12 Mallorca hidden gems (off the beaten path)

#1 - Sa Cova Foradada - hidden gem in Mallorca

• About Sa Cova Foradada - 
  I still can't believe that when I visited, there were absolutely no sign on the roads indicating this wonderful place.
  In a residential area, just behind houses, you can walk to this natural arch.
  You can admire the view from above with a lighthouse in the distance (this is easy to access).
  But the best is to climb down those big boulders to see the lighthouse through the arch. Picture perfect!
  Not to be mixed up with the Sa Foradada viewpoint in the Tramuntana mountains.

• Location - 
  East Coast
  In the town of Portocolom
  Palma de Mallorca to Sa Cova Foradada = 55min drive
  Alcudia to Sa Cova Foradada = 1h10 drive
• How to get there -
  Easy access by car. 
  Parking along the street.
• Practical tips -
  Easy access to the view from above.
  Some climbing on boulders to reach the bottom of the arch
  No amenities
  View facing East.

#2 - Faro Capdepera - Mallorca secret place

• About Faro Capdepera - 
  Capdepera has one of the best lighthouses on the island.
  Located on Punta de Capdepera, the lighthouse started in 1861 and its light is at 76m above sea level.
  The lighthouse can be admired from quite close, and it is located on a rocky headland with coves.
  The best part is that you can do a short hike around to enjoy great perspectives towards the lighthouse and sea views.

• Location - 
  North-East tip of the island
  Close to the town of Capdepera
  Palma de Mallorca to Faro Capdepera = 1h15 drive
  Alcudia to Faro Capdepera = 55min drive
• How to get there -
  Narrow road to access to lighthouse (but just for a couple of kilometers).
  Few parking spots along the road
• Practical tips -
  Great views from the road
  Hike down on rocky terrain to the next headland for great views
  Headland is facing East.
  No amenities

#3 - Albercutx Tower

• About the Albercutx tower - 
  The Formentor peninsula is one of the most famous areas on Mallorca island. It gets very busy during the day, even off season.
  However, far fewer people explore the side road leading to the Albercutx tower.
  Standing at 380m (1247ft) above sea level, the scenery is worth the short drive!
  The tower was part of the defensive system all around the island.
  And the views are extensive!
  From the path you can see the entire end of the peninsula with Formentor beach and the cliffs, plus you get entire views of the Pollença bay

• Location - 
  North Coast
  Close to the town of Port de Pollenca
  Palma de Mallorca to Albercutx tower = 1h05 drive
  Alcudia to Albercutx tower = 30min drive
• How to get there -
  Mirador es Colomer is the most famous viewpoint on Formentor.
  From there, instead of continuing towards Formentor beach, take the small road across.
  There is a 2km stretch of narrow winding road leading to a small area where a few cars can park.
  Then it is a 5min walk with stunning views all the way to the tower
• Practical tips -
  First, the walk in on a road and then with steps to reach the tower.
  Don't go all the way up by car, you are going to miss the view of the entire peninsula (first photo above).
  No amenities.
  It is possible to enter the tower and climb to the top for more view. However, the ladder is difficult.

#4 - Andratx

• About Andratx - 
  Andratx is an important town but not touristic at all.
  The most famous part of Andratx is actually its harbor, the twin town of Port d’Andratx.
  But, I think this quiet old town where you will find mostly locals is worth a stop.
  It dates back to the 2nd century BC, built inland to protect from pirate attacks.
  This is a traditional town is surrounded by mountains, sea and orange groves. It is home to a castle with a beautiful courtyard, and a nice little garden in front, as well as a church and windmills.

• Location - 
  West end of Mallorca
  Palma de Mallorca to Andratx = 30min drive
  Alcudia to Andratx = 1h drive
• How to get there -
  Easy drive from Palma.
  It is also the West end of the famous road Ma-10 through the Tramuntana mountains.
  Street parking and carparks around the castle.
• Practical tips -
  Few small restaurants in town
  Don't miss the side of the castle with the inner courtyard (entrance of town hall).

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, maps and tips) in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Mallorca road trip:

#5 - Es Camell rock formations

• About Es Camell - 
  The Eastern section of Road Ma-10 thought the Tramuntana mountains has more than just mountain views.
  You are surrounded by beautiful rock formations sculpted by the elements.
  If you want to enjoy a walk through such formations, you can explore from 20min to 2h from the Lluc monastery
  The hike is called Es Camell, because one of the rock formation is a large boulder with 2 bumps.

