Sundays in Mallorca are something else entirely: here, the alarm clock has no say and the island seems to conspire to tempt you with a thousand different plans. Can you imagine strolling among market stalls while an impromptu brass band plays? Or would you rather lose yourself down a backstreet that smells of freshly baked bread? Some people decide to climb up to the Serra for a breath of fresh air (and a scenic selfie), while others can’t resist the lure of a sunny terrace, a chilled beer and endless conversation. Everything fits into this Sunday mosaic, where the challenge isn’t filling your day but deciding where to start.
Choosing what to do on a Sunday in Mallorca is a bit like picking the best tapa in a bar: there are so many options, the hardest part is settling on just one. So let’s relax and hop from plan to plan, from the hustle and bustle of a market to a leisurely cultural stroll, without worrying about changing direction halfway through the day. In the end, the fun is in going with the island’s pace and discovering which version of Mallorca you want to try this Sunday.
The morning buzz: local markets and gastronomic treasures
Sunday mornings in Mallorca begin with the cheerful hubbub of its markets. These are the weekly meeting points where ‘bon dia’ is exchanged between farmers and shoppers, and the air is thick with the scent of seasonal fruit. Here, shopping becomes an animated conversation, a chance to swap cooking tips about local vegetables or find out the best way to enjoy sobrasada.
There are two essential stops if you fancy getting lost among the stalls of a local market.
In the north, the Pollença market sets out its stalls in the main square, creating a maze of colours and aromas. It’s easy to lose yourself among piles of olives, characterful local cheeses, and bottles of golden oli that seem to capture the Mallorcan sun. Here you buy direct from the producer, and it’s not unusual to end up sampling a slice of cheese before deciding which one to take home.
The Santa María del Camí market, one of the largest on the island, puts on a different show. As well as an impressive array of fresh produce, its aisles are packed with handmade ceramics and local crafts. At many stalls, tasting is part of the deal: a little sobrasada on a quelita biscuit or a glass of local wine while you make up your mind. It’s the perfect way to start the day, with good humour and the island’s flavour in your bag.
Inland villages and rural architecture
Beyond the coast, Mallorca’s interior is measured by cobbled streets and quiet conversations in the sun. Sunday is the perfect day to explore its villages, where dry stone buildings blend into the landscape and time seems to flow at a more relaxed pace. It’s an opportunity to discover the island through its rural architecture, traditions and the peaceful atmosphere, far from the main tourist hotspots.
Here are three suggestions for a Sunday tour that’s full of character:
- Valldemossa: this village is, above all, a postcard of traditional architecture. Its steep streets are lined with stone houses adorned with colourful pots. Wandering aimlessly down its lanes is the best way to uncover its photogenic corners and feel the weight of history, especially around its famous Carthusian Monastery. It’s a place that invites you to walk slowly, taking in the details of the façades and old wooden doors.
- Deià: known for attracting artists and writers, Deià has a special atmosphere. The village clings to a hillside overlooking the sea, and its stone houses seem to blend into the land itself. A walk up to its small hilltop church offers panoramic views of both village and coast, making it easy to see why so many creatives sought refuge here.
- Binissalem: located in the wine-growing heart of the island, Binissalem offers a different vision of Mallorca’s interior. Its architecture is defined by stately stone homes and the wineries scattered throughout the municipality. A Sunday here might involve a stroll around the main square and a visit to a local bodega to learn about the area’s wine-making tradition, which proudly holds its own Denomination of Origin.
Museums and heritage sites open on Sundays
When Sunday’s pace calls for a break, Palma’s cultural offering is the perfect answer. A cultural tour of the capital is an ideal alternative for a leisurely day, discovering places that combine architecture, art and privileged views.
A great first stop is Es Baluard Museum, integrated into the old Renaissance walls. Its modern and contemporary art galleries contrast with the historic building, and its terraces are excellent viewpoints over the bay. Continuing your walk, the outline of Palma Cathedral (La Seu) dominates the skyline. Beyond its religious significance, admiring its Gothic architecture from outside, with its vast rose window, is an experience in itself. To round off your morning or afternoon, Bellver Castle offers a different perspective. Its unique circular structure and hilltop location provide sweeping views of the city and harbour.
