Plan Your Trip

Activities

Whether you're hiking along the north coast's ragged clifftops, negotiating the Tramuntana's limestone wilderness by mountain bike or kayaking to secluded coves too tiny to appear on maps, Mallorca's outdoors exhilarates and enthrals. Mountains, canyons and 550km of gorgeous coast are all squeezed into this island. Go forth and explore!

Best Outdoor Activities

Best Hiking

The twin peninsulas of Cap de Formentor and Cap des Pinar offer coastal hiking at its finest, with pine-cloaked cliffs dropping suddenly to a sea of bluest blue.

Best Cycling

Mountain bikers and road cyclists are in their element in the high peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana, with thigh-crunching climbs, sweeping descents and hairpin bend after looping hairpin bend.

Best Scuba Diving

South Mallorca is a diver's dream. Go to Illa de Sa Dragonera and Illa de Cabrera (for divers with requisite permission) for wrecks, cave drops and pristine water swirling with rays, octopuses and barracuda.

Best Canyoning

The Serra de Tramuntana is rippled through with gorges and canyons. For drama, delve into Gorg Blau Sa Fosca or Torrent d'es Pareis.

Best Windsurfing & Kitesurfing

The thermal winds that whip off the sea rolling into Sa Marina in the Badia de Pollença create the idea conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Planning Your Trip

When to Go

Mallorca’s activities are, in theory, possible year-round thanks to the island’s relatively mild winters and oft-touted 300 days of sunshine. That said, many organised activities will only be doable from roughly Easter to October, particularly water-based sports.

The ideal conditions for most activities, particularly hiking and cycling, is in spring and autumn. Daytime temperatures in summer can be uncomfortably hot and the traffic on the roads can make cycling a stop-start affair. These drawbacks are partly compensated for by the long daylight hours.

What to Take

Most activities operators in Mallorca can provide you with all of the necessary equipment, while high-quality bicycles can be rented all over the island. Although professional-standard equipment is available for purchase on Mallorca, anyone planning on hiking should bring their own boots – the trails of the Serra de Tramuntana are not the place to be breaking in new footwear.

PEAK BAGGING

Fancy something really tough? Mallorca's highest peak, Puig Major (1445m), may be an off-limits military zone, but you can trek up to the second-highest, Puig de Massanella (1365m). Make sure you take plenty of provisions and a decent map for this 11km, five-hour hike. From the summit, you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views over the buckled Tramuntana to the Badia d'Alcúdia. On clear days you can even spy the island of Menorca on the horizon.

On the Land

Hiking

From the bald and dramatic limestone mountains in the west to the rocky coastal trails of the north and east where the lure of the sea is never-ending, Mallorca offers some of the finest hiking anywhere in Europe. The Consell de Mallorca (www.conselldemallorca.net) has become serious about signposting and maintaining the island’s trekking routes (many of which have been used for centuries by pack animals and wayfaring pilgrims), so following the route is often (but not always) not too hard.

The Tramuntana cannot rival the Alps in height, but its serrated peaks, crags and ravines are every bit as wild and not to be underestimated, and the hiking season here is longer. A network of refugis (mountain refuges) gives weary hikers a place to bed down for the night, as do the hilltop monasteries and hermitages that have been converted into simple accommodation.

While short distances between trails mean you can cover more ground, it's worth bearing in mind that you may need your own wheels to reach many of the trailheads. But once you get there, you'll have them more or less to yourself.

There are hikes for almost every age and fitness level, so don't assume hiking is just for the hardcore.

Best Day Hikes

Just about every tourist office in Mallorca can advise on local day hikes in the area and help you find a route to match your fitness. Five favourites:

ACap de Ses Salines to Colònia de Sant Jordi This half-day hike along the south coast takes in captivating seascapes. Plenty of opportunities for swimming.

AFinca Can Roig to Cala Magraner Slip away from east coast crowds with this glorious, easygoing cove-to-cove walk.

ASóller to Mirador de Ses Barques Stride through olive groves to a magical viewpoint, then return via pretty hill town Fornalutx.

AErmita de la Victòria to Penya Rotja Walk through forests of pine and gaze out across the north coast from this cliff-hugger of a hike.

ACala en Gossalba to Fumat Formentor's most dramatic coastal hike – begins gently and ends spectacularly with 360-degree views from the 334m crag of Fumat.

Multiday Hikes

There are two main long-distance hiking trails in Mallorca. As in the rest of Spain, the two GR (long-distance) trails are signposted in red and white.

