Whereas Majorca is well-liked with British vacationers, I’ve discovered it nonetheless has loads of peaceable corners the place you possibly can escape the crowds. Over the previous few years, I’ve explored the island on a mixture of scenic street journeys and separate mini-vacations — flying into Palma, renting a automobile, and staying in all the things from rustic fincas to boutique seashore accommodations. Listed below are my 17 favorite hidden gems…
1. Puerto Pollensa
I personally thought trendy however unpretentious Puerto Pollensa was one of many island’s most peaceable resorts! There have been vacationers right here, however I found that it had remained comparatively unspoiled because of strict constructing laws, so it had no ugly high-rises or loud nightlife, only a relaxed, small-town allure and extra of an area really feel.
It took me simply over an hour to drive right here from Palma Airport by way of pine forests and mountain foothills, and I discovered it tucked right into a serene horseshoe-shaped bay as soon as utilized by fishermen — I even noticed small boats nonetheless unloading their catch!
I loved a really blissful week wandering the pine-shaded promenade, kicking again on the smooth golden sands beneath the hovering Serra de Tramuntana peaks, eating in laid-back cafés and seafront eating places, mountain climbing thyme and juniper scented mountain trails, and searching for watermelons, olives and souvenirs within the well-liked native market.
Location: northern a part of the island
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 7,000 residents
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the stylish and classy 4-star Hoposa Pollentia – I actually beloved the boho aesthetic (rattan lighting fixtures, macramé wall hangings, and smooth earthy tones), the beautiful poolside cabanas and its excellent location proper on the sandy seashore!
2. Deià 
I used to be completely enchanted by Deià — a wide ranging mountain village that’s managed to maintain its distinctive, old-world allure intact! Nestled within the Tramuntana Mountains, I discovered honey-stone homes, quaint cobbled lanes and conventional olive terraces as a result of it was protected by strict constructing guidelines that fortunately stored massive, brash resorts from being developed right here.
I beloved the way it attracted quiet, inventive souls moderately than massive, noisy crowds, with its serene ambiance, artsy vibe, and breathtaking coastal views, it felt each intimate and romantic. I discovered that Deià owed its fame to poet Robert Graves, who settled right here within the Nineteen Thirties and drew a stunning crowd of artists and celebrities — from Ava Gardner to Mick Jagger!
Driving 20 minutes from my earlier cease at Estellencs by way of olive groves and rustic villages, I discovered it completely perched above the glistening Mediterranean Sea.
I spent a rare week visiting Graves’ hillside dwelling, absorbing the cliff views on the spectacular Casa Museo de Son Marroig, eating in trendy eating places, sipping on matcha lattes on the legendary Sa Fonda café in Deià (as soon as a hangout for musicians and artists) and unwinding on Cala Deià’s tranquil seashore! I’ll be sincere — the seashore wasn’t precisely cozy with a lot of enormous stones, however it felt so fantastically untouched that I beloved it anyway!
Location: northwest coast of the island
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 800
My favorite highlights…
Staying at beautiful 4-star Es Moli Lodge which was uniquely set in a historic Seventeenth-century mansion – I beloved the vintage-inspired elegant decor and vibe in addition to it excellent hilltop location.
3. Sóller 
I discovered it exhausting to not fall for the picturesque resort of Sóller — a peaceable extra low-key escape tucked within the Tramuntana Mountains with quiet allure and an unspoiled, small-town really feel! I admired the way it’s stayed as genuine because it presumably may, it felt very removed from the celebration crowds within the island’s south, with its slim cobbled streets, rustic Mallorcan structure, and historic websites preserved by strict limits on large-scale improvement.
From my earlier cease in Pollença, I returned to Palma and took the charming classic prepare to Sóller — an hour-long experience by way of tunnels and aromatic orange groves that felt like a step again in time. There have been vacationers right here, however the city splendidly balanced pure magnificence with a relaxed, native buzz!
