Authentic Mallorca Itinerary: 5 to 14 Days in Mallorca

Oh, Mallorca! You are a dream.

Your picturesque villages, local markets, hiking trails and breathtaking beaches lured us to return – this time for a three-week trip.

For such a small place, there are a zillion things to do on Mallorca.

Plus, there are many delightful towns and resort areas on Spain’s most popular Balearic island (with loads of great hotels and accommodations).

Ready to dive into your tailor-made Mallorca itinerary? Grab a glass of sangria to get in the mood, and let’s do this!

Planning your Mallorca itinerary

Mallorca is also spelled Majorca.

How many days in Mallorca, Spain?

If you live in Europe, it’s easy to jet in for a quick 3 days in Mallorca – you’ll probably want to just stay put in the capital city, Palma de Mallorca.

Have more time, say 5 days in Mallorca? Maybe split your time between Palma de Mallorca and a beach town.

One week in Mallorca is even better. We stayed for 8 nights our first visit (in three different places). You can get a good taste of the island in a week.

If you’re coming from the United States or North America, you might want to do a 2-week or 10-day Mallorca itinerary. And you still won’t see it all!  

Gosh, we had 3 weeks in Mallorca this time and want to return for more – and it was our second visit!

To help you with your trip planning, we’ve outlined different itineraries below – for 5, 7, 10 and 14 days in Mallorca.

How to get around Mallorca without a car

Most travel guides say you need to rent a car to get around the island.

But with its narrow, twisty roads sans shoulders and parking nightmares, driving around Mallorca isn’t for the faint of heart.

Actually, for the most part, getting around Mallorca without a car is a breeze – and our Mallorca itinerary without a car proves it.

We booked private transfers between our five bases.

The cost was less than if we’d rented a car for the whole time. Not to mention, it was a stress-free way to enjoy our Mallorca road trip.

We only rented a car for three days in Santanyi (more on that below).

The rest of the time, we walked, did tours, took a few taxis and hopped on local buses. (Mallorca’s bus system is good and reliable.)

What about taxis in Mallorca?

Don’t count on them.

Outside of Palma de Mallorca, there aren’t enough taxis to service the whole island. Often they have to come from the capital, so you could end up waiting for a long time. Or they just might not be available (or show up) at all.

Our 3-week Mallorca itinerary

On this trip to Mallorca, we stayed away from Magaluf (party central) and explored the northwest, northeast and east coasts, along with Palma on the south coast.

Deia itinerary

Every guide to Mallorca talks about Deia.

In fact, it’s often the starting point for a Mallorca trip – or even the sole base.

Perched in the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountains, near the west coast, tiny Deia is a great spot for stellar coastal views.

Nestled between olive groves and rugged cliffs, this magical town has always attracted writers and artists to its cobblestone streets.

Deia itinerary: Day 1 (Deia town and Cala Deia)

Morning: Explore the town of Deia

Wander the quaint streets and pop into all the art galleries and boutiques.

The town’s most famous resident was the British war poet, Robert Graves. The home he shared with his wife, Beryl, is now a museum (La Casa de Robert Graves) dedicated to his life and work.

Afternoon: Hike down to Cala Deia

After a lazy morning wandering the town, head to Cala Deia, a scenic cove with crystal clear water and a rocky beach.

We’ve hiked two different routes down to the cove. Both take about 30 minutes each way.

• Take the road down in front of the Belmond La Residencia hotel.
• Take the country path in front of Hotel Es Moli – it’s much more picturesque.

Actually, the hike down is more interesting than Cala Deia itself.

Ever since it was named one of the best beaches in Mallorca, it’s gotten too crowded for our liking.

Go for the views and perhaps stay for lunch at Ca’s Patro March. If you don’t mind crowds, have a swim after.

Otherwise, head back up and get ready for dinner.

Deia itinerary: Day 2 (Valldemossa)

Spend Day 2 of your Majorca itinerary stepping back in time in the historical town of Valldemossa.

This medieval village is known for its narrow cobblestone streets and golden brick houses. It’s nestled into the hilltop and surrounded by rolling hills for days. It’s the perfect place to discover the authentic side of Mallorca.

Stroll through the town center and find quirky shops, small cafés and art galleries.

One of the highlights of this village is the Valldemossa Charterhouse. It’s the original palace built in 1309 by the first king of Mallorca, Jamie II, for his son Sancho I.

