mallorca when to travel

Mallorca   Travel Guide

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Best Times To Visit Mallorca

The best time to visit Mallorca is from March to May, when average temperatures are in the 60s and 70s and the crowds of summer tourists haven't yet descended on the island. Summer has a long stretch in Mallorca – from June to September – and it's characterized by sweltering temperatures, hordes of tourists and high room rates. Fall is another nice shoulder season with mild temperatures and cooling rains, but January and February are the best times to score decent deals on room rates.

Weather in Mallorca

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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• Majorca (Mallorca)

Everything You Need to Know About Mallorca: Where to Stay, What to Do, When to Visit, and More

See recent posts by Leon Beckenham

Mallorca is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe — and it’s easy to see why. The largest of the four main Balearic Islands , it offers a stunning coastline, an enviable climate, a rich and fascinating history, and a vibrant capital city. But before you book your flight, get the lowdown on when to go, what to see and, of course, where to stay on this unique, diverse, and spectacular Mediterranean island.

Beach at HYB Eurocalas/Oyster

The Best Time to Visit Mallorca

Summer in mallorca.

Melia Calvia Beach/Oyster

It is no surprise that the vast majority of visitors to Mallorca arrive during the sweltering summer months. Of the 10 million-plus annual tourists, many are northern Europeans — namely, British and German. Most visitors are absorbed into the high-rise hotels of the main resorts such as Magaluf and El Arenal on the south coast, and spread across the huge sweeping bays of Alcúdia and Pollenca in the northeast. Inevitable crowding aside, the weather during these months (June through August) is ideal for lounging on one of the many outstanding beaches with clear, calm waters, guaranteed sunshine, and an occasional gentle breeze to help with overheating. In fact, from July onwards, it is usually too hot to do much else beyond reclining next to water, so choosing a hotel with a decent-sized pool or easy beach access is a good idea. Head to the beach early, though, as most fill up quickly.

Fall in Mallorca

Mountains in Mallorca, Spain; Stefan Kunze/unsplash

For many, fall is the best time to visit the island, when most of the summer crowds have melted away, but the weather is still beach-friendly and the sea still warm. September is a particularly popular time for couples, as kids are back at school, leaving more space (and peace and quiet) for child-free visitors. The beginning of fall is also when most of the main harvests take place on Mallorca, with many of its rural villages and towns throwing festivals to celebrate. Local products include almonds, mushrooms, and pine nuts, each with their associated local fiestas.

As the temperatures start to drop, fall also sees the return of cyclists on the island. From novices to professional cycling teams, up to 250,000 people come every year to take advantage of some of the best cycling in Europe. From the flat central plains to the Serra de Tramuntana’s many winding mountain roads, there are conditions for all biking levels.

Winter in Mallorca

Palma, Mallorca; Mario Klassen/unsplash

Although it used to bring little more than a trickle of visitors, winter is becoming an increasingly popular season. It’s the capital, Palma , that sees most of the winter arrivals, thanks to its many attractions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating history and explore the cobbled lanes, quaint leafy plazas, and grand medieval structures, such as the iconic La Seu cathedral and hilltop Bellver Castle. The number of excellent boutique hotels in the capital has proliferated to accommodate the trend. Most of these take the form of centuries-old palacios, now converted into elegant, luxury hotels that offer world-class lodging with a glimpse into the once-hidden world of the island’s nobility.

Earlier in the winter season, hiking is a favorite activity, with countless footpaths cutting through the picturesque northern mountain range. The Dry Stone Route is the best maintained, comprising four trails through pine forests, scenic mounts, and along elevated coastal paths.

In addition to some spectacular Christmas celebrations, winter also sees one of the island’s most dramatic festivals — that of Sant Sebastià, Palma’s patron saint. This mid-January, week-long fiesta culminates in a night of spectacular street carnivals featuring terrifying demons wielding and breathing fire.

Spring in Mallorca

Sóller, Mallorca ; Dennis van den Worm/unsplash

Spring sees the island stirring from its winter slumber, with sunny days and warm weather returning. One of the first signs of spring is the famous almond blossom, when thousands of almond trees burst into bloom filling parts of the landscape with a beautiful show of white flowers.

With mild temperatures and clear roads, spring is also great time to jump in a car and explore the many charming villages and towns – Deià, Valldemossa, Sóller, Pollença, Fornalutx. Santanyí — on the island. This time of year is also ideal for a boat trip to one of Mallorca’s two islets — Sa Dragonera off the northwest coast and Cabrera to the south (both are inhabited nature reserves). Of course, the beaches are much quieter in comparison to summer, but the water has not had much time to warm up, so bathing is reserved for the brave. That being said, and spring is a great time to try one of the many water sports on offer, from kitesurfing to paddleboarding.

The Best Beaches in Mallorca

Cala mondragó.

Cala Mondragó; Falco Ermert/Flickr

Part of the Mondragó Natural Park, this picture-perfect beach is one of a series of small coves on this stretch of coastline in the southeast part of the island. Perfect for families, the sand here is soft and white, and the water clear, calm, and clean.  There’s a small beachside restaurant as well as a large picnic area with tables in the shade, plus a good-sized car park a short stroll away.

Undoubtedly one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Es Trenc is often referred to as Mallorca’s Caribbean. The long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters are backed by sand dunes and wind-swept trees. With no intruding high-rise hotels and tourist shops, this beach has a wild feel to it, particularly in low season. In the high season, it gets very busy, so we recommend arriving early. The nearest resort town is Colonia de Sant Jordi.

Cap de Formentor

Cap de Formentor; Sergei Gussev/Flickr

This narrow, curved strip of sand backed by pine trees may be fairly small, but it has the most incredible views. Given its location on the Formentor peninsula, accessing this beach either involves a boat trip or a drive on a very windy road. If driving, make sure to stop at the Mirador Es Colomer to admire the breathtaking vistas. Behind this beautiful beach lies the Formentor Hotel, very much a place of old-school glamour (Charlie Chaplin vacationed at the hotel, and Grace Kelly spent her honeymoon here).

Portals Vells

Portals Vells is stunning small cove, reached either by boat or a drive through surrounding pine forest. There’s a restaurant on the beach and a few sunbeds, but that’s it. Popular with locals, and impossible to access using public transport, this beach gets particularly busy on Sundays. The sand is soft, the water clear, and you can admire the nearby cliffs, caves, and collection of yachts usually anchored in the bay. There’s a car park at the back of the beach and another farther up the hill. A short climb over the rocks will lead you to another similar beach, but it’s smaller and lacks a restaurant.

Cala Torta; Falco Ermert/Flickr

Those seeking a remote beach will find what they’re looking for here. A half-hour drive down a windy, bumpy, and pot-hole-filled track gets you to Cala Torta, near the small town of Artá. But stunning water, great snorkeling, and soft white sand make the drive worthwhile. Make sure you pack a picnic and plenty of drinking water as there is nothing but nature here.

Playa de Muro

Located in the northeast part of the island, Playa de Muro is part of the vast stretch of sand in the Bay of Alcúdia. It is hugely popular with families, thanks to the array of nearby hotels, shallow waters, and easily accessible play parks, restaurants, and supermarkets. The central section of the beach is the quietest as it’s the farthest away from the resorts of Can Picafort and Port d’Alcúdia. This quieter part of the beach is backed by sand dunes and the S’Albufera Natural Park.

Cala Mesquida

Beach at Viva Cala Mesquida Resort Aparthotel/Oyster

One of the most spectacular beaches in the northeast part of the island, Cala Mesquida is a big swathe of sand, flanked by impressive sand dunes and dramatic rugged coastline. The water is clean and clear, but it can get very windy here, so the sea is not always great for kids. That being said, it is one of the few places on the island where you go surfing. Facilities include loungers and parasols for hire, plus a restaurant and snack bar.

Illetas’ smaller sister, Comtessa, is located just around the corner and is also easy to reach by bus from Palma, but with the added bonus of a car park. The beach itself is small, but the cove is pretty and the water is clear and great for kids. There is no beach club, but a small cafe on the rocks overlooks the beach and cooks up great burgers. As with most of the small beaches on this list, it’s best to arrive early during the high season, or later in the day when it’s much quieter.

Beach at Roc Illetas/Oyster

Within easy reach of Palma, Illetas has all the beauty of a small cove (picture soft sand and calm turquoise waters), but with an abundance of facilities, too. Balneario Illetas beach club is situated at the back, with its upscale yet relaxed restaurant, sunbeds, and umbrellas for hire, plus a smaller beach bar serving drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Another restaurant offers shaded seating up on the rocks overlooking the sea, and around the corner is the more luxurious (and expensive) Purobeach. For those who don’t want to pay for sunbeds, there is plenty of golden sand to lie on.

Cala Agulla

Backed by sand dunes and pine forests and protected on two sides by a picturesque rock-lined coast, Cala Agulla is located on the easternmost tip of the island. There’s a real wild feel to the powder white sand and clear waters here, but it’s still within easy reach of the popular resort town of Cala Ratjada. There are also a few facilities, including loungers for hire and some water sports, plus nearby rocky zones make for some great snorkeling.

The Best Things to Do in Mallorca

What to do in mallorca for families.

Beach at Hotel Pinos Playa, Mallorca/Oyster

When it comes to family-friendly destinations, Mallorca is hard to beat. The most obvious place to keep the little ones entertained is at the beach, and the island has plenty of sandy stretches for small bathers. The long coves that dot the southwest coast are particularly calm and sheltered, with shallow entry points and fine golden sand. Most of the popular beaches will have pedal boats for hire — perfect family fun.

Water-centric fun also comes in the form of several excellent water parks located around the island, just outside the resorts of Magaluf, El Arenal, and Alcúdia. There’s also an inflatable sea-based water park that makes an appearance during the summer in Port de Pollença. Katmandu Park, Mallorca’s biggest theme park, is brimming with activities for all ages. For something a little more educational, try La Granja, situated just outside the town of Esporles. This country-estate-turned-museum offers fascinating insight into the island’s history plus farm animals.

What to Do in Mallorca for Couples

Mallorca is certainly a popular destination for weddings, honeymoons, and romantic breaks of all kinds. For starters, there are plenty of adults-only hotels that cater to couples, from remote fincas in the scenic countryside to luxurious spa hotels with stunning sea views. If hitting the water is your idea of romance, there are numerous charter companies around the island where you can hire a boat for a half-day, full day, or longer — and many don’t require a license. This is one way to find that secluded spot and spend some quality time with your sweetheart. Alternatively, doe-eyed lovers can hop in a hot-air balloon to enjoy stunning mountain and sea panoramas while gliding across the island at sunset — a perfect setting for popping the question.

What to Do in Mallorca for Solo Travelers

Pool at Hotel Petit Cala Fornells/Oyster

While so much of the vacation experience can be geared toward non-singles, Mallorca provides plenty of activities for those traveling alone. Yoga has always been popular on the island, and today, there are numerous retreats where you can find your inner peace. Most of these take place in grand villas nestled among verdant valleys and mountains. If you’re seeking even more solitude, it’s easy to find some alone time on the cycling or hiking trails of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

What to Do in Mallorca for Thrill-Seekers

With so much mountainous terrain, Mallorca has established itself as one of the top rock-climbing destinations in Europe. For those wanting to pursue water-centric activities, the cliffs along the eastern coast are perfect for deep-water soloing. Another popular activity among adrenaline junkies is cliff jumping, which is usually combined with coasteering and abseiling, and should only be practiced with a professional guide.

What to Do in Mallorca for Partiers

Beach at the Ipanema Park/Oyster

While the island has been pushing to clean up its party-heavy image, there’s still no shortage of nightlife, especially once summer kicks off. Magaluf’s infamous Punta Ballena strip is the central party zone on Mallorca’s southwest coast. Young (mostly British) revelers spill out from its many neon-lit bars and high-energy clubs. There are, however, many more sophisticated places to party, including several beach clubs that have adopted the more chic Ibiza-style vibe. Examples include Purobeach (Palma and Illetas), Nikki Beach, and Anima Beach Club — all within easy reach of the capital. Palma itself has its fair share of party potential — the best place for a bar crawl is along the marina-front Paseo Marítimo. The capital’s hip Santa Catalina neighborhood also attracts a good amount of nighttime revelry.

Essential Things to Know Before Your First Mallorca Vacation

The first language in mallorca is not spanish.

Beach at TRH Jardin del Mar/Oyster

While Spanish (or Castilian) is spoken by all locals in Mallorca, most grow up speaking Mallorquín (a Catalan dialect) as their first language. Most official correspondence and signage will also be in the native tongue. English and German are widely spoken as well, especially in tourist areas, though a ‘gracias’ or ‘gràcis’ is always appreciated.

The Water in Mallorca Is Not Drinkable

Like most islands in the Mediterranean, dinking tap water in the Balearics is not recommended. While it’s perfectly safe to use for things like cooking and brushing teeth, its high mineral and chorine content means it tastes unpleasant and could cause an upset stomach if too much is consumed.

A Rental Car is the Best Way to Get Around Mallorca

Street at Globales Pionero/Oyster

While Mallorca does have a modern and fairly efficient transportation network that covers most of the island, timetables are frequently disrupted and buses can suffer from overcrowding during peak times. There are metro and train lines, but their reach is limited to the interior part of the island. For those hoping to explore the island, a hire car is recommended and can be relatively cheap in the low season from the airport.

Tipping in Mallorca Is Not Required

While servers in bars and restaurants certainly appreciate a little something extra, it is far from expected, and there are certainly no hard and fast rules about tipping in Mallorca. Rounding up or leaving change is common among locals, but a fixed service charge is rarely added to checks.

Local Festivals in Mallorca Are Worth Checking Out

Street at Palma Suites/Oyster

During certain times of the year, it can feel like there’s a festival every weekend, and you should absolutely take advantage and attend. From huge mock battles between Christians and Moors to fire-fueled festivities that go on all night, be sure to check the calendar in advance for festivities happening near your hotel.

There’s More to Mallorca Beyond Its Beaches

Mallorca might be best known as a beach destination, but there is a lot more to the island. The UNESCO-protected Serra de Tramuntana is a 56-mile pine-clad mountain range that runs along the northern coast, offering a great choice of non-beach activities, from gentle to extreme options.

Almost Everyone in Mallorca Has to Pay an Eco-Tax

Spa at Hospes Maricel Mallorca & Spa/Oyster

The eco-tax (or sustainable tourism tax) is a levy that almost anyone staying on the island must pay. It was introduced in 2016 to boost funds directed toward conserving the environment and especially to offset the impact of tourism. How much you pay depends on the quality of your accommodations — up to four euros per night for luxury hotels, which can rack up over a couple of weeks.

The Best Hotels in Mallorca

Our pick for the best luxury hotel in mallorca: son brull hotel & spa.

Pool at Son Brull Hotel & Spa/Oyster

Set at the foothills of the Tramuntana mountain range and overlooking Mallorca’s picturesque countryside, the location alone of this top-end spa hotel is rather special. But the converted 18th-century monastery has plenty more up its sleeve, including a rustic-meets-Scandinavian-chic style, deluxe spa facilities, and outstanding dining options. The top-quality in-room tech, whirlpool tubs, and Egyptian linens also come standard, ensuring this property lives up to its reputation as one of the best luxury hotels on the island.

Pricing for Son Brull Hotel & Spa

Our Pick for the Best Boutique Hotel in Mallorca: Sant Francesc Hotel Singular

Rooftop Pool at Sant Francesc Hotel Singular/Oyster

This swish boutique property has topped many lists of best hotels on the island — and it’s easy to see why. Located deep in Palma’s old town, and overlooking the eponymous church, it combines historical character with impeccable service and immaculate interiors. Glamorous rooms feature luxury-level amenities, including gourmet minibars and Bluetooth music systems. The on-site restaurant is considered one of the city’s finest, and a rooftop pool completes the impressive package.

Pricing for Sant Francesc Hotel Singular

Our Pick for the Best Family Hotel in Mallorca: Zafiro Palace Alcudia  

Pool at Zafiro Palace Alcudia/Oyster

Very few, if any, places on the island combine family-friendly and high-end facilities as well as Zafiro Palace Alcudia . This hotel caters almost exclusively to families with kids, but it features a sleek and contemporary vibe that is usually reserved for swanky, child-free properties. Three mini-clubs are tailored to various age groups, plus expect various pools, from pirate ship splash pools to serene adults-only options. Even entry-level Junior Suites are generous with space and amenities, while upgrades add direct pool access or whirlpool tubs.

Pricing for Zafiro Palace Alcudia

Our Pick for a Beach Hotel in Mallorca: Hotel Nixe Palace

Pool and Beach at Hotel Nixe Palace/Oyster

This landmark hotel exudes old-school glitz and glamour, and has a beachfront setting to boot. The Hotel Nixe Palace overlooks the broad sandy beach of Cala Major, only a five-minute drive from the capital. Cascading down toward the beach, numerous balustrade-lined terraces offer expansive views over the sea. Elegant guest rooms, heated indoor and outdoor pools, and top-notch dining round things out nicely.

Pricing for Hotel Nixe Palace

You’ll Also Like: 

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Adventures with Jane

Travel & lifestyle blog

30 January 2024

Mallorca Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: All You Need to Know

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a commission if you purchase or book through my links at no extra cost to you More info: Read Disclosure & Privacy Policy

Mallorca is the biggest of the Balearic Islands in Spain. It has been a popular tourist spot in Europe and around the world for a long time. It has beautiful beaches, picture-perfect landscapes, lively nightlife, and a lot of cultural history. In this post, I’ll discuss my honest, up-to-date Mallorca travel guide, as I recently visited. Before visiting this Mediterranean island for the first time, here’s everything you need to know.

If you are planning your first trip to Mallorca, Spain,? Look no further! This comprehensive Mallorca travel guide is ideal for first-timers who want to maximise their stay.

But before I start, let me clarify the confusion of the question, “ Are Majorca and Mallorca the same place?”

They both mean the same place, so the answer is yes. Mallorca and Majorca are both names for the same island. Don’t let the various spellings confuse you! “Mallorca” actually comes from the Catalan language spoken on the Balearic Islands, while “Majorca” comes from Spanish.

The island of Mallorca is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s part of Spain, not a separate country. If you think of Mallorca, you should also think of Ibiza, which is right next door.

Also, it’s not far from most of Spain’s big cities, like Barcelona and Valencia. Later in the post, I’ll discuss how to get to Mallorca from the cities I mentioned above.

Table of Contents

Is Mallorca worth visiting?

Absolutely! Mallorca is not, despite popular belief, merely a party-loving tourist trap in Spain, like its neighbouring island, Ibiza. Firstly, the island is so big that it’s almost impossible to see everything on your first visit, especially if you are only there for a short time. With its beautiful beaches, charming villages, lively nightlife, and delicious food, this Balearic gem has something for everyone, no matter what time of year you go.

I was in Mallorca not long ago, from the end of December 2023 to the beginning of January 2024. I have all the latest information, tips, and suggestions, so whether you’re interested in history and want to visit historic sites or nature and want to have fun in the great outdoors, keep reading; I’ve got you covered!

This Mallorca travel guide for first-timers will help you have an amazing trip as you discover the island’s many landscapes and rich cultural history.

Travel Guide to Mallorca: Best Time to Visit and Duration of Stay

A lot of people from all over the world love to visit Mallorca because of its beautiful beaches, villages, and landscapes, as well as its lively Spanish culture. But timing is everything when you’re making plans for your visit.

The summer months of June through September are the busiest for travellers to Mallorca due to the pleasant year-round weather, with highs of 25–30°C (77–86°F). But going in the spring, autumn, or even winter can be just as fun because the island isn’t as crowded and prices are usually lower.

As I already said, I recently went there with my family on a trip that wasn’t during the busy season. In the following section, I’ll talk about the pros of visiting outside of peak season. If you’re planning to visit during peak season, things will be very different.

When is the best time to visit Mallorca? Benefits of Visiting Off-Season

Lower prices: I agree that Mallorca is one of the more pricey places to go on holiday in Spain. But that doesn’t mean that budget travellers like you and me can’t visit this beautiful island.

You can get good deals on almost everything when you visit the island outside of peak season. We booked a two-bedroom flat with a balcony that was close to Palma City and cost less than a thousand pounds for four people.

During the peak season in June, for example, a good hotel room can cost anywhere from £900 to £1500 for a maximum of a week, making accommodations the most expensive part of a trip to Mallorca. Also, these prices are for bookings made about three to four months ahead of time or so.

Guide to Mallorca: Other Pro of visiting off-season

Fewer crowds: Like any other popular European holiday spot, these places will have fewer people visiting during the off-season, which will make the trip much more enjoyable.

Also, if you go to Mallorca outside of peak season, you won’t have to worry about booking your rental car four weeks ahead of time. By the way, you have to rent a car in Mallorca. Read on; later in the post, I talk more about how to get around the island.

How many days in Mallorca are enough?

Mallorca is not a small island as you might think, which is something most people don’t know. It’s the biggest island by size in Spain, according to the World Atlas. That being said, I would say that you need at least one to two weeks to fully explore the island, no matter when you go.

For travellers outside of Europe, I think this is especially important. But for people like me who live in Europe, four days would also be enough to see at least a few of the most important sights.

Even though we were there for eight days, we still couldn’t see everything. But we did see most of the main highlights, and we can easily go back to see other important sites or places we may have missed.

PRO TIP: Cities and towns are a long way apart. It could take you two to three hours to get from one city to another, like Palma to Deia. It can be tiring to drive long distances every day. Unlike other European cities, you can’t visit multiple towns in a day. Consider that when deciding how long to stay on the island.

If you don’t want to stress yourself out by trying to see all the important things in one day, I suggest that you carefully plan your schedule. It will be harder to enjoy your trip if you do that.

Ultimately, when you go depends on why you’re travelling and what you like. That being said, I hope this brings things into perspective and helps you decide when the best time is to visit this Mediterranean paradise.

Travel Guide to Mallorca: How to get to Mallorca

The fastest and easiest way to get to Mallorca is by air, with many international flights daily to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). You can then take a taxi, rent a car, or use public transport to get to anywhere on the island you want to go. You can also take a ferry from the mainland of Spain or from nearby islands like Ibiza to get to Mallorca.

There are direct flights to Palma de Mallorca from North American countries like the US and Canada for people who are not from Europe. Since they are far away, though, you can expect them to be pricey.

Unfortunately, for travellers from my homeland (Africa), there are no direct flights to Mallorca. There are, however, direct flights to cities on Spain’s mainland, such as Barcelona. This is the closest airport to Mallorca and is where you would then fly to get there.

Getting to Mallorca Travel Guide: Tips for booking tickets

If you decide to fly to Mallorca, the most essential thing I can tell you is to book your flight early. There are direct flights to the island from northwest Europe, but they can be pricey if you wait until the last minute to book. It surprised me how pricey flights from London on low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet are. By the way, I was searching two to three months away.

We ended up booking ours with jet2holidays because, to our surprise, they were cheaper, and Mallorca is one of their main hubs for flights. So, if you want to book, I’d also suggest looking through them. Sometimes they have huge sales.

You could also look for cheap flights to Barcelona or Valencia and then either take another flight or a transfer to get to Mallorca. Once you get to Mallorca, make sure you plan how to get around using the local transport upon arrival.

We hired a car through Wiber , a private car rental service. You don’t pick up the car at the airport with Wiber, though, but their pickup spot isn’t too far away.

At the airport, Wiber does offer free shuttles that will take you to your rental car. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the shuttle pick-up spot, so we took a taxi for £15 for a 10-minute drive, which sucked.

They did, however, offer us a free ride back to the airport after we returned the car. I would still recommend Wiber because their cars are newer, faster, and cheaper than most airport car rentals.

First-timers Mallorca Travel Guide: Accommodation Options

You can find a place to stay in Mallorca that fits your budget and your tastes. All over the island, there are a lot of different types of hotels, from high-end resorts with views of the sea to small, cosy hotels hidden away in cute villages.

Mid-Range Budget Accommodations in Mallorca

Apartamento delante del mar

We stayed at this reasonably priced place, which is great if you’re travelling with family or friends. It’s in Can Pastilla, not far from the Aquarium of Palma and only 200 metres from both Playa de Palma and Can Pastilla beaches. It was very nice, had a balcony with a view of the sea, and wasn’t too expensive—for a week in Mallorca.

One thing we didn’t like was how noisy it was at night because it was right next to the main road across the beach. After a day or two, we were fine, and it didn’t cost us more than £1K. There were lots of stores and restaurants nearby, and getting around was quick and easy.

Apuntadores 8

Some people have recommended this as the best place to stay if they want to be close to everything. It’s in the old part of Palma de Mallorca, which is the island’s main city. Plus, it has a large roof terrace from which you can see the whole city. The main sights in Palma are easy to get to on foot.

Quick Tip: If you book this place to stay five or six months ahead of time, you can get it for less than £500 for a week, which is a great deal considering where it is.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Mallorca: Hostal Bonany

Hostal Bonany

This is the best choice for people who are travelling alone or who are on a tight budget but still want to be in the centre of Palma city. Also, keep in mind that Palma might be a better place to stay if you’re not going to rent a car. The city has more things to see and do. Soon, there will be more on this. Keep reading!

In the end, the type of accommodation you choose will depend on your budget and how you like to travel. Please keep in mind that Mallorca doesn’t have a lot of very cheap places to stay. That’s why it’s very important to book your lodging well ahead of time if you want to find a great, cheap place to stay.

Don’t let high hotel rates ruin your wonderful Balearic Island holiday. Book your stay TODAY! ⤵️

How To Get Around on Mallorca Island : Rent a Car

If you want to see more of the island than just the common tourist spots, you should rent a car. It’s highly recommended, and I agree that having a car gave us flexibility and convenience while discovering hidden gems along scenic drives.

It gave us a relaxed holiday vibe because we didn’t have to worry about missing a bus or train to see or do something. Everything was done at our own pace.

After renting a car and driving around for a day or two, you’ll quickly understand why renting a car is popular in Mallorca—it’s the best way for both locals and tourists to get around. There are also a lot of underground parking lots, mostly in Palma City. There are public parking lots almost everywhere else on the island, even in villages.

You can park for just €2 to €3 for two hours, which is also quite cheap. As someone who lives in London, I thought that was nothing compared to the ridiculous £5 they charge to drop someone off at the airport in London.

GET AROUND MALLORCA: Mallorca Travel Guide

Last but not least, European Union nationals renting a car in Mallorca do not need an international driver’s licence if they are there for less than three months. Alex’s (my husband’s) father, who is an EU citizen, booked our rental car.

