Your Perfect Itinerary for Mallorca: A Week on the Island

Ever wondered what to do in Mallorca? Most Europeans fly over for the party scene in Magaluf, but what if I told you there is so much more to vacationing in Mallorca. I got to spend 3 months on this beautiful island and travel across the entire island. Here is the itinerary I would give you if you were looking to travel to Mallorca.

First I am going to give you just a basic itinerary outline. This will include a version with and without a car. Mallorca is super doable by public transportation, but there will just be some places that you won’t be able to visit. Obviously a car makes it easier to go anywhere when traveling, but I am not going to lie. Mallorca is a bit stressful to drive around as an American, so I recommend just doing what you are most comfortable with. Second I will break down my itinerary a little bit explaining each destination. Now, lets get into it!

My Recommended Itinerary

Day 2: Palma

• Fundació Miro Mallorca
• Enjoy some time on the beach at Playa de Palma

Day 3: Palma to Soller

• Take old railway to Soller from Palma
• Explore Soller
• Spend the Evening at Port de Soller
• Spend the night in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains

Day 4: Soller to Valledemossa

• Take day trip to Valledemossa
  • Visit Real Cartuja and the Chopin Museum
  • Walk around the town
  • Enjoy some lunch
• Venture out to a farm or go hiking
  • Orangery: Econvinyassa
  • Olive Farm: Can Det

Day 5: Soller to Sa Calobra and Santuari De Lluc to Alcudia

• Stop in Lluc to explore the holy site of Santuari de Lluc where the Black Madonna appeared
• Travel to Sa Calobra to spend the afternoon on a beach
• Finish up the day in Alcudia

If traveling via public transportation then:

• Travel to Alcudia
• Spend the day exploring the city, its walls, and the old Roman ruins
• Visit the beach for an afternoon by the water

Day 6: Alcudia and Pollença

• Take a day trip to Pollença
  • Visit Nostra Senyora Dels Angels church
  • Walk the Calvari Steps
  • Enjoy lunch in the terrace seating of one of the many restaurants or cafes
• Return to Alcúdia to spend the afternoon exploring more of the city or on the beach

Day 7: Alcudia to Capdepera and Cala Rajada

• Travel from Alcúdia to Capdepera to visit the Castle of Capdepera
• Spend the afternoon at the beach of Cala Rajada and enjoy a night on a Mallorcan resort.

Extension if you want to spend more time in Mallorca!

Day 8: Cala Rajada to Manacor to Santanyí

• Stop in Manacor on the way to Santanyí
  • Walk around the town
  • Do some shopping
• Spend the afternoon in Santanyí

Day 9: Santanyí to Cap de ses Salines and Colònia de Sant Jordi

• Take a day trip from Santanyí to the most southern point of Mallorca
• Visit the cliffs at Cala Llombards
• Spend some time on the beach at Colònia de Sant Jordi

Day 10: Santanyí to Llucmajor to Palma

• Make your way back to Palma with a stop in Llucmajor to stretch your legs
• Travel home or spend some more time exploring Palma

Lets Break it Down!

Day 1: Palma

Palma’s City Center and Old Town

Palma has a beautiful city center. Starting at the Estación Intermodal you can head south towards the water for the very best walk through the city. There are many great shops, beautiful cathedrals, and nice cafes. It does take about 15 minutes to do this walk, but it’s totally worth it as you pass Plaza Mayor halfway through where there are often markets as well as great places to grab a bite to eat. Then at the end you will come across the most beautiful site in all of Mallorca, the cathedral and the palace. This is probably where you will spend most of your time in Mallorca. You have to go to both of these places to have the true Palma experience. Then you should head behind the cathedral east towards the Arab Bathes which I think are a hidden gem in Palma.

