Whereas Majorca is common with British vacationers, I’ve discovered it nonetheless has loads of peaceable corners the place you’ll be able to escape the crowds. Over the previous couple of years, I’ve explored the island on a mixture of scenic highway journeys and separate mini-vacations — flying into Palma, renting a automotive, and staying in every little thing from rustic fincas to boutique seashore accommodations. Listed below are my 17 favorite hidden gems…
1. Puerto Pollensa
I personally thought trendy however unpretentious Puerto Pollensa was one of many island’s most peaceable resorts! There have been vacationers right here, however I found that it had remained comparatively unspoiled due to strict constructing laws, so it had no ugly high-rises or loud nightlife, only a relaxed, small-town appeal and extra of an area really feel.
It took me simply over an hour to drive right here from Palma Airport by way of pine forests and mountain foothills, and I discovered it tucked right into a serene horseshoe-shaped bay as soon as utilized by fishermen — I even noticed small boats nonetheless unloading their catch!
I loved a really blissful week wandering the pine-shaded promenade, kicking again on the mushy golden sands beneath the hovering Serra de Tramuntana peaks, eating in laid-back cafés and seafront eating places, climbing thyme and juniper scented mountain trails, and purchasing for watermelons, olives and souvenirs within the common native market.
Staying on the stylish 4-star Hoposa Pollentia, I cherished its boho vibe with rattan lights, macramé wall hangings, and mushy earthy tones. Lounging within the poolside cabanas with the sound of waves lapping the seashore simply steps away felt blissfully serene!
2. Deià
I used to be totally enchanted by Deià — a panoramic mountain village that’s managed to maintain its distinctive, old-world appeal intact! Nestled within the Tramuntana Mountains, I discovered honey-stone homes, quaint cobbled lanes and conventional olive terraces as a result of it was protected by strict constructing guidelines that fortunately stored large, brash resorts from being developed right here.
I cherished the way it attracted quiet, inventive souls reasonably than large, noisy crowds, with its serene environment, artsy vibe, and breathtaking coastal views, it felt each intimate and romantic. I discovered that Deià owed its fame to poet Robert Graves, who settled right here within the Nineteen Thirties and drew a blinding crowd of artists and celebrities — from Ava Gardner to Mick Jagger!
Driving 20 minutes from my earlier cease at Estellencs by way of olive groves and rustic villages, I discovered it completely perched above the glistening Mediterranean Sea.
I spent a rare week visiting Graves’ hillside residence, absorbing the cliff views on the spectacular Casa Museo de Son Marroig, eating in trendy eating places, sipping on matcha lattes on the legendary Sa Fonda café in Deià (as soon as a hangout for musicians and artists) and unwinding on Cala Deià’s tranquil seashore! I’ll be trustworthy — the seashore wasn’t precisely cozy with plenty of enormous stones, nevertheless it felt so superbly untouched that I cherished it anyway!
Staying on the beautiful 4-star Es Moli Lodge in a restored Seventeenth-century stone mansion, I cherished its classic appeal — the scent of polished wooden, terracotta flooring, and wrought-iron lamps — and in addition the dreamy hilltop views over olive groves and the ocean!
3. Sóller
I discovered it arduous to not fall for the picturesque resort of Sóller — a peaceable extra low-key escape tucked within the Tramuntana Mountains with quiet appeal and an unspoiled, small-town really feel! I admired the way it’s stayed as genuine because it presumably might, it felt very removed from the social gathering crowds within the island’s south, with its slender cobbled streets, rustic Mallorcan structure, and historic websites preserved by strict limits on large-scale improvement.
From my earlier cease in Pollença, I returned to Palma and took the charming classic practice to Sóller — an hour-long trip by way of tunnels and aromatic orange groves that felt like a step again in time. There have been vacationers right here, however the city splendidly balanced pure magnificence with a relaxed, native buzz!
I spent a beautiful easygoing week right here exploring the leafy major sq. and bustling harbour, wandering the peaceable Jardí Botànic, climbing the pine-cloaked Tramuntana hills, lazing on the pale sandy seashore, strolling the beautiful promenade, visiting the natural Ecovinyassa farm (and making an attempt zesty lemon-lavender and fragrant fig-rosemary jams) and eating every night in trendy, family-run eating places.