But I do think it’s important to point out one thing. Although Alex has a British driver’s licence, he wasn’t allowed to drive a car. It was unclear to me whether this was because rentals usually only let the person who made the reservation drive or if something has changed for British citizens and residents since the UK left the EU.

That being said, I would suggest that any British citizen in possession of a valid driver’s licence verify in advance whether an international licence is required . For those outside Europe, check with your local driver’s licence authority as well.

Get your rental car for your trip to Mallorca NOW! ⤵️

Getting Around Mallorca Without a Car

If you would rather not drive, there is public transport available, such as buses and trains, that connects major towns—wondering if there is a train service in Mallorca, though, and if it’s like in other Spanish cities.

Then I think you might be a little let down because Mallorca’s train service only refers to a small train that goes from Palma to the smaller villages.

But Mallorca does have a small metro system. Palma de Mallorca has a metro system, but it’s not very big. The metro line does not yet reach Palma Airport. The only other lines on the island, to Inca and Manacor, leave from Placa Espana in Palma.

Find more infor on Soller Train Schedule, Costs, and Route, on Click Mallorca blog

You can take the Tren soller to Soller and Port de soller for a day trip. If you’re on a tight budget, though, I wouldn’t suggest this because the train rides from Palma to Soller could be pricey. Also, keep in mind that if you go in the winter, the train may not run from Palma to Soller. However, we saw it work from Soller to Port de Soller.

Finally, from what I saw, the bus is another way to get around Mallorca without a car. I believe that the bus system is the main form of public transportation. But I think you should check their schedule to see when you can visit.

The Best Mallorca Travel Guide: Top must-see/do in Mallorca

Honestly, how you see Mallorca’s most interesting sights and towns will depend on how long you stay and whether you rent a car. As I already said, the island isn’t small, and believe it or not, it’s a long way between cities and villages. Here are my suggestions for the best places to see in Mallorca to help you plan your trip well and make the most of it.

Palma, which is the capital of Mallorca, is where most tourists start their first day. This was not the case for us, though, because we stayed pretty close to Palma—in fact, it only took us 10 to 15 minutes by car to get to the centre of Palma. So where we began didn’t matter.

PRO TIP: As long as you have a rental car, the best place to stay is in Palma city or close by. The city has a lively Spanish atmosphere and more restaurants, attractions, and activities than anywhere else on the island. It’s also the closest to the airport. So explore it on your last day or two before leaving the island and save your holiday energy for beautiful places you don’t want to miss.

PORT DE SOLLER

Explore Port de Soller harbour to start your trip. We started our adventures here. Port de Soller is on the northwest coast of the island of Mallorca. It has stunning views of the turquoise water, framed by steep mountains.

There are sailboats, cafes, gelato shops, shops, and beach clubs along the waterfront, which we enjoyed exploring. By the way, this is where the trans-Soller line ends. So, you can ride the historic tram that runs between Port de Soller and Soller town. The ride goes through beautiful scenery.

We didn’t stay long, though, because that day we had more places to see. We also didn’t need to take the train because we had our car and were already going to Soller.

Must-Visit Destinations in Mallorca

The charming town of Soller is only a short tram ride from Port de Soller. Explore its narrow cobblestone streets with boutique shops and cafes to admire its well-preserved architecture. If you want to eat there, just make sure you call ahead of time. I don’t know if this is because we went in the winter, but most of the restaurants were either fully booked or closed.

Quick Tip: Take the time to find out which towns or villages are close to each other when you are planning your Mallorca Travel Guide Activities. This is important so you can plan day trips around it. A route that goes to Soller but skips Port de Soller and then to Deia on the same day is not what you want.

A great mix of history, culture, and lively nightlife can be found in Palma City. Here are some of the best things to see and do in the city:

• Visit Palam Cathedral – The Gothic-style building is a famous landmark that dominates the skyline of the city. Do not miss the chance to see its beautiful interior, as we did! We went on after 3 p.m. when it was closed during the week. Read about opening hours here .

• Visit Bellver Castle : This round castle has a history museum inside and a view of Palma that you can’t get anywhere else. The castle requires an entrance fee, but the hop-on bus ticket also grants free access. This is another budget-friendly tip. You should go early, though, before the castle closes. We felt sad about not visiting inside. On the other hand, the views from outside the castle were great.
• Take a stroll through Old Town – The narrow streets are lined with cute buildings, small shops, cafes, and restaurants. I would highly recommend taking the Palma First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour. You will learn so much about the city and see some hidden gems that you wouldn’t normally see.

• Relax at Playa de Palma – Playa de Palma is a famous beach on Mallorca that runs along Palma Bay and is a great place to spend time relaxing or taking a stroll.

Mallorca Villages—you can’t miss it!

VALLDEMOSSA

Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca, and it’s only a short drive from Palma de Mallorca. I thought I was going to have an “Instagram vs. reality” moment, but I was pleasantly surprised by how cute and beautiful this village is in real life.

Explore its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with pretty flower pots and cute shops that sell crafts and goods made in the area. Everyone visiting Mallorca must see this village. I don’t know how busy it is in the summer, but when we were there, it was so quiet and not crowded at all.

Seriously, it felt like walking into a fairy-tale movie. You can also enjoy tasty local food in one of the cosy cafes or restaurants while taking in the beautiful scenery.

I remember thinking Deia was the most beautiful Mallorcan village when I was researching village visits. After seeing both, though, Valldemossa is my favourite. I also liked Deia’s unique landscapes. The village of Deia is a magical place with stunning views, just a 10-minute drive from Valldemossa. It is tucked away in the beautiful Tramuntana Mountains.

Walk leisurely through its charming streets, lined with stone houses decorated with flowers. As a downside, most of the restaurants in this village will be closed during the winter. Unlike Valldemossa, where restaurants were open and we had coffee and treats at a cafe, sadly for Deia, this turned us off.

Don’t miss Cala Deia, though, a beautiful pebble beach surrounded by rocky cliffs. It’s a great place to relax, even in the winter. We loved watching the sunset from the beach.

An Experience You can’t miss in Mallorca

DRACH CAVES

These caves are the most amazing ones I’ve seen so far! It is located in Porto Cristo, which is a bit of a drive from Plama, but the trip was well worth it. You will embark on an underground adventure through the famous Drach Caves.

These mysterious limestone caves are like nothing else on Earth. You can have an amazing time in these mysterious limestone caves that are unlike anything else.

The part where we sat in what looked like an arena to watch the classical music performance along the riverbank was my favourite. The show began on a boat, with the lights turned off.

It was lovely and soothing to watch. No filming or taking pictures during the performance is allowed, but you can before and after. Our cave exit included an optional free boat ride. I highly recommend it!

THE BEST BEACHES IN MALLORCA

Beautiful beaches and clear blue water are what Mallorca is known for. There are more than 200 lovely beaches on the island, so it can be hard to choose the best one. We went to the island at a time when it wasn’t convenient to be at the beach, but we still had a lot of beaches we wanted to see. We did see some of them, but not all of them.

These, along with the others on our list, were the most beautiful options we saw. I hope your trip takes you to all of them. Don’t worry if you don’t see them all—you can always return. I hope to visit Mallorca soon.

In a quiet spot on the western coast of Mallorca, you’ll find Sa Calobra, a cute group of two beaches separated by a river gauge. Pick which of the two sets of beaches you want to see. We only saw the Torrent de Pareis because we got there a little late.

Driving to Sa Calobra is hard because the main road goes through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains , which is already a big adventure. Yet, the trip was worthwhile because you will see one of the world’s most beautiful and winding roads.

CALA LLOMBARDS

Cala Llombards is a popular beach on the southeast coast of Mallorca, close to the village of Santanyí. It can get crowded in the summer, but we went during the off-season and had the whole place to ourselves. It gives people a beautiful piece of paradise to enjoy.

This tiny beach is tucked between two rocky cliffs that protect it from strong winds and make it feel cosy. It’s great for families with kids because the water is shallow and clear.

Must-visit Beaches in Mallorca

CALO DES MORO

Caló des Moro is 15–20 minutes from Cala Llombards. It’s a beautiful natural hidden gem that will take your breath away. It’s a small beach, but the water is clear and great for swimming. I enjoyed visiting Mallorca during the off-season because of how serene it was to be surrounded by cliffs that were covered in beautiful greenery.

PRO TIP: I’d suggest you visit the Drach caves and Caló des Moro and Cala Llombards on the same day. They are all on the southeast coast of the island. You’ll also save time this way.

Cala Deià is a beautiful beach that is right below the cute village of Deià. High cliffs surround this paradise, which offers more tranquillity than any other place on Earth.

The fastest and easiest way to get here is by car on a narrow road. There are two places to park at the bottom, right before you reach the beach. Use the visitor parking lot, not the resident one. If you take a taxi, make sure you arrange a pick-up time, preferably with the same taxi, or don’t expect it to come down.

This beach doesn’t have any sand at all, like most of the beaches in Mallorca. But the water is clean and the views are beautiful, making it a great spot to watch the sun go down.

There also looked to be restaurants nearby, but most of them were closed again. In the off-season, this looked like a big issue. But I think you could enjoy tasty seafood from the area while taking in the view in the summer.

Other beautiful beaches recommended by many travellers includes the following: Note that Calas are small, sheltered bays or inlets with clear waters and rocky shores. This is why most of the beaches in Mallorca are called cala. Cala Pi Cala Marmols Cala S’almunia Es Pontas Es Trenc

Mallorca Travel Guide: Where to Eat in Mallorca

Marina di Manù: This Italian restaurant in Can Pastilla is a hidden gem. It was only 5 minutes from where we were staying. We came here twice because the food was great and the staff was nice. The prices are low—you can expect to pay about £97 for four people, including drinks, and the portions are huge. I recommend it, especially in the off-season when most restaurants are closed.

Bodega Mayor: A beautiful middle-range restaurant right in the middle of Plaza Mayor, Palma’s main, most colourful square. They have the biggest platters of seafood. There was Christmas decor up at night, which made it feel nice to sit outside on the terrace.

TIP: Note that Google Maps currently shows this location as temporarily closed , but it’s not. The restaurant was open when we were there not long ago.

Ostras – a popular spot inside the Olivar market, is known for serving the best oysters and other seafood in Palma. I tried oysters here for the first time.

Olivar Market Palma: This market is a food lover’s dream. It’s in Palma City’s historic district. This busy market has sold fresh produce, seafood, meats, spices, and more to locals since 1951. You have to see it in Palma!

La Cuadra Del Mano – This was at the top of my list because I had done a lot of research on it and was excited to eat here. In terms of food, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Traditional Spanish flavours are mixed with new cooking methods at this restaurant to make dishes that are both familiar and interesting. Unfortunately, it was closed the whole time we were there, which made me sad.

Quick Disclaimer Most of the restaurants I’ve suggested are only in Palma and Can Pastilla, as you may have noticed. We chose these spots because it was close to where we stayed and had a lot of food options. This is because off-season Mallorca visitors are fewer. Many restaurants outside Palma closed early or closed completely. Our trip’s only drawback was this. I recommend researching this to avoid disappointment.

Wrap-up: Mallorca Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

I hope this Mallorca travel guide helps you start planning your trip. The place is beautiful and has something for everyone. Mallorca has it all—beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, rich history and culture, and delicious local cuisine—whether you visit in the off-season or not.

As a first-time visitor, follow this guide to maximise your trip and make memories. Most importantly, Mallorca is affordable with proper planning; we are not special.

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Mallorca Travel Guide

Mallorca is quite possibly the ultimate holiday island! Fantastic for families and with a welcoming, laid back vibe that encapsulates everything that’s great about Spain (and with a few surprises of its own) there’s loads to see, do and eat. Want to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the best stuff? We’ve put together this ultimate guide to help you get the very best from your holiday on the heart of the Balearic Islands .

Geographically, Mallorca consists of a fertile plain sandwiched between two mountain ranges: the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana to the north and the Serres de Llevant to the south. The lowlands are bookended by the Bay of Palma – home to the island’s historic capital city – and the Bay of Alcudia . Both are characterised by long sandy beaches and shallow, warm seas; all around them you’ll find great places for watersports and safe swimming. On rockier parts of the coast you’ll see adventure operators taking groups of thrill-seekers ‘coasteering’ – a mix of rock-climbing, abseiling, scrambling and cliff-jumping that offers a whole new way to enjoy Mallorca’s coastline.

Best time to visit Mallorca?

Summer temperatures are hot, averaging the high twenties with negligible rainfall in the lowlands – it’s the best and the most popular time for beach breaks and traditional family getaways. If you’re planning a holiday around land activities, it’s also worth considering the cooler spring or autumn months , which are ideal for exploring the island on foot or by bike. It’s a paradise for hikers and cyclists, with the heights of Serra de Tramuntana offering challenging ascents and spectacular views with some excellent timeshare options for those who plan on coming back in the future. If you sign a contract but unfortunately have to cancel then make sure you call Timeshare contract Cancellation services for some assistance .

Alcudia’s Old Town

• Palma de Mallora:  The capital of the Balearic Islands is lively, full of history and a great place to enjoy local bars and restaurants.
• And in the city itself, Palma Cathedral  (also known as La Seu ) is an architectural wonder that’s bound to impress all ages.
• Almudaina Palace is also found in Palma – it’s a fairytale castle and residence of the Spanish royal family.
• Alcudia’s Old Town on the island’s north side boasts a 14th Century wall and colourful markets on Tuesdays and Sundays throughout the year.

Mallorca travel: How to get there and around

Public transport: Thanks to decades of tourism, Mallorca is easy to get around, with a well-developed road and bus network, three train lines and a Metro service operating within Palma, if you like taking trains then consider checking out these Old West Trains . With so much to see, we highly recommend hiring a vehicle – check out our activities section for some original ideas on that front. If you prefer public transport, your first stop will be Palma’s Intermodal Station , reached by the 1 and 21 buses from the airport. From there, local EMT buses and Metro services will get you around the city, TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears) buses will take you to destinations further afield, and trains will take you to the towns of Inca, Pobla and Manacor.

By bike:  Touring Mallorca by bike is a fantastic way to see the island (Bradley Wiggins is a big fan) and there are loads of places to hire cycles from – your luxury villas might even include them as part of your rental.

Taxis:  There’s an abundance of taxi companies on Mallorca to help get you to where you need to go – though as with many destinations, it’s worth booking in advance (if possible) and agreeing on a price with the driver before heading out.

Hiring a car or other private transportation:  If you’re staying inland or in one of the more remote coastal areas, hiring a car or a  bus rental will probably be necessary. There are several local firms as well as multinational staples, but once you’ve got your own set of the wheels the entirety of the island is yours to explore! Companies like Europcar ,  Hertz and Avis all provide services direct from the airport.

Hidden Gems

• The truly adventurous – or anyone after the quietest beaches they can find – should explore the northern coast. Here you’ll find fantastic spots only accessible on foot, such as Es Canyaret , a beach just outside the village of Llucalari that is renowned for its waterfall and refreshing mud pools; Port des Canonge , a secluded spot east of the ancient, terraced village of Banyalbufar ; and Coll Baix , a stunning, cliff-fringed bay with turquoise waters.
• While you’re in the region, take time out to visit Deia , a small coastal village popular with the creative set. It has been attracting writers and musicians for decades, and when you see it you’ll understand why – it’s a charming jigsaw of traditional flat-roofed buildings and lush gardens, and also boasts a superb Michelin-starred restaurant in the shape of Es Racó d’Es Teix. For another food treat from northern Mallorca, track down fresh prawns from Port de Soller ; they’re exceptionally good, and 2015 saw the town launch a festival dedicated to them (held in early March).
• Over on the other side of the island, enjoy an underground adventure at the jaw-dropping Caves del Drach . The tour winds past clear pools and intricate rock formations for just over a kilometre, leading you to Lake Martel, a 170 metre-long underground lake – your guide will take you on a boat ride across it, accompanied by live classical music. With good paths and lighting and a temperature of over 20C, you don’t need to be a hardened caver to enjoy it!
• Make sure you take the breathtakingly beautiful tram journey from the town of Soller to the port! If you’re into your scenic drives, try going from Valdemossa to Sa Calobra (via the village of Deia), or visit and the charming town of Estellencs and hunt down its stunning hidden cala – don’t forget to bring a picnic!
• One more thing – if you find yourself on the long road through the Tramuntana mountains that runs east to west, stop for lunch in Es Grau for some tasty treats and breath-taking views.

Did you know…?

• Famed architect Gaudi was meant to design new changes to Palma Cathedral, but he dropped out after a spat with a contractor.
• The English poet and novelist Robert Graves spent a large portion of his life on Mallorca – he eventually died there in 1985.
• Es Tranc beach apparently loses about 25 tons of sand each year due to it being taken away by holidaymakers in their towels, bags and sandals.
• The delicious local pastries known as Ensaimada are notoriously difficult to make off the island – it’s said that the sea air helps the dough to rise!

Mallorca makes a superb choice for a family holiday. It’s not too far away (so travelling with little ones isn’t too taxing) and you can enjoy the tourism infrastructure of the island while staying in the beautiful countryside in one of our luxurious villas in Mallorca . Better yet, there’s loads of things to do to keep everyone entertained and tons of soft, sandy beaches to while your days away.

Things to do in Mallorca

• There are plenty of new ways to take on the Mallorcan landscape, like scuba diving adventures that’ll take you to places that’ll leave you wanting to hire an underwater photography professional.  Jungeparc take you up into the treetops, using ziplines, ropes and bridges to navigate a pine forest.
• Or you could take in the whole island with a guiding tour, enjoying everything from the heights of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains to a boat trip around the coast.  No Frills Excursions  are your go-to guys for a tour you’ll never forget.
• Surprisingly, Mallorca has some fantastic golf courses – whatever level you’re at, a day or an afternoon on the Mallorcan links is the ideal tonic. You can find out more through our friends at where2golf.com .
• And if you like heights but think Jungleparc sounds like a bit too much effort, you can appreciate Mallorca from above with a hot air balloon flight. We recommend Mallorca Balloons if you feel like taking to the sky.
• One of the nicest tours of the island you can take is the perfect pairing of walking and wine – you’ll really feel like you’ve earned that drink! You can find out more about some great itineraries at  Mallorca Hiking .

What to do in Mallorca with kids

• There are loads of great museums and art galleries on Mallorca, and the local artists often feature their own work in smaller exhibitions. Something that’s bound to enrapture kids of any age is the Toy Museum in Palma, which features toys from all over the world.
• There are some great water parks across all of the Balearics, and all of them make for an exciting family day out.  Aqualand is worth a try if you’re heading to Mallorca!
• There’s plenty of nature on the island kids will love to explore, with wild new creatures to find and see – try a nature walk and see where it takes you! If the kids love their animals, La Reserva is a private reserve full of beautiful beasts – and there’s even adventure activities too.  Katmandu is a huge adventure playground chock full of rides and things to do, with the highlight being the unforgettable upside-down house.
• Getting on your bike is a great way to see the island too – there’s loads of great trails suitable for all ages too.  Nano Bicycles in Palma offer a cycling tour of the old town or bike rentals to suit you and your family.

Nothing here your cup of tea? There’s loads more suggestions over at our blog on the best family activities in Mallorca .

Recommended experiences

• Why not try some cooking classes courtesy of mymuybueno ? Better yet, they can tailor their lessons to suit you!
• You could mix a bit of exercise with fine wines with Bicillevant’s tour through the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, stopping at wineries on the way fir tastings.
• Beer tastings in the comfort of your villa rental with  Beer Lovers Mallorca ! This would work best followed by a bbq!
• Macia Batle is one of Mallorca’s longest established wineries, and the tours will give you a fascinating insight into wine on the island – along with a few samples!

We’ve even spoken to the locals to find out what their favourite suggestions are! Have a read of our insider’s guide to Mallorca to find out more.

If you need more ideas, just check out our blog on the best family activities in Mallorca .

Best restaurants in Mallorca

• By far the best vegetarian restaurant on the island is Bon Lloc , which serves great lunches in the day and meat-free haute cuisine in the evenings.
• Mare Nostrum is the perfect combination of amazing food that comes at a reasonable price – you can find it in Sa Poblo towards the north of the island.
• If you feel like introducing the kids to something a little bit different, Las Olas Bistro in Palma is family friendly and offers a neat take on tapas.
• And if you are looking for traditional Mallorcan dishes with a twist, Santi Taura is the place to go! The restaurant is named after the young, ambitious chef, Santi Taura, that weekly creates new tasting menus for its diners. Fine dining at its best!
• Flanigan has spent the best part of the last thirty years delighting the tastebuds of visitors and locals alike, specialising in fresh seafood and eclectic Mallorcan cuisine.

You can find more inspiring delicacies by checking out our blog on the best foodie experiences in Mallorca .

Dishes to try

• Tumbet is more of a side dish than a main event, but this Balearic take on ratatouille makes any meal better.
• Sobrassada is a local spicy sausage cooked in a huge number of ways – it’s even eaten on bread with honey!
• And any trip to Mallorca wouldn’t be complete without trying some seafood – the lobster stew known as calderata is one of nicest ways to get a taste of the ocean.

Tempted by a stay in wonderful Mallorca? We’ve got a huge selection of beautiful luxury villas in Mallorca ideal for any kind of holiday – whether you’re going with the kids, want to totally relax with a few friends or challenge yourself with some exciting activities. If you need a hand with anything, feel free to contact our friendly concierge team !  

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The ever-popular star of the Mediterranean, Mallorca has a sunny personality thanks to its ravishing beaches, azure views, remote mountains and soulful hill towns.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Palau de l'Almudaina

Palma de Mallorca

Originally an Islamic fort, this mighty construction opposite the cathedral was converted into a residence for the Mallorcan monarchs at the end of the…

Monestir de Lluc

Serra de Tramuntana

Entered via a cloistered garden, the monastery is a huge complex, dating mostly from the 17th to 18th centuries. Off the imposing central courtyard rises…

Catedral de Mallorca

Palma’s vast cathedral ('La Seu' in Catalan) is the city's major architectural landmark. Aside from its sheer scale, treasures and undoubted beauty, its…

Parc Natural de S’Albufera

Northern Mallorca

The 688-hectare Parc Natural de S’Albufera, west of the Ma12 between Port d’Alcúdia and Ca’n Picafort, is prime birdwatching territory, with 303 recorded…

Santuari de la Mare de Déu des Puig

South of Pollença, off the Ma2200, one of Mallorca's most tortuous roads bucks and weaves up 1.5km of gasp-out-loud hairpin bends to this 14th-century…

Palau March

This house, palatial by any definition, was one of several residences of the phenomenally wealthy March family. Sculptures by 20th-century greats,…

Built with flair and innovation into the shell of the Renaissance-era seaward walls, this contemporary art gallery is one of the finest on the island. Its…

Museu Fundación Juan March

The 17th-century Can Gallard del Canya, a 17th-century mansion overlaid with minor Modernist touches, now houses a small but significant collection of…

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Mallorca and beyond

Mallorca Itinerary: How to Spend from 3 to 7 Days in Mallorca, Spain

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

Need help planning your Mallorca itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article I have outlined everything you need to know to plan the perfect Mallorca itinerary, regardless of whether you’re spending three or seven days in Mallorca.

This includes the must-see places in Mallorca, a day-by-day breakdown of where to go, how to get around the island, where to stay and more!

The biggest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is characterised by its lush green landscape, turquoise waters, pristine beaches and charming villages. It’s easy to see why Mallorca is such a popular destination in Spain.

Mallorca isn’t a very big island, but there is plenty to do. Which is why I have outlined Mallorca itineraries for three, five and seven days.

Depending on how much time you have, how much you want to see and how much time you want to spend relaxing on beautiful beaches, I’m sure you’ll find an itinerary for your taste.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and plan the perfect Mallorca itinerary for you!

• 1.1.1 Explore Palma de Mallorca
• 1.1.2 Visit the Catedral de Mallorca
• 1.1.3 Wander around the streets of the city
• 1.1.4 Llotja de Palma
• 1.1.5 Bastion de Sant Pere
• 1.1.6 Passeig del Born
• 1.1.7 Placa Major
• 1.1.8 Dine out in Palma
• 1.2.1 Explore the town of Valldemossa
• 1.2.2 Discover Deia
• 1.2.3 Relax at Cala Deia
• 1.2.4 Go to Chillout Sa Foradada for sunset
• 1.3.1 Discover Pollensa
• 1.3.2 Chill at the beach in Pollensa
• 1.3.3 Enjoy the sunset from Formentor Lighthouse
• 1.3.4 Have dinner in Alcudia
• 2.1.1 Discover Calo des Moro
• 2.1.2 Relax at Cala S’Almunia
• 2.1.3 Go for a night out in Magaluf
• 2.2.1 Discover Mondrago Natural Park
• 2.2.2 Explore the Drach Caves
• 3.1.1 Discover the calas and beaches of the east coast
• 3.2.1 Head back to S’Arenal 
• 4.1 How many days in Mallorca?
• 4.2 How to get around Mallorca
• 4.3 Best time to visit Mallorca
• 4.4 Where to stay in Mallorca
• 4.5 Best Mallorca tours
• 4.6 What to pack for your Mallorca itinerary

Enjoying the view over Deia, one of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca, Spain

Essentials to book before you read on!

Best tours in Mallorca

Mallorca: Skip the Line Palma Cathedral Entry Ticket

Mallorca: Island Tour with Boat & Train Ride from the South  

Palma de Mallorca Old Town Guided Bike Tour and Tapas

From Colònia de San Jordi : Catamaran Cruise to Es Trenc  

Best hotels in Mallorca

Budget: Mix Smart

Mid-range: Boutique Hotel Petit Sant Miquel

Luxury: The Press

Get 5% off your travel insurance here!

Mallorca 3-Day Itinerary

Got 3 days in Mallorca? Here’s a good round-up of what you should be seeing and doing on the island to really maximise your time, making the most of the island’s hotspots.  

You’ll have the chance to see Mallorca’s biggest attractions, explore the island (road trip!) and hit up a few lesser visited towns and calas too.

Mallorca Itinerary: Day 1

Explore palma de mallorca.

Kickstart your Mallorca itinerary with a trip to the capital of this Spanish island. This is the main city on Mallorca, meaning there are a ton of cool spots to check out.

The city itself dates back to the 13th century, so you can bet there are a load of historical sights to make all your city wanderings worth it.

