More about: 10 Best Tours and Day Trips from Mallorca
Mallorca is one of the main islands in the Balearic Islands and, as such, has become an ideal destination for enjoying its beaches and the many activities there are to see and do on the island. These options range from excursions around Palma, the capital of Mallorca, to party tours on boats in the bay, but all guarantee fun, excellent cuisine and unrestricted access to the scorching heat of the Balearic Islands.
1. Panoramic tour of the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca
Palma is the capital of Mallorca and also one of the most beautiful places on the island, notable for its colonial buildings and its historic centre crowned by the Cathedral of Santa María and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. On these excursions, you can take a panoramic tour of the city's main sights with the assistance of a local guide.
After the panoramic tour, you will have some free time to enjoy Mallorca's cuisine, shop in the shopping centre or simply relax while enjoying the fresh air and picturesque scenery of Santa Catalina, the most avant-garde neighbourhood in the Balearic Islands.
These excursions include hotel pick-up if you are staying in Palma and last approximately 8 hours, including the panoramic tour and free time, during which you can also visit the Paseo del Borne and the Plaza Mayor.
Details of interest
- Price... Approximately £25 per person, including the panoramic tour and the services of a local guide.
- Duration**...** Approximately 8 hours.
2. Party boat trips around the Bay of Palma
If you're looking for a break from Mallorca excursions or a night out on the town, these pirate boat tours around Palma Bay are one of the best options. You can enjoy a live DJ and open bar on a pleasant cruise through the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
These tours, which are available throughout the bay, are characteristic of Mallorca and elevate the island's party scene to legendary status. They last approximately three hours and during the tour you can also opt for snorkelling experiences with equipment that the boat captain will make available to passengers.
These excursions are ideal if you are visiting the island in a group, although they are not recommended if you are visiting Mallorca with children, as minors are not allowed on the boat.
Details of interest
- Price... Approximately £45 per person, including live DJ, open bar and boat trip.
- Duration**...** Approximately 3 hours.
3. Tour to the Caves of Drach from Mallorca
The Caves of Drach hide the largest underground lake in Europe and are also one of the most interesting natural wonders in Mallorca. On these excursions, you can visit them with return transport and hotel pick-up in Palma so that you can discover the most visited caves in the world.
In the Caves of Drach, you will be struck by the stalactites and stalagmites that populate the lowest underground point, known as the Dragon Cave, and also by the charming atmosphere of the village of Porto Cristo, home to the caves.
These excursions last an average of 5 hours, but if you wish, you can opt for full-day tours at an extra cost and also enjoy a day at the beach in Porto Cristo or a boat trip in Mallorca.
Details of interest
- Price... Approximately £46 per person, including admission to the Caves of Drach, the guided tour, return transfer with hotel pick-up and a visit to the Majorica Pearl Museum.
- Duration**...** Approximately 5 hours.
4. Excursions to Cape Formentor
Although the island's capital has many attractions that are a must-see, for example on board one of Palma's tourist buses, Mallorca has many other areas that are well worth visiting. One of these is Cape Formentor, with cliffs almost 300 metres high offering breathtaking scenery.
If you are going to be in Mallorca for about three days, my advice is to spend one of them on this excursion. Not only will you enjoy a boat trip around the bay of Pollensa and Alcudia, but you will also have the opportunity to visit a traditional market: either Sineu or Alcúdia, depending on the day you book the activity.
Details of interest
- Price... Approximately £40 per person, including transfer from Palma
- Duration**...** About 8 hours.
5. Quad bike tours around Mallorca
If you feel like getting out of the city but aren't keen on a typical bus tour, the experience of driving a quad bike might be just what you're looking for. You can choose from several quad bike tours in Mallorca, although they all have one thing in common: discovering areas far from the city centre with the freedom that these vehicles offer.
Among the most interesting quad bike excursions in Mallorca is the one that takes you south of Palma, more specifically to the Llucmajor area. This is a rustic area full of stone and dusty paths, and it will allow you to enter a wild forest and see some coves.
Another option is the one that takes place in the surroundings of Port d'Andratx. In this case, you will be able to ride the quad bike for just over 3 hours in the countryside and mountains.
In both cases, I recommend bringing your swimsuit, as there is usually free time to enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean. The best thing about this is that you don't need to travel to Mallorca in August, as you can swim almost any time of the year.
Details of interest
- Price**...** Approximately £115 per person
- Duration**...** Approximately 3 hours.
6. Excursions to Cala del Moro and other beaches on the island
The coves of Mallorca boast some of the best beaches on the island, so it's well worth making the effort to visit them. They are not easy to reach without a car, so these excursions are ideal for getting to know them, even though the tours last approximately a whole day.
The first stop will be at the unspoilt beach of Ses Covetes, which stands out for its blue waters, white sand and profuse water sports activity. On these excursions, you will then visit Cala S'Almunia and finally Cala del Moro, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca.