Palau de l’Amudaina

This landmark in Palma dates back to the 14th century. Originally an Arab fortress in 12th and 13th century, this palace is now the official residence of the Spanish royal family when they are in Mallorca. It gives a mixed feeling between modern and old with the medieval and Arab architecture and modern day features of a politicians office. You can visit for 7 euros or for 4 if you are a student. Citizens of the European Union get free entrance and there are other special days where entrance is free for everyone! It is completely worth the ticket fee though and is a must do for anyone visiting Mallorca.

Catedral de Mallorca

The Cathedral of Santa Maria is the symbol of Palma. It sits close to the water, making it the standout of the city by sea. It is right across from the palace and together they make up the historical center of Palma. The construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century where a great mosque had been and ended in the 17 century. It was built in the Mediterranean gothic style, which makes it the second largest gothic cathedral in the world. but what makes it unique in the work of Gaudí in the interior. Twice a year a fun occurrence in the cathedral takes places called “la seu”. This happens in the fall and the spring where the light shines through the stained glass rose window just right so that it creates a figure 8 with the other window. It is quite well known by the inhabitants of the island. You can also attend mass here in Mallorcan/Catalan or Spanish. Otherwise you can visit the cathedral and museum during visiting times for 10 euros or more to go to the terrace. Either way it is worth seeing the inside of this amazing cathedral.

Banys Àrabs

Palma used to be an Arab city called Medina Mayurqa before it became Palma. Some of its building were changed by the Spanish to be more European, like how the mosque became a cathedral and the citadel became the palace. These are the remains of the baths from this time period which was somewhere between the 10th and 12th century. They were kept and built around to form a garden. This is the way they are today. Its a bit hidden in the streets, so finding this beautiful garden is like finding an oasis. There is a lot of information in the old baths to teach you about the Arab part of Mallorca. Once you exit you get all the time in the world to enjoy the gardens that I would say are the most peaceful place on earth. The best part is that it only costs a few euros.

Enjoy exploring the city on your own

Palma has so many little streets to explore. I’d recommend walking back behind the palace along the water. There is a nice path within the palm trees. Here you will eventually come across a park thats a nice place to hang out at or you can go up through the park to the Museum of Contemporary Art if that’s your thing! There also some nice churches and gardens to check out around the Arab Baths. Explore the city and see where the day takes you!

Day 2: Palma

This is a day to do a more activity based itinerary. I would highly recommend spending the morning at the Fundació Miro Mallorca. You could also spend the day at the aquarium for a more family friendly activity. Both aren’t in walking distance so you would either need to take one of the city’s buses or drive a car if renting one. The afternoon then could be spent enjoying the (hopefully) nice weather of the island. I would recommend getting a spot at Palma’s beach and enjoy the Mediterranean sea.

Fundació Miro Mallorca

This is something I think should not be missed when visiting Mallorca. It is where Joan Miro lived during his time spent in Mallorca. Joan Miro is a well known artist throughout Spain. I am not usually a fan of modern art, but I love the abstraction of his work. He took everyday things and made them his own. While Miró is from Barcelona, Palma was his adoptive city, which is where he spent the end of his life and later died. The fundació was created in a few of his studios on the outskirts of the city. It serves it purpose by educating visitors on Miró’s works and his techniques. Its really interesting and is a unique art gallery experience since you are seeing parts of his home and life. General admission is 10 euros, but there are a few deals and reduced admissions, so be sure to look out for that when visiting

Enjoy some time on the beach at Playa de Palma

Head back into the city and make your way past the cathedral to Palma’s beach. Maybe stop at a market along the way (if there is one) and grab a sangria to enjoy next to the water. There is nothing a like an afternoon on the beach in Palma

Day 3: Palma to Soller

Take the old railway to Soller from Palma

This is a day that I think is actually better if you don’t have a car because then you get to take the old train to Soller. The station for this old train that only runs between the two town (with a stop in Bunyola) is located close by the Estación Intermodal. There is no experience quite like this one, but it also is a decision you have to weigh. Yes, the train is really cool and has amazing views, but then you are stuck with public transportation for the entirety of this trip and will miss out on some pretty amazing stops. If you decide to rent a car though, you are pretty much unable to do the railway because it doesn’t make sense to go back and forth between the two. My solution if you are hoping to do both is to take the train to Soller and do the next day via public transportation then return to Palma, rent a car, and then continue the itinerary which will lead you back up north to the mountains where you can take your car to explore the more remote stops.

