Things To Do In Mallorca

It’s perfectly acceptable to spend two weeks in Mallorca lapping up the sun during the day and soaking yourself in sangria in the evening.  However, if you have less time available or just want to use what time you have more constructively, then you might prefer to check out some of the island’s attractions. Besides those with natural themes, such as the famous caves and the sea life centre known as Marineland, the island offers some entirely man-made attractions where visitors can enjoy some fast-paced action or get the chance to exercise their credit cards a little.

Marineland

Near the top of the list as one of the island’s most popular attractions, Marineland is the only attraction in the Balearics to offer live shows that feature performing marine species such as sea lions and dolphins. Crowds are particularly fond of the dolphin exhibitions, which feature these highly intelligent creatures demonstrating their acrobatic skills through a variety of obstacles. Other attractions at the centre include aquariums featuring a variety of captive marine life such as sharks and fish species from the oceans. A reptile zoo showcasing snakes, crocodiles and others creatures is also a popular feature of the centre.

Aquacity

Located at the resort of S'Arsenal, a short distance east of Palma, Aquacity is an outdoor, water-based attraction offering thrills and spills for the young and the young-at-heart. With a number of large pools as well as a variety of steep and winding slides, Aquacity is a great place to head with the kids to cool off during the summer season.

Mallorca Caves

The island is well known for its caves and they are certainly among its most popular visitor attractions. A trip here offers visitors the chance to check out some amazing underground lakes as well as some highly impressive stalagmites and stalactites which occur throughout the huge cavernous spaces. The island has some 200 caves of historical significance, having been home to many of the island’s earlier settlers. Only a small number, however, are open to the public for viewing. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, which have been adapted with walkways and steps to facilitate movement once inside.

Placa Major

Placa Major is an historic square dating back to the 19th century which has now been converted into one of the island’s most popular shopping and dining spots. The square is entirely pedestrianised and at its centre you’ll find market stalls with vendors selling local handicrafts, while a small stage regularly sees musicians and performers entertaining the crowds with displays of their talent. A large underground shopping centre is home to some of Placa Major’s best retail outlets.

Manacor

As Mallorca's second largest town, Manacor is the place to visit if you have an interest in pearls. The town’s pearl industry is exceedingly well established, having seen its origins as far back as 1890 and countless shops sell the much sought after stones. It’s commonly held that the pearl factory on the way out of town is the best place to make a purchase and visitors with an interest can take a guided tour of the facility, where they can get an insight into the processes involved in creating artificial diamonds.

Museums

Despite being a small holiday island, Mallorca’s museum selection is nothing to be sniffed at and visitors hoping to grab a little history and culture will not be disappointed. Situated near the Mallorca Cathedral, the Mallorca Museum (Museu de Mallorca) is allegedly the finest museum in the Balearics. The facility is housed in the magnificent Palau Ayamans, a building close to four centuries old and featuring several thousand exhibits.  These include artefacts of Moorish origin as well as medieval and Baroque paintings. For art ,take a trip to the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani), a facility that offers works by famous names such as Salvador Dali, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso as well as some fine pieces by relatively unknown artists. Finally, continuing on an art theme, the Municipal Museum (Museu Municipal) is a museum housed in an old Dominican monastery and offers a variety of exhibits, which include a small collection of modern art, various archaeological artefacts and a significant collection of sacred Gothic art.