What brings visitors to Mallorca?

So many different things and experiences bring visitors to Mallorca. Mallorca, with a population of a million people, is the most-populated of the Balearic Islands. It is also the largest of the Balearics by area, and is the only one of the islands to have its own train and Metro services. So right away, Mallorca is a much more varied vacation experience compared to the other three major Balearics, simply due to the size.

So what does majestic Mallorca have to offer? Its 344-mile coastline is home to 262 beaches, many of which are located inside secluded coves. Arguably the most beautiful and best-recommended beaches sit on the Bahia de Pollença in the northwest, such as Platja de Formentor on Cala Pi and Platja de Can Cap de Bou. The southwest coast is also famed for its beaches that are a little rowdier and a little more crowded. The top beach in this area is the beach in Magaluf, which has been a popular vacation spot for British and German package tourists, among others, since the 1960s. The southwest coast is also the best place to enjoy Mallorca's vibrant nightlife.

While the other islands have hills and some mountains, Mallorca is hands-down the most rugged terrain-wise, with the Serra da Tramuntana mountain range covering 30% of Mallorca's overall land area. These limestone mountains are moderate in elevation, with Puig Major, the highest point, having an elevation of over 4,700 feet from sea level. In the valleys that meet the mountains, there are a number of wineries and vineyards which produce the best wine in the Balearics. The farm-to-table movement is very strong in Mallorca, with chefs utilizing only the freshest ingredients, most of which are local. Finally, Mallorca features a stunning array of architectural styles which are rooted in its storied history, ranging from the Moorish Mudéjar style to Surrealist dedications to the famed painter and sculptor Joan Miró, who called Palma home off-and-on for over 50 years.

What are the outdoor activities to do in Mallorca?

Most any type of physical sport or activity can be done in Mallorca, with the exception of winter sports, although Mallorca does see snow in the mountains and every decade or so across the entirety of the island. Yachting, jet skiing, swimming, and snorkeling are just a few of the water-related activities you can do at Mallorca's many beaches. Like in the other Balearics, many of Mallorca's beaches sit inside coves, making the water tranquil and easy for everyone in the family to enjoy.

The Serra da Tramuntana is a great place for walking and hiking, as is Mallorca's coastline, particularly in the beautiful east. Bicyclists will find Mallorca fun and challenging, as there are many routes and hundreds of roads to choose from, ranging from flat coastal terrain to steep hilly inclines. Bicycle rental shops are located in Palma (de Mallorca), the southwestern coast, Cala Millor and Cala Serena on the east coast, Inca in the interior, and in Port de Pollença.

What are the beaches like in Mallorca?

As discussed previously, Mallorca's 262 beaches are very popular with locals and tourists alike. Now don't worry when we share the next fact: There are 32 miles of beaches across the island. You might be thinking, "262 beaches and only 32 miles?" While there are a few beaches that are long and wide, many of them sit inside coves which can be quite small. On the downside, Mallorca doesn't have as many large-scale beaches like, say, Ibiza. On the upside, for those people who want to explore and find a secluded spot in paradise, the options number in the dozens upon dozens.

Like in the other Balearics, Mallorca's water quality is very high, with most of the coastline meeting shimmering turquoise waters. The water volume is low, with most beaches boasting very shallow sea floors. Twenty-five of Mallorca's beaches have been given the EU Commission for the Environment "Blue Flag" designation, denoting a commitment to sustainable development and ecotourism. As far as sands go, the majority of the beaches in Mallorca are sandy, although there are some beaches that consist of a rocky shoreline. The latter aren't as common in Mallorca as, say, in Croatia.

What are the nightlife offerings in Mallorca?

While Ibiza might be the leader in terms of nightlife in the Balearics, Mallorca was the one that started partying first. With the arrival of package tourists from continental Europe and the British Isles in the 1960s, there arose a demand for more bars and, eventually, nightclubs. The nightlife is centered around, although certainly not limited to, the capital, Palma (de Mallorca), as well as nearby towns on the southwestern coast like Platja de Palma and Magaluf. There are more bars and nightclubs in Magaluf than even Palma, but Palma, with about a dozen venues catering to tourists, nevertheless holds its own. Carrer Punta Ballena and Avinguda de l`Oliveira are the two streets where most nightlife is clustered in Magaluf. In Palma's Old Town, you will find nightlife clustered in the area between Plaça de la Drassana and Plaça de la Reina.

Keep in mind that Mallorca, with its many tourists, is a prime location to be robbed or otherwise taken advantage of while partying. Don't drink any drink that isn't yours, don't drink any drinks left unattended, and return home in a licensed taxi or another trusted mode of transportation. Various drinking laws have been put into place throughout the island, meant to curb post-drinking hooliganism or violence from tourists. Last call is typically 1 or 2 a.m. during the week and 3 a.m. or later on weekends. Due to the number of package tourists from English-speaking countries, you will have little to no problem ordering food or beverages from bars, cafés, nightclubs, or the like while you're in Mallorca's tourist areas.

