As one of the largest and oldest islands in the Mediterranean, Mallorca has a deep connection with the nautical world. What was once a major maritime hub for the Romans, today is a popular tourist destination.
| Sponsored post |
If you are interested in learning more about the island’s fascinating sea history, here are the best things to do in Mallorca for the whole family.
Gems along the coastline
Mallorca is home to numerous beautiful towns and villages outside of Palma, some of which also offer unique insights into the island’s marine history. For instance, the authentic village of Valldemossa is a place of outstanding beauty, with a backdrop of mountains and the infamous Royal Charterhouse palace.
Built early in the 14th century, the village was strategically located high up on hillsides, protecting it from potential invaders and acting as a watchtower.
Another coastal destination, Deià, has a similar history. Today, however, it’s one of the most picturesque villages on the island, promising breathtaking views of the azure waters.
It’s not just the modern tourists that it inspires, though, as Deià was the living place of several well-known poets, including Robert Graves and Laura Riding.
One of the absolute must-do activities in Mallorca is taking the historic train from Palma to Sóller. This vintage wooden carriage takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes of the island, before dropping you off at the port of Sóller, connecting the land with the sea.
Marine immersion at Palma Aquarium
If you’re looking for some educational activities with kids in Mallorca, Palma Aquarium is the place to be. Home to the Big Blue, one of the largest tanks in the whole of Europe, the museum offers an incredible opportunity to face the majestic sandbar shark and sand tiger shark up close.
Alongside the sharks, you will find hundreds of sea creature species, such as fish, turtles, octopus and seahorse, as well as the largest collection of living corals in Europe, showing off their dazzling colours.
Besides learning all about the different ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea and exploring the impressive collection of exhibitions, Palma Aquarium is also the leading destination for exciting marine activities in Mallorca. The bravest visitors can go diving in the Big Blue, meeting the sharks up close, while snorkelling with stingrays is a superb alternative for the whole family!
If you prefer to stay dry, sign up for the Backstage Tour, during which you will get a sneak peak into the Aquarium’s activities and conservation projects. Additionally, the 3D Cinema Aquadome hosts an immersive 3D 360º experience, where you encounter one of the largest mammals on the planet, humpback whales like never before.
The caves of Drach and Artà
Mallorca’s sea activities are not just found on the island, but below ground too. There are more than 200 caves in Mallorca, but Drach and Artà are the most popular.
These natural stalactite formations were sculpted by the water over millions of years and, if that’s not impressive enough, the Caves of Drach also have one of the biggest underground lakes in the world, Lake Martel. Visitors can get a boat tour with a live classical music concert underground – a truly surreal and magical experience.
Experiencing Mallorca’s blue heart
Mallorca might be most known for its golden beaches but, to truly understand the island, one must look beyond the surface. Here, you will find a whole world of the island’s marine activities, from educational opportunities to jaw-dropping natural wonders.
