Water Activities
Mallorca is surrounded by crystal-clear Mediterranean water. Water activities are part of everyday life on the island.
Boat Trips and Catamaran Rides
The most popular activity on Mallorca. There are tours for every taste:
- Half-day tour (3-4 hours): From around 40€/person, often with a snorkelling stop and drinks
- Full-day tours (6-8 hours): From around 70€/person, including lunch and multiple coves
- Sunset tours: From around 50€/person, evening cruise with music and aperitif
- Private boat charter: From around 400€ for a half-day tour (up to 8 people)
Popular routes: Palma coast, Bay of Alcúdia, Dragon Island (Sa Dragonera), Cabrera Archipelago (national park, bookable year-round)
Snorkelling and Diving
Mallorca offers fantastic underwater worlds with clear visibility (up to 30 metres):
- Snorkelling trips: From 25€/person, equipment included
- Introductory dive: From 60€ (no prior experience needed)
- PADI Open Water Course: Around 400-500€ (3-4 days)
- Best diving spots: Dragonera, Malgrats Islands, Cala Ratjada, Portals Vells
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddling
A relaxed way to explore the coast:
- Kayak tours: From 30€/person (2-3 hours)
- SUP hire: From 15€/hour
- Guided SUP tours: From 35€/person
- Best spots: Port de Sóller, Cala Mondragó, Port de Pollença
Jet-Ski and Parasailing
For adrenaline seekers:
- Jet-ski hire: From 40€ for 30 minutes
- Parasailing: From 50€/person (10-minute flight)
- Flyboard: From 70€ for 20 minutes
- Available at: Mainly Playa de Palma, Magaluf and Alcúdia
Tip: Book boat trips early
In high season popular boat trips sell out weeks in advance. Book at least 1 week ahead, especially for weekend tours and the Cabrera National Park.
Nature and Hiking
Mallorca is a hiking paradise. The Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Hikes
Torrent de Pareis (Difficult, 3-4 hours) The most spectacular gorge on Mallorca. Starting point near Escorca, finishing at the beach of Sa Calobra. Passable in summer only (dry riverbed). Return by boat.
Camí de s'Arxiduc (Moderate, 4-5 hours) A magnificent ridge walk above Valldemossa with panoramic views of the coast. One of the most beautiful hiking trails on the island.
Puig de Massanella (Difficult, 5-6 hours) The highest freely accessible summit on Mallorca (1,364 m). Breathtaking 360-degree panorama.
Coastal path Cala Deià to Cala de Sóller (Easy, 1.5 hours) Perfect for beginners. A stunning coastal trail with a swimming spot at the end.
Tren de Sóller
The historic railway from 1912 runs from Palma to Sóller through the Tramuntana mountains. One of the most popular things to do on Mallorca.
- Journey time: 1 hour (Palma to Sóller)
- Price: 25€ return (residents' price: 10€)
- Tram Sóller to Port de Sóller: 8€ return
- Booking: Best to book online in advance, especially in summer
Culture and Sightseeing
Palma de Mallorca
- Cathedral La Seu: The symbol of the island. Entry: 9€. Definitely also visit the rooftop (rooftop tour around 15€)
- Old Town walk: Free on your own or guided from 15€
- Museu Es Baluard: Modern art with sea views. Entry: 8€
- Banys Àrabs: Arab baths from the 10th century. Entry: 3€
- Castell de Bellver: Round castle with city views. Entry: 4€ (free on Sundays)
Day Trips into the Interior
- Valldemossa: Visit the monastery where Chopin and George Sand spent the winter. Entry: 10€
- Deià: A picturesque artists' village. Hike, eat, visit the cove
- Sineu: Every Wednesday the island's largest weekly market (free)
- Artà: Fortress and caves. Old town stroll with few tourists
Caves and Natural Wonders
- Cuevas del Drach (Porto Cristo): Impressive stalactite caves with an underground lake and live concert. Entry: 16€
- Cuevas de Artà: Less visited but equally impressive. Entry: 15€