I spent a stunning easygoing week right here exploring the leafy important sq. and bustling harbour, wandering the peaceable Jardí Botànic, mountain climbing the pine-cloaked Tramuntana hills, lazing on the pale sandy seashore, strolling the beautiful promenade, visiting the natural Ecovinyassa farm (and making an attempt zesty lemon-lavender and fragrant fig-rosemary jams) and eating every night in trendy, family-run eating places.
Location: northwest coast
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 14,000
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the great 4-star Bikini Island & Mountain – I beloved the distinctive upscale boho design and their excellent onsite spa and wellness centre, particularly their signature aromatherapy massages which used stress-free regionally infused oils together with orange blossom, wild rosemary, and soothing almond!
4. Portocolom
As soon as a humble fishing village, now an enthralling resort, Portocolom has impressively dodged mass tourism — I beloved its conventional harbour lined with vibrant boats, weathered Mallorcan homes, and a splendidly slow-paced, native really feel.
Tucked on the japanese coast within the municipality of Felanitx, it wasn’t a glitzy place — it had little nightlife however loads of historical past, character, and a splendidly tucked-away really feel. I realized it had lengthy been a haven for literary and inventive figures — and after visiting, I may see why!
Driving an hour and 10 minutes from Palma by way of quiet countryside and sleepy villages, I packed quite a bit into my quick break — coastal strolls, exploring the colorful outdated city, stress-free on family-friendly Cala Marçal seashore, visiting the historic lighthouse, having fun with waterfront dinners, snorkelling, and wine tasting at rustic native wineries. I even took a ship journey to find hidden coves and go to the close by prehistoric burial website, Naveta, which dated again to 2,000 BC!
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the heavenly Barefoot Lodge – I beloved the stylish boho design (pure wooden accents, jute rugs, and linen canopies) and the posh onsite spa with got here with a Turkish tub with mosaic tiles and eucalyptus steam!
5. Cala Figuera
I believed Cala Figuera was an actual gem — a postcard-perfect fishing village with rugged cliffs, whitewashed homes, and boats bobbing on ultra-clear turquoise waters. Not like Mallorca’s busier resorts, it had a tranquil, genuine ambiance that made me really feel like I’d stepped again in time.
With no seashore to attract the crowds, it had fortunately escaped mass tourism, luring guests like me who got here for its nostalgic allure, coastal trails, and cosy, family-run eateries.
I drove 40 minutes south from my earlier cease at Portocolom earlier than looping again to Palma after my 5 day keep. I lapped up simply wandering the beautiful harbour, eating by the ocean, mountain climbing to the clifftop Torre d’en Beu lighthouse which had postcard-worthy views, taking a ship journey to secret coves, and snorkelling on the small, sandy Cala Santanyí, a stunning seashore which was only a 5 minute drive away.
Location: South East Coast
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 577
My favorite highlights…
6. Valldemossa
This was such a romantic and stylish spot — as soon as praised for its magnificence by Chopin throughout his keep! I admired the way it had managed to flee trendy sprawl, radiating old-world allure in each nook.
Perched excessive within the Tramuntana Mountains, its stone homes, flower-draped lanes, and olive groves framed by misty peaks gave it a quietly trendy attract that made it irresistible to go to — and even tougher to go away!
I drove half-hour from my earlier cease in Deià and my 5 day break was spent right here was splendidly totally different to a mean Majorcan vacation. I visited the majestic Royal Charterhouse, went café-hopping and tucking into pillowy Coca de patata, mountain climbing rockrose-dotted mountain trails, exploring the beautiful Sa Marina port, discovering the manicured Jardins Rei Joan Carles and retracing the romantic footsteps of Chopin and George Sand!
Location: North West Coast
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: 2,000 residents
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the stunning Lodge Valldemossa, I beloved its romantic hillside setting, the charming Nineteenth-century stone constructing, and the distinctive onsite Japanese-Peruvian restaurant – particularly the miso-glazed aubergine with sesame!
7. Port d’Andratx
I fell for the trendy however quiet Port d’Andratx (which additionally doubled as a celeb hang-out)! Its luxury-yacht crammed marina, laid-back luxurious, and refined, low-key vibe gave it a singular magnificence that’s stored the rowdy vacationer crowds at bay – it was an easy-on-the eye haven for extra calm-seeking and discerning travellers.
