Around the Island
In this section you will find a comprehensive list of all the places to visit on the island. We have provided information on each area and a link at the bottom of each page to hotels and restaurants.
This section covers every tourist destination from A-Z. We believe this is an easier format for our clients to review, we understand the island does have different regions ranging from the Ponet to Llevant, or North to South, but after careful consideration A-Z is the format most people find easiest to use. We hope you enjoy this section.
Click here to view a map of Mallorca
A
Arta is a small town in the north east of the island, and has been occupied for at least 3000 years. It is a quiet peaceful location built on the site of a Moorish fortress. It is famous for the patron saint of Arta. Every January the saint is commemorated with a procession and blessing of all the local pets. The view from Arta is quite magnificent and just north of the town is the cove of Cala Torta.
B
Banyalbufar is famous for its terrace hillside. In Arabic times it was known as the vineyard by the sea. There is not much to see however it has become a popular area for artists to sit and gaze across the sea, and watch the sun fade over the horizon.
Binissalem is a well-preserved old quarter town situated in the middle of the island, with a vast offering of traditional culture. Should you order wine from any Mallorcan restaurant on the island, it will most probably come from Binissalem. Every September a magnificent, vibrant wine festival is held. The best-known wine from the region is known as Bodega.
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Cabrera This Island translated into the word goat is 10km off the south coast. During the Napoleonic Wars, it was a notorious violent prison camp. You can now visit the island on day trips via a boat from Colonia de Sant Jordi and walk up to the 14thcentury castle above the harbour, and enjoy swimming in the blue grotto. The island is a protected national park and has been since 1991.
Cala De Sant Vincenc is based on the north tip of the Island. It is very popular with local Mallorcans. It has 4 small coves each with their own beach and a large limestone ridge, which casts shadows onto the sparkling blue sea. Recently this inspiring town has received a major face-lift and is becoming a must visit area for tourists.
Cala d’Or This is a large bustling resort with many beautiful scenic bays such as Cala Ferrera, Cala Gran, Cala Longa and Cala Esmeralda. It is situated in the southeast section of the island and was founded by Jose Costa, a native from Ibiza who built the very first housing estate. You can still see the defence towers built to warn of attacks from pirates in the 16th century. The beaches are narrow yet golden and the sea gently caresses the sand. This is a perfect resort for families with good sporting facilities and beautiful waterfront restaurants. There are magnificent luxury yachts anchored in the harbour alongside traditional Mallorcan fishing boats, this is where you can sit and dream and watch life pass by slowly. The people are extremely friendly and very hospitable.
Cala Millor is situated on the east coast of the island. 50 years ago it was a quiet lonely deserted shoreline, today it is a vibrant enthralling major resort. It has 2 fantastic sandy beaches known as Cala Bona and Cala Millor, these beaches stretch unbroken for over 2km. In the summer season the resort comes to life with late night bars and funky discotheques. The resort still attracts many tourists, even in the winter when it is still promoted highly by travel agents as a must see resort. There are many sporting facilities as well as horse riding and go karting.
Cala Rajada This resort is on the north eastern tip of the island, it is very popular for windsurfing and snorkelling. Many German tourists have made this resort their second home. The beaches are magnificent and there are a wide choice of top class restaurants. A beautiful 2km walk from the harbour through the woods will lead you to the lighthouse Punta de Capdepera, this is the most eastern point on the island. Many people visit this town to take day trips to Minorca.
Calvia is famous for the magnificent church of Sant Joan Baptista. It was built in the 19th century around the original church, which was built in the 13th century. The town was founded in 1249 and had 80 residents, in the year 1960 there were 3000 residents, by the year 2000 there were nearly 15,000 residents all due to tourism. Nearby there are beautiful beaches and this area is now officially the richest municipality in Spain.
Colonia de Sant Jordi This was originally a small port next to the market town of Campos. Today it is a busy vibrant resort on Mallorca’s south coast, with magnificent views all the way to Cabrera, and a jaw dropping beach. Just to the north of the town are the hot springs of Banys de Sant Joan, these are well worth a visit.
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Fornalutx If you love small, quaint, homely villages , this is a must visit location. The town itself calls itself the most beautiful village in Spain, and we believe it to be true. Take in a glass of chilled wine and soak up the views of the olive and orange grows as they encase the foothills of the Puig Major Mountains.
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Illetas is a small picturesque, landscaped town, with small sandy beaches beneath low rugged cliffs. There are also several tiny coves. There is also a range of quality hotels, bars and vibrant restaurants.
Inca is the third largest town on the island and is known to the tourists as the city of leather, and is also famous for a scrumptious cake made by the local nuns. Should you decide to go on a tour of the island with any of the tour operators most will bring you here on a Thursday when Mallorca’s largest market is held. There is a vast array of leather, jewellery and wooden products to buy. There are many coffee houses and a wide choice of restaurants.
M
Magaluf is probably the most famous resort on the island, particularly well known in the UK, even in the 1980s there was a comedy sketch on UK television about how to spell the word Mallorca. Since then the town has grown and grown and has merged with many of the local towns such as Palma Nova. There are many luxury hotels and a huge choice of bars and restaurants. Magaluf itself has got rid of the tainted idea that this resort is only open to young wild teenagers, it is a haven for beach and sun lovers and it is very popular even in the winter months for the older generation.
