nine entertaining and offbeat activities to explore in Mallorca
Kickstart Your Unique Mallorca Adventure:
Stop thinking of Mallorca as just another sun-soaked destination, because this Balearic beauty is all about the surprising, the unusual, and the off-the-beaten-path! Ready to explore? Here are some awesome alternatives to swimming and sunbathing for an unforgettable Mallorcan holiday:
With the Balearic Islands looking like a fantastic travel option this year, you might be considering a trip to Mallorca. Just make sure to stay updated on all the rules before booking anything to avoid any hiccups!
I've traveled to Mallorca twice, even visiting at the tender age of 18 without my parents! If you're feeling that travel itch, fear not—Mallorca is a great pick.
This island is full of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. From stunning secluded beaches on the coastline to breathtaking mountain vistas, there's something for every kind of traveler here, not to mention the delicious local cuisine!
Instead of opting for a regular resort or package holiday, consider planning a road trip. Or better yet, leave the planning to the experts at Original Travel (more details later). To get you started, here are some excitement-packed ideas:
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Original Travel, but all opinions are my own, as always!
Fun and Unusual Things to do in Mallorca
1. Road Trip, Anyone?
Mallorca packs an astonishing variety of landscapes into its small size, making it perfect for a self-guided tour. Rent a car and hit the road!
Affordable car rentals in Mallorca offer the freedom to explore at your own pace. Plus, the island boasts some truly jaw-dropping driving routes—especially those winding through the mountains! Check out [this video of my Mallorcan road trip] for more inspiration.
Prefer a more active adventure? Why not hop on a bike and pedal your way through Mallorca? Cruise up and over those winding mountain passes, explore wildlife-rich national parks, and drop in on a few secluded beaches for a refreshing dip.
2. Fornalutx: The Most Picturesque Village on the Island
No visit to Mallorca is complete without a stop in the utterly enchanting village of Fornalutx. This tiny hamlet, often referred to as Spain's prettiest village, is sure to win you over with its charming cobblestone streets, luscious orange groves, and stunning mountain backdrop. With a history dating back over 1,000 years, Fornalutx exudes a sleepy, rustic charm. It's an absolute must-visit!
3. Fall in Love with Gaudi's Masterpiece: Palma Cathedral
Legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi and artist Miquel Barcelo co-designed the cathedral in Palma, creating a masterpiece worthy of a trip. I visited the cathedral in Palma not once, but twice during my stays in Mallorca, and it never failed to impress.
The first time I visited, it coincided with a holiday, meaning all the shops were closed and the streets deserted. Craving some religion, my friends and I found solace in the breathtaking exterior of the cathedral, with its vibrant stained glass windows and awe-inspiring facade. Up close, it's a Gothic wonder, with Baroque elements thrown in for good measure.
Inside, the cathedral reveals multiple naves with soaring vaulted ceilings, enormous windows, and intricate tile work. If you're not a lover of art or architecture, come for the stunning views and stay for the serenity of the hallowed halls.
4. Castell de Bellver: A Hilltop Haven
Palma is also home to the lovely Castell de Bellver, perched atop a hill and boasting gorgeous views of the city below. The circular castle, which is the only one of its kind in Spain, offers free admission on Sundays, making it a budget-friendly option for a lazy afternoon of sightseeing.
5. Soak up the Views from the Tren de Sóller
For a scenic ride, hop aboard the Tren de Sóller, a beautiful wooden train that will take you from Palma to the lovely mountain town of Sóller. The journey, which lasts about an hour and a half, treats passengers to stunning vistas of the island as it winds through rugged mountains and verdant valleys.
6. Discover the Drach Caves: Nature's Hidden Masterpiece
On Majorca's eastern coast lies the stunning Drach Caves, a network of unique caverns stretching for 1,200 meters. The caves' highlight is Lake Martel, an awe-inspiring underground lake that's 170 meters long. Don't miss the chance to take a boat ride across this serene lake, marveling at the perfect reflections of stalactites on the water's surface. The Drach Caves regularly host classical music concerts, making them one of the island's most unique attractions.
