The A to Z Guide to Mallorca

Words Steph WadeDate 24 July 2025

Mallorca—sun-drenched coastlines, charming villages, and a dynamic, cosmopolitan capital. There’s something for everyone here—the art lovers, history buffs, beach goers, town walkers, and foodies—the only hard part is deciding what to do, and where.

Consider this guide your inspiration for a design-focused visit to the island with it all. You'll find quiet coves known only to locals, cliff-side roads that wind through ancient villages, and markets where farmers sell oranges straight from their groves. One can cycle past centuries-old stone terraces in the morning, feast on seafood caught that day for lunch, and slink into a tiny vermuteria tucked away in Palma’s gothic old town by evening. In the words of local icon Rafael Nadal, Mallorca is one of “the best places in the world” to enjoy life.

A

Alaska —This cute retro-inspired Hamburguesería, or burger bar, stands alone as a friendly kiosk along the buzzing Plaça del Mercat, and is known for its classic, tasty burgers. Locals and visitors alike come to sit at its bar stools for lunchtime hamburgers, chips, and cerveza.

B

Bailando—Sometimes on holidays, it’s best to follow this motto: When in doubt, dance it out. “Bailando” means dancing in Spanish, and all across the island, one can step into many bars, clubs, and dance spaces hosting salsa and Latin dance nights, or the occasional flamenco performances.

C

Cycling—Did you know that Mallorca is a cyclist’s paradise? From mountainous climbs to flat coastal stretches, there’s no shortage of dreamy terrain for riders of all levels—not just the pros.

D

Designer Dresses—Walking through the ethereal rooms that house the label Cortana, led by fashion designer Rosa Esteva, is like walking through a small art gallery. Quintessentially Mediterranean, with soft, breezy, linen and silk garments suspended from individual hangers, each white-washed room is grouped by the colors of the clothes, and features architectural details that change as you move through the space. A lovely and elegant boutique, complete with a tranquil courtyard.

E

Ensaimada—What are those stacks of octagonal boxes, tied with string, that you keep seeing everywhere? Why do locals take their last sip of espresso, and brush white residue off their hands? Introducing Ensaimada, the traditional, spiral-shaped Mallorcan pastry, made from a sweet dough dusted with powdered sugar. Best enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon treat—tear off pieces by hand, and savor the soft, airy texture.

F

Fundació Joan Miró—Barcelona-born artist Joan Miró lived in Mallorca from 1956 until his death in 1983. He spent much of this time painting at his estate in Palma, allowing him to become a key figure in the Surrealist movement. His estate is now a public museum called Fundació Joan Miró; visitors can explore his former studio and experience a range of his works. The Joan Miró Park (Parc de la Mar) features a large sculpture by Miró, and his influence can also be seen in various public artworks dotted throughout the city.

G

La Guilda Cerámica—La Guilda, the ceramics store and pottery school, is a quaint little place owned by the amiable Julio and Elisa, near Palma’s waterfront. The pair offer regular or one-off courses for those wanting to dig their hands into clay, or to learn about the construction techniques, decoration, and fascinating history of ceramics. “We felt the need to create a space that would promote local crafts and artisanal work through education,” they say.

I

Inca—Mallorca’s second-largest city, is known for its leather manufacturing and its lively Mercat d'Inca, which showcases local produce and artisanal goods. The blend of a long-standing artistic heritage, stunning natural surroundings, and a slightly slower pace of life has drawn many artists and designers to move here, who are attracted by its charming environment.

J

Jamón croquettes—A jewel in Mallorcan food culture and a staple at every good tapas bar, Croquetas de jamón are to Mallorca what baguettes are to Paris: ubiquitous and delicious, when done well. Your croquette should have a crispy exterior, a creamy and well-salted interior, and it should be piping hot, moreish, and gobbled down in three-to-four bites. 

K

Kikos—The salty bar snack you see everywhere but don’t know the name of, are the little crunchy corn kernels—and one of the most popular Spanish snacks to accompany your drink. Walk into almost any bar and you’ll most probably be served a bowl when ordering a drink.