I found it on the southwestern coast, it was an intimate place was dwelling to a fairly harbour, conventional Mediterranean-style buildings, and trendy whitewashed villas perched on the encircling hills. It didn’t have its personal seashore (which additionally stored the vacationer crowds away!) however it was near a number of sandy seashores which had been lower than a ten minute drive away.
I drove in just below 40 minutes from Palma Airport and stayed for every week. My time right here was simply dreamy – harbour strolls, sea-view eating (I beloved the fragrant truffle noodles, and the bruschetta at Restaurante Grand Pasta), boutique looking, boat journeys to tucked-away coves, Tramuntana mountain hikes, and lazy seashore days at close by unique Cala Llamp and stylish Camp de Mar!
Location: West Coast
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 3,000
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the 4-star Mon Port Lodge & Spa – I beloved the beautiful elegant design (arched stone colonnades, terracotta tiles, and smooth impartial tones), the heavenly onsite hammam remedies, gorgeous gardens and its stunning location on the scenic harbour, surrounded by mountains!
8. Pollenca
Historic and arty Pollenca actually left an impression on me! Set on the base of the Tramuntana Mountains, this inland city had clearly chosen cultural richness and custom over mass tourism. I adored its laid-back, inventive vitality, surrounded by mountain magnificence and an inventive spirit that’s lengthy drawn writers, musicians, and painters.
Peacefully tucked within the island’s north, there was no seashore however it was filled with allure — rustic stone buildings with terracotta roofs, cobbled lanes with vibrant shutters, fairly plazas, and cosy cafés.
I drove 10 minutes south from my earlier cease at Puerto Pollensa alongside a quiet street lined with orchards and stone farmhouses, checked into the trendy 4-star Mon Boutique Lodge, and spent 5 beautiful days exploring.
I wandered historic streets, crossed the outdated Roman bridge, climbed the 365 Calvari Steps and noticed Insta-worthy views, browsed native cute galleries, and shopped on the buzzy Sunday market in Plaça Main. Evenings had been for watching stay jazz and charming meals at unbiased eating places serving contemporary, regionally sourced dishes.
Location: North Coast
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 16,000
My favorite highlights…
Discovering Joan March Gardens – they had been stuffed with twisted outdated olive timber, neatly trimmed yews, and aromatic lavender bushes, all surrounding the placing Desbrull Tower – a medieval Gothic landmark courting again to the thirteenth century!
9. Es Trenc 
My favorite highlights…
Scoffing juicy Kalamata olives and slices of nutty pa moreno (conventional Mallorcan brown) whereas gazing on the extraordinary salt flats on the super-cute Flor de Sal Es Trenc café – and I beloved selecting up a few of their well-known mineral-rich salt too!
10. Fornalutx
Secluded Fornalutx — usually known as one of many prettiest villages in Spain — fully charmed me! Nestled excessive within the Tramuntana Mountains, this inland village had fortunately escaped mass tourism because of its small dimension, distant location, having no seashore or direct coastal views, and its dedication to preserving its conventional stone structure. I used to be gained over by its understated magnificence and peaceable, nostalgic magnificence.
I personally thought it was an image of rustic perfection — saffron-hued cottages with terracotta roofs, cobbled lanes lined with flowers, and terraced orange groves masking the encircling hillsides.
I drove simply 10 minutes from Sóller deeper into the mountains and stayed for a brief however memorable escape. My three days right here had been spent mountain climbing picturesque mountain trails, taking leisurely espresso breaks in Plaça d’Espanya, having fun with gazpacho and tumbet within the eating places, and admiring the medieval city corridor.
Location: North of the island
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 700 residents
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the boutique Fornalutx Petit Lodge – I actually beloved the way it was housed in a former historic convent (and nonetheless had rustic stone partitions, picket shutters, and conventional tiled flooring), the out of doors swimming pool which was surrounded by mountains and its romantic, traffic-free location!
