With its azure waters, beautiful beaches, rugged mountains and picture perfect villages, Mallorca is one of Europe’s most sought-after holiday destinations. From a thriving cultural scene to discovering the delicious local cuisine or exploring the island by bike, when it comes to things to do, the possibilities are endless.
Whether you are a food and wine enthusiast or interested in exploring Mallorca’s natural beauty, our team at Son Bunyola has put together their recommendations to ensure you make the most of your stay.
Here's our list of top things to do in Mallorca
1. For Foodies
The island boasts several outstanding, award-winning wineries with many of them located in and around Binissalem, where the Mallorcan plains meet the Tramuntana mountains. Stop at Bodegas Macià Batle in nearby Santa Maria del Camí to find out more about how they have been growing native grape varieties since 1856 or head to Bodega Ribas in Consell – the oldest winery on Mallorca run by the now tenth generation of the Ribas family – and take in its 18th century manor house and original barrel cellar.
A hub for gastronomy, Mallorca offers plenty of culinary highlights. With no less than ten Michelin-starred restaurants spread across the island, plenty of local produce to sample and the iconic Ensaimada pastry to enjoy, foodies are in for a treat.
2. For Thrill Seekers
Mallorca’s spectacular Tramuntana mountains make for a natural obstacle course, ideal for canyoning – a guided descent via a series of natural water slides, jumps and abseils down the range’s many streams and rivers. Coasteering is its coastal version and a great way to explore the island’s more remote coasts. Climbing, abseiling, jumping, and swimming, it packs in an array of different activities perfect for adrenaline junkies.
3. For Families
Mallorca has long been a popular destination for family holidays and those wanting to venture beyond Son Bunyola will find an island packed with distractions and entertainment for kids of all ages.
With its warm shallow waters, the quiet and calm Playa d’en Repic beach in the charming seaside resort of Port de Soller is a great spot for sandcastle building with toddlers. Parents with older kids should hop on The Orange Express – a rattling vintage train so named because it was once used to transport delicious oranges – from the pretty mountain town of Soller to Palma.
There is plenty to tempt teenagers too with the island’s tranquil waters perfect for a day spent stand up paddling or kayaking – a great way to explore Mallorca’s spectacular coastline with its many hidden caves.
4. For Nature Lovers
A short 20-minute boat journey from Sant Elm on the southwest coast lies the tiny uninhabited island of Sa Dragonera. Named after its dragon-like shape and the wall lizards that call it home the island has over 360 different plant species; boast an impressive bird population including the large Eleanora falcon while its surrounding waters contain well-conserved underwater ecosystems.
Cabrera Island, an hour’s boat journey from Colonia de Sant Jordi on the south coast, is a veritable wildlife oasis and its almost untouched coastline boasts one of the Mediterranean Sea’s best-preserved examples of marine life. Follow one of the routes around the island to discover many endemic plant species, take in the stunning views of the bay from Cabrera Castle or go for a swim at Sa Cova Blava, the blue cave, accessible only by sea.
There is plenty to be discovered also right on Son Bunyola’s doorstep with the surrounding Tramuntana Mountains rich in fauna, flora and wildlife such as the unique Mallorcan midwife toad, wild goats, and raptors.
5. For Culture Vultures
The island’s capital Palma is packed with cultural gems and historic attractions. Its magnificent Gothic cathedral saw a refurbishment by Antoni Gaudi at the turn of 20th century while 100 years later renowned sculptor and painter Miquel Barceló took on the job and created a beautiful chapel. Head over to Palma’s Cala Major neighbourhood to tour The Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation, offering a real insight into the artist’s creative thought process and showcasing over 7,000 works of art by Miró and many of his contemporaries.
A beautiful 50-minute drive from Son Bunyola along the coastline, the CCA Andratx located in the village of Sa Coma is the island’s largest institution for contemporary art and is known the world over for its displays of paintings, sculptures, installations, graphics, and photographs by local and international artists.
6. For Sports Enthusiasts
Often dubbed the mecca of European cycling, Mallorca offers several spectacular routes, one of them right on Son Bunyola’s doorstep. Following the coastal path from the nearby town of Esporles to Andratx, this route follows a wide, winding yet quiet road taking in beautiful views of the glistening Mediterranean Sea on one side and the impressive Tramuntana mountains on the other. Along the way, cyclists will pass through the charming coastal villages of Banyalbufar and Estellencs – great spots to refuel with a coffee and a slice of traditional almond cake.
With the Tramuntana mountains surrounding the estate, hikers needn’t go far. From moderate walks to nearby villages or secluded beach coves for a refreshing swim post-hike to more challenging hill treks, walkers will along the way be rewarded with numerous viewpoints of the sea and the unspoilt Mallorcan landscape.
Manacor is home to the Sport Xperience by global tennis star Rafa Nadal. Take a journey through his sporting career, admire his numerous trophies, test your sporting trivia and take exhilarating simulated rides with several virtual reality experiences – a must do for sports fans!
Planning an escape to Mallorca? Why not make our Son Bunyola estate your home from home while you visit and surround yourself with the serene Tramuntana Mountains while admiring the spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. You can choose a private villa with a pool or stay in our brand new luxury hotel, opening late spring 2023.