Travellers have long been beguiled by the beautiful Balearic Islands. And who can blame them? Mallorca, the largest of the lot, offers something for everyone. Shaking off its reputation as a party island (sorry, Magaluf), tourists flock to Mallorca for its unspoilt beaches, rugged natural landscapes and cosmopolitan capital, Palma. But for those who prefer to stray from the tourist trail and escape the accompanying crowds, there are plenty of quiet corners and well-kept secrets to discover. From secluded bays to ancient hilltop monasteries, read on for our roundup of hidden gems in Mallorca…
1. Cala Varques
2. Jardines de Alfabia and Raixa
3. Ermita de Betlem
4. Sa Foradada
5. Cala Marmols
Cala Varques
While Mallorca isn’t short of incredible beaches, finding one without flocks of people can be a challenge. One beach that meets this criteria, Cala Varques, is tucked midway up the island's east coast. Owing to its location in the wild Cales Verges de Manacor nature reserve, this beach is only accessible by boat or on foot (reached via a short walk through a pine forest). This secluded bay is one of the best hidden gems in Mallorca, with tranquil turquoise waters and powder-white sand as the rewards for those in the know (yes, that’s now you). Enclosed on either side by rocky cliffs populated with Mediterranean scrub, swaying pines and majestic oak trees, civilisation feels a million miles away (aside from an ad hoc beach bar in the summer).
Jardines de Alfabia and Raixa
Next up on our list of hidden gems in Mallorca are a pair of pretty estates: Jardines de Alfabia and Raixa. Nestled in the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains in Bunyola, these two scenic spots are easily combined in a morning’s exploration (Raixa is even free to visit). Both complexes are home to grand Arab-era mansions – which are well worth a wander around – but it’s their gardens which really steal the show. Think rows of bushy cypress trees, trickling water features and fragrant citrus groves galore. Find a shaded spot to enjoy a coffee and a moment of contemplation, stroll down the dappled tree-lined avenues and marvel at the tall palms piercing the sky.
Ermita de Betlem
What’s a holiday without a slice of history? Head for the hills in the northeast to find Ermita de Betlem and scratch that historical itch. Located in the beautiful Llevant mountains near Arta, this over 200-year-old monastery is a spiritual oasis boasting spectacular views over the sparkling Bay of Alcudia. Until 2010, the hermitage was inhabited by three monks who lived off the land and their animals, relying on visitors’ donations. Oozing authentic charm and tradition, you’re greeted with an enchanting entranceway framed on either side by cypress trees. While the monastery’s interior is simple, the vistas and peaceful setting more than make up for it. Take the footpath which winds up from the town of Betlem below, or pedal up the mountain on a bike to reach this isolated idyll.
Sa Foradada
Foodies, this next one’s for you. One of our favourite hidden gems in Mallorca, Sa Foradada is the kind of restaurant you won’t forget in a hurry. Perched at the bottom of a cliff, this rustic eatery is only accessible by boat or a 45-minute downhill (on the way there…) walk, but trust us, it’s worth the effort. With a simple, unpretentious setup, every table boasts enchanting views over the inky blue ocean and rocky cove below. Tuck into platefuls of delicious paella cooked outdoors over a flaming grill, sloshed down with a glass of sangria. Take a refreshing dip in the enticing waters before embarking on the steep climb on the way back. Time to work off that paella…
Image by Claire Guarry
Cala Marmols
We began our list of hidden gems in Mallorca with a beach, so it’s only fitting we end with one, too. Like some of the other most beautiful beaches on the island, Cala Marmols, or ‘Marble Bay’, is hard to get to. But we think that’s all part of its charm. Crystalline waters, marble cliffs and soft white sand await the adventurous, while pine, juniper and olive trees pepper the surrounding landscape. You’ll likely have the cove all to yourself, as well as panoramic views of the uninhabited Cabrera Island archipelago. If you’re willing and able to make the three-mile walk along the rocky footpath, make sure to bring enough water for the journey (and don’t expect any amenities once you arrive). Don’t fancy the trek? Save your legs and sail into Marmols in style aboard a boat to reach this southeast coast gem.
Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by Thomas Linkel/LAIF-REA
