North Mallorca: The Complete Guide to What to See and Do

While the south of Mallorca is crowded with resorts and tourists, the north of the island holds a secret known to few: a perfect combination of dramatic mountains, white sandy beaches, and soulful villages that have stood the test of time.

The Serra de Tramuntana plunges directly into the Mediterranean, creating dizzying cliffs, hidden coves, and breathtaking viewpoints. Here, amidst centuries-old pines and crystal-clear waters, you’ll find the authentic Mallorca: local markets that have been running for centuries, winding roads with postcard views, and a tranquility that seems impossible in the heart of the Mediterranean. North Mallorca is not just a destination; it’s a different experience that deserves to be explored slowly, especially between May and October when the weather is at its best.

Why Visit North Mallorca?

North Mallorca represents everything you look for when imagining the perfect Mediterranean, but without the crowds. This part of the island offers a unique contrasting nature: in just 20 minutes, you can go from getting lost among the peaks of the UNESCO World Heritage Serra de Tramuntana to swimming in fine sandy beaches with waters so transparent they look like a natural pool.

The northern area of Mallorca is significantly less crowded than areas like Palma, Magaluf, or the east of the island. Here you can still find coves where you can be practically alone, villages where locals outnumber tourists, and restaurants where Mallorcan is spoken more than English.

This region is perfect for families seeking safe, shallow beaches, couples looking for romantic spots, and adventurers wanting to explore hiking trails, cycling routes, or water sports. The combination of mountains and sea offers activities for all tastes.

Principal Villages in North Mallorca

Pollensa

Pollensa is the cultural heart of North Mallorca. This village captivates with its historical center of narrow streets, lively squares, and palpable artistic energy. The climb up El Calvari, with its 365 cypress-lined steps bordered by ancient trees, rewards you with spectacular panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding mountains.

The Sunday market in Pollensa is a local institution that has been operating for decades. Every Sunday, Plaça Major transforms into a maze of stalls where you’ll find everything from artisanal products to clothing, without losing its authenticity. The best time to visit Pollensa is early morning or at sunset, when the golden stones of its historic buildings shine with a special light and the terraces fill with local life.

Port de Pollensa (Puerto de Pollensa)

Just a few kilometers from Pollensa, its port maintains a discreet elegance that sets it apart from other coastal destinations. The famous Pine Walk, a seafront promenade lined with pine trees that almost touch the water, is perfect for a sunset stroll while watching sailboats swaying in the bay.

Pollnesa, uno de los pueblos del norte de Mallorca más pintorescos

Port de Pollensa serves as a connection point to the Formentor Peninsula and offers a remarkable gastronomic selection. The port area maintains a relaxed atmosphere even in high season, ideal for those seeking tranquility without sacrificing quality services.

Alcúdia

Alcúdia is a journey back in time. Its perfectly preserved medieval walls surround an old town where every corner tells stories of centuries past. The Roman ruins of Pollentia, just outside the village, are proof that this area was important long before tourism.

The traditional market of Alcúdia (Tuesdays and Sundays) is where locals do their weekly shopping. Seasonal fruits, artisanal cured meats, Mallorcan cheeses, and garden produce coexist with local craft stalls. You can walk along the wall, offering unique perspectives of the town and the surrounding landscape.

The Port d’Alcúdia (Puerto de Alcúdia), on the other hand, is synonymous with family holidays in North Mallorca. Its extensive, fine sandy beach and shallow waters are perfect for children, while the promenade offers all kinds of services without losing the Mediterranean charm.

Water activities abound: from paddle surfing and kayaking to sailing schools and boat excursions. The area is perfectly equipped with restaurants, ice cream parlors, and playgrounds, making it an ideal base for families who want to combine beach time with excursions to other parts of North Mallorca.

Formentor

The Formentor Peninsula represents the pure nature of North Mallorca. Cliffs that fall vertically into the sea, wind-twisted pines, and roads that snake above the Mediterranean create a dramatic and unforgettable landscape.