Exploring the streets of Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Visit the Catedral de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca’s Gothic cathedral lies at the heart of the city. After centuries of Moorish occupation, construction on this soaring cathedral began in 1230 on the site of a mosque.

As it took hundreds of years to build, it features a range of architectural styles, but its centrepiece has to be its Gothic rosette window.

It’s open Monday to Friday, 10AM to 5:15PM and on Saturdays, 10AM to 2:15PM (closed Sundays). Entrance is €9, which also gives you access to the Museum of Sacred Art.

If you want to avoid the queues, make sure to purchase your fast track Palma de Mallorca cathedral ticket online beforehand ! Your Mallorca itinerary only allows for one day in Palma, you don’t want to spend it queueing!

Click here to purchase your skip the line entrance ticket to the Palma de Mallorca Cathedral, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Reflections at the famous Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca, in Palma de Mallorca

Wander around the streets of the city

The streets of Palma de Mallorca are beautifully winding – a warren of restaurants, bars and artists’ studios, pockmarked by historic sights and aristocratic townhouses.

The city’s central streets in particular are perfect for strolling around, camera in hand, stumbling across charming hidden squares, local markets and Baroque churches.

Exploring the beautiful streets and architecture of Palma de Mallorca

Llotja de Palma

One of the most beautiful buildings in the whole city is the Llotja de Palma.

Dating back to the 15th century, this former guild building – once the centre of the island’s maritime trade, and a meeting place for merchants – features a mix of Renaissance and Gothic architecture.

While it looks stunning, it also plays host to occasional art exhibitions.    It’s open every day (except Mondays), 10:30AM – 1:30PM and 5:30PM to 9PM, and entrance is free.

View over the rooftops of Palma de Mallorca from Nakar Hotel

The beautiful facade of a bakery in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Bastion de Sant Pere

This fortification was built between 1575 and 1578, and once boasted some serious artillery for the protection of the island. Disused since 1952, in the 1990s it became the site of the Museum of Contemporary Art Es Baluard.  

If you’re not into art, don’t worry, as it’s not just about that; there’s also a viewing deck, a terrace and an old cistern (used for holding water).

The view from the walls of the cathedral and harbour makes it a worthwhile stop.

Enjoying a warm summer evening in Palma de Mallorca with my friend Marta (@wherelifeisgreat)

Passeig del Born

This pretty avenue is a beautiful place to stroll. Set in the centre of Palma de Mallorca, this tree-lined boulevard is where you should go to soak up some of the energy of the city.

Placa Major

Speaking of energy, you’ll find plenty of that at Placa Major, the main central square of Palma de Mallorca.

Head here to people-watch, stop for a snack or a refreshing drink, and lap up the traditional architecture edging the plaza.  

There are plenty of shops and cafes to choose from here. The smaller Placa de Cort, a three-minute stroll from here, is where you’ll find the city’s town hall. There’s also a (famous) 600-year-old olive tree here.

The Palma de Mallorca town hall lit up for the night

Dine out in Palma

There are a lot of cafes and bars dotted around Placa de Cort. Throughout the centre of the city, dining is best done at one of the many cool tapas restaurants.

If you’re feeling fancy, head over to the Michelin-starred Zaranda for an unforgettable tasting menu.

Tasting pimientos del padrón; a typical Spanish tapas that you can try in Mallorca

Mallorca itinerary: Day 2  

Explore the town of valldemossa.

Day two of your 3 days Mallorca itinerary begins in the cute historical town of Valldemossa. It’s situated around a 20-minute drive from Palma, so you can consider this stop the start of your Mallorca road trip.

Valldemossa is a beautiful town nestled amongst the Mallorcan mountains. It’s a historical medieval town, and walking through its streets will feel like stepping back in time.

Imagine cobbled streets, golden brick houses and stunning views over the surrounding countryside. After the glamorous city life of Palma de Mallorca, it’s the perfect place to discover the more traditional side of Mallorca.

Sunset views over Valldemossa in Mallorca, Spain

Discover Deia

After exploring the picturesque mountain village of Valldemossa, it’s time to head to Deia, a 15-minute drive along the coast.

Another charming town, Deia boasts some truly amazing sea views from its position at the foot of the Teix mountain.  

There are local boutiques and interesting galleries here, as well as a hearty food scene if you’re feeling hungry.

The vibe is similar to Valldemossa, with the cobbled streets and historical buildings, but with the added plus of its views reaching all the way to the sea.

It might sound a bit creepy, but make sure to head to the cemetery of Deia, as from here you get the best views over the town, mountains and sea.

Exploring the charming streets of Deia in Mallorca

Relax at Cala Deia

After exploring two historical villages, it’s time to head to the beach! Close to Deia, you will find the famous Cala Deià.

Towards the coast you’ll find this little cala (cove in Spanish). Impossibly picturesque, with restaurants overlooking the sea, it’s a great spot to take a refreshing dip.

Note that if the cove is full (this can happen), you won’t be allowed to drive down; in that case, you have to park in Deia and walk down to the beach for around 45 minutes (and then 45 minutes back up!)

While there’s no doubt that it’s a very picturesque cove, I didn’t personally love it. The beach is rocky, so it’s not a good cala to lie down and just chill.

The rocky shores of Cala Deia in Mallorca

The picturesque houses and restaurants of Cala Deia in Mallorca

Go to Chillout Sa Foradada for sunset

Once you’re done swimming in the clear water of Cala Deia, head over to Chillout Sa Foradada for a relaxing sunset drink.

A little further along the coast is this unfussy terrace bar. Perched on the cliffs of Sa Foradada, the sea and cliffs views make for a beautiful backdrop for sunset – the perfect end to your day of exploring.

The sunset view over the Mallorcan coastline from Chillout Sa Foradada

Mallorca Itinerary: Day 3

Discover pollensa.

This centuries-old town in the northern part of the island is where you begin day 3 of your Mallorca itinerary. Think winding narrow streets, honey-hued houses and a history intrinsically linked to the Knights Templar.

I visited Pollensa on my third trip to Mallorca, and I was pleasantly surprised with this cute town. While it might not be as picturesque as Deia and Valldemossa, it’s still very charming.

You can spend a few hours wandering around its narrow streets, and maybe even climb up its hill to enjoy the views over the town of Pollensa and the surrounding countryside.

Exploring the picturesque streets of Pollensa in Mallorca

Chill at the beach in Pollensa

By now you will have probably realised I like my itineraries to be varied, and include a bit of both history and chilling on the same day. 

A stone’s throw (i.e. 10-minute drive) from Pollensa is the beach at Puerto Pollensa (also known as Port de Pollença). After exploring the town, it’s a great place to head to for some beach chilling.

Alternatively, you could head to nearby Formentor Beach to spend the afternoon lounging around on the sand.  You’ll be heading this way later for sunset, so might as well start to get closer!

There are a bunch of tiny calas around here, so you could move on if the beach is too busy (or you’re feeling restless).

Playa del Moro in Mallorca, Spain

The lighthouse of Cap de Formentor in Mallorca, Spain

Enjoy the sunset from Formentor Lighthouse

Cute historical towns in the morning, pristine beaches in the afternoon, and stunning sunset viewpoints to end the day, what more could you ask of from your Mallorca itinerary?

Watching the sunset from Formentor Lighthouse, with the sun dipping into the Mediterranean Sea and turning the Mallorcan coastline red is a must on any Spain bucket list .

Sunset from this beautiful peninsula is a must. There’s a small cafe at the lighthouse, but I suggest bringing your own food and snacks, and enjoying an Italian-style aperitivo as you watch the sunset!

However, due to over tourism there are road restrictions, meaning that normal cars can’t drive to the lighthouse in high season. 

Instead, you’ll have to leave your car – either at Puerto de Pollensa or Platja de Formentor – and take the public bus.

The magical red sunset over the Mallorcan coastline as seen from Faro de Formentor

Have dinner in Alcudia

After a gorgeous sunset, finish up with some equally gorgeous (and cheap) tapas at Sa Portassa, a small restaurant tucked down a side street in the medieval town of Alcudia.

Once the site of a Roman settlement, today it’s a resort town surrounded by medieval walls, with charming streets to explore.

You can spend some time wandering around the cute streets, and then fill up on delicious tapas to end the day.

Our delicious tapas selection from Sa Portassa in Alcudia, Mallorca

Mallorca Itinerary 5 Days

If you’ve got 5 days, then you can obviously gets a lot more packed into your Mallorca itinerary.

You’ll really get to experience the vibe of Mallorca, and you’ll end up feeling like staying those extra two days was totally worth it (because it is, trust me). Mainly, this means more beach days!

Mallorca itinerary: Day 4

Discover calo des moro.

On day four of your Mallorca itinerary it’s time to discover one of the most famous beaches in the Mediterranean , also considered one of the best beaches to visit in summer ; Calo des Moro.

The picturesque cove of Calo des Moro is one of the most beautiful beaches on the whole island. Of course, this also means that it can get very busy.

Enjoying the crystal clear water of Cala des Moros in Mallorca

It’s best to go early in the day, which is why you should hit it up first thing on day four of your Mallorca road trip.  

The scramble to the beach itself from the parking lot is a small hike in itself, so bring plenty of water and make sure you’re wearing sturdy walking sandals. There is a small kiosk here for snacks and drinks.

Here you can expect to find crystal clear turquoise water, soft white sand and picturesque cliffs surrounding the beach.

This cala is also a good spot for snorkelling, so if you’ve got a mask and snorkel don’t forget to bring it along!

The famous Caló des Moro in Mallorca, Spain

Relax at Cala S’Almunia

Cala del Moro is beautiful, but it tends to get wayyy to busy as the day goes on, especially in summer. Which is why I suggest spending the morning at Cala del Moro, and then walking over to the nearby Cala S’Almunia.

Not far from the southern tip of Mallorca is this tiny settlement and its lovely little cove. It’s quite unique in that the rocks here form a natural pool, making it a super relaxing place to take a dip.

The beach isn’t very big, but there’s generally more space on the rocks here for lying down and unwinding than there is at the nearby Calo des Moro.

After spending the first few days of your Mallorca itinerary road tripping and exploring around the island, now it’s time to unwind and enjoy the beautiful beaches of this stunning Mediterranean destination.

The turquoise sea and rocky shores of Cala S’Almunia in Mallorca

Go for a night out in Magaluf

After spending the whole day chilling at the beach, you might be feeling pumped and awake for a night out. If that’s the case, there is no better place on the island to do so than in Magaluf.

This notorious party town is where travellers of all ages go to get cheap drinks and dance the night away. I’ll be honest, and admit I’ve never personally been to Magaluf.

That said, I’ve heard plenty of things about it. I’ve heard it can be a bit much, and it can get quite trashy, but if you’re a young traveller visiting Mallorca with a group of friends, it might be just what you’re looking for.

The lively nightlife of Palma de Mallorca in summer

Mallorca Itinerary: Day 5

Discover mondrago natural park.

Start day 5 of your Mallorca itinerary with a trip to Mondrago Natural Park. This 1,893-acre coastal area features grasslands, pine forests, dunes, ravines, and plenty of birdlife.

There are also several different spots to sunbathe and swim here, one of them being the sandy S’Amarador Beach.

It gets crowded in high season, so it’s best to go early in the morning (although if you spent last night partying in Magaluf, you might not be up for that).

The water at S’Amarador Beach is literally crystal clear, so don’t miss out on seeing it for yourself! 

Playa de S’Amarador, on the eastern coast of Mallorca

Explore the Drach Caves

Once you’ve recovered from your night out, and have spent a solid morning relaxing on the beach, you might start feeling the need for more adventures. 

In that case, you can go explore the unique Drach Caves. They’re located 45-60 minutes drive away from S’Amarador along the coast.

First mentioned in 1388, this huge cave system is 4 kilometres long and reaches a maximum depth of 25 metres.

Entering this natural cathedral-like structure is truly magnificent, and will definitely be one of the most amazing caves you visit. It’s open every day from 9AM to 5PM, and tickets cost €16.

If you’re not feeling heading to the beach in the morning, you can also join an organised tour like this one .

That way you’ll have someone pick you up, take you to Drach Caves, tell you more about the caves and then take you back to your hotel.

Click here to book your tour to Drach Caves, or check out prices & availability for your chosen date in the calendar below!

Mallorca Itinerary 7 Days

If you’ve got time for 7 days in Mallorca, you’ll have an extra two days to play with, allowing you to explore much more of the island (and its beaches, obviously).

Mallorca Itinerary: Day 6  

Discover the calas and beaches of the east coast.

For those of you who have a week in Mallorca, you’ll be glad to hear that your trotting about days are over. You can spend the last two days of your itinerary relaxing, and making the most of the Mallorcan beaches.

You can spend day 6 at a leisurely pace, exploring some of the best beaches on a road trip of Mallorca’s east coast (where the most picturesque and less busy calas are found).

You’ll be spoilt for choice! You can spend time relaxing at the Cala Varques, or Cala Mesquida and Cala Agulla, located an hour or so to the north.

There’s also the large Playa del Muro, which is more on the northern coast, towards Puerto de Pollensa.  Wherever you decide to go, you’re sure to find stunning beaches waiting for you.

Mallorca itinerary: Day 7

Head back to s’arenal  .

S’Arenal is a good spot to spend the final day of your week in Mallorca itinerary. This popular resort town has a 210-metre-long beach and plenty of bars and restaurants, and even a water park!

Which makes for a comprehensively fun and relaxing spot to finish your trip.   It’s also close to the Palma de Mallorca airport, which is extra handy.

Depending on your flight time, you could even drive via Far de Cap Blanc and Cala Pi on the way to S’Arenal, thus fitting in yet more beautiful Mallorca coastline into your trip.

The turquoise sea and beach of S’Arenal in Mallorca

Evening walks along the beachfront bars and shops of S’Arenal, Mallorca

Logistical tips for your Mallorca itinerary

We’ve looked at my day by day Mallorca itinerary , but I also wanted to give you some additional logistical tips that will ensure your Mallorca trip runs as smoothly as possible.

How many days in Mallorca?

It depends on how much time you have to spare, obviously, but I would say that three days days in Mallorca is the bare minimum.

If you can give yourself five days that would be better, as you’ll be able to explore beyond the main tourist spots.  

Mainly, this will give you the chance to discover more of the island’s hidden calas (coves), secluded spots perfect for sunbathing and swimming and generally chilling out.  

If you can add another couple of days and make it a week in Mallorca? That would be ideal.

The beautiful coastline of Cap de Formentor in Mallorca at sunset

The town of Pollensa from above

This way you won’t have to rush things, and you’ll get to spend more of your time doing what you’re supposed to do here – having fun, rather than clockwatching and ticking off destinations.

This Mallorca itinerary is composed by a core Mallorca 3-day itinerary, where you will visit all of the must-see sights on the island that you absolutely cannot miss, regardless of how long you spend in Mallorca.

The next itineraries, for five days in Mallorca and then seven days in Mallorca. are built on the core 3-day one, and include additional beautiful spots that you can visit.

Depending on your interests and how long you have, you can shuffle the days around to create your own perfect Mallorca itinerary.

Discovering the local shops of Palma de Mallorca

How to get around Mallorca

Three words: Mallorca road trip. Getting a rental car and having your own set of wheels to get around is the best way to travel around this island.

There is public transport, of course, but it’s not that great. This exists in the form of buses, which connect the main towns, but they don’t go everywhere that you might want to explore.

In terms of driving yourself around, first off you’ll need a car. There are a range of different international (and local) car rental companies on the island, all with different options.  

My advice is to book in advance to avoid missing out on the car you really want – particularly if you’re travelling during high season.

Cars are limited on islands, and it has recently become an issue in Tenerife as well. You have to reserve your car rental before, because if you don’t, there simply won’t be cars available on the island for you to rent.

Discovering Deia, and Mallorca in general, by car

Best time to visit Mallorca

No matter how many days in Mallorca you have to spare, it pays to know the best time of year to visit.

While the summer months are objectively “the best” time to visit this Balearic island, it’s clearly when the rest of the world also thinks it’s the best time to go, meaning that the island is super super busy.  

Beaches and the smaller calas are packed with people – I’ve seen people queueing for one hour plus to get to the beach at Cala del Moro (in August 2022).

In short, while summer is warm and sunny, it can be a nightmare.  

Instead, you should visit Mallorca during the so-called shoulder season, which is around late spring to early June, and again early autumn; September and early October still have beautiful weather.  

Mallorca is also a popular winter sun destination , but note that it does start getting chilly (especially at night) in November.

The cute village of Valldemossa in Mallorca at sunset

Where to stay in Mallorca

Choosing where to stay in Mallorca can be tricky, as each town and area has a distinctive vibe and is best suited for different types of travellers. For example, if you’re looking for nightlife, you will want to stay in Magaluf.

If you’re looking for beautiful beaches, you can stick to the east coast of the island. If you want city life, Palma de Mallorca is the place to be. 

Regardless of where you choose to stay, you can pick one place as base, and from there adventure around the island.

Mallorca is fairly small, and everything is a short drive away, there’s no need to change hotels for this itinerary. I listed below some of the best places to stay in Mallorca for every budget.

View over Deia in Mallorca, Spain

Budget: Mix Smart  –  This budget-friendly hotel is located a stone’s throw away from the beach, and features simple, yet contemporary ensuite rooms, perfect for a comfortable stay in Mallorca.

Click here to book your stay at Mix Smart in S’Arenal in Mallorca!

Mid-range: Boutique Hotel Petit Sant Miquel –  Located in Calonge, this small and elegant boutique hotel is an affordable yet clean, calm and stylish accommodation option, close to the beautiful nearby calls (bonus: a swimming pool and a bar).

Click here to see prices & availability at Boutique Hotel Petit Sant Miquel!

Luxury: The Press –  Why not treat yourself to stay at this beautifully maintained finca (farmhouse)? Sleeping up to 12 guests across six bedrooms, here you’ll find panoramic mountain views, a stone-clad terrace, infinity pool and even a tennis court.

Don’t miss out, book your magical stay at The Press here!

The swimming pool and view at The Press – photo by Plum Guide

One of the bedrooms at The Press – photo by Plum Guide

Best Mallorca tours

Regardless of how long your Mallorca itinerary will be, there are some awesome tours you should join, to maximise your time in Mallorca and ensure you have the best time in this amazing Spanish island.

I always suggest booking your tours online beforehand, especially if you’re travelling in high season, so you don’t have to worry about it once there.

GetYourGuide is my favourite tour booking platform, as they offer cancellation up to 24 hours before, and you can see reviews by previous travellers.

Mallorca: Skip the Line Palma Cathedral Entry Ticket  – If you want to visit the stunning cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, make sure to purchase a fast track ticket, and don’t waste time queueing!

Click here to purchase your skip the line entry ticket to Palma Cathedral!

Mallorca: Island Tour with Boat & Train Ride from the South – This tour is great for those who don’t have long in Mallorca, as it takes you to many key highlights! Take the Tren de Soller tram, go on a trip at Port de Soller and visit the town of Lluc!

Click here to book your Mallorca Island tour with boat & train ride!

View over Deia and the surrounding mountains from the Deia cemetery

Enjoying the view over Cala del Moro

From Colònia de San Jordi : Catamaran Cruise to Es Trenc  – No trip to the Balearic Islands would be complete without a boat trip amongst the hidden coves and turquoise sea!

Click here to book your catamaran cruise in Mallorca!

From Mallorca: Caves of Drach Day Trip with Hotel Transfers  – Discover the unique Drach Caves with this tour, which includes also hotel pick-up and drop-off!

Check out prices & availability for your Drach Caves day trip here!

Palma de Mallorca Old Town Guided Bike Tour and Tapas – What better way to discover Palma de Mallorca than cycling around the city, and tasting delicious tapas along the way!

Don’t miss out, book your Palma de Mallorca bike tour with tapas here!

Alcudia: Dolphin Watching & Sunrise Coast Cruise with Guide – Want to do something unique? How about this sunrise and dolphin watching cruise? It also includes some sightseeing at Cabo de Formentor and other calas.

Click here to book your dolphin watching cruise in Mallorca!

Enjoying the sunset over the coast of Mallorca from Formentor Lighthouse

What to pack for your Mallorca itinerary

There aren’t many specific items you need to bring to Mallorca, beyond the usual travel essentials , as you can easily purchase anything there. That said, here are some things I recommend you don’t forget.

Camera – Given how stunning Mallorca is, you want to make sure you capture it in all its beauty!

Fast drying towel – If you plan on visiting all the beaches of this Mallorca itinerary, you’ll want one of these! They don’t take up much space and dry quickly, so you don’t have to worry about your towel not drying from one day to the next.

Walking shoes – Given how much you will be walking, make sure you have comfortable shoes!

Power bank – Regardless of if you have a charger or not, it’s always handy to bring one of these, so whether you need your phone for photos or mapping your way, you know it won’t abandon you when you most need it!

International adapter – You can buy it in Mallorca if you forget it, but it’s always a pain having to head out to search for one with your phone battery dying on you.

The beautiful interior of Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in Pollensa, Mallorca

Final thoughts on the ultimate Mallorca itinerary

There you have it, the ultimate Mallorca itinerary! Have you been to Mallorca before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

The biggest of the Balearic Islands, there’s no denying that Mallorca is a great destination for a fun summer island road trip. With its cute villages, pristine beaches and stunning landscapes, it has plenty to offer.

While many travellers rave about Barcelona , Madrid, Granada and its Alhambra ,  Seville and other stunning Spanish cities, I have to admit I’m more of a fan of the Spanish islands.

Fuerteventura , Tenerife , Mallorca and all other Spanish islands hold a special place in my heart. I find them incredibly varied and interesting places to discover.

I hope you will find my Mallorca itinerary useful in planning your trip to Mallorca, regardless of whether you spend three days or seven days in Mallorca! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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Mallorca travel guide: Everything you need to know

• Sofía Pozuelo
• UPDATED: 25/11/2023

Thanks to this Mallorca travel guide, you will be able to plan your trip to this incredible Mediterranean island. In this post, I have compiled a series of Mallorca travel tips that I hope will be of great help for you when preparing your trip.

You will find information on how long to spend on the island, the best time to visit Mallorca, how to get around, where to stay, things to do, etc. Also, at the end of the article I have included a map of Mallorca where I have marked all the places I'll mention.

Mallorca (Balearic Islands) is a destination that attracts millions of tourists every year. Its charming towns, coves with crystal clear waters and its charming atmosphere are irresistible to any traveler. Since so many people visit the islands, I recommend planning your trip to Mallorca in advance.

Table of contents

Best time to visit mallorca.

If you want to enjoy the coves and beaches, the best time to travel to Mallorca is between May and September, when temperatures are a bit warmer. In May, June and September, the weather is good and there are not so many people on the island. However, the sea water in May and June is much cooler.

On the other hand, during the months of July and August, especially in August, there are many visitors in Mallorca, therefore, you will not be able to get to know the island with peace of mind. Even so, if you get up early and plan everything well, you will be able to enjoy all its attractions. Another drawback of visiting Mallorca during high season is that prices are a bit higher.

My last trip to Mallorca was at the end of May. Visiting the island at this time of year was an amazing decision since, despite having a couple of slightly cloudy days, we were able to enjoy the coves and avoid large crowds.

🏥 Remember it is very important to purchase travel insurance for Spain if you don’t have medical coverage in this country. I always use and recommend the company Heymondo, where I can offer you a 5% discount on your travel insurance .

How to get to Mallorca

Mallorca is part of the Balearic Islands. Therefore, you can travel to Mallorca by plane or ferry. The most common way to visit Mallorca is by taking a flight but it may be worthwhile going by ferry.

Affordable flights to Mallorca

Flights from the Spanish peninsula to Mallorca are usually very cheap. I recommend searching for flights to travel to Mallorca on Skyscanner . When you visit the website, you will be able to see the most affordable flights to Palma de Mallorca. When buying flights, I always recommend doing it through the airline’s website.

Palma de Mallorca Airport is located approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Palma. If you are not going to rent a car at the airport, you can go to the center of Palma by taxi (it costs around €20) or by bus. If you decide to take a bus, you will have to take line A1. In the summer, the buses depart every 15 minutes. In winter, the wait time may be longer. The ticket costs €5 and takes just over 10 minutes.

Travel to Mallorca by ferry

Another option is visiting Mallorca by ferry from Valencia, Barcelona or Dénia. If you are already in the Balearic Islands, you can also take a ferry to Mallorca from Ibiza, Menorca or Formentera.

If you want to find the best ferry deals, I recommend checking out Ferryhopper . There are several companies that offer these routes: Balearia, Trasmediterránea and GNV.

One advantage of traveling to Mallorca by ferry is that you can take your own vehicle from the mainland Spain. Sometimes car rental prices are sky high, so you can save some money.

How many days to spend in Mallorca

I recommend spending a minimum of 4 or 5 days in Mallorca. Obviously, the more days on the island, the better, but I understand that not everyone has the time to spend a while in Mallorca.

Mallorca hides endless places to visit: towns, beaches, lighthouses, viewpoints, etc. Therefore, it takes quite a bit of time to visit it well. If possible, my advice is to spend 7-10 days visiting Mallorca. However, if you do spend even more days in Mallorca, you will not get bored. If you don’t have that much time, an itinerary of 4 or 5 days is fine, as I have already indicated.

On the other hand, if you have less time, you can still enjoy the island in a 2 or 3 day getaway. You will have to focus on a small part of the island but you will surely enjoy your time in Mallorca nonetheless.

🚗 Do you need to rent a car for your trip to Mallorca? I recommend checking out Discover Cars , a highly-rated car rental search platform. I have used it several times and it has always been great!

What to do in Mallorca

One of the main steps when planning a trip to Mallorca is deciding which places you are going to include in your itinerary around the island. As I have already mentioned, Mallorca has many places to visit: charming villages, mountains, coves, lighthouses, viewpoints and, of course, the city of Palma.

In the following sections, I am going to name some of the places that you cannot miss during your visit to Mallorca.

Palma de Mallorca

If you are going to travel to Mallorca, one of the places you cannot miss is Palma, the main city and capital of the island. Palma is a city that is well worth visiting as it has many attractions. One of them is the incredible Cathedral of Palma. It is a true work of art! You will also love getting lost in the streets of the historic center and having a drink in the Santa Catalina neighborhood.

An amazing way to get to know the city is by booking this free tour of Palma de Mallorca . If you want a more in-depth article about what to do in Palma in 1 day , take a look at my blog post about Palma.