7. Seek Out Hidden Beaches in the Parc Natural de Mondrago
Nature lovers won't want to miss the Parc Natural de Mondrago, a beautiful natural park on Majorca's southeastern coast. The park is home to over 70 species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. But the real draw is the park's idyllic beaches, which are quieter and less crowded than those found in the resorts. Seek out these hidden gems for a peaceful escape from the tourist hustle and bustle.
8. Gallop Through the Mountains on Horseback
For a different perspective on Mallorca's stunning landscapes, consider a horseback riding tour, which allows you to immerse yourself in nature as you gallop through forests and mountains. Check out local farms like Ranxo Ses Roques, which offer guided tours through the unspoiled interior of the island.
9. Visit a Winery
Mallorca has no shortage of wine producers, with over 70 businesses in operation. Drop by one of these vineyards for a tour of the vineyard and winery, and catch a tasting of their delicious wines. The scenic setting, combined with traditional Mallorcan tapas, makes for a perfect afternoon outing. I visited Ca'n Vidalet, a charming winery in the foothills of the Tramontana, where a tasting cost just 12 euros and was accompanied by delicious tapas.
10. Experience Mallorca by Boat
If you're tired of the standard tourist trail, consider renting a boat and exploring Mallorca's hidden coves and secluded beaches by sea. The unique, eyeful-worthy adventures offered by this option are certain to make for memories you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Let Original Travel Handle Your Trip Planning
Planning a trip can sometimes feel like a headache, but with all the new travel rules and changes swirling around, it can be especially daunting. Fortunately, there are experts who can handle the entire process for you.
Original Travel is a luxury tour operator that specializes in customized holidays around the globe. They work with you to create your perfect itinerary, taking the stress out of planning and allowing you to enjoy your dream holiday stress-free.
I've personally used Original Travel to plan my trip to Rome, so I can attest to the quality of their services. And in these uncertain times, having an expert on hand to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of travel is a godsend.
Have I missed any unusual or fun things to do in Mallorca? Leave a comment and let me know!
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Mallorca, Spain, offers a wide range of unique and offbeat activities for those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist trails. Here are some of the most interesting options:
Unique Activities
- Horse Riding in the Mountains
- Explore the unspoiled interior of Mallorca by taking a guided horseback ride through forests and mountains. Farms like Ranxo Ses Roques offer these tours, providing a unique perspective on the island's natural beauty[1].
- Visit a Winery
- Discover Mallorca's wine culture by visiting one of its many wineries. Ca’n Vidalet, for example, offers wine tastings and a scenic setting amidst the Tramontana mountains[1].
- Rent a Boat
- Explore Mallorca's hidden coves and pristine beaches by renting a boat. This allows you to uncover the island's secret gems from a different perspective[1].
- Explore Caves
- Visit unique caves like the Drach Caves, which feature an underground lake and stunning stalactites. The Caves of Hams also offer an interesting underground experience with a "Sea of Venice" lake[3].
- Take a Historic Train to Sóller
- Ride the historic Ferrocarril train from Palma to Sóller, enjoying the scenic countryside and relaxing in this charming town[4].
Offbeat Attractions
- Offbeat Roadside Attractions in Palma
- Explore Palma de Mallorca's array of unusual roadside attractions, including the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and Castell de Bellver[2].
- Stand-up Paddleboarding
- Experience Mallorca's beautiful coastlines by stand-up paddleboarding, a great way to enjoy the island's beaches and coves solo[4].
These activities offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and unique experiences that can enhance your visit to Mallorca.
- For a different perspective on the stunning landscapes of Mallorca, consider a horseback riding tour, immersing yourself in nature as you gallop through forests and mountains.
- If you're feeling adventurous, rent a bike and pedal your way through Mallorca, exploring wildlife-rich national parks, dropping in on secluded beaches for a refreshing dip, and conquering winding mountain passes.
- Instead of opting for a regular resort vacation, consider planning an adventure-filled road trip around Mallorca, using the expertise of a travel company like Original Travel for hassle-free planning. With the island's variety of stunning landscapes, a self-guided tour offers endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.