L

Cala Llombards—A local’s tip: Surrounded by rocky outcrops and pine trees, Cala Llombards offers scenic views and a peaceful escape from the busier tourist areas of Mallorca. It’s the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in the sea. The isolation of Cala Llombards compared to other beaches on the island means it often has a more tranquil atmosphere for swimming.

M

Museums—Wait, before you skip to the next one—museums on Mallorca really hold their own. Es Baluard Museu d’Art is worth seeing not only for its cutting-edge contemporary works, but also for its architecture. Built into a fortress and part of Palma's original city walls, the museum blends this historic element with sleek design additions, creating a striking contrast between past and present, complemented by panoramic city and sea views.

N

Naranjas—Naranjas, or oranges in English, grow abundantly in Mallorca, especially in the Sóller Valley, where the climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for citrus orchards. Their presence is deeply rooted in the local landscape; drive in any direction and be struck with the sight of orange trees laden with bulbous fruit. Take a few lazy hours on a Sunday and head to the Valldemossa Market to sample some of the best oranges of your life.  

O

Obsolete—Obsolete, the furniture, antiques, and textiles store in Palma, brings together unique pieces from countries including Venezuela, Mongolia, India, and Morocco, among others. The serene showroom, with its wooden structural beams, textured walls, and rustic tiled floors, is filled with terracotta vases and urns, one-of-a-kind artifacts, and selected ethical fashion brands produced locally in Palma, reflecting Obsolete’s love of nature and respect for pure craftsmanship.

P

Perfumeries—There’s no shortage of beautiful, small, family-run perfumeries on Mallorca, where artisans craft fragrances inspired by the abundant citrus groves, wild rosemary, and local Mediterranean herbs found peppered all over the island. Two standouts:

Q

Queso—It’s all about cheese on Mallorca. Find beautiful varietals such as Mahón cheese (a cheese actually originating on the neighboring island of Menorca, but is ubiquitous in Mallorca) at Colmado Sant Jaume, a small, specialty food store with a curated offering of cheese, olive oil, wine, and more). Alternatively, head to the Mercat de l’Olivar, the must-visit market with numerous artisan stalls; here you’ll find some stunning cheese vendors.

R

Randa—Randa is a tiny hamlet, of roughly 100 inhabitants, found at the base of the Puig de Randa, a mountain in Mallorca with one of the island’s highest peaks. It is home to the Santuari de Cura—a historic monastery with stunning views, and to reach it, you need to hike there: It’s described as a walk “between heaven and earth.”

T

Talaiot—Talaiots are ancient stone structures found on the island; remnants of the island’s early inhabitants around 1000 to 600 BCE. They served as watchtowers, defensive structures, and ceremonial sites. Discover them at the prehistoric site Capocorb Vell, near the town of Llucmajor.

U

Upscale eateries—Looking for those special venues that offer an exceptional dining experience? For something contemporary but relaxed, try Little Jarana, a hidden gem in Palma with hand-written menus and a bar-like setting. For a special occasion, the Jardín Bistró awaits, located in Alcúdia in the north of Mallorca—with classic Mediterranean dishes in a garden setting. It’s run by Maca de Castro, the first female chef in Mallorca to gain a Michelin star.

V

Cala Varques—Tucked away near the town of Porto Cristo, Varques is a secluded cove, accessible only by a scenic walk and features the clearest turquoise waters for swimming, in a serene, natural setting.

W

Wineries—Mallorca has an exciting wine scene with some fantastic small, family-run wineries. 

X

Xocolate—Xocolate, the Mallorquîn word for “chocolate”, is enjoyed in its hot form with churros or ensaimadas. Local artisans often infuse their chocolate with indigenous flavors, such as Mallorcan sea salt, local herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even orange peel from the Sóller Valley.

Z

Zamburiña—Zamburiña are a type of small scallop, served as a little tapa. Often cooked in white wine on skewers or still in their shells, with garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley. Best paired with a cold, crisp glass of white wine.