Mallorca may be best known for its beautiful beaches and night-long parties, but it is much more than that. It is an island full of history, stunning landscapes, and charming locations well worth exploring. In this article, we will visit the best photo spots on Mallorca, as well as share some practical tips to help you plan the trip.
I live where I would like to live. I live in Majorca, Spain, and I am not sure there are better places.
― Rafael Nadal
Now, don’t get me wrong. Mallorca is a fantastic destination for a relaxing beach vacation if that is what you are after. There is absolutely nothing wrong with coming here for that purpose alone.
But if you are looking for something extra, it has lots up its sleeve. The island is a treasure trove full of secrets and hopefully, this article will help you uncover some of them.
With that out of the way, let us now dive deep into what Mallorca has to offer and take a closer look at its best photo spots.
Palma Old Town
Palma, or Palma de Mallorca, as it is sometimes called, is the capital and the largest city not only of Mallorca but of the entire Balearic archipelago.
Originally founded by the Romans centuries ago, Palma went through extended periods of Arabic and Byzantine influence. To this day, as you walk its narrow cobbled streets, you can feel that blend of cultures, religions, and lifestyles all around you.
To me, Palma represents a very different side of Mallorca. One that is grounded in the history and rich heritage of the prior generations. Many people here still live the way they did before Mallorca became a major tourist magnet.
But times change of course, and today’s Palma is a wonderful mix of old and new, of past and present. In the old town, the ancient archways, cozy squares, and churches neighbor the modern fashion boutiques and lively street cafes.
And yet, the city still emanates a vibe of a “real” Mallorca. That’s what makes it so unique and worth seeing. Besides, the old town is literally packed with incredible photo spots.
Come here in the evening to enjoy a relaxed stroll through the traffic-free pedestrian passages. Soak in history, then have some wine and tapas in one of the local restaurants watching the world go by. Trust me, it just doesn’t get much better than this.
Catedral de Mallorca
The old town is also home to one of the most impressive and grandiose structures on the island – the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma.
Founded in 1229 when King James I retook Mallorca from the moors, the cathedral took nearly 400 years to complete. Then, in 1851 an earthquake destroyed large portions of it, and the construction had to commence again.
Generations of builders and architects left their mark on the building. Even Antoni Gaudi was involved at some point, though his ideas proved too modernistic for the clergy. Still, some of Gaudi’s influence is clearly visible in the interior elements.
All this makes the Cathedral of Mallorca one of the most unusual and unique in Spain. So while in Palma, be sure to set aside a couple of hours to visit it and check out the surrounding park.
You can also come inside or even sign up for a guided tour of the roof. There, you will be treated to a spectacular view of the city, the sea, and the mountains in the north. Check the available dates and the admission prices on the cathedral’s homepage.
Or simply admire it from the outside. The cathedral dominates the skyline, and there are many photo spots around it to capture its imposing frame.
And if you happen to be in Mallorca on either February 2nd or November 11th, consider yourself lucky. Come early in the morning to witness a fascinating light show known as the Festival of Light. It is this spectacle that earned the cathedral its other name – La Seu, or “Cathedral of Light”.
Deià
Let us now leave the capital and travel to the northern part of Mallorca. Here, the mountain ridge of Serra de Tramuntana and the rugged coastline provide a lot of gorgeous photography opportunities as well as interesting areas to explore.
Our first stop is a little coastal town of Deià. Just a short 45-minute drive from Palma, this charming village is as idyllic as it gets. No wonder it has attracted artists (and most currently, the rich) from all over the world.
In Deià, the time stops. Hidden among the lovely mountain landscapes, it is a place to relax, chill, and just soak in the beauty of nature. To spend a day without trouble or worry, relishing the local cuisine in one of the quaint cafes.
And if you really want to treat yourself, the town’s own Michelin star restaurant Es Racó d’es Teix is at your service.
For those feeling adventurous, there are also some great hikes in the area. One, in particular, is a path down to Cala Deià. A striking beach cove with incredible turquoise water and precipitous cliffs is just 40 minutes walk away from town.