After nearly 90 years as a royal residence, it was handed over to Carthusian monks to use as a monastery. But after a few centuries, the monks outgrew their home and created an adjoining bigger and better monastery. 

Finally, in 1835, the Spanish state took the monastery over and sold parts of it to individuals to make it their home.

Many famous people lived here during this time, like Frederic Chopin and George Sand, whose home is now a museum.

Deia itinerary: Day 3 (La Muleta)

It’s been a rough couple of days exploring. You deserve a well-earned break.

La Muleta is just the place to do it. It’s a private seaside cove used by Hotel es Moli – reason enough to stay here (more on that below).  

Only guests can use the cove and must make a reservation, which is free. It’s a 25-minute drive in the hotel’s minivan along an impossibly narrow, winding cliffside road to La Muleta.

Alternative Deia itinerary (Day 3): Hike to Soller

The hike to Soller is about eight miles. It’s about 3½ hours one way through olive groves and along sections of the coast.

It’s a relatively easy hike, not much up and down, but tiring enough you’ll want to take a bus back to Deia.

Where to stay in Deia

Hotel Es Moli

La Muleta isn’t the only reason to stay at the 4-star Hotel Es Moli. It’s also a very comfortable place to stay in Deia.

Mind you, the family-run boutique hotel has quirks – like the stone windows-cum-doors we crawled through to access our terrace with loungers and a table.

The breakfast buffet is yum with fresh-squeezed OJ, coconut cake and an omelet station.

Other recommended places to stay in Deia

• Belmond La Residencia – We stayed here on our first trip to Mallorca. As you’d expect from a Belmond property, it’s a 5-star indulgence. The building dates back to the 16th century. But it has more modern amenities than you can imagine – think tennis coaching sessions and donkey excursions through the olive groves.
• Sa Pedrissa – Once the home of Archduke Louis Salvador of Austria, this beautiful old villa with 9 rooms is a short drive from Deia. (You’ll need a car to stay here.)

Where to eat in Deia

Trattoria Italiana

Follow in our footsteps and sit on Trattoria Italiana’s al fresco patio for a goat cheese salad and perfectly al dente homemade veal tagliatelle. The food is divine. The views are otherworldly.

Café Miro

Named after the famous Spanish artist Joan Miro, Café Miro is as elegant as the Belmond La Residencia (it’s one of the hotel’s restaurants).

We had lunch on the outside terrace under a towering arching tree, with views of the surrounding green hills.

Ca’s Patro March

Go for lunch after your hike down to Cala Deia. It’s a little over-rated, considering its prices. Still, its setting is so paradisiacal it was featured in The Night Manager mini-series starring Tom Hiddleston.

Soller itinerary

Soller, one of our favorite towns in Mallorca, is a world apart from nearby Deia, just 20 minutes away.

It is larger, buzzing with restaurants in its historic heart and has lots of charming rural fincas to stay. It’s also the perfect base for some epic hikes.

Soller itinerary: Day 1 (Port Soller)

Hop on the vintage tram from Soller to explore the charming seaside town of Port Soller, before ending the day on its two sandy beaches.

Near the yacht-filled harbor, the main beach has a long stretch of fine light sand, lapped by calm waters. Platja d’en Repic is the quieter beach.

You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas (or the use of palapas for shade) at both beaches.

Soller itinerary: Day 2 (Cala Tuent)

Hopefully, you rested well yesterday because today is a big hiking day! You’re hiking from Mirador de Ses Barques to Cala Tuent.

The 7½-mile hike (one way) takes you through olive and citrus groves, with the Tramuntana mountains towering above you. Later, after a tough 40-minute uphill slog, you follow a coastal path along high cliffs, with amazing ocean views.

At Cala Tuent, go for a swim, get a drink at the Es Vergeret café-and-restaurant, then catch the late afternoon Sa Calobra boat to Port de Soller.

It’s hands-down the best hike in Mallorca.

Soller itinerary: Day 3 (Fornalutx)

We told you we’re all about hiking. So, today is another trek to Fornalutx, then Biniaraix and back to Soller.

The 5½-mile loop is not the 3-hour stroll you might expect. For us, it was a 4½-hour trek!

Start with a climb through citrus groves, with the majestic Tramuntana mountains towering above you. In Fornalutx (often referred to as the prettiest village in Mallorca), stop for juice or coffee and cake.