Manacor This is the islands second city and is very industrious. There are very few tourist sites however the town has a very local feel and is home to the world famous pearl factory, Perlas Majorica. This factory produces 50million artificial pearls a year using the scales of a million fish. Some people say they look like the real thing and you will be surprised at how much they cost. The town is visited every year by thousands of pilgrims who visit the church Esglesia dels Delors de Nostra Senyora to see the figure of Jesus Christ and kiss his blood stained feet.
Montuiri is a small village on a hillside with the most amazing mill-towers, they are clearly visible from the main road. There is a small collection of bars and restaurants. In August the village plays host to one of the islands most amazing festivals.
O
Orient Should you wish to visit one of the islands smallest hamlets this is the place to visit. The population was last counted as 31!- there are two roads to Orient, be careful should you choose the road from Bunyola, the road is nearly 10km long and very very small, we do not recommend this route if you are a nervous driver.
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Palm Nova This was originally a small village, however since the tourist boom in the 80’s this resort has become a major resort on the island, and is very popular with the British. It has a large shallow bay and an amazing golden beach. The resort has grown that much it has merged with Magaluf, and the locals now call it Maganova! There are a huge selection of hotels, bars and restaurants. This is a fantastic base for family holidays.
Peguera This famous beach resort is very popular with the Germans and is an ideal resort for families and people of the older generation. It has two fantastic beaches and a fantastic choice of quality hotels, bars and restaurants. Just up the road you will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Michael Schumacher!!
Petra This small village is famous for been the birth place of Mallorca’s most famous son- Fray Junipero Serra- he was sent to the USA and set up missionaries which grew into the major cities in the USA such as San Diego and San Francisco. There is a small museum in the town which is worth a visit showing how he worked and devoted his life to help others.
Platja de Palma This resort is very close to the airport with a fantastic 5km beach, the resorts of Can Pastilla and S’Arenal have merged along a beautiful palm tree lined promenade. There is a wide selection of hotels, bars and restaurants. At night time the views of Palma city are out of this world!
Port d’Alcudia The port itself has now outgrown the town Alcudia, it was originally a small fishing port, it is now the biggest resort on the northeast coast. There is a 10km stretch of golden beach, along with fantastic restaurants overlooking the many yachts anchored in the port. There is also a wide array of hotels and bars and this resort is a family favourite
Port d’Andratx This port is one of the islands trendiest spots with stars aplenty to be seen, it has a wide selection of hotels, bars and restaurants and is hugely popular with the yacht owners who love to sail in and pose for the day. The port and bay are beautiful and the colour of the sea is a sparkling turquoise.
Portals Nous This area has the most amazing marina with some of the most expensive yachts in the world moored here. Do not be surprised to end up sitting next to your favourite movie star for lunch as they mingle with all the locals. The marina is a vibrant area during the day and really comes to life after dark with the many trendy bars and restaurants packed with locals and tourists alike watching the world go by and the twinkle of the lights from the yachts on the shimmering bay.
Portals Vells This area is off the beaten track there is a small restaurant on the beach and should you venture around the corner you will find Platja Mago a small nudist beach- this area is hugely popular for that all round tan!
Porto Cristo Until Cala Millor came along Porto Cristo was the main resort on the east coast, it is a very family orientated resort, with a wide range of quality hotels, bars and restaurants.
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Sa Coma This was originally a village and since the tourist boom, it has become a very popular resort, with more 4*Hotels than low budget accommodation. Sa Coma itself is reached by a road bridge; however should you wish to be more adventurous park the car up and walk over the amazing footbridge across the fresh water lagoon, and be amazed at the vibrant underwater life beneath you.
Sant Telm This a very quiet village with breath taking views of the island of Sa Dragonera, there are limited small restaurants and a few hotels.
Santa Ponca This is a busy bustling town with a beautiful sandy beach, it is very popular with the British and Germans alike, and it has many top class restaurants, bars and hotels and caters for families as well as the young holidaymakers.
Ses Covetes This village’s name means ‘small caves’ and they are believed to have been here since the Roman times, there is a fantastic 3km stretch of pure white sand lapped by the clear blue sea. This village is more traditional and even has an unofficial nudist beach, which has been here since 1965!
Ses Illetes This resort is away from the hustle and bustle, however it does still have a wide range of cafes and restaurants with some beautiful hotels. It has two small beaches rated by the locals as the best on the island. This resort is ideal for the older generation and people with youngsters looking for a quiet relaxing holiday.
Sineu This town is the official centre of the island with a fantastic market every Wednesday when the town really comes to life, there are a vast array of hotels, bars and restaurants and the market is a must visit for tourists and locals alike.
Soller This beautiful town is set in lush orange groves and is hugely popular with holidaymakers and day-trippers, it has a magnificent beach that leads up to a beautifully paved area with a huge selection of cafes and tapas bars. The hotels are beautiful and many overlook the sea. Soller is famous for its fantastic train journey to Palma on a vintage train, this is a must do for all tourists the views are quite spectacular. It also has two very interesting museums worth a visit.
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Valldemossa This town set in the hillside it is quite breathtaking and is a very popular tourist area, it is famous for been the hideout for Frederic Chopin and his lover George Sand. There are fantastic restaurants, bars and some unbelievable hotels. This truly is a place to sit and watch the world go by, and do not be surprised if you bump into Michael Douglas and Catherine when they visit their home every year.