There are plenty of marvelous photo spots all around. An obvious choice is a viewpoint just south of the village. This is where you get that postcard-perfect view of the village and the surrounding hills. But of course, feel free to come up with other, less recognizable compositions.
In case you don’t have a car, bus line 203 from Palma will also take you to Deià.
Mirador de Sa Foradada
As if Deià wasn’t gorgeous enough, just a few minute’s drive north of it, Sa Foradada is a famous sunset-watching location in Mallorca.
Sa Foradada is a rocky peninsula known for the massive 18-meter wide hole in the middle of the cliff. It is this hole that gave the place its name – Sa Foradada means “pierced” in Catalan.
According to the legend, it was damaged in the 16th century in a battle between the pirates and the natives. The sides exchanged fire, and one of the cannons hit the rock, creating a hole.
Whether true or not, Sa Foradada is a beloved destination to watch and photograph the sunset on Mallorca. And for good reason. In the soft light of the evening sun, the sea and the peninsula look tremendously picturesque.
It is a popular photo spot and gets packed quickly, so try to come early. For a perfect shot, I suggest the Son Marroig viewpoint. There is even a bar there to shorten the wait!
For those less into photography, the nearby restaurant is ideal to watch the sun go down over a delicious meal.
And if you want to make an adventure out of it, hike down to the peninsula itself. The walk would take about an hour depending on your physical condition. Once you reach it, you will notice a path to the water. So how about a refreshing bath in the Mediterranean before heading back?
Torre del Verger
Another famous and easy to access sunset photography spot in Mallorca is Torre del Verger. The medieval tower perched high on a cliff above the sea looks especially dreamy and nostalgic at twilight.
The tower was constructed in 1579. Back then, Mallorca was frequently attacked by pirates from Africa and the Ottoman empire. To defend the island, the authorities designed a network of coastal watchtowers which Torre del Verger was a part of.
When pirates sailed close to the shore, the towers would lift the flag and light the fire. That signaled the threat to further outposts and urban areas, allowing the garrison to prepare for the possible assault.
As centuries flew by, the defense network fell into disarray. Today, Torre del Verger is but a silent sentinel reminding of the island’s violent history. The era of pirates is long gone, but the tower still stands, ever watching the waters for signs of invaders.
The views from around here are magnificent, to say the least. And Torre del Verger itself makes for a compelling photo subject against the backdrop of a burning sunset.
Renting a car is the simplest way to reach the tower. You can also do so with a bus, but the journey becomes a little more complicated. There is a thorough review on TripAdvisor outlining the details.
Road to Sa Calobra
For the adrenaline junkies, the road to Sa Calobra is a definite must-see along the northern coast of Mallorca. A narrow and twisting mountain road is one of the most striking in Spain, if not the world.
A brainchild of the Spanish engineer Antonio Parietti, the road to Sa Calobra is a seemingly endless galore of turns, twists, and switchbacks, all squeezed into a relatively modest 13 km length.
It is not only a rollercoaster of emotion and a thrilling ride for any driver, cycler, or motorcycle owner. It is also a descent that features some of the most brilliant views across the entire island. There are abundant photo spots at every turn, each more stunning than one before it.
And if that wasn’t good enough, what awaits at the end is equally rewarding. This is surely not a case of a route being more important than the destination.
Take a left near the end of the road, and you will arrive at Playa Cala Tuent. One of Mallorca’s most secluded beaches, it is tucked away between the impressive rocks on both sides.
Continue straight instead, and a short distance behind the port of Sa Calobra, Torrent de Pareis is a scenic hike through a deep canyon. Follow the path to find another dreamy beach that only a few ever get to witness.
Cap de Formentor
On the far north of Mallorca where the Serra de Tramuntana mountains meet the Mediterranean, lies the Cap de Formentor. It is a kingdom of raw beauty, breathtaking views, magnificent cliffs, and insane winds.
So much so, in fact, that the Majorcans often call it the meeting point of the winds. I can surely attest to that as I nearly lost my drone trying to fly it above the cape.
