Top 12 Must-See Attractions in Mallorca

This towering Gothic cathedral, begun in 1229 on the site of a former mosque, dominates Palma's seafront skyline. Its interior holds the world's largest Gothic rose window and a striking canopy over the altar designed by Antoni Gaudí, plus a chapel remodeled by artist Miquel Barceló. Climb to the rooftop terraces for close-up views of the flying buttresses and Palma Bay. Best photographed from Parc de la Mar at sunset, when the honey-colored stone glows against the water.

This UNESCO World Heritage mountain range stretches 90 km along Mallorca's northwest coast, shaped by centuries of dry-stone terracing, water channels, and olive groves. The range shelters villages like Deià and Sóller and reaches its highest point at Puig Major (1,445m, closed to public access). Winding roads and the famous Sa Calobra hairpin descent make it as thrilling to drive as to hike. A defining feature of the island's identity beyond its beaches.

The dramatic rocky peninsula at Mallorca's northeastern tip, reached via a serpentine cliffside road with sweeping viewpoints such as Mirador Es Colomer. The lighthouse at the very end sits 200m above crashing waves, looking toward Menorca on clear days. The road itself, lined with pine forest and limestone cliffs, is considered one of the most scenic drives in Spain. Arrive early morning to avoid tour bus crowds at the main viewpoints.

This museum preserves the studios and home where Joan Miró lived and worked for the last 27 years of his life, overlooking Palma Bay. The Sert Studio, designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert, remains exactly as Miró left it, with unfinished canvases and tools in place. The adjacent modern gallery displays rotating exhibitions of his paintings, sculptures, and sketches. A must for understanding Miró's late, most experimental period, set in peaceful gardens above the sea.

Palma's historic center is a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets, hidden courtyards, and Gothic mansions largely unchanged since the 15th century. Highlights include the cathedral quarter, Sa Llotja, and quiet residential lanes like Carrer de la Almudaina. Look up to spot ornate window grilles and interior patios glimpsed through open doorways. Best explored slowly on foot with no fixed itinerary, getting pleasantly lost is part of the appeal.

This tiny stone village clinging to a mountainside above the sea has drawn artists and writers for a century, most famously poet Robert Graves, who lived and is buried here. Deià's terracotta-roofed houses and hillside cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean make it one of the island's most photographed villages. A steep path leads down to the pebbly Cala de Deià cove for a swim.

Often compared to a Caribbean beach, Es Trenc's fine white sand and turquoise shallows stretch for nearly 2 km along the island's protected southern coast, backed by dunes and pine woods rather than hotel development. Part of a natural park, it remains largely undeveloped, though beach bars operate in summer. Arrive early or use the paid parking areas, as the main access road fills up quickly on hot days.

Backed by a dense pine forest and framed by the mountains of the Formentor peninsula, this crescent of fine sand is regarded as one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Calm, sheltered waters make it good for families, while the surrounding cliffs and the historic Hotel Formentor lend the bay a genteel, old-world atmosphere dating to its early 20th-century heyday as a celebrity retreat.

This wooden 1912 train climbs from Palma through olive and orange groves and a mountain tunnel to reach Sóller in about an hour, followed by a rattling open-air tram down to the port. The combined round trip is one of Mallorca's most popular half-day excursions, offering mountain views without needing to drive the winding roads. Book the earliest departure to avoid the busiest midday trains.

The heart of Palma's holiday season is the small Christmas fair set up in the arcaded Plaça Major, running from late November through early January 2027, including all of December 2026. Wooden stalls sell handmade ornaments, nativity figurines, roasted chestnuts, and local sweets like turrón and ensaimada. It is compact compared to northern European markets, but its central location makes it an easy stop while exploring the old town. Evenings are especially atmospheric once the surrounding streets are lit. Expect the biggest crowds on weekends and around the Christmas Eve and New Year holidays. Vendors also sell mulled wine and local crafts, giving the square a cozy, communal feel despite the island's typically mild December air.

While it falls just after Christmas proper, the Cavalcada dels Reis Mags on the evening of January 5th, 2027 is the true climax of Mallorca's holiday season and worth planning a December trip around if dates allow. The Three Kings arrive by boat in Palma harbor before parading through the old town on elaborate floats, tossing sweets to crowds of children lining the streets. Local marching bands, costumed characters, and thousands of spectators fill the route from the port toward the cathedral area. It is a deeply rooted Spanish tradition, often considered more important locally than Christmas Day itself. Arrive well ahead of the stated start time to find a good viewing spot, since central streets fill quickly. Dress warmly, as Mallorcan January evenings can be cool near the water.

Set atop a hotel overlooking the bay, this rooftop lounge pairs sweeping views of the cathedral and harbour with a relaxed cocktail-bar atmosphere. It is a favourite for sunset drinks, with DJs adding a low-key soundtrack as the sky turns pink over the water and the city lights come on below. The pool-side loungers and cabanas give it a resort feel even for guests not staying at the hotel, and the menu leans toward creative cocktails and light tapas rather than a full club experience. It works well earlier in the evening before heading elsewhere for dancing, or as a standalone night of good views and good drinks. Reserve a table in advance for the best sunset-facing spots, especially in high season.