Guide to Balearic Islands Holidays: How to Pick the Right Island

Arguably the most popular Balearic Island, Mallorca boasts beaches, gothic architecture, mountains, and ancient-walled towns, and offers a variety of ways to get out and experience all of them. The destination also gets the stamp of approval from the royal family, who make excursions in Mallorca island annually to enjoy sailing and shopping.

• Who is it for: The southwest of Palma, Magaluf, El Arenal and Puerto Portals are for the party people. Families, couples, and those who seek tranquility should head to the northern towns of Port de Soller, Port de Pollenca, or east to Cala Bona.
• Where to stay: Despite its popularity, Palma makes a great base for discovering the rest of the island. If you want to stay in the thick of things, we suggest the 4 star Boutique Hotel Posado Terra Santa. This renovated 16th century mansion is tucked cozily away in the Palma’s historic old town and is within walking distance to most of the city’s main attractions, bars, and restaurants. Remove yourself from the madness and stay in Los Geranios in Port de Soller. 

Highlights

• Playa de Muro, framed by mountains on one side and the azure Balearic Sea on the other, is one of the best rated beaches in Europe.
• Le Seu (AKA Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma), a 14th century cathedral in the island’s capital city, is a masterpiece of Roman gothic architecture. The golden sandstone building soars 44m tall, making it one of the highest of its kind in Europe.
• Palace de l’Almundaina, conveniently situated across the street from Le Seu, is a former-Islamic fort converted into a royal residence for Mallorca’s monarchs in the 13th century.
• Serra de Tramuntana, the mountainous backbone of the island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its culturally rich landscape. The region can be explored by train from Palma or via the long-distance, multiday trekking route. Alternatively, you can rent a car and enjoy a leisurely self-guided cruise.
• Estellencs, a small seaside village located within Serra de Tramuntana, claims cobblestone streets, bright bunches of colorful flowers, and historic facades. Wander just 15 minutes away to a secluded beach with a quiet bamboo beach bar for the area’s best sundowner spot.

Lowlights

• Palma and Magaluf in southern Mallorca are packed with bars and nightclubs and known as the two party capital cities. If late nights and drunken revelers aren’t your scene, stay away.
• The southwest of the island around Palma can be extremely overcrowded in the peak summer months of July and August. Traffic is also a known problem. Consider planning a trip in the shoulder months.