The Best Hidden Gems in Mallorca
Lately, I’ve been posting photos on Instagram from a trip I took a few years ago to Mallorca. Since then, I’ve been asked several times “where is this in Mallorca?!”, and if I could share more from that trip. So, to answer all of you in one long post, I’m giving you all the details on my trip. These are my recommendations on how to make the most of your visit to Mallorca, the best beaches, where to stay, and what towns are worth visiting while you’re there.
For starters, I generally enjoy being off the beaten path, in smaller towns, or exploring the countryside on trips, rather than spending all my time in the main city. Although we did spend one day in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, honestly it wasn’t the highlight of my trip.
Here is my guide to the best hidden gems in Mallorca.
Hope you enjoy!
xx, Heather
Where to Stay
Port Andratx
It’s a relatively smaller port town but with the perfect blend of laid-back luxury. The downtown sits on the edge of the harbor, with streets lined with cute cafes and restaurants. At night there is a decent bar scene for the size of the town, but I’m sure it’s grown a bit since. When I went, a few years ago, there was an insane amount of construction happening in the surrounding hills, with huge new villas going up.
I recommend renting by VRBO or Airbnb for a villa in the hillside overlooking the town.
My #1 Recommendation
Rent a Boat
This is by far the best way to experience the area, especially if you stay in Port Andratx. It’s not something you necessarily need the whole time, but it’s worth a charter for a day at least. The rocky coastline is so gorgeous and there are tons of little hidden coves to find for secluded swimming, or beaching. We anchored our boat and did some off-shore swimming. There are also smaller islands nearby that are popular to visit like Sa Dragonera, a nature preserve, to see some of the uninhabited islands full of wildlife.
Secondly, I highly recommend renting a car as there is SO much to see on the mainland of the island as well.
The Best Beaches
To get Away from the Crowds: Cala Fonoll
While there are plenty of larger, more popular beaches in the surrounding areas, I like Cala Fonoll for being a bit quieter. It’s a cozy little cove that doesn't get as mobbed. Plus, if you stay in Port Andratx it’s right in town. Just know that there aren’t a ton of facilities so bring plenty of snacks and water.
For Families: Camp de Mar
A gorgeous sandy beach in the south-west of the island. The town near the beach has lots of shops and restaurants. For waterfront dining take the small wooden bridge to La Illeta, for lunch. The restaurant sits on a little rocky outcrop off the shore, so you can enjoy a drink surrounded by water.
On a Day Trip: Cala Formentor
Since Cala Formentor is on the very northern tip of the island, this beach also draws less of a crowd. Make it a pit stop on your day trip to Cap de Formentor (keep reading for more on that).
Where to Day Trip
Cap de Formentor
The drive to the northernmost tip of the island is well worth it for the stunning scenery along the way. We often pulled over (where we could - the roads are extremely narrow and full of hairpin turns), to take in the coastline. Once you reach Cap de Formentor, there is a lighthouse and you can walk around the cliffside area. Stop at Cala Formentor on your way back, for a swim.
Serra de Tramuntana
This mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stretches from the ancient town of Andratx (near Port Andratx) to Cap de Formentor. You’ll see it all along your drive to the end of the island. I’m listing it separately from Cap de Formentor because, in this case, the journey really is as good (if not better) than the destination! I’m pretty sure we stopped hundreds of times to check out little trails on the side of the road leading down to beaches and rocky coves below.
Towns Worth Visiting
Andratx
Andratx an ancient town just a short drive inland from Port Andratx. The town has art galleries, music, and markets with local produce and freshly caught fish. We went to Andratx one night for dinner and an outdoor concert, which they have often in the summer months. It was a great way to spend a relaxing evening.
Valldemossa
This rural town is a must see. It’s tucked into the mountains on the west of the island. So many of the homes on the little narrow streets have beautiful green shutters, and original, old wooden doors. I know it’s not the beach, but it’s probably the most picturesque, idyllic town to just wander for a day.
Pollensa
Ok, hear me out. Pollensa is also an ancient rural town - at least I warned you from the start that I prefer going to smaller villages (right?). These Mallorcan towns are all so quaint and beautiful, I honestly wanted to see them all. Pollensa is in the north west of the island and is situated on a hill. Hike up to the top for some incredible views that reach all the way to the coast. Although no place we went was super touristy, Pollensa somehow felt even more untouched.
Sant Elm
This is the town where I took the photo of the colorful boats (below), that so many of you loved on Instagram. Sant Elm is a coastal fishing village and is right across from Sa Dragonera, the uninhabited island preserve, giving you a stunning skyline while you’re at the beach. There are also plenty of restaurants, like Na Caragola, if you’re craving fresh seafood.
While these are the places I loved discovering in Mallorca, honestly, you can’t go wrong. The island is so beautiful. Every beach has perfect crystal blue water, and I enjoyed every town we went to.
