Majorca's Hidden gems: The insiders tips

Believe it or not, there are still calm, quiet parts of Majorca that many tourists, even on their holidays to Majorca, have not yet discovered. There’s a tranquil, beautiful, and natural side to the island where it’s still possible to walk alone on the beach or drink a cortado with the locals in a place where time seems to stand still.

From the best beach bars to tapas and hiking routes, here are insider Majorca tips to help you experience the island at its most beautiful, at its cheapest, and at its most surprising.

The best time to visit Majorca

Majorca is blessed with incredible year-round weather, but the best time for a visit without the crowds is from the end of April to early June, or during the second half of September, when the weather is great but there are fewer tourists. Travellers will be able to find a place in most restaurants, and enjoy beaches and excursions without the crowds.

What’s more, this is a time when accommodation and flights tend to be cheaper. For more ideas on what to do in Majorca during these quieter periods, check out our detailed article.

Quiet places by the sea

Many visitors to Majorca prefer to stay inland, for example, in a village away from the bustle of the larger resorts. But those looking for some peace and quiet close to the beach should look to the north east of the island, an area perfect for Majorca excursions.

Beyond the main resort town of Port d’Alcúdia, you will find Son Serra de Marina, Colònia de Sant Pere, S'Estanyol, and Mont Ferrutx further along on the bay. Depending on the time of year, you might even find yourself walking alone on the beach with few crowds around.

With much of the area protected from development by the Parc Natural de S’Albufera, there are also some great walking trails and coastal paths amid the rugged landscape.

Best tapas in Majorca

There are many delicious tapas bars in Majorca, but for delicious food that doesn’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with Tast.

The chain has restaurants all over the island but their first restaurant, Tast Unión, is near the famous Paseo del Born in Palma.

For a more independent feel, check out La Bodega in Cala d'Or which has mouth-watering tapas, fresh montaditos (sandwiches) and Mallorca's best wines.

Ca'n Punyetes in Alcúdia is also worth a visit. Here visitors can enjoy an authentic tapas experience alongside locals

Best beach bars in Majorca

Most beaches in Majorca have either a small beach kiosk (chiringuito) or a restaurant. Only 15 minutes from Palma by car, you’ll find Roxy’s Beach Bar in Portals Nous.

This rustic beach bar is located on a terrace overlooking the bay – a great spot for breakfast and good coffee, or a chilled glass of rosé as a sundowner. In the north east, visitors won’t want to miss the cuisine at the El Sol Beach Bar at Son Serra de Marina – the seafood is simply delicious.

Also in Son Serra de Marina is the Moomba Beach Café, where visitors can look across the bay of Alcudia while sipping a mojito.

If you find yourself close to the turquoise sandy beach at Es Trenc in the south of Majorca, be sure to stop at the Bar Esperanza in Ses Covetes for a cold beer.

Feast and save

In Spain, and in Majorca too, restaurants regularly offer cheaper lunch menus. These places are often frequented by locals in search of the menú del día (menu of the day). This usually consists of a three-course meal at a very reasonable price.

Among other things, tourists can enjoy pasta as an appetiser, fresh fish from the grill as a main course, plus a dessert. These menus are available, for example, at the Restaurante del Nautico in Colonia de Sant Pere. Another fine option with a varying lunch menu is the Lila Portals, overlooking the bay at Portals Nous.

Short hikes in Majorca

For most visitors, Majorca means a beach holiday and relaxation. But if you fancy a gentle hike, head to the monastery mountain of Pollença in the north of Majorca. The path is a total distance of five kilometres, which is mostly in the shade during the morning. From the monastery, hikers have a wonderful panoramic view across the whole bay of Alcudia with Cap Formentor in the distance.

You’ll have time to explore the beautiful village of Pollença and enjoy a menú del día at noon. And best of all? You’ll still have time for a dip in the sea in the afternoon.

Portixol

The stylish district of Portixol, located close to Palma, has become increasingly popular over the past few years. This former fishing village has experienced a welcomed regeneration, offering an array of contemporary bars and cafés along the beach promenade, many hosting live music and attracting a younger crowd. For more vibrant experiences like this, be sure to check out our article on things to do in Palma.

Here, you’ll also find picturesque, whitewashed fisherman's cottages available for holiday rental – convenient for accessing the various beaches close by.

Surfing in Majorca

Majorca is a place often overlooked on the surfer’s map. However, you can nearly always find a spot, especially on the coasts in the north east.

While many water sports shops and rental stations tend to be geared more towards windsurfing and SUP (stand up paddleboarding), there are some options for surfboard hire, for example, in Son Serra de Marina.

Visitors who want to learn to surf should visit Laola Surf Camp – surfboards are available for hire and they also offer private or small group surf lessons.

Off the beaten track towns

Many holidaymakers just want to observe and enjoy everyday life like the locals, which is sometimes not easy in Majorca. But if you take your rental car a little bit away from the main routes, you can still find it.

Small, sleepy towns where time seems to have just stopped. Visitors can experience the peacefulness of local life in Esporles between Palma and Valldemossa, or in Porreres, Sineu, Puigpunyent, Campanet and Selva.