Beautiful towns in Mallorca

Something that I love about Mallorca is the number of charming towns that you can visit. Every town has a very beautiful architecture and vibe. Many of these towns are located in Sierra de Tramontana. Getting lost in the mountains while discovering these little towns is one of the best things to do in Mallorca. You will enjoy it a lot!

In Sierra de Tramontana, I recommend visiting the following towns: Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Bañalbufar, Fornalutx and Pollença. Other towns worth visiting in Mallorca are Alcúdia, Artà, Capdepera and Portocolom.

Best beaches and coves in Mallorca

Millions visit Mallorca every year seeking beaches and coves. Its crystal-clear and turquoise water really stand out. These beaches and coves are spread out throughout the entire Mallorca coastline.

Some of the best beaches and coves in Mallorca are Playa des Trenc, Cala Pi, Caló des Moro, Cala s’Almunia, Cala Llombards, Playa S’Amarador, Cala Mondragó, Cala Torta, Cala Estreta, Playa de Muro, Playa des Coll Baix, Cala Figuera (Formentor), Formentor Beach, Cala de Sa Calobra, Cala Tuent, Cala Deià, Cala d’Estellencs, Playa del Rei, etc. As you can see, there many beaches and coves!

Other places worth including in this Mallorca travel guide

Mallorca doesn’t just have towns and coves. The island is home to many other places worth visiting during your trip. Do not miss the following places: Torre del Verger, Mirador de Sa Foradada (viewpoint), Faro de Formentor (lighthouse), Mirador Es Colomer, Talaia d’Albercutx, Mirador de Na Clara and Mirador des Pontàs.

Another very popular place to visit are the Drach Caves. Although they are beautiful, I did not particularly like the visit because there were too many people and I could not enjoy it. The Caves of Artà were better recommended by a staff member at Drach Caves, since they are less crowded.

How to get around in Mallorca

The best way to visit Mallorca is by car. Unless you have brought your own by ferry, you will have to rent a car in Mallorca. It is the best option because it gives you complete freedom to move around the island and allows you to visit practically every all place. In addition, you will save waiting time.

I recommend the company Discover Cars , which allows you to compare several companies and see which one is cheaper. Plus, you can add a very complete insurance for a good price.

Although Mallorca has public transportation, I do not recommend visiting the island using it because, you will not be able to reach many of the best places to visit in Mallorca. In addition, you will have to put up with waiting times and it will be more difficult for you to plan your itineraries.

If, for whatever reason, renting a car is not an option for you, you will have to get to know the island through public transportation. In this case, I recommend staying in Palma. It’s the main city, which means it has better bus connections with the rest of Mallorca. I recommend consulting the Transports de les Illes Balears ‘ website for more information.

This is a map of all the transportation connections available in Mallorca. Use this if you are planning a Mallorca travel itinerary using public transportation.

Best tours in Mallorca

If you are not going to rent a car during your trip to Mallorca, I recommend booking some tours. It will be more expensive than getting around the island by bus, but it is also more comfortable and convenient for you, since you will not have to worry about transportation. You can also visit places in Mallorca that cannot visit using public transportation.

You can also book boat trips, which is convenient even if you are going to have a car, since there are places, such as Sa Calobra, that can be easily accessed by boat.

These are some of the best tours in Mallorca:

• Caves of Drach Day Trip .
• 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Palma .
• Porto Cristo: Caves of Hams Entry Ticket .
• Palma Bay Boat Tour and Snorkeling .
• Cala del Moro, Cala S’Almunia and Cala Llombards Excursion .
• Boat to Sa Calobra from Sóller .

Where to stay in Mallorca

There is a large selection of hotels to choose from in Mallorca. You can find options for different tastes and budgets. Choosing the bests areas to stay in Mallorca is the hard part. For this reason, one of the best tips that you will find in this Mallorca travel guide will be about this specific topic.

An area that I highly recommend if you visit Mallorca in search of the best coves and beaches is the municipality of Santanyi. You will be close to places like Caló des Moro and Cala Llombards. Take a look at the following hotels: Boutique Hostal Mistral , Hotel Nou Can Guillem and Boutique Hotel Petit Sant Miquel .

Staying in Palma and its surroundings is also a great idea in my opinion, since it takes fairly little time to get to the rest of the island from Palma. It is very well connected. Something important when reserving an accommodation in Palma, if you are going to visit Mallorca by car, is that it has parking for its guests since parking in the city can be somewhat complicated.

If you decide to stay in Palma, take a look at these hotels with parking: BQ Augusta Hotel , Nou Baleares and Ars Magna Bleisure Hotel .

Last but not least, I recommend Alcúdia, located in the northern part of Mallorca. This whole area is beautiful and also has good beaches, therefore, it is worth considering this option. It’s one of the best places to stay in Mallorca for families. Take a look at Cas Ferrer Nou Hotelet in the area.

If you are planning a romantic gateway, don’t forget to check the best hoteles in Majorca for couples . All of them are only adults!

Mallorca travel guide itineraries

Once you know how many days you are going to spend in Mallorca, I recommend planning an itinerary in which you are very clear about what you are going to visit each day. In this way, you won’t waste any time improvising while you’re in Mallorca.

• 3-day Mallorca itinerary ( coming soon ).
• 4-day Mallorca itinerary .
• 5-day Mallorca itinerary ( coming soon ).
• 7-day Mallorca itinerary ( coming soon ).

💳 To get cash in the local currency of your destination or pay by card, I recommend getting the N26 card . With the free version you can withdraw cash from ATMs with a very low commission and pay in another currency with the best exchange rate and no commissions.

Traditional food you should taste in Mallorca

A trip to Mallorca is not complete without tasting some of the local delicacies, such as ensaimada and sobrasada. There is a very famous place in Palma de Mallorca where you can try, and even order, ensaimadas. It is called Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo. There are three locations in the city.

During your visit to Valldemossa, one of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca, I recommend tasting coca de patata, a very traditional sweet from the area. While you walk through town, you will see different bakeries and cafes where they sale coca de patata.

If you get the chance, do not forget to taste Majorcan empanadas, coca de trampó, arròs brut, tumbet and Majorcan-style snails.

Best restaurants – Mallorca travel guide

Below, you can find list of some of the best restaurants in Mallorca:

• Ca’s Patro March (Cala Deià).
• Restaurante El Olivo (Deià).
• Es Racó d’es Teix (Deià).
• Cassai Gran Café & Restaurant (Ses Salines).
• Noir Mallorca (Cala D’or).
• Restaurant 19 Livingdreams (Santa Maria del Camí).
• Sumailla Restaurant (Port d’Andratx).
• Es Fanals (Port de Sóller).

Map of Mallorca

In the following map of Mallorca you can see all the places that I have mentioned in this Mallorca travel guide: beaches, towns, restaurants, visits and recommended hotels.

Check my Spain travel guide if you are planning to visit other areas of this country.

I hope that this Mallorca travel guide has been very useful for you in planning your trip to this beautiful island of the Balearic Islands. If you want to tell me about your experience or have any questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment or email me. Until next time travelers!

• PLAN A TRIP STEP BY STEP

↠ Book free tours and guided visits on Civitatis or GetYourGuide . I always use these platforms to check what organized activities there are at my destination.

↠ To pay with card in foreign currency or withdraw money from ATMs, I always use this card (there are free and paid plans). It works the best!

↠ Traveling with travel insurance to a destination where you don’t have healthcare coverage is a must. Get your insurance 5% cheaper with this link .

↠ If you want to have cellphone data at your destination from the moment you land and don’t want to waste time, there is nothing like this eSIM . Use the code “comeamaviaja” for a 5% discount.

↠ Check out Booking’s offers , a platform I always use, as I always find very good options thanks to its search engine with filters.

↠ For destinations where I need to rent a car, I always check Discover Cars and Auto Europe search engines. I recommend them!

↠ If you still need to buy flights for your trip, there is no better search engine than Skyscanner (although I always recommend booking the flight on the company’s website).

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Is Mallorca Worth Visiting? 16 Pros and Cons to Consider

Is Mallorca worth visiting? I’m here to spill the tea on the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I’m usually gushing over Spanish destinations because Spain feels like my home away from home, but in this post, you’ll see exactly what I liked and disliked about this island.

If you want to know my final verdict, then yes, I do think Mallorca is a good place to visit, but here’s everything you need to consider before planning a trip.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

My favorite carb in Mallorca: The hot chocolate at Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo in Palma. The island is also known for its pastries, but many of them contain lard (which I don’t consume as a pescatarian).

Table of Contents

The Main Thing That Bothered Me About Mallorca, Spain

Tourists, tourists, and more tourists.

So here’s the thing – I knew Mallorca was touristy and obviously did not expect to be the only one there. BUT it was a different kind of touristy, and I didn’t even visit the peak season.

As a huge Spain lover, it wasn’t my first time in this country (far from it).

I think I visited enough places to know that some regions have yet to be discovered while others have become extremely popular. Yet, in most cases, there’s still a reasonable balance between tourists and locals.

For example, even in a bustling city like Madrid , you don’t have to make a lot of effort to experience its authentic side, and you definitely don’t feel like only tourists are around you.

I’m not saying that Mallorca’s authentic side is non-existent, but I feel like the touristy vibe can overshadow it sometimes, and I wish they were more balanced because that’s a big deal for a traveler like me.

Other than that, there’s also the stereotype of only being surrounded by drunk tourists.

I’d say it depends on where you’re staying because some towns are notorious for being popular party destinations (like Magaluf) while others are more tranquil (like my beloved Port de Pollença).

Is Mallorca Worth Visiting? All the Things to Love About It

You can find quiet even in touristy places.

Considering everything I’ve written about tourists in Mallorca, it really wasn’t difficult to find quiet areas, even in the island’s most visited cities and towns.

The minute you stray from the streets where all the shops and restaurants are, you see fewer and fewer people.

If you think about it, that’s kind of sad, but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy having some streets and alleys all to myself. In these tranquil moments, I could really feel the special vibe of Mallorca.

The Weather

What is Mallorca like in terms of temperatures? As a sun-drenched Mediterranean island (though I’ve encountered a couple of cloudy mornings), Mallorca offers fantastic weather almost all year long.

Take into consideration that it can get extremely hot and humid in July and August (27°C-33°C / 80.6°F-91.4°F by day) and not warm enough to take a dip in the winter months (14°C-17°C / 57.2°F-62.6°F by day).

That still leaves you with more than enough time to visit Mallorca while enjoying idyllic weather.

The summer months are also when hotel prices can be unbelievably expensive, so spring and fall can be good choices for your Mallorca trip.

Beautiful Beaches

Being one of the best beach destinations in Europe , it’s not surprising that Mallorca boasts a dreamy coastline. With dozens of heavenly beaches with crystal-clear waters, this island is a great place to unwind and soak up some sun.

It’s good to know that even though Mallorca is touristy, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every single beach is overcrowded with people, whether you’re staying in the north of Mallorca, in the south, in the east, or on the west coast.

In fact, when I visited popular places like the resort town of Port de Pollença and Formentor Beach, I was pleasantly surprised by their tranquility.

Important to know: Accessibility varies from beach to beach. Some can be reached by bus, some by car, and others require 15-30 minutes of walking from the nearest road/parking lot (including passing through steep, unpaved paths).

Enchanting Towns

Strolling through the cobbled streets of historical European small towns is one of the greatest joys in (my) life, and Mallorca is home to quite a few visit-worthy ones.

From Valldemossa to Alcudia to Pollença, there are more than enough picturesque places that are an absolute delight to explore.

If you love unique experiences, you should also know that you can reach the town of Soller with a vintage train dating back to the early 20th century.

I thought it was going to be an overrated attraction, but I highly recommend it as the views along the way are truly stunning.

Jaw-Dropping Natural Landscapes

One of the best reasons to visit Mallorca is that you don’t only get to see dreamy shades of blue (courtesy of the Mediterranean) but also miles and miles of green.

So many roads offer breathtaking views of fields, almond trees, orange groves, and even vineyards.

If that’s not enough, one of the most scenic parts of the island is the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s home to some of the towns I’ve mentioned and countless hiking trails, cycling trails, viewpoints, hidden coves, and unique manmade landmarks. 

Other natural areas you can explore are the coastal Mondrago Natural Park and Sa Dragonera Natural Park (located on a nearby uninhabited island). If you’re an avid nature lover, these parts of Mallorca will surprise you.

Rich History

When Mallorca is often perceived solely as a beach destination, it’s easy to forget that it’s steeped in history.

From prehistory and Roman times to the Arab rule and the conquest of the island by King Jaume I of Aragon (who became the King of Majorca) in the 13th century, each era had its impact on Mallorca and left landmarks you can still visit today.

These include remains of prehistoric and Roman settlements, Moorish gardens, medieval walls, monasteries, cathedrals, and palaces. If you’re a history lover, you’re in for a treat.

Must-See Manmade and Natural Landmarks

Diving a little deeper into all the historical landmarks you can see in Mallorca, anyone can find at least one point of interest to enjoy.

Some of the highlights of this island are: 

• Remains of villages from the Bronze Age like the Talaiots de Son Fornés
• Ruins of the Roman city of Pollentia
• Medieval walls of Alcudia
• Palma Cathedral, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and Bellver Castle (in Palma de Mallorca)
• Capdepera Castle
• Royal Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa

If you’re more of a natural landmark kind of traveler, head to the infamous caves of Cuevas del Drach and Cuevas dels Hams, visit Cap de Formentor (Mallorca’s northernmost point) or hike in the Torrent de Pareis canyon.

Palma Is Such a Lovely City

Is Palma de Mallorca worth visiting? I’m pretty sure most people don’t travel to Mallorca just to spend a day or two in the capital, Palma, but don’t underestimate this city.

I thought it was just going to be a base point from where I would take day trips, but I discovered an intriguing city with an incredible old town (and other fascinating neighborhoods), lots of historical landmarks, a great culinary scene, photogenic architecture, and so much more.

So if you’re only a short flight away and a quick Spanish weekend break is all you’re looking for, consider spending it in Palma de Mallorca.

The Culture

If you’re a culture buff, Mallorca is going to win you over.

Apart from the capital city of Palma, which is home to many museums and art galleries (including the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Joan Miró Foundation), you’ll find quite a few intriguing places to visit.

These include the Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum in Valldemossa, where the gifted Polish composer spent a very productive time on the island, and La Granja d’Esporles, a museum dedicated to Mallorca’s history and traditions (housed in a 17th-century mansion).

If you’re after authentic souvenirs, pearls, salt, and ceramics are some of the traditional must-buys. Another unique experience is booking a stay in a finca , a traditional Mallorquin countryside farmhouse/estate.

You can also visit the weekly markets taking place in plenty of towns across the island, indulge in typical Mallorquin food (if you love seafood, vegetables, and baked goods, you won’t be disappointed), attend some festivals, and the list goes on.

Diverse and Unique Activities

I hope that by now, you understand that there’s a lot more to do in Mallorca than just unwind at the beach. Besides all the activities and places I’ve mentioned so far, this island has a few more surprises.

Outdoors enthusiasts can go hiking, cycling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canyoning; wine lovers can tour central Mallorca’s vineyards; others can take a boat tour to watch dolphins in the wild. Pretty exciting, right?

You Can Explore It by Car or Public Transportation

Is Mallorca a good place to visit without a car?

There’s no doubt that taking a road trip would be an ideal way to discover Mallorca’s hidden gems , conveniently get to every nook and cranny of the island, and have the most flexibility.

That said, you can also plan a Mallorca itinerary that doesn’t require renting a car (as I did) yet still includes some of the most beautiful places on the island.

Reachable by bus are picture-perfect spots like Mirador Es Colomer (the most iconic viewpoint in Mallorca), Jardines de Alfabia, Valldemossa, and Alcudia, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Traditional Mallorquin Food

It’s not surprising that you can stumble upon plenty of tourist traps when you’re looking for a place to eat.

But if you make the effort to find typical local food, you’ll be rewarded with dishes like Tumbet (a bit similar to ratatouille ), Coca de trampó  (thin bread baked and topped with vegetables), and frito Mallorquín de marisco (seafood with vegetables).

Good to know: Mallorca’s most famous pastry, ensaïmada , as well as some other local pastries, are not vegetarian-friendly – they are made with pork lard.

Suitable for Different Groups of Travelers

Considering what Mallorca has to offer, it can be a good destination for couples, families, groups of friends, and even solo travelers.

As you can see, its attractions are also suitable for different interests, whether you just want to unwind at the beach, enjoy the natural scenery, get to know the local history and culture or take in a bit of everything.

The Mediterranean Vibe Is Addictive

Even though I love exploring different types of destinations in Europe and I love visiting them in different seasons, there’s something addictive about the tranquility of a Mediterranean island on a sunny day.

So when you get to the quiet spots of Mallorca, whether inland or coastal, you feel that contagious laid-back Mediterranean vibe.

Spain Is Always a Good Idea

I know I’m biased because I feel like Spain is my home away from home, but it really is a destination that never disappoints me, even if not everything is perfect.

No matter what region you visit in Spain, you’ll always find beautiful places to visit, interesting local culture, good food, and so much more.

Should You Visit Mallorca? The Verdict

This island is much more than meets the eye, so I definitely think it’s worth visiting Mallorca, but I also recommend choosing wisely when to do so.

I visited at the end of May, and there was already a very respectable number of tourists on the island, so I can’t imagine how crowded it gets in July and August.

I know it’s not possible for everyone, but avoiding traveling to the Balearic island during these months will surely make a positive impact on your trip. Otherwise, you might not love Mallorca as much as I did.

If you’re wondering how many days in Mallorca are enough, I’d say that you need a minimum of 5 days, though I encourage you to spend 7-10 days in Mallorca if you have the time (I could have easily spent 2 weeks there).

Other Mallorca and Spain Travel Guides

Planning a trip to the Balearic Islands? Read:

• Breakfast and brunch places in Palma de Mallorca
• Free things to do in Palma de Mallorca
• What to pack for Mallorca
• Must-see landmarks in Spain
• Best road trips in Spain
• Hidden gems in Spain
• Novels set in Spain
• Spain travel quotes
• Spain travel tips
• Spain themed gifts

Related posts:

• Reasons to visit northern Spain
• Reasons to visit Cadiz, Spain
• Reasons to visit Cordoba, Spain
• Reasons to visit Malta
• Reasons to visit Crete
• Is Budapest worth visiting
• Is Porto worth visiting
• Is Turin worth visiting
• Is Warsaw worth visiting
• Is Poznan worth visiting
• Is Madrid worth visiting
• Is Bari worth visiting
• Is Aosta worth visiting

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

The perfect Mallorca itinerary: An unforgettable week in Mallorca

Lying in the western Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in Spain. 

Also known as Majorca, the island is often associated with beach resorts and a vibrant party scene. However, Mallorca has so much more to offer if you make the effort to venture out of the main tourist zones. From coastal mountain ranges and dramatic gorges to fairytale-like villages and beaches with crystalline water, there’s no shortage of amazing places to include in your Mallorca itinerary!

With one week in Mallorca, you won’t be able to see everything this idyllic island has to offer – there are simply too many exciting spots to visit. But with a proper plan, you can still tick off many of the highlights.

This 7-day Mallorca itinerary will take you from the scenic Serra de Tramuntana mountains in the north all the way to the breathtaking beaches in the south, stopping at the most beautiful destinations along the way. 

At the end of this post, you’ll also find a map with the exact locations of all the stops in this travel itinerary and my tips on what to do if you have more than 7 days in Mallorca.

Ready to start planning your trip?

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

How to get around Mallorca

The most common ways to get around Mallorca are by car, bus or train.

I only used buses during my Mallorca trip and it worked out really well. In fact, I was surprised by how convenient and easy to understand the public bus system was, especially because most articles I read about Mallorca before my trip advised against it. 

With that said, I still think the best way to explore the island is to rent a car and take a Mallorca road trip. Having a car will allow you to get around the island faster and give you the freedom to also visit some more remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations. In general, driving in Spain is safe and easy, and Mallorca is no exception.

But if you can’t or don’t want to rent a car, you definitely shouldn’t let this hold you back from taking a trip to Mallorca!

7-day Mallorca itinerary: How to spend one week in Mallorca

Day 1: soller & port de soller.

On your first full day in Mallorca, head to the charming town of Soller. 

Regardless of whether you’re driving or taking the bus, it’s a scenic journey as you’ll be crossing the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these mountains are known as the backbone of Mallorca and stretch over 90 kilometers along the island’s northwest coast.

You can also get from Palma to Soller on a 100-year-old wooden train . If I ever return to Mallorca, I’d love to try it out!

Soller is located in a lush valley and is known for its citrus orchards, Art Nouveau-style architecture and beautiful natural setting.

Take your time to stroll through the town’s historic center, sip some fresh Soller orange juice in one of the cafes on its main square and enjoy the view of the wonderful Church of Sant Bartomeu. If you’d like to visit a working citrus farm, you can do so at Ecovinyassa . 

As Soller is surrounded by mountains, it is also an excellent base for cyclists and hikers and offers a variety of exciting trails like Barranc de Biniaraix or the trek to Mirador ses Barques.

For more tips on what to do in this wonderful town, including the best day trips to take from here, read my detailed post on the best things to do in Soller .

Just 5 kilometers from Soller lies the picturesque coastal town of Port de Soller. With its palm tree-lined promenade, numerous hotels and a long sandy beach, it is a quintessential Mediterranean beach holiday town.

To get from Soller to Port de Soller or vice versa, you can take the famous vintage electric tram, which is one of the top attractions in the area. It’s a fun experience and the journey takes around 15 minutes.

I chose to hike from Soller to Port de Soller along the GR221 trail (see the exact route here ) and return to Soller by the tram.

Where to stay

Spend the next two nights in Soller or Port de Soller. If you like the idea of having the beach at your doorstep, stay in Port. But if you prefer a more authentic vibe, stay in Soller.

BUDGET: Hostel Soller Located in a beautifully restored historical building in Soller, this is one of the prettiest (and cleanest) hostels I’ve ever seen. They offer both private rooms and shared rooms.

MID-RANGE: Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel This 4-star hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Port de Soller beach and has stunning bohemian style decor, a heated outdoor pool and daily yoga classes.

LUXURY: Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa Situated on a hill overlooking the Port de Soller Bay, this 5-star hotel offers an unforgettable level of luxury, complete with an amazing infinity pool and a world-class spa.

Day 2: Sa Calobra & Torrent de Pareis

On day 2 of your Mallorca itinerary, take a boat trip to Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis canyon. 

The Sa Calobra boat departs from the marina at Port de Soller. I recommend taking the earliest boat, so you could get there before the crowds arrive. See the prices and book your tickets here . 

The 1-hour boat ride takes you along the spectacular northwest coast of Mallorca, past towering cliffs, sea caves and magnificent views of the Tramuntana mountains. 

If you prefer to have more privacy and the flexibility to explore the coast at your own pace, consider taking this full-day or half-day private sailboat tour instead.

As an alternative to taking the boat, you can also drive to Sa Calobra. The road leading there is apparently very scenic and offers amazing panoramic views. Just be prepared for lots of narrow steep hairpin turns.

If you choose to go by boat, you’ll be dropped off at a gorgeous turquoise cove from where it’s a short walk through breathtaking scenery to Torrent de Pareis canyon. In about 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at a tiny beach hidden between tall cliffs at the mouth of the canyon. It’s definitely one of the highlights of this Mallorca itinerary and truly a sight to remember!  

Be sure to also hike into the canyon for more incredible views of the majestic scenery around you. You might even meet some wild goats! Once you’re done admiring the beauty of Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis, catch the boat back to Port de Soller.

Spend another night in Soller or Port de Soller. See my hotel recommendations under Day 1.

Day 3: Valldemossa & Deia

Kick off the third day of your Mallorca itinerary by exploring Valldemossa. This small mountain town is characterized by traditional stone houses and quaint cobblestone streets lined with cute shops, cafes and restaurants.

Spend a few hours strolling around the town’s historic center to take in its old-world charm and enjoy the views of the surrounding green hills. Visit the Gardens of Rei Joan Carles and the centuries-old Carthusian Monastery, which the famous composer Frederic Chopin used as his winter residence.

Valldemossa is also known for its pastries and one of the best places to try them is the famous Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas bakery. Here you can sample the most beloved local specialties like coca de patata (a sweet fluffy potato bun) and ensaimada (sweet spiral pastry made with lard). 

Next, head to Deia, a little hilltop village that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca and it’s easy to see why. The best way to experience Deia is to simply wander around its idyllic streets and marvel at the adorable houses with green shutters – a characteristic feature of Mallorcan architecture. 

For an amazing view of the village, visit the viewpoint (‘Mirador’) on the main road – see the map at the end of the article for the exact location. And in case you get hungry, there are many nice cafes and restaurants to choose from, including the enchanting El Olivo restaurant .

To the north of the village, lies Cala Deia, a small rocky cove with crystal-blue water perfect for swimming. Although I didn’t get to visit Cala Deia myself, I’ve heard it’s gorgeous and totally worth the steep walk or drive to get there.

Head back to Valldemossa and spend the night there. 

BUDGET: Cosy private room   Basically the only budget accommodation in Valldemossa. Located in the heart of the town, it’s a simple room with a private bathroom and access to a kitchen.

MID-RANGE: Hotel Sa Vall Set in a former manor house, this stunning hotel offers rustic yet elegant rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and large gardens full of orange and lemon trees.

LUXURY: Hotel Valldemossa This upscale boutique hotel is set in two beautifully restored 19th-century stone houses with views over the mountains. Featuring a spa, two pools and a gourmet restaurant, it’s the perfect place to pamper yourself.

Day 4: Archduke’s Trail & Cala d’Or

On the morning of Day 4, before leaving the north coast of Mallorca, I recommend hiking the Archduke’s Trail (Camí de s’Arxiduc) near Valldemossa. This moderately challenging trail is known as one of the best hikes in Mallorca and takes around 4-5 hours to complete.

Starting just north of Valldemossa, the rocky trail ascends through an oak forest to the top of a panoramic ridge, where you can enjoy jaw-dropping vistas of the coast and the Tramuntana mountains. Along the way, you might also bump into some cute mountain goats.

You can hike the Archduke’s Trail as a loop (starting and ending in Valldemossa) or as a point-to-point hike from Valldemossa to Deia, and you can also add optional extensions.

I hiked it from Valldemossa to Deia following this route . Note that you need to request a free permit to hike this route as it passes through a private estate. It’s super easy – you just need to message them your name and the date you want to hike. Find the contact details here .

Since there’s no internet connection up in the mountains, it’s essential that you have a mobile offline map of the trail or a GPS to avoid getting lost.

