Best Tours and Day Trips from Mallorca

Mallorca is one of the most famous Balearic Islands but it is also an ideal place to enjoy its paradisiacal beaches and many family activities. Here are the best excursions you can do during your visit to the island.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

11 min read

Best Tours and Day Trips from Mallorca

Mallorca | ©Michael John Button

Majorca is one of the Balearic Islands ' top spots and as such has become an ideal destination to enjoy its beaches and the many activities there are to see and do on the island. Those options range from guided tours of Palma, which is the capital of Mallorca, to party boat tours of the bay, but all ensure fun, excellent gastronomy and unrestricted access to the scorching heat of the Balearics.

Whether you are planning to visit Majorca as a group, with your family or on your own, the island will welcome you with the best plans and many alternatives for you to discover this paradisiacal place located in the Mediterranean Sea. Here are the ten best excursions you can do in Mallorca.

1. Panoramic tour of the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca

In Palma| ©EdgarJa
In Palma| ©EdgarJa

Palma is the capital of Majorca and also one of the most beautiful places on the island, noted for its colonial buildings and its historic centre crowned by the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. On these excursions you can take a panoramic tour of the main sights of the city with the assistance of a local guide.

After the panoramic tour you will have some free time to enjoy the gastronomy of Mallorca, do some shopping in the shopping centre or simply relax while you enjoy the fresh air and the picturesque landscape of Santa Catalina, the most avant-garde Balearic neighbourhood.

These excursions include hotel pick-up if you are staying in Palma and have an approximate duration of 8 hours, including the panoramic tour and free time, during which you can also visit the Paseo del Borne and the Plaza Mayor.

Interesting details

  • Price... Approximately 25 euros per person including the panoramic tour and the assistance of a local guide.
  • Duration... Approximately 8 hours.
  • Advantages... This is one of the classic tours to get to know the historic centre of Palma.
  • Disadvantages... It can be a very long tour if you have a short stay in the city.

Book a guided tour of Mallorca

2. Quad biking tour of Mallorca

Quad biking in Cala Millor| ©demir Ay
Quad biking in Cala Millor| ©demir Ay

If you feel like leaving the city but don't prefer a typical bus tour, the experience of driving a quad bike may be just what you are looking for. You will be able to choose between several quad excursions around Mallorca, although they all have in common the discovery of areas far from the city centre with the freedom that these vehicles offer.

Among the most interesting quad excursions around Mallorca is the one that takes you to the south of Palma, more specifically to the area of Llucmajor. This is a rustic area full of rocky and dusty paths, as well as allowing you to enter a wild forest and see some coves.

Another option is the one that takes place around Port d'Andratx. In this case, you will be able to drive the quad for a little more than 3 hours in the middle of the countryside and mountains.

In both cases I recommend you bring your swimming costume, 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, you can swim almost any time of the year.

Interesting details

  • Price... Approximately 115 euros per person.
  • Duration... Approximately 3 hours.
  • Advantages... You will be able to see some of the island's rural areas.
  • Disadvantages... A B1 driving licence is required.

Book a quad tour in Mallorca

3. Sea caving excursion in Cova de Coloms in Mallorca

Coloms Cave| ©DOBLEVUIT
Coloms Cave| ©DOBLEVUIT

This may not be the kind of excursion suitable for everyone, but if you like caves and are not afraid to put on a wetsuit to discover the underground lakes and stalagmites, I advise you not to hesitate to sign up.

This marine caving adventure takes place in Cova de Coloms, about 1 hour from Palma. Of course, during the whole route you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will help you at all times so that you can enjoy the experience to the maximum.

To make everything safer, groups cannot exceed 8 people. The minimum age to participate is 12 years old and it is advisable to be in acceptable physical shape.

Details of interest

  • Price... Approximately 68 euros per person.
  • Duration... Between 1.5 and 2 hours.
  • Advantages... It's a different activity that I assure you won't forget.
  • Disadvantages... It is not recommended for everyone.

