Date of publication 21/04/2026
Myths and Legends of Mallorca
Secret tunnels leading to the sea, mysteries hidden within the cathedral, and dragons guarding lost treasures... Beyond its beautiful beaches, would you like to discover these legends of Mallorca?
The Secret Passage of Bellver Castle
When King James II of Mallorca ordered the construction of his fortress in the 14th century, he could hardly have imagined that seven centuries later Bellver Castle would be one of the very few circular castles in all of Europe, and the oldest of them all.
This Catalan Gothic landmark, with its central courtyard and four perfectly preserved towers, rises 367 feet above sea level and stands as one of the island’s main cultural highlights. Surrounded by a three-mile forest, it offers not only a peaceful place to walk but also sweeping views over Palma and its bay.
Like any self-respecting medieval castle, Bellver has its share of legends. One tells of a mysterious underground cave whose origin archaeologists have yet to explain. The leading theory suggests it may have been an escape route commissioned by the king, with an exit to the sea in case the fortress came under attack.
Just a five-minute drive from downtown Palma, you can stay at a five-star Iberostar hotel in Playa de Palma and discover, among other experiences, the refined cuisine served in its sea-view restaurants. After exploring these stories and curiosities, you can unwind in thoughtfully designed spas created for total relaxation. Near the capital, you will also find exclusive adults-only hotels in Mallorca, such as Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma or Iberostar Waves Bahía de Palma, ideal for those seeking a calm setting close to the city.
The Guardian of the Treasure in the Drach Caves
Walking among dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, moving up and down rocky paths until you reach one of the largest underground lakes in the world, measuring 384 feet long by 98 feet wide. The Drach Caves, located in Porto Cristo and known since the Middle Ages, are a natural treasure well worth exploring.
Explored by speleologists M. F. Will and E. H. Martel between 1880 and 1896, these caves lie 82 feet below ground. Along walkways and staircases, you will encounter the striking beauty of the Black Cave, the White Cave, the Cave of Luis Salvador, and the French Cave. At certain times of day, Lake Martel hosts a classical music concert performed from a traditional Mallorcan boat.
Legend has it that a treasure of immeasurable value still lies hidden within the Drach Caves, one that pirates and buccaneers attempted to seize centuries ago. But a fierce dragon, which gives the caves their name, is said to guard it from the deepest, most hidden corner of this magical place.
Close to this atmospheric part of eastern Mallorca, you will find the perfect place to rest. For families, Iberostar Waves Cala Domingos stands out among family hotels in Mallorca for its connection to nature and the space and activities it offers children. If you prefer quiet after visiting the “dragon,” Iberostar Waves Cala Millor is considered one of the best adults-only hotels in the area, where the calm of the Mediterranean takes center stage.
The Soul of Mallorca Cathedral
“From the outside you see its structure, but step inside and you will see its soul.” With these words, painter and Modernist figure Santiago Rusiñol described Mallorca Cathedral, the striking Gothic monument built in 1229 facing the Bay of Palma.
And for good reason. Visiting La Seu, as locals call it, is an experience that stays with you. Restored in part by Antoni Gaudí, it features seven rose windows that give it a quiet, luminous beauty. The most famous is the Gothic Eye, a 43-foot-diameter window at the heart of one of the island’s most fascinating phenomena.
Only twice a year, on February 2 and November 11, and just minutes before 8:00 a.m., this window creates what is known as the “figure eight.” As sunlight passes through its 1,116 pieces of colored glass, it fills the cathedral with a remarkable glow. The light then reflects onto the rose window directly opposite, forming a giant figure eight made of thousands of colors, known as the soul of the cathedral.
To experience this play of light and explore Palma’s history, the city offers options for every type of traveler. Iberostar Waves Cristina is an excellent choice among family-friendly hotels in Mallorca for those seeking comfort and activities near the city center. For a more romantic stay, hotels for couples around the bay provide a quieter setting while remaining close to the historic district.
Valldemossa, the Most Beautiful Place in the World
Suffering from a mysterious illness that Paris’s best doctors could not diagnose, composer Frédéric Chopin arrived in Mallorca in the winter of 1838 with his partner, writer George Sand, hoping the island’s mild climate would help restore his health.
Upon reaching the small village of Valldemossa, surrounded by green mountains, the already celebrated musician declared it “the most beautiful place in the world.”
While not a legend in the strict sense, Chopin and Sand’s stay in Valldemossa has become part of the island’s lore. They spent several months in two cells of the Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa, a former 14th-century monastery. In cell number 4, which can be visited today, Chopin had his piano brought from Poland. Although his health did not improve, he transformed his suffering into beauty, composing some of his most celebrated preludes, now considered masterpieces of piano music.
The Mallorcan Slingers, the Most Feared Army
Did you know that the Mallorcan slingers were regarded as one of the most formidable and feared forces of the ancient world? Known for their precision and courage, legend says they were trained from a young age by their own mothers, who set them the challenge of knocking down food hanging from a branch using only a sling before they were allowed to eat.
The island’s slingers carried three slings: one for large projectiles, another for greater precision, and a third for shorter distances. These slings were made from linen, esparto grass, or horsehair. Their ammunition ranged from stones of various sizes to heavy lead bullets, with a reach of up to 328 feet.
Anyone who dared threaten their land was met with a rain of stones until the Romans, led by Quintus Caecilius Metellus, conquered the island and established their capital in Pollentia, now Alcudia.
Discover the well-preserved Roman remains in Alcudia and stay at one of Iberostar’s hotels in Mallorca near this natural haven in the north of the island, the perfect base for uncovering even more local legends. This area is known for excellent family-friendly hotels such as Iberostar Waves Alcudia Park, Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village, and the recently updated Iberostar Selection Albufera Park and Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa, all offering memorable stays by the sea. If you are looking to explore new corners of the island, do not miss Iberostar Selection Es Trenc, located in the south near one of Mallorca’s most iconic and unspoiled beaches.