After the hike, it’s time to say goodbye to the north coast of Mallorca and head south to Cala d’Or. If you’re driving, it will take a little over an hour and by bus, it’s two hours.

Cala d’Or is a small beach holiday town known for its magnificent sandy coves (or calas) with vivid turquoise water.

There are several beautiful beaches to explore here, such as Cala Gran, Cala Esmeralda, Cala d’Or Beach (also known as Cala Petita) and Cala Ferrera – all within a short walking distance from each other. I visited Cala Gran and Cala Esmeralda and both were equally stunning, although crowded.

Cala d’Or also has a lovely marina lined with restaurants and filled with yachts. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or an evening stroll.

Be sure to also read my post on the top things to do in Cala d’Or for more details on the best activities and day trips to take from here.

Spend the next three nights in Cala d’Or.

BUDGET: Hotel Antares This budget hotel is located in the center of the town, near all the beaches, restaurants and shops. The rooms are simple but modern and comfortable and come with an AC.

MID-RANGE: Casa Ceiba Maria A cute family-run guest house just 300 meters from the beach. With their spacious rooms, an outdoor pool and wonderful breakfast, this place offers great value for money.

LUXURY: Inturotel Cala Esmeralda This stylish seafront hotel is the perfect option for those looking for a bit of luxury. It is ‘adults only’ and has an on-site spa, beautiful gardens, 3 outdoor pools and direct access to Cala Esmeralda beach.

Day 5: Calo des Moro, Cala S’Almunia & other beaches

Wake up early and get ready to explore some more fabulous beaches on the southeast coast.

The first one I recommend that you visit is Calo des Moro. This little slice of paradise is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca. And I have to agree. The color of the water in this narrow bay is the most unbelievable shade of blue. This together with the cliffs around the beach make it such a scenic place. It’s a must-visit spot in every Mallorca itinerary.

Because of its popularity and small size, the beach tends to get packed very quickly, which is the reason I recommend coming here early. I’ve heard that in July and August, you sometimes have to wait for an hour to get to the beach since the authorities regulate the number of people they let there.

Just a few minutes’ walk from Calo des Moro lies Cala S’Almunia beach, which I found equally beautiful. This tiny cove is sheltered by rocks and surrounded by old boat houses. It’s an incredibly picturesque place with calm, crystal clear water – it almost felt like being in a swimming pool.

If you’re in the mood to see more beaches, consider visiting Cala Llombards or Cala Santanyi. I visited Cala Llombards and while it’s definitely a lovely beach, it wasn’t among my favorites in Mallorca. Due to the currents, the water was a bit dirty when I was there and it was also very crowded.

Alternatively, you could visit the small fishing village Cala Figuera. Although there’s no beach here, I’ve heard it’s a very charming place and worth a quick visit.

Spend another night in Cala d’Or. See my hotel recommendations under Day 4.

Day 6: Mondrago Natural Park

Today will be all about exploring Mondrago Natural Park. Situated just 6 kilometers from Cala d’Or, this coastal nature reserve is home to pine forests, wetlands, various bird species and several beaches with white sand.

Depending on your interests, you can make it a relaxing beach day or you can explore the different coves, walking trails and viewpoints the park has to offer. The three main beaches here are S’Amarador Beach (the largest), Cala Mondrago and Calo des Borgit (the smallest). 

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, you can visit the park on a guided jetski tour departing from Cala d’Or.

On the day I visited Mondrago Natural Park the sea was really rough. This unfortunately meant that the water was cloudy and full of debris, and the beaches didn’t look very inviting. 

From what I’ve read though, this is rather unusual, so you’ll probably have better luck than me. Based on the photos I’ve seen, the beaches here look heavenly when the sea is calm. Plus you’ll also be able to go snorkeling. Apparently, there are lots of fish to see around the rocks.

Day 7: Palma de Mallorca

Spend the final day of this Mallorca itinerary by discovering Palma, the capital city of Mallorca. The best way to explore this beautiful seaside city is on foot since the main sights are all within walking distance from each other.

One of the most iconic attractions here is Palma Cathedral, better known as La Seu. Visiting this impressive gothic masterpiece is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca . The cathedral, which took almost 400 years to build, overlooks the Bay of Palma and features magnificent stained-glass windows.

Right next to the cathedral lies the 14th-century Royal Palace of La Almudaina, which is one of the official residences of the royal family of Spain and is open to visitors.

In the charming old town of Palma, you’ll find lots of cozy cafes, tapas bars and shops lining the narrow cobblestone streets. Visit the bustling Placa Major, the main square of the city and sample some local delicacies at Mercat de l’Olivar, Palma’s oldest food market.

If you have time, you could also visit some of Palma’s fantastic beaches like Cala Major or Playa de Palma and stroll along the seafront promenade.

Mallorca itinerary map

On this map, you can find the locations of all the stops included in this one week Mallorca itinerary. The destinations of each of the days are marked with a different color so you can have an easy overview. Click on the top left corner of the map for more details.

Other destinations to include in your Mallorca itinerary

If you have more than a week in Mallorca, you’re lucky because there are lots of exciting places left to see on this mesmerizing island. 

If I had more time, I would have loved to visit the following spots: 

• Cap de Formentor – a narrow peninsula with dramatic scenery and spectacular beaches like Cala Figuera and Platja de Formentor
• Puig de Massanella – a mountain peak with panoramic views; accessible only by hiking
• Ses Salines – a small village surrounded by several postcard-perfect white-sand beaches like Es Trenc, Cala Màrmols and Es Caragol
• Fornalutx & Biniaraix – picturesque villages in the Tramuntana mountains
• Cuevas del Drach (Drach Caves) – a cave system with one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Book your tour to the caves here .

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T&C Travel Guide: Mallorca

Where to stay, eat, and sightsee on the idyllic Spanish island.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

"I found everything I wanted as a writer: sun, sea, mountains, spring water, shady trees, no politics..." the poet wrote of his adopted home. Even today, Mallorca, the crown jewel of Spain's Balearic Islands, still overflows with charm: ancient villages steeped in eons of history (Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, and Moors have all laid claim to the island), honey-colored stone houses on cobbled alleyways, the ever-lingering fragrance of lemon and orange trees and olive groves, and all of it sprinkled against the backdrop of the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and a Lapis Lazuli-blue Mediterranean.

Herewith, a T&C guide to where to stay, eat, and sightsee for a dreamy Mallorcan summer holiday.

Where to Stay

Belmond La Residencia

It's really hard to beat La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel , a glamorous hideaway with a prime address in chic, artsy Deià, an abundance of olive and citrus groves, and a perfect perch tucked cozily between mountains and sea. In a nod to the town's creative classes, La Residencia also has an extensive collection of art—more than 750 works—on display throughout the 72-room property. As for on-site recreation, there is plenty: an award-winning spa, tennis courts, painting and sculpture classes, and Vespa tours. And then there's the fine dining. In June, Rafael Zafra, best known as the former head chef at famed Spanish restaurant El Bulli, unveiled a new menu for the Pool restaurant that puts a premium on local ingredients like prawns from Sóller. But don't sleep on his desserts: the presentation of his pineapple, which comes with a tier of crema Catalana , is a show in and of itself.

Located about 30 minutes south of Mallorca's capital Palma, Cap Rocat is perhaps one of the most unique properties on the island—it's housed in a former fortress, built in the 19th century for military defense (though it was never used). Today, the luxurious 88-acre resort, flawlessly restored for the 21st century by the architect Antonio Obrador, is built into the craggy coastline of the Bay of Palma and also happens to be in the middle of a bird sanctuary.

Read Reviews

Finca Serena Mallorca

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Finca Serena Mallorca , a 100-acre property in the heart of the island that is pure bucolic bliss: 24 acres of vineyards, more than 900 olive trees, lavender fields, fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, a wonderful spa, yoga classes, and chef workshops. The best part? For such a sprawling hotel, there are just 25 rooms.

Hotel Mirabó De Valldemossa

The intimate Hotel Mirabó has been in the same family since 1898 (it became a boutique hotel in 2004) and with just 9 rooms, it won't take very long to feel completely at home here (elegantly cozy decor and a plethora of hidden nooks to discover also help). The property itself dates back to 1503 when it was an olive farm and is nestled on a hill just outside of the beautiful countryside village of Valldemossa, which means fabulous views of the postcard-perfect town.

El Vicenç de la Mar

The newest hotel in Mallorca opened in June. Located in the Northeastern corner of the island, in the town of Cala Sant Vicenç, the 35-room property overlooks a striking beach popular with locals and families. Palma may be overrun with tourists, but this area remains undiscovered, at least for now. Get there before visitors realize that the one hour drive from the airport, and from the more well-known Deià, can lead to such remarkable sights as the Es Colomer viewpoint and the tranquil waters of Cap de Formentor. The hotel features a spa and two restaurants, a casual lunch spot and a fine dining rooftop. Naturally, croquetas are served at both.

Where to Eat

An ideal spot to stop for a tapas lunch before (or dinner after) exploring the village of Deià, Xelini is built in a 130-year-old building. But while the interiors are indeed charming, with their stone walls and wooden beams, prime seating is in the picturesque garden with views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains all around. Grab one of the tables under the trellis of climbing vines for a shaded oasis from the blazing Spanish sun.

Patisseria Ca'n Molinas

Founded in 1920 in the heart of Valldemossa, this bakery is famous for the coca de patata (potato roll), a sweet local specialty made with boiled potatoes, lard, eggs, flour, milk, and sugar. Do as the Mallorcans do and pair with a refreshing almond horchata.

Ca's Patro March

The secret has long been out about Ca's Patro March , the celebrity-adored no-frills restaurant perched on a little cliff in the rocky cove of Cala Deià, another erstwhile hidden gem. Still, despite their outsize popularity (Ca's Patro March, in particular, reached a new level of fame thanks to BBC's 2016 television adaptation of John le Carré's The Night Manager , which starred Tom Hiddleston and was filmed around Mallorca, including at the restaurant), a visit is worth it. The seafood, all simply grilled and caught by local fishermen, is fantastic, plus Cala Deià's sparkling blue waters are irresistible for a refreshing post-lunch dip.

Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo

The 300-year-old bakery now has three locations in Palma and specializes in ensaïmadas, a Mallorcan pastry that traces its roots back to the 17th century and comes in a variety of flavor iterations (fillings include apricot, custard, cream, apple, or chocolate). Pair with the hot chocolate, for which Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo is also famous.

Bens d'Avall

Panoramic views of the sea (and at sunset, especially) are reason enough to warrant a dinner reservation at Bens d'Avall in Sóller but so is the food: the restaurant has a Michelin star. Fresh Mallorcan seafood, produce, and beef get star billing on the menu, which includes standouts like bouillabaisse, lamb roasted over a wood fire, and red prawn carpaccio.

Marivent Gardens

Although Marivent Palace, the summer residence of the Spanish royal family, is closed to the public, its gardens are open when King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia , and their daughters aren't in town. The well-tended sanctuary has 40 different plant species and is dotted with 12 sculptures by Joan Miró, the famous Catalan artist who was born in Barcelona but later called Mallorca home. (Visit his Palma museum, the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró , which was established after he donated 6,000 works before his death.)

Palma Cathedral

Every year (not counting the last two due to Covid-19) the Spanish royal family attends Easter mass at the Cathedral of Palma. Commissioned by King James I of Aragon in 1229 and designed in the Gothic style—with a few Northern European touches—the church took nearly 400 years to complete. The final edifice, which was finished in 1601, overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is located next to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina , which used to be a Moorish alcázar before King James II of Mallorca rebuilt it in 1309. Today, it's the official Mallorcan residence of the Spanish royal family (while Marivent is considered their summer home).

Son Marroig

Long before "conservation" became a life calling for just about every blue-blooded scion, Austria's Archduke Ludwig Salvator was an early pioneer in the field. The son of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Princess Maria Antonia was born in Florence's Pitti Palace and raised in the aristocratic circles of Vienna but he fell in love with low-key, verdant Mallorca. Once he had settled permanently on the island, he bought up untouched, coastal areas of land between Valldemossa and Deià to prevent them from being developed and devoted his life to studying Mallorcan wildlife. His estate, Son Marroig , is now a historical museum and a popular venue for concerts and—with views like this—weddings. One of his other properties, the 250-acre S'Estaca, belongs to Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

La Casa de Robert Graves

In Deià, British poet and author Robert Graves found peace, inspiration, and an escape from the psychological ravages of World War I. He moved to the village in 1929 and three years later built his house, which he named Canallún (meaning "faraway home" in Catalan). Between mornings swimming in Cala Deià and afternoons spent at local cafes, Graves wrote prolifically and completed several works while living here. Since 2006, his house has been open to the public.

Chopin's Home

The Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa (also known as the Valldemossa Charterhouse) is the town's most historically significant landmark. It was originally the palace of Sancho, King of Mallorca from 1311 to 1324. At the end of the 14th century, with the kingdom of Mallorca abolished, the palace turned into a monastery for Carthusian monks. It remained in their possession until the Spanish confiscation of 1835, after which the individual cells were put up for rent. Its most famous tenant was the composer Frédéric Chopin, who lived in a 3-room apartment with his lover, the French novelist George Sand, in the winter of 1838-1839. His home—and garden—is now a museum . Also worth visiting within this vast complex: King Sancho's palace, the Charterhouse apothecary, and the church, whose stunning interior frescoes were created by Francisco Bayeu y Subías, brother-in-law of Francisco Goya.

Serra de Tramuntana

Running along Mallorca's northwestern coast—and dotted with villages like Deià amd Valldemossa—the Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with hiking (and biking) trails, fragrant flora (rosemary, pine, and those ubiquitous olive trees), historical landmarks, and views so beautiful they may inspire a Stendhalian moment .

What to Pack

Aerin Noe Lightweight Cashmere Scarf

Loewe Horseshoe Canvas Saddle Bag

Nanushka Fringed Organic Cotton Wrap Skirt

Castañer Basile Striped Wedge Sandals

Altea Button-Up Short-Sleeved Linen Shirt

Worth & Worth by Orlando Palacios Men's Casablanca Montecristi Panama Straw Hat

Tod's Suede Espadrille Sneakers

Vilebrequin Men Swim Trunks 1984 Invisible Fish Flocked

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

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A week in Mallorca: Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary + My Best Tips

The perfect itinerary for one week in mallorca.

So you’re planning to visit Mallorca , one of the Balearic islands?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 1 week itinerary in Mallorca . It will allow you to make the most out of your stay and visit all the best tourist attractions of the island.

In addition to the best things to do, I will also give you my best tips to visit Mallorca in 6, 7 or 8 days as well as my selection of the best  accommodations  depending on your budget.

So, how to spend a week in Mallorca? What are the best places to visit?

Let’s discover Palma de Mallorca , the Serra de Tramontana , Cap de Formentor and a lot more !

Day 1 – Strolling around Palma de Mallorca

Day 2 – relaxing on the beaches of southern mallorca, day 3 – sineu market, caves, and beaches, day 4 – mallorca’s southeastern coves, where to stay in palma de mallorca, day 5 – the serra de tramontana, day 6 – cap de formentor, day 7 – hiking and northeastern beaches, day 8 – back to palma, where to stay in alcudia, other activities for a week in mallorca, 6, 7, 8 days in mallorca staying at one place, rent a boat in mallorca, you’re traveling to mallorca these articles will help you , 1) palma de mallorca (4 days).

When you visit Mallorca for a week , you’ll land in Palma de Mallorca, down in the south of the island , either by plane or ferry. I’ll dive into the different ways to get to Mallorca towards the end of this post, in the “Getting to Mallorca” section.

For this suggested 7-day itinerary for Mallorca , I’d strongly suggest you rent a car , but you could also go for organized day trips with transport included if that’s more your style. I’ll drop mentions of these throughout the article.

When it comes to your car hire in Mallorca, you should compare the rates of all rental companies at the airport (or port), and book your wheels through Rentalcars.com.

It’s quick, it’s easy , and you can even take advantage of their full protection insurance , which covers you in case of accidents, theft, or damage to your car.

And the cherry on top: modifications or cancellations are usually free, letting you book early to get the best deal .

Click the button below to compare car rental prices for this one-week itinerary in Mallorca right away:

For the first day, I recommend you explore Palma de Mallorca . The historic center isn’t sprawling and is easily walkable .

On your roundabout, make sure to drop by :

• The Olivar market where you’ll get a first taste of the wonderful local produce like cheeses and charcuterie. I highly recommend you try the sobrassada, a spicy sausage that’s a Balearic Islands specialty.
• Next, head out onto Carrer de Sant Miquel, a street lined with shops, until you reach Plaça Major .
• Then, take a stroll down Carrer del Colom all the way to Plaça Cort .
• Check out the church of Santa Eulalia located on the square of the same name.

Then, move on to one of the highlight sights of this week-long trip to Mallorca: the Cathedral .

You’ll be blown away by the stunning architecture of one of Spain’s largest religious buildings , which took over three centuries to complete ! It showcases exquisite Neo-Gothic and Renaissance facades.

And don’t miss out on a look inside , boasting the world’s largest Gothic rose window and a canopy designed by Antoni Gaudi , the renowned architect behind Barcelona ‘s Sagrada Familia .

To visit the Cathedral of Mallorca, the best thing to do is to book your skip-the-line ticket in advance . It doesn’t cost more , and you won’t have to wait in line , which can often be quite lengthy.

With this ticket, which you’ll have on your smartphone, you can walk right through the dedicated entrance .

Book your ticket with priority access to visit Palma Cathedral by clicking the green button below:

Located just opposite the cathedral, I’d suggest you next visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina , an old Muslim fortress later transformed into the residence of the King of Mallorca .

While the interior might seem a bit bare, you’ll be able to explore the small chapel, the royal apartments, and the grand hall .

And I’ll give you the same advice as for the cathedral: consider booking your skip-the-line ticket in advance since folks visiting the cathedral usually visit the palace afterwards (or vice versa), which leads to the same long queue issue.

All you have to do is click on the button below to grab it:

After you leave the palace, you’ll find a set of stairs that’ll lead you down to the Parc de la Mar . This is your chance to whip out your camera and capture the quintessential shot of Palma’s two most impressive buildings !

Just a friendly heads up, keep a close eye on your stuff and backpack around the cathedral, the palace, and Parc de la Mar, since there are a good few pickpockets around. We saw two theft attempts in just 15 minutes.

There are also some cheeky chaps who pretend to be tourists , distracting you with a big map and asking for directions while their accomplices try to dip into your pockets or bag…

Now, let’s head back to the old town, where, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make a few quick pit stops :

• At the Mallorca Museum
• At the Arab Baths (Banys Arabs) 
• At the Monti-Sion Church (La iglesia de Monti-sion)
• At the Basilica of Saint Francis to check out the cloister.

For late afternoon, why not indulge in a little retail therapy in the charming streets of Palma, before hopping on a gorgeous catamaran for a sunset cruise ?

You’ll be treated to a hearty buffet while you’re sailing, plus a live DJ to set the mood . Don’t forget your swimwear because there’s also a swim stop in the crystal-clear waters !

To book this fabulous sea outing for your week-long trip to Mallorca, just click on the green button below:

Enjoy your first night in Mallorca . For this, I’ve lined up my top hotel picks further down in the article.

If you want to get more details on all the best things to see in Palma , I’d recommend you check out my complete article by clicking on the following link: Best things to do in Palma de Mallorca

On your first day in Palma, history enthusiasts can delve into the city’s captivating past through a choice of guided tours . Don’t hesitate to click on the orange link for the one that piques your interest to get more info:

• Walking tour of the old town + guided tour of the cathedral – Led by an official English-speaking guide – Duration: 90 minutes
• Private guided tour of Palma’s old town 
• Private night guided tour
• 1-hour guided Segway tour (English-speaking guide) or 2-hour guided Segway tour
• Bike tour of the old town with a guide , in a small group – Duration: 3 hours

For your second day in your week-long stay in Mallorca, I suggest a chill-out day on one (or more!) of the incredible beaches that have made this island famous.

For those who fancy a bit of peace and quiet, head towards Cape Ses Salines, about an hour’s drive from central Palma, right at the southernmost tip of the island . You can park your car along the road just before you reach the cape and the lighthouse there.

Then, take the trail that starts to the right of the lighthouse, which lets you walk along the seashore for about 20 minutes until you reach El Caragol beach. Here you’ll find a long stretch of untouched sandy beach that’s usually quite peaceful and uncrowded .

And if you fancy even more solitude, a further twenty-minute walk will take you to Cala en Tugores .

This area is completely devoid of facilities, so don’t forget to pack a picnic (maybe with some tasty local goodies from the Olivar market!).

For those of you partial to a beach with a few more creature comforts , and a zero-effort walk to the water’s edge (which, let’s be honest, comes with a few more people), you’ll want to head to Colonia de Sant Jordi . This seaside resort is located between Palma and the Cape of Ses Salines.

It’s home to one of the most renowned sandy beaches on Mallorca: Es Trenc Beach . With its turquoise waters , fine sand, and pine groves, let’s not kid ourselves; this place is a stunner !

Still in Colonia, there are also other beautiful beaches, lined up like pearls on a necklace:

• Can Curt beach
• Es Carbo beach
• Ses Roquetes Beach is the last and the largest.

On the road before heading back to Palma , you might want to take a little pitstop at the village of Llucmajor . The Plaza de España is a rather nice spot to grab a drink , and there’s a small pedestrian zone with a few shops.

Stay a second night in Palma.

If you’re not one for lounging on the same beach for hours, you can totally hit all these spots in a single day if you’ve rented a car for your week-long Mallorca road trip .

If you don’t have a vehicle, you won’t be able to get to Cape Ses Salines, but you can get to Colonia de Sant Jordi by public transport. There’s even a shuttle (in high season) that departs from Palma and heads straight to Es Trenc Beach. Click on this highlighted link to book it !

For the third day of your week-long Mallorca adventure , I suggest heading to the Sineu Market.

It’s only on Wednesday mornings, but you can arrange the days of your itinerary however you like so it fits right in. Since you’ll be staying in Palma for the first few nights, it won’t make any difference.

Sineu is just a 40-minute drive from Palma , right in the island’s heartland.

The market, which is the largest on Mallorca, consists of loads of stalls, mostly selling clothes, jewelry, and bags around the main square . Heading towards the church , you’ll find the fruit and vegetables market .

Mixed in amongst all this, there are a few stalls offering local specialties like sobrassada, cheese, or fuet (a type of thin sausage).

Then, it’s back in the car, heading to Porto Cristo , where you’ll find the two most famous caves on Mallorca: the Hams Caves and the Drach Caves .

No need to visit both because they’re quite similar: each one houses a massive subterranean lake where you can enjoy a concert performed by musicians floating on the water .

And of course, you’ll have the chance to admire countless stalactites and stalagmites during the visit.

To buy your tickets for the Coves del Drach, you can click here .

To book your tickets in advance for the Coves dels Hams , just click on the button below:

For the rest of the day , you’ve got a few choices:

1) Do the 4-cove hike that starts from the parking lot of Finca Can Roig (a 15-minute drive south of Porto Cristo).

If you opt to tackle the entire trail, you’ll pass by Cala Bota, Cala Virgili, Cala Pilota, and Cala Magraner . Having done it myself, I’d recommend skipping Cala Bota , which is nothing to write home about, and heading straight to Cala Virgili , which, in my book, is the prettiest of the lot .

From there, you can cut through the rocks (instead of getting back on the main trail) to reach Cala Pilota . Then, get back on the main trail to go from Cala Pilota to Cala Magraner , which is the largest of the four coves .

For the return from Cala Magraner to the parking lot, allow about an hour’s walk .

I’d recommend this walk if you’re into secluded, peaceful spots and wild landscapes . You can also take a dip , even though, to be honest, there are far prettier coves in Mallorca.

Still, it’s a pretty awesome place with crystal-clear water and cliffs all around .

2) If you’re after a bit more buzz and beaches/coves with amenities like bars and sunbed/umbrella rentals , you should head further south to Cala d’Or (a 30-minute drive from Porto Cristo).

This resort town is dotted with hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It also boasts a number of sandy beaches tucked away at the ends of little fjords, in protected bays with turquoise waters.

You’ve got, for instance: Cala Esmeralalda, Cala Gran, Cala Petita, and Calo d’es Pou .

Return to Palma for the night.

On the way between Sineu and Porto Cristo, tennis lovers can make a pit stop at Manacor where they’ll find Rafa Nadal Museum Experience . As its name suggests, it’s a museum dedicated to the global tennis superstar who was born in this village.

You can grab your tickets for the museum by clicking here!

For those without a car , you can visit the Hams Caves, the Drach Caves, and Porto Cristo with a day trip that includes transportation and a guide .

All the details can be accessed by clicking on the button below:

Next up on this one-week circuit in Mallorca is a day dedicated to the stunning coves on the southeast of the island .

We’re kicking off with one of Mallorca’s most beautiful coves, the gem that is Cala del Moro . A mere 10-minute stroll away, this spot is truly spectacular, all wild and rugged, with turquoise waters lapping against rocky shores. Swimming is irresistible !

Mind you, there’s no proper beach, so you’ll be setting up camp on the rocks.

Just a short 5-minute walk away from Cala del Moro, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Cala S’almunia , a charming marina adorned with quaint fisherman’s huts.

Then, back to the car.

North of Cala del Moro , you’ll find 3 more notable spots :

• Cala Llombards : a family-friendly sandy beach, with shallow waters – Parking’s pretty tight with only 50 spots.
• Mirador Es Pontas , where you can take a snap of a rock arch – Worth a look, but nothing to write home about.
• Cala Santanyi , a lovely sandy beach flanked by rocky cliffs. There’s a nice footpath to the left.

Feeling peckish? Make a beeline for Cala Figuera , a quaint little fishing port dotted with terraced restaurants overlooking the sea .

Next stop, Mondrago Natural Park.

Park up in the paid parking area for €6 a day. From there, an easy trail will lead you to a number of coves through a pine grove :

• S’Amarador , a beautiful white sandy beach with crystal clear waters – 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
• Cala Mondrago , smaller and less wild, but the water is still a gorgeous color! A 5-minute walk from S’Amarador
• Calo des Borgit , a 15-minute stroll from Mondrago along the flat, shaded seaside trail.

Pick your favorite for the rest of the day!

Then spend the night in Palma.

If you’re looking for a top-notch activity in Mallorca during your one-week trip, you should book the jet ski tour in Mondrago Park . You’ll even get to take a dip in the turquoise waters.