4. Excursion to the Drach Caves from the south of Majorca

Caves of Drach in Porto Cristo| ©Norman G
Caves of Drach in Porto Cristo| ©Norman G

The Caves of Drach hide the largest underground lake in Europe and also one of the most interesting natural wonders of Mallorca. On these excursions you can visit them with a return transfer and pick up from your hotel in Palma so that you can discover the most visited caves in the world.

In the Cuevas del Drach you will be struck by the stalactites and stalagmites that populate the lowest underground point which is known as the Dragon's Cave and also by the charming climate of the village of Porto Cristo, which houses the caves.

These excursions have an average duration of 5 hours but if you wish you can opt for a full day tour at an extra cost and also enjoy a day at the beach in Porto Cristo or a boat trip in Mallorca.

Interesting details

  • Price... Approximately 46 euros per person including entrance to the Drach Caves, guided tour, transfer to and from the hotel and visit to the Majorica Pearl Museum.
  • Duration... Approximately 5 hours.
  • Advantages... You will get to know the most visited attraction in Mallorca.

5. Party tour on a pirate ship in the Bay of Palma

Pirate ship in the Bay of Palma| ©Christina HJ
Pirate ship in the Bay of Palma| ©Christina HJ

If you are looking for a break from Mallorca excursions or a party outing, these pirate boat tours in the Bay of Palma can give you one of the best alternatives. You can enjoy a live DJ and an open bar on a leisurely 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 days to mythical status. They last approximately three hours and during the tour you can also opt for snorkelling experiences with equipment provided by the boat's captain.

These excursions can be ideal if you are visiting the island in a group, although it is not recommended if you are visiting Mallorca with children, as minors will not have access to the boat.

Details of interest

  • Price... Approximately 45 euros per person including live DJ, open bar and boat ride.
  • Duration... Approximately 3 hours.
  • Advantages... You will be able to experience one of Mallorca's characteristic parties on a pirate ship.
  • Disadvantages... Not available for children.

Book a boat trip in Mallorca

6. Excursion to the cape of Formentor and beach with traditional markets

Cape Formentor| ©Cristian Bortes
Cape Formentor| ©Cristian Bortes

Although the island's capital has many attractions and you can't miss them on board, for example, one of Palma's tourist buses, Mallorca is home to many areas that are well worth a visit. One of them is the cape of Formentor, with cliffs almost 300 metres high that offer an impressive landscape.

If you are going to be in Mallorca for 3 days, my advice is to dedicate one of them to 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: the one in Sineu or the one in Alcúdia, depending on the day you book the activity.

Details of interest

  • Price... Approximately 47 euros per person, including transfer from Palma.
  • Duration... Approximately 8 hours.
  • Advantages... You will get to know one of the natural wonders of Mallorca and enjoy its traditional markets.

Book an excursion to the cape of Formentor and traditional markets

7. Excursion to Ses Covetes, Cala S'Almunia and Cala del Moro from Palma de Mallorca

S'Almunia Cove| ©Tommie Hansen
S'Almunia Cove| ©Tommie Hansen

The Calas de Mallorca reserve some of the best beaches on the island so making the effort to visit them is well worth it. They are not easy to reach without a car, so these excursions are ideal for getting to know them, even if 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.

In these coves you will also be able to surf and try snorkelling experiences, although they will have an extra cost. On these beaches you will have to bring your own lunch, as there are no restaurants or shops nearby.

Interesting details

  • Price... Approximately 79 euros per person including return transfer and hotel pick up.
  • Duration... Approximately 8 hours.
  • Advantages... You will have easy access to the best beaches in Mallorca.
  • Disadvantages... Can be an expensive option.

8. Olive oil and wine tour

Olive oil tasting| ©Thomas Belcron
Olive oil tasting| ©Thomas Belcron

Although most tourists come to Mallorca for the good weather and the beaches, they should also take the time to get to know the island's culture. With this type of excursion you will be able to get to know 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 starts in Palma, includes the presence of a local oleologist (oil expert), who will explain in his own home how the oil and its different types are obtained. Obviously, a tasting of the product is not to be missed either.

After this first part of the excursion it is time to get to know the types of wines produced in Mallorca. The tasting, moreover, takes place in a place with stupendous views of the Tramuntana mountain range.

