The Balearic island triumphs joined by Madrid and Barcelona as two of the most desired cities in the world.
Mallorca has been chosen as the world’s top destination of 2022 by Tripadvisor. The Balearic island ranks first in the Travellers’ Choice in the ‘Destinations’ category, a recognition that is based on the opinion of users on its website during the last 12 months.
The portal describes Mallorca as a “dream destination” and details that it offers “options for all tastes, such as beaches and coves, a spectacular mountain range, romantic fishing villages and a rural landscape dotted with almond and olive groves”.
Ibiza also appears in sixth place, which is yet further confirmation that the success of the Balearic Islands among tourists is indisputable.
This summer, a study already detailed that Menorca and Ibiza were among the most frequent tags used on the social network Instagram, data that already reflected the popularity of the islands.
This isn’t the first time that Mallorca achieves recognition on the well-known website. For example in 2019 the Island was chosen as one of the most popular national destinations for users, along with Benidorm and Tenerife.
That same year the platform also highlighted three beaches of the archipelago: Illetes in Formentera and the beaches of Muro and Alcúdia. Unfortunately in the latest update of 2022, the Balearic coasts have been left out of the list.
If you have travelled to Mallorca you will know the reasons to come back. However, if this isn’t the case, let us show you all the reasons why you simply must visit.
Why You Have to Visit Mallorca
There are many reasons why people travel to Mallorca, such as the beauty of the natural environment and the culture that has been preserved there for centuries. However, there is something to understand about Mallorca before going there.
Tourism in Mallorca is booming, with strong growth of international visitors. The Balearic Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Mallorca is the third largest island in Spain attracting more than 4 million tourists each year, 10 times the number of residents.
One of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca is renowned for its beautiful beaches, charming coves, and quaint mountain villages. Packed with history and architecture, it truly is a gem for locals and tourists alike.
Mallorca is a beacon of calm, while also being the location home of choice for À-List celebrities. With a population of 870,000, the island is booming in great wealth and enjoys the highest per capita level of disposable income in Spain.
The Islands hotels range from renovated historic buildings with every modern-day convenience to charming farmhouses in the countryside, and modern villas throughout the island.
Mallorquin Gastronomy
Flavours of the sea, the land, the landscapes with olive, almond, orange and lemon trees, can be found in Mallorcan gastronomic delicacies! One of its great specialties are the cocas and ensaimadas, especially the ensaimadas which are the star dish of the pastries. It is a bun in the shape of a snail.
Not to mention its sausages, which highlights the sobrasada that has both national and international fame and is delicious! Be sure to try the Tumbet, a dish with tomato, eggplant, tomato sauce and peppers, which will delight your senses.
The City of Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is a paradise in the heart of the Balearic archipelago: Palma de Mallorca. Having been founded by the Romans 2,000 years ago, the city has carefully preserved its Old Town, or the “Casco Antiguo”.
As a result, much of the city’s past can be seen etched in its streets, like its narrow cobblestone lanes, mediaeval architecture, and ancient landmarks such as the Cathedral. There are also two excellent museums in the heart of the Old Town, and another up in the Bellver Castle which is found on a pine-covered hill.
Visit the Plaza Mayor to know the centre of the old town where you’ll find a gorgeous place to stop and have a beer accompanied by the best seafood, continue to the Church of Sant Miquel, of course, the Cathedral of Palma.
Its Natural Beauty
Mallorca is home to long stretches of untouched beaches, particularly in the south. We recommend renting a car so you can freely experience the mind-blowing limestone cliffs that plunge into the sapphire-coloured waters of the Mediterranean, all along the western and northern coasts.
The island’s interior is covered with almond trees, olive trees and vineyards, with yachts that harbour in the idyllic inlets along the eastern and southern coasts. Otherwise, these are only accessible on foot.
We definitely recommend visiting the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, which is a named UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers about 30% of the island and gives picturesque views of mountain scenery set against a Mediterranean backdrop.
About 40% of its territory is made up of nature reserves, fabulous landscapes rich in unforgettable natural beauty. For a walk in the open air, you have at your disposal day trips to different fascinating places: the archipelago of Cabrera, the Albufera reserve, the Mondragó reserve, Pollença and Es Trenc.
Very interesting is also the old town of Palma de Mallorca, with its steep streets that climb up to the Gothic cathedral and the Palau dell’Almudaina, the Belvedere Palace. If you prefer cultural tourism and art, you cannot miss the Juan March Foundation dedicated to Spanish painters of the 20th century, which has a little-known collection of Picasso’s Graphic Art.