Here is my selection of the best places to stay in Palma de Mallorca , tailored to suit your budget.

You need to click on the orange name of the hotels for more information and to make your booking.

And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to ask for advice in the comments, indicating your travel dates and preferences. I would be more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect hotel!

• The Boc Hostels – City Albergue Juvenil : Hostel located 400 meters from the historic center of Palma and C’an Pere Antoni beach. Dormitory bed from €40 per night. Strong points: the rooftop pool, the cleanliness of the place and the kitchen area. An excellent choice for budget accommodation in Palma de Mallorca .
• Nou Baleares : located a 10-minute walk from Plaça Major. Tastefully decorated double room from €110, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the comfortable beds and the rooftop’s pool. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Palma !
• Isla Mallorca & Spa : located in the bay of Palma. Spacious double room with balcony from €150, breakfast included. Strong points: the spa and wellness center, the lovely pool area and the varied breakfast.
• Hotel Saratoga : located next to the Es Baluard museum. Modern and spacious double room from €180 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop pool with an amazing view of the cathedral, the perfect location for exploring Palma de Mallorca on foot, and the hearty breakfast buffet.
• Protur Naisa Palma Hotel : located a 5-minute walk from the old town. Stylish, contemporary room from €220, breakfast included. Strong points: the facilities (rooftop, pool, spa), the design of the hotel and the excellent breakfast.

And if you’re looking for the best 5-star hotels in Palma de Mallorca , you should have a look at the following hotels:

• Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá : located right in front of Palma’s harbor. Double room starting at €270, breakfast for €29. Strong points: the great location, the sea view, and the amazing staff.
• Nixe Palace: : located right next to Cala Major beach, this 5* hotel offers cozy double rooms with a balcony and sea view from €300 per night, breakfast for €24. Strong points: the setting with the stunning sea view, the excellent breakfast and the direct access to the beach. My recommendation for a high-end stay in Palma !
• Hotel Antigua Palma – Casa Noble : this superb luxury hotel is located in the heart of the old town, just 100 meters from the cathedral. Stay in sumptuous, elegantly decorated rooms, from €450 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: The amazing spa with hammam and indoor pool, the tranquility, the particularly attentive staff and the rooftop. The best hotel in Palma for a luxury stay !

2) Alcudia and northern Mallorca (4 days)

For the second leg of this 1-week Mallorca trip, I suggest exploring the North of the island .

I’d recommend switching hotels to avoid daily back-and-forths. I’ll be sharing my selection of the best hotels around Alcudia a bit further down in the article.

But hey, you can totally stay at the same hotel in Palma for the whole week. Just bear in mind that it means a bit more driving.

On this fifth day , I recommend hitting the road to explore the Serra de Tramontana.

Honestly, you can’t visit Mallorca in 1 week and not plan to drop by the super cute villages of this mountainous region, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Setting out from Palma and heading north to Alcudia, I suggest stopping by Valldemossa, Deià, Soller, and Fornalutx , each boasting lovely traditional stone houses .

You can wander through the cobbled streets lined with cafes and boutiques .

From Fornalutx, take the road leading to Sa Calobra . You’ll need to park in the paid lot before heading on foot to the seaside .

Once you hit the restaurant area, keep walking to the right. After passing through two tunnels carved into the mountain, you’ll emerge into the Torrent de Pareis , a large, long canyon at the entrance of which lies a small pebble beach .

With its towering cliffs, the gorge is truly awe-inspiring and the spot is just amazing .

Jump back in the car and head to Alcudia , where you’ll spend the next 3 nights. Along the way, you could make two more stops :

• At Lluc Monastery : for €5, you can stroll through the botanical garden, cloister, museum, and chapel.
• In Pollença , with its charming historic center . Don’t hesitate to climb the 365 Calvary Steps leading to the little chapel for a stunning view of the village and church .

Spend the night near Alcudia.

• The road that runs through the entire Serra de Tramontana is narrow, winding, and very busy, with both cars and many cyclists. So you need to be extra careful and drive safely. If you’re prone to car sickness, I’d also advise you to prepare yourself, as there are quite a few bends! 😅
• Do remember to bring some change because both the villages parking lots and Sa Calobra have parking fees, and most of them only take coins.
• If you’re without wheels and have decided to hang out in Palma , no sweat, you can still visit some of the Serra de Tramontana villages through an organised tour departing from southern Mallorca. Get all the info and book this Mallorca tour by clicking here !

For this sixth day of your one-week Mallorca road trip , you’re off to the famous Cap de Formentor , the northernmost tip of the island.

Along the only road running through the peninsula, you’ll be treated to stunning views of cliffs and sea below.

Must-sees at Cap de Formentor:

• El Mirador Es Colomer, the most famous viewpoint that offers a stunning view on both sides of the cape .
• La Talaia d’Albercutx, which you must reach on foot. This old watchtower also offers a superb panorama over Formentor
• Formentor Beach , where you can take a welcome swim break on one of the most beautiful beaches to hit in Mallorca during your 1 week road trip!
• The cove of Cala Figuera , if you’re looking for a quieter place to swim. Due to its exclusive pedestrian access, it’s way less crowded.
• The Formentor lighthouse* , the last place to see as it’s at the very end of the road.

In case you decide to go to Mallorca in the summer, please note that between June 15th and September 15th , car access to the lighthouse is not allowed .

The road is theoretically blocked from Formentor beach onwards . I say “theoretically” because in fact nothing prevents you from passing, but if you do so, you’ll have the unpleasant surprise of receiving a fine of €80 a few weeks later…

To avoid that, you need to leave your car in the paid parking lot at the beach and take the shuttle buses that run between the two. It’s also possible to go on foot or by bike .

After the cape , you can keep the day rolling with a nice walk around old town Alcudia . The area within the city walls is super cute for a stroll with loads of little shops and restaurants .

Wrap it up with a sunbathing and swimming session on Muro Beach that stretches along Alcudia Bay for several kilometres.

Sleep another night near Alcudia.

The road to Cap de Formentor is narrow and gets packed . Even off-season, parking can be tricky and quickly turns into a proper pickle, especially when folks start parking on the roadside and nobody can pass each other.

Don’t worry too much if you’re uncomfortable with driving . There are tours available from Alcudia . Experience the beauty of the cape through a panoramic bus tour that also includes a one-hour stop at Formentor Beach . Afterwards, embark on a scenic cruise along the Cap de Formentor by hopping on a boat from the beach.

You’ll need to book this tour in advance by clicking on the green button below:

And good news for those who don’t have a car and have stayed in Palma , you can also explore Alcudia’s historic center, Cap de Formentor, and its beach + have a boat trip thanks to a full-day tour departing from Palma.

All the details are available by clicking on the following link: Visit Northern Mallorca from Palma with transportation included .

For the penultimate day of your Mallorca itinerary, why not go for a bit of hiking in the Peninsula de Llevant Natural Park .

It’s about 40 km East of Alcudia .

At the park entrance (S’Alqueria Vella de Baix), near the car park, you’ll find the information office (open from 9am to 4pm) to get your map of accessible trails.

If it’s closed, there’s also a large board that lists the different trails: 13 in total, for a duration of 30 minutes to 1h30. You can also easily combine them if you’re up for a longer walk.

Featuring gorgeous landscapes, between sea and mountain, the Peninsula de Llevant is one of the most beautiful places to go hiking in Mallorca.

Now, it’s certainly time to unwind and rejuvenate . Thus, I would suggest spending the rest of the day on one of the amazing beaches on the northeast coast of the island .

Among my favorites in this area, I highly recommend Cala Mesquida , a large sandy beach with stunning water color bordered by dunes and pine forest.

To the left of the beach, at the end of Carrer Esparrell, if you haven’t had your fill of walking, you can also take the path that leads to 4 other coves :

• Cala Torta , a 25-minute walk
• Cala Mitjana : + 15 min from Torta
• Cala Estreta : + 5 min from Mitjana
• Cala Es Matzoc: + 25 min from Estreta

The first two are real sandy beaches, the other two, are a bit rockier.

In the same area but south of Cala Mesquida , there are also 2 other beaches that I easily rate among the prettiest on the whole island :

• Cala Gat : a gorgeous small cove with turquoise waters in the resort town of Cala Ratjada, not far from the Capdepera lighthouse (which you can take advantage of to visit – accessible by car).
• Cala Agulla , a really pretty sandy beach surrounded by pine forest.

Spend one more night in Alcudia.

You’re now at the end of this one-week Mallorca holiday . Time to slowly head back down to Palma (unless you’re already there if you’ve opted to spend the week in the same hotel).

Allow 50 minutes by car for the trip from Alcudia to Palma de Mallorca Airport.

Depending on your take-off time, you might fit in one last swim at S’Arenal Beach, for example, which is closest to the airport.

At the same place, there’s also the Palma Aquarium (grab your ticket here) , the Aqualand water park (click here!) , and a tree climbing park (book your ticket here!) .

An refreshing way to wrap up this 7-8 day Mallorca itinerary in style !

For a 6-day Mallorca road trip , you can drop any of the days. Depends on what floats your boat.

Same for a 7-day stay in Mallorca.

• Hotel Ivory Playa Sports & Spa : Located just 50 meters from the beach in Alcudia Bay. Clean and well-appointed apartment with a sea-view balcony starting from €75. Strong points: the beach proximity, the pool, the Spa, the friendly staff, spacious rooms.
• Ona Garden Lago : Located in Alcudia, 1 km from the beach. Large, modern, well-equipped (with a washing machine!), spacious apartment with a lovely terrace with sun loungers and a table, starting from €85 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the peaceful setting, the beautiful pool area, the good breakfast, the comfort. It’s my favorite for value for money in Alcudia !
• Grupotel Maritimo : Located 150 meters from the beach. Modern and comfortable double room with a balcony starting from €110 per night, breakfast included (a dinner option is also available). Strong points: the indoor and outdoor pools, the Spa, the entertainment, the varied breakfast buffet, the comfortable beds.
• Hotel Astoria Playa Adults Only 4* Sup : Located 150 meters from the beach. Double room with minimalist decor, a balcony, and for some a whirlpool bath, starting from €140 per night, breakfast and dinner included! Strong points: the pools, the quality of the meals, the kindness of the staff.
• Forum Boutique Hotel & Spa – Adults Only : Small, charming hotel located in the heart of old Alcudia. Warm and cozy double room starting from €200, breakfast included. Strong points: the Spa with jacuzzi, sauna and hammam, the fabulous breakfast, the tranquility, the excellent reception. The best hotel in Alcudia for a luxury stay!

If you want to add more activities to your one-week Mallorca trip , I’ve handpicked some really cool ones for you.

You need to click on the links for more details and to book them:

1) Top activities for the southern half of Mallorca (Palma and its surroundings)

Outdoor adventures

• Off-road quad biking excursion – This is my top pick from this list! The trail’s absolutely ace because you’re hitting dirt paths and the guide’s just brilliant!
• Guided buggy tour
• 2.5-hour sports car ride in the afternoon or a 4.5-hour tour in the morning .

In Mallorca, you can also opt for an absolutely stunning activity: a hot air balloon ride !! I’ve put the link in the button below for bookings (it’s a must):

• Enjoy a sailing cruise with a barbecue onboard
• Cave and cliff boat tour with two stops at secluded coves.
• Boat trip around Palma Bay with a swimming stop in turquoise waters
• One-hour boat ride around Palma’s marina to admire the view of the cathedral and Bellver Castle
• Speedboat excursion – Thrills guaranteed!
• Morning or afternoon boat parties
• 2h30 boat party at sunset
• Boat party at night – Departure from Palma at 22h

Water Activities

• A one-hour jet ski tour in the protected Los Deltas area 
• Jet ski outing in the Bay of Palma
• Snorkeling in a nature reserve  
• A diving initiation in a nature reserve – English-speaking instructor and in a small group!
• A kayak excursion to visit the local sea caves 
• Coasteering  
• Marine caving to explore underground lakes
• Canyoning (activity available only from October to the end of March because there’s no water otherwise)
• Parasailing in Palma bay
• A towed buoy session
• Une sortie en paddle au coucher du soleil  

2) Activities in the north of Mallorca (Alcudia and surroundings)

• Cruise of 3 hours on a small boat of maximum 12 people where you can see many dolphins around the Cape of Formentor
• Sunrise cruise to get to see the dolphins
• Catamaran excursion to the north coast of Mallorca , barbecue included
• Sailboat cruise, tapas and wine included
• Zodiac ride (max 12 people) to Cape Formentor and Cape Pinar
• Sunset cruise for 2 on a beautiful sailboat , with dinner included
• Horseback riding in the forest
• Hidropark of Alcudia (water park)

Would you rather spend 6, 7,  or 8 days in Mallorca staying in one place ?

No need to worry!

In that case, you might want to find a place to stay around Palma to make getting around a breeze. There’s more to see and do in the south of the island, and you can plan on making 2 or 3 round trips up north during your stay.

On the flip side, if you stay up north, you’ll find yourself driving a lot more each day to get to the south. It’s a bit less convenient.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Mallorca, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Mallorca? 😊

One week in Mallorca: Flight prices

To get to Mallorca, the quickest option is to hop on a plane .

The airport in Mallorca is just outside Palma, a mere 10 km from the city centre .

Flight prices to Palma de Mallorca can vary enormously, so it’s a smart idea to start comparing them as early as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . It’s the guarantee of getting the best price .

Mallorca is served by ferrys coming from mainland Spain .

From Barcelona , expect to spend an average of 7 hours for the crossing . Departing from Valencia , the journey to Palma will take you between 7 and 8 hours , depending on the ferry company.

Another option is to sail to Mallorca from other Balearic Islands like Ibiza, Menorca , and Formentera . It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and explore multiple islands during your trip.

I’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions on my one-week Mallorca itinerary!

If you have any questions about your 10-day visit to Mallorca, feel free to leave your inquiries in the comments, and I’ll be more than happy to provide you with helpful tips for your trip.

Discover all my articles about Mallorca and the Balearic islands :  All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mallorca are listed there.

• The 23 best things to do in Mallorca
• Palma de Mallorca: the 20 best places to visit
• Itinerary: 4 or 5 days in Mallorca – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in Mallorca
• Itinerary: One week in Mallorca – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mallorca – Our recommended itinerary for visiting Mallorca in 9-10 days
• Mallorca road trip: The best itineraries for 4, 5, 7 and 10 days
• The 17 Best things to do  in Menorca
• Itinerary: One week in Menorca  – The ideal itinerary to visit the island in 7 days

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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The Perfect Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary for 4 Days

Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, the Spanish island of Mallorca is a true paradise on earth and it definitely has to feature on top of your Spain bucket list.

Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearic Islands and it boasts many incredible natural wonders ranging from stunning beaches to scenic viewpoints.

Because there are so many places to visit on the island, you might feel a little bit overwhelmed when planning your Mallorca road trip itinerary. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you out!

If you follow this 4 days in Mallorca itinerary, you will be able to visit all the best attractions the island has to offer, from the more famous sight in Palma to the smaller villages and hidden gems that will make your trip even more memorable. Let’s get into it!

Disclosure: *This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Table of Contents

Overview of Your Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary

Rest assured that by following this itinerary, your Mallorca road trip will be one that you’ll never forget. Each day will be packed with some of the best attractions and with a car, you’ll be able to get there a lot easier.

The key to getting through everything on this Mallorca itinerary is to start your day early. If you visit during the summer months, you’ll run into lots of other people also doing a Mallorca road trip which could mean you won’t be able to visit every stop on this list.

Parking can be tough to come by in the summer, this is why planning your time in advance is essential!

Below you can see a breakdown of your Mallorca road trip itinerary by day. Feel free to change the order of the days as you please!

Breakdown of your 4 days in Mallorca

• Day 1: Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Placa de Cort, Placa Major, Passeig del Born, Port of Palma de Mallorca, Poble Espanyol de Palma, Castell de Bellver
• Day 2: Far de Cap Blanc, Es Trenc Beach, Mirador Es Pontás, Cala Santanyí, Cala Figuera , Cala d’Or, Botanicactus, Cala Pi
• Day 3 : Valldemossa, Son Marroig, Deiá, Sóller, Port de Sóller, Chillout for sunset
• Day 4: Port de Pollenca, Mirador es Colomer, Albercutx Watchtower, Platja de Formentor, Cap de Formentor

Map for your 4 day Mallorca itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Mallorca road trip itinerary.

I marked your 4 days in Mallorca with different colors – I used blue for the first, green for the second, red for the third, and yellow for the fourth day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1 of Your Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary

The first day of your Mallorca road trip will be spent exploring Palma, the capital city of Mallorca. Many of the attractions are just walking distance away but you’ll want to bring your car for some of the attractions later in the day.

So it’s best to leave your car in a car park for the first half of the day and then pick it up for the last two attractions at the end of the day.

Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma

Begin your 4 days in Mallorca by heading straight to the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. Otherwise referred to as La Seu by the locals, this Gothic cathedral looks truly breathtaking and it’s a must-visit on every Mallorca itinerary.

It’s one of the most popular attractions in all of Mallorca, so there’s no better place to start your trip than here. Be sure to check out the beautiful windows – there are 61 stained-glass windows in the cathedral in total!

The entrance fee to the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma is €9.

Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Next, take a one-minute walk to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. The palace was built in the 14th century and it serves as the official residence for the royals when visiting Mallorca ever since then.

In peak season (from April to September), the Royal Palace is open between 10 am – 7 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. It closes earlier (typically around 4 pm – 6 pm) from October to March but it’s closed on Mondays in every season, so it’s worth planning your Mallorca itinerary according to this.

Tickets usually cost €7 per person. According to their website , there is free entrance on Wednesday and Sunday from 3 pm to 7 pm. There’s also free admission on certain days throughout the year, like International Museum Day in May and the National Holiday of Spain in October.

Placa de Cort

From the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, take a five-minute walk over to Placa de Cort. This historic plaza in the city is most well known for being host to the Ancient Olive Tree. It’s located directly in the middle of the square, so you can’t miss it even if you tried!

You’ll also want to check out the Ajuntament de Palma City Hall while you’re here, which dates back to the 17th century. It’s the most picturesque building in the square and is incredibly beautiful.

While in the square, be sure to take the time to walk around and explore the rest of the area if you can.

Placa Major

Another short walk away is Placa Major, which is a great place to head for lunch. This square is always busy with people, and it’s lined with great shops and restaurants so even if you’re not hungry, it’s an awesome place to just people watch.

If you’re looking for a great place to eat you should visit Bazaar Tapas Restaurante & Bar which offers incredibly delicious tapas and if you’re looking for a light lunch with pastries, granolas, and coffee, check out  Mise En Place – people are raving about this cafe!

If neither of these places managed to grab your attention, then take the time to walk around the square and find a different place to eat. There are lots of restaurants in the area so even if you’re a picky eater, there will be a restaurant that’s perfect for you!

Passeig del Born

After lunch, take another short walk over to Passeig del Born! It shouldn’t be longer than a 10-minute walk in from Placa Major. This is known for being the prettiest place to explore in all of Palma de Mallorca!

The street is lined with beautiful trees, and the avenue is very walkable. Many shops line the road, so you may even be able to pick up some new clothing or even a souvenir for you to remember your trip here.

Port of Palma de Mallorca

From Passeig del Born, make your way back to the cathedral and then head over to the Port of Palma de Mallorca. This is one of the biggest ports in the area and is incredibly scenic and beautiful!

At the port, take the time to take in the breathtaking views and watch some of the boats come in and out. There are also some shops in this area, so you can take the time to walk around and see some other sights if you want.

This is one of the cruise ship terminals, so if you took a ferry to get here, you might have already seen it!

Poble Espanyol de Mallorca

Next on your Mallorca road trip is Poble Espanyol de Mallorca , an incredible open-air museum with reproductions of many famous Spanish buildings such as Court of the Myrtles from Granada’s Alhambra and Christ of the Lanterns from Córdoba.

You can find 18 buildings and many streets and squares at a 1:2 scale here so you can technically see all the most important buildings in Spain in just an hour, how cool is that?

The easiest way to get here is to get back to your car, and it should be about a 10-minute drive without traffic right along the waterfront.

A standard ticket costs €10 per person and the museum is open between 10 am – 6 pm from April to October and between 9 am – 5 pm from November to March.

Castell de Bellver

End the first day of your Mallorca road trip by getting back in the car for a short drive to the Castell de Bellver.

This gorgeous castle is from the 14th century and was initially built to house royalty, so you can imagine how breathtaking and elegant it is. It’s built in the classic Gothic style of architecture.

To get inside, you will have to buy a ticket for €4. The castle is open every day except Mondays between 10 am – 7 pm from April to September and between 10 am – 6 pm from October to March.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a Sunday then you can enter for free, however, keep in mind that the castle closes at 3 pm on Sundays (and on bank holidays).

Day 2 of Your Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary

On the second day of your Mallorca road trip, you’ll be leaving Palma and exploring some of the nearby areas. It will be well worth it!

Keep in mind that if you are traveling during peak season, this is one of the days where you may have to pick and choose which attractions you want to visit. This is because parking may be hard to come by at some destinations, so you’ll want to plan wisely.

Far de Cap Blanc

Begin the second day of your Mallorca road trip by gearing up for a drive. Get in the car for a 30-minute drive to the Far de Cap Blanc. This 19th-century lighthouse offers one of the most scenic viewpoints in the area!

If you’re a morning person, get up early enough to see the sunrise, you truly won’t regret it.

Historically, the lighthouse was even powered strictly by olive oil, which makes it incredibly unique. Keep in mind that parking is located a little ways away, so you will have to take a bit of a walk to get up to the lighthouse.

Unfortunately, you can’t enter the lighthouse but the scenery will surely make up for it!

Es Trenc Beach

After exploring Far de Cap Blanc, take another 30-minute drive to Es Trenc Beach. This is a gorgeous beach with fine white sand and turquoise waters, you’ll truly feel as if you were laying on a beach in the Caribbean!

Since it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca, it usually gets super busy later in the day so that’s why it’s a good idea to visit early in the morning. Moreover, there are practically no shades on the beach so it’s better to avoid the midday sun anyways.

Parking spots are quite limited as well so try to arrive before 9 – 10 am, otherwise you might not be able to visit the beach at all. You will need to pay €7 for the parking which is a bit too much, but it’s very well worth it to visit the beach.

The beach extends over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) but unfortunately, facilities are quite limited, there are no showers or changing stations on site. There is only one restaurant on the beach so it’s better to pack your own food and drink for the day.

Es Trenc Beach is located right next to the flat wetlands of Ses Salines, so you can even get a glimpse into how salt is produced on the islands.

Take the time to relax and swim at the beach, but don’t take longer than a few hours, otherwise, you might not be able to see the rest of the places on this Mallorca itinerary.

Mirador Es Pontás

Even though you won’t want to leave the beautiful beach, it’s time to! Take another 30-minute drive to Mirador Es Pontás, one of the most incredible viewpoints in Mallorca. You’re seriously seeing some of the best views today!

Es Pontás is a naturally formed rock with a huge cutout in the middle, so it looks like a natural bridge in the middle of the water.

Mirador Es Pontás is the name of the viewpoint from where you can get an incredible view over the rock and the rugged coastline along the sea.

You can leave your car in the nearby parking lot from where you can reach the viewpoint within a few minutes walk. The path is clearly signposted so you can’t miss it!

It’s a very popular place to watch the sunset but it’s less busy during the day so hopefully, you won’t run into huge crowds. The area is very picturesque so don’t forget to bring your camera!

Cala Santanyí

If you want to take another dip in the water, you can visit Cala Santanyí after taking in the views at Mirador Es Pontás.

You can just leave your car at the parking lot and take a 5-10 minute walk to Cala Santanyí from the viewpoint.

Surrounded by cliff faces and greenery, Cala Santanyí is another one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca. It’s a lot smaller than Es Trenc so if it’s too crowded by the time you get here, feel free to skip it.

Otherwise, stay here for a while and catch some sun rays until you feel like you’re officially ready for lunchtime!

Cala Figuera

Next on your Mallorca road trip itinerary is Cala Figuera, which is only a short 10-minute drive from Cala Santanyí.

Located on the left fork of a beautiful Y-shaped bay, this small fishing village dates back to the 14th century and offers an incredible panorama.

Unfortunately, you can’t swim here but it’s still worth stopping by and exploring the town. It’s also a great place to grab some late lunch if you’re feeling hungry.

A few of the top-rated restaurants in Cala Figuera include Restaurante Pizzeria Es Port for pizza and Restaurante L’Arcada for Mediterranean. Both have mid-range prices on their menu.

Cala d’Or

After you enjoy your lunch and explore the area of Cala Figuera, it’s time to move to another one of the famous Calas in Mallorca. The next stop will be Cala d’Or, which is a 25-minute drive from Cala Figuera if you take the Ma-19 road, or closer to a half-hour if you take Ma-14.

Cala d’Or is a village and a popular beach area located on the southeast coast of Mallorca. It’s most well known for its striking coastlines and its gorgeous beaches, such as Cala d’Or beach, Cala Gran, or Cala Petita.

While Cala d’Or is a really stunning place to visit, it’s quite far away from Palma de Mallorca so if you don’t want to stretch your Mallorca itinerary, feel free to skip it. If you start your day really early in the morning you can still make it, so the decision is totally on you!

Botanicactus

It’s time to start heading back in the direction of Palma but don’t worry, you will still get to visit two awesome places on the way back! One of them will be Botanicactus, one of the most unique botanical gardens in all of Spain.

This botanical garden looks exactly like a desert. Throughout the park, you’ll find more than 400 different plants and more than 10,000 cacti! There is also an artificial lake in the park surrounded by beautiful green palm trees.

Botanicactus is a true paradise for nature and plant lovers! One thing to note is there are no shades in the park so it’s better to visit early or late in the day.

Botanicactus is a 25-minute drive from Cala d’Or a 13-minute drive from Cala Figuera. The park is open every day between 10.30 am – 4.30 pm

An adult ticket costs €10.50.

The last stop of the day is Cala Pi, another of the best attractions to visit in Mallorca in 4 days. It’s another 30-minute drive away from Botanicactus, but the route is pretty scenic.

Cala Pi is known for being situated in one of the first-ever places on Mallorca that people inhabited.

You’ll want to check out the breathtaking bay – while you’ve seen a few seafronts today, this one stands apart. Try to catch the sunset in Cala Pi, it will be an unforgettable experience!

