The South of Mallorca

The south of Mallorca is much more than just Ballermann. Here, you'll discover which coves you absolutely must visit and which small island is worth a day trip.

Today, I'm taking you on a journey through the south of Mallorca - from the famous party mile, Platja de Palma, towards the stunning, protected beaches at Es Trenc, and up to Santanyi. During my travels along the Mallorcan coastline, I was continually delighted by the small charming villages and the endless beaches that can be found literally around every corner. The distances are always manageable, and even the furthest beach can be reached in under an hour. This means you can easily search out several coves and enjoy a few hours of relaxation at each one. But let's take it step by step, as even if the party beaches at Ballermann aren't for everyone, you can still have a fantastic time here.

If you're looking for a genuine Mallorca party vacation, you can't go wrong at Platja de Palma and the tourist hotspot El Arenal (also known as S'Arenal). Because this is where the party really happens. Platja de Palma is conveniently located, as the party and beach mile begins more or less directly behind Palma de Mallorca's airport. So party lovers can head straight to their hotel with their boombox on their shoulder and throw on their beach outfit. Everything is taken care of here, as alongside the famous Bierkönig and Schinkenstraße, you'll find MegaPark and many other clubs and bars waiting to be conquered. Here, all vacationers find the perfect party location.

On the legendary Schinkenstraße, you can simply marvel at the many cheerful Germans who gather here after sunset, as well as the numerous promoters standing in front of all the clubs, offering you the best deals if you come for a drink or ten at their bar. It's a bit like a party wonderland, and you end up chatting with people you'd never meet in real life. The Schinkenstraße is home to the internationally famous Bierkönig. If you're vacationing at Ballermann, you can't miss this location. The largest beer garden on the island accommodates more than 10,000 visitors, who love to enjoy life in large groups - easily spotted by their matching T-shirts. As strict quiet hours are enforced here, partying continues in the specially constructed annex after 10 PM. It offers everything a party heart desires: plenty of beer, a snack bar, and during major events like the World Cup, games are broadcast live here. What great service!

Right around the corner is Bamboleo, one of the oldest and thus also most famous beer gardens on Schinkenstraße. It has attracted many regular guests, clubs, and tourists wanting to party like there's no tomorrow for years. Similarly, Oberbayern, another cult-status disco located at the legendary Ballermann 6, is just as popular. The latter, also known as Balneario 6, was once a beach shack, which has now been transformed into the famous Beach Club Six. You can see: the distances are short, and they frequently lead along the beachfront promenade. A party vacation under palm trees, all with your best friends and at a bargain price - Platja de Palma makes it possible.

When reports about Ballermann tourism are shown in Germany, scenes from the Megapark are always featured - yes, this is a must for night owls wanting to enjoy an unforgettable party vacation in Mallorca. Celebrities like Micaela Schäfer or Mia Julia also come and go here. Thus, Mallorca is not only suitable for lying on Platja de Palma but also for experiencing stars up close and celebrating hard with them.

Amid all the joy, however, you should not forget that there have been stricter behavior rules for the beachfront promenade for some time now. To limit uncontrolled alcohol consumption, a list of measures has been put in place to ensure that residents and other vacationers can also enjoy a relaxed Mallorca vacation.

As soon as you leave the area around Platja de Palma and El Arenal, you'll quickly notice that the roads are quieter and the beaches less crowded. In no time, you can be in a whole different world. Head southeast and make sure to roll down the windows while driving your rental car. Along the coastal roads, you'll be greeted by a certain scent so typical of Mallorca that you'll never forget it. This happens to me because when I step off the plane onto the gangway, I can tell I'm back without opening my eyes.

To drive along the coast for as long as possible, you should follow the PMV-6014 in El Arenal towards Colònia Sant Jordi. The first beautiful cove can be found at Vallgornera. You can best reach Cala Pi by foot after parking your car at Carrer Pedreres. The cove is small and not very crowded. Here, you'll find small garages for fishing boats that give this stretch of beach a special charm. If you're sailing on the Mediterranean, you should definitely anchor here and spend a few hours in the protected sea. For those who don't have a rental car, this beach is still accessible because you can conveniently reach it from Palma using bus line 525.

