Are you looking for something to get your heart pumping on your Mallorcan holiday? Well, lucky for you, this Spanish island has plenty of thrills and adventure to give you a serious dose of adrenaline. From exploring underground caves to cliff jumping into crystalline waters, Mallorca serves up a feast of daring pursuits. So leave the sun lounger behind and prepare for an unforgettable active holiday. Here are the best adventures in Mallorca to satisfy the thrill-seeker in you:
1. Exploring Mallorca’s Sea Caves
Mallorca has an impressive coastline lined with caves that are well worth exploring. While I cannot list all the caves on the island in this post, the most popular include the Dragon Caves (Cuevas del Drach) and Cueva del Arta with its stunning scenery.
The caves are a must-see attraction. Along the way, you will encounter fascinating stalactites, stalagmites and columns rising from the water. The minerals deposited by dripping groundwater over millennia have formed these delicate formations in an array of shapes and sizes.
However, be warned, the caves can get very crowded with tourists. We recommend planning to visit as early as possible, ideally within an hour or two after they open around 9 am. This will help you avoid the biggest crowds.
If you prefer an organized tour of the caves, consider joining a group tour of the Cuevas del Drach. The tour guide will explain the cave’s history and geology while showing you the stunning formations inside.
2. Coasteering in Mallorca
Coasteering is a fairly new outdoor activity that takes place along Mallorca’s beautiful coastline. Participants climb, swim, and rappel along the rocky shore, taking advantage of the sea and cliffs. It’s best done at low tide for easier navigation through the water.
Several locations in Mallorca offer excellent coasteering, including:
- Alcudia: The northern coast has rocky cliffs and crystal clear water, perfect for climbing and jumping into the sea.
- Cala Ratjada: The eastern coast features caves, arches, and sea stacks to explore along with swimming spots and cliff jumps up to 20 meters high.
- Cala Romàntica: This small cove has steep cliffs and calm waters, allowing participants to climb up and dive or jump into the sea.
- Magaluf: The western coast boasts dramatic rock formations and cliffs to climb and descend via ropes and ladders.
- Peguera and Port de Soller: These western locations feature sea cliffs, tunnels, caves, and rock formations for climbing, swimming, and jumping into the Mediterranean.
Coasteering tours typically last 2 to 5 hours and are led by professional and certified guides. The guides provide all necessary equipment like helmets and ropes. They ensure safety while enabling participants to test their limits in a controlled environment.
3. Paragliding in Mallorca
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, paragliding in Mallorca is a must. Glide over azure seas and stunning mountain vistas as you sail on the breeze. Several outfitters offer tandem paragliding for first-timers, so don’t worry if you’ve never done it before.
For the best views of Mallorca, take off from the town of Alcudia, where you can find one of the largest bays on the island. Santa Margalida is also a good spot to paraglide over. This small village sits along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and offers spectacular views of the quaint town and white beaches from above.
If you’re concerned about safety – we’re here to ease your mind and let you know that tandem paragliding with a certified guide is very safe. The instructors have thousands of flight hours and the latest equipment. However, there is always an element of risk in extreme sports, so choose an operator carefully. But, for many, the chance to soar over Mallorca’s stunning scenery outweighs any fears.
4. Canyoning in Mallorca
If you’re looking for a real adventure in Mallorca to get your heart pumping, canyoning in Mallorca’s stunning gorges is just the thrill you need. With towering cliffs reaching up to 150 meters, crystal-clear waters running through narrow ravines, and dramatic jumps up to 20 meters, the island’s canyons offer an unforgettable rush.
Canyoning in Mallorca involves a combination of hiking, climbing, jumping, abseiling and swimming through the island’s spectacular gorges. Some of the best spots for this adventure activity are located in Sa Fosca, Alcudia, Port de Soller, and Santa Maria del Cami.
While there are some risks involved like falling rocks and fast moving waters, outfitters take all necessary safety precautions and provide guides with expert knowledge of the terrain. With the right company and equipment, canyoning in Mallorca’s spectacular gorges promises to be a thrilling and safe adventure.
5. Rock Climbing in Mallorca
The island is a world-class destination for rock climbing, with over 7,000 routes to discover. Whether you’re a novice climber or an experienced lead climber, Mallorca’s crags offer challenges for every skill level.
Cala Magraner
This features over 150 single and multi-pitch routes on grey limestone cliffs. Just a 10-minute hike from the beach, it’s an ideal crag for climbers of all levels and popular with most tourists. Routes range from grade 3 to 8a, climbing up to 70 metres high. The crag stays shady until midday, so it’s best climbed in the morning during the hot summer months.
Cala Barques
Near Cala Barques beach, dramatic sea cliffs rise up from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Over 200 routes ascend the 60-metre-high walls, ranging from grade 3 to 8a in difficulty. The stunning views from the top are well worth the climb. Cala Barques is best climbed in autumn through spring when cooler temperatures prevail.
Sa Gubia
For more seasoned rock climbers, head over to Sa Calobra, where you’ll find the multi-pitch climbs of Sa Gubia. Over 100 routes climb the stunning orange and grey walls, including the iconic 8-pitch ‘Super Nova.’ Reaching up to 350 metres in height with grades from 4 to 8b, Sa Gubia offers world-class climbs in a wild setting. Due to the summer heat, it’s only climbable from October to May.
6. Kayaking in Mallorca
To conclude our list of adventures in Mallorca, sea kayaking along Mallorca’s stunning coastline is a must. Paddle along sheer cliff faces, sea caves and secluded beaches only accessible from the water. Some routes even pass by historic coastal watchtowers and fortresses. Sea kayak tours typically last 3 to 4 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the scenic views and snap photos of Mallorca’s natural beauty.
For a magical experience, book a sunset kayak tour. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is illuminated in vibrant oranges and pinks that reflect off the glassy surface of the sea. You can also opt for a stand-up paddle board if you prefer. Gliding silently over the water as the sun sets is a peaceful way to end an exciting day of adventures in Mallorca.
So there you have it, thrillseekers – the best adventures in Mallorca! This Spanish island is your playground waiting to be explored. With incredible rock formations, death-defying climbs, and exhilarating water sports, this Balearic paradise is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Just make sure to stay safe so you can return back to your villa and relax the evening away.
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