I Spent 2 Weeks Exploring Less-Known Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca, Spain, has been on my radar as a vacation destination for a while. However, visiting Mallorca in summer sounded like a bad idea. Packed beaches, overpriced everything, and protests against tourists like me.

Unfortunately, August was the only time I could take my two full weeks of vacation, and I was determined to visit the island. After much debate and research, I decided to stay off the beaten path to experience the quieter side of the island.

To avoid the crowds, I stayed in three less touristy parts of the island: Binissalem in the center, Ca’s Concos in the east, and Sóller in the north. I booked rural “fincas,” old farmhouses converted into guesthouses, where local hosts shared a more grounded and personal view of Mallorca.

At first, I was unsure, thinking the towns might have too much of an old-town vibe. But that turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. The fincas gave me a window into daily life on the island, shaped by the people who live there.

My hosts were welcoming and happy to share their little piece of the island with me. It felt far removed from the idea that Mallorcans are no longer interested in having tourists around.

For the next two weeks, I organized my visits around the three places I was staying. Here’s what it was like to explore lesser-known Mallorca, Spain.

Central Mallorca: Where Local Life Still Feels Authentic

Mallorca’s coast gets most of the attention, but staying a little more central gives you easy access to coastal towns while offering something different—vineyards, vast open spaces, and mountain views you won’t find anywhere else.

The central part of the island is home to traditional villages like Binissalem, Inca, and Sineu. I had coffee in small cafés surrounded by locals, and Spanish was spoken everywhere. I honestly didn’t expect this on such a popular island, but it was refreshing to be wrong. 

I was surprised by how much wine is produced in Mallorca. My first finca, Es Quatre Cantons, even made its own. I even encountered a group of locals performing traditional dances—not a performance for tourists, just friends enjoying themselves.

Being away from the main tourist areas meant the restaurants catered to locals. That’s where I discovered panades, which are meat—or vegetable-filled pies.

My favorite was sobrassada, a spicy chorizo-like spread traditionally served on bread. It’s definitely worth trying if you visit.

South Eastern Mallorca: Where You’ll Find the Popular Beaches

After seeing countless images of its beautiful beaches, I prioritized the south eastern side of Mallorca during my trip planning. But, it was no secret that these calas, or coves, can get overcrowded in summer.

The general rule: the more remote the beach, the better your chances of avoiding crowds. I started with the popular spots I’d seen during my research and was surprised by how many people fit into such small areas. It was overwhelming and honestly disappointing.

I tried several short hikes to more secluded beaches and, to my surprise, found quite a few. The walks were manageable but likely challenging for older adults or young kids—especially with the heat and humidity. If I return, it’ll be in winter or spring when hiking conditions are better.

I also explored by kayak, which was much more challenging than river kayaking. But once out in the open sea, it felt like I had the entire island to myself.

Northern Mallorca: Gorgeous Scenery Nobody Talks About

After the first two locations, I honestly thought I’d seen most of what Mallorca had to offer. However, I was very wrong.

The Northern part of Mallorca showcased massive cliffs dropping into the sea, winding mountain roads, and stone-built villages. The North was nothing like the South. While the South is packed with tourist developments, the North has kept its character.

Hilltop villages, including the well-known Deià and Valldemossa, and quieter ones like Pollença and Banyalbufar, made for great stops. As expected, the popular spots were busy, but again, timing made all the difference.

Cap de Formentor was unbeatable when it came to the views. Getting there at sunrise wasn’t just about avoiding crowds; it was also about the best light of the day. 

Exactly What I Expected, Yet Completely Different

Mallorca, Spain, turned out to be both exactly what I expected and completely different. Some parts were undeniably tourist-heavy, but others felt genuinely local.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the humidity. I expected heat in summer, but no one warned me about how humid it would be. It made long walks exhausting. I quickly adjusted by heading out early in the morning when it was still manageable.

All in all, I came home genuinely impressed and ready to challenge anyone who called it just another overcrowded party island filled with luxury resorts.