Alternative Soller itinerary (Day 3): Hike to Son Mico and Port Soller

Here’s another equally fabulous but less popular trek than yesterday’s. 

Start at the Repsol gas station on the west side of Soller, then hike through pine forests and olive groves.

Roughly 2½ hours later, you’ll hit Son Mico Café. Indulge in their heavenly tarts (made from French butter). Then re-energized, trek another 1½ hours to Port de Soller.

Hop on the tram to get back to Soller.

Where to stay in Soller

Santanyi itinerary

We thought the west coast of Mallorca was a beautiful place – and then we discovered Santanyi.

On the southeast coast, it’s a mesmerizing ancient town with ochre buildings that seem to glow in the brilliant sunlight.

It’s less touristy than Deia and Soller – though it’s definitely on the tourist map, now that the fabulous Can Ferrereta boutique hotel (see below) has opened its doors in Santanyi.

Santanyi is the only place we rented a car in Mallorca, and VIMA Rent a Car in Cala Figuera made it super easy. They even picked us up and dropped us off at our Santanyi hotel.

Santanyi itinerary: Day 1 (Santanyi town and Cala Figuera)

Morning: Enjoy the street market in Santanyi

Come here on a Wednesday when this sleepy town of 3,000 becomes a bustling hotspot.

Every café is packed with holidaymakers haggling at market stalls for quality crafts and souvenirs. Jewelry? Leather sandals? Hand-weaved shawls? You can find it here!

Don’t miss the stalls near the church selling local artisanal foods.

Afternoon: Explore Cala Figuera

Cala Figuera is a working harbor town at the end of a fjord-like inlet that’s retained its heritage as a picturesque fishing village.

Somehow, time has stopped here. So, take advantage of it and wander slowly around the photo-worthy harbor and seaside promenade.

We first stopped for sangria – it was a hot afternoon, don’t judge! Then came the walk around the harbor. Sometimes we had to step over the lapping sea as its wavelets swallowed the footpath.

We also watched the llauts (typical fishing boats) floating in with the day’s catch.

Santanyi itinerary: Day 2 (Mondrago Natural Park and Cala D’Or)

Morning: Hike to the beaches in Mondrago Natural Park

This morning is all about beach-hopping.

But instead of taking a boat, Mondrago Natural Park makes it easy with walking paths. Each path is under an hour to walk.

S’Amarador Beach

We parked our rental car in the S’Amarador Beach parking lot.

The stony trail along the coastal cliff will lead you to the beach. It’s quite natural, but it does have a beach bar.

Cala Mondrago

From S’Amarador, we walked to Cala Mondrago (or Calo Sa Font d’en Alis). But if you don’t want to walk, you can drive and park in the lot there, or take the bus from Cala D’Or.

Since this is the most accessible beach, there’s a bar and a restaurant, and you can rent SUP boards and sunbeds.

We won’t blame you if you don’t want to tear yourself away from the fine white sand and crystal-clear aquamarine water.

La volta a da Guardia d’en Garrot Hike

If all that relaxing makes you antsy, take this gorgeous coastal walk around the headland from Cala Mondrago to a third tiny cove, Calo des Burgit.

You just might have it all to yourself.

Afternoon: Visit Cala D’Or

Next is Cala D’Or, a lovely little town with several beaches, various beach clubs and lots of restaurants.

It’s about a 20-minute drive from Mondrago Natural Park, or you can hop a public bus from S’Amarador Beach.

Santanyi itinerary: Day 3 (Calo des Moro and Cala S’Almunia)

Morning: Swim at Calo des Moro and Cala s’Almunia

These beaches require some light trail walking.

Steep concrete steps are in the mix to get down to Cala s’Almunia, supposedly 121 steps, though it didn’t feel like that to us.

Watch the cliff diving at Cala s’Almunia, then don your water shoes and slide into the water from the rocky shore for a delicious swim.     

Then head to the tiny sandy stretch of Calo des Moro – a short walk away – for more floating time at possibly the most beautiful beach on the entire island.

Just be aware that the trail to get down from the cliffs to Calo des Moro is very steep. It had rained the day before we went, and the red dirt path down to the small beach was muddy and slippery – so we gave it a pass.

We soaked up the gorgeous views from the top though!

Afternoon: Relax at your hotel pool

If you stay where we did at Can Ferrereta, you might never leave that pool. It’s perfection.

