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From where to stay and eat to fun in the sun, Mallorca is a must-visit.
Nestled in the Mediterranean, Mallorca — the largest island in Spain’s Balearics — is known for its breathtaking landscape, which includes dramatic mountains, beautiful Spanish architecture, and secluded coves. Also called Majorca, Mallorca is a prime destination spot for any eco-conscious traveler. It’s got sunny beaches, dozens of wineries, and countless plant-based eateries for a wondrous vacation not easily forgotten.
Similar to other popular island travel spots, Mallorca’s geography makes it susceptible to the impacts of mass tourism — it brings in more than 17 million visitors a year — including pollution, waste, and the overconsumption of natural resources.
Conde Nast says instead of the famed gardens of Alfábia, “try the lesser-known Els Calderers near Sant Joan, a grand Mallorcan estate where the coach parties are conspicuously absent.” It also recommends avoiding the big wineries with their standard-issue group visits, and “sign up for a tasting personally tutored by Cati Ribot of natural winemaker Galmés i Ribot” instead.
In its effort to reduce tourism’s impact, Mallorca is now poised to join Ibiza in redefining Mediterranean tourism through sweeping new vehicle restrictions aimed at tackling congestion and environmental strain. In a move announced by Island Council President Llorenç Galmés, the island will cap the number of vehicles allowed to enter and operate annually, marking its first attempt to directly regulate tourist traffic. While full details will be outlined in an upcoming draft bill, exemptions will prioritize residents, electric vehicles, essential transport, and one registered car per non-resident home — reflecting a deliberate effort to balance mobility with environmental accountability.
The policy comes on the heels of Ibiza’s own measures, which went into effect on June 1. Visitors bringing cars must now apply for authorization and pay a daily fee, while rental companies face fleet-based taxes and stricter quotas — just 16,000 permitted last summer, far short of industry demand. Critics, especially from Spain’s rental car sector, warn of job losses and inflated prices. Still, regional officials remain firm: these curbs are not only about traffic — they are a response to the existential challenge of overtourism. With both islands moving toward regulated, greener travel systems, the Balearics may offer a model for other destinations grappling with the toll of unchecked visitor growth.
Where to stay
What better way to minimize your environmental footprint than by staying in a sustainable resort like the Virgin Son Bunyola. But there are a number of other ecological hotels the island has to offer.
Ecocirer Healthy Stay
Located in the picturesque village of Sóller, this historic townhouse was built in the early 1900s but has been transformed into a quaint hotel featuring six, unique rooms. Traveling with your romantic partner? Book the “Love” room, which is nestled in the attic and offers views overlooking the village.
For a tranquil escape, book the “Dream” room, a junior suite that offers views of the Tramuntana Mountains. Sustainability and recycling are core values for this lovely hotel, so sit back and lounge in comfort knowing that your stay is as environmentally sound as it is relaxing.
Finca Serena Mallorca
One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this upscale, five-star stay, located on nearly 100 acres of land, provides “luxury for all five senses.” It has flourishing Mediterranean gardens, vineyards, vegetable gardens, olive tree orchards, an on-site restaurant, and much, much more.
LJs Ratxó Eco Luxury Retreat
Located in Mallorca’s Puig de Galatzó Mountains, this luxurious resort has it all: a plush, all-organic spa, an infinity pool and hot tub, a cocktail bar and two restaurants, and a scenic terrace that you’re guaranteed to not want to leave.
The pentacle of eco-luxury, this 25-room retreat is surrounded by all that nature has to offer, including enchanting landscapes of olive trees and mountains. With a boho chic vibe, the rooms feature one-of-a-kind furniture pieces are made from sustainable timber and “lashings of Majorcan countryside charm.”
Where to eat
Now that you’ve booked your room, here’s where to get all of the delicious, plant-based eats that Spain has to offer.
Ca n’Ela
Located in Old Town Palma Center, Ca n’Ela is a quintessential fine dining experience. Indulge in dishes that are as pleasing to the eyes as they are on the taste buds like a cashew basil pesto pasta salad or cucumber rolls with smoked leek patties. For a heartier meal, try the homemade seitan with lemon cream, carrot, and roasted pumpkin.
Sabores de Sandra
This vegan restaurant’s seasonal menus are deserving of a spot on your Mallorca travel bucket list. While the eatery’s tasty dishes like red Thai curry and veggie lasagna are sure to appease any grumbling belly, its homemade vegan cakes take the… cake.
Temple Natura Café Garden
Located in Palma, this plant-based restaurant serves up the best of Mediterranean and Colombian cuisines. For a full-course meal, start with appetizers of vegan nachos, soup, or pita bread and hummus. For a main course, bite into a juicy meatless burger or treat yourself to a bowl of spicy chili. And don’t forget to leave some room for dessert. We’re talking cocoa and avocado brownie served with chocolate ice cream, carrot cake, and sorbet.
What to do
Today’s travelers are craving immersion, movement, and memory-making. For visitors seeking a sportier escape, day passes are now available at select private clubs, including the stylish Bendinat Country Club and the Sóller Tennis and Pádel Club. Meanwhile, adrenaline-fueled adventure is gaining momentum thanks to local outfitters like ViuAventura and Mallorcalpina, who guide hikers through the island’s most rugged caves, summits, and gorges.
From taking in the historic sites to trekking scenic hikes and basking in the sun on the coastal oasis, the real question is: what’s not to do in Mallorca?
Stunning natural attractions
Explore Mallorca’s historic towns, medieval churches, art museums, castles, caves, and everything in between. Top destinations include the Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca, Drach Caves, the hilltop town of Deiá, and the Castell de Bellver, a Gothic-style castle that offers panoramic views of Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands.
Shop local, sustainable brands
Give back to the local community by supporting sustainable shops in and around the island. From clothing to shoes and everything in between, Mallorca is a shopping haven. For the water lovers, Nakawe Swimwear is an absolute must. Founded in 2019, it offers a wide variety of eco-friendly and biodegradable swimwear.
Guided wine tours
And for the wine lovers, experience an organic wine tasting unlike anything you’ve ever had before. Mallorca’s wine industry offers a number of sustainable vineyard tours, like Bodega Ribas, a local family winery located at the base of the Tramuntana mountains that was founded back in 1711.
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