Fascinating Mallorca: its most beautiful villages
With only 100 kilometers, the island of Mallorca is one of the main attractions in the Balearic Islands and a tourist destination of reference throughout Spain and the world. Despite its small size, the wide panorama of landscapes it offers has made it an ideal place to escape from routine. The largest of the Balearic Islands is a land of contrasts, from dream beaches and crystal-clear waters to picturesque and historic inland villages, not forgetting the capital, Palma de Mallorca. Here are the towns that make Mallorca much more than a tourist island.
Portocolom, Mallorca. | Shutterstock
This picturesque village, located in the south of the Balearic island, fits perfectly with the typical Mallorcan postcard. With a spectacular beach worthy of the Caribbean, this fishing village receives hundreds of tourists every year. As a curiosity, Portocolom owes its name to Christopher Columbus, since one of the many theories about the origin of the colonist places his birthplace here. Portocolom also has the Marçal cove and a long pier where you can stroll.
Alcudia, Mallorca. | Shutterstock
The village of Alcudia, located in the north of the island, forms a small peninsula surrounded by the bay of Alcudia and the bay of Pollença. Beyond its spectacular Mediterranean landscape with the sea always in the background, Alcudia has become a great tourist attraction as it is the only place on the island that has remains of a wall from the Phoenician period. Due to its location, this town was the perfect target for pirates and that is why, today, it preserves a good part of its past, as well as a small amphitheater from the Roman period.
Capdepera, Mallorca. | Shutterstock
Mallorca is not all paradisiacal beaches and promenades, you can also find villages full of history and culture of past times, as well as beautiful. In the northeast corner of the island, you will find Capdepera, a charming medieval village that conquers all lovers of rural tourism. The village is located on a hill, from which its castle dominates the top. In addition, Capdepera has a historic center full of mansions and architecture of the nineteenth century, as well as the caves of Artà, the defense tower dating from the 13th century and up to 40 sites of the talayot culture.
Cala Figuera in the village of Santanyi, Mallorca. | Shutterstock
Santanyi is a small coastal village in the south of the island that has become a center of culture and new artistic trends. Thus, Santanyi, besides following in the line of all the fishing villages in the south of Mallorca, has numerous galleries and workshops of this kind. In addition, this town is a place of obligatory step to be able to accede to all the lost coves that there are around the geography of the island.
Church of Artà, Mallorca. | Shutterstock
In the middle of the valley of the Serra de Llevant we find the spectacular village of Artà, located in the bay of Alcudia. This place seems to be taken out of a movie set due to all the architectural attractions it gathers and its spectacular views of the sea from the highest part. It has an imposing 16th century fortress and a garden that decorates the entire hillside. It also has remains of the talayot culture and a multitude of nearby trails for all hiking enthusiasts.
The Carthusian monastery of Valldemossa, Mallorca. | Shutterstock
The village of Valldemossa is a town that conquers all its visitors for its network of streets and portals that, together with its natural environment, constitutes a beautiful enclave. Its facades, which mix their colors with those of the flowers on the balconies, made the great composer Chopin fall in love with the town, who said that it was the most beautiful place in the world. One of its essential visits is the Carthusian monastery of Valldemossa, former palace of King Sancho I.
Deià, Mallorca. | Shutterstock
Deià is another postcard-worthy village for its impressive contrast between the sea and civilization. Located on the slope of a hill and splashed with many low houses, Deià has conquered over the years thousands of tourists and also some artists who have even wanted to make it their residence, such as the author Robert Graves. We can also highlight the presence of the Archduke Lluís Salvador of Austria, who rehabilitated the island, buying a lot of land. Currently you can visit his house museum, as well as the monastery founded by the writer Ramon Llull in the 13th century.
Port De Sóller, Mallorca. | Shutterstock
The village of Sóller has beautiful coastal views full of colorful houses and fishermen’s boats. It is a dream place for hundreds of tourists who want to enjoy the beach and the Balearic atmosphere without having to give up peace. Sóller, in addition, has an extra attraction, since one of its possible access points is through an old train from the 90’s that crosses tunnels and exceptional natural landscapes. The town is located in the valley of Oranges, so called because of its abundance of citrus fruits and, in addition to a beautiful beach, has dozens of routes and trails.
Village of Andratx, Mallorca. | Shutterstock
Andratx is considered the gateway to the entire Sierra de la Tramontana, a famous Mallorcan place with a great natural and historical attraction. This town does not follow the line of a busy seaside place in summer. However, its scarce 7.000 inhabitants and its privileged location allow to enjoy a quiet and peaceful visit. Within its historic center, you can find numerous monuments and buildings of interest such as the castle of Son Mas, currently the town hall, or the Pantaleu neighborhood, where the Curia building is located.
Pollensa, Mallorca. | Shutterstock
This town has one of the best combinations of all Mallorca. Itt boasts a beautiful Mediterranean beach and a port typical of fishing villages. In addition, its streets still preserve a medieval past with the ascent to Mount Calvario, the Plaza Mayor or the traditional market. Finally, it has a strategic location being in the northernmost part of the island and overlooking the end of the imposing Sierra de la Tramontana.