What can I do with kids in Mallorca?

Mallorca is arguably the most kid-friendly island in the Balearics. Apart from the normal activities geared toward children that you can find at higher-end resorts, you can also plan some activities for your children on your own. Let's break down the fun kids' attractions by area:

-Palma (de Mallorca): Palma Aquarium is the most popular attraction with children, owing to the fact that it is open year-round, unlike some other attractions. Parc de Sa Feixina is a small amusement park filled with fun rides for kids. When you're ready to travel inland, take Tren Sóller; children who love trains will really love this 1910s vintage journey. West of town, kids can have fun exploring the underground Caves of Genova and the San Carlos Military History Museum. To the east, you can find an adventure park called TirolinasGo Mallorca Forestal Park and a water park called Aqualand El Arenal.
-Southwestern Coast: In Illetes, you'll find Jungle Parc Junior, another adventure park. Marineland has a location in Mallorca, featuring dolphin shows and shark viewings. Magaluf is home to an amusement park, Katmandu Park, as well as two water parks, Western Water Park and Twisted Water Park. For dinner, take them to the Pirates Adventure Dinner Show. The main Jungle Parc adventure location is located in Santa Ponsa.
-East Coast: The east coast has fewer options but still fun ones, such as tours of the caves of Artá and Drach, and in the southeast the whole family will have fun visiting Mondragó Natural Park.
-Northern Coast: For those who love cave tours, the Cala Sant Vicenç caves are open to tours and date from prehistory. Hidropark Alcúdia is the area's major water park, and Fun World Park is a small amusement park/playground concept with a few rides and many cool activities.

What are some of the alternative attractions to enjoy such as museums, theaters, etc.?

Palma (de Mallorca) is where most museums in Mallorca are located, but that doesn't mean the rest of the island doesn't have some cool gems. If you are in Manacor, we recommend visiting the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience, built for the tennis legend who hails from the small town. The Museu de Pollença in the north is a must-see for art lovers; housed in a convent, some of the best art pieces created on the island (from the Gothic era to today) are displayed here. On the west coast, the Carthusian Monastery in Valldemossa is open to the public and was once the residence of Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. In Deià, two historic homes are open to the public as museums: Son Marroig, once owned by Archduke Luis Salvado, and the Robert Graves House, once owned by the "I, Claudius" author.

Now let's move our attention back to Palma. Some of the must-see museums in Mallorca's capital include the Museum of Mallorca, a history and archaeology museum; the imposing 13th-century Bellver Castle; the Fundació Miro, where you can view a wide selection of Joan Miró's Surrealist works; and Es Baluard Museu d`Art Contemporani, a contemporary art museum housed in an old fortress. Other museums include the Mallorca Pearl Museum; the Museu Diocesà, a religious art museum inside the bishop's palace on the grounds of the Basilica de Santa Maria de Mallorca; the Museu Fundació Joan March, exhibiting art from 20th century Spanish artists; and the Llotja de Palma, an exhibition space inside a Medieval-era guildhall. We cannot forget Poble Espanyol (Pueblo Español), which is yet another fun activity that you can do with children. It is located to the west of Palma's city center, and features buildings recreated to scale from all across Spain, such as Seville Cathedral, the Alhambra in Granada, and a traditional street in the Basque Country, among other recreations.

Alcúdia, Alaró, and Manacor have their own performing arts centers, but if you are looking for a musical or theatrical experience, the center of performing arts is undisputably Palma (de Mallorca). The Auditórium de Palma is where the largest concerts are held, and smaller shows run at such theaters as the Teatre Principal de Palma (Carrer de la Riera), Teatre Sans (Carrer de Can Sanç), Teatre Municipal Catalina Valls (Passeig de Mallorca), and Teatre Municipal Mar i Terra (Carrer de Sant Magí).

What is the culture and lifestyle (traditions, festivals) like in Mallorca?

While Mallorca is the largest Balearic island, you will find that even the "go go go" attitude you might find here is still much more laid-back and relaxed than you'll find in most U.S. cities. Fiestas are major events that occur in all towns and villages in Mallorca. Palma (de Mallorca)'s main fiesta is called the Revetla de Sant Sebastia and it occurs the third week in January. Carnival season is exciting in Mallorca, and that typically occurs in February or early March just before the start of Lent. Palma also goes all-out in celebrating the Festa de l`Angel, a week after Easter. For a complete list of fiestas and music festivals in Mallorca, click here.