Located far away from the main tourist hotspots, Cap de Formentor is not frequented by the leisurely pleasure seekers. However, it has inspired numerous artists, poets, and, more recently, photographers.
The narrow winding road that goes through the cape is an attraction in its own right. Passing through otherworldly landscapes, it eventually terminates at the lighthouse Far de Formentor, at the tip of the cape.
There are plenty of noteworthy photo spots along that route. I especially recommend stopping at Mirador Es Colomer for some astonishing seascape vistas. And just across the road from there is Talaia d’Albercutx, another scenic watchtower of Mallorca, overlooking the bay.
The lighthouse Far de Formentor is sometimes referred to as Majorcan Finisterre – the Land’s End of Mallorca. Placed at the very end of the cape and peering into the distance, it is an impressive engineering achievement and makes for an outstanding sunrise photo subject.
And after you are done with all the photography, hit the Platja de Formentor for some morning relaxation. A kilometer long, with crystal clear water and golden sand, it is one of the greatest beaches in Mallorca.
Playa De Muro
And while we are on the subject of beaches, there is another one that deserves to be on this list. The honor goes to Playa de Muro, an absolutely remarkable strand of sand in the northeastern part of the island.
At 6 km, it is the largest sandy beach in Mallorca. It is very easy to access and has all the required facilities. There are numerous restaurants, bars, even dedicated play areas for kids. In other words, pretty much everything you might want for a perfect day in the sun.
The crystal-clear waters of Playa de Muro are shallow and stretch quite far before ever getting deep. This makes it safe and a great place to just sit in the water enjoying the sun.
And on top of that, there are endless sports to immerse yourself in. Paddle boats, banana boats, kite surfing, windsurfing, sailing, SUPs – you name it! No wonder Playa de Muro is so popular with visitors and locals alike.
Playa de Muro is also unbelievably picturesque. Framed by the mountain ridges on both sides, the bay is somewhat reminiscent of Hawaii. And if you are into photography, there are 4 different piers here that make a great subject for an epic photo.
So come here early in the morning before it gets too crowded, to capture that gorgeous sunrise.
Cuevas del Drach
The eastern coast of Mallorca is home to one of its most renowned and unique attractions – Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves).
The massive complex of interconnecting caverns leads to the largest underground lake in the world. It is remarkable, to say the least. As you slowly descend into the semidarkness, it becomes all too believable that the dragons could once have lived here.
Source: Photo 135198643 © Marius Dorin Balate | Dreamstime.com
Unfortunately, it is impossible to enter the caves on your own. You need to buy a ticket and join the guided tour. You can check the latest prices and schedules on the official website.
The excursion lasts approximately an hour and includes a classical music concert and a boat trip across Lake Martel. Both greatly enhance the experience, making it even more memorable.
The acoustics inside the caves are amazing, and so are the views. The electric lights that were installed to illuminate the interior really help to enhance the magical feel of the caves.
But, if you fancy some photos, be ready to tackle tricky lighting conditions. Tripods are not allowed inside Cuevas del Drach, so you will have to make do with the camera settings. Crank that ISO up and bring the fastest lens you have – you will need it.
Es Pontas
I would like to conclude this guide to the best photo spots on Mallorca with a shoutout to Es Pontas. While probably of limited interest to the majority of visitors, it is nonetheless a true landscape photographer’s delight.
Es Pontas means “the big bridge” in Catalan. And that’s a pretty accurate description for the immense natural arch bulging from the sea a short distance offshore. It is a truly majestic sight that begs to be photographed.
Es Pontas is located quite far off the major attractions of Mallorca, and so is rarely crowded. On the flip side, you probably need a rental car to reach it.
From a small village nearby, it is a short but treacherous hike to the observation point. Good shoes definitely help, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
As grandiose as the arch is, it is pretty hard to capture a decent photo of it. Because of its geographical position, the best time for that would be at sunrise in winter. In any other season, I recommend coming here for sunset and hoping for some favorable conditions.
