More sustainable on Mallorca: restaurants, hotels & activities
In 2023, more tourists traveled to the Balearic Islands than ever before. A total of 17.8 million people spend their vacations on Mallorca and the neighboring islands.
We can absolutely understand why so many people are drawn to the islands. They have a varied landscape, the beaches and the many hours of sunshine are simply fantastic and the feeling of vacation is in the air everywhere.
The more people that come to the island, the more impact it has on nature and its inhabitants. More waste is produced, more water is consumed, rental prices skyrocket and all the airplanes and cruise ships leave an enormous CO2 footprint. (Source: Global Nature Fund)
We therefore asked ourselves: Is it possible to enjoy the beauty of Mallorca sustainably? The answer: yes. There is currently an impressive change that focuses on authentic experiences, regional cuisine, the ban on plastic and soft tourism .
Here we show you our 5 tips on how you can visit the island with a clearer conscience
From food to hotels: Our 5 tips for a sustainable vacation in Mallorca
1. Slow Travel in Alcudia
In Alcudia and the adjacent nature reserve Parc natural de s'Albufera de Mallorca, it is easy to bring your vacation into harmony with nature. The entire region is a hiking and beach paradise at the same time.
To have a starting point for daily slow travel tours where you can slow down wonderfully, we recommend the Garden Holiday Village - small bungalows in the middle of a dreamlike garden, only 750 meters from the beach 'Playa de Muro'. Here you can feast on theorganic buffet, which promotes local agriculture, wash yourself with an organic, regional skincare range and lie by the pool under wild olive trees.
Your day trips will then take you either to the historic old town of Alcudia, for hiking in the nature reserve, for zero-waste shopping at the traditional weekly market, to the golf course, which was designed with nature in mind, or simply to the coast to breathe in the fresh sea air.
2. 0-km-food at Terragust
Incredibly delicious food that didn't have to be transported a mile to end up on your plate. An experience that is more than a 'simple restaurant visit'. A combination of culinary delights, nature, passion and tradition. All this is Terragust - a gastronomic project created by several farms to teach guests about the origins and characteristics of typical Mallorcan agriculture in a very individual way. You will learn all about the regional fruit and vegetable varieties on a walk before you finally get them on your plate - in the middle of the fields - prepared by the chef. It's all about enjoyment, community and a clear conscience
3rd hike by the sea on the Camí de S'Escolta
Would you like to go hiking, but don't want to make a whole active holiday out of your trip? Then the Camí de s'Escolta in the most important mountain range in Mallorca - the Sierra de Tramuntana - is just right for you. The trail offers you a spectacular view of the sea and the surrounding landscape - but is easy to complete in around an hour. And even something for children.
On about three kilometers between the estates of Can Costa, Son Mas des Pla del Rei and Son Guarda, mountains and water alternate again and again. The path leads past rock formations and pine forests and takes you to four stunning viewpoints. From here, you can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature and get to know Mallorca from its relaxed side
Our tip: combine your hike with a visit to the 500-year-old estate Son Moragues, which traditionally produces olive oil and offers exciting tastings and tours
4. Stay at the 100% recycled hotel
Only seven rooms, a large farmhouse, run by a family with a lot of heart - and the vision of leaving a positive footprint on our planet. Welcome to Ecocirer - a hotel in the village of Soller that stands for relaxation, sustainability and harmony
At this magical place, every detail has been thought through and designed with the well-being of our environment in mind. From the bed to the doors, everything is made with heart and 100% recycled. On Saturdays, everyone meets at the Farmhouse to cook together using fresh produce from the market. At the Ecocirer, you'll feel a sense of closeness that is rarely found in accommodation.
From the hotel, you can then explore the village of Sollér, which lies in the middle of the Orange Valley and is full of charm and character. Or how about a mountain bike tour through the surrounding mountains? You have plenty of options here to keep you on the move or simply relax
5. 'Let's meet Mallorca' on an e-scooter
At your own pace, without any CO2 and with plenty of fresh air around your nose. This is how you can explore the island with 'Let's meet Mallorca'. The slow travel idea came from the couple Carina and Giorgio, who thought a few years ago about how to experience Mallorca's natural landscape as quietly as possible. Since then, they have been offering self-guided e-scooter tours, on which you navigate along the most beautiful hotspots from Moscari via an app. If you ride it without stopping, it takes around two hours and surprises you with viewpoints, lots of nature and picturesque villages. The beauty of this route is that you can do everything at your own pace. Take as many breaks as you like and feel comfortable with.
If your hotel is in Caimari, Binibona, Selva or Mancor del Valle, you can also have Carina and Giorgio conveniently deliver and collect your e-scooter.
The sustainability check for your suitcase
Sustainability doesn't just start on Mallorca, but ideally with suitcases and packing. With just a few tips, you can be sure that you have more environmental awareness in your luggage:
1. Pack less. If you fly with a lot of weight, you cause more CO2 emissions. The plane literally has a harder time taking off, needs more fuel and therefore emits more kerosene. So try to pack only what you really need. Here you can find our tips on 'sustainable suitcase packing'.
2. Organic beauty. Your beauty case will be happy to carry natural cosmetics, solid shampoos and eco-friendly sunscreen. We like those from Lavera for example
3. Your own water bottle. Instead of buying drinks in plastic bottles, it's better for our environment if you carry your own water bottle with you and refill it every now and then. In the Avocadoshop you will find a large selection made of stainless steel, glass & Co.
4. digital tickets. Thanks to our cell phones, it is possible for us to easily save all tickets and documents and always have them with us. So you no longer have to print out tickets & Co. Instead, it's important to remember your charging cable. Or how about a solar power bank?
What makes your vacation particularly sustainable: When you consciously enjoy every moment. Take a deep breath, discover new places, food and people at your own pace. Treat nature with respect and enjoy its beauty.
