Palma, the vibrant capital of Majorca, is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. But did you know that this beautiful city is also a treasure trove of nature-inspired activities? From serene parks to thrilling adventures, Palma offers something for everyone. So, pack your bags, boots and blister cream, and get ready to explore the great outdoors in and around Palma with these 8 fantastic nature-inspired activities.
Discover The Underwater World At Palma Aquarium
If you’re wondering what to do in Majorca that combines the educational with the immersive, then the fascinating world of marine life at Palma Aquarium will see you right. Home to more than 8,000 animals from over 700 different species, this impressive aquarium offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Marvel at the colourful coral reefs, get up close and personal with sharks, and even participate in interactive workshops and feeding sessions. Don’t miss the chance to walk through the awe-inspiring Big Blue exhibit, which houses the deepest shark tank in Europe. Inside, you’ll see six sand tiger sharks, five sandbar sharks, and more than a thousand species of fish. Wow!
The aquarium is open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm. Adult tickets start at €28.50 whilst children get general entry for €19. Visit after 2pm and enjoy a further 10% off tickets.
Stroll Through The Lush Bellver Forest
Escape the bustling city streets of Palma and find solace in the tranquil Bellver Forest (Bosque de Bellver). Just a ten minute drive from the city (or walkable in around 45), this verdant oasis surrounds the stunning Bellver Castle – one of the few circular castles in Europe – and offers a network of well-maintained walking and cycling trails. Enjoy the picturesque views of Palma Bay as you meander through the forest, and keep an eye out for native flora and fauna along the way.
Explore The Magical S’albufera Natural Park
Just a short drive from Palma, S’Albufera Natural Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. This expansive wetland reserve is home to over 200 species of birds, as well as various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Wander along the park’s numerous trails, or join a guided tour to learn more about the area’s unique ecosystem.
While you’re here, don’t miss out on:
- Visit the park’s Visitor’s Center (Centre d’Interpretació) to get an overview of the area, learn about the park’s history, and plot your day.
- Explore various habitats by following well-marked trails like the Es Cibollar trail offering diverse scenery, including ponds, reed beds, and sand dunes.
- Rent a bike and take advantage of the park’s dedicated cycling paths for a more enjoyable experience and to cover greater distances.
- Birdwatch from one of the park’s many bird hides; some popular spots are Es Ras, Sa Roca, and Es Canal Gran hides for viewing waterfowls, herons, and other migratory birds.
- Visit the ancient Establo de S’ellestreta, the old horse stables, which have been transformed into a photo exhibition space showcasing the park’s biodiversity.
Cycle The Scenic Coastal Routes
With its diverse terrain and spectacular views, Majorca is a cyclist’s paradise. Rent a bike from downtown Palma and take to the road, pedalling your way along the picturesque coastal routes that wind their way around the island. From leisurely rides to challenging climbs, there’s a cycling route to suit every fitness level.
The varied terrain of Majora, complete with challenging hills and hair raising descents, brings thousands of cyclists to the island every year. Yep, the Telegraph even went as far as to say the island is ‘the world’s greatest destination for cycling’.
The southern portion of the Serra de Tramuntana coastal road is perhaps the highlight of a very crowded field, with blissful views from start to finish and rolling hills providing a decent – rather than excessive – workout. If you’re looking for something to really get the pedals going, Sa Calobra has sharp bends and a heavy descent before its climb. Whatever your experience on two wheels, you’ll find something to suit you here.
Wander Through The Enchanting Alfabia Gardens
Nestled at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains, the Alfabia Gardens are a must-visit for garden lovers. This exquisite estate boasts an array of lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and ancient trees. As you stroll through the gardens, take in the soothing sounds of trickling fountains and marvel at the stunning mountain backdrop.