You can also surf and try snorkelling in these coves , although there is an extra cost. You will need to bring your own lunch to these beaches, as there are no restaurants or shops nearby.
Details of interest
- Price... Approximately £70 per person, including return transport with hotel pick-up.
- Duration**...** Approximately 8 hours.
7. Olive oil and wine tours with tasting
Although most tourists come to Mallorca for the good weather and beaches, they should also take the time to learn about the island's culture. With this type of excursion, you will be able to discover two of the most characteristic elements not only of the Balearic Islands, but of the entire Mediterranean: olive oil and wine.
The tour, which usually departs from Palma, is led by a local olive oil expert, who explains how the oil is produced and the different types available at his own home. Of course, a tasting of the product is also a must.
After this first part of the excursion, it is time to learn about the types of wines produced in Mallorca. The tasting also takes place in a location with stunning views of the Tramuntana mountains.
Details of interest
- Price**...** Approximately €90 per person, including transport and tastings.
- Duration**...** Just over 3 hours.
8. Excursions to Sóller by bus along the coast and through the mountains of Mallorca
Discover the spectacular coastline of Mallorca and the majestic Sierra de Tramontana mountains on this bus tour. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of cliffs, hidden coves and unique mountainous landscapes. The Sierra de Tramontana, a World Heritage Site, will surprise you with its picturesque villages and incomparable natural surroundings.
One of the highlights of the tour is Sóller, a charming village known for its modernist architecture, beautiful harbour and famous orange groves. Here you can stroll through its cobbled streets, discover its traditional market and enjoy its authentic atmosphere. In addition, during the trip you will make stops at other iconic locations, where you can sample the local cuisine and capture unforgettable images. A comfortable and comprehensive experience to discover the best of Mallorca.
Details of interest
- Price**...** Approximately £42
- Duration**...** Approximately 5 hours.
9. Tours with activities included
If your stay is not going to be very long, but you don't want to miss out on the best activities Mallorca has to offer, these types of excursions are tailor-made for you: cruises, snorkelling, climbing, kayaking... all packed into just 3 or 4 hours.
Throughout this adventure, you will be accompanied by an instructor who will not only guide you on an exciting trip along part of the island's coastline, but will also ensure the safety of each of the activities.
Details of interest
- Price**...** Approximately £67 per person
- Duration**...** Approximately 3 hours.
10. Sea caving excursion in Cova de Coloms in Mallorca
This may not be the type of excursion suitable for everyone, but if you like caves and aren't afraid to put on a wetsuit to discover underground lakes and stalagmites, I recommend you sign up without hesitation.
This sea caving adventure takes place in Cova de Coloms, approximately 1 hour from Palma. Of course, throughout the tour you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will help you at all times so that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest.
To ensure safety, groups cannot exceed 8 people. The minimum age to participate is 12 years old and it is recommended that you be in reasonable physical shape.
Details of interest
- Price**...** Approximately £68 per person
- Duration**...** Between 1½ and 2 hours.
How to book a tour or excursion in Mallorca?
You can book an excursion online in advance or hire one once you visit the island. If you plan to travel to Mallorca in July or during the high season, I recommend booking your excursions in advance to avoid them selling out and last-minute price increases.
Bear in mind that some excursions may change their itinerary depending on the time of year, so visiting Mallorca in winter is not the same as visiting in summer. In any case, check the services included in the tour before purchasing it.
What will I see on these types of tours and excursions in Mallorca?
On the Palma excursions, you will visit the historic centre and the main attractions, such as the Cathedral of Santa María, Bellver Castle and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, while in Manacor you can visit the Rafael Nadal Museum.
On the outskirts of Palma, you can visit the Caves of Drach and take the Sóller railway tour, discover Mallorca's idyllic coves, or even take a hot air balloon ride or explore the island's inland villages on a quad bike excursion.
Tips for a tour or excursion in Mallorca
If you are planning to travel to Mallorca in August or during the high season, I recommend booking your excursions in advance to avoid delays and price increases. Also, keep in mind the time of year you are visiting, as the activities on each tour may change.
If you plan to visit several places in Mallorca , it is best to stay in Palma, as the island has many means of transport, such as the metro and city buses, all of which go to the capital.
Why is it advisable to take a tour or excursion in Mallorca?
Mallorca is a destination that offers many activities and attractions in addition to beaches and boat trips on the Mediterranean Sea, so the best way to make the most of these attractions is through excursions, which will also save you time and money.
If you want to visit the Caves of Drach or the Coves, the most convenient option is to do so on an excursion, especially if you buy at the last minute, when tickets to these sites may be sold out. I also recommend that you hire a guided tour to get the most out of the historical tour of Palma , otherwise you will miss out on the best stories.
If you still want to explore the island on your own, you can do so, although in that case I recommend that you put together an itinerary so that you can include all the attractions in your visit.