The magic of Mallorca: The idyllic island being discovered by American travelers
- Peregryn travel writers
- Apr 8
- 7 min read
This beguiling blend of rolling hills, dramatic mountains, golden beaches and rich history, Mallorca is a truly magical travel destination. From escaping to wild secluded beaches and exploring secret caves, to traversing the stunning Tramuntana mountains and savouring unique Balearic delicacies, there are so many things to do in Mallorca. And with an array of fabulous boutique hotels emerging across the island, you can now discover this island paradise in true luxury and comfort.
The largest of the Balearic islands, Mallorca has long been a favourite of European travellers. Now, Americans are wising up to the wonder and beauty of this stunning island. Direct flights from New York have proved such a success that United Airlines have increased flight capacity to 30 percent with more direct flights to Palma, as the popularity of this majestic Mediterranean island with American travellers soars.
Why people love Mallorca
This is a place where tranquility is king. There’s a reason Mallorca is known as ‘la costa de la calma’ – the island imbues a sense of serenity, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
There’s the sheer beauty of the land, of course. Dazzling coastlines peppered by secluded coves and golden beaches – around 300 in total – give way to the glisten of the Mediterranean Sea. Further inland, you’ll find quaint villages nestled on lush pine-clad hillsides whose beauty and time-honoured traditions have inspired poets, writers, musicians and artists for generations, including the likes of DH Lawrence, Jules Verne and Frédéric Chopin.
To the west of the island, the stunning Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is teeming with incredible hiking and cycling routes, glittering reservoirs and fascinating endemic wildlife species, including lizards, wild goats, griffins and eagles.
Aside from the sheer sun-kissed idyllic nature of it all, you’ll find fabulous restaurants, wonderful bars and luxury retreats, all embodied by Mallorca’s famous laid-back pace. And the cuisine is glorious – from the traditional cured sausage sobrasada, seasoned with paprika and other spices, to sea bream, squid and red prawns, Mallorcan food is a beguiling blend of mar y montaña – sea and mountain.
Perfect Palma
Mallorca’s alluring capital, Palma, is simply stunning. Echoes of the past are everywhere, from the ancient stone monuments and the baroque churches to the historic honey-coloured hues that tonify this part of the world.
Established by the Romans, on the ruins of a Bronze Age settlement, and later conquered by everyone from Arab Moors to Christians, this is a place steeped in a turbulent history of battles and conquests. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Santa María cathedral, a jewel of Gothic architecture, and Bellver Castle, a stunningly well-preserved 14th Century fort that’s now a modern day museum, offering incredible views of Mallorca and an impressive ever-evolving collection inducing the likes of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.
Palma’s past informs a present that is teeming with energy. The city’s many restaurants, bars, galleries and art spaces are laced with an infectious vibrant spirit. Culture in Mallorca’s capital, especially its buzzing Santa Catalina, a former fishermen’s district turned eclectic hotspot, is full of a kind of joyful creativity that typifies the Mallorcan character, while the labyrinthine alleys and pretty squares of the old Moorish quarter are perfect for scenic strolls and people watching over a glass of wine and tapas.
Head to the elegant Parc de la Mar for a picnic and a stroll in the sunshine, or soak up the energetic ambience of Mercat de l’Olivar, a gateway to gourmet delights and an intriguing glimpse into local life in Mallorca.
Where to stay
Mallorca’s capital is dotted with an array of amazing boutique hotels, designed to cater to the needs of an ever-growing flow of visitors. Here’s our recommendation of the ideal places to stay to best soak up the atmosphere and see the sights in Palma.
A delightful blend of classic flair and contemporary elegance, this five-star boutique hotel is a renovated 19th-century mansion. The rooftop terrace is nothing short of spectacular and the location is excellent – Palma’s best attractions are just a short stroll away.
A luxury five-star, sea-facing boutique hotel that blends understated elegance with inspired design. Expect next-level relaxation at the hotel’s luxury spa and roof terrace, and incredible cuisine from the hotel’s Michelin-starred chef.
A sumptuous 16th-century renovation in Palma’s old town, this regal five-star retreat offers a serene garden, relaxing spa and wonderful roof terrace, and a personal butler service.
Inspired by the opulent townhouses of Morocco, this decadent, palatial boutique hotel oozes luxury. The stunning central courtyard stands out, adding to the bohemian glamour of the surroundings. The personalised service is excellent, while the hotel is just a stone’s throw away from popular shopping streets.
A 15th-century Majorcan palace, this five-star stay is charm personified and one of the top hotels in Mallorca. Original ancient wooden rafters and stone arches are complemented by contemporary touches, for truly breathtaking interiors. Service is warm and friendly, and the location is ideal for cultural sightseers.