Day 3 of Your Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary

Today you’ll be exploring a few more villages around Mallorca! Yesterday was pretty jam-packed so this day will be a lot more relaxed. There aren’t many attractions on your Mallorca road trip itinerary today so you will have more time to explore the different towns and villages.

Valldemossa

Start the third day of your Mallorca road trip by heading to one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca: Valldemossa!

Located on a hilltop and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, Valldemossa is a quiet and picturesque village boasting many amazing shops, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries.

Valldemossa is a 30-minute drive from Palma. You can find 2 large car parks in the villages so leave your car behind and start exploring the village on foot! There are quite a few things to do in Valldemossa, so pick and choose what sounds best for you.

One of the top attractions in Valldemossa is the Royal Carthusian Monastery (otherwise known as Real Cartuja de Valldemossa), which was originally founded as a royal residence but later became a monastery.

Another must-visit spot is the Jardins Rei Joan Carles, which is a lovely garden area to stroll around.

You could also explore the town without much of a plan and stumble across some of the beauties of the village. Plan to spend around 1-2 hours in Valldemossa so you’ll still have time to visit the other attractions on this 4 days in Mallorca itinerary!

Son Marroig

From Valldemossa, take a 10-minute drive along the Ma-10 road to Son Marroig. It’s a traditional Mallorcan country estate that belonged to Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria that has been converted into a museum dedicated to his adventurous life.

From the museum, you can get incredible views of the ocean that will genuinely take your breath away!

Son Marroig is known for being a popular wedding venue, making sense because of how beautiful it is. Apart from visiting the inside of the museum, make sure to spend some time in the gardens as well!

A ticket to Son Marroig costs €4 which is very well worth it. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday between 9.30 am – 2 pm and 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm (it’s closed on Sundays).

Deiá

Next on your Mallorca itinerary is Deiá, another picturesque village that is only a 7-minute drive from San Marroig. Deiá has always been popular among famous artists and writers, it was also home to the famous English poet, Robert Graves.

The main coastal road leading up to Deiá can be very busy during the day and parking is not that easy to come by in the village, so you might need to calculate some extra time for traffic and parking.

Thanks to its famous artists, you can find many interesting art galleries around the village, along with many amazing gift shops and restaurants.

One of the most famous restaurants is the Michelin-starred Es Racó d’Es Teix , a family-owned restaurant offering various Mediterranean and European dishes.

Sóller

From Deià, take another 20-minute drive to get to the next village on your Mallorca road trip. Sóller is located in a beautiful valley often referred to as the “valley of oranges” or the “valley of gold”.

If you happen to visit in March, you can even attend the Orange Festival which showcases the best of its orange harvest.

The town is made up of narrow streets lined with traditional townhouses with beautiful green shutters. Make sure to visit Plaça Constitució, the main square of Sóller where you will find countless great cafes and restaurants.

Right next to the square you will find Eglésia de Sant Bartomeu, a beautiful 16th-century baroque church that’s also worth visiting.

Sóller also has three interesting museums: the Natural Science Museum (Museu Balear de Ciències Naturals) promoting botany, zoology, and geology; the Museu del Casal de Cultura (Museu de Sóller) filled with antics and relics and Can Prunera, featuring a Modernist art collection.

Port de Sóller

Once you’re there, make your way to the Port de Sóller. This beautiful port is a village of its own and is surrounded by beautiful blue water. Be sure to check out the bay here because it’s absolutely gorgeous and incredibly scenic. Everywhere you look, you’ll feel like you are in paradise.

You can either get back to your car and drive down to Port de Sóller in 10 minutes or you can opt to take a scenic ride on the historical tram.

This vintage train is a great tourist attraction in itself which offers an incredible view where you can admire the beautiful mountains, olive trees, and orange groves on the way.

You can find many great restaurants and cafes in Port de Sóller so if you’re hungry, you can stop by to have a light dinner. There are two great beaches in the town as well where you can enjoy the warm water in the picturesque scenery.

Sunset at Chillout

End the third day of your Mallorca road trip by getting back in the car and heading to Son Marroig, the same place you were at earlier in the morning. It’s another 30-minute drive away on Ma-10, which is the quickest way to get there.

The best place to catch the sunset here is a bar called Chillout, which is the top-rated bar in this area of Mallorca. It’s known for its incredible views, so get cozy, grab a cocktail, and prepare for a beautiful sunset.

It’s a very popular sunset spot in Mallorca and it can get insanely crowded, so try to arrive early to snag a great spot!

Day 4 of Your Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary

Unfortunately, it’s time for the last and final day of your Mallorca road trip! Today you’ll be visiting the northern part of Mallorca where you will see some of the best views that the island has to offer. Let’s get into it!

Port de Pollenca

Begin the last day of your 4 days in Mallorca itinerary by heading to Port de Pollenca, which is a 1-hour drive from Palma de Mallorca.

This small town is incredibly picturesque and is most well known for being a popular resort town. It’s filled with great restaurants, shops, and even more excellent beaches.

At the port itself, if you wake up early enough, you may even be able to catch the sunrise. Take the time to enjoy the water and also walk around the rest of the town if you want to. It’s very serene here, and there’s no better time of day to enjoy the port than in the early morning.

Mirador es Colomer

From Port de Pollenca, take a quick 10-minute drive along Ma-2210 to Mirador es Colomer. This is one of the best viewpoints you won’t want to miss out on during your 4 days in Mallorca.

The lookout point is perched upon a high cliff so you will be able to see the rest of the area from a great vantage point.

The viewpoint looks out to the ocean and there are tons of beautiful rugged cliffs around, which only add to the view. It can get bustling here later in the day, which is why it’s best to visit right in the morning or earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

Albercutx Watchtower

If you can’t get enough of the views, the good news is that you can go even higher! From Mirador es Colomer, a trail leads up to Albercutx Watchtower which is the highest peak on the peninsula, offering some breathtaking views of the island.

The trail is quite steep so I wouldn’t recommend hiking up. Get back in your car and drive up instead! Please note that the winding road leading up to the watchtower is really narrow with many hairpins.

To be honest, it’s quite scary to navigate, so be sure to drive slowly and be really careful.

Once you’re up there you’ll be treated to great views of the coastline and the nearby mountains, it’s truly breathtaking! You can even see Platja de Formentor from the watchtower, which is going to be the next stop on your Mallorca road trip itinerary.

Platja de Formentor

Now, it’s finally time to head to the beach! From Mirador es Colomer, it takes a mere 10-minute drive to get to Platja de Formentor, one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll see on the island.

It’s important to know that the road leading to Platja de Formentor is practically a dead-end road so it can get incredibly busy. Generally, if you don’t find a parking spot at the parking lot near Platja de Formentor, you’ll have no choice but to turn back and skip visiting the beach.

That’s why it’s important to start your day early because it’s practically impossible to get to the beach in late afternoon, especially during the summer months. Parking costs €15 for a day (there are no hourly options).

Even if it can be a struggle sometimes to get there, it’s very well worth it as the beach is a true paradise on Earth. The water is incredibly blue and crystal clear and the white sandy beach is surrounded by beautiful green mountains which only add to its charm.

Since you’re going to have only one more stop on your Mallorca itinerary for today, take your time to relax on the beach and swim in the water, you’re going to love it!

Cap de Formentor

Last but not least, make your way to Cap de Formentor, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the island. There is no better way to end your Mallorca road trip than watching the sunset by the lighthouse at the top!

Getting to Cap de Formentor is a little bit tricky because the road is closed to car traffic between 10 am and 7 pm during the summer months.

Technically you can take a bus during the day but the bus schedule is not so reliable. Instead, I recommend spending the afternoon at the beach and then going up to Cap de Formentor when the road opens.

Now, if you’re visiting during the summer months, it’s super important to be first in line when the clock strikes 7 pm. There is only one road leading up to Cap de Formentor which gets insanely busy immediately after it opens.

On top of that, parking spots are quite limited on the top so if you don’t want to spend a lot of time stuck in traffic and then search for a parking spot, be there at 7 pm sharp (or even better, 5-10 minutes earlier).

Technically it’s a 20-minute drive from the parking lot at Platja de Formentor but you should calculate with at least 30 minutes. This means you will still be able to catch the sunset at the lighthouse which will be an unforgettable experience!

There is a small cafe at the lighthouse but I wouldn’t recommend it as it’s way overpriced. Instead, just take the time to enjoy the sunset on your last day in Mallorca, you totally deserve it!

Useful Info for Visiting Mallorca

Where to stay in mallorca.

Since Mallorca is a pretty big island, there is no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. One of the best places to stay in Mallorca is the southern side, in or around Palma de Mallorca.

The capital city is close to the airport and it’s also one of the biggest cities on the island so it’s a great place to use as a base for your Mallorca road trip.

You could also opt to stay at Magaluf or Palma Nova on the left side, or Ca’n Pastilla or S’Arenal on the right side of Palma. All of these are great options and cater to different budgets, so you should be able to find one that best fits your budget.

If you want to know more about the different areas, be sure to check out my in-depth guide about where to stay in Mallorca .

If you’re in a hurry, here are my top recommendations for staying in Palma de Mallorca for every budget.

• Luxury in the Old Town | Hotel Can Cera
• Luxury on the beach | Es Princep – The Leading Hotels of the World
• Mid-range hotel | Nixe Palace
• Budget hotel | Meliá Palma Marina
• One-bedroom apartment | Palma Suites
• Two-bedroom apartment | The Boc Suites

How to get to Mallorca

Although there are a few options to get to Mallorca, taking a flight is undoubtedly the easiest and most popular option. Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is located 8 km east of Palma, the capital city of the island.

It’s one of the biggest airports in the country so it can handle lots of travel throughout the year. Keep in mind that some international flights only operate between May and October.

If you’re coming from mainland Spain or another Balearic Island, you can also opt to take a ferry. Mallorca has 2 ferry ports, one in Port d’Alcúdia and one in Palma.

Although this is a more scenic way to get to Mallorca, keep in mind that it takes a lot longer than flying. For instance, it takes around 7.5 hours to reach Mallorca from Barcelona or Valencia and 2.5 hours from Ibiza.

Best time to visit Mallorca

Spain is lucky enough to be one of the prettiest dream destinations to visit year-round. So doesn’t matter when you’re able to make it to Mallorca, you’ll have a fantastic time!

However, there are pros and cons to each season and it’s important to know what to expect, so you can choose the best month for your Mallorca road trip.

Mallorca is a popular summer destination among beach lovers so naturally, the majority of people visit Mallorca during the summer months. During this time, temperatures can get up to 31°C (89°F), so it can get pretty hot. This time of year also doesn’t see a whole lot of precipitation.

The popularity of visiting during this time makes it a lot more expensive for accommodation and flights. On top of that, finding a parking spot is a real struggle during the summer period which is not so ideal if you’re planning to do a Mallorca road trip.

Spring and fall are considered the shoulder seasons of the year and although you will still come across lots of other tourists, the island is nowhere near as busy as it is in the summer. Plus, the weather is still pretty nice, with highs reaching 28°C (82°F) during some months.

However, the fall is the rainiest time of year in Mallorca, which might deter you from visiting during this time.

Due to its location, the winter is usually mild with many sunny days which makes Mallorca one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe.

Although the average temperature during the day is around 14-16°C (57-60°F) from December to February, sometimes the days can be cold and windy as well so be prepared with some warmer clothes.

You’ll most likely be able to snag a great deal on accommodation during this time, which can make it such an appealing time to visit.

How to get around in Mallorca

Although you can technically take the bus around Mallorca, they don’t run as often as you’d think and the schedule is especially limited on the weekends.

The island is far too big to explore on foot or with bicycles so if you have an international driver’s license, it’s best to rent a car and opt for an exciting Mallorca road trip! It’s definitely one of the best road trips in Spain so don’t miss out on this opportunity if you’re visiting the island.

Renting a car will also give you the most freedom possible while traveling, so if you come across other great destinations that aren’t included in this Mallorca itinerary, then you can easily add other stops as you please.

Because most people rent a car when visiting Mallorca, there are a lot of different rental companies. The more popular car rental companies like Hertz or Europcar are located right at the airport so if you fly to Mallorca, you can get one as soon as you land.

Most companies will have daily costs starting from around €20. Sometimes there are price breaks if you rent the car for longer. Be sure to research your options to find which rental company has the most affordable price during your 4 days in Mallorca.

Tips for driving in Mallorca

To drive around Mallorca, you will need an international driving license. Make sure you get one of these before landing, or you might run into problems when picking up your rental car.

Most of Mallorca is pretty easy to drive around, though Palma can sometimes be challenging due to traffic. Plus, a lot of the roads on the island will bring you past beautiful scenery. Make sure you have your camera!

When driving in Mallorca, make sure you drive on the road’s right side, not the left. Knowing what side of the road to drive on when visiting a country is extremely important.

Make sure not to use your phone or drink any alcohol while driving, or risk being fined hundreds of euros or worse. You must also have some sort of insurance in the car in case you are ever pulled over.

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6 thoughts on “The Perfect Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary for 4 Days”

Do you have any recs for a 1 day Mallorca trip? or is that impossible (lol).

Hmm this is definitely a hard question! I wouldn’t say impossible but not ideal for sure. I think it depends on what you’re looking for, I would probably stay in Palma de Mallorca but there are also a few really amazing beaches nearby (around 30-60 minutes from Palma) so if you’re more about nature, I would start looking in this direction.

Is there any Tour company providing this itinerary? Thanks

I highly doubt that anyone provides this same exact itinerary as I personally put it together step-by-step 🙂

Any idea how I can plan my trip to Majorca without driving a car

I would get familiar with the local buses (routes, timetables, etc.) and there are also a handful of island tours you can attend.

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10 Best Things to do in Palma de Mallorca

Imagine a place with all the charisma and buzz of a great European city but with the relaxed nature of an island: this is Palma de Mallorca in Spain . With its palm tree-lined boulevards, upmarket shopping, and Michelin-star restaurants, it’s a favorite with luxury travelers. However, look closer, and you’ll find all the rustic character of a traditional village, with dusty bookshops, family-run bakeries, and colorful fruit markets. Discover all the best things to do in Palma!

Things to do in Palma, Mallorca

Palma is the capital of Mallorca, an island just off mainland Spain . It’s easily accessible by plane or boat. For example, from Barcelona , you can fly in 50 minutes or travel by ferry in 5-7 hours ( book tickets here ).

Like much of Spain, Palma (also known as Palma de Mallorca) has experienced different rules, including Moorish, Christian, and Byzantine. The influences are evident in the beautiful buildings of the Old Town, nestled between palm trees and orange courtyards. It feels like a smaller version of Barcelona and its famous Gothic Quarter!

Here are all your hotel options in Palma.

1. Palma de Mallorca Cathedral

Discover one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe ! This Gothic cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the greatest Palma attractions. It faces out onto an artificial saltwater lake (Parc de la Mar), which, in turn, looks over the Mediterranean Sea. The cathedral has seen many architectural changes over the years, some even made by the famous Gaudi ! 

Inside, you’ll find a 44-meter-high nave, beautiful paintings, and 60+ stained glass windows. Visit on a sunny day when the rays create beautiful dancing colors through the glass — it’s spectacular to see! You can also climb 120+ spiral stairs to the top of Palma Cathedral, where you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the city.

Tip: If you are wandering the streets of Palma at night, walk down by the Cathedral. After dark, many of Palma’s attractions are beautifully lit, and the cathedral is no exception! The warm lights create a stunning reflection in the lake below.

Opening Times and Tickets

• Palma Cathedral is open daily from 8.30 AM to 3.15 PM
• The standard ticket price is 10 EUR ( book skip-the-line entry tickets here )
• Combined Tickets (including roof visit) are 25 EUR

Hotels in Palma 😴

2. La Almudania Palace

Just a stone’s throw away from the cathedral is the iconic La Almudania Palace, one of the most spectacular attractions in Palma, Spain. Dating back to the 14th century, it’s also one of the oldest Moorish buildings on the island. Today, it’s still the official residence of the Spanish royal family whenever they visit Palma de Mallorca! 

When the King and Queen aren’t visiting, the palace is open to the public. Take a couple of hours to admire its beautiful tapestries and paintings, as well as its charming inner courtyard with palm trees. There’s also a fantastic roof terrace with stunning views over the city and Palma de Mallorca Beach.

Tip: If you are in Palma on the last Saturday of the month, make sure to visit La Almudania Palace. You’ll be lucky enough to witness the changing of the palace guards, which only happens once a month at noon — an absolute must-see in Palma, Spain!

Opening Times and Tickets: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from 10 AM – 6 PM. On Wednesday and Sunday afternoons from 3 PM, it’s free to visit. The standard entry is 7 EUR.

Book your Palace tickets online here

3. La Lonja, Palma

Nestled on the edge of the Cathedral and Almudania Palace is the magnificent La Lonja: the old market of Palma. This incredible medieval building was designed by a famous Mallorcan sculptor and architect named Guillem Sagrera. His work in Palma, Mallorca, was so famous that it inspired the design of La Lonja de Seda in Valencia .

Inside, you’ll find a vast open hall with beautiful arches and spiral stone pillars reminiscent of palm trees. This room was once the city’s central meeting point for merchants and traders.

Opening Times and Tickets: Entry is free. Open from Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM.

Book this popular bike tour in Palma

4. Palma de Mallorca Beaches

Mallorca is famous for its stunning and diverse beaches. To the south, you’ll find long white stretches of floury sand. Whereas, in the north, you’ll discover charming calas (coves) with rocky shores and emerald and turquoise waters. 

There really is a beach for everyone in Mallorca, and Palma is no exception; it’s home to some of the nicest ‘city’ beaches in Europe ! Spend a morning relaxing and swimming before a morning of sightseeing. Here are some of the easiest beaches to reach on foot or by public bus:

• Playa Can Pere Antoni
• Cala Estancia
• Ses Illetes

Tip: You can explore these beaches by joining a boat tour from Palma marina.

Alternatively, if you rent a car , you can explore beaches further afield. For example, Cala del Moro, Playa des Trenc, or Cala Deia. We drove 40 minutes to Sa Rapita and did a fantastic Llaut tour (traditional wooden boat) of the southern beaches — with plenty of time for snorkeling! 

See tickets and availability for our Llaut boat tour

Sa Calobra Beach (Unmissable Thing to do in Palma!)

If you want to visit one of Mallorca’s dreamiest beaches, head to the mesmerizing Sa Calobra , located in the north. 

The beach is special, but the journey there is even more mind-blowing. Drive to the summit of Puig Major, the island’s highest mountain peak, passing through carved-out tunnels and artificial lakes. At the top, stop to take in the views before worming your way down a 12-km spiral mountain road. 

Must read: Sa Calobra Beach in Mallorca

Once you reach the bottom, you’ll be greeted by a small port where you can park your car. From here, walk to the right through a narrow tunnel; the view at the end will take your breath away! Emerge at the stunning cove of Sa Calobra , where two rocky outcrops frame a narrow turquoise channel.

We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

How to Get to Sa Calobra

There are only two ways to reach Sa Calobra : by car or boat. If you want to experience the incredible views from the mountain road, we recommend driving. However, arriving into the cove by catamaran or speed boat is equally beautiful (trips usually leave from Puerto de Soller).

Book this exhilarating speedboat tour to Sa Calobra

5. Bellver Castle

On the fringes of Palma, perched high on a hill overlooking the sea, discover the circular Bellver Castle. It’s said to be one of the only circular castles in Europe !

Climb 400+ steps to reach the top, where you’ll find fantastic views of Palma de Mallorca, the surrounding woodland, and the Mediterranean. Wander along its ancient stone walls at sunset for one of the best things to do in Palma! 

Bonus: Once you’re done exploring, head into the beautiful pine woodland, where you’ll find a network of hiking trails. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in nature; bring a picnic and make a day of it!

• Winter hours (October to March): Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM (Mondays closed). Sundays 10 AM – 3 PM
• Summer hours (April to September) are extended until 7 PM
• Tickets cost 4 EUR. However, it’s free to visit on Sundays
• Please note that Bellver Castle is on the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus route. This allows you to combine your visit with other top things to do in Palma

Book your hop-on, hop-off bus tickets here

6. Explore the Old Town 

Get lost in the medieval streets of the Old Town — one of the best things to do in Palma! Known as ‘El Casco Antiguo’, it’s home to beautiful stone townhouses, timeworn bookshops, quaint ‘hornos’ (bakeries), and stunning plazas.

Tip: Head for Placa Cort, a wide-open square, where you’ll find the spectacular facade of the council building and a 600+-year-old olive tree! Also, look out for Placa Mayor, which has the same look as its similarly named counterpart in Madrid .

Nearby is the beautiful boulevard of Passeig el Born, which felt like a mini version of La Rambla in Barcelona . The Paseo, lined with palm trees and luxury shops, is also known as one of the most elegant places to visit in Palma, Mallorca.

Join a walking or bike tour of the Old Town and discover its highlights, such as La Lonja and the Cathedral.

Did you know? The Old Town is also one of the best areas to stay in Palma! Among the maze of narrow streets, you can find some fantastic boutique hotels and luxury apartments .

7. Take the Train to Soller (Best Thing to do in Palma!)

One of Palma’s most spectacular day trips is to the beautiful town of Soller in northern Mallorca. The town is split into two parts: Soller, which sits inland, basking in the shadow of the mountains, and the Port, which is a 10-minute drive away on the coast. However, the real beauty of this day trip is the journey to get there! 

Jump on a 100+-year-old train, comprised of wooden carriages and leather seats, from Palma train station. On this 1 hour journey to Soller (27 KM), you’ll weave through the Tramunta mountains, passing by orange and olive groves, traditional Mallorcin villages, and mountain tunnels. You can also open the windows in the carriages to take photos of the dreamy scenery as you travel!

Train Schedule: We recommend taking the 10.30 AM train from Palma to allow for more time in Soller. You can then return on the last train at 5 PM.

Travel by train, tram, and boat on a multi-stop tour from Palma! See tickets and availability here .

Soller Town and Tram

Once you arrive in Soller town, explore the charming village streets and pretty plazas for an hour or so. Afterward, hop on the famous vintage tram ride to the port (every hour from outside Soller Station/8 EUR one way). The 15-minute journey meanders down to the coast before traversing along the horseshoe bay to the marina.

Combined train + tram tickets cost 35 EUR. Purchase them online here .

Note: The tram from Soller to the Puerto is marketed as one of the most beautiful journeys in Mallorca. However, we didn’t find the trip to be that scenic. It’s a nice thing to do if you have the time and budget. Instead, take the local public bus for a cheaper alternative.

Puerto de Soller (Port of Soller)

Once in Puerto Soller, wander along the beautiful marina with luxury yachts and small fishing boats, stopping for ice cream or a cold drink on one of the sun-drenched terraces. On the left side of the bay (the furthest from the marina), you’ll find a popular swimming beach, so factor in some time if you’d like a quick dip before returning to the city.

8. Visit Mountain Towns: Deia + Valldemossa

High up in the Tramunta mountains, nestled into the cliffs of Mallorca’s craggy northern coast, lie the stunning towns of Deia and Valldemossa. Both villages are beautiful in their own right, but the cliff-top road connecting them is the real jewel in the crown.

We recommend renting a car for this day trip so you can stop to take photos at various viewpoints along the way. One of our particular favorites was Mirador de sa Foradada , where you can sit at a clifftop bar with incredible views out to sea. 

Live like a local: book scooter or motorbike rental from Palma !

Valldemossa

Valldemossa is the closest town to Palma and is the first stop on this day trip route. This beautiful stone town sits on top of the hill, with green shutters and charming church spires. The onward-facing view as you approach from the mountain road is truly unforgettable!

The real beauty of Valldemossa is simply wandering around and discovering charming buildings and viewpoints at every turn. This one was our favorite . 

Make sure to stop for brunch at Barbaflorida Cafe. Alternatively, if you’re visiting in the evening, reserve a table at Es Taller, an old converted car garage!

The romantic artist’s village of Deia lies a little further along the coastal road, about a 15-minute drive from Valldemossa. Once famous as a hippy town in the mountains, frequented by musicians, poets, and artists, Deia has maintained its name among the rich and famous, now home to luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants. Despite this, it still has its old-world charm, with quiet stone-stepped streets that weave amongst cypress trees and traditional houses.

Grab an Ensaimada (Mallorcan sweet pastry) from the local bakery and wander up to the cemetery for fantastic views over the village, olive terraces, and the rocky coastline below.

Tip: Those interested in Deia’s famous residents can also visit the Robert Graves Museum , the home of the famous British poet.

There is a beautiful farmland walk from the village down to Cala Deia (the local cove). Stop for a swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, grab a fresh seafood lunch at Ca’s Petro March, or join one of the many coastal hiking trails that snake up into the cliffs.

Note: We wouldn’t recommend driving down to the Cala (unless it’s off-season), as parking is limited and the road is very narrow.

How to Visit Valldemossa and Deia

Numerous buses leave Palma Bus Station throughout the day to both villages ( check bus schedules here ). However, having a car gives you more flexibility to explore the nearby calas and viewpoints.

Learn more about how to rent a car in Spain

If you have time, we recommend staying overnight in Valldemossa or Deia as part of your Mallorca itinerary. Watching the sunset go down, and the old-fashioned street lamps turn on in these magical villages is an incredible experience.  

Hotels in Valldemossa 😴

Hotels in Deia 😴

9. Santanyi Market

Discover the colorful market of Santanyi, which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in this charming inland village. Here, you can find everything from fresh food to clothing and handicrafts. It’s very colorful and vibrant; you’ll see plenty of tourists buying souvenirs and locals doing their weekly grocery shop, so it’s a great mix of all. 

Arrive early, grab a pastry and a coffee, and watch the vendors set up their stalls. As the morning progresses, the atmosphere really comes to life as local people open their shutters to sit out on their balconies and listen to music, barter, and talk.  

Tip: Don’t miss the incredible interior shop Terracuita , which is jam-packed full of amazing interior decoration, stoneware, and textiles. There’s also a cafe on site; you’ll find the wonderful courtyard terrace opposite the shop. We sadly didn’t get a chance to try it, but the food looks delicious!

It’s best to reach Santanyi by car (50 minutes) as the public bus takes a few hours with changes. We also recommend arriving early to get a good parking space. 

10. Arab Baths

The Arab Baths in Palma, or Banys Arabs, are the perfect place to escape the summer heat. Deep in the Old Town of Palma, these perfectly preserved baths from the 11th century are surrounded by tranquil gardens filled with fragrant citrus trees. The baths are one of the few remaining bits of Islamic architecture left in Palma.

