Top things to do on Mallorca, Spain

Away from the beaches and clubs, the diverse landscape of Mallorca offers a range of hiking, driving and golfing opportunities for active couples.

Hiking – The rugged terrain of Mallorca offers great hiking opportunities that range from a few hours to several days. Hiking is especially good along marked trails in the Serra de Tramuntana in the west, where there are several peaks more than 1000m high, and in the Llevant Mountains to the east, with peaks up to 561m in height.

Try the six-day hike from Valldemossa via Soller to Pollença, which winds along centuries-old traders’ paths past gnarled olive trees through woodland, along dramatic canyons to mountain peaks offering spectacular panoramic vistas.

Driving – The west coast offers some of Mallorca’s most scenic driving experiences. Discover twisting roads that wind past secluded sandy coves atop vertiginous cliffs, through pine forests, lemon and orange groves.

Stop by charming fortified hilltop towns such as: Andratx, surrounded by fortifications; the pretty town of Estallenchs, sprawling across steep slopes at the foot of the Mount Galatzo; and attractive Bañalbufar, where you can enjoy panoramic sea views from the 17th century Mirador de Ses Animes.

Golfing – Mallorca offers several challenging golf courses. Arguably the best is the Son Vida Club de Golf, a par-72 18-hole course located less than 5km north of Palma. Guests of the Arabella Golf Hotel and Son Vida Hotel share the course, which offers panoramic views overlooking Palma Bay and the Serra Tramuntana mountains.

Shopping – Some of the best buys in Palma include hand-embroidered sheets, tablecloths, napkins and pillowcases, as well as elegant leather goods and Mallorcan pearls. The best shopping is on the streets radiating from the Passeig des Borne to Plaça Cort. Don’t walk past the famous Casa Bonet on Plaça Federico Chopin 2, founded in 1860 and renowned for its hand-embroidered textured needlework, many of which use using ancient designs.

Island hopping From Mallorca, enjoy a day trip or stay longer at one of the other Balearic Islands.