Staying on the great 4-star Bikini Island & Mountain, I cherished its stylish boho design and dreamy spa, particularly the aromatherapy therapeutic massage with domestically infused orange blossom, wild rosemary, and almond oils!
4. Portocolom
As soon as a humble fishing village, now a captivating resort, Portocolom has impressively dodged mass tourism — I cherished its conventional harbour lined with vibrant boats, weathered Mallorcan homes, and a splendidly slow-paced, native really feel.
Tucked on the jap coast within the municipality of Felanitx, it wasn’t a glitzy place — it had little nightlife however loads of historical past, character, and a splendidly tucked-away really feel. I realized it had lengthy been a haven for literary and inventive figures — and after visiting, I might see why!
Driving an hour and 10 minutes from Palma by way of quiet countryside and sleepy villages, I packed rather a lot into my quick break — coastal strolls, exploring the colorful outdated city, stress-free on family-friendly Cala Marçal seashore, visiting the historic lighthouse, having fun with waterfront dinners, snorkelling, and wine tasting at rustic native wineries. I even took a boat journey to find hidden coves and go to the close by prehistoric burial website, Naveta, which dated again to 2,000 BC!
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the heavenly Barefoot Lodge – I cherished the fashionable boho design (pure wooden accents, jute rugs, and linen canopies) and the luxurious onsite spa with got here with a Turkish tub with mosaic tiles and eucalyptus steam!
5. Cala Figuera
I believed Cala Figuera was an actual gem — a postcard-perfect fishing village with rugged cliffs, whitewashed homes, and boats bobbing on ultra-clear turquoise waters. In contrast to Mallorca’s busier resorts, it had a tranquil, genuine environment that made me really feel like I’d stepped again in time.
With no seashore to attract the crowds, it had fortunately escaped mass tourism, luring guests like me who got here for its nostalgic appeal, coastal trails, and cosy, family-run eateries.
I drove 40 minutes south from my earlier cease at Portocolom earlier than looping again to Palma after my 5 day keep. I lapped up simply wandering the beautiful harbour, eating by the ocean, climbing to the clifftop Torre d’en Beu lighthouse which had postcard-worthy views, taking a ship journey to secret coves, and snorkelling on the small, sandy Cala Santanyí, a stunning seashore which was only a 5 minute drive away.
This was such a romantic and chic spot — as soon as praised for its magnificence by Chopin throughout his keep! I admired the way it had managed to flee fashionable sprawl, radiating old-world appeal in each nook.
Perched excessive within the Tramuntana Mountains, its stone homes, flower-draped lanes, and olive groves framed by misty peaks gave it a quietly trendy attract that made it irresistible to go to — and even tougher to depart!
I drove half-hour from my earlier cease in Deià and my 5 day break was spent right here was splendidly totally different to a mean Majorcan vacation. I visited the majestic Royal Charterhouse, went café-hopping and tucking into pillowy Coca de patata, climbing rockrose-dotted mountain trails, exploring the beautiful Sa Marina port, discovering the manicured Jardins Rei Joan Carles and retracing the romantic footsteps of Chopin and George Sand!
Staying on the lovely Lodge Valldemossa, I cherished its romantic hillside setting, the charming Nineteenth-century stone constructing, and the distinctive onsite Japanese-Peruvian restaurant – particularly the shiny miso-glazed aubergine adorned with sesame!
7. Port d’Andratx
I fell for the trendy however quiet Port d’Andratx (which additionally doubled as a celeb hang-out)! Its luxury-yacht crammed marina, laid-back luxurious, and refined, low-key vibe gave it a novel magnificence that’s stored the rowdy vacationer crowds at bay – it was an easy-on-the eye haven for extra calm-seeking and discerning travellers.
I found it on the southwestern coast, it was an intimate place was residence to a reasonably harbour, conventional Mediterranean-style buildings, and fashionable whitewashed villas perched on the encompassing hills. It didn’t have its personal seashore (which additionally stored the vacationer crowds away!) nevertheless it was near a number of sandy seashores which had been lower than a ten minute drive away.
