Mallorca is the ideal destination for lovers of outdoor sports. From the good weather you’ll find on the island for most of the year, to the large number of natural areas for all kinds of outdoor activities, Mallorca is a paradise for adventure sports.
In fact, some even say that Mallorca is a real “Garden of Eden" for sports players. You can run, ride a bike, or sail while discovering amazing spots. And, if you’re up to it, you can also train on intense circuits and put yourself to the test on challenging routes.
There are even specialised hotels for playing sports, such as Hotels VIVA, where you can recover from your workouts and receive access to all the best services.
Some of the adventure sports you can do in Palma de Mallorca
Snorkelling
Snorkelling involves diving under the sea’s surface to observe plants, animals, and corals.
In Mallorca there are several great options for snorkelling.
The natural reserve on the Malgrats Islands is one of the most important. You’ll find that visits must be programmed ahead of time, and will last one hour.
The area near Porto Cristo is also an interesting spot to enjoy snorkelling in Mallorca, especially if you want to see sea life such as fish, octopus or sea urchins.
Other places to snorkel on this island are:
- Es Caló, in Betlem
- Delta – Maioris
- Cala Llamp
- Cala Llombards
- Cabrera Island
Kayaking
You’ll find kayaking spots in both fresh and salt water.
The requirements for kayaking are minimal: you’ll just gain experience with practice.
But, of course, it’s essential to have the appropriate equipment, such as paddles, life jackets, etc.
Santa Ponsa, belonging to the municipality of Calviá, is one of the best places for kayaking in Mallorca.
Other areas where you can participate in this adventure sport are Aucanada (a pleasant coastal area located in the bay of Alcudia), Colonia de San Jordi, Portocolom, and Cala d'Egos.
Diving
Mallorca is a paradise for diving lovers.
Its climate, together with the high visibility of its deep-sea beds, allow diving all year round. It’s a recommended destination for both experienced divers and beginners.
Some of the most important dive sites in Mallorca are:
- Maritime Terrestrial National Park in the Cabrera Archipelago
- Illa del Toro
- Cova des Pirates (Pirates’ Cove)
- Illa del Sec
- Shipwreck in the Bay of Palma
- Illa de la Dragonera
Coasteering
Coasteering is an adventure sport including a tour of coastal areas that combines hiking, high jumps into the water, exploring caves, diving, and mountain climbing.
It’s an extreme activity, and is perfect for fit athletes who want to test their skills and abilities.
Mallorca is a top coasteering destination. Its coastline combines cliffs with small caves, grottoes and climbing walls.
Most of the coasteering routes are organised in areas that aren’t too crowded. One of the most outstanding spots is the duo formed by the bays of Alcudia and Pollença.
Nordic Walking
Nordic walking is a sport where you walk in the mountains with poles, somewhat like ski poles.
The technique comes from northern Europe, where it’s commonly used in winter to get around areas with a lot of snow.
According to some studies, Nordic walking is more effective than walking without poles, since you’ll be exercising around 90% of your body at the same time. In addition, this sport is endurance-based.
On the island there are different associations that organise Nordic walking routes. For example, Ca'n Picafort and the Son Real estate are special spots to participate in this sport.
Kitesurf
Kite surfing has gone from just a surfing fad to a real sport with thousands of followers all over the world.
This adventure sport uses the force of the wind and a kite to propel a board through the water to perform jumps, spins, etc.
Kite surfing is a challenge suitable for almost everyone.
The most popular kite surfing spots in Europe are the French Mediterranean coast, the south coast of Portugal, the Baltic Sea and the Balearic Islands.
The bay of Palma and the area around Es Trenc, in the southern part of Mallorca, are favourite spots for kite surfers. However, the large number of tourists means that the sport is restricted in the summer months.
Playa de Muro, Son Serra de Marina, and the bay of Pollença, in the northern part of the island, are places where you can kite surf all year round.
Speology (Caving)
SIt’s estimated that there are hundreds of caves to be discovered in the ground in Mallorca, making this island a perfect destination for adventure sports such as speleology.
Lovers of this sport can discover spectacular rock formations with natural pools, caverns, vaults, and tunnels.
Some of them are very famous, such as Es Pas de Vallgornera, which is more than 73 kilometres long, and Sa Campana, about 300 metres deep.
In Mallorca you can participate in a caving variety known as marine speleology, in areas such as Cala Falcó. There you’ll find amazing marine formations and age-old inland lakes.
