Majorca is one of the most beautiful of the Balearic Islands and is the perfect spot if you want to jet off and experience warm weather, unspoilt beaches and have plenty to see and do.
Once you have done a few days of relaxing on the sand, you may want to venture further afield. You probably have your itinerary packed full of things to do in the island’s capital of Palma, but once you venture outside the city, there is even more to discover.
Here, we look at three of the must-see Majorcan historical hotspots you will find outside of Palma – keep reading for sights you won’t want to miss!
A real Roman city
Alcúdia has a historical quarter which is a treat to visit on its own, but venture into the southern part of this magical place and you will find the Roman City of Pollentia. This is a real treat for those who love visiting sites where you can truly feel history come alive.
There are plenty of excavation areas where you are welcome to explore and see how the Romans lived in Alcúdia. Once you have taken in this piece of history, you can also see the Roman theatre and the forum – there really is a lot more than you might expect from an island paradise like Majorca!
A site with impressive views
It can be easy to forget that Majorca has historically been a very religious island, and it has the stunning architecture that religious buildings are known for. You don’t have to look very far to find stunning churches and cathedrals, but if you head out of Palma and to Pollença in the north of the island, you will also find spectacular views.
The Puig de Maria is a hill that overlooks Pollença, and an easy hike up it will take you to the amazing Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Puig – a sandstone monastery founded in 1348. Today, the monastery is decorated in the same traditional style as it would have been all those years ago, with tiny windows and tiles on the floor to keep it cool and dark. You can visit the dining room and chapel, and step outside to admire the views across Pollença and the beautiful blue ocean.
A Moorish masterpiece
Just a few miles outside of Palma, you will find the impressive Jardines de Alfabia in Bunyola. This complex is made up of a splendid house, lush gardens, and a bountiful orchard. Originally the home of Ben-Abet, the Moorish viceroy of the island, Alfabia has stood for centuries and is now an official cultural monument.
You will see why the moment you arrive, with water features providing a gentle soundtrack to your tour around the house, which boasts a mixture of Moorish and Gothic architecture and furnishings that look as striking and luxurious as they did in the 1200s.
Whether you are looking for a beach break, some incredible water sports, or you want to tick these historical must-sees off your bucket list, there is something for everyone in sun-soaked Majorca.