Whereas Majorca is in style with British vacationers, Iโve discovered it nonetheless has loads of peaceable corners the place you may escape the crowds. Over the previous couple of years, Iโve explored the island on a mixture of scenic highway journeys and separate mini-vacations โ flying into Palma, renting a automotive, and staying in all the things from rustic fincas to boutique seaside resorts. Listed here are my 17 favorite hidden gemsโฆ
1. Puerto Pollensa
I personally thought fashionable however unpretentious Puerto Pollensa was one of many islandโs most peaceable resorts! There have been vacationers right here, however I found that it had remained comparatively unspoiled because of strict constructing rules, so it had no ugly high-rises or loud nightlife, only a relaxed, small-town attraction and extra of an area really feel.
It took me simply over an hour to drive right here from Palma Airport by means of pine forests and mountain foothills, and I discovered it tucked right into a serene horseshoe-shaped bay as soon as utilized by fishermen โ I even noticed small boats nonetheless unloading their catch!ย
I loved a really blissful week wandering the pine-shaded promenade, kicking again on the gentle golden sands beneath the hovering Serra de Tramuntana peaks, eating in laid-back cafรฉs and seafront eating places, mountain climbing thyme and juniper scentedย mountain trails, and searching for watermelons, olives and souvenirs within the in style native market.ย
Location: northern a part of the island
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Inhabitants dimension: round 7,000 residents
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Staying on the stylish and classy 4-star Hoposa Pollentia โ I actually liked the boho aesthetic (rattan lighting fixtures, macramรฉ wall hangings, and gentle earthy tones), the beautiful poolside cabanas and its very good location proper on the sandy seaside!
2. Deiร ย 
I used to be completely enchanted by Deiร โ a panoramic mountain village thatโs managed to maintain its distinctive, old-world attraction 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 large, brash resorts from being developed right here.
I liked the way it attracted quiet, inventive souls quite than large, noisy crowds, with its serene ambiance, artsy vibe, and breathtaking coastal views, it felt each intimate and romantic. I discovered that Deiร owed its fame to poet Robert Graves, who settled right here within the Thirties and drew a blinding crowd of artists and celebrities โ from Ava Gardner to Mick Jagger!
Driving 20 minutes from my earlier cease at Estellencs by means of olive groves and rustic villages, I discovered it completely perched above the glistening Mediterranean Sea.
I spent a unprecedented week visiting Gravesโ hillside house,ย absorbing the cliff views on the spectacular Casa Museo de Son Marroig, eating in fashionable eating places, sipping on matcha lattes on the legendary Sa Fonda cafรฉ in Deiร (as soon as a hangout for musicians and artists) and unwinding on Cala Deiร โs tranquil seaside! Iโll be sincere โ the seaside wasnโt precisely comfortable with a lot of large stones, nevertheless it felt so fantastically untouched that I liked it anyway!
Location: northwest coast of the island
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Inhabitants dimension: round 800
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Staying at beautiful 4-star Es Moli Resort which was uniquely set in a historic Seventeenth-century mansion โ I liked the vintage-inspired elegant decor and vibe in addition to it very good hilltop location.
3. Sรณllerย
I discovered it arduous to not fall for the picturesque resort of Sรณller โ a peaceable extra low-key escape tucked within the Tramuntana Mountains with quiet attraction and an unspoiled, small-town really feel! I admired the way itโs stayed as genuine because it probably may, it felt very removed from the occasion crowds within the islandโs south, with its slim cobbled streets, rustic Mallorcan structure, and historic websites preserved by strict limits on large-scale growth.
From my earlier cease in Pollenรงa, I returned to Palma and took the charming classic practice to Sรณller โ an hour-long experience by means 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 beautiful easygoing week right here exploring the leafy major sq. and bustling harbour, wandering the peaceable Jardรญ Botร nic, mountain climbing the pine-cloaked Tramuntana hills, lazing on the pale sandy seaside, strolling the beautiful promenade, visiting the natural Ecovinyassa farm (and attempting zesty lemon-lavender and fragrant fig-rosemary jams) and eating every night in fashionable, family-run eating places.
