Mallorca is a little Mediterranean nugget. The largest island of the Balearic Islands never fails to surprise travelers who come to enjoy weather conditions that are conducive to a multitude of discovery activities. The least populated and least built-up part of the territory, the south of Mallorca is a real paradise for hikers, with a range of paths that cross various preserved natural areas: small hills, fertile plains, reliefs overlooking the sea, beaches and coves with translucent waters. Visiting villages, strolling through markets, admiring heritage and outdoor sports activities are also among the highlights of a stay in southern Mallorca. Here are 10 good reasons to plan a getaway.
1- Follow the hiking and biking routes
The south of Mallorca, and especially the region of Colònia de San Jordi, offers beautiful walks to hikers from all over the world. You can enjoy beautiful coastal views, with stops in wild coves such as Cala Marmols, and on fine sandy beaches such as Es Carbó. The rocky landscapes and scrubland are an opportunity to take an interest in the local flora. We can see sea purslane, juniper and other wild asparagus. Along the route that connects Cap de Ses Salines to Colònia de San Jordi, there are also many butterflies and birds. And to vary the pleasures, we can also go to the heart of the salt flats of Es Trenc, with a landscape comparable to snow-capped mountains. The biodiversity is incredibly rich.
Travelers who are more interested in cycling also have plenty to do around Colònia de Sant Jordi. There are some very beautiful routes through steep landscapes. They are suitable for all levels. Their quality is such that they even receive professionals who come to train. There are also several hotels that offer a special welcome to cyclists.
2- Plan water sports activities
The area of Colònia de San Jordi is an ideal place in Mallorca for water sports activities. This is where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Balearic Islands. You can start by renting a boat to reach coves with turquoise waters, only accessible by sea, or by scheduling a sea excursion with professionals for a fishing session.
An excursion to Cabrera Island, classified as a national park, is a great option for a scuba diving session. You will discover the great richness of the Mediterranean seabed's vegetation and fauna.
For kayak lovers, renting equipment is another good way to enjoy this enchanting maritime setting.
3- Stroll around Cala Figuera, a charming fishing port
A visit to the south of Majorca must include a stopover in Cala Figuera. This small fishing village, nestled between rocky cliffs and with Mediterranean vegetation composed of pine and fig trees, sees an inlet splitting it in two to form two coves: Caló d'En Boira and Caló d'En Busques. The typical houses with terraces that border the transparent waters, the gardens with palm trees and hibiscus, the boats and traditional boats that sail on the waves: the whole forms a real postcard landscape. We take advantage of a walk in the town to reach the port and taste the good products of the sea in the restaurant. Not far from Cala Figuera, the beautiful beach of Cala Santanyí is the ideal place to lay out your towel in the sun.
4- Follow the other routes in the Migjorn region
The Migjorn region is the southern region of Majorca. We have mentioned above some of the wonders of this territory. Let's continue with these rides that lead to these other treasures. Bicycle rides through hilly and green landscapes, trekking in areas of higher relief, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the sights. There are also villages to stop in. Those inland, such as Santanyí, Campos or Felanitx, have preserved picturesque streets and squares that come alive with weekly markets. Along the coast, villages like Porto Colom offer many opportunities to take out the camera to immortalize the beautiful colored houses that line the waters or its magnificent lighthouse.
5- Enjoy the beaches of a dream coastline
It's impossible to visit the south of Mallorca without stopping at its magnificent beaches! For those who love turquoise blue water and white sand, paradise is at your fingertips! The coast of Ses Salines is rich in places such as the beaches of Es Dolç, Es Port and Es Carbó, very close to Colònia de San Jordi. A little further on, Es Peregons beach offers a more intimate setting. Around the municipality of Ses Salines, you should not miss the chance to spend a few hours on the beach of Es Dofí or Cala Galiota. And then, how can you not fall in love with the real lagoons that are the beaches of Es Coto and Es Trenc? You have to see it to have the feeling of having reached a paradise on earth.
6- Birdwatching
Mallorca is a real ornithological reserve. The conical part of the extreme south of the island is home to a large number of marine birds. Cap de Ses Salines is home to skylarks, great cormorants, Audouin's gulls and red-legged partridges. The skies are also home to a number of migratory birds, including the Montagu harrier and the European bee-eater. Not to mention the pink flamingos that frequent the salt marshes. For this reason, the south of Mallorca is the subject of various protection measures, regional or European.
The periods of migration remain the best time to observe the birds, equipped with binoculars and a camera. Guided tours are offered.Birdwatching enthusiasts also have a number of places to learn more about the species and the area, such as the La Gola birdwatching tourism center, this time in Pollença.
7- Go for a walk in the maritime and terrestrial national park of Cabrera
The archipelago of Cabrera is located 10 km south of Majorca. The crossing to reach it is a magical moment. This marine and terrestrial natural park is home to an incredible diversity. There is a main island, Cabrera, and several small islands. The coastline, practically untouched, is home to most of the indigenous fauna and flora of the Balearic Islands. There are more than 450 different plant species and among the animals, lizards and birds in large numbers. We can mention the Eleonora's falcon. Not to mention the richness of the seabed, which is a delight for diving enthusiasts.
8- Visit the Cabrera Interpretation Center
Due to the fragility of the environment and the ecosystem of the maritime and terrestrial natural park of the Cabrera archipelago, visitors have access to a limited area of the main island. A visit to the Interpretation Center of Cabrera, a museum that stands out for its architecture inspired by the megalithic stone buildings emblematic of Mallorca and Menorca, is interesting to learn about the specificities of the archipelago in terms of biodiversity. There are also aquariums showing the various species present in Cabrera.
9- Discover the island's traditional markets and events
Majorca has a strong agricultural tradition. Its environmental and meteorological conditions have always allowed producers to grow quality products. During a stay in the south of Mallorca, you should not miss a visit to its weekly markets to stock up on fruit, vegetables, land and sea products. Go to Llucmajor, Santanyí, Felanitx or Ses Salines.
Mallorca is also full of cultural events that enliven the island throughout the year. Let's mention the Fira de la Pagesia in S'Alqueria Blanca (Santanyí). This highlight, which takes place in late June and early July, offers a festive atmosphere with agricultural demonstrations and the sale of local products.
10- The possibility of being equipped with good tools for visiting
In order to make visitors' stay easier and more enjoyable, the Consell de Mallorca provides various tools. On the website https://www.mallorca.es/ca/mapes-i-fullets, visitors can select and download information about the areas of the island and the activities that interest them. A simple and comprehensive way to plan nature, beach, heritage, market ... in the beautiful territory that is the south of the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
