Where Every Road Leads to Something Beautiful♥︎
Planning a trip to Mallorca? After all, there are hidden coves, mountain villages, beautiful beaches and charming towns waiting around almost every corner. That’s why we’ve put together our Mallorca itinerary for 3, 5 or 7 days, so you can experience the island at its best without rushing from one place to the next. Additionally, we’ll share our favorite stops, places to stay and practical tips to help you plan your own Mallorca adventure.
a love letter to mallorca
Mallorca is a Spanish island in the western Mediterranean Sea and the largest of the Balearic Islands. It lies around 170 km (105 miles) east of mainland Spain, roughly south of Barcelona and east of Valencia.
Mallorca is part of the Balearic archipelago, along with Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, and is one of Spain’s most popular Mediterranean destinations. The island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, sits on the southwest coast and is the main gateway for international travelers, with regular flights connecting Mallorca to cities across Europe.
With a *Rental Car, it is easy to explore the island at your own pace and make the most of your Mallorca itinerary.
Getting to Mallorca is surprisingly easy, whether you arrive by plane or by ferry. Most visitors fly into Palma, but arriving by sea can be a beautiful alternative, especially if you are bringing your own car.
Most international travelers arrive at Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), located just outside the capital. There are regular direct flights from many European cities, making Mallorca an easy destination for a short getaway or a longer island adventure.
Ferries connect Mallorca with mainland Spain as well as the neighbouring Balearic Islands. The main ferry port is in Palma, with additional connections to places such as Alcúdia. Taking the ferry is a great option if you want to bring your own car or combine Mallorca with another island.
→ *Renting a Car in Mallorca
For this Mallorca itinerary, we highly recommend renting a car. It gives you the freedom to explore hidden beaches, mountain villages and scenic coastal roads that are much harder to reach by public transport.
→ Getting Around
Mallorca is easy to explore by car, although mountain roads can be slower than they look on the map. Leave some extra time for scenic stops along the way.
→ Parking
Parking is usually easy outside busy areas, but popular beaches and towns fill up quickly in summer. In Palma, parking garages are often the easiest choice.
→ Traffic
Traffic is generally manageable, but Palma and popular beach areas can get busy. Starting early is the best way to avoid both traffic and crowds.
Start your Mallorca trip in Palma, the island’s vibrant capital. First, spend the day wandering through the historic old town and admire the impressive cathedral. Afterwards, enjoy a long lunch and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. In the evening, explore the waterfront or find a cosy spot for dinner in the old town before your Mallorca adventure continues.
Best Things to Do & See in Palma:
On Day 2, head into the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana. Take the scenic roads through charming mountain villages such as Valldemossa, Sóller and Deià before continuing towards the coast. Along the way, stop at a beautiful viewpoint, enjoy a swim in a secluded cove and take your time discovering this unforgettable part of Mallorca.
Our tip: The best way to explore the Serra de Tramuntana is by car. Having your own rental car gives you the freedom to stop whenever you want and discover places that are harder to reach by public transport.
Our Favorite Places to Visit in the Serra de Tramuntana:
Finish your Mallorca trip with a day of sun, sea and beautiful beaches. Head to the southeast coast and explore the turquoise waters of Cala Llombards, Cala Agulla, Es Trenc and many more. Take your time to swim, relax and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere before heading back to Palma.
Some of our Favorite Beaches in Mallorca:
Arrive in Mallorca and settle into Palma, the perfect starting point for your island adventure. First, take a relaxed stroll through the old town, grab your first coffee or tapas and explore the streets around the cathedral. Afterwards, simply enjoy the atmosphere and take it easy, because your Mallorca road trip is only just beginning.
Best Things to Do & See in Palma:
Stay the night in Palma
Stay in Palma and soak up the Old Town, great food and Mediterranean evenings before heading into the mountains.
On day two, it’s best to *Rent a Car. From there, you can head into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. If you want to see everything, the best route from Palma is via Andratx along the panoramic MA-10 road, which takes you almost the entire way from southwest to north. The road runs along the coast, through the Serra de Tramuntana, past Estellencs, Banyalbufar, Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller.
