Things to Do in Mallorca

Though not the most impressive caves on an island famed for its immense underground system of limestone caverns, the Cuevas del Ham - or Caves of Hams - are nonetheless a popular stop for multi-destination guided day trips. Built along an underground river called the Sea of Venice, they are most notable for their spiral and hook-shaped "stalactites," very different from those seen in most other Mallorca caves.

The tour takes about 45 minutes, and includes a softly lit medley of Mozart tunes, played on the slowly flowing sea.

The classic tourist attraction Caves of Drach - or Coves del Drac - is a crowd pleaser for many reasons, not least of which is that these 4 fantastic caves form a truly remarkable hydrogeological formation. An enormous underground expanse of undulating sandstone and semiprecious agates creates an imaginarium of weird formations, against which delicate bouquets of stalactites and stalamites glisten. This exquisite ornamentation frames Europe's largest underground sea, 177m(581 feet)-long Lake Martel.

As if all this weren't enough to tempt the tour buses, expert illuminator Carlos Buigas mounted a multicolored light show spectacular that puts Ibiza's wildest clubs to shame, while boats filled with classical musicians perform Chopin, Martini, and more in an acoustic shell unlike any other in the world. One can only hope that they will not wake the Drac de Mallorca, the Dragon of Majorica, who disappeared sometime during the Dark Ages, though no one is quite sure to where.

The unique cultural landscape of Serra de Tramontana landed it a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The craggy mountain range covers the northwest side of the island of Mallorca. Standing tall at 1,445 meters, the range’s principle peak Puig Major is the tallest in the Balearic Islands. The limestone mountains receive a higher amount of rainfall than the rest of the island, and often receive snowfall in the winter.

Due to the biodiversity of plant and animal species - and to protect against urbanization - the area has been protected as a natural reserve. Historic villages with structures such as water mills, farms, agricultural and irrigation systems remain in place. Some methods have been in use since the Middle Ages, and demonstrate both Christian and Muslim cultural influence in this area.

With ocean views of turquoise waters and pine-forested hillsides, it is a popular place to enjoy scenic hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

On Mallorca’s northwest coast, the Torrent de Pareis River wriggles its way through the Tramuntana Mountain Range, leaving massive limestone-carved canyons in its path. At the river’s end, it breaks through a rugged coastline that is home to the neighboring village of Sa Calobra, as well as a slew of small beaches.

It’s the hidden beach at the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis that most come for, though. Not accessible by car, the pebbly shoreline can only be reached via boat or by foot from the port of Sa Calobra after walking along the cliffs and through a set of tunnels.

The journey to the village and canyon of Sa Calobra is quite possibly as impressive as the destination itself; reaching the village by car requires traversing a switchback- and vista-filled road. Meanwhile, arrival by boat allows for unparalleled views of the steep cliffs as they plunge into the sea.

The lovely old town clustered around Sa Seu, the 13th century Cathedral, is a delight to wander through, exploring narrow winding streets, sitting in outdoor cafes and discovering the history of this diverse city poised between Europe and Africa, with traces remaining of its Roman, Christian and Muslim periods of rule. And of course there are the beaches and yacht harbors and lovely clear water for swimming.

Cruise ships dock in the commercial port some way from town and it is not a pleasant walk. Most lines will provide a shuttle service, otherwise taxis are easily found – head to the Cathedral and begin exploring the town from there. Within the town center everything you will want to see is within walking distance.

With its beautiful white-sand beaches framed in picturesque rocky points, Puerto Pollensa (Pollença) has become a magnet for holiday-goers with a taste for the finer things in life. Art museums, galleries, and fine restaurants all offer their pleasures, or simply enjoy the scenery from the seaside pedestrian path, called the "Pine Walk" for the shady evergreens above. Of course the carved sapphire inlets, revealed with a trip in a glass-bottomed boat, and soft sands offer all sorts of maritime fun.

For instance, book a boat or bus to majestic Cap de Formentor, a long and narrow point topped with a truly spectacular rocky peak. Fringed in forest and fine white beaches, it is one of the most impressive sites in the Mediterranean. Adventurous types can climb to the top, or just enjoy the splendid views from the fine bay.

One of the most vibrant bazaars in all of the old world, Mallorca’s Inca Market sits cradled in the midst of one of Spain’s most beloved towns.

Also known as “Leather City,” by the locals, should you choose to take a visit, you’ll see why. Leather merchants from all over the Balearic region flock here, so if you’re in the mood to find a deal on some quality leather, here’s the place to hunt for one. Everything from cow-hides to chaps to necklaces, belts, purses and shoes can be found here, but be ready to haggle. The Spanish are famous for their negotiating skills so don’t be shy to try and strike a bargain. When in Rome, after all….

In addition, jewelry, carved wood, lace, and fresh produce from across the land can be seen here, so even if you don’t have a dollar to spare, the market in Inca is still a good spot to stop by, see some beautiful craftwork and meet some interesting locals.

Playa de Muro is a beautiful six-kilometer-long sandy beach with turquoise water in northern Mallorca; it is one of the island’s newest resort destinations. It is a “Blue Flag” beach, meaning that it meets certain criteria in regards to the water quality, safety and services. Although quieter than neighbor beach Alcudia, Playa de Muro is less sheltered and can experience bigger waves during high winds. Playa de Muro is very popular with families thanks to its warm shallow waters; because of this, water-sport enthusiasts abound, be it for water-skiing, jet skiing, scuba diving, pedal boating or paragliding. There is also a wooden jetty for boats, and boat trips around the coast are offered.

The westernmost portion of the beach, near Alcudia, is lined with resort hotels and holiday apartments, which all have premium access to the beach.

Located on the western coast of the island, and about a 15-minute drive from Palma, Aqualand El Arenal is exactly where you’ll want to go to take your island adventure to the next level. The water park offers all sorts of hot-weather relief in the form of adrenaline-inducing slides, themed pool areas, and relaxing river cruises.

The park very much has something for everyone, too, satisfying those who seek thrills as much as those who just want to chill out. Attractions include wild slides of all types, from free-fall to twisty-turny, side-by-side races, and a tornado-style chute. Meanwhile, there are more tame activities such as the surf beach with its big waves, the Jacuzzi, and milder slides that are more suitable for little kids.