11. Banyalbufar 
I discovered Banyalbufar supplied a really totally different sort of Majorcan escape – it was an under-the-radar gem which had remained blissfully untouched by mass tourism, and I beloved its serene, slow-paced allure — it felt like stepping right into a gentler world!
Tucked on Mallorca’s western coast within the towering Tramuntana Mountains, it enchanted me with honey-stone homes clinging to terraced hillsides, vineyards cascading towards the glittering Mediterranean, and the scent of untamed herbs.
I drove 45 minutes from Palma alongside a peaceable clifftop street lined with vineyards and stayed for a protracted weekend on the romantic, boutique-style Son Bunyola Resort and Villas. My days had been stuffed with exploring terraced vineyards, mountain climbing aromatic mountain trails, watching stunning sunsets, eating on paella and Pa amb oli (Majorcan bread) at cosy family-run taverns, and discovering the outdated watchtower and the traditional Font de la Vila water system.
There wasn’t a sandy seashore right here, however I made a 5 minute drive to close by Cala Banyalbufar — a hidden pebble cove which was nice for each swimming and snorkelling in shimmering turquoise waters.
Location: West Coast
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 500
My favorite highlights…
Visiting the unique family-run vineyard Celler Ca’n Pico – I beloved the gorgeous hilltop location, the attractive sea views their fragrant dry Malvasia which had a really citrusy kick to it!
12. Cala Varques
I noticed firsthand how Cala Varques — a small, secluded cove — had stayed splendidly wild because of its distant location, solely reachable by hike or boat. That inaccessibility stored it amazingly peaceable, and after I lastly arrived, I felt fully immersed in nature.
Hidden between Portocolom and Porto Cristo on Mallorca’s japanese coast, it felt very paradise-like — ultra-clear turquoise waters lapping golden sands, framed by dramatic cliffs and hidden sea caves.
I drove from Portocolom to a small parking spot off the MA-4014 street. I’ve to confess, it wasn’t straightforward to get to – I hiked 25 minutes by way of rocky terrain to achieve the seashore. There have been no everlasting eating places, just some informal distributors, so I used to be glad I’d introduced provides! I spent my day swimming and snorkelling within the stunning waters and exploring the wild coastal trails that wrapped across the rugged cliffs.
My favorite highlights…
Having fun with an genuine vegetarian paella right here – generously spiced with saffron – and paired completely with a relaxing glass of crisp Mallorcan Prensal Blanc!
13. Estellencs 
Targeted on preserving its old-world allure, Estellencs — a secluded and sleepy mountain village — supplied a splendidly genuine glimpse of Mallorca, removed from the well-trodden vacationer path.
Tucked on the island’s western coast inside the Tramuntana Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Website), I used to be quietly in awe of its rustic stone homes topped with terracotta tiles, silvery olive groves, sloping vineyards, and gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea.
I drove quarter-hour north from Banyalbufar alongside the dramatic MA-10 coastal street and checked into the charming 4-star Maristel Lodge & Spa. It was a quiet place with not a lot to do — however that was all a part of its allure! I hiked by way of the wild Tramuntana hills, feasted at family-run eateries (I beloved the silky Spaghettini), explored the historic sq. La Font de L’Abeurada which had fascinating Arab roots, and kicked again on Cala Estellencs’ quiet pebble seashore which was only a kilometre away.
Location: west coast
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 300
My favorite highlights…
Having fun with a powerful however fruity ribas rosat rose wine and juicy inexperienced olives on the rustic-chic Maristel Bistro & Bar!
14. Cala Tuent
I beloved how its uncooked, untouched magnificence had been completely preserved by its secluded setting within the Serra de Tramuntana — leaving it admirably undeveloped and splendidly serene!
Tucked on Mallorca’s northwest coast, it unfolded as a small crescent of each sand and pebbles framed by pine forests and rugged cliffs, with ultra-clear azure waters glinting within the solar. I drove for 55 minutes from Sóller alongside a winding coastal street with dizzying hairpin bends and dazzling sea views.
