The largest island in the Balearic archipelago, Mallorca is as interesting as it is beachy and sunny.
The largest island in the Balearic archipelago, Mallorca is as interesting as it is beachy and sunny. A good choice for active family holidays, it does adventure of all sorts from the Serra de Tramuntana to rugged Cap de Formentor. The capital, Palma, can hold its own against any other city in Spain. Resorts range from party-rich Magaluf to the elegance of Puerto Pollensa. And historic villages and towns are tucked into every available pocket of an astonishingly varied landscape. In short, it’s not difficult to understand why families love Mallorca and holiday here, year after year.
Direct flights from the UK to Mallorca, year round, take just over two hours.
Mallorca has 300 days of sunshine a year, with summer highs of 30˚ and mild winter weather.
The Serra de Tramuntana range in northern Mallorca is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape.
Mallorca has ten protected nature reserves and natural parks including Mondrago Marine Reserve and the Llevant Peninsula.
Mallorca has ten protected nature reserves and natural parks including Mondrago Marine Reserve and the Llevant Peninsula.
The Superyacht Cup Palma, hosted each June in Mallorca, is Europe’s longest established superyacht regatta.
Mallorca has over 260 beaches and 31 of them have Blue Flags.
Defined by its dramatic coastline and discrete celebrity, Mallorca’s northern region is more elegant resorts and historic mountain villages than waterparks and 24/7 party. It’s also the best area for active holidays and nowhere else does as many sports as well or as energetically: Sky Team cyclists have a training camp here.
If west Mallorca conjures up sleazy tabloid headlines, you’re probably thinking of Magaluf. But the resort which almost got young Brits banned from the Balearics is a tiny blip on a beautiful coast where you’ll also find Palma and Valldemossa, Port d’Andratx and refreshing seaside towns like Santa Ponsa, El Toro and Peguera.
Almost all the best beaches are found on Mallorca’s gorgeously sunny south coast. Long stretches of golden sand are the norm and the area has dozens of resorts and seaside towns to take advantage of them. Palma is less than an hour’s drive away, but there’s plenty to keep kids occupied right here.
Calm and peaceful eastern Mallorca is as undiscovered as the west and south coasts are crowded. There are fewer beaches and the coastline isn’t cluttered with water sports and activities. But, if you’re in the market for pretty fishing villages, historic towns and more than a little scenic grandeur, you’ll find all that here.
Stick to the beaches round and about your resort, take the occasional day trip to Palma, and you can rely on Mallorca’s good public transport. The island has its own railway and several towns have trams too. But, if you want to explore the interior, and say you’ve done some of Europe’s most jaw-dropping mountain drives: hire a car. Apart from soaring Serra de Tramuntana roads, most of Mallorca’s easy driving, and secret coastal villages alone, make at least a few days at the wheel worth considering.