Our Favourite Corners of Mallorca: Places We Always Return To

Mallorca, one of the 4 Balearic Islands in Spain, is an island of contrasts. Its coastline is dramatic and varied; rugged cliffs meet sheltered coves. Its centuries-old villages sit alongside quiet beaches kissed by turquoise water. There’s a sense of pace here that feels natural, not rushed, but never static. It’s easy to see why it has remained a favourite for travellers seeking a holiday filled with a mix of relaxation, scenery, and subtle adventure. 

Cordelia, one of our Leisure Travel Specialists who started off her travel career in the UK, has been returning to Mallorca for years, both for work and for pleasure. Those repeated visits have given her a deep understanding of the island’s rhythm. She knows which corners capture the light at the perfect hour, which towns offer the kind of streets you can wander for hours without losing interest, and which restaurants, beach clubs and hidden viewpoints feel special without ever being overcrowded. Her insider knowledge allows us to design bespoke Mallorca holidays and travel experiences that feel considered but never over-planned, showing families, couples and friends not just the obvious highlights, but also the quieter, unexpected experiences that give Mallorca its personality. We’re here to show you the tables you wouldn’t know to book but will remember for a long time. 

Whether it’s a morning wandering a cobbled village, a slow lunch overlooking the sea, or a sunset spent on a secluded beach, the island offers a wealth of moments that will stay with you long after you leave – and with the right guidance from our licensed travel agents, they all will feel effortless.

The West Coast

Starting in the west, Banyalbufar is a quiet village of terraced hillsides and sweeping sea views. It’s best known for its picturesque walk down to Cala Banyalbufar – a steep trail with lots of steps, so not for the faint-hearted, but every one of them is worth it. At the bottom, a stunning turquoise cove awaits, perfect for a morning swim or simply taking in the dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. After your dip, reward yourself with a meal at 1661 Banyalbufar, where fresh, local ingredients are served with charm and finesse, making it a wonderfully satisfying way to end the descent.

From there, the road winds east towards Valldemossa, a village that feels like stepping into a storybook. Cobblestone streets wind past centuries-old stone houses, orange blossoms drift from hidden courtyards, and the village hums with a quiet, timeless energy. Hotel Valldemossa is perfectly positioned to take it all in. Its rooms with terraces overlook rolling hills and terraced gardens, while the on-site Valldemossa Restaurant serves delicious food that is as elegant as the surroundings. Not far away, Sa Pedrissa offers a completely different kind of indulgence: an infinity pool that appears to spill over the valley below, paired with one of the island’s most celebrated menus. It’s the sort of place where you can spend a whole afternoon lounging poolside, cocktail in hand, watching the sunlight play across the mountains.

A short drive up the coast brings you to Deià, a village that has long drawn artists, writers and travellers enchanted by Mallorca’s timeless allure. Belmond La Residencia sits quietly on the hillside, offering beautifully appointed rooms and suites, lush gardens, and sweeping views over olive groves to the sea beyond – a perfectly sophisticated base for exploring the area. Roughly a 3 km drive from the village lies Cala Deià, a small, picturesque and rugged pebbly cove famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic surrounding cliffs. A popular spot for a dip in the ocean. If you fancy a bit more adventure, take your snorkel too! 

For dining, Cordelia recommends both Restaurante Sebastian, with its fresh, contemporary cuisine, and Cas Patro March – famously featured in the thriller series with Tom Hardy, The Night Manager and now a hotspot for celebrities, including Beyoncé. If you’d like to enjoy a meal here, plenty of notice is required to secure a table, and that’s where we can help, ensuring a seamless experience so you can focus on soaking in the view and the incredible food. Between the village charm, the stunning hotels, and these memorable meals, Deià captures the essence of western Mallorca: calm, character and effortless sophistication.

Northern Mallorca

Heading north, Mallorca’s landscape changes to olive groves, almond trees and rugged mountains, dotted with some of the island’s most picturesque villages. Fornalutx, often called one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, delights with its narrow lanes, stone houses and terraced streets framed by the Tramuntana mountains. Families can enjoy gentle walks here, stop for coffee, or simply soak in the timeless charm. For something a little different, take the historic tram from Sóller to Puerto de Sóller -  a charming 30‑minute journey along one of the island’s most scenic routes. The vintage tram winds through citrus groves and rolling hills, linking the attractive town of Sóller with its port and beach, making it a delightful outing for both children and adults.

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Continue to the very tip of the island, and you’ll find Pollença, widely regarded as one of Mallorca’s best family-friendly locations. With a safe, walkable town, shallow sandy beaches and a relaxed vibe, it’s easy to explore at your own pace. Every Sunday, the major market in Plaza Mayor and surrounding streets comes alive with around 300 stalls selling local produce, crafts, clothing and street food – a morning wander that’s fun for all ages.

