It is true that many people who visit Majorca do so to relax at their hotel and on the nearest beach. But it is also true that most of the people who choose this island for their holidays know that it is one of the most diverse and rich in cultural heritage, nature and leisure options throughout the Mediterranean.

Therefore, sun and beach days can be combined with some of the many excursions that can be made within or from Majorca. By land, by sea and even by air, every last corner of the island deserves to be visited so you can discover its best treasures.

Boat trips around Majorca

Majorca’s coastal skyline is really impressive. Which is why a visit to the island would not be complete without at least one boat trip along its cliffs, ports, beaches and small coves.

There are many options, although perhaps the most common is renting a boat, with or without a skipper. Some of the main departure and mooring ports for excursions along the coast of Majorca are: Palma, Puerto Adriano and Puerto Portals (both in Calvià), El Cocodrilo de Bonaire (Alcúdia), Andratx, Cala Bona, Cala Figuera, Cala Ratjada, Pollença, Puerto Cristo, Portocolom, Portopedro, Sóller and Colònia de Sant Jordi.

 

 

In all of them there are several boat rental companies as well as companies that organise excursions to the most interesting parts of the Majorcan coastline.

Some of them make excursions to the archipelago of Cabrera, declared a National Maritime Park. This is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive excursions in terms of natural wealth.

The boat trip to Dragonera Island is just as impressive, stopping at some of the coves in front of the Tramuntana mountain range. You can take a dip at many of the coves or even snorkel to explore the magnificent seabed that surrounds the island of Majorca.

Excursion to the coves and beaches of Majorca

Of course, Majorca’s coast is its great treasure. There are all kinds of beaches: from long strips of sand to small rocky coves. So an excursion to at least one of them is a must:

  • Cala d’Or: near Portopedro. There’s lots to do as it is a family tourist centre.
  • Sa Calobra: in the town of Escorca, this is the mouth of the Pareis torrent, a natural Special Protection Area.
  • Playa de Muro: next to Alcúdia, it is an idyllic long sandy beach that is great for everyone.
  • Cala Figuera: this rocky cove is very close to Pollença. It is well known for the transparency of its waters, ideal for anchoring small boats.
  • Calas Mondragó and S’Amarador: both are located in the town of Santanyí, to the south-east of Majorca. Small coves of fine sand with a truly heavenly atmosphere.
  • Cala Mitjana: located on the east coast of the island (there is another cala Mitjana to the north-east), it is one of the most spectacular coves. It is surrounded by cliffs and can only be reached on foot or by boat.
  • Cala Varques: in the town of Manacor, it is a small beach (only 70 metres long) with fine sands. It is surrounded by pine forests.
  • Cala Mesquida: 350 metres of beach paradise (sand, the cleanest sea and surrounded by pines and dunes). It is very close to Capdepera.
  • Playa de Formentor: in the cape that gives it its name, it is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places in Majorca. The shallow water makes it ideal for families.
  • Cala del Moro: it is very close to Santanyí and, until a few years ago, it was hardly known by Majorcans themselves. Between cliffs, it is a small bay that is hidden from the coastal skyline.
  • Cala Estreta: 11 kilometres from Artà, it is a narrow cove (hence its name), that is rocky and very picturesque.

Getaways from Majorca

From Majorca, the most obvious and logical excursions are to the neighbouring main islands of the Balearic archipelago: Menorca and Ibiza. Although a holiday destination in their own right, they can also be the destination of a day trip from Majorca.

Menorca is the closest from the east of Majorca. Thus, from the port of Alcúdia there are three daily ferries from the Balearia company to Ciutadella, the former capital of Menorca. This is a charming town where you can feel the weight of history in the fortifications that are still standing and its many churches and palaces.

It is also a lovely fishing port, which is surrounded by numerous seafood restaurants. On the topic of food, it is worth going to the town of Fornells to taste, at any of its restaurants, the dish that is Menorcan by definition: caldereta de langosta (lobster stew).

As for Ibiza, you can make an excursion to the island from the port of Palma. Also with the Balearia company. Once in the capital of Ibiza, a visit to the walled enclosure (Dalt Vila), which is on a hill and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a must. Here you will find both the cathedral and the town hall, as well as several bastions, squares and narrow streets with a very unique charm.

If you have time, before returning to Majorca, it is also worth taking a swim in the nearby beaches of Ses Salines and Es Cavallet. Two large sandy strips where you can experience the Mediterranean in its purest form.

Hiking in the north of Majorca

For those who want to get to know every last bit of Majorca, there are numerous hiking excursions, both along the coast and inland. Thus, the map of Majorca’s hiking routes is really overwhelming.

One of the most spectacular is the so-called Archduke’s Path. This path is named after Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, who had it built at the end of the 19th century. It is in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range and leads to the so-called Son Moragues snow house. It covers about 11 kilometres and has a medium difficulty.

But there are many other mountain routes that run through this mountain range. Including:

  • Camí des Pujol (or des Ninot): leads to the Puig (peak) of Ca de Míner.
  • To Puig des Teix: through Pas d’en Priam.
  • Puig d’en Galileu: through Ses Voltes and Pas de Son Nebot.
  • Valldemossa-Deià: through Pas de sa Paella.
  • Puig de Galatzó: through the Síquia des Ratxo and the southern side.
  • Castell del Rei: through Ternelles valley.