Mallorca’s Responsible Tourism Pledge is designed to protect the island’s abundant nature and authentic culture – here are five places where you can put the pledge into practise…
A year-round destination, the island of Mallorca oozes natural beauty; visitors can enjoy its rugged landscape ranging from rocky cliffs with crashing surf, to sandy beaches tickled by turquoise waters; snow-capped mountains to lush forests and wetlands full of wildlife. This wild scenery is in part why the island established the Responsible Tourism Pledge in 2023, to help protect the island's landscapes, culture and heritage. So, wherever you choose to visit on this magical island, there are many places and opportunities to put the Responsible Tourism Pledge into action. Here are just five...
The village of Deià (Shutterstock)
Celebrate the stunning landscapes that make up Mallorca and visit the Tramuntana mountains range which surround Deià. Known for their minerals which simulate the negative and positive ions in the brain, the energy here is magical and the whole area has a real feeling of spirituality and peace.
Enjoy a serene escape in the picturesque villages, with cobblestone clad lanes and hidden squares, and enjoy top-class restaurants, finca hotels and unspoiled nature which is abundant in the dramatic amphitheatre of the mountains.
With its prime position along the coast, it is a great base for hiking, and you can play your part in keeping our hiking trails and coastlines clean. When hiking, stick to the designated paths to avoid harming delicate ecosystems. Show respect for the rich biodiversity by refraining from stepping on or uprooting local plants so we can cultivate, conserve, and celebrate the Earth's natural splendour and protect it for generations to come.
Mallorca Cathedral in Palma (Shutterstock)
This cosmopolitan Mediterranean capital seduces thousands of visitors each year with its rich offering of art, culture and gastronomy with interesting sights at every turn. Wander through the narrow streets the Old Town - a former Moorish casbah, or walled city, and stop for tapas or a vino rose in the plentiful terraces in the narrow, cobbled streets. Take in the old Arab and Jewish quarters, beautiful squares and churches, while design lovers will adore the Gaudi buildings which are nestled amongst Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance facades.
Explore local designers and award-winning cuisine by enjoying local flavours and shopping from small businesses and you can treat yourself whilst supporting the community and helping bolster the island's economy. Head away from the main drag to Plaza Mayor and check out Suite 13, an ethical fashion brand selling clothes made with natural fabrics sourced responsibly from around the world.
The medieval fortifications of Alcúdia (Shutterstock)
Head to Alcúdia for a truly authentic slice of Mallorca. From its weekly market to traditional fiestas and classical music festivals, the town knows how to throw a party to celebrate cultural events.
Located on a peninsula that separates the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia, the restored walled city is on the site of a Roman settlement and its maze of narrow streets and medieval battlements have been carefully restored.
Being so close to the coast, the northern coast is well worth a visit, where the beaches are made up of fine golden sand. The turquoise sea is shallow enough to enjoy the underwater wonders straight from the beach. However, you are urged not to touch or harm the pretty coral and abundant marine life when you’re diving, snorkelling, or enjoying water sports, so they can be enjoyed by everyone.
The rugged Tramuntana Mountains (Shutterstock)
Nature lovers can get their fix at the UNESCO-protected Serra de Tramuntana National Park, which runs along Mallorca's north and east coast; popular with birdwatchers, hikers and cyclists in search of adventure, the mountains boast panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot midwife toads, lizards, wild goats and raptors, including the world's only island population of black vultures.
If trekking is not for you, the windy roads are also accessible by car, and you can enjoy soaking up the scenery and still get thrills from the hairpin bends from the comfort of four wheels. Make sure you visit at least one of the traditional villages such as Fornalutx in the Valley of Sóller, where you can immerse yourself in local history which dates back to the 13th century. Be sure to adhere to any local rules and customs and respect your temporary, shared space.
The S'Albufera Wetlands (Shutterstock)
Bordering the municipalities of Muro and Sa Pobla in the north west of the island, you can enjoy a different side of Mallorca: S’Albufera is Mallorca’s largest wetland and a designated national park with lagoons, reedbeds, pine forests, and salt marshes, each teeming with life. Spot turtles sunning themselves, listen to the croaking of frogs, and admire the vibrant wildflowers in spring.
Boasting an extraordinary collection of birds and exclusive species of lizards, it offers hides where twitchers regularly spot Montagu's harriers, Eleanora's falcons, moustached warblers and long-eared owls; there are also fishing lakes, footpaths and cycle trails, which boast endemic flora and fauna.
While enjoying the natural surroundings, you are encouraged to join the mission to reduce plastic consumption and carry a reusable water bottle, opt for eco-friendly packaging and recycle in appropriate bins, so that Mallorca can continue to protect the planet and its stunning surroundings for future generations.
Mallorca's new Responsible Tourism Pledge, put together by the Mallorca Tourist Board, was drawn up to ensure the island's natural beauty, captivating culture and abundant heritage is safeguarded for future generations. Its purpose is it help inform both locals and visitors how they can enjoy, experience and preserve the island's nature, values and beauty, treating the island as their own home so many others can enjoy it for years to come.
To find out more about Mallorca's Responsible Tourism Pledge and to sign it, visit the tourist board's official website.
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