A short drive inland from Pollença, through the Tramuntana mountains (itself a stunning journey with winding roads, olive groves and panoramic views), brings you to Restaurant Es Guix, one of Cordelia’s favourite hidden spots. Tucked near Lluc, this stone‑built restaurant feels like a secret refuge, with a terrace overlooking natural water features and oak trees. The menu focuses on local, seasonal ingredients paired with Mallorcan wines, and the peaceful, almost magical setting makes it a rare find away from the tourist trail.

The South-East Coast

Moving down to Mallorca’s south-east coast, the sun-soaked towns of Santanyí and Cala d’Or offer a softer, more relaxed rhythm. Santanyí is a picturesque town with golden stone buildings, a charming central square and the bustling Sunday market, perfect for picking up local crafts, fresh produce, and artisanal treats. Just a short drive away, Cala Santanyí Beach is a quiet cove with turquoise waters, ideal for families or a morning swim, while Cala del Moro rewards those who venture a little further with dramatic cliffs and one of the island’s most photogenic beaches.

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For dining, Sona Beach in nearby Cala Figuera is a must-visit – casual yet refined, serving fresh seafood right by the water. Chiringuito Cala Sa Nau offers a relaxed beachside lunch or sunset cocktails, perfect after a swim or snorkel. Cala Lombards, just a short drive from Santanyí, rounds out the region with a classic sandy beach and calm, shallow waters, making it another favourite for families.

From golden sands to charming villages and intimate dining spots, the south-east coast combines ease, style, and accessibility, making it a wonderful counterpoint to the rugged beauty of the north and west.

South and South-West Mallorca

Heading south, Palma (Palma de Mallorca) and the nearby Portals district feel lively without ever being overwhelming – a world away from the quiet villages of the north. Days can be spent wandering Palma’s historic streets, soaking up the architecture, boutique shops and café culture, before heading to a rooftop for a drink as the city starts to glow. Hotel Hostal Cuba is our go-to for that exact moment! The terrace has one of the best views in town, looking out over the cathedral and rooftops as the sun dips behind the mountains. For dinner, El Camino serves up Mediterranean cuisine that’s thoughtful without being fussy, while Bar Abaco is pure theatre; think flowers, lanterns and cocktails that are as much fun to look at as they are to drink.

A short drive along the coast takes you to Portals Nous and Puerto Portals, where the pace slows a little and the seaside vibe takes over. Mhares Sea Club is ideal for a relaxed day by the water, sprawled on cushions with cocktails in hand and boats drifting past the marina. If sushi is your thing, Tahini Portals is a firm favourite of ours – fresh, inventive and full of personality. 

For something more classic, Tast Club pairs local ingredients with contemporary flair in a welcoming, refined setting. Just outside the centre, Hotel Bendinat, one of the first hotels Cordelia ever stayed at in Mallorca, offers a calmer pace. It’s a luxurious but understated base with easy access to beaches and the charm of a smaller, boutique-style hotel. Its restaurant is a highlight: a comfortable seafront location, elegant yet unfussy, with a menu that reflects the region’s seafood and produce beautifully. From memory, their seafood paella was to die for! 

Further along the south-west coast, the scenery changes again, back to dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and quiet stretches of sand. Andratx is a lovely base for this region, and Restaurant Illeta is a must-visit for lunch or sunset dining, with Mediterranean cuisine and panoramic views that make it hard to leave your table. For a day by the sea, Gran Folies Beach Club at Cala Falco hits the sweet spot: stylish sunbeds, excellent service, fresh seafood and turquoise waters that are impossible to resist. Here, Mallorca’s natural beauty meets relaxed luxury, giving you the perfect mix of sun, sea and seriously good food.

Mallorca is an island that reveals itself slowly – from mountain villages and hidden inland restaurants to lively city rooftops and turquoise coves that feel almost untouched. Each corner offers something different, whether you’re planning a multi-generational villa escape, a romantic long weekend, or a sun-soaked family adventure. The beauty of Mallorca lies in how effortlessly it blends natural drama with understated luxury, relaxed beach days with exceptional dining, and authentic local culture with polished comfort.

Book Your Spanish Mediterranean Holiday

When thoughtfully planned by us, your holiday becomes far more than just a standard Spanish Mediterranean getaway. It becomes the kind of journey you’ll talk about for years, and that’s exactly where we come in.

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Get in touch with one of our travel specialists today to begin planning your bespoke journey.

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