The scenic road to the Formentor lighthouse is one of the most photographed in Spain, with viewpoints offering 360-degree views over the turquoise sea and mountains. Important: In high season, traffic is restricted; access is possible via a shuttle bus or bicycle.

You might also be interested in: What to See in South Mallorca: The Must-See for Your Trip

The Best Beaches in North Mallorca

North Mallorca concentrates some of the best beaches on the entire island, each with its unique personality.

  • Playa de Formentor is simply spectacular: fine white sand, pine trees that reach almost to the water, and an impossible gradient of blues. Surrounded by mountains, this beach has a cinematic quality that justifies its fame. Access can be complicated in summer due to traffic restrictions, but this is precisely what keeps it less crowded.
  • Playa de Alcúdia stands out for its kilometer-long stretch of golden sand and calm waters. It is the perfect option for families: shallow, with full services, and large enough that it never feels saturated. The parallel promenade offers natural shade under the pines.
  • Cala Sant Vicenç is actually four small coves (Cala Molins, Cala Barques, Cala Clara, and Cala Carbó) surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. These coves combine natural beauty with certain comfort: nearby restaurants but without losing their tranquil essence. The waters here are especially transparent, ideal for snorkeling.
  • Playa de Muro is a natural continuation of Alcúdia beach but with an even more relaxed atmosphere. The section closest to the S’Albufera Natural Park maintains a virgin character, with natural dunes and fewer constructions. This area is perfect if you are looking for fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and a little more tranquility.
  • Son Serra de Marina is the best-kept secret in North Mallorca: a long, virgin beach, without beach bars (chiringuitos) or sunbeds, where you will only find pure nature. The small fishermen’s huts add a picturesque touch to this authentic corner that seems frozen in time.

Attractions to See in North Mallorca

Cap de Formentor and its Legendary Lighthouse

Cap de Formentor is the northernmost point of Mallorca, where the Serra de Tramuntana finally plunges into the Mediterranean. The Formentor Lighthouse, built in 1863, stands atop 300-meter-high cliffs. The road there is an experience in itself: sharp curves with precipices on one side and spectacular views at every turn. On clear days from the lighthouse, you can see as far as Menorca on the horizon. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, when the golden light transforms the landscape into something magical.

Mirador de Es Colomer

The Mirador de Es Colomer offers arguably the most stunning views in all of North Mallorca. From this natural viewpoint, you behold vertical cliffs dropping into the sea, the winding Formentor road snaking below, and the intense blue of the Mediterranean stretching to the infinite. There are safe viewing platforms with railings, perfect for epic photographs. On windy days, waves break against the rocks, creating a spectacle of white foam that contrasts with the turquoise water.

Serra de Tramuntana (UNESCO Heritage)

The Serra de Tramuntana runs across the whole of North Mallorca and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. This mountain range offers hiking trails for all levels: from gentle walks between villages to challenging ascents to peaks like Puig de Massanella. The landscapes combine Mediterranean forests, ancient olive groves, stone villages perched on slopes, and constant sea views. The GR-221, also known as the Dry Stone Route (Ruta de Pedra en Sec), crosses the range connecting refuges and traditional villages.

Cuevas de Campanet (Campanet Caves)

The Campanet Caves are a subterranean jewel less known than other caves in Mallorca, which makes them more authentic and less crowded. These natural caverns fascinate with stalactite and stalagmite formations that have grown over millions of years, creating natural sculptures that seem straight out of another world. The galleries maintain a constant temperature of 20°C, making them a perfect refuge on hot days. Guided tours explain the geology and the history of the discovery of these caves in 1945.