AKeen hikers can tackle the Ruta de Pedra en Sec (Route of Dry Stone, GR221; www.gr221.info), a four- to seven-day walk going from Port d’Andratx to Pollença, crossing the Serra de Tramuntana. At a few points along the GR 221 there are refugis de muntanya (rustic mountain huts) where trekkers can stay the night.

ASignposting is currently under way on the Ruta Artà-Lluc (GR 222), which will eventually link the two towns, although development of this route is slow.

Hiking Maps & Guides

The best hiking maps are the 1:25,000 Tramuntana Central, Tramuntana Norte and Tramuntana Sur maps by Editorial Alpina (www.editorialalpina.com). These can be picked up at many bookshops around the island. Cicerone's Walking in Mallorca details and maps 80 routes.

If you need more than a map, there are some reputable guides on the island:

ATramuntana Tours Respected activities operator based in Sóller and Port de Sóller; its focus is on the Serra de Tramuntana.

AMón d'Aventura This Pollença adventure specialist offers myriad hikes, graded from easy to advanced, including the Ruta de Pedra en Sec.

ARich Strutt An English-speaking guide with over 20 years of experience based in Port de Pollença offering a huge number of day hikes (or longer treks) to choose from for groups of four or more.

Hiking Resources

The Consell de Mallorca publishes two excellent brochures, both of which should be available from the Consell de Mallorca tourist office in Palma. The brochures’ maps are orientative in scope and you’ll need to supplement them with detailed hiking maps:

ARutes per Mallorca (Mallorca Itineraries) Six treks ranging from 33.2km to 113.5km.

ACaminar per Mallorca (Walking in Mallorca) Twelve day hikes from 4.5km to 14km.

Cycling

Mallorca's popularity as a destination for road cycling and mountain biking continues to soar, not least thanks to the likes of British cyclist Bradley Wiggins, who trained for the Tour de France in the Tramuntana.

Nearly half of Mallorca’s 1250km of roads have been harnessed for cycling, with everything from signposts to separate bike lanes. The lycra peak season in mountainous regions is from March to May and late September to November, when the weather is refreshingly cool.

Mountain bikers will find abundant trails, too, ranging from flat dirt tracks to rough-and-tumble single tracks. Be sure to get a good highway or trekking map before you set out on any cycling expedition.

Bike-rental agencies are ubiquitous across the island, and local tourist offices can usually point you in the right direction. Prices can vary between €10 per day for a basic touring bike and €30 for a high-end mountain or racing bike. Kids bikes and kiddie seats are also widely available.

Best Cycling Routes

There are many great areas for biking; trails cover the island like a web and, depending on your skills and interests, anywhere can be the start of a fabulous ride. That said, here are some of our favourites:

APalma to Capocorb Vell (Palma & Southern Mallorca)

AAndratx to Monestir de Lluc (Western Mallorca)

AParc Natural de la Península de Llevant (Eastern Mallorca)

ACap de Formentor (Northern Mallorca)

APort d’Alcúdia & Cap des Pinar (Northern Mallorca)

ASanta Maria to Binibona, via Santa Eugenia, Binissalem, Lloseta and Caimari (The Interior)

Cycling Guides

If you don't fancy going it alone, you can hook onto some terrific excursions with guides that know Mallorca like the back of their hands:

ABike & Kite Based in Port de Pollença, Bike & Kite offers guided mountain-bike tours in the north, bike hire and a MTB downhill shuttle service.

ATramuntana Tours As the name suggests, these guys take you into the heart of the Tramuntana.

ARock and Ride (%0664 73 45 12; www.rockandride-mallorca.com) Runs skill courses and publishes an excellent mountain-biking booklet (£10) with maps and GPX files.

Cycling Resources

The Federació de Ciclisme de les Illes Balears (www.webfcib.es) can provide contact information for local cycling clubs. A growing number of hotels cater specifically to cyclists, with garages and energy-packed menus.

Mallorca Bike (www.mallorcabike.info) publishes a very useful waterproof bike map, with trails, traffic ratings, gradients, bike shops and more, and costs around €7 from tourist offices and bike-hire companies.

Canyoning

The ultimate Mallorcan adrenaline rush, canyoning is an exhausting but exhilarating mix of jumping into ravines and trudging down gorges and gullies. An average excursion might include boulder hopping, abseiling down waterfalls, shimmying up cliffs and swimming in ice-cold rock pools of crystal blue.