The most famous beach section in the south of the island is Es Trenc. To get here, head towards Colònia Sant Jordi and follow the signs to Es Trenc. You'll pass the large sea salt deposits on the island, and depending on which beach access you choose, you might even stop and buy a bag of real Mallorcan sea salt. There is a paid parking lot at the southern end of the beach. Here, parking for the entire day costs €6. For this, the natural beach is regularly cleaned of seaweed. That's not something you can take for granted everywhere.

On some days, you might have to wade through the seaweed, but in the peak season, it's heavenly beautiful. The sea shimmers in the most beautiful turquoise tones, the beach is flat, and you need not worry about stepping on sharp stones. If only there were coconut palms, then the Caribbean flair would be perfect. Yachts and sailboats often dock here, and you can watch their crews bustling about. Even in the height of summer, you can definitely find a spot, and in the off-season, you're often all alone. Untouched nature and ample space - what more could you want?

However, I quickly think of something - because I definitely want to share the special charm of Cala Figuera with you. I accidentally stumbled upon this village during my tour and stayed for lunch.

Take a look over the cliffs into the beautiful cove and the boats anchoring there.

This small dreamy village has a lovely town center, and as you stroll through the streets, you can steal glimpses down the cliffs into the stunning bay and the boats anchored there. Even during high season, you'll still experience the unique atmosphere of this diverse island, which was originally a fishermen's island. The small boats gently sway in the sun, and the seagulls find perfect conditions. By the way: in my travel magazine, you'll find an entire article about the most beautiful beaches of Mallorca. Pick your favorite!

The rocky cliffs of this village aren't suitable for swimming, so it's worth it to take a quick stop and then get back in the car to head towards Parc Natural Mondragó. This nature park is worth a visit in itself, as here you'll find almond trees and even some fig trees, from which you might pick a ripe fig if you arrive at the right time. Just when you think you've gotten lost, a parking lot suddenly appears where you can confidently leave your car.

Relax in the midst of the beautiful natural scenery.

Then it's a 15-minute trek down the hill until you finally reach a beautiful small cove framed by cliffs and a ruin that you can even explore. There are three beaches in this area - so there's enough space for everyone. These beaches always bring me great joy, as you can stand in the water up to your neck after just a few steps, without having to wade through meters of sea to finally swim. It's worthwhile to bring a snorkel, as you can observe many fish and sea urchins along the rocks. On the way back to the car, keep your eyes open, as you may spot goats and other animals. Here too, you won't find hotels and beach clubs, as this area has been successfully protected from development and mass tourism.

If you want to explore a real insider tip, then you should take a trip to the small island of Cabrera. It starts in Colònia de Sant Jordi and the crossing takes about 40 minutes. In fact, it is a whole archipelago consisting of 18 islands, of which only the largest island is habitable. A maximum of 50 visitors are allowed per day. It's best to bring a picnic, as you can't shop on the island, which is often referred to as the last natural paradise in the Mediterranean. Since the island is a protected area, visitor regulations are very strict, and a park ranger ensures that everything is in order. You have the opportunity to visit the island's own fortress ruins and climb the tower.

The sea in front of the archipelago is full of fish, and they come surprisingly close to divers. After a lengthy stroll along the beach, you can have a coffee at the small harbor café before returning by boat to Mallorca. It's truly a worthwhile trip that probably not many will undertake. Nowadays, you can even stay overnight on the island, in the small but charming hostel Albergue de Cabrera - I'll definitely try that next time.

Do you want to know what awaits you in Mallorca? I traveled around our favorite island and brought back a video with the most beautiful highlights of the island. Check it out:

Video: Urlaubsguru TV

The south of Mallorca offers a complete contrast program. Ballermann is fun for all who want to party and enjoy a great beach vacation. Because along seven kilometers, bars and clubs line up next to each other. If you want to cool off, you just have to head over to the beachfront promenade and jump into the turquoise waves of the Mediterranean. Ballermann offers an infrastructure that's possibly better suited for partying than some large cities - and Platja de Palma is the cherry on top!

Then, after a half-hour drive along the coast, you'll find charming fishing villages and hidden coves that are just begging to be dreamt about. As if that weren't perfect enough, you can even visit a tiny island that, aside from you, few in your friend circle may know. You'll become a true Mallorca insider! In a week in Mallorca, you can easily experience both facets of the island. The distances are short and the views even better...