The most beautiful towns in Mallorca

Discover the most beautiful towns and places on Mallorca

From ornate Deià to picturesque Fornalutx, from magnificent settings to charismatic architecture, all the towns have one thing in common: they are more than worth a visit.

A small artists' village: Deià on Mallorca

Located on the northwest coast of Mallorca, between the Teix mountain and the Mediterranean Sea, Deià is a picturesque hillside town with a stylish atmosphere. With its unspoilt rural charm, it became a magnet for artists, writers and musicians in the mid-20th century when the famous English writer Robert Graves moved there. Today, stylish boutiques and excellent restaurants line the pretty cobbled streets, while history lives on in the ochre stone houses with bright green shutters.

There are wonderful hiking trails on the hills above Deià and the small pebble beach (Cala Deià) offers crystal clear water.

Valldemossa: The most beautiful mountain village on Mallorca

Valldemossa may not be the hidden gem it once was, but its quiet tree-lined streets and cobbled alleys full of traditional stone architecture are as enticing as ever. Everywhere you look, pretty planters adorn the walls, balconies and entrances, giving the village the charm of a fairytale town.

Set in the wooded hills of the Serra de Tramuntana, 400 metres above sea level, Valldemossa boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. The town has seen many famous visitors and residents, from Frédéric Chopin and George Sand, who spent a winter in the monastery of La Cartoixa, to Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, who founded a cultural centre here.

Sóller: In the heart of the Tramuntana Mountains

One of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca, Sóller enjoys a wonderful location in the heart of the so-called "Golden Valley", surrounded by lush forests and high mountains. The surrounding area is famous for its lush orange and lemon groves - an industry that made Sóller the wealthiest municipality on the island in the 19th century.

Today, visitors flock to this traditional Mallorcan town for its authenticity and striking modern architecture. The crowning glory is Plaça Constitució - an exciting square with lively cafés, the baroque church of Sant Bartomeu and narrow, winding streets.

Just a few kilometres away is Port de Sóller, a relaxed seaside resort with fine sandy beaches, atmospheric restaurants and a picturesque promenade inviting you to stroll along. A vintage tram connects the town with Port de Sóller.

On the east coast of Mallorca: Capdepera

Rich in history and tradition, the ancient walled town of Capdepera is easily explored on foot. Untouched by tourism, it has managed to retain its quiet traditional charm and offer visitors a real insight into the daily life of the locals.

Located on the north-eastern tip of Mallorca, next to the seaside resort of Cala Ratjada, the village is surrounded by rolling countryside and is full of beautiful historic architecture covered in flowers. Its 14th century hilltop castle is one of the best preserved fortresses on the island.

In the middle of the Tramuntana mountains: Fornalutx

Fornalutx is located in the hills above Sóller and has been included in the "Asociación de los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España" (Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain) - and it's not hard to see why.

Its architecture is typically Mallorcan, with sandstone façades topped with red roof tiles and many cobbled stairways, passageways and steep, flower-filled alleyways opening onto tiny squares. The air is fragrant with orange and lemon blossoms from the nearby orchards, and an air of rustic romance pervades every corner of this pretty little mountain town.

Banyalbufar: Between the history and nature of Mallorca

Banyalbufar's main attraction is its stunning hillside landscape, lined with terraced Moorish-era fields sloping down to the sea and framed by magnificent mountain vistas. Otherwise, the town is a sleepy little place of around 500 souls, perfect for enjoying tasty traditional tapas or a sunset stroll along the winding lanes. The many paths available in the area make it an excellent base for cyclists and walkers who want to explore the unspoilt nature of the island.

Alcúdia: Holiday paradise in the northeast of Mallorca

Enclosed by 14th-century medieval walls, Alcúdia's historic old town is one of Mallorca's most attractive sights - a mix of narrow, winding streets, carefully restored stone houses and captivating Roman remains. The town teems with character and is home to many old churches, traditional festivals and quaint café-lined squares where you can sit back and soak up the atmosphere.

A few miles away is the S'Albufera Natural Park - the largest wetland in the Balearics, as well as the famous seaside resort of Port d'Alcudia with its sandy beach, stylish marina and lively restaurant scene.