• Location - 
  Departure from the Lluc Monastery
  On Ma-10 between Soller and Pollenca
  Palma de Mallorca to Lluc Monastery = 1h drive
  Alcudia to Lluc Monastery = 45min drive
• How to get there -
  Main road through the mountains to Lluc Monastery
  Large carpark
  Departure of the hike: past the botanical garden, walk through a football field and cross a wooden bridge.
• Practical tips -
  A little steep, but you can enjoy rocks almost right away.
  Walk as much as you want.
  To reach the camel, it is a 10min climb from the bridge

#6 - Monestir de Miramar 

• About Monastir de Miramar - 
  On Ma-10, everybody stops at the Sa Foradada viewpoint and many visit the Son Maroig estate, famous for one of the most romantic viewpoints on the island.
  But, if you are looking for charm and fewer people, I recommend a visit of the nearby Miramar Monastery.
  Niched between sea and mountains, it has been occupied by various religious orders since the Middle Ages.
  In 1872, it was purchased by Austrian Archduke Ludwig Salvator who invited artists, intellectuals and royals to stay there.
  The building, church, garden and park are picturesque and peaceful.

• Location - 
  West Coast, Tramuntana Area
  Between the famous villages of Deia and Valldemossa
  Palma de Mallorca to Monestir de Miramar = 35min drive
  Alcudia to Monestir de Miramar = 1h drive
• How to get there -
  Right my the main road
  Large carpark (unpaved)
• Practical tips -
  Plan 1 to 2h (depending on if you explore the entire park.
  3€  - Mon to Sat: 10am to 5:45pm (Summer and Autumn)
  Official website

#7 - Cala Beltran - Mallorca off the beaten path

• About Cala Beltran - 
  Cala Beltran is one of my favorite calas in Mallorca (see my list)
  No sandy beaches, no buildings... just beautiful nature and stunning views.
  The waterway is long, narrow and winding. It looks like a snake of water in the landscapes.
  The colors are beautiful, with turquoise water, white to orange cliffs, and vibrant green trees.
  Plus the hike from Cala Pi to Cala Beltran offers stunning views of both mouths of the coves and of the calas themselves.

• Location - 
  South Coast
  Near Cala Pi (hike from Cala Pi)
  Palma de Mallorca to Cala Pi = 40 min drive
  Alcudia to Cala Pi = 1h20 drive
• How to get there -
  Easy access to Cala Pi
  Parking at Cala Pi can be difficult
  146 steps down to Cala Pi
• Practical tips -
  20min hike from Cala Pi to Cala Beltran.
  Departure of the hike behind the fishing houses.
  The first 5min are climbing on big rocks, but then the path is easier once you are at the top of the cliff
  Facilities in Cala Pi but nothing at Cala Beltran
• learn more

#8 - Torre de S'Estalella

• About Torre de S’Estalella - 
  This is the location with the longest hike. But most of it is walking on an easy flat path. Therefore, I think it is worth the effort (1h30 return)
  The walk takes around a headland that includes sea caves, rock formations, a small lighthouse and a historical tower.
  The defensive tower dates back to 1577 (and restored in 1984). It is cylindrical at the top and conical at the bottom. Its height is 9.2m (30ft).
  The best part is the mix of nature with the constructions.

• Location - 
  South Coast
  North of Colonia Sant Jordi
  Palma de Mallorca to S’Estalella = 35min drive
  Alcudia to S’Estalella = 1h10 drive
• How to get there -
  Easy drive to the beginning of the walk in S'estanyol de Migjon
  Lots of parking spaces

Mostly flat and easy walk - the most difficult is the beginning, walking on sand and then a little bit on rocks 

• Practical tips -
  1h30 return hike
  Cafés in the village at the beginning, but nothing along the hike
  The best view, in my opinion, is the sea cave with the tower. Best light in the morning for details in the rocks (facing West)

#9 - Betlem area

• About Belem and Cala Fonda - 
  The coast around the village of Betlem is beautiful.
  This off-the-beaten-path area is very peaceful, with the stunning hills of Cap Farrutx.
  You can walk North to Cala Na Clara.
  Nothing specific to visit. Just a place to stroll, breathe and admire the work of Nature.

