I have mixed feelings bout Mallorca. I find it too touristy and too many all inclusive hotels – both things I’m not fond of. But I also appreciate and understand why Mallorca is popular. It caters to cyclists and hikers, it caters to families, it’s perfect for couples. Mallorca really does have something for everyone. Furthermore, it is a beautiful island with lots of places to break away from the pack – you just have to look and know where to find them:
The northern end of Mallorca on the Cap der Formentor, is my favorite part of the island. The look out points are crowded with tourists, but the ample hiking paths are quieter and more peaceful.
Mallorca has lots of tiny alcoves and small beaches which are not overcrowded. If you viist one that is crowded, chances are there is another one that’s not crowded just around the bend.
The Cuevas del Drach, or the Dragon’s Caves near Porto Cristo on the east coast are the most beautiful caves I’ve ever seen, and worth a visit even though it is very touristy. Go later in the day when the tourist buses have disappeared to avoid some of the crowds.
Cap der Formentor again, I just can’t get enough of the island’s most northerly point. You will need a car to reach it – see car hire in Mallorca, as well as to reach other quieter places on the island.
The Roman city of Pollentia, located in Alcudia on the northeastern part of Mallorca are the best preserved Roman ruins on the island and worth a visit. The nearby old town of Alcudia is also worth visiting and a great place for some tapas.
Mallorca gets hot in summer – very hot, so a dip in the ocean on a small beach is the perfect way to cool down!
This photo has been submitted to Nancie’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Photo Thursday, where you can see more travel photos.
Lovely photos! Friends of mine visited Mallorca on a trip with extended family a couple of years ago and weren’t looking forward to it at all because of its touristy nature. (They’re British and didn’t think that they would fancy vacationing with an island full of fellow Brits.) They were surprised to find that they actually enjoyed themselves and that if you got away from the resort area that there was interesting things to see and do on the island which is unquestionably beautiful.
I’ve been to Mallorca twice, even though its reputation is the opposite of what I’d usually go for in a destination. I love hiking in the Sierra Tramuntana mountains and the area around Soller, it really is wonderful.
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I went to Mallorca in the 70s — it was touristy them but I’m sure it’s way more so now. I’d love to go back and see some of these places you write about.
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I heard there are nice canyons in Maljorka for canyoning and there not so much people out there.
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Those beaches look quite tempting! So rewarding to have a nice cool dip after a hot hike.
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I guess I think of Mallorca only in the sense of the clubs and resorts. I didn’t realize that it had so many rugged areas. Kind of a shame you need a car to see stuff like that, but I guess it keeps it from getting overly touristed.
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Looks lovely. I love the colour of the water!
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Beautiful. I have never been but like the idea that it caters to families. It may be a good place for my family and I to vacation sometime.
It might be touristy, but we can’t let that stop us
In the end, I imagine almost everywhere will be.
I quite like Mallorca, so many beautiful spots: Valldemossa, for example. And Cabo Formentor, as you mentioned! I’ve been meaning to put up some photos myself. I once saw a classical concert in Cuevas del Drach, by the way, a violinist in a rowing boat, magical that.
(See you in Kärnten next week.)
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Beautiful photos! They make me think it doesn’t matter so much if it’s a bit touristy – it would still be worth it!
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The photos are spectacular. I would love to go soooo badly!
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I hear that the winter hiking when the tourists are gone is quite exceptional. That’s when I would like to go.
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I’m with Sophie. Never miss out on a place just because it’s touristy. Your photos are great, Laurel. I’ve heard a lot about the northern end of the island – we’d better get there quick to do some peaceful trekking before the masses arrive.
Julia