Location: northwest coast
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Inhabitants dimension: round 14,000
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Staying on the great 4-star Bikini Island & Mountain โ I liked the distinctive upscale boho design and their very good onsite spa and wellness centre, particularly their signature aromatherapy massages which used enjoyable domestically infused oils together with orange blossom, wild rosemary, and soothing almond!ย
4. Portocolom
As soon as a humble fishing village, now an enthralling resort, Portocolom has impressively dodged mass tourism โ I liked its conventional harbour lined with vibrant boats, weathered Mallorcan homes, and a splendidly slow-paced, native really feel.
Tucked on the jap coast within the municipality of Felanitx, it wasnโt a glitzy place โ it had little nightlife however loads of historical past, character, and a splendidly tucked-away really feel. I discovered it had lengthy been a haven for literary and creative figures โ and after visiting, I may see why!
Driving an hour and 10 minutes from Palma by means of quiet countryside and sleepy villages, I packed so much into my brief break โ coastal strolls, exploring the colorful previous city, enjoyable on family-friendly Cala Marรงal seaside, 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 highlightsโฆ
Staying on the heavenly Barefoot Resort โ I liked the stylish boho design (pure wooden accents, jute rugs, and linen canopies) and the luxurious onsite spa with got here with a Turkish tub with mosaic tiles and eucalyptus steam!ย
5. Cala Figuera
I assumed Cala Figuera was an actual gem โ a postcard-perfect fishing village with rugged cliffs, whitewashed homes, and boats bobbing on ultra-clear turquoise waters. Not like Mallorcaโs busier resorts, it had a tranquil, genuine ambiance that made me really feel like Iโd stepped again in time.
With no seaside to attract the crowds, it had fortunately escaped mass tourism, luring guests like me who got here for its nostalgic attraction, 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 dโen Beu lighthouse which had postcard-worthy views, taking a ship journey to secret coves, and snorkelling on the small, sandy Cala Santanyรญ, a stunning seaside which was only a 5 minute drive away.
Location: South East Coast
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Inhabitants dimension: round 577
My favorite highlightsโฆ
6. Valldemossa
This was such a romantic and stylish spot โ 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 attraction 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 fashionable attract that made it irresistible to go to โ and even tougher to depart!
I drove half-hour from my earlier cease in Deiร 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 cafรฉ-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
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Inhabitants dimension: 2,000 residents
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Staying on the lovely Resort Valldemossa, I liked its romantic hillside setting, the charming Nineteenth-century stone constructing, and the distinctive onsite Japanese-Peruvian restaurant โ particularly the miso-glazed aubergine with sesame!
7. Port dโAndratx
I fell for the fashionable however quiet Port dโAndratx (which additionally doubled as a celeb hang-out)! Its luxury-yacht stuffed marina, laid-back luxurious, and refined, low-key vibe gave it a singular class thatโs stored the rowdy vacationer crowds at bay โ 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 house to a reasonably harbour, conventional Mediterranean-style buildings, and trendy whitewashed villas perched on the encircling hills. It didnโt have its personal seaside (which additionally stored the vacationer crowds away!) nevertheless it was near a number of sandy seashores which have 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 โ harbour strolls, sea-view eating (I liked the fragrant truffle noodles, and the bruschetta atย Restaurante Grand Pasta), boutique looking, boat journeys to tucked-away coves, Tramuntana mountain hikes, and lazy seaside days at close by unique Cala Llamp and stylish Camp de Mar!
Location: West Coast
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 3,000
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Staying on the 4-star Mon Port Resort & Spa โ I liked the beautiful elegant design (arched stone colonnades, terracotta tiles, and gentle impartial tones), the heavenly onsite hammam remedies, gorgeous gardens and its lovely 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 a creative spirit thatโs lengthy drawn writers, musicians, and painters.