Details of interest

  • Price... Approximately 90 euros per person including transfers and tasting.
  • Duration... Just over 3 hours.
  • Advantages... This is a different and unforgettable option to do from Mallorca.

Book an olive oil and wine tour in Majorca

9. Excursion on the Sóller railway with a tour of the Sanctuary of Lluc and Formentor

Sóller Railway| ©Travel4Brews
Sóller Railway| ©Travel4Brews

On these excursions you can travel on Mallorca's most emblematic train and visit two of the island's main sites. The Sóller railway, which was inaugurated more than 100 years ago, will take you through the Tramuntana mountain range to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Lluc, who is considered by the locals to be the patron saint of the Balearic Islands.

The next stop will be at the cape of Formentor, where you can access the viewpoint that sits just above the cliffs and offers an open view of the Mediterranean coast.

The Sóller railway is one of Mallorca's main attractions and its mountainous route leads along one of the most picturesque railway tracks in Spain, making it well worth a visit.

Interesting details

  • Price... Approximately 63 euros including train ticket.
  • Duration... Approximately 9 hours.
  • Advantages... You will be able to travel along a magical route on an emblematic train.

10. Excursion along the Mallorcan coast with activities included

Sailing around Majorca| ©Daniel Olah
Sailing around Majorca| ©Daniel Olah

If your stay is not going to be very long, but you don't want to miss the opportunity to enjoy the best activities that Mallorca has to offer, this type of excursion is tailor-made for you: cruising, abseiling, climbing, swimming..., all concentrated in just 4 hours.

Throughout the duration of this adventure you will be accompanied by an instructor who will not only guide you on an exciting journey along part of the coast of the island, but will also be in charge of the safety of each of the activities.

Interesting details

  • Price... Approximately 67 euros per person.
  • Duration... Approximately 4 hours.
  • Advantages... You will be able to enjoy a safe adventure tour with the assistance of a guide.

How to book an excursion in Mallorca?

Book Online| ©Porapak Apichodilok
Book Online| ©Porapak Apichodilok

You can book an excursion online in advance or book an excursion once you visit the island. If you plan to travel to Mallorca in July or in the high season months I recommend that you book your excursions in advance to avoid selling out and price increases at the last minute.

Bear in mind that some excursions may change their itinerary according to the time of year, so it is not the same if you visit Mallorca in winter than in summer. In any case, check the services included in the tour before you buy it.

What will I see on this type of excursion in Mallorca?

Caves of Drach in Porto Cristo| ©Norman G
Caves of Drach in Porto Cristo| ©Norman G

On the Palma excursions you will see the historic centre and the main attractions, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, Bellver Castle and the Royal Palace of the Almudaina, while in Manacor you can visit the Rafael Nadal Museum.

On the outskirts of Palma you can visit the Caves of Drach and the route of the Sóller railway, the paradisiacal coves of Mallorca and even take a hot-air balloon ride or explore the inland villages on an excursion on a quad bike.

Tips for an excursion in Mallorca

Hiking in Mallorca| ©Kristoffer Trolle
Hiking in Mallorca| ©Kristoffer Trolle

If you are planning to travel to Mallorca in August or in the high season months I advise you to book your excursions in advance to avoid delays and price increases. Also bear in mind the time of your visit as the activities on each tour may change.

If you are planning to visit several places in Mallorca it is ideal to stay in Palma, as the island has many means of transport such as the metro and city buses and they all arrive in the capital.

Why is it advisable to go on an excursion in Mallorca?

Day tour| ©B C
Day tour| ©B C

Mallorca is a destination that has many activities to do and has other attractions besides the beaches and boat trips on the Mediterranean Sea, so the way to exploit these attractions is through excursions, which will also save you time and money.

If you want to visit the Caves of Drach or the Calas, the most convenient alternative is to do it with an excursion, especially if you buy at the last minute, when tickets to the sites may be sold out. I also recommend that to get the most out of the historical tour of Palma you hire a guided tour, otherwise you will miss out on the best stories.

If you still want to tour the island on your own, you can also 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.