I stayed an enthralling week on the well-presented 4-star Ca n’Aina vacation dwelling, cooling off with swims, mountain climbing mountain trails scented with pine, and eating al-fresco on the romantic Es Vergeret Restaurant — the place the golden mild and sea views had been simply as memorable because the meals!
My favorite highlights…
Mountain climbing the 13km Sa Costera path from Mirador de Ses Barques to Cala Tuent took me 5 hours, and regardless of the steep, uneven terrain, the epic sea views made it value it! I beloved stopping on the outdated Bàlitx d’Avall property and exploring the flower-covered ruins of the deserted Sa Costera energy station!
15. Ariany
Tucked away in central Mallorca, Ariany is a quiet, under-the-radar gem that’s stored its rustic allure and gradual, soulful tempo — and I used to be smitten from the beginning.
Set within the island’s centre between Petra and Santa Margalida, I beloved the standard stone-faced buildings with inexperienced shutters, the sleek church at its coronary heart, and the encircling countryside dotted with windmills and farmland.
I drove 50 minutes from Palma by way of open fields and stayed on the stylish 4-star Ynaira Lodge & Spa for a brief, restful break. My three days had been spent exploring historic windmills, admiring the 18th-century Parish Church of Nuestra Señora d’Atocha, mountain climbing peaceable trails, and absorbing panoramic views from the breathtaking De la Creu Viewpoint throughout Pla de Mallorca and the idyllic Randa and Bonany mountains — it was the proper style of gradual village life!
Location: North East area
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 800
My favorite highlights…
The weekly market within the Plaza Mayor sq. – it overflowed with sun-ripened oranges, juicy tomatoes, woven baskets, hand-embroidered linens, potted geraniums, and bunches of wildflowers together with lavender and chamomile.
16. Caimari
I used to be quietly captivated by Caimari! I found this conventional village hidden away within the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, removed from the island’s celebration resorts within the north, I beloved the way it preserved its heritage by way of age-old olive oil manufacturing and gradual village life.
Its rustic magnificence actually drew me in — stone homes with terracotta roofs and inexperienced shutters, cobbled lanes, and surrounding olive groves and almond timber that scented the air (I visited in spring so I obtained to see the blossom).
I drove simply over 50 minutes from Palma alongside the MA-13, checked into the boutique Placeta Vella Turismo de Inside, explored outdated olive mills with tastings, hiked unspoilt trails, and visited the beautiful Parish Church of Sant Llorenç. I additionally cycled the winding Coll de sa Batalla, adopted the traditional path to Lluc’s historic chapel, and admired the traditional marjades — the dry-stone terraces conserving the hillsides blooming!
Location: central Mallorca’s northern half
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 750
My favorite highlights…
Eating on the Michelin-recommended Ca Na Toneta – I beloved the nice and cozy welcome from the sister duo, the rustic-chic decor, and the six-course tasting menu made with native elements, particularly their scrumptious ‘Coca’ flatbread topped with native sea salt, wild rosemary, and contemporary tomatoes!
17. Cabrera Island
I discovered that Cabrera Island, a small uninhabited paradise, remained splendidly untouched — its nationwide park standing and strict conservation had stored it wild, quiet, and filled with historical past. There have been no crowds, no residents, simply uncooked, pure magnificence!
Mendacity 6 miles off Mallorca’s southern coast, the 6.2-square-mile island was a haven of turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, Mediterranean greenery, and weathered ruins.
I drove 45 minutes from Palma to Colònia de Sant Jordi based mostly myself for 4 days on the 4-star Blau Colònia in Colònia de Sant Jordi (the principle departure level for boats to Cabrera Island) and visited the island by way of a 40-minute ferry journey.
I explored the 14th-century fortress, wandered fascinating outdated navy ruins, realized about its Napoleonic previous, hiked fairly trails, swam in fish-filled waters, and visited the glowing Blue Cave — to me, it really felt like a forgotten Mediterranean paradise!
My favorite highlights…
Recognizing a pod of playful bottlenose dolphins dolphins simply off of the shoreline!