The attractions in Mallorca are diverse between the mountains, cute towns and dazzling beaches. The capital, Palma de Mallorca, has landmarks fit for a major European city. Palma can be covered on foot—as can any resort, including Magaluf, the central hub, but a tourist tram runs through the Tramuntana Mountains to Sóller. As with any good European holiday retreat, Mallorca has water parks and an aquarium for the kiddies.
Mallorca Cathedral
La Seu is Mallorca’s main landmark; a cavernous cathedral in Palma near the water. Hundreds of years in the making, the Gothic beauty was finished in 1601 and should be visited by day to take in the lofty interior and a museum in the chapter room full of intriguing artwork. At night it is beautifully illuminated. Nearby are Palau de L’Almudaina, the Arab Baths and the palaces along Paseo Martimo.
Address: Plaça de l’Almoina, 07001 Palma
Phone: +34-971-723-130
Website: http://www.catedraldemallorca.info/principal/en
Plaça Major
Located in the center of Palma, Plaça Major is the main square of the Balearic Islands. It’s not particularly ancient, hailing only from the 1800's, but is a major point of interest, home to eye-catching buildings, good shopping and food. The pedestrianized square has cafés with overpriced tapas and paella, as well as stalls with handicrafts and souvenirs, and the odd stage show. A shopping mall resides under Plaça Major, while major landmarks are within easy walking distance, including the cathedral and Santa Eulalia church.
Address: Carrer de Sant Miquel, 07002 Palma
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a
Santa Eulalia
Santa Eulalia is another of Mallorca’s top attractions. The Gothic church which harks back several hundred years (to the 13th century) was built over a mosque. The main highlights include a lofty bell tower and huge stained-glass windows, while inside is some amazing period art and a cross hailing from 1229 which was carried here by Jaume I. The cathedral, Plaça Major, and harborfront are nearby.
Address: Plaça de Santa Eulàlia, 7, 07001 Palma,
Phone: +34-971-715-717
Website: n/a
Bellver Castle
The rotund Castell de Bellver is located on a hill just north of Palma and hails from the 1300’s. The restored castle boasts a trio of towers along with a moat, a divine central courtyard and a fabulous museum with sculptures and ancient artifacts. Visitors can explore the castle from a lofty terrace and take in fine views over Palma and the harbor. Bellver Castle is open every day.
Address: Calle Camilo José Cela, s/n, 07014
Phone: +34-971-730-657
Website: http://www.spain.info/en_US/conoce/monumentos/mallorca/castillo_de_bellver.html
Valldemossa Monastery
Travelers looking to discover Mallorca’s best sights should head to the charming village of Valldemossa at some point. The trip itself is pretty, set within the Tramuntana Mountains just a few miles north of Palma. Chief attractions include the stunning Valldemossa Monastery, an ancient Mallorcan palace from the 1300's. It stands proud over the village and provides the best views while boasting a rich interior and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Address: Carretera de Valldemossa 1750, Valldemossa
Phone: +34-971-612-019
Website: n/a
Magaluf
Magaluf, the island’s top resort is an attraction within itself. Twinned with quieter Palma Nova, it sits on a beautiful bay and is especially popular with young British holidaymakers. While loud and slightly brash, Magaluf has the best nightlife on the island and boasts all types of water sports. The half-mile long beach is backed by a myriad of hotels and souvenir shops. The resort’s BCM Empire Disco is one of the top nightclubs in all of Spain.
Address: Magaluf, Calvià, Southwest Mallorca
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a
Mallorca Caves
Mallorca’s best caves, Coves del Drac, are located on the east coast of the island at Canyamel, just north of the quiet resort of Cala Millor. Hewn out of limestone, they feature stalagmites, stalactites and subterranean lakes. They are good for travelers with children and can be seen on a guided tour. The most impressive caves are Del and Arta.
Address: Ctra Cuevas, 07680 Porto Cristo, East Coast
Phone: +34-971-820-753
Website: http://www.cuevasdrach.com/
Aqualand
Aqualand is a huge water park and seasonal attraction in Mallorca. It is located just behind German-centric El Arenal, east of Palma. The park is huge with loads of attractions, and is a good family outing. There are several large slides—some quite scary, such as Devil’s Tail and Tsunami—along with rides for the little ones and a number of swimming pools. Also on site is a farm and zoo, gardens and a Jacuzzi. Aqualand is open May through October.
Address: Autovía Palma-Arenal, Salida 13 (Km 15), 07600, El Arenal
Phone: +34-971-440-0000
Website: http://www.aqualand.es/elarenal/en/
Marineland
Marineland at Portals Nous (between Palma and Magaluf) is another one of Mallorca's family spots. There are interactive dolphin and sea lion shows and performing parrots are beloved by children and adults alike. An aquarium features marine creatures from around the region including sharks and exotic fish. Penguins and flamingoes, along with snakes and crocodiles, reside in the reptile enclosures.
Address: Carrer de Garcilaso de la Vega, 9, 07181, Portals Nous
Phone: +34-971-675-125
Website: http://www.marineland.es/marineland/mallorca/index.php?wlang=es
Port Sóller
It is worth traveling to Port Sóller in northwest Mallorca to gaze at the pretty horseshoe harbor just a few miles from a town of the same name. The port is loaded with boats and hemmed in by green mountains, making it a picture-perfect postcard scene.
Address: Port Sóller, Northwest Coast
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a