Opening Times and Entry Fee: During the summer months (April to November), the baths are open from 9 AM to 7.30 PM. In the winter season, they close an hour earlier, at 6 PM. The entry fee is 3.50 EUR (cash only).

Want to try some modern-day Arab Baths? Walk 20 minutes to the Hammam al Andalus for a relaxing soak. Reserve your spot online here .

Where to Stay in Palma

Palma is a relatively small city, so you can stay anywhere and be only a short bus ride away from all the best Palma attractions. However, we recommend staying in the Old Town; it’s the most scenic spot with a good mix of trendy hostels , charming boutique hotels , and upmarket apartments . 

Tip: If you’d rather stay outside of the city, you can choose one of the nearby villages on the island and make day trips to the center. 

How Many Days in Palma?

You need at least an afternoon or a day to see some of Palma’s best attractions. However, Palma’s cozy, small-town feel means that it’s a great place to base yourself while discovering the island:

• 1 Day: If you’re staying elsewhere on the island, allocate a day of your Mallorca itinerary to discover Palma.
• 3 Days: This is a good amount of time to discover all the top things to do in Palma. Three days is also enough for a one-day trip. For example, Soller or Deia.
• 5-7 Days: A week is best for a Mallorca itinerary, allowing you to see Palma and other places on the island.

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How to Visit Palma, Mallorca

Palma’s international airport has flights from all over Europe and Spain. Additionally, there are direct routes from the USA during peak months. The airport is massive, so make sure to allow a reasonable amount of time to walk to and from your gate.

From the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi into the city in less than 20 minutes.

Getting Around

We don’t recommend driving if you’re staying in the heart of the city, as it can be challenging to find permitted street parking, and parking garages can be expensive. Because of this, it’s easier to explore the city on foot or by bike. ( Book this popular bike tour in Palma )

If you’re also planning some day trips, use the bus/train system or rent a scooter .

Tip: If you’re following a Mallorca itinerary, hire a car and stay on the city’s outskirts for the most ease and flexibility.

Best Restaurants and Cafes

Dine on delicious tapas, fresh seafood, and the sweetest oranges; this is island living at its finest! Along with its tourism, Mallorca has also developed an incredible dining scene, with renowned chefs coming from all over the world to showcase fusion menus, classic Spanish favorites, and international fare. 

Join this fantastic cooking class , taught by a professional chef in Palma

Palma is undoubtedly one of the best places on the island to eat out. Some of our favorites were:

• OMBU Passeig del Born
• Assaona Gastrobeach Club Palma
• Temple Natura Cafè
• Mallorca Delicatessen
• KAIZEN Restaurant
• Restaurant Botànic
• Berlin Coffee Roasters

Tip: On mainland Spain , restaurants generally don’t open until after 8 PM. Because Mallorca is more set up for tourism, they open a bit earlier (we recommend always reserving in advance). Please note that during winter, especially in more remote places like Deia, the majority of the restaurants close for the season.

How Much Does Palma Cost?

Although Spain is generally known as a cheap European destination, Mallorca is noticeably more expensive due to the high tourist influx.

Palma, in particular, attracts people from all over the island looking to come and enjoy the gastronomic restaurants, high-end shopping, and beautiful spas and hotels. If you look in the right places, though, you can still find some ways to cut your budget: grab a delicious bakery pastry for breakfast, choose a Mallorcan cafe with a cheap ‘menu del dia’, or take public transport. (Learn more about how to travel cheap )

Costs of Traveling in Palma

Travel on a budget in Palma, from $510 − $570 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1530 − $2810 USD, and high-end from $2840 − $4190 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $100 − $300 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $15 − $25 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $35 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $40 − $60 USD
• Activities: $10 − $80 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the best time to visit Palma, especially when there are sunny days and fewer crowds. The winter months are also just as beautiful, with cooler days that are better for sightseeing.

Note: Mallorca can be hectic during the summer. Although this is the best time to enjoy the island’s stunning beaches, you’ll need to make reservations well in advance for parking, restaurants, hotels , and tours.

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Sa calobra, mallorca: discover its beach & torrent de pareis, granada, spain: best things to do (travel guide).

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Awesome guide 😀 looking forward to get the day wise itinerary. Bus schedule link is not working.

Thanks! We’re working on the Mallorca day-to-day itinerary. Regarding the bus schedule link; which page does it take you to? Thanks!

Every time I click on the link of bus schedule it takes to a page tib dot org but not opening.

Hi Puja, yes that is the correct website. If it’s not working maybe it’s because of the location you’re in? Try a VPN.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Mallorca This Summer

W e see you doing all the googling and trying to figure out all the details about the best options for getting around Mallorca without wasting tons of time or having to miss out on seeing the best spots!  

We spent a week on the island and we decided to travel by public transport for a few days and by car for a few days so that we could give you the inside scoop on exactly how to travel to make the most of your time !

The answer to the question: “Do you need a car” in Mallorca is not straightforward because it really depends. In this post, we will share everything you need to know about transportation around Mallorca so that you can make the best decision for you guys as a couple!

Here’s a video we took while actually driving around so you can see the roads:

Quick Navigation:

• All about renting a car
• Things to consider about car rental
• 3 car-free ways to get around
• Transport methods you should not use
• How we can help you next

All About Renting a Car in Mallorca

If you’re wondering if you need a rental car, here’s the scoop. Yes, you CAN get around Mallorca without a car but it will not be easy and the best sites are visited by car.

You Don’t Need a Car in Mallorca If…

The only time that we say that you will not need a car in Mallorca is if you plan to stay solely in Palma de Mallorca, the capital city of the island. This city has a beautiful old town that is just as walkable as Madrid , and all the popular tourist attractions are within walking distance. Parking and driving in Palma is also a bit of a nightmare, so it is better to not have a car if you’re sticking around here.

You Do Need A Car in Mallorca If…

If you want to follow our 7-day Mallorca itinerary and explore the majority of the island, you absolutely need to rent a car to see the best places . This will also give you more freedom and flexibility to not worry about missing a bus so you can make the most of however many days you have to spend in Mallorca. We also think you need a car if you visit Mallorca in colder months like January , as you aren’t going to want to walk around in the cold or sit on a cold bus!

We love Discover Cars for car rental booking as they show you all the provider options, availability and prices!

>> Click here to check prices and availability of rental cars during your stay! <<

That is not to say that it is IMPOSSIBLE to see more of the island than Palma without a car. However, while we found that the public transportation is pretty decent, it will require a lot more planning and a lot more time spent waiting on the bus schedule and you will not be able to make the most of your time.

3 Things to Consider When Deciding to Rent a Car Or Not

To help you decide if you need a rental car or not, here are 3 things we recommend you consider 

• Your budget – while renting a car is relatively affordable (around $15-$60 per day depending on the season) it may not be the best option for you if you are on a tight budget and want to save more money for dinners out or Spanish souvenir shopping.
• How many days you are spending on the island – if you have more days then you have more time to allow for getting around by bus, so public transport is an easier option. However, with fewer days, you want to make the most of them and you should rent a car.
• What you want to see/experience – if you’re coming to the island for the main historical sites, for nightlife or to experience the city, then you can stay in Palma and don’t need a car. If you want to explore the other areas of the island and cross all everything off that bucket list , renting a car will make that much easier! Going on a Mallorca road trip is also one of the most romantic things to do on the island!

Practical Ways to Get Around If you decide NOT to rent a car

When you’re thinking about how to get around Mallorca without a car, or even just how to get from the palma airport to palma city center , you are in luck because there are many ways to get around this beautiful island. While we were vacationing on the island, we saw that there are 3 other practical ways other than a rental car:

1. Your Feet

This really only is an option if you plan to stick around Palma OR are going to Mallorca solely to hike the trails such as the Gr-221 Dry Stone Route.

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You will not be able to walk between any other cities or villages from Palma. If you do decide to use public transport you could take a bus into the mountain villages and walk between SOME of the villages such as the hike from Soller to Fornalutx. This will take a lot of planning! However, for the most part, you will still need to be taking a set of wheels between most areas.

2. The Public Bus

The public transport system in Mallorca is very well connected , especially between Mallorca and the tourist towns and areas so this makes it a good way to get around Mallorca without a car. We traveled both by car and public around the island and we were surprised how easy it was to navigate, and it’s also the most budget-friendly option.

There are two types of buses in Mallorca that you need to know about:

The EMT which operates in the center of Palma and to and from the Palma airport

The TIB links all the different towns, villages, and tourist attractions around the island.

It’s important to note that some of the beaches and caves are very hard to access by public transport and if you’re staying outside of Palma, it will be almost impossible to use public transport.

Paying For The Bus:

When you are getting around Mallorca by bus and using the EMT bus line around Palma, excluding the airport, a single ticket costs $2 and you pay the driver in cash – they do not take credit cards.

while most people will tell you that you can only pay cash from the Palma airport to downtown, this is not true. There is a small pay station where you take the EMT A1 Airport Bus outside of the arrivals hall and you can credit card. You will have to pay a couple bucks more than usual but it’s a small price to pay for not dealing with the headache of finding cash!

When you are traveling with the TIB buses between towns, you can easily pay by credit card right on the bus – no need for a bus ticket. You simply tap your credit card and voila!

IMPORTANT: you have to tap your credit card when you get on AND off the bus or a surcharge is added!! You will also get a discount if you pay for multiple people with one credit card.

Where To Take The Bus:

If you take the EMT buses around Palma, you can take these at the airport or just around town at bus stations. 

If you take the TIB buses between cities, you want to walk to the Palmas central bus station (Estacio Intermodal) which is located across from Plaça d’Espanya and right by the Antique train station. It’s a bit hard to find as it’s underground, but you’ll see a large sign with pictures of a bus on it, across the street from the antique train. Follow those!

3. City Sightseeing Tourist Bus

As Mallorca is a tourist hot spot, it has a hop on hop off City Sightseeing bus that you can use for 24 to 48 hours and takes you around the most important landmarks and attractions.

While this is not our cup of tea, it’s an option if you’re short on time, want to see the main sites, and don’t have a car.

Don’t Count on these methods of transport

Renting a bike.

Cycling is a VERY popular thing to do in Mallorca. However, we do not recommend using a bike as your only transportation i f you are planning to go between most of the villages and cities as it will be a lot harder, especially if you go into the Serra Tramuntana Mountain range. However, many cyclists do this and the island has many specifically designed cycling routes for this reason!

Mallorca has a train that runs mostly on the island’s interior and does not run to any main tourist spots, making it not a good option for visitors to rely on.

There is also the famous vintage train that runs from Palma to Soller or the vintage train that runs from Port Soller up to the Soller city center, which was one of our favorite things to do on the island! However, we don’t really call this a method of transportation and more of just a fun thing to do together! 

Palma has two metro lines that serve the city’s suburbs and are not convenient for tourists looking to get to the  tourist destinations . So, take the metro off your list when you’re considering how to explore Mallorca. 

In general, we don’t advise taking a taxi between cities as this is an easy way to blow your budget! We also had some issues with calling taxi numbers that were posted on taxi stands in villages as they kept being out of service

We also thought that we might take some taxis around the small villages and then found that there were very few taxis once we got into the mountain villages and we ended up having to take the bus, so we don’t recommend relying on being able to take a taxi.

Is there an Uber in Mallorca?

Technically, there is Uber in Mallorca. However, we tried to call Uber several times and there were not any cars available so we do not recommend relying on Uber as your mode of transportation. In this case, hailing a taxi is a better option.

How We Can Help You Next

So, do you need a car in Mallorca? The answer is “yes” if you want to make the most of your time and see as much as possible! If you just want to stick around Palma, you will absolutely be okay without a car!

If you’ve decided NOT to rent a car and are wondering where to stay, we can fix that! We wrote all our insight in this guide on where to stay in Mallorca without a car!

Or, if you are going to rent a car, check out our ultimate list of the best places to visit with a car!

So, what way would you choose to get around the island?

Other Helpful Posts:

• Majorca or Mallorca?
• Mallorca in June: Weather and Best Things to Do
• Mallorca in July: Weather and Best Things to Do

Alcohol ban in Ibiza and Majorca - what tourists need to know as new rules come in

Tourists could face fines of up to €3,000 if they break new rules on drinking that have come into force in parts of Majorca and Ibiza popular with British holidaymakers.

Wednesday 15 May 2024 12:07, UK

Tourists in parts of Majorca and Ibiza will face hefty fines for drinking alcohol on the streets as part of a crackdown in areas of "excessive tourism".

The government of Spain's Balearic Islands has toughened laws that were first introduced in 2020.

As well as banning drinking on public roads, the rules stop shops from selling alcohol late at night and put tighter controls on party boats.

Any tourists found breaking these rules could face a fine of up to €3,000.

Here is what you need to know to avoid a fine.

What areas are covered by the ban?

The rules apply in three resorts in Majorca - Llucmajor, Palma and Calvia (Magaluf) - as well as San Antonio in Ibiza .

The ban extends one nautical mile (1.85km) off the coast for all of these destinations, with party boats banned from getting any closer and forbidden from picking up or dropping off passengers in those areas.

The Palma mayor Jaime Martínez said one of his main objectives is to "correct uncivil attitudes".

Does an alcohol ban mean no booze at all?

No. Tourists will still be able to drink, but there are now stricter controls on where.

Crucially, you are not allowed to drink on the street.

The only exception to this is on the terraces of bars or restaurants or other legally authorised areas.

But wandering down the street with a half-finished pint or open bottle is a definite no-no.

Shops that sell alcohol must close between 9.30pm and 8am.

What are the penalties for tourists who break the rules?

People could be fined between €750 and €1,500 (£645 and £1,290) if their public drinking "disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment".

If the offence is considered very serious, the fine could range from €1,500 to €3,000 (£1,290 to £2,580).

Local authorities will report the number of foreign tourists who have been sanctioned to the respective embassies.

How will the ban be enforced?

The government has committed up to €16m (£13.7m) to spend on enforcing the ban on public drinking.

There will be extra security and inspections as well as a focus on raising awareness of the rules among tourists in the hotspot areas.

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When does the ban come into force - and for how long?

The ban came into force on 11 May 2024.

It will remain in place until 31 December 2027. After that, the government hopes the law will no longer be necessary.

How is this different to what was already in place?

The new decree strengthens laws that were introduced in 2020 banning happy hours, pub crawls and two-for-one drink offers.

Those rules prohibited the sale of alcohol in shops between 9.30pm and 8am and stopped party boats from advertising in designated areas.

The main change is that drinking on public roads is now banned.

It also extends how long the laws are in force; in 2020 the government said they would be in place for at least five years and that has now been extended to the end of 2027.

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What Brits need to know before holiday as Spanish islands make booze ban between 9:30pm and 8am

If you were planning a booze up in the balearic islands this summer, think again.

Olivia Burke

As well as basking in the sunshine, which is more than scarce in the UK, a lot of people look forward to sinking a few sangrias, drinking the bar dry and having a late night booze on the beach when they head off on holiday.

But if you're heading to Spain's Balearic Islands for a trip this summer , you ought to brush up on the new rules surrounding alcohol consumption before you start cracking open a few cans willy-nilly.

The government have decided to up the ante amid the crackdown on drunk tourists and have announced that the sale of alcohol will now be banned overnight - while party boats are also in the firing line.

The holiday hotspot beloved by Brits , which is situated in the Mediterranean Sea, has tightened up the already-tough laws surrounding street drinking and has forbidden places from selling booze between 9.30pm and 8am the next day.

The restrictions - which will be rolled out across popular spots across four tourist areas in Majorca and Ibiza - are set to remain in force until December 2027, although politicians could extend it further if they deem it necessary.

In Ibiza, the ban is in place in Sant Antoni, while it impacts Llucmajor, Palma and Calvia in Majorca - which are all locations where officials reckon there is excessive tourism.

Party boats are also forbidden from coming within a mile of any of the aforementioned destinations, meaning they aren't even able to pick holidaymakers up or drop them off in the regions.

This is obviously very important information to take heed of before you hop on a plane and blame officials on the Balearic Islands for scuppering your holiday plans, so take note - or otherwise, the consequences could hit your wallet .

The Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martinez, has made it clear they aren't taking any prisoners when it comes to enforcing the rules and that tourists will be penalised as they crack down on 'uncivil' attitudes in his city.

As a result, fines of €3,000 could be thrown at those who break the new Civic Ordinance ruling.

As well as this, holidaymakers caught boozing outside of authorised areas will be slapped with fines between €500-1,500, which is quite a high price to pay for sipping an alcoholic beverage on your walk back to the hotel.

The islands' Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Jaume Bauzà, said the new measure is to encourage 'responsible tourism and to improve quality in tourist areas'.

Other measures brought in under the same ruling include a ban on graffiti, scooters, and nudism.

The laws come in to force from Saturday (11 May).

According to Luis Pomar, a press officer at the Balearic Islands tourism council, they have made the decision to go full throttle with the rules as the measures they introduced in 2020 to stamp out antisocial behaviour have been a success.

It is hoped that the overnight bans and other legislation can be lifted in time it is 'instilled in people how to behave'.

Average fines dished out to tourists will range from €750 to €1,500, with the €3,000 top limit reserved for the most serious breaches.

Topics:  Travel , Alcohol , Food And Drink , World News , News , Holiday

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@ livburke_

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Holidaymakers warned over new alcohol ban in Ibiza and Majorca

Tough alcohol restrictions are in place at busy resorts in ibiza and majorca to deal with anti-social behaviour, article bookmarked.

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Holidaymakers at the busiest resorts on Spain’s Balearic Islands are unable to buy alcohol from shops between 9.30pm and 8am under a crackdown announced by the local government.

The late-night sales of booze is prohibited in Llucmajor, Palma, Calvia (Magaluf) in Majorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza.

Party boats will also be stopped from operating within one nautical mile of the designated area under the toughening of a law passed in 2020 to limit the impact of alcohol-fuelled holidays.

The ban on sales does not apply to bars, restaurants and clubs.

The legislation comes with a £14m funding package for security, inspections and advertising, the Balearic government said . Officials say it is part of an overall plan to promote responsible tourism, with the new law to remain in place until 2027.

Luis Pomar, from the Balearic Islands Tourism Council, told the BBC that he hoped the law would no longer be needed “if we instil in people how to behave”.

The measure comes as many European resorts brace for the influx of tourists over the summer season.

While the money generated by drinking alcohol is welcomed by some local businesses, the impact of drunk holidaymakers can be negative for the regions, especially for the people living there.

The situation has been highlighted by several television programmes such as What Happens in Kavos which show young people often getting drunk and getting involved in antisocial incidents such as fights.

In response, initiatives have been run across many party islands in a bid to crackdown on alcohol consumption.

In 2019, officials in Mallorca warned tourists they faced fines of up to €3,000 for antisocial behaviour or “causing a public nuisance”. The 2020 law imposed by the Balearic Islands banned bar crawls, defined as “excursions promoting excessive consumption of alcohol”.

Holiday companies have also taken action.

Thomas Cook warned holidaymakers in 2022 that “all-inclusive” no longer means “unlimited drinks” with local laws in the Balearic Islands determining people can have a maximum of six alcoholic drinks a day.

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This Is the Sunniest City in Europe — and It's the Birthplace of Pablo Picasso

Here's what you need to know to plan a perfect trip to Málaga, Spain.

• Best Hotels & Resorts

Best Things to Do

Neighborhoods to visit, best time to visit, how to get there.

• Getting Around

Alberto Manuel Urosa Toledano/Getty Images

Málaga, Spain is a sun-seeker's paradise. The city along the nation's southern coast is the sunniest place in Europe , getting more than 280 sunshine hours a month, which works out to more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Málaga sits on the aptly named Costa del Sol, or the "sun coast," but this city has a lot more going for it than just the sun. It's also a cultural paradise and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. 

"Málaga is a fantastic destination because it has a Mediterranean climate. Its winters are mild, and the summers are nice and warm. It has a sometimes-overlooked history rich in Roman history and Moorish influence. There are many cultural activities to do, such as the Picasso Museum and flamenco shows," Kristin Espinar, founder of Must See Spain , shared. And, as with the rest of Spain,  Espinar added, "Málaga has fantastic cuisine — especially fresh local seafood and tapas. Don't miss local chiringuitos , which are seaside seafood restaurants that locals flock to." 

Ready to explore this fantastic city? Here's what you need to know about visiting Málaga, Spain. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Stay at Finca Cortesín, voted the top hotel in Spain and Portugal by our readers. 
• Pablo Picasso was born here — visit the Picasso Museum to learn more about the artist’s life.
• Spend a day on beautiful La Malagueta Beach. 
• Stroll around the historic center of the city. 
• Visit during the spring or fall to enjoy pleasant weather with fewer crowds. 

Courtesy of Finca Cortesi­n Hotel, Golf & Spa

Best Hotels & Resorts

Gran hotel miramar.

Spend a few days in the lap of luxury with a stay at the Gran Hotel Miramar . The historic palace has been turned into a five-star hotel that looks out onto the Mediterranean. Each of its rooms is decked out with plush furnishings in a soothing natural palette, making the panoramic views the star of the show. The hotel's spa is equally alluring and uses local ingredients for a unique Andalusian touch. 

Finca Cortesín

In 2023, Finca Cortesín was named the top hotel in Spain and Portugal by Travel + Leisure readers in the World's Best Awards . Readers fell hard for its white-washed walls, colorful rooms, and gorgeous sea views — not to mention its fantastic Cabell B. Robinson–designed golf course. Here, guests can play a full 18 and then unwind in the spa, which comes with science-forward treatments like oxygenated facials. 

Palacio Solecio

Have one more regal stay at the Palacio Solecio , an 18th-century palace-turned-hotel. The hotel is as glamorous as you'd imagine, with four-poster beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that open to spacious patios, and deep soaking tubs in the bathrooms. The hotel's central location makes for easy access to some of the city's most sought-after sites, including Santiago Church, just a few feet away. 

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Picasso Museum

Explore Pablo Picasso's past and his artistic genius, and discover a few other fantastic artists, at the Picasso Museum inside the Buenavista Palace. Here, guests can explore Picasso's life through his 144 works on rotation and check out the museum's exhibitions, including works by María Blanchard and Joel Meyerowitz. 

Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle

Surround yourself with Málaga's history during a visit to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle . The historic castle is a Moorish fortress that takes up an astonishing 21,310 square meters.  "Must-see attractions really come down to the preferences of the visitors, but the Alcazaba — and nearby Gibralfaro Castle and Roman Theatre — are some of the most highly visited attractions for good reason," Jess Rodley, the bookings director at Andorra Escapes who also travels to Málaga for her summer vacations, shared. "Filled with history, these sites are exceptionally well-preserved."

Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Sample some of Málaga's best flavors with a visit to the Mercado Central de Atarazanas . The market, now located inside a 19th-century building, dates back to the 14th century. Here, travelers and locals alike can mix and mingle over the local meats, cheeses, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The market is open every Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Carmen Thyssen Museum

Málaga is absolutely spoiled with culture, so make sure to visit at least two museums. Once you hit the Picasso Museum, make your way to the Carmen Thyssen Museum , housed in a restored 16th-century palace. Here, guests can gaze upon 19th-century Spanish paintings, with a special focus on Andalusian art.

La Malagueta Beach

After looking at all the gorgeous human-made art, it's time to look at some created by Mother Nature with a visit to La Malagueta Beach . The beach is just 10 minutes from the city center, making it easy to stop by or spend an entire day. There are also plenty of beachside bars and restaurants to enjoy while you're there.

Centro Histórico

Centro Histórico is the heart of the city. Here, travelers can weave their way through the bustling, narrow streets, check out the historic plazas, and shop in local stores. It's also where you'll find the Málaga Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the Carmen Thyssen Museum — all within a few blocks. 

La Malagueta

Make your way to La Malagueta, the city’s beachside neighborhood, for a little surf and sand with a splash of culture. While here, visit the Pompidou Centre for a colorful afternoon filled with modern art.

La Victoria

Get a local perspective with a visit to La Victoria , one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Located just north of the city center at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro, this area is well-known for its beauty, traditional homes, local tapas bars, and street art. 

The best time to visit Málaga is over the summer season. However, here, the summer extends from late spring into autumn (from May through October). This is when the weather is at its prime and when everyone is out and about enjoying all that fantastic sun. Travelers can also expect plenty of fun summer festivals too, including the Málaga Fair in August, a week-long party that honors all the best parts of Andalusian culture. That said, even if you can't come during the summer, there are plenty of other times worth a visit. 

"The shoulder seasons are a great time to visit Málaga. I recommend traveling in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November)," Espinar said. "The temperatures will be mild, you’ll find smaller crowds, and you’ll have more energy for exploring the city and sights."

Rodley also advocates for the shoulder seasons in April and May and late September: "Visiting during the springtime, you can catch the gorgeous blossoms and flowering jacarandas of the parks and gardens while enjoying the moderate temperatures and fewer crowds when exploring the city and surrounding areas," Rodley explained. "Align your trip with Easter and you'll be able to experience the color, culture, and festivities of Holy Week parades. A visit in September is perfect for wine tours and sightseeing with fewer tourists. At this time of year, it may still be warm enough to enjoy the beach without having to contend for a space on the sand." And, as Espinar added, "If you choose to go in the winter (December to February), you’ll find the benefits of having milder and warmer weather than the rest of Spain. There will be fewer tourists and you’ll enjoy the city. Málaga also has stunning Christmas lights displays, which makes it a great December destination." 

Darren Robb/Getty Images

To visit this sunny destination, you can fly into Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport , one of the largest airports in Spain. The airport offers plenty of direct flights to cities around Europe and connections to cities around the world via airlines like LATAM, Air France, Easy Jet, and Emirates. The airport is also just a few miles outside of the city center, making it a convenient jumping-off point. 

Visitors coming from spots like Madrid and Barcelona may decide to drive — and that's a fantastic idea, as you can drive along the Mediterranean on the AP-7 for a scenic journey. 

Travelers can also get to Málaga by taking the train to the María Zambrano station . Trains run regularly from Madrid; the trip takes about three hours and costs around $75. 

Getting Around 

Renting a car is a great option for those who want to get out and explore beyond the city's bounds and see more of the Costa del Sol region. Car rentals are available at the airport and numerous locations in the city with major operators like Avis, Budget, and Dollar Car Rental. 

Málaga also has a robust public transit system that guests can take advantage of during their stay, including both buses and a metro line, which covers most of the city. Travelers can get a single ticket or travel passes, which are easy to recharge online . There are plentiful taxis and Ubers available throughout Málaga, too.

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