I drove in slightly below 40 minutes from Palma Airport and stayed for every week. My time right here was simply dreamy – harbour strolls, sea-view eating (I cherished the fragrant truffle noodles, and the bruschetta at Restaurante Grand Pasta), boutique shopping, boat journeys to tucked-away coves, Tramuntana mountain hikes, and lazy seashore days at close by unique Cala Llamp and chic Camp de Mar!
Staying on the elegant 4-star Mon Port Lodge & Spa, I adored its arched colonnades, terracotta tiles, and impartial tones, and its mountain-framed harbour setting. The Royal Rose Hammam Ritual — a rose-infused steam, exfoliation, and argan oil therapeutic massage was a stand-out spa expertise!
8. Pollenca
Historic and arty Pollenca actually left an impression on me! Set on the base of the Tramuntana Mountains, this inland city had clearly chosen cultural richness and custom over mass tourism. I adored its laid-back, inventive vitality, surrounded by mountain magnificence and an inventive spirit that’s lengthy drawn writers, musicians, and painters.
Peacefully tucked within the island’s north, there was no seashore nevertheless it was filled with appeal — rustic stone buildings with terracotta roofs, cobbled lanes with vibrant shutters, fairly plazas, and cosy cafés.
I drove 10 minutes south from my earlier cease at Puerto Pollensa alongside a quiet highway lined with orchards and stone farmhouses, checked into the trendy 4-star Mon Boutique Lodge, and spent 5 beautiful days exploring.
I wandered historic streets, crossed the outdated Roman bridge, climbed the 365 Calvari Steps and noticed Insta-worthy views, browsed native cute galleries, and shopped on the buzzy Sunday market in Plaça Main. Evenings had been for watching reside jazz and charming meals at unbiased eating places serving recent, domestically sourced dishes.
Discovering Joan March Gardens – they had been crammed with twisted outdated olive bushes, neatly trimmed yews, and aromatic lavender bushes, all surrounding the hanging Desbrull Tower – a medieval Gothic landmark relationship again to the thirteenth century!
9. Es Trenc
This unspoilt magnificence spot — usually known as Mallorca’s reply to the Caribbean — gained me over! I’ve to be trustworthy, it was very busy with vacationers (particularly at weekends), however the vibe nonetheless felt extra pure right here due to its protected setting, restricted improvement, and only one (newly opened) resort. I actually appreciated the way it centered on preserving its pristine dunes, clear, lengthy seashore and clear, turquoise waters.
Stretching for about 3.7 miles alongside the southern coast between Campos and Colònia de Sant Jordi, it fashioned a part of the Es Trenc–Salobrar de Campos Pure Space, which was residence to salt flats, sand dunes, and wetlands.
I drove 45 minutes from Palma, parked close to Colònia de Sant Jordi, and stayed on the trendy 4-star Iberostar Choice Es Trenc. After I wasn’t swimming or stress-free, I explored the unspoilt dunes and wetlands, noticed lovely flamingos and ospreys, admired the pink-tinted salt flats, and found that components of it had been clothing-optional — though fortunately principally within the quieter stretches away from the primary crowds!
My favorite highlights…
Scoffing juicy Kalamata olives and slices of nutty pa moreno (conventional Mallorcan brown bread) whereas gazing out over the dazzling Es Trenc salt flats on the super-cute Flor de Sal café — and I couldn’t resist choosing up a pouch of their well-known mineral-rich salt to take residence!
10. Fornalutx
Secluded Fornalutx — usually known as one of many prettiest villages in Spain — fully charmed me! Nestled excessive within the Tramuntana Mountains, this inland village had fortunately escaped mass tourism due to its small measurement, distant location, having no seashore or direct coastal views, and its dedication to preserving its conventional stone structure. I used to be gained over by its understated magnificence and peaceable, nostalgic magnificence.
I personally thought it was an image of rustic perfection — saffron-hued cottages with terracotta roofs, cobbled lanes lined with flowers, and terraced orange groves protecting the encompassing hillsides.