- Cap de Formentor: Dramatic cliffs at the northernmost point of the island. Free (access in summer by bus only)
Adventure and Sport
Climbing and Canyoning
Mallorca has established itself as a climbing destination:
- Guided climbing tours: From 50€/person (half-day)
- Canyoning (gorge walking with abseiling): From 60€/person
- Deep Water Soloing (climbing above water): From 45€/person - unique to Mallorca
- Best areas: Sa Gubia, Cala Magraner, Cala Barques
Paragliding
Fly over the Tramuntana or along the coast:
- Tandem paragliding: From 90€/person (20-30 minute flight)
- Launch sites: Alaró, Puig de Sant Martí near Pollença
- Best time: March to October, in good thermal conditions
Cycling
Mallorca is Europe's cycling mecca. More details in our article on Leisure and Sport on Mallorca:
- Road bike hire: From 25€/day
- E-bike hire: From 30€/day
- Guided cycling tours: From 50€/person
- Popular routes: Coastal road Cap de Formentor, Tramuntana mountain passes (Sa Calobra, Coll de Sóller)
Family Activities
Top 5 for Families with Children
- Palma Aquarium: Over 700 species, shark diving for the brave. Entry: adults 26€, children 16€
- Jungle Parc (Santa Ponsa): Climbing park with different difficulty levels. From 18€
- Marineland (Costa d'en Blanes): Dolphin and sea lion shows. Entry: adults 27€, children 18€
- Katmandu Park (Magaluf): Amusement park with a roller coaster, 4D cinema and mini golf. From 25€
- Glass-bottom boat tours: From 15€/person - children love watching fish through the glass bottom
Free Family Activities
- Beaches: Playa de Muro, Es Trenc, Cala Mondragó (all family-friendly with shallow water)
- Playgrounds: Parc de la Mar in Palma, Parc de ses Estacions
- Sunday markets: Pollença (Sundays), Alcúdia (Tuesdays and Sundays)
- Nature parks: S'Albufera (bird watching, free with registration)
Seasonal Recommendations
Spring (March-May)
Ideal for outdoor activities. Almond blossom in February/March, wildflowers everywhere.
- Hiking in the Tramuntana (pleasant, not too hot)
- Cycling (professional teams train here)
- Winery visits (Binissalem)
- Easter: processions in Palma and the villages
Summer (June-August)
Beach time and water activities. Hiking only in the morning.
- Boat trips and snorkelling
- Evening events: open-air concerts, night markets
- Festivals: Sant Joan (23 June), Festes de la Patrona (August)
- Cove-hopping: a different bay every day
Autumn (September-November)
The "second spring": warm, fewer tourists, lower prices.
- Hiking (perfect temperatures)
- Olive harvest and wine festivals
- Mushroom picking (with a local guide)
- Last swimming days (water still 22-24°C)
Winter (December-February)
Quiet, mild (12-16°C), ideal for culture and nature.
- Experience the almond blossom (end of January/February)
- Museums and galleries in Palma
- Christmas markets (December)
- Long-distance hiking trails without the heat
Budget Tips
Free Activities
- Hiking (all trails are free)
- Beaches (all publicly accessible)
- Old town walks in Palma, Alcúdia, Artà
- Sunset at Cap de Formentor
- Weekly markets (Inca on Wednesdays, Sineu on Wednesdays, Pollença on Sundays) - more under Shopping on Mallorca
Saving Money on Paid Activities
- Early-bird discounts: Many providers give 10-15% off when booked online
- Group prices: From 4 people there are discounts almost everywhere
- Off-season: Activities are 20-40% cheaper in winter
- Residents' discounts: Many attractions offer reduced entry for Balearic residents (show your empadronamiento)
- Combined tickets: Some providers bundle e.g. catamaran + snorkelling + lunch
Tip: Take advantage of the residents' discount
Many sights and activities on Mallorca offer residents' prices. Always carry your empadronamiento or your NIE/TIE. At the Cuevas del Drach, Tren de Sóller and many guided tours you save up to 50%.