Other best things to do in Santanyi

Visit Ses Saline and Es Trenc Beach

This is a 2-fer.

Ses Saline, a cute traditional town, is near some of the world’s oldest salt pans and worth an exploratory visit.

However, if you’re looking for Caribbean beach vibes, keep going to Es Trenc Beach. Its long stretch of powder white sand and teal water gets very crowded, so go during the week if you can.

Take a RIB boat tour from Cala Figuera

If you don’t want to trek the 121 steps down to Calo des Moro and Cala s’Almunia (and back up), take this exciting Zodiac-style boat tour from Cala Figuera.

You’ll also stop at Cala Marmols – it also lays claim to being the best beach in Mallorca. It’s only accessible by boat.

Where to stay in Santanyi

Can Ferrereta

You should stay at Can Ferrereta.

Other recommended places to stay in Santanyi

• S’Hotelet de Santanyi – This charming 5-room hotel in the heart of Santanyi doesn’t have quite the cachet of Can Ferrereta, but it’s easier on the wallet (and also gets top reviews).
• Fontsanta Hotel & Thermal Spa – Close to Es Trenc Beach, this 5-star countryside hotel isn’t in Santanyi. But it’s only a 20-minute drive away and is worth mentioning for its amazing thermal spa.

Where to eat in Santanyi

Es Moli de Santanyi

Es Moli de Santanyi is the most popular tapas place and deserves its reputation.

Housed in a 300-year-old mill, the rustic, dimly lit interior is super cozy. But the romantic garden courtyard tables are the way to go, especially on a warm evening. If you can, snag one.

Henry Likes Pizza

This place is unlike any pizza place we’ve seen. Henry Likes Pizza Santanyi has a breathtaking outdoor garden that serves way more than pizza, including some fine dining dishes and craft cocktails.

Puerto Pollensa itinerary

Puerto Pollensa, also known as Port Pollensa, is a pleasant coastal town nestled along the Bay of Pollensa.

With attractive gold sand beaches, it’s a favorite among British tourists. Many are repeat visitors who are quite happy to plan their whole 7-day Mallorca itinerary staying put in Puerto Pollensa.

Because it’s one of the most popular resort areas in Mallorca, we’ve written a whole article on what you can do in Puerto Pollensa.

Here are our suggestions for a 3-day Puerto Pollensa visit.

Puerto Pollensa itinerary: Day 1 (Pollenca town and beach)

Morning: Visit the town of Pollensa

Some 3½ miles inland from Puerto Pollensa, the town of Pollensa (or Pollenca)  is a former Roman settlement from 125 BC and one of the prettiest towns in Mallorca.

Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the sandstone houses with green and blue shutters.

Also walk the 365 steps up Calvari Hill for unending views and ice cream at the café on top.

Afternoon: Enjoy the beach!

This area is known for its beaches, so back in Puerto Pollensa, walk along the Pine Walk.

This lovely seaside pedestrian promenade runs from the town center to Hotel Illa D’Or.

There are beaches along the way. Plonk yourself down on the sand and have a swim.

Puerto Pollensa itinerary: Day 2 (Boat trip to Cap de Formentor)

Cap de Formentor is the tip of a rugged peninsula protruding into the sea from the northern side of the Bay of Pollensa.

It has a long sandy beach, shaded by pines, at the base of its soaring cliffs.

Puerto Pollensa itinerary: Day 3 (Hike to Cala Boquer)

Today you’re going to hike from Puerto Pollensa, along a trail in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain valley, to the beach cove of Cala Boquer.

Other recommended places to stay in Puerto Pollensa

• MarSenses Puerto Pollensa Hotel – This contemporary adults-only, all-suite hotel with kitchenettes is a block away from the beach (but half the price of Hotel Illa D’Or).
• Can Auli Luxury Retreat – On the edge of Pollensa town, this luxurious 5-star retreat for adults looks gorgeous. (You’ll probably want a car to stay here.)

Where to eat in Puerto Pollensa

Mol de Bellagio

Go here for the sweet potato gnocchi with pork cheeks, and stay for the homemade pizza in the charming courtyard of Mol de Bellagio.

No. 31 Restaurant

Secreted away in a back street is the candle-lit No. 31 Restaurant, a Mediterranean fusion spot with a twist. Expect dishes like clams in a coconut-and-lemongrass broth and Mallorