Majorca (or Mallorca), the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, has been a go-to holiday spot for British travellers for decades – and for good reason. Just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK, it’s an island that ticks every box: golden beaches, rugged mountains, lively resorts, and sleepy villages where time seems to slow down. British visitors love Majorca for its mix of convenience and escapism. You can lounge in a family-friendly resort like Alcúdia, dance the night away in Magaluf, or hike through olive groves to a hidden cove without another soul in sight. The island’s blend of reliable sunshine, affordable flights, and a dash of Spanish charm with a side of fish and chips, if you’re missing home, makes it a perennial favourite. But beyond the sunburn and sangria, Majorca has a rich identity – think citrus-scented valleys, Gothic cathedrals, and locals who still speak the ancient Mallorquí language.
What Makes Majorca Unique
Majorca’s magic lies in its contrasts. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site, cuts through the northwest with jagged peaks and terraced olive farms, while the east coast flaunts sheltered bays like Cala d’Or, where pine trees meet turquoise water. The island’s capital, Palma, mixes medieval history with modern buzz – its Gothic La Seu Cathedral towers over a marina filled with superyachts. Unlike smaller Balearic siblings like Ibiza or Menorca, Majorca feels big enough to get lost in. You’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants in converted monasteries, train rides through lemon groves on the vintage Tren de Sóller, and villages like Valldemossa, where composer Chopin once wintered. Local traditions run deep too, from the castells (human towers) at summer festivals to the xeremiers (folk musicians) playing bagpipes at village fairs.
Top Things to Do in Majorca
Start in Palma, where the Cathedral of Santa Maria – nicknamed La Seu – stuns with its rose window and Gaudí-designed altar. Wander the old town’s cobbled lanes, stopping at the Royal Palace of La Almudaina or the Arab Baths. For art lovers, the Es Baluard Museum showcases modern Balearic works, while Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation offers a peek into the artist’s studio.
Beach-wise, Majorca spoils for choice. Cala Agulla near Capdepera has powdery sand and clear snorkelling waters, while Playa de Muro offers shallow bays ideal for families. Adventurers should head to Cala Figuera, a fishing village with cliffs perfect for rock jumping, or kayak through the sea caves of Cala Varques.
Inland, the Serra de Tramuntana is a hiker’s paradise. The Dry Stone Route (GR 221) winds through ancient olive terraces, passing villages like Deià, a hilltop gem loved by artists. The Torrent de Pareis gorge near Sa Calobra challenges thrill-seekers with its rocky trails, while the Cap de Formentor lighthouse rewards drivers with dizzying coastal views.
Don’t miss the Coves del Drach, a network of limestone caves with an underground lake where live classical music concerts are held. For history, the Bellver Castle, a rare circular fortress, offers panoramic city views.
Fun Activities
Majorca’s coastline is made for water sports. Try windsurfing in Colònia de Sant Jordi, paddleboarding in Pollensa Bay, or sailing around Cabo Blanco. Families love Western Water Park near Magaluf, with slides and lazy rivers, or Katmandu Park, an indoor-outdoor attraction with 4D rides.
Cycling is huge here – the island hosts the Tramuntana Challenge each spring. Rent bikes to tackle the Coll de Sóller climb (a favourite of pro cyclists) or stick to flat trails like the Alcúdia to Can Picafort path. For a lazy day, ride the 1912 wooden train from Palma to Sóller, passing citrus orchards and mountains.
Evenings can be as lively or low-key as you like. Palma’s Paseo Marítimo buzzes with cocktail bars and seafood restaurants, while Port Adriano marina lures the yacht crowd. For local nightlife, join the verbenas (street parties) during village fiestas, or catch a live band at Sa Fonda.
Food & Restaurants
Majorcan cuisine is hearty and rustic. Must-tries include ensaimada (a spiral-shaped pastry), sobrassada (spiced pork spread), and tumbet (a veggie bake like ratatouille). Seafood stars in dishes like caldereta de langosta (lobster stew) or arroz brut (“dirty rice” with meat and veg).
- Restaurante Toque (Carrer de Can Brondo, 4, Palma): A Michelin-starred spot in a 17th-century townhouse. Try the suckling pig with apricot.
- Ca’s Patro March (Cala Deià, s/n, Deià): A cliffside seafood shack featured in The Night Manager. Book ahead for grilled octopus and sunset views.
- Cellar Sa Premsa (Plaça del Bisbe Berenguer de Palou, 8, Palma): A no-frills tavern serving giant portions of lechona (roast suckling pig) since 1958.
- Cap Rocat (Carretera d’Enderrocat, s/n, Cala Blava): Dine in a former military fortress with sea views. The lobster rice is legendary.
- Mercat de l’Olivar (Plaça de l’Olivar, s/n, Palma): A bustling market where stalls like Bar Central serve €5 tapas of jamón and padron peppers.
For sweets, grab gató d’ametlla (almond cake) at Forn des Teatre (Plaça Weyler, 9, Palma) or gelat de crem (custard ice cream) from Sa Fàbrica de Gelats (Carrer de la Fabrica, 15, Sóller).
Best Way to Explore Majorca
Renting a car is the easiest way to see Majorca’s hidden corners. The island’s roads are well-maintained, though mountain routes like the Ma-10 (Serra de Tramuntana road) require steady nerves. For a scenic drive, loop from Andratx to Pollensa, stopping at viewpoints like Sa Calobra.
Public buses (TIB) connect Palma to most resorts and towns, but services thin out in rural areas. Trains run from Palma to Inca (famous for leather markets) and the vintage line to Sóller. Cycling is popular, with dedicated lanes in Palma and bike rentals from €15/day. For a hassle-free day, join a boat trip from Port de Sóller to Sa Foradada cove or hop on a wine tour in the Pla i Llevant region.
Local Customs
- Siesta: Shops in villages close from 1pm-4pm. Big supermarkets stay open, but don’t expect much action.
- Festivals: Sant Joan (June) sees bonfires and fireworks, while La Verema (September) celebrates wine harvests with grape stomping.
- Greetings: Two cheek kisses (right first) are standard. Use “bon dia” (good day) or “merci” (thanks) to impress locals.
- Dining times: Lunch is 1:30pm-3:30pm, dinner from 8:30pm. Tapas bars get busy at vermút time (around noon).
- Respect nature: Don’t stack rocks on hikes – it disrupts ecosystems. Stick to marked trails in the Tramuntana.
Getting There
Direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Glasgow to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) take 2.5 hours. Budget airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 offer year-round deals, with prices lowest in May or October. From the airport, taxis to Palma cost €25-€35, or take the A1 bus (€5) to Plaça d’Espanya. For resorts like Alcúdia or Cala d’Or, pre-book a transfer (€50-€80) or rent a car.
Recommended Hotels
- Luxury: Hotel Cap Rocat (Carretera d’Enderrocat, s/n, Cala Blava) – A former fortress with private beach access and infinity pools.
- Boutique: Sant Francesc Hotel Singular (Plaça de Sant Francesc, 5, Palma) – A 19th-century mansion with rooftop views of La Seu.
- Family-Friendly: Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort (Carrer de la Marina, 2, Sa Coma) – Splash pools, kids’ clubs, and direct beach access.
- Rural Charm: Son Brull Hotel & Spa (Carretera Palma-Pollença, Km 50, Pollença) – A converted monastery with olive groves and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Budget: Hostal Cuba (Carrer de Sant Magí, 1, Palma) – Simple, central rooms near the cathedral, with a sunny terrace.
Majorca is the island that keeps on giving – whether you’re here for a week-long family holiday, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure dodging the British rain. From the buzz of Palma’s tapas bars to the silence of a Tramuntana sunrise, it’s a place that blends ease and exploration, making Brits feel both at home and wonderfully far away.
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