• Location - 
  North Coast
  Not far from Arta
  Palma de Mallorca to Betlem = 1h15 drive
  Alcudia to Betlem = 45min drive
• How to get there -
  Single road along the coast
  Quiet non touristy area
• Practical tips -
  Couple of restaurants

#10 - Ses Paisses

• About Ses Paisses - 
  Mallorca is famous for its Talayotic settlements from the Bronze age among other archaeological sites (see my list)
  Ses Paisses is one of the best preserved on the island.
  Its most interesting feature is the surrounding wall with the main entrance. The size and set up of the rocks is fascinating.
  Inside, the visitor can discover the typical structure of houses around a central tower.

• Location - 
  North coast
  In the town of Arta
  Palma de Mallorca to Ses Paisses = 1h drive
  Alcudia to Ses Paisses = 40min drive
• How to get there -
  Just 2 min drive from the main road around Arta
  Easy access, carpark
• Practical tips -
  Short walk around the side
  2€ - 10am to 5pm (to 2pm on Sat and closed on Sun)
  Plan 30min to 1h depending on your level of interest.
  Toilets at the site

#11 - Santuari de Sant Joan

• About Sant Joan Sanctuary - 
  Mallorca has several sanctuaries, and monasteries located on top hills, in the inland.
  Most of them are not visited by tourists.
  This hermitage dates back to the 13th century.
  The surrounding area is a recreational area with great views of the valley.
  The top features of the stone buildings are the 2 sundials.

• Location - 
  Center of the island
  Near the historical village of Sineu
  Palma de Mallorca to Sant Joan = 1h drive
  Alcudia to Sant Joan  = 40min drive
• How to get there -
  Climb the stairs up hill or drive to the cemetery carpark
• Practical tips -
  No facilities

#12 - Campanet Caves

• About the Campanet Caves - 
  Mallorca is home to famous underground caves. My 2 favorite though, are not the more famous (see my list).
  Campanet is one of them.
  This is the one with the most beautiful structures, in my opinion (and in the opinion of my Arta Caves Tour Guide too).
  It was only discovered in 1945, therefore, the rock crystallizations and structures are in very good condition.
  Plus, the lighting is well-executed, so you can really enjoy the details and beauty of the place.
  The walking path takes you around a 600m long route to discover several chambers.
  Extra: the views from the café restaurant are beautiful, out of the beaten path. One of Mallorca's hidden gems.

• Location - 
  Close to the main road across island Ma-13.
  Not far from Alcudia
  Palma de Mallorca to Campanet Caves = 35min drive
  Alcudia to Campanet Caves = 20min drive
• How to get there -
  Drive is easy.
  Parking is easy.
  Walk is more difficult. There are many tall steps, even just to reach the restaurant and the entrance of the cave from the carpark.
• Practical tips -
  Plan 40minutes to complete the tour of the cave
  Check the latest info on the official website
  15€
  Pre-book your ticket here

Mallorca hidden gems - Map, selection, beaches...

What is off the beaten path?

I know that some people will disagree. The notion of the "secret" or "off the beaten path" is a question of perception.
I selected places where I was alone or almost alone.
But, as Mallorca tourism grows, those will become increasingly popular too.

Mallorca hidden beaches

There is no real hidden beach in Mallorca that is also scenic.
As soon as a beach is beautiful, people are flocking to it even if a long hike is required!
Your best bet are those that are difficult to access, but know that you will not be alone unless visiting early morning. For example:

• Cala Figuera in Formentor
• Cala Murta in Formentor
• Cala d'Egos
• Cala Torta
• ...

Map of Mallorca secret places

Below is a map to help you locate my selection of 12 hidden places above.

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, maps and tips) in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Mallorca road trip:

Want to see more of Mallorca?

• 40 most beautiful landscapes in Mallorca (with pictures) - read article
• 7 Best Mallorca caves - read article
• 10 best calas in Mallorca (coves) - read article
• 21 most beautiful views in Mallorca - read article
• one week in Mallorca - 5 itinerary suggestions - read article
• Mallorca travel tips - read article
• Driving in Mallorca - read article
• 21 Most beautiful towns and villages in Mallorca - read article
• 21 Best beaches in Mallorca - read article

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