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Mention Majorca and a lot of people picture one thing: Magaluf. Neon signs, foam parties and not a lot of sleep. But after two very different trips to this island, one as a wide-eyed 13-year-old and one as a grown-up who can't drive, I can promise you Majorca has so much more to offer.
Where we stayed: BQ Belvedere, Sant Agustí
For our most recent trip, we spent seven days at the BQ Belvedere in Sant Agustí, and we honestly loved every minute.
The hotel sits on top of a hill, which means one thing: views. Waking up to the ocean stretched out in front of you never gets old. It's a peaceful base, but you're never far from the action.
Top reasons to choose BQ Belvedere 🌴
- 🏖️ Close to the beach: Cala Major Beach is around 850 metres away, and there's a free hotel shuttle to beautiful Palmanova Beach.
- 🏊 Fantastic pool area: a large lagoon-style pool, a children's pool, Jacuzzis, sunbeds and spacious gardens.
- 🍕 Great all-inclusive choice: a buffet, pool bar, snack bar and pizzeria, so you can relax without constantly spending extra.
- 👨👩👧👦 Brilliant for families: a mini-club, playground, sports area and entertainment for both kids and adults.
- 🎭 Plenty going on: daytime activities and evening entertainment mean there's always something happening.
- 🌆 Easy access to Palma: only around 5 to 7 km from Palma's shops, cathedral and historic centre.
- 🚗 Convenient location: roughly a 30-minute airport transfer, with a bus stop about 110 metres from the hotel.
- 😌 The best of both worlds: resort facilities when you want to unwind, with beaches, Palma and livelier resorts all within easy reach.
Getting around when you don't drive
As non-drivers, we always worry a little about getting stuck in one spot. In Sant Agustí, that was never a problem. There were so many buses, and we could get into Palma in under 20 minutes.
Excursions were just as easy. Whenever we booked a trip through Viator, the pickup point was just a two-minute walk from the hotel. No taxis, no stress, no navigating unfamiliar roads.
Top tip: if you don't drive, check pickup points before you book a hotel. It can make or break your holiday.
What we got up to
🚂 Mallorca in One Day: Boat Ride and Vintage Train
If you only book one excursion, make it this one. The vintage wooden Sóller train was amazing, winding through the Serra de Tramuntana and giving us a totally different view of the mountains. Then we hopped on a boat along the coast to the cute little port of Sa Calobra, where we spent the afternoon. It's a full day, but you see so much of the island, from mountain views to hidden coves, all in one trip.
💎 Majorica Pearl Shop and Caves of Drach
We loved the Caves of Drach. You head underground through huge caverns full of stalactites to one of the largest underground lakes in the world, and listening to Mozart being played live on the lake was a stunning experience. The trip also stops at the Majorica pearl shop, where the island's famous pearls are made.
Top tip: sit in the front row on the left-hand side for the show. Afterwards, you get the chance to hop on a boat for a little ride across the lake, and people will literally fight and climb over chairs to get on one rather than walk across the bridge. We didn't know this at the time, but luckily we were already in prime position!
⛪ Sightseeing in Palma
With the bus getting us into Palma in under 20 minutes, it was easy to spend time exploring the city, and it was lovely to walk through. We happened to visit on a market day without realising, so there was so much to see as we wandered.
The cathedral, La Seu, is jaw-dropping up close, and right next door is the Palau de l'Almudaina, a royal palace that started life as a Moorish fortress. It's beautiful inside, and if you love culture and history, you should definitely visit.
🦈 Palma Aquarium
Who doesn't love looking at amazing animals? The aquarium was a brilliant half-day out, especially if the weather turns or you need a break from the sun. It's home to a huge shark tank that's worth the visit alone. And the highlight of my trip? Getting a photo with a parrot on my shoulder. Honestly, I felt like my life was complete after that. 🦜
More excursions I recommend
Want more ideas? I've hand-picked a list of my favourite Majorca tours on Viator, with something for every kind of traveller. There are dolphin-watching trips and catamaran cruises for sea lovers, kayaking, snorkelling and cliff jumping for the adventurers, and romantic sunrise balloon rides and spa days for couples. You'll also find cultural walking tours of Palma, horse riding, a Formula One driving experience and even a trip to the famous Megapark, because Majorca may be more than Magaluf, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun!
👉 Explore my curated Majorca tours on Viator (affiliate link)
Beyond the beach: what else to see
If you want to see a different side of the island, head into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Valldemossa is full of cobbled lanes and geraniums (try the fluffy coca de patata bun), Deià clings to the hillside above the sea, and Fornalutx is one of the prettiest villages you'll ever see.
If you're a foodie, a local market is a must. Look out for ensaïmadas, the spiral pastries people carry home in giant boxes.
A throwback: Alcúdia at 13
My very first trip to Majorca was with my family around 20 years ago, when I was 13. We stayed at Club Mac in Alcúdia, and as a kid, it was AMAZING.
There was so much for us to do, and with the Hidropark water park right opposite, what more could we possibly want? My brother and I barely wanted to leave the hotel, unless it was for an excursion organised by the kids' club. Which meant our parents didn't leave either. I'm not sure their two weeks were quite as thrilling as ours!
When we did venture out, we sailed around Alcúdia Bay on a catamaran and spent a day at Katmandu Park. Funnily enough, I've only just realised Katmandu Park is in Magaluf. As a child, I felt like we never left the Alcúdia area, so it turns out even I've been to Magaluf without knowing it!
And then there was the horror maze. One evening, my parents decided it would be a great idea to let me go into a horror maze. My brother was 15 and absolutely fine. Me? It has haunted me to this day. Crazy parenting choice! I don't even know if it still exists, but if it does, consider yourself warned. 😱
If you're travelling with children, Alcúdia is brilliant. Just maybe plan a couple of grown-up days out too, and think twice before the horror maze.
Top reasons to choose Club Mac Alcúdia 🌊
- 🎢 Unlimited Hidropark entry included: the waterpark opposite has slides, racers, a wave pool and areas for younger children. It generally opens from spring to autumn, so check dates before you book.
- 🏊 Eight swimming pools: plenty of choice for swimming, playing or relaxing, including dedicated children's areas.
- 🍽️ All-inclusive convenience: meals, snacks and drinks are covered, with themed buffet dinners for extra variety.
- 👨👩👧👦 Designed for families: kids' clubs, activities, sports facilities, playgrounds and family-sized rooms.
- 🎭 Entertainment all day: organised activities followed by evening shows, music, quizzes and mini-discos.
- 🏖️ Easy beach access: a complimentary bus runs to Alcúdia Beach, so you can mix pool days with time by the sea.
- 🏰 Great location: close to the resort's sandy beach, restaurants and shops, with historic Alcúdia Old Town nearby.
- 💷 Loads included for the price: the waterpark, all-inclusive dining, pools and entertainment make it great value for active families.
- 🤩 Children won't get bored: almost everything is geared towards keeping families entertained. Trust me, mine didn't want to leave!
So, which Majorca is for you?
Whether you're after a family holiday where the kids never want to leave, or a relaxed couples' trip with ocean views and easy day trips, there's a side of Majorca for you. And none of them require a foam party.
Want help planning your own Majorca escape? Get in touch and I'll design your perfect trip through Savi Escapes.
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