Between visits, it’s worth taking a detour through the old town to peek into the Mallorcan courtyards. These spaces, once the heart of stately mansions, are havens of peace and cool, with their stone arches, greenery, and the gentle sound of a fountain. They’re architectural gems revealed to those who stroll by with a curious eye.
Hiking and views: mountain trails in the Serra de Tramuntana
For those who prefer dirt tracks to tarmac, the Serra de Tramuntana offers a dramatic setting where nature takes centre stage. Its rocky formations, holm oak woods, and panoramic sea views make for an energetic Sunday plan. You don’t need to be an expert mountaineer; there are moderate trails perfect for appreciating the area’s geology and flora without any special training—just decent trainers and a spirit of adventure.
Here are three ideas for a Sunday hike, each with its own flavour:
- Coastal route to Ermita de la Victòria (Alcúdia): this northern option combines green pine forests with the deep blue sea. It’s a gentle climb starting near s’Illot beach and heading up to a small seventeenth-century hermitage. The path is easy, and the views from the top, with Pollensa Bay on one side and Alcúdia Bay on the other, are a fantastic reward. Ideal for those after moderate effort with big visual returns.
- A section of the Camí Vell de Lluc: this ancient pilgrimage route weaves through the heart of the Tramuntana. An accessible section for a Sunday excursion runs from the village of Caimari to Lluc Monastery. The cobbled path meanders between terraces of centuries-old olive trees and holm oak forests, showing off traditional pedra en sec engineering. This route lets you appreciate the mountain’s interior landscapes, its tranquil silence, and robust vegetation.
- Walk from Estellencs to Banyalbufar: in the southwest of the range, this path links two of the coast’s most charming villages. The trail runs mid-slope, continually overlooking the famous marjades (stone terraces) sloping towards the sea. It passes through private farmland (so be sure to follow signs and respect property), and you’ll see old defensive towers and the unique landforms of this corner of the island.
Seaside afternoons: relaxing by bays and harbours
Mallorcan Sundays are best rounded off by the sea, as the sunset paints the sky and everything slows down. It’s the perfect time for a gentle stroll, letting the sea breeze bring your day to a peaceful close. Deciding what to do as Sunday evening falls in Mallorca is easy if you seek the calm of its coast.
In the southwest, Palma offers several possibilities. A stroll along the Paseo Marítimo lets you watch boats lazily bob in the marina, while the nearby Santa Catalina neighbourhood is perfect for laid-back late afternoons on a terrace. For a different view, head up to the Paseo de Dalt Murada on the old city walls for a spectacular sunset panorama across the bay.
In the northeast, a walk around the port at Port d’Alcúdia or Port de Pollença is delightful. Things move at a gentler pace here, with the sound of the waves and the murmur of cafés as your soundtrack. It’s the ideal way to end a day of exploring: just walking, enjoying the stillness at day’s end.
A perfect Sunday in Mallorca
And what if you decide the best Sunday plan is… not to have a plan at all? At Hotels VIVA, we believe part of enjoying Mallorca is giving yourself a day to completely relax, without leaving the hotel. Here, you can take a dip in the pool, treat yourself in the spa, pump up the energy with one of our sporting activities, or simply savour the best of local cuisine in our restaurants. Because you don’t need to be ‘doing’ all the time: sometimes, staying in and making the most of what we offer is the real holiday luxury.
Everything is at your fingertips to keep boredom at bay: swimming pools for paddling or swimming at your own pace, a spa to reset body and mind, sporting activities if you want to get moving, and a food offering that’ll make you want seconds. Whether you’re travelling with the family—with kids’ clubs and entertainment for the little ones—or seeking pure relaxation in our Adults Only zones, you can just relax, unwind and recharge without leaving the hotel. At Hotels Viva, staying ‘at home’ is also living out a holiday to remember.
Fancy trying a slow Sunday with every luxury to hand? Book with us and treat yourself to that totally unplugged day at Hotels Viva: here, staying in is the best plan of all.