Going with a professional guide is essential. Among the best are Món d'Aventura, Rock and Ride, Tramuntana Tours and Experience Mallorca, all of which cater to all levels with tours graded from easy to difficult.

Rock Climbing

The mere thought of Mallorca's sublime limestone walls has climbers' hearts pounding. The island is among Europe's foremost destinations for sport climbers, with abundant overhangs, slabs and crags. Climbing here concentrates on three main areas: the southwest for multi-pitch climbing, the northwest for magnificent crags and the east for superb deep water soloing (DWS).

A holy grail for climbers, Sa Gubia is a huge fist of rock combed through with multi-pitch routes. Other climbing hot spots include the ragged limestone crags of the Formentor peninsula and the coves of Porto Cristo and Cala Barques in the island's east.

Experienced climbers can go it alone. Rock and Ride offers guided multi-pitch climbs and intro courses. Rockfax (www.rockfax.com) publishes guides and PDF mini guides on climbing in Mallorca.

Caving

Mallorca’s pocked limestone terrain means caving conditions are fantastic. Kitted out with headlamps, spelunkers can penetrate the cool twilight of the numerous cave complexes that burrow into the cliffs of the southern, northern and eastern coasts. A guide is highly recommended.

Experience Mallorca leads half-day caving excursions year-round. You'll pass through subterranean chambers dripping with stalactites. One minute you're crawling through narrow passageways, the next you are in a cathedral-like vault big enough for 30 people to stand at ease. It's not one for claustrophobes.

Golf

Palma is a popular golfing destination, which is not surprising given the mix of warm Mediterranean climate and fine natural setting. At last count there were around 22 golf courses scattered around the island; some of the best cluster around Capdepera and Artà in the east. Green fees for 18 holes start from €30 and can go as high as €130, although the average is €40 to €75. Cart rental costs €30 to €45. Prices dip in summer when it’s often simply too hot to have fun, and can soar in spring and autumn.

Horse Riding

With its extensive network of rugged trails over hilly countryside and alongside the Mediterranean, Mallorca is a fine place to saddle up. Many towns and resorts have stables where you can join a class (€10 to €20) or a group excursion (about €15 for the first hour, with two five-hour rides generally costing around €25/60 per person). Longer trips are also possible. Some stables also offer pony rides for small children.

Horse-Riding Routes

Cala Ratjada, Colònia de Sant Jordi and Pollença are all popular riding areas; ask at local tourist offices for the nearest stables. Cala Ratjada, in particular, allows you to ride along a largely undeveloped coast towards Cala Mesquida. Rancho Bonanza, Cala Ratjada's main stables, are German-run. Besides countryside and coastal excursions, they arrange pony rides for kids.

Coasteering

A summer alternative to canyoning (being that bit closer to the sea), coasteering is a heart-pumping mix of swimming, climbing, scrambling, abseiling, cliff jumping and traversing the rock horizontally using the sea to catch your falls. Locations reach from Bonaire near Alcúdia in the north to Peguera in the southwest. Adventure specialists offering coasteering provide all the gear you need, such as helmets and life jackets. Món d'Aventura arranges two different levels – the easier one is suitable for kids. Experience Mallorca's half-day trips are suitable for over-12s. Skualo also offers coasteering trips around Cap Pinar from €39 per person.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES

When you've cycled, hiked and swum every inch of the island, you can always explore Mallorca vertically.

MALLORCA FROM ABOVE

Mallorca looks tiny as you rise gently above it or glide on thermals. Illes Balears Ballooning offers hot-air balloons for charter, with a bird’s-eye view of the entire island. As you approach Port d’Alcúdia you’ll often see paragliders drifting high on the thermals. If you’re keen to join them, try Tandem Mallorca. In addition to tandem flights for beginners, there are also beginners’ and intermediate courses year-round.

CLIFF JUMPING

Yes, cliff jumping sounds more death wish than delightful beach holiday, but with guides who know the rocks inside and out, this suicidal-sounding pursuit is perfectly safe. On the same level as bungee jumping on the Richter scale of nerve-shredding pursuits, you jump off cliffs between 3m and 12m high – not colossal by any means, but it feels that way in the freeze-frame moment when you leap and plunge. Listen for the euphoric whoops in north coast Cala Sant Vicenç, where locals doing dives and even the odd somersault show how it's done properly. Guides from Experience Mallorca can take you to the best spots.