Explore Soller

You have to walk around Soller. It is one of the most scenic towns in Mallorca. Part of its charm is the old railway that runs through the town. You can also check out the beautiful old church, Esglesia de Sant Bartomeu de Sóller. The best way to experience the town though is to just walk around and check out some of the cute shops and boutiques or sit in the square with some lunch and a glass of wine. You’ll forget all about real life and will officially be on island time.

Spend the Evening at Port de Soller

Once you’ve spent enough time seeing Soller, you should drive or take the bus to the port of the town where you can spend some time on the beach or get an ice cream and enjoy being in a seaside town. You could also do the two of these interchangeably and spend the day on the beach at the port and then going back to the town for dinner and spend an evening on the town. Between the two there is a lot to see and experience in Soller.

Day 4: Soller to Valldemossa

Take day trip to Valldemossa

While Valldemossa is a very normal and completely doable day trip from Palma, I recommend staying the night in Soller to have a night in the mountains. I love the mountains! I think also experiencing a different side of a new place by staying in the countryside is worth it. From Soller to Valldemossa you take the 203 bus which also goes through Deia if you are wanting to stop to explore there as well. This is about 1 hour. It is also the 203 bus from Palma as well but in the opposite direction and is only 30 minutes.

Visit Real Cartuja and the Chopin Museum

Valldemossa is known for its connection to Chopin. That is why your first stop has to be to Real Cartuja. Federic Chopin and George Sand spent a winter here in the 1830s in the monastery. You can buy a ticket to visit the Real Cartuja which includes not only the Chopin museum but also the palace and the rest of the monastery which includes the church, old pharmacy, and some art galleries. You can also pay extra to go up in the tower which I highly recommend to get a view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Your ticket also includes a small piano recital, so make sure to pay attention to the recital schedule when you get there because this little concert sets the mood for your visit to the museum. Once you are in the cell that Chopin stayed in you can see his original piano as well as some art work and copies of his music. The monastery in Valldemossa was my favorite museum I visited in Mallorca. 

Walk around the town

As for the rest of your time in Valldemossa, take this time to explore. The streets are some of the prettiest in Mallorca. You can’t get too lost so just go where the streets take you. For the best pictures, find Carrer Rectoria where Casa Natal de Sta. Catalina Thomas and Església de Sant Bartomeu are located. The homes are very picturesque and there are a lot of cute boutiques you can stop into. 

Enjoy some lunch

This is where you should get lunch this day. There are a lot of cute cafes that’ll make you want to stay all day. I found it really hard to leave the town. The people were so cool and I loved the atmosphere of the town. Its a big stop for hikers, so you come across some pretty interesting people!

Venture out to a farm or go hiking!

Soller and this region of Mallorca is known for its oranges. You can visit Exonvinyassa near Soller to experience the countryside and Mallorca’s orange side. If you need something a bit closer if you don’t have a car then you can visit Can Det to learn about olive farming. This afternoon could also be spent going for a hike. Although is you are there during the summer then it would be better to spend the morning hiking and then visiting Valldemossa because it will get really hot during the day.

