What to see in Mallorca, a dreamy island in the Mediterranean Sea

For many, Mallorca is a paradise, as it is the perfect combination of beaches, mountains, towns, and history. It is also ideal for a weekend getaway, or even for a longer stay during a vacation. It is certainly one of the top destinations, not only in the Balearic Islands, but in all of Spain.

A brief history of Mallorca

Regarding the history of this Mediterranean  island, due to its strategic location, Mallorca is a territory through which numerous different civilizations have passed. Humans first arrived in Mallorca in 7000 BC. Some archaeological sites, such as the Capocorb Vell, serve as proof of this.

Looking further into its history, in 123 BC the Roman Quintus Caecilius Metellus conquered the island. Later, the Balearic slingers became part of the Roman Empire army in the conquest of the Gaul region. Then came the conquest of the Byzantine Empire, which brought social and political instability. The year 903 saw the incorporation of the island into the Caliphate of Córdoba. As a result, Mallorca became part of the Umayyad dynasty and a major cultural hub within the empire.

In the 14th century, Mallorca became part of the Crown of Aragon and later, after the marriage of the Catholic Monarchs, of the Crown of Castile. Thus, in 1715, the Castilians occupied Mallorca, introducing the Castilian language and prohibiting the Catalan language.

Lastly, during the Spanish Civil War, Mallorca was occupied, like the rest of the country, by the nationalists. After Franco’s death, the Balearic Islands established a Statute of Autonomy to preserve their historical identity. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in our country. This is a very brief explanation of the history of Mallorca, which is necessary to understand the importance of the places described below.

Palma de Mallorca, a must-see on the island

Any visit to Mallorca must include, almost necessarily, its capital: Palma de Mallorca. In the island’s main city, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, with its Levantine Gothic style and one of the most spectacular in our country, must top the list of places to see in Palma. Other remarkable tourist attractions are the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, the King’s Garden, the Plaza Mayor, the Jewish Quarter and the Arab baths.

Places to visit in Mallorca: the most beautiful towns

Alcudia

Mallorca is full of charming towns and villages, some of which are considered the most beautiful in Spain. This is the case of Alcudia, a town of Roman origin in the northeast of the island. Among its main monuments are the Church of St. Jaume and the Porta de Mallorca, which was one of the three entrances to the city along the medieval wall. It is also recommended to visit the town hall, the Porta del Moll, and the Roman city of Pollentia, which is an archaeological site on the outskirts of the town.

Sóller

When it comes to visiting Mallorca, Sóller, one of the most beautiful towns on the island, is not to be missed either. There, you can enjoy the architecture of one of Gaudí’s disciples, Joan Rubió i Bellver, who built the Sant Bartomeu Church and the Bank of Sóller, two of its most important tourist landmarks. Of course, a visit to the Plaza de la Constitución, the medieval street of Sa Lluna, and the Vinyassa orchard, with its 18,000 square meters of orange trees, is a must. All this set against the backdrop of the Tramuntana mountain range.

 

Manacor

Manacor has become well known in recent years for being Rafa Nadal’s hometown. In fact, there you can visit his own museum, which is one of the best activities to enjoy in Mallorca. Other interesting sights are the Parròquia de la Mare de Déu dels Dolors, the Manacor Museum of History, the Vins Miquel Gelabert winery, and the many beaches and coves that are just a few kilometers away.

Other towns to visit in Mallorca

For those who love exploring towns, Mallorca offers many more possibilities. A few examples include:  Valldemossa, Andratx, Fornalutx, Deià, Pollensa and Capdepera. An interesting visit is also Puerto Portals, which is located in Calvià, where you can find luxury yachts, exclusive restaurants, and famous personalities from all over the world.

The best beaches in Mallorca

But, without a doubt, some of the main appeals of this Balearic island are its waters and beaches. In fact, Mallorca is characterized by dozens of small, peaceful coves, with white sand and crystal-clear waters. Some of the most noteworthy are Cala Figuera, Cala Mondragó, Cala d’Or, Cala Mitjana, and Cala Mesquida. Due to their small size, when visiting these beaches in high season, getting up early in the morning to secure a spot is recommended.

The most important natural sites to visit in Mallorca

Finally, in Mallorca not only can you find villages, historical sites, and dreamlike beaches, but you can also enjoy nature in its purest form. In this regard, the Serra de Tramuntana steals the spotlight, stretching 90 kilometers across the island. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain range, sometimes reminiscent of Tuscany, has its highest peak in the Puig Major, with 1445 meters of altitude. Naturally, there are numerous trails that can be explored in the area.

Another very different natural landscape is the one offered by the Drach Caves. When visiting these caves located in a 1200 meter’s depth, the traveler has the opportunity to navigate among stalactites and enter 11 to 53-million-year-old caverns. Lastly, visitors can also explore the Cabrera Archipelago, which is made up of 19 islets 10 kilometers south of Mallorca.

Ultimately, Mallorca is an island that caters for all tastes and offers a wide range of possibilities for tourism. Just pick your favorite places and start enjoying an island that is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.