Still, even if the weather does not cooperate, it is a pretty cool place just to be in and see with your own eyes. So have a picnic and watch the light slowly fade away.
Oh, and a fun fact to wrap up this section. I bet you didn’t know that Es Pontas is a difficult deep-water solo climbing route that only a few ever accomplished. So keep an eye out, you might just notice someone attempting to repeat it!
Planning a Trip to Mallorca
So there you have it – my top 10 best photo spots in Mallorca that are both picturesque and fun to explore. Excited? Eager to experience Mallorca yourself? Let us now talk about some of the practicalities of planning a trip to this beautiful island.
What is the Best Month to Visit Mallorca
That depends a lot on the primary purpose of your visit. For an uncomplicated beach vacation, the period between May and September is honestly hard to beat. Keep in mind, this is high season, meaning lots of tourist and higher prices.
If you don’t mind somewhat cooler sea temperatures, May and September are actually perfect and much preferable to the busy summer months.
For photography and other more active ventures, such as hiking or cycling, there is almost no wrong answer. Spring is probably the most pleasant season. The air is warm, there is enough sunshine and come April most businesses are open again.
October is the rainiest month in Mallorca, which is not always desirable. On the other hand, such weather can produce some very dramatic skies for photography.
Winter is the season of solitude and calmness, with almost no visitors and most of the island deep asleep. It provides a brilliant opportunity to photograph some of Mallorca’s best sites without much interference.
Where to Stay in Mallorca: the Best Areas
For the first-time visitors interested in combining the summer vacation with some basic activities, the area around Palma is probably ideal.
Playa de Palma and Playa s’Arenal in particular are both excellent choices not too far away from the capital. For partying and vibrant nightlife, Magaluf is also a strong contender.
The north-eastern coast offers a more relaxed and chilled vibe, with various options for a comfortable stay. Both Playa De Muro and Puerto de Alcudia would work really well.
Those mainly interested in photography, hiking or cycling should consider north of Mallorca as their home base. With many fabulous destinations nearby, the coastal villages of Port de Soller or Deià are the prime picks.
How Long to Stay in Mallorca
Personally, I wouldn’t bother coming to Mallorca unless you can spend at least 3 nights. You wouldn’t do it justice and the trip would end up being too hectic and rushed anyway.
That said, for a complete and relaxed experience, a week or two would be optimal. It would give you enough time to catch some sun, enjoy the holiday, taste the local cuisine and see most of what Mallorca has to offer.
My own first trip to Mallorca lasted for 3 days. It was long enough to get a taste of it, but not nearly enough to do everything that I envisioned.
Getting Around Mallorca
It is quite possible to spend a week in Mallorca and never need any sort of transport. Most of the touristy areas have everything you need right within walking distance.
However, if you intend to do a fair bit of exploring, I recommend renting a car. True, Mallorca is a small island, and many of its attractions can be reached by public transportation. However, having your own vehicle gives much more flexibility and saves time.
This is especially crucial for photographers who often want to be at a given photo spot at a very specific moment. Besides, rentals are usually inexpensive in Mallorca.
Conclusion
Mallorca is so much more than just another beach resort. While undoubtedly excellent for a summer vacation, it is also a splendid travel destination in its own right.
Those willing to look beyond the surface will encounter rich culture, ancient history, and plenty of phenomenal landscapes and photo spots. And if you are willing to put in the effort to truly get to know it, Mallorca will reward you handsomely.
I hope you enjoyed this quick overview of Mallorca’s most beautiful locations and got something useful out of it. If you never considered it as a future travel goal, perhaps it will now become one.
Other than that, feel free to poke around the blog – there is lots of content to engage in. Here are just a few articles and travel guides that I think you might like:
- Top 7 locations for landscape photography on Tenerife
- Lisbon Photography Guide: 10 Fabulous Spots to Capture
- Sintra Photography Guide: 10 Best Spots with Practical Tips
- Best Places to Photograph in Milan
- Three locations for wave photography on Tenerife
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