with these connections, helping shape the valley’s architecture, commerce and cultural identity.
Tourism, Heritage and Conservation
Mallorca’s modern tourism industry expanded rapidly from the mid-twentieth century, especially around Palma Bay and the east and north coast, transforming parts of the shoreline and creating extensive visitor infrastructure. At the same time, inland villages, agricultural land and mountain landscapes retained distinctive cultural traditions. The Serra de Tramuntana was designated a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape in 2011 for its terraced fields, dry-stone construction and historic water-management systems. Other areas, including s’Albufera, Mondragó and Cabrera, have received protection that reflects growing attention to wetlands, coastal habitats, island biodiversity and the pressures created by intensive development.
Mallorca in Photos
Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.
Cities in Mallorca
The towns and cities of Mallorca, and the easiest places to base yourself.
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Neighbouring destination travel guides
The closest destinations to Mallorca, if you have time for more than one.
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Serra de Tramuntana Serra de Tramuntana, Spain: explore Mallorca’s UNESCO mountains, stone villages, coastal viewpoints, hiking trails and distinctive island cuisine. -
Ibiza Ibiza, Spain blends UNESCO heritage, secluded coves, pine-clad hills, Mediterranean cuisine, legendary clubs and quieter island escapes across the Balearics.
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Costa Brava Costa Brava, Spain: explore Catalan coves, medieval villages, Dalí heritage, coastal walks, seafood and beaches from Blanes to Portbou year-round.
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Montseny Natural Park Montseny Natural Park in Spain offers beech forests, mountain trails, Catalan villages, ancient heritage and scenic peaks near Barcelona and Girona.
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Algiers Bay Discover Algiers Bay: A stunning coastal escape in Algeria with rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking Mediterranean views.
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