Vibrant villages
There are an abundance of enchanting villages throughout the island. Deia is a traditional stone village in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, delivering dreamy idyllic beauty with its olive groves and cobblestone streets. Nearby, the lost-in-time feel of Valldemossa, which Chopin called “the most beautiful place in the world”, brings a certain magic, with hiking trails, traditional architecture, cobblestone streets and a dazzling royal palace, the Real Cartuja.
Beach lovers should head to the sun drenched glory of Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa, two coastal towns tucked away in the northern nook of the island. Other fantastic villages include the stunningly beautiful Fornalutx, a traditional village nestled in the Tramuntana mountains, the charming quaint fishing village of Soller, and the exclusively serene Andratx, one of the oldest towns on the island.
Where to stay
Within each of these villages, you’ll find a selection of wonderful hotels offering first-class relaxation, great service and incredible views of the breathtaking landscapes on show.
An indulgent Mallorcan retreat high up in the hills, this is a pure Mediterranean dream getaway. The staff, food and service are impeccable, while the views are out of this world.
An upscale five-star resort, a short stroll away from beaches, coves and the village promenade, this is the benchmark for all-inclusive family-friendly Mallorca hotels. A clean and clear aesthetic blends perfectly with the natural environment, while the service is excellent.
A refurbished 17th century manor, this five-star boutique hotel delivers first-rate service in a welcoming atmosphere. Chic designer lighting and contemporary interiors complement the understated luxuriousness of this wonderful hotel.
Nestled at the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, this idyllic rustic retreat delivers incredible mountain and sea views, with lush green surroundings. Serene and secluded, yet only 15 minutes away from the village of Sóller by car.
A hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Tramuntana mountains, this luxury boutique hotel offers luxurious tranquility and panoramic views. Two fantastic outdoor swimming pools and an excellent restaurant seal the deal.
Dreamy coves and beaches
There are well over 200 beaches in Mallorca, ranging from blissful soft sandy beaches of the eastern shore to the dramatic rocky enclaves and secluded coves of the east. Here are some of the best beaches in Mallorca.
Playa de Port Pollença
A long-time inspiration for famous poets and painters, this glorious white sandy beach is perfect for whiling away the hours basking in the Mediterranean sun. The long boardwalk offers restaurants, cafes, water sports classes and boat excursions.
Playa Alcudia
Mallorca’s longest beach is a family-friendly paradise. Shallow water and flat sands make it ideal for a relaxing beach day, while you’ll find a plethora of fine boutique hotels and excellent resorts along the strip.
Es Carbó
An idyllic hideaway circling the southern tip of the island, this is a much more remote option than some of Mallorca’s more vibrant beaches. Flanked by sand dunes and overlooking calm, crystal clear waters, it’s perfect for those looking for unrefined serenity.
Cala Mesquida
One of the most beautiful beaches of the island’s northern part, it’s the beach of choice for diving, snorkeling and surfing. A beautiful stretch of white sand separates pine trees from the turquoise sea.
Cala Millor
Encompassing over a kilometre-and-a-half of sprawling golden sand, this popular beach on Mallorca’s eastern side is replete with bars, restaurants, cafes and gift shops, making it particularly popular with families.
Es Trenc
The largest and most popular unrefined beach on the island. There are minimal facilities – just two beach bars offering refreshments and snacks – but the sheer unspoilt beauty of it makes it well worth a visit.
Cala Formentor
On the northern tip of the island, this wild, unrefined beauty features a narrow strip of silken sand backed by a forest of ancient Aleppo pines and Mediterranean oaks – the perfect place for a peaceful afternoon dip.
S'Amarador
Previously named “The Best Beach in Europe”, this cinematic beach is encircled by a lush green forest and features silken white sand. A great spot for snorkelling in crystalline waters.
Cala Mondragó
This stunning crescent of white sand stretches along the fringe of the lush nature reserve on the outskirts of the south-eastern town of Santanyí. A charming little ‘chiringuito’ beach bar and a hammock rental service add a nice touch to what is essentially a secluded, untouched paradise.
Get packing
From the cinematic beaches sprinkled along its coast to the charming villages, rolling green hills and spectacular mountains inland, Mallorca is a veritable island paradise.
Discover the unique natural beauty, rich history and wonderful culture in Mallorca is more accessible for US travelers than ever before, with an array of wonderful boutique hotels springing up every year, this is becoming one of the essential holiday destinations for those looking for a luxury Mediterranean escape.