While you’re here, consider a tour of the acclaimed olive groves in Son Maragues, a twenty minute drive away. The Son Moragues estate in the village of Valldemossa, a half hour’s drive north of the capital, has over 10’000 olive trees, some of which are at least 700 years old. Owing to the fact the estate is both south-easterly facing and part of the fertile plains of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, the extra virgin, organic olive oil here is superb.
All olives (a prized Majorcan variety) are hand picked and processed within a few hours in onsite farm kitchens, and it’s this attention to hyper-locality that leads to a complex, grassy oil with notes of raw almond, which, incidentally, also flourishes in the region.
The estate offers an impressive range of experiences, with tours, meals and even a glimpse at a traditional Tramuntana Olive Harvest all on offer. Olive oil tasting sessions, including a long stroll around the groves, are educational and in depth; 2 hours will set you back €65 per person.
Read: 5 of the best things to do in North Majorca for foodies
Embark On A Thrilling Canyoning Adventure
For adrenaline junkies, canyoning in Majorca’s rugged landscape is an unforgettable experience. Navigate your way through deep gorges, rappel down waterfalls, and swim through crystal-clear pools as you explore some of the island’s most breathtaking scenery.
With numerous canyoning routes available, there’s an adventure awaiting for all skill levels:
- Torrent de Coanegra (Sa Fosca): Located in the aforementioned Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, Torrent de Coanegra is one of the most famous canyoning spots on the island. The highlight of this canyon is the dark, narrow section dubbed ‘Sa Fosca’, which provides a thrilling experience.
- Barranc de Biniaraix: Also situated in the Serra de Tramuntana, Barranc de Biniaraix is a scenic canyon with various levels of difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced canyoners. The area offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and terraced orchards.
- Torrent de Pareis: This impressive canyon is located in the north-west of Mallorca and is considered one of the most challenging canyoning routes on the island. Boasting stunning limestone formations and deep gorges, Torrent de Pareis is best suited for experienced canyoners.
- Torrent des Morts: Also called Mortitx or Es Salt des Freu, this canyon is located near the town of Pollensa. It features several small waterfalls, natural pools, and jumps, which make it a popular spot for canyoning enthusiasts.
- Na Mora: Situated on the north coast of Mallorca, Na Mora offers a mix of abseiling, swimming, and cliff jumping, making it suitable for adventurers of all skill levels. The canyon opens up to the sea, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Unwind At Mondragó Natural Park
Spend a relaxing day at Mondragó Natural Park, where you’ll find pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and thriving wetlands. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, hike along the coastal trails, or simply lay back and soak up the sun on the park’s idyllic sandy shores, the two finest beaches being Cala Mondragó and S’Amarador, in our humble opinion.
Here, you’ll discover the park’s rich biodiversity first-hand, including the Mediterranean turtle, the Hermann’s tortoise, and various species of orchids. These habitats provide an opportunity to appreciate the park’s natural beauty and learn about its ecological importance.
There are also several fine trails to traverse, including the Sa Font de n’Alis trail, the Ses Fonts de N’Alis to S’Amarador beach trail, and the Mirador de Sa Guarda trail. These well-maintained routes allow visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park, consisting of wetlands, sand dunes, pine forests, and rocky cliffs.
Go Birdwatching At Cabrera National Park
Venture off the beaten path and embark on a boat trip to the uninhabited island of Cabrera, part of the Cabrera National Park. Renowned for its diverse birdlife, this protected marine reserve is home to species such as the Eleonora’s falcon, Audouin’s gull, and Balearic shearwater. Enjoy a guided tour of the island, or explore at your own pace and take in the breathtaking views from the historic Cabrera Castle.
The Bottom Line
With its diverse landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities, Palma is a nature lover’s paradise. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or peaceful retreats, these nine nature-inspired activities are sure to make your trip to Majorca an unforgettable experience. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to embrace the great outdoors and discover the natural wonders of Palma and its surroundings.
For more nature-inspired high jinx, then why not head to the other side of the island and check out these great outdoor activities in Port D’Alcudia? We’ll see you on the playa!