Peacefully tucked within the islandโs north, there was no seaside nevertheless it was filled with attraction โ rustic stone buildings with terracotta roofs, cobbled lanes with vibrant shutters, fairly plazas, and cosy cafรฉs.
I drove 10 minutes south from my earlier cease at Puerto Pollensa alongside a quiet highway lined with orchards and stone farmhouses, checked into the fashionable 4-star Mon Boutique Resort, and spent 5 beautiful days exploring.
I wandered historic streets, crossed the previous Roman bridge, climbed the 365 Calvari Steps and noticed Insta-worthy views, browsed native cute galleries, and shopped on the buzzy Sunday market in Plaรงa Main. Evenings have been for watching stay jazz and charming meals at impartial eating places serving contemporary, domestically sourced dishes.
Location: North Coast
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Inhabitants dimension: round 16,000
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Discovering Joan March Gardens โ they have been crammed with twisted previous olive timber, neatly trimmed yews, and aromatic lavender bushes, all surrounding the placing Desbrull Tower โ a medieval Gothic landmark relationship again to the thirteenth century!ย
9. Es Trenc 
My favorite highlightsโฆ
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 cafรฉ โ and I liked choosing up a few of their well-known mineral-rich salt too!
10. Fornalutxย
Secluded Fornalutx โ usually referred to as one of many prettiest villages in Spain โ utterly 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 seaside or direct coastal views, and its dedication to preserving its conventional stone structure. I used to be received over by its understated class and peaceable, nostalgic magnificence.
I personally thought it was an image of rustic perfection โ 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 Sรณller deeper into the mountains and stayed for a brief however memorable escape. My three days right here have been spent mountain climbing picturesque mountain trails, taking leisurely espresso breaks in Plaรงa dโEspanya, 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 highlightsโฆ
Staying on the boutique Fornalutx Petit Resort โ I actually liked the way it was housed in a former historic convent (and nonetheless had rustic stone partitions, picket shutters, and conventional tiled flooring), the outside swimming pool which was surrounded by mountains and its romantic, traffic-free location!ย
11. Banyalbufar 
I discovered Banyalbufar provided a really totally different type of Majorcan escape โ it was an under-the-radar gem which had remained blissfully untouched by mass tourism, and I liked its serene, slow-paced attraction โ it felt like stepping right into a gentler world!
Tucked on Mallorcaโs 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 highway lined with vineyards and stayed for a protracted weekend on the romantic, boutique-style Son Bunyola Resort and Villas. My days have been crammed with exploring terraced vineyards, mountain climbing aromatic mountain trails, watching lovely sunsets, eating on paella and Pa amb oli (Majorcan bread) at cosy family-run taverns, and discovering the previous watchtower and the traditional Font de la Vila water system.
There wasnโt a sandy seaside right here, however I made a 5 minute drive to close by Cala Banyalbufar โ 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 highlightsโฆ
Visiting the unique family-run vineyard Celler Caโn Pico โ I liked the gorgeous hilltop location, the gorgeous sea views their fragrant dry Malvasia which had a really citrusy kick to it!
12. Cala Varques
I noticed firsthand how Cala Varques โ a small, secluded cove โ had stayed splendidly wild because of its distant location, solely reachable by hike or boat. That inaccessibility stored it amazingly peaceable, and once I lastly arrived, I felt utterly immersed in nature.
Hidden between Portocolom and Porto Cristo on Mallorcaโs jap coast, it felt very paradise-like โ 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 highway. I’ve to confess, it wasnโt simple to get to โ I hikedย 25 minutes by means of rocky terrain to succeed in the seaside. There have been no everlasting eating places, only a few informal distributors, so I used to be glad Iโd introduced provides! I spent my day swimming and snorkelling within the lovely waters and exploring the wild coastal trails that wrapped across the rugged cliffs.
