The Surprising Rustic Side of Mallorca!

Mallorca, one of the largest islands in the Balearic archipelago in the Mediterranean, is often associated with glitzy, all-inclusive resorts. However, beyond the polished tourist hotspots lies a breathtakingly rugged landscape filled with natural beauty, medieval villages, and hidden beaches waiting to be explored.

On our trip, we stayed in a local villa, rented a car, and went off-road, uncovering the island’s true charm. By avoiding touristy resorts and going where the locals go, we discovered that Mallorca is so much more than pre-packaged experiences.

Hidden Beaches Away from the Crowds

Start your Mallorca adventure by exploring the stunning beaches that locals frequent. These are far more picturesque and untouched compared to the manicured resort beaches.

Caló des Moro – A small, picture-perfect cove with turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Though tricky to access, the view is worth it.

Cala S’Almunia – Located near Caló des Moro, this quiet cove offers crystal-clear waters and a rocky coastline, perfect for snorkeling.

Cala Varques – A remote beach with fine white sand, surrounded by pine forests. Adventurous visitors can explore a natural rock arch nearby.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Coastal Gems

These lesser-known spots are well worth the journey:

Cala Deià – A small, rocky beach nestled in an artists’ village, ideal for a quiet, scenic retreat.

Cala Tuent – A peaceful beach surrounded by mountains, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

Pro Tip: If you see local cars parked alongside what appears to be a beach or national park road, park there too. Continuing on could mean getting stuck or damaging your car on washed-out or unsuitable roads—something we saw happen to many unsuspecting tourists!

Also, bring water shoes! Many of the most striking beaches have rocky shores that can be tricky to navigate barefoot.

Family-Friendly & Easily Accessible Beaches

If you’re traveling with kids or prefer easy access to the beach, consider these options:

Playa de Muro – A long, sandy beach with shallow waters, ideal for families. Plenty of amenities and restaurants are nearby.

Port de Pollença – Offers calm waters, a laid-back atmosphere, and opportunities for paddleboarding and water sports.

Cala Mondragó – Located within a natural park, this beach boasts beautiful scenery, soft sand, and hiking trails.

Adult-Focused & Vibrant Beaches

For those seeking more adult-focused experiences:

Es Trenc – Known for its Caribbean-like vibe, clear waters, and white sands. It’s popular yet unspoiled and has a nudist-friendly section.

Magaluf Beach – The heart of Mallorca’s party scene, with beach clubs and water sports.

Palma Nova Beach – Close to Palma, offering a lively atmosphere with shops and restaurants.

Heads up, parents! Topless sunbathing is common everywhere in Mallorca. If traveling with talkative kids, prepare for whispered questions!

Exploring Mallorca’s National & Natural Parks

For nature lovers and adventurers, Mallorca offers stunning parks to explore:

Parc Nacional de Cabrera – A protected marine and terrestrial national park featuring pristine beaches, rich marine life, and a 14th-century castle. A favorite with our kids!

Parc Natural de s’Albufera de Mallorca – The island’s largest wetland reserve, home to over 300 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant – A rugged mountainous area with remote beaches and excellent hiking trails offering breathtaking coastal views.

Serra de Tramuntana – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this dramatic mountain range offers stunning landscapes, historic villages, and scenic hikes.

Parc Natural de Mondragó – Famous for its turquoise coves, pine forests, and diverse wildlife, perfect for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts.

Each park has something unique, whether you’re into hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking in Mallorca’s natural beauty.

Discovering Mallorca’s Rich History

Mallorca is home to several historic cities and towns featuring impressive forts, castles, and medieval structures.

Highlights of Palma de Mallorca

Bellver Castle – A unique circular Gothic fortress with panoramic views of the city and sea—one of the few circular castles in Europe!

Palma Cathedral Walls – While not a fort, these medieval walls surrounding La Seu Cathedral add to the city’s historic charm. We explored this charming, walled City by horse drawn carriage. This experience was enjoyable for the whole family!

San Carlos Military Museum – A fortress showcasing Mallorca’s military history.

Medieval Towns & Fortresses

Alcúdia – A beautifully preserved walled city with gates and towers dating back to the 14th century. You can even walk along parts of the walls for great views.

Roman Ruins of Pollentia – A well-preserved Roman city, an essential stop for history lovers.

Castell de Capdepera – A large medieval fortress built in the 14th century to defend against pirate attacks, offering spectacular coastal views.

Santuari de Sant Salvador – A hilltop sanctuary with breathtaking views and defensive walls that give it a fortress-like feel.

Castell del Rei – A ruined medieval fortress north of Pollença, accessible via a scenic hike.

Castell de Son Mas – A historic fortress that now serves as a town hall, with ancient defense towers along the coast.

A Unique Family-Friendly Experience: Artestruz Ostrich Farm

One of the most unexpected and delightful stops on our trip was Artestruz, a family-run ostrich farm near Campos, about 30 minutes from Palma. Established in 1998, the farm is home to over sixty African ostriches.

One of the stars of the farm is Jumbo, a gentle male ostrich that our youngest child absolutely adored! Visitors can feed ostriches (with thick gloves for safety), take an educational tour, and even cook ostrich eggs. There’s also a charming café and boutique offering ostrich-based products. A truly memorable experience for all ages!

Final Thoughts

Mallorca is an incredible destination for families, couples, and adventurers alike. To truly experience its rustic beauty, book at least a week and rent a car to explore beyond the resorts. Take the time to wander through medieval villages, hike along coastal cliffs, and relax on hidden beaches.

Mallorca is so much more than a resort island—it’s a natural and cultural treasure waiting to be discovered.

Published by thetravellingfitmommy

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My name is Amber Creighton and I have always loved travelling. My first trip abroad was at age seventeen as a volunteer to help Romanian Orphans. I next lived abroad for four years in Europe, The Middle East, the United Kingdom and Asia. I studied and conducted archaeology while living in Europe and the Middle East. In Hong Kong, I taught advanced mathematics, college preparation, as well as English. During this time, I also earned my Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge. I had assumed that my travels would end or at least decrease once I had children. In reality, this is not the case at all. We actually travel with our children all over the world. Some recent family adventures include New Zealand, Japan, Europe, the Caribbean and beyond. I wanted to start a travel blog to empower current Moms and encourage perspective Moms. If you love travel and adventures, your children will, too! Our journey together will focus on helpful advice while travelling with young children. I will use real life examples, from my current and upcoming travels, to illustrate what worked for us. I also want to share fun ways to keep fit while creating unforgettable memories with the children. I have multiple travel publications including at exquisemag.com. I have worked as a TV host and Producer, international journalist, and model. I am also a certified Advanced Scuba Diver, and of course an avid international traveler.

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