Majorca’s brilliant beaches, and beyond
By far the biggest and most popular of the Balearic Isles, Majorca is one of the top holiday destinations in Spain. With hundreds of kilometres of gorgeous coastline and more than 200 beaches, it’s easy to see why. From vast sweeping bays and romantic secluded coves, to family-friendly stretches of gorgeously soft sand, Majorca holidays offer almost every kind of beach break you can imagine.
Majorca holidays for everyone
While some parts of the island are lively party spots, others are more mellow and ideal for couples and families looking for a quieter holiday in the sun. Tempting as it would be to spend every day barefoot on the beaches, it’s not just traditional bucket-and-spade tourism that makes people choose holidays to Majorca. Just as much of a draw are authentic island experiences. The capital, Palma, has become a popular destination for city breaks, with a historic old town and a wealth of world-class restaurants.
Outdoor adventures in Majorca
There’s so much more to do in Majorca than relaxing on its idyllic beaches. It’s one of Europe’s prime outdoor adventure hotspots, with rock climbing, hiking and canyoning among the plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities on offer. Exploring by bike, meanwhile, is a fantastic way to appreciate Majorca’s natural splendour. The cycling opportunities around the island are practically endless, from easy-going routes between charming coastal towns like Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa, to spectacular trails winding around the jagged, pine-speckled Tramuntana mountains.
All resorts in Majorca
Three tips for a top trip
Travel better
Palma city council has committed to expanding the city's cycling network – there will be 100km of bike lanes in the city by 2023. Why not swap your cab, bus, or train trip around Palma for a bike ride with a view?
Head up high
In the summer months, you can join a rooftop tour of Palma’s Gothic cathedral where you can swoon at its impressive terraces and bell tower.
Take a boat trip
Arrive at one of the island’s loveliest beaches, Formentor, by hopping on a boat from Puerto Pollensa. The views of the coastline along the way are sensational.
Best attractions to see in Majorca
The beach at Es Trenc
An absolute must for any beach lover, this spectacular 2-kilometre stretch of white sand and turquoise sea means it’s often referred to as Majorca’s Caribbean.
Cap de Formentor
At the northernmost tip of Majorca lies the Cap de Formentor, where the Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean Sea meet. The road to get to the lighthouse at the top of this rugged peninsula passes through some of the island’s most majestic landscapes, characterised by dramatic rock formations, dense pine forests and towering cliffs. It’s a fairly challenging but hugely rewarding bike ride or hike.
The Caves of Drach
A tour of these fascinating caves – their name literally translates as ‘Dragon caves’ – in Porto Cristo involves a thrilling boat trip on Europe’s largest underground lake.
Your Majorca questions, answered
While summer is the hottest time, you can hit the beach from April right through to November. Winter can be pleasantly mild, September and February are the wettest months.
There are plenty of reliable bike hire specialists that allow you to book a bike online in advance. That way, you can compare the different options and choose the one that best suits your budget. Many hotels in Majorca also have bikes available to rent, as well as their own secure storage facilities.
It depends what kind of cycling you’re into. The Tramuntana mountains, in the far north of the island, are where you’ll find the island’s steepest, most challenging trails with truly breathtaking views – but fear not, there are also plenty of flatter areas that will give your legs an easier time. Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa are the most popular bases for cyclists as they have plenty of places to stay, eat and drink, while also offering easy access to some of Majorca’s best cycling routes.
For an area with a bit of a buzz, you could head to S’Arenal or Palma. If you’re after more of a laid-back, traditional feel, you could base yourself in Porto Colom or Puerto Soller, while Fornalutx or Orient are a good choice if you want somewhere with a calm, low key vibe and gorgeous scenery nearby. Puerto Pollensa offers a combination of attractive architecture, excellent restaurants, pristine beaches and scenic walks. It’s also a great base for a cycling trip, as is Alcudia, 10km down the coast.
Majorcan wine is delicious, and there are many different local vintages to choose from. Get to know them on a tour and wine-tasting session at one of its vineyards.
With just about every location along the coastline having a choice of sandy beaches or scenic bays, you really don’t need to worry about finding a place to go. To the north, you have the sands of Puerto Pollensa and Playa de Muro. Along the southern shores, you’ve got the beautiful coves around Cala D’Or. Head east and you can enjoy the golden beaches of Cala Millor, Cala bona and Sa Coma. And, to the west, are the white sands of Portals Nous.
The nightlife is not simply good in Majorca, it’s varied and vibrant. The main buzz of nightlife can be found in areas such as Palma, Magaluf and Alcudia. Clubs, beach bars and restaurants all have a lively atmosphere, whether you’re dancing or sitting back with cocktails. There’s an upmarket feel to the late evening spots at Cala D’Or, Puerto Soller and Puerto Andratx. And, in the quieter villages, there are still peaceful dining spots along with live music and festivals to enjoy.
This alluring island really does have wide-ranging appeal. Families and groups, couples, beach lovers, party animals, outdoor enthusiasts and nature buffs are all catered for. If you’re into cycling, you’re in for a treat.
You can fly direct to Majorca in two to three hours from UK airports. Majorca’s airport is at Palma where there are good transport links to help you reach the island’s other resorts.
Majorca is one of the Balearic Islands. The two official languages spoken here are Spanish and Catalan. However, Majorca has been welcoming English-speaking tourists for a long time, so you’ll find it easy to get by without needing to learn a new language. In the resort towns, you’ll even find signs and menus translated for you. Of course, you may like to try out a few Spanish phrases while you’re there.
Hiring a car is a good idea if you fancy the thrill of taking to the scenic, meandering roads through the mountains. And it’s great for exploring to your own timetable. However, the island has a bus network that will easily get you around the towns and villages you wish to explore. It’s a more leisurely way to travel but, with such great views, many visitors prefer it.