Sightseeing in Mallorca
If you are booking one of our villas in Majorca you will find that there's loads to do on this wonderful island, if you can bear to tear yourself away from the pool. We certainly recommend getting out and about so that you can discover Malllorca's many treasures for yourself. Here's a selection of some of our favourites, just let us know if there's an attraction or activity that you think we should recommend.
Sightseeing in Palma de Mallorca
Bellver Castle
For sweeping and impressive views down to Palma Bay the vistas from Bellver Castle are hard to beat. So it will be no surprise to learn the Bellver means beautiful view in the local Catalan dialect.
Constructed in the 14th Century this entirely circular edifice was built by Pere Salva and is an impressive example of medieval architecture, with three main towers surrounding the central courtyard, which is built on two levels.
The Castle was in fact used as a prison for many centuries but don't let this slightly spooky past put you off as the views are magnificent whilst the building today houses Palma's local history museum, charting the city's development over hundreds of years.
| Open | Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays |
| 10.00 - 17.00 | November, December, January and February |
| 10.00 - 18.00 | March, April, September and October |
| 10.00 - 19.00 | May, June, July and August |
Le Seu Cathedral
The imposing Le Seu Cathedral was built to mark the expulsion of the Moors from the island in the 13th Century and symbolically stands on the site of a former mosque, dominating the Bay of Palma.
The creation of this impressive edifice spans many centuries, as whilst it was originally commissioned by Jaime I he never got to see the building in a completed state, as construction wasn't finished until 1601. With further alterations being made on the building until the turn of the 20th Century.
The Le Seu is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is certainly an awe inspiring sight and well worth visiting if you are planning to spend a day in the island capital.
| Open Daily | 09.00 - 13.00 and 17.00 to 19.00 |
Arab Baths
Another legacy from the Moorish occupation of the island the Banys Arabs date back to the 10th century and are the most tangible evidence of their presence on Mallorca. In centuries past this would probably have been the Hammam of a wealthy Arab dignitary and visitors today can view how the Moors recycled the architecture of previous occupiers as many of the supporting columns are thought to have been rescued from Roman ruins.
| Open Daily | 09.30 - 18.00 |
Museum of Spanish Contemporary Art
This small but perfectly formed museum is located within a 17th century mansion that was once the home to an eminent local banker, Joan March (founder of Banca March) and houses works by some of Spain's leading and best known modern artists such as Dali and Picasso.
A total of 52 artists are represented across 70 works on display and the Museum also hosts temporary exhibits too, featuring big names from both the Spanish and International art scene.
| Open | Hours |
| Weekdays | 10.00 - 18.30 |
| Saturdays | 10.30 - 14.00 |
| Closed Sundays |
Palma Aquarium
Opened in 2007 the Palma Aquarium is a really impressive example of the genre and boasts a wide array of additional unexpected attractions such as a massive roof garden cum jungle (the biggest in Spain apparently) and special play area for the kids. Whilst providing visitors with an in depth tour of the oceans of the world and their attendant marine life.
The Aquarium has been created with sensitivity to the ecosystems of the inhabitants at front of mind. And unlike many other similar installations successfully conveys much of the excitement of the undersea world in a pleasing and contemporary fashion.
The star attraction is undoubtedly the huge shark tank, which - known as Big Blue, the biggest of its kind in Europe measuring some 33 metres long and 25 metres wide. Which is home to four different shark species, the Sandbar, Blacktip, Smooth Hound and Tiger Shark.
| Open | Daily |
| April 1st to October 31st | 10.00 - 18.30 |
| November 1st to March 31st | 10.00 - 16.30 |
Sightseeing Around the Island
Palma to Soller Railway
There are few better and more charming ways to view the island than from the Palma to Soller railway, which has been in operation since 1912. The train runs through the Tramuntana Mountains on a single gauge track and is a little bit like stepping back in time as the rolling stock is both traditional and well maintained.
The train departs Palma daily at 08.00, 10.50, 13.05, 15.15 and 19.05 with corresponding returns from Soller throughout the day and the cost of a return ticket is €17.
Deiá
This well known artist's enclave is probably best known as the village where the English writer Robert Graves settled and lived for many years. Today it retains an artistic feel, fuelled partly by the inspiring natural surroundings and its location in-between the sea and the mountains.
The former home of Robert Graves, Ca'n Állunty is well worth a visit and if you are in the are you should complete your tour of Mallorca's artistic hot spots with a visit to the village of Valldemossa, which so famously played host to the composer Fredric Chopin and his lover George Sand during the Winter of 1838 to 1839. A stay that inspired her novel Winter in Majorca, which was as scathing about the locals as it was as fulsome in praise for the natural beauty of the island.