Water Sports

Diving & Snorkelling

Mallorca is one of southern Europe's premier diving and snorkelling destinations. The combination of super-clear waters and professional dive centres make this an excellent place for a leisure dive or to undertake the open-water PADI diving-accreditation course. Diving is best from May to October.

Mallorca Diving (www.mallorcadiving.com) lists seven reputable dive centres. A one-tank dive will set you back around €45 and a two-hour intro course around €80, while the per-dive rate falls markedly the more dives you take. Diving equipment and insurance are sometimes, but not usually, included in the quoted prices, so always ask. Snorkelling starts from €15 per hour.

Dive Sites

The options around the Mallorcan coast are close to endless, from Port d’Andratx in the southwest to Formentor at the island's northernmost tip. Four favourites:

ABadia de Pollença Experienced divers rank this the island’s best diving, with caves and decent marine life along the southern wall of the Cap de Formentor peninsula or the southern end of the Cap des Pinar.

AParc Nacional Marítim-Terrestre de l’Arxipèlag de Cabrera A national park, so special permission is required for scuba diving, but also great snorkelling.

AIlla de Sa Dragonera The best underwater views off the island’s southwest.

APalma Bay Has wrecks and caves for experienced divers to explore.

Sailboarding & Kitesurfing

While the relatively calm wind and waves of Mallorca don’t make the island a natural hot spot for fans of windsurfing or kitesurfing (aka kiteboarding), exceptions to the rule are the Badia de Pollença and Port d’Alcúdia, where stiff breezes ensure plenty of action. Three-day beginners’ windsurfing courses cost from around €145, with hourly rental starting from €16. Kitesurfing is a more expensive affair – rental will set you back around €120 per day, and a three-day course around €390.

ABike & Kite Kitesurfing lessons and rental in Port de Pollença.

ASail & Surf Pollença Sailing and windsurfing courses and rental in Port de Pollença.

Sailing

Among the 35 marinas that ring Mallorca’s coast, many offer yacht charters, sailboat rentals and sailing courses. There are large sailing schools in Palma, Port de Pollença and other resorts; expect a two-day course to cost €400 to €500; the Palma Sea School is the most professional outfit.

One place that rents yachts is Llaüts in Port d’Andratx; prices start at €160 per day. Mezzo Magic in Port de Sóller is also recommended for all-included yacht hire.

Sailing Routes

If you charter or bring your own yacht, your options for sailing are unlimited. Popular routes:

APalma to Illa de Cabrera To enter the national park, you’ll need prior permission.

APort d’Andratx to Port de Sóller The best of the Serra de Tramuntana coast.

ACala Sant Vicenç to Port d’Alcúdia Round the inspiring Cap de Formentor.

Sailing Resources

Sailing is a serious business in Mallorca, with plenty of organisations promoting the sport, providing information and ensuring sailors leave the environment as they found it.

AHarbours & Marinas Guide Free guide to moorings and marinas published annually by Tallers de Molí; available from tourist offices or marinas.

AConselleria de Medi Ambient Contact this organisation for guidelines for anchoring your yacht in open water to protect the sea floor.

AFederación Balear de Vela (www.federacionbalearvela.org) Another good source of information.

Sea Kayaking

Mallorca's craggy coastline is indented with lovely bays and coves – many of which can only be reached by boat. A sea kayak allows you to tune into the soothing rhythm of the sea and explore rock formations, caves and quiet beaches at your own pace. Marine falcons, cormorants and wild goats are frequently sighted, and you might even spot the odd dolphin or flying fish. The coves of the Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant, inaccessible from the land, are a paradise of pristine waters, pitted rocks and thriving wildlife. The coast around Sóller in the west, Porto Cristo in the east and Port de Pollença in the north is perfect for paddling.

Boat Trips

From Easter to October, glass-bottomed boats drift up and down the eastern coast and can be a fun way to enjoy the water without having the responsibility of sailing your own boat. Most are half-day trips only and rarely last around four hours. All sell return tickets, but on some east-coast routes you can travel one way. If we had to choose just four routes, they would be these:

ATransportes Marítimos Brisa Port d’Alcúdia to Cala Sant Vicenç and back, via Cap de Formentor.

ABarcos Azules Port de Sóller to Sa Calobra.

AExcursions a Cabrera Round-trip tours by speedboat or slower boats from Colònia de Sant Jordi to the Parc Nacional Marítim-Terrestre de l’Arxipèlag de Cabrera.

AStarfish From Portocolom to Cala Figuera.