S’Albufera Natural Park

The S’Albufera Natural Park is the most important wetland in the Balearic Islands and a paradise for birdwatchers. More than 270 species of birds have been recorded here, including flamingos, herons, and ospreys. You can explore the park on foot or by bicycle along well-marked trails that cross lagoons, reed beds, and riparian forests. Entrance is free; you only need to register at the visitor center. The best times to visit are early morning or at sunset, when animal life is more active and the light is perfect for photography.

La Victoria Peninsula

The La Victoria Peninsula, between Alcúdia and Pollensa, offers a less-traveled but equally spectacular alternative to Formentor. The road winds up to the Talaia d’Alcúdia, with viewpoints that offer panoramic views of both bays simultaneously. At the summit, you will find the Ermita de la Victoria, a small 13th-century sanctuary surrounded by absolute peace. There are hiking trails that run through the peninsula, passing cliffs, pine forests, and natural viewpoints where you only hear the wind and the gulls.

The Best Time to Visit North Mallorca

North Mallorca enjoys a privileged Mediterranean climate, but each season offers different experiences.

  • Spring (April-June) is arguably the best time: pleasant temperatures between $20-27^{\circ}C$, nature in full splendor with green fields and wildflowers, fewer tourists, and more reasonable prices. The seawater can still be cool in April but is perfect from May onwards. This season is ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring villages without crowds.
  • Summer (July-August) concentrates the highest temperatures ($28-33^{\circ}C$) and the largest number of visitors. The beaches are at their best, and all water activities are fully operational. However, some places like Formentor restrict car access, and prices reach their peak. If you visit in summer, getting up early is key to enjoying emblematic places before the crowds.
  • Autumn (September-October) rivals spring as the golden season: the sea retains the heat accumulated from summer (perfect water temperature), tourists drastically decrease after mid-September, and the weather remains warm but without the extremes of summer. September is especially recommended.
  • Winter (November-March) transforms North Mallorca into a quiet destination ideal for those seeking peace, nature, and cultural tourism. Although you can’t comfortably swim, it’s perfect for hiking with mild temperatures, calmly exploring villages, and enjoying local gastronomy without rush. Many tourist businesses close, but the villages maintain their authentic life.

Discover: Cala Vella, Mallorca Guide: How to Get There and What to Do

Explore the North Coast by Catamaran

The true magnitude of North Mallorca’s beauty is revealed from the sea. Sailing by catamaran along this coast allows you to discover perspectives impossible from land: cliffs that rise dramatically from the water, sea caves that glow with electric blue light, and virgin coves completely inaccessible by road or trails.

From the deck of a catamaran, you view the Serra de Tramuntana from a unique angle, understanding why historical sailors were fascinated by these mountainous profiles emerging from the Mediterranean. The stops in hidden coves allow for snorkeling in waters so transparent you can see the bottom meters down, swimming in bays where you are the only visitor, and exploring corners that remain practically untouched.

The best way to discover the hidden gems of North Mallorca is from the sea. With Attraction Catamarans, you can access virgin coves impossible to reach by land, enjoy magical sunsets, and live a unique experience navigating the island’s most spectacular coast.

Whether you are looking for adventure in the Serra de Tramuntana, tranquility on paradisiacal beaches, or cultural experiences in centuries-old villages, the north area of Mallorca offers all this without giving up its authentic essence. It is a place best enjoyed without rushing, letting yourself be surprised by every discovery.

Live the complete North Mallorca experience from the sea with Attraction Catamarans. Book your spot today and discover paradisiacal coves inaccessible by land, sailing along the island’s most spectacular coast while enjoying personalized attention, included Mediterranean food, and small groups that guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Contact

Muelle Office
Avda. Gabriel Roca, 13
bajos Palma de Mallorca (07014)
Balearic Islands, Spain

Opening
At 9:00 to 20:00 hours

Phone
+34 971 746 101
+34 675 263 206

Email
info@attractioncatamarans.com

Before: €75 / now: €60

Includes a 4-hour tour, DJ, exclusive catering, and a spectacular atmosphere. See you at Attraction!