I drove simply 10 minutes from Sóller deeper into the mountains and stayed for a brief however memorable escape. My three days right here had been spent climbing picturesque mountain trails, taking leisurely espresso breaks in Plaça d’Espanya, having fun with gazpacho and tumbet within the eating places, and admiring the medieval city corridor.
Staying on the charming boutique Fornalutx Petit Lodge – I cherished its restored convent setting with golden native limestone stone partitions, northern pine shutters, and painted by hand tiles, and the mountain-framed pool surrounded by Sóller lemon-scented gardens in its romantic, traffic-free village!
11. Banyalbufar
I discovered Banyalbufar provided a really totally different sort of Majorcan escape – it was an under-the-radar gem which had remained blissfully untouched by mass tourism, and I cherished its serene, slow-paced appeal — it felt like stepping right into a gentler world!
Tucked on Mallorca’s western coast within the towering Tramuntana Mountains, it enchanted me with honey-stone homes clinging to terraced hillsides, vineyards cascading towards the glittering Mediterranean, and the scent of untamed herbs.
I drove 45 minutes from Palma alongside a peaceable clifftop highway lined with vineyards and stayed for an extended weekend on the romantic, boutique-style Son Bunyola Resort and Villas. My days had been crammed with exploring terraced vineyards, climbing aromatic mountain trails, watching lovely sunsets, eating on paella and Pa amb oli (Majorcan bread) at cosy family-run taverns, and discovering the outdated watchtower and the traditional Font de la Vila water system.
There wasn’t a sandy seashore right here, however I made a 5 minute drive to close by Cala Banyalbufar — a hidden pebble cove which was nice for each swimming and snorkelling in shimmering turquoise waters.
Visiting the family-run Celler Ca’n Pico, I cherished its hilltop setting with sea views and their fragrant dry Malvasia — crisp, floral, and with a vibrant citrusy kick!
12. Cala Varques
I noticed firsthand how Cala Varques — a small, secluded cove — had stayed splendidly wild due to its distant location, solely reachable by hike or boat. That inaccessibility stored it amazingly peaceable, and after I lastly arrived, I felt fully immersed in nature.
Hidden between Portocolom and Porto Cristo on Mallorca’s jap coast, it felt very paradise-like — ultra-clear turquoise waters lapping golden sands, framed by dramatic cliffs and hidden sea caves.
I drove from Portocolom to a small parking spot off the MA-4014 highway. I’ve to confess, it wasn’t straightforward to get to – I hiked 25 minutes by way of rocky terrain to achieve the seashore. There have been no everlasting eating places, only a few informal distributors, so I used to be glad I’d introduced provides! I spent my day swimming and snorkelling within the lovely waters and exploring the wild coastal trails that wrapped across the rugged cliffs.
My favorite highlights…
Having fun with an fragrant saffron-spiced vegetarian paella paired with a relaxing glass of crisp Mallorcan Prensal Blanc was absolute bliss!
13. Estellencs
Targeted on preserving its old-world appeal, Estellencs — a secluded and sleepy mountain village — provided a splendidly genuine glimpse of Mallorca, removed from the well-trodden vacationer path.
Tucked on the island’s western coast inside the Tramuntana Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Web site), I used to be quietly in awe of its rustic stone homes topped with terracotta tiles, silvery olive groves, sloping vineyards, and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.
I drove quarter-hour north from Banyalbufar alongside the dramatic MA-10 coastal highway and checked into the charming 4-star Maristel Lodge & Spa. It was a quiet place with not a lot to do — however that was all a part of its appeal! I hiked by way of the wild Tramuntana hills, feasted at family-run eateries (I cherished the silky Spaghettini), explored the historic sq. La Font de L’Abeurada which had fascinating Arab roots, and kicked again on Cala Estellencs’ quiet pebble seashore which was only a kilometre away.
Having fun with a glass of robust but fruity Ribas Rosat rosé and a bowl of juicy inexperienced olives on the rustic-chic Maristel Bistro & Bar — it was the right Mediterranean second!
14. Cala Tuent
I cherished how its uncooked, untouched magnificence had been completely preserved by its secluded setting within the Serra de Tramuntana — leaving it admirably undeveloped and splendidly serene!