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Having fun with an genuine vegetarian paella right here โ generously spiced with saffron โ and paired completely with a relaxing glass of crisp Mallorcan Prensal Blanc!ย
13. Estellencs
Centered on preserving its old-world attraction, Estellencs โ a secluded and sleepy mountain village โ provided a splendidly genuine glimpse of Mallorca, removed from the well-trodden vacationer path.
Tucked on the islandโs western coast throughout the Tramuntana Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Web site), 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 highway and checked into the charming 4-star Maristel Resort & Spa. It was a quiet place with not a lot to do โ however that was all a part of its attraction! I hiked by means of the wild Tramuntana hills, feasted at family-run eateries (I liked the silky Spaghettini), explored the historic sq. La Font de LโAbeurada which had fascinating Arab roots, and kicked again on Cala Estellencsโ quiet pebble seaside which was only a kilometre away.
Location: west coast
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 300ย
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Having fun with a robust however fruity ribas rosat rose wine and juicy inexperienced olives on the rustic-chic Maristel Bistro & Bar!ย
14. Cala Tuent
I liked how its uncooked, untouched magnificence had been completely preserved by its secluded setting within the Serra de Tramuntana โ leaving it admirably undeveloped and splendidly serene!
Tucked on Mallorcaโs 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 Sรณller alongside a winding coastal highway with dizzying hairpin bends and dazzling sea views.
I stayed an enthralling week on the well-presented 4-star Ca nโAina vacation house, cooling off with swims, mountain climbing mountain trails scented with pine, and eating al-fresco on the romantic Es Vergeret Restaurant โ the place the golden gentle and sea views have been simply as memorable because the meals!
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Mountaineering 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 liked stopping on the previous Bร litx dโAvall property and exploring the flower-covered ruins of the deserted Sa Costera energy station!ย
15. Ariany
Tucked away in central Mallorca, Ariany is a quiet, under-the-radar gem thatโs stored its rustic attraction and gradual, soulful tempo โ and I used to be smitten from the beginning.
Set within the islandโs centre between Petra and Santa Margalida, I liked the standard stone-faced buildings with inexperienced shutters, the swish church at its coronary heart, and the encircling countryside dotted with windmills and farmland.
I drove 50 minutes from Palma by means of open fields and stayed on the stylish 4-star Ynaira Resort & Spa for a brief, restful break. My three days have been spent exploring historic windmills, admiring the 18th-century Parish Church of Nuestra Seรฑora dโAtocha, 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 โ it was the proper style of gradual village life!ย
Location: North East area
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 800
My favorite highlightsโฆ
The weekly market within the Plaza Mayor sq. โ 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 islandโs occasion resorts within the north, I liked the way it preserved its heritage by means of age-old olive oil manufacturing and gradual village life.
Its rustic magnificence actually drew me in โ 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 bought 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 previous olive mills with tastings, hiked unspoilt trails, and visited the beautiful Parish Church of Sant Llorenรง. I additionally cycled the winding Coll de sa Batalla, adopted the traditional path to Llucโs historic chapel, and admired the traditional marjades โ the dry-stone terraces preserving the hillsides blooming!ย
Location: central Mallorcaโs northern half
Location Map
Inhabitants dimension: round 750ย
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Eating on the Michelin-recommended Ca Na Toneta โ I liked 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 โCocaโ 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 โ 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 Mallorcaโs 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 Colรฒnia de Sant Jordi primarily based myself for 4 days on the 4-star Blau Colรฒnia in Colรฒnia de Sant Jordi (the primary 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 previous navy ruins, discovered about its Napoleonic previous, hiked fairly trails, swam in fish-filled waters, and visited the glowing Blue Cave โ to me, it actually felt like a forgotten Mediterranean paradise!
My favorite highlightsโฆ
Recognizing a pod of playful bottlenose dolphins dolphins simply off of the shoreline!