Highlights along the way
The drive along the MA-10 is just as much about the stops as it is about the road itself. Along the way, take your time and make a few detours, because there are plenty of beautiful viewpoints, villages and hidden spots worth pulling over for. After all, the best moments of a Mallorca road trip are often the ones you didn’t plan.
Stay the night in Deià, Sóller or Port de Sóller
After a day on the road, there’s nothing better than settling into a charming hotel in Sóller or staying right by the sea in Port de Sóller.
Start your morning in Sóller with a good coffee and a relaxed walk through the old town. Then hit the road and make your way north, this is one of those days where the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
Highlights along the way
We recommend staying around Pollença or Alcúdia tonight. This area is perfect for exploring the north of Mallorca and gives you plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation. From charming boutique hotels and beachfront stays to spacious fincas and apartments, you’ll find something for almost every style and budget.
*Find accommodations in Port de Pollença →
*Find accommodations in Alcúdia →
We recommend starting early and driving up to Cap de Formentor for sunrise. Choose between Far de Formentor, Albercutx Watchtower or Mirador Es Colomer the views are incredible, especially in the early morning light. Or just do and see them all.
→ Good to know: From May to October, the road from Platja de Formentor to Far de Formentor is closed to private cars from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. So come early, before the restriction starts.
After sunrise, head back to Platja de Formentor for a swim, then continue east along Playa de Muro and Alcúdia. It’s a great spot for breakfast and a good coffee before continuing along the coast.
Continue around the Alcúdia Peninsula and follow the coast towards the northeast. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful beaches, small bays and quiet coastal roads, so take your time and stop for a swim or coffee whenever you feel like it.
Afterwards, continue towards Colònia de Sant Pere and Artà, one of our favorite towns in the northeast. Wander through the old streets, grab a coffee and enjoy the slower pace.
For the night, we recommend staying around Artà, Cala Ratjada or Cala Millor. That way, you can wake up close to the sea and continue your Mallorca road trip the next morning.
From hidden coves and turquoise waters to wild beaches away from the crowds, Mallorca has so much more to offer than its famous postcard spots. In fact, there are countless beautiful calas waiting to be discovered. That’s why we explored some of our favourite unique beaches in Mallorca and these are the places we’d happily return to.
Start your final day early with sunrise from Puig de Sant Salvador. From the top, you get beautiful panoramic views across the Mallorcan countryside, a peaceful way to start the day.
From there, make your way towards the coast and explore some of the highlights of southeastern Mallorca:
You won’t be able to see everything in one day, so pick the stops that fit your pace. We’d save some time for a long lunch, a final swim and one last sunset by the Mediterranean before heading back to Palma.
More stops on the way back to Palma
If you still have time, make the most of your final day in Mallorca by adding a few more coastal stops on the way back to Palma. Cala Pi is perfect for a quick swim and a short walk around the dramatic cliffs, while Es Trenc is ideal if you want to spend a little longer on one of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches.
From there, continue towards Palma and enjoy one last drive through the island’s beautiful countryside before ending your Mallorca itinerary in the capital.
Arriving in Mallorca
After landing at Palma de Mallorca Airport, pick up your rental car and start your Mallorca road trip. Since you’ll have the whole week ahead, there’s no need to rush. Head straight from the airport towards the southwest and enjoy your first taste of the island.
→ *Book Your Rental Car at Palma Airport
Exploring the Southwest
Spend your first afternoon along Mallorca’s southwest coast. Depending on your arrival time, choose a few stops and simply enjoy the Mediterranean.
Head into the Serra de Tramuntana and follow one of Mallorca’s most scenic mountain roads. Along the way, take your time, stop at the viewpoints and enjoy the dramatic landscapes.
You can either take the MA-10 via Andratx or the A-1032 via Puigpunyent. However, if we had to choose, we’d definitely go for the MA-10, passing through Estellencs and Banyalbufar the views are simply incredible.
Our highlights:
Where to Stay & What to Add
For Day 2, we recommend staying around Sóller, Port de Sóller or Deià, as you’ll be right in the heart of the Tramuntana. That way, you can enjoy the area without having to drive back to Palma.
If you have more time, add a stop at Cala Deià, visit the Port de Sóller lighthouse, or head to Sa Foradada. Additionally, there are plenty of hiking trails through the mountains. Above all, take your time and enjoy the scenery.
*Find the Best Accommodations in Deià →
*Find the Best Accommodations in Sóller →
Start your morning with a coffee in Sóller before heading north through the Serra de Tramuntana. Afterwards, enjoy the drive itself, with winding mountain roads and incredible views around almost every corner.
Along the way, stop in Fornalutx, take the dramatic road down to Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis, or enjoy a quieter break at Cala Tuent. Additionally, Gorg Blau is a beautiful stop surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains if you have some extra time.
Continue towards the north and spend the night in Pollença or Alcúdia. Afterwards, keep the evening relaxed with a swim or sunset walk at Playa de Muro or Playa de Alcúdia.
We recommend staying in the north tonight because the next morning is worth getting up early. As soon as the sun starts to rise, head towards the Formentor Peninsula for one of the most spectacular views in Mallorca. Above all, don’t miss this early-morning drive.
Start early and drive to the Formentor Lighthouse (Far de Formentor) for sunrise. As soon as the sun comes up, the roads are still quiet and the views over the Mediterranean are incredible.
On the way, stop at Mirador Es Colomer, one of the best viewpoints in Mallorca. Afterwards, head to Playa de Formentor on your way back. Take a swim, grab a coffee and enjoy a slow morning before continuing towards Pollença.
Good to know: During the summer season, access to the lighthouse by car can be restricted during the day (Generally May – October, 10:00 – 10:00. Check the current road restrictions before you go.
Formentor to East Coast
After Pollença, continue along Mallorca’s northern coast towards Platja d’Alcúdia and Playa de Muro. Spend the day slowing down, swimming in the crystal-clear water and enjoying some of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches.
In the afternoon, keep driving east along the coast towards Artà, where we recommend spending the night. It’s the perfect place to end the day with a relaxed dinner and a walk through the charming old town.
Start your morning in Artà. If you’re here on a Tuesday, don’t miss the local market before heading towards the coast.
Then spend the day beach hopping along Mallorca’s east coast:
Tip: We highly recommend that you make a stop at Bar Blau in Portocolom if you have time for a drink by the sea.
Stay: *Santanyí or *Portocolom
Sunrise at Puig de Sant Salvador
Start early and drive up to Puig de Sant Salvador for sunrise. As soon as the sun comes up, you’ll get incredible panoramic views across Mallorca, making it a beautiful way to start the day before heading south.
Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at a small café or simply grab a coffee and soak up the peaceful morning view. Above all, take your time here before continuing your Mallorca road trip.
Santanyí & the Southern Coast
After sunrise, head to Santanyí. If you’re here on a Wednesday or Saturday, check out the local market. It can get very busy during high season; however, the town is still worth a quick stop. Afterwards, continue towards the coast and explore a few of our favorite beaches:
Take your time, enjoy the turquoise water and then slowly make your way towards Palma for the evening.
A Day in Palma
After days of beaches, small villages and scenic drives, spend Day 7 exploring Palma de Mallorca. Start in the old town and simply get lost among the narrow streets, beautiful courtyards and hidden cafés.
Don’t miss the impressive Palma Cathedral (La Seu), the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the charming streets around La Lonja.
For lunch, wander through Palma’s old town and find a small local restaurant away from the busiest streets. Afterwards, stroll along Passeig del Born, browse the boutiques or stop for a coffee. Additionally, Santa Catalina is worth a visit for its restaurants and lively atmosphere.
Above all, don’t miss Castell de Bellver in the afternoon. The circular castle offers incredible panoramic views over Palma and the Mediterranean. As a result, it’s one of our favorite spots to end the day. We recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during high season.
When we travel, we always save the best places we discover from hidden viewpoints and cozy cafés to beautiful beaches and must-see spots. To make trip planning easier, we created interactive travel maps with all our favorite locations in one place. Simply open the map and explore the places we personally visited.
Choosing the right hotel can make all the difference on your Mallorca trip. From charming boutique hotels to beautiful beach resorts, the island offers something for every style and budget.
We love choosing our stay based on the area we want to explore, so we can experience more of Mallorca without spending too much time on the road.
These hotel links are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support ♥︎
Honestly, there is no single perfect month. Mallorca is beautiful all year round, but each season offers a completely different experience. Whether you are coming for beaches, hiking, road trips or relaxed days in the sun, here is what you can expect.
👉 March – May
Spring is one of our favorite times to explore Mallorca. The island turns green, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the big summer crowds have not arrived yet.
👉 June – August
Summer is Mallorca at its most lively. The days are long and sunny, the Mediterranean is warm, and the beaches are calling, although July and August can get very hot and crowded.
👉 September – November
September is also one of our favorite months in Mallorca. The sea is still warm from summer, while the island gradually becomes quieter. Additionally, the cooler temperatures make exploring villages, viewpoints and hiking trails much more enjoyable.
👉 December – February
Winter shows a completely different side of the island. Although you probably will not spend every day at the beach, the mild climate, quiet streets and local atmosphere make it a great season for exploring Mallorca at a slower pace.
All things considered, April & September are our personal favorite times to visit Mallorca. The sea is still or already warm enough for swimming, the weather is usually beautiful, and the island feels much more relaxed than during the peak summer months. Nevertheless, May, June and October are also fantastic choices if you want to combine beaches, nature and sightseeing.
From exploring hidden coves by boat to hiking through the Tramuntana mountains, there are countless tours and activities in Mallorca to make your trip unforgettable.
Whether you are looking for adventure, nature, culture or simply a relaxing day on the Mediterranean, Mallorca has something for everyone. Additionally, many activities are a great way to discover a different side of the island beyond the typical tourist spots.
Planning your first trip to Mallorca? Then a few practical Mallorca travel tips can make a big difference. The island is easy to explore, but there are a few things worth knowing before you go. From getting around to beach days and local food, these are our tips for making the most of your Mallorca trip.
A rental car is one of the best ways to explore Mallorca, especially if you want to see more than Palma and the main tourist areas. You can easily drive from beaches to mountain villages and stop wherever you like along the way.
Mallorca’s most famous beaches, viewpoints and villages can get busy, particularly in July and August. Therefore, start your day early whenever possible.
You will not only avoid some of the crowds, but you will also get cooler temperatures and beautiful morning light.
One of the biggest mistakes is trying to see the entire island in a few days. Mallorca has much more to offer than a checklist of attractions.
Instead, choose a few places in the same area and take your time. A relaxed Mallorca itinerary is often much more enjoyable than rushing from one spot to the next.
Mallorca is a great place to slow down over food. Besides the beaches and scenery, make time to try local specialties such as pa amb oli, tumbet, sobrasada and ensaïmada.
Whenever possible, look for smaller local restaurants rather than only choosing places in the busiest tourist areas.
Some of Mallorca’s best experiences are found away from the most famous beaches. Explore smaller calas, coastal paths and less-known viewpoints.
Of course, popular places are popular for a reason, but discovering a quieter corner of the island can make your trip feel much more personal.
If you have flexibility, consider visiting Mallorca in April, May, September or October. The weather is usually great for exploring, while the island is generally less crowded than during the peak summer months.
Don’t get us wrong, Santanyí is one of the most beautiful and famous markets in Mallorca, but it is specially in high season maximally overcrowded and definitely not the only one worth visiting.
Instead, check which local market takes place near you during your trip, it is a great way to experience a different and more authentic side of the island.