Tucked on Mallorca’s northwest coast, it unfolded as a small crescent of each sand and pebbles framed by pine forests and rugged cliffs, with ultra-clear azure waters glinting within the solar. I drove for 55 minutes from Sóller alongside a winding coastal highway with dizzying hairpin bends and dazzling sea views.
I stayed a captivating week on the well-presented 4-star Ca n’Aina vacation residence, cooling off with swims, climbing mountain trails scented with pine, and eating al-fresco on the romantic Es Vergeret Restaurant — the place the golden gentle and sea views had been simply as memorable because the meals!
My favorite highlights…
Mountaineering the 13km Sa Costera path from Mirador de Ses Barques to Cala Tuent which took me 5 hours, however the steep terrain was price it for the epic sea views and the bougainvillea-draped ruins of the outdated Bàlitx d’Avall property and Sa Costera energy station!
15. Ariany
My picture of Ariany views – the landscapes appeared to stretch on for miles!
Tucked away in central Mallorca, Ariany is a quiet, under-the-radar gem that’s stored its rustic appeal and sluggish, soulful tempo — and I used to be smitten from the beginning.
Set within the island’s centre between Petra and Santa Margalida, I cherished the standard stone-faced buildings with inexperienced shutters, the sleek church at its coronary heart, and the encompassing countryside dotted with windmills and farmland.
I drove 50 minutes from Palma by way of open fields and stayed on the stylish 4-star Ynaira Lodge & Spa for a brief, restful break. My three days had been spent exploring historic windmills, admiring the 18th-century Parish Church of Nuestra Señora d’Atocha, climbing peaceable trails, and absorbing panoramic views from the breathtaking De la Creu Viewpoint throughout Pla de Mallorca and the idyllic Randa and Bonany mountains — it was the right style of sluggish village life!
The weekly market in Plaza Mayor overflowed with oranges, tomatoes, woven baskets, and wildflowers, the air scented with candy lavender and chamomile!
16. Caimari
I used to be quietly captivated by Caimari! I found this conventional village hidden away within the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, removed from the island’s social gathering resorts within the north, I cherished the way it preserved its heritage by way of age-old olive oil manufacturing and sluggish village life.
Its rustic magnificence actually drew me in — stone homes with terracotta roofs and inexperienced shutters, cobbled lanes, and surrounding olive groves and almond bushes that scented the air (I visited in spring so I obtained to see the blossom).
I drove simply over 50 minutes from Palma alongside the MA-13, checked into the boutique Placeta Vella Turismo de Inside, explored outdated olive mills with tastings, hiked unspoilt trails, and visited the beautiful Parish Church of Sant Llorenç. I additionally cycled the winding Coll de sa Batalla, adopted the traditional path to Lluc’s historic chapel, and admired the traditional marjades — the dry-stone terraces preserving the hillsides blooming!
Eating at Michelin-recommended Ca Na Toneta, I cherished the nice and cozy welcome, rustic-chic decor, and the standout ‘Coca’ flatbread with sea salt, wild rosemary, and recent tomatoes!
17. Cabrera Island
I discovered that Cabrera Island, a small uninhabited paradise, remained splendidly untouched — its nationwide park standing and strict conservation had stored it wild, quiet, and filled with historical past. There have been no crowds, no residents, simply uncooked, pure magnificence!
Mendacity 6 miles off Mallorca’s southern coast, the 6.2-square-mile island was a haven of turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, Mediterranean greenery, and weathered ruins.
I drove 45 minutes from Palma to Colònia de Sant Jordi based mostly myself for 4 days on the 4-star Blau Colònia in Colònia de Sant Jordi (the primary departure level for boats to Cabrera Island) and visited the island through a 40-minute ferry journey.
I explored the 14th-century fortress, wandered fascinating outdated army ruins, realized about its Napoleonic previous, hiked fairly trails, swam in fish-filled waters, and visited the glowing Blue Cave — to me, it really felt like a forgotten Mediterranean paradise!
My favorite highlights…
Recognizing a pod of playful bottlenose dolphins simply off the shoreline, I cherished listening to their joyful splashes and occasional high-pitch whistle echo throughout the water!