Day 5: Soller to Sa Calobra and Santuari De Lluc to Alcudia

Stop in Lluc to explore the holy site of Santuari de Lluc where the Black Madonna appeared

This is the day that will look slightly different depending on if you rented a car or not. If you rented a car then you should either first go to Sa Calobra (since it is next on the way to Alcudia) or if you are wanting to spend the afternoon on the beach then spend the morning at Santuari de Lluc. You might be unfamiliar with Lluc and it might not be something that really piques your interest if you aren’t catholic, but I think it is a well worth stop for any travelers. The drive through the mountains is unlike anything you’ll ever experience and the remote location of the santuari is a nice escape. Now what is Lluc exactly? Lluc is the pilgrimage site of the Black Madonna. The story behind it is that in the 13th century a young boy named Lluc found a statue of the Black Madonna in the mountains. After bringing it to the priest in his village to be displayed the statue disappeared and returned to its spot in the mountains which is where the Santuari de Lluc was built. Lluc is also a great place to learn about Mallorcan culture as the island’s catholic identity has heavily influenced its culture. Aside from the basilica with the statue of the Black Madonna, there is a museum, lots of hiking trails, gardens and of course the gift shop to explore.

Travel to Sa Calobra to spend the afternoon on a beach

The next thing you are going to do this day is visit Sa Calobra. This is one of the most awe striking beaches in not only Mallorca, but the world. There isn’t a whole lot to Sa Calobra other that the beach, Cala Sa Calobra. There are a few restaurants and cafes where you can get an ice cream (which I highly recommend). To get to the beach you have to walk through a tunnel to the beach which is surrounded by rocks. Its more of a rocky beach than a sandy beach, but you could still spend awhile here resting by the water. In between these rocks you have one of the most amazing views of the mountains you may ever see.

Finish up the day in Alcúdia

After you’ve spent enough time on the beach you will continue your drive through the mountains and end the day in Alcúdia on the northeastern edge of Mallorca. Alcúdia is another great beach town (if you can’t make it to the beach in Sa Calobra). If you are visiting when it is too chilly to go to the beach then no worries because there is plenty to see in the town as well. They have a nice weekend market which is a great place to get yourself or others some souvenirs. The old town is a beautiful spot to explore. The old city walls are still intact and you can even walk them. While this was not open when I visited, you can also see part of the old Roman city at Ruines Romanes de Pollentia. This Mallorcan town has a lot of history and culture to explore. 

If traveling via public transportation then:

If you don’t have a car then you will probably have to skip Lluc and Sa Calobra, but no worries because then you get to take your time leaving Soller and get to spend a bit more time in Alcúdia. Sadly there isn’t a bus that goes through this area right from Soller to Alcúdia, but its less that two hours via bus with a stop in Palma. First you would take the 204 and then the 302. This still gives you plenty of time in Alcúdia, so no need to worry! Once you are there you can do any of the previously suggested Alcúdia activities.

• Travel to Alcudia
• Spend the day exploring the city, its walls, and the old Roman ruins
• Visit the beach for an afternoon by the water

Day 6: Alcúdia and Pollença

Take a day trip to Pollença

Not far from Alcúdia we have Pollença which definitely rivals in architecture and scenery. You can take the 322 bus or the 231 for a little over half hour to get here. You really only need half a day here, so I would recommend going in the morning and then staying for lunch. I went for their yearly market, which they call Fira in Mallorca. This Fira included artisan jewelry and crafts as well as art and lots of food options. I highly recommend trying Bunyols at any of the markets in Mallorca. Obviously this doesn’t happen often so even though it was one of the best markets I have been to and would highly recommend, the chances of it occurring while you are there are low. No need to panic though because there are a lot of other great things to see and do in the town. They also do happen to have a weekly market on Sundays! I will get into a few of my favorites, but know you can also visit El Pont Romà or hike Puig de Maria.

Visit Nostra Senyora Dels Angels church

This church is a beautiful gothic church near Plaça Major. It honors Michael the Archangel and Virgin Mary. It was founded in the 13th century and was the reason Pollença came to be, as the town was built around the church. It has an interesting history as it was given to the Knights Templar, which was a well known Christian military, during the conquest of Mallorca by the king of Spain. The inside includes more Baroque pieces of art and architecture since its changes in the 18th century. It is a lovely church and while it is not on every list for what to see in Pollença, if you are Catholic and love old churches, then you need to stop in.

Walk the Calvari Steps

You absolutely cannot skip the Calvari Steps. I know 365 steps might seem like a lot and it is really warm outside, but you can’t give up on these steps. They are one of my favorite places in Mallorca. That may be partly because I stumbled upon them and my friend and I met some interesting people along these steps, but they also have great significance and an amazing view of the town and the sea. The journey also matters. There are beautiful trees, homes, and gardens along the way to fuel your ambitions. At the top you will find an 18th century church. If you follow the path around the church then you will see the view you were working hard for. Then the way down is much easier.

Enjoy lunch in the terrace seating of one of the many restaurants or cafes

In Plaça Major you will find many restaurants with terraces that you have to sit and dine at. There really is nothing like a glass of white wine on the terrace of a restaurant in a Mallorcan small town. Take some time to slow down and just enjoy a meal here. Its the Spanish way.

Return to Alcúdia to spend the afternoon exploring more of the city or on the beach

If you didn’t get to spend much time in Alcúdia the day before, then this is your chance to explore a bit more. Otherwise Alcúdia does have a beach so this afternoon would be perfect for getting in some beach time as well. I do recommend making sure you do spend some time walking around the city, especially the walls, because this is one of the most unique cities in Mallorca.

Day 7: Alcudia to Capdepera and Cala Rajada

Travel from Alcúdia to Capdepera to visit the Castle of Capdepera

You should spend the morning in Capdepera. If traveling visa bus then take the 334 from Alcúdia to Capdepera. The town itself is very cute and worth exploring but what you really need to see here is the castle. The castle was built in the 14th century under King Jaume II to protect inhabitants from pirates. It became a military complex in the 18th century and then was later abandoned until the late 20th century when it became protected as the sight it is now. It is a bit of a walk up the hill, but completely worth it. I have been to a lot of castles, but this one was one of my favorites. You will know you are going the right way when you see a sign pointing you to the Castell, the Mallorcan word for Castle. Enter in the grand entrance, pay a few euros, and enjoy the inside of this medieval castle. There will be more climbing once you are inside, but there is plenty to look at and photo opportunities to distract you! This is one of the best views you will have in any of the places you will visit in Mallorca. The castle also makes for a well rounded trip, so that you get your history fix!

Spend the afternoon at the beach of Cala Ratjada and enjoy a night on a Mallorcan resort.

I went to a few beaches during my time in Mallorca. Each one has its demographic. Some are more touristy than others and some you will find more Spaniards, Germans, or Brits. Cala Ratjada was actually one of my favorites even though it was very heavy on the tourist side. Luckily it was only German tourists which are typically good tourists! Cala Ratjada is just a short ride on the 424 bus from Capdepera. Cala Ratjada is definitely a beach town and a touristy one at that. Imagine resorts, but the scenery makes you not even notice them. There are quite a few places you can go to sit by the seaside here. It it definitely worth spending the night here and enjoy being a tourist for a little bit.

Some pictures to inspire an extension 😉

Day 8: Cala Ratjada to Manacor to Santanyí

• Stop in Manacor on the way to Santanyí
  • Walk around the town
  • Do some shopping
• Spend the afternoon in Santanyí

Day 9: Santanyí to Cap de ses Salines and Colònia de Sant Jordi

• Take a day trip from Santanyí to the most southern point of Mallorca
• Visit the cliffs at Cala Llombards
• Spend some time on the beach at Colònia de Sant Jordi

Day 10: Santanyí to Llucmajor to Palma

• Make your way back to Palma with a stop in Llucmajor to stretch your legs
• Travel home or spend some more time exploring Palma

This wraps up my suggested itinerary from Mallorca. To see a bit more in depth about each place, check out my Spain page to learn a bit more about Mallorca. I hope if you are planning a trip to Mallorca that you have an amazing time! Otherwise I hope this has inspired you to check out the hidden gem that is the island of Mallorca. I promise its worth the trip!