12 Unique Things to Do in Mallorca Away from the Resorts

Since the 1960s, Mallorca has been one of Spain’s top tourist destinations — but humans have called the island home for much, much longer.

In fact, this beautiful Mediterranean island shows evidence of human habitation dating back as far as 6000 BC. Since the Middle Ages, it’s been consistently populated.

Sitting off the east coast of Spain, Mallorca is the largest island in a group known as the Balearic Islands. With its sunny climate and scenic beaches, its reputation as a resort destination is well-earned, but don’t let that fool you. In actuality, Mallorca is much more.

If you’re interested in visiting the island but don’t want the typical resort experience, you’re in luck. Whether it’s just you or the whole family, there are so many things to do in Majorca besides lounging on a beach sipping drinks.

Here are 12 awesome ways to pass the time during your stay.

1. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

There are few better ways to see a place than from the sky. Mallorca is no exception, and a hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to do it.

The ride lasts two hours and can be taken at either sunrise or sunset. Two hours might seem like a long time now, but you’ll find yourself wanting more once you experience it firsthand.

2. Rent a Car

Even though it’s easy to get around the island without one, renting a car is the best way to maximize your freedom during your stay.

Having a car at your disposal lets you take full control of your own itinerary. Instead of being limited to guided tours or bus routes, you can just pick a point on the map and drive there.

3. Spend Some Time on the Water

Although meeting people can be an awesome part of any vacation, being surrounded by strangers can also get overwhelming.

That’s why you need to spend at least one full day out on the water while you’re in Mallorca.

There are plenty of different boat tours to choose from, and it’s a great way to leave the noise behind while seeing the island from a new perspective.

4. Visit Palma

Palma is Mallorca’s capital city, and it’s well worth spending a few days in.

Since most people visit the island for its resorts, you won’t find many tourists. This lets you get a taste for real Spanish city life by mixing with actual locals.

5. Explore Cala Figuera

Speaking of non-touristy spots, Cala Figuera is a small fishing port that is well worth your time.

It doesn’t have a beach, so you won’t be weaving through throngs of people. Instead, you’ll get a look into what life is like for most of the working folks on the island, and you’ll get some much-needed peace and quiet while you’re at it.

6. Go to Mondrago Natural Park

If you’re looking to escape the resorts but still want to visit some beautiful beaches, Mondrago Natural Park is the place for you. It has the scenery you want without all the gaudy, man made stuff you’d find on resort beaches.

Be prepared for company, though. The beaches do tend to be packed, but it’s usually with Spanish folks instead of tourists, so you’ll have the opportunity to converse with some locals.

7. Go Quad Biking

There are few better ways to explore an island than on the back of a 4-wheeler.

You can sign up for a quad biking excursion that takes you across the island’s eye-catching countryside in style. If you’re feeling extra daring, you can even go cliff diving at the end, but we’ll reserve judgement if you decide to skip that part.

8. Visit the Cap de Pera Lighthouse

The winding drive to this mountaintop lighthouse will show you some of the most scenic vistas on the whole island.

There are trails to hike, beaches to visit, and once you reach the top, you get a view that is hard to beat.

9. Stop in Random Villages

Another great part of driving around the island yourself is that you’ll stumble across numerous small villages that are entirely removed from the tourism that dominates many of the island’s coastal towns.

These offer a window into a totally different side of Mallorca — a side with hundred-year-old buildings, quiet cafes, and quaint town squares.

10. Eat in Those Random Villages

Don’t settle for sightseeing. If you’re going to take the time to explore Mallorca’s quieter side, you should taste it, too.

While there’s plenty of great food in the resort areas, much of it caters to tourists. In the island’s small villages, you’ll get the chance to eat genuine Spanish island cuisine that you can’t get anywhere else in the world.

11. Spend Some Time in the Mountains

There are numerous mountain villages in Mallorca and you shouldn’t neglect them.

In fact, staying a few days in one is the best course of action. You can get in some quality hiking and see a totally different part of the island than most people do.

The mountains are quieter, the air is a little cooler, and it has a distinct flavor from the beaches where most travellers spend their time. Try booking a hotel or Airbnb for a few days and taking some time to soak in your surroundings.

12. Throw Away the Map

And while you’re at it, throw away this article, too. Well, not really, but once you’ve done everything else on this list, the best way to see the island is without any guidance.

Instead of searching for something specific, get in the car and drive.

Explore the places you stumble upon along the way. You might end up writing your own list of things to do afterwards!

There Are Endless Things to Do in Majorca!

Believe it or not, this is only a handful of the things to do in Mallorca. The best way to discover that is to find out for yourself, so don’t take our word for it.

If you want to get a firsthand taste of everything we’ve talked about here and more, don’t wait. In fact, why not invest in something that will let you spend as much time there as you want?

Check into these awesome timeshares at Marriott’s Club Son Antem that will have you coming back again and again!