What are some interesting towns and villages to explore around Palma after visiting Plaça Major?

After spending time in Palma’s bustling Plaça Major, venturing out to nearby towns reveals the island’s rich diversity and charm. Just a short drive north along the Ma-13 leads to Soller, a picturesque town cradled by the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Known for its vintage wooden railway that links it to Palma, Soller offers narrow streets, quaint cafes, and stunning harbor views. Continuing slightly northeast, the artistic village of Deia invites visitors to wander cobbled lanes lined with stone houses, where local galleries and intimate restaurants serve up regional specialities like pa amb oli and local olive oils.

If you prefer something coastal, the beaches at Cala Llombards or the expansive sands of Es Trenc make excellent day trips. Each has a distinctive character — Cala Llombards is a sheltered cove with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, while Es Trenc offers a more natural, protected beach experience often accompanied by traditional chiringuitos serving fresh seafood and Binissalem wine.

For a taste of island life further afield, exploring the historic towns of Alcudia and Pollenca on the fertile north coast is rewarding. Alcudia’s medieval walls and vibrant market contrast with Pollenca’s lively Sunday market and the nearby Formentor peninsula, where dramatic cliffs meet turquoise waters. Whether you follow the Ma-13 or Ma-19 roads, the surrounding villages reveal Mallorca’s blend of landscapes, traditions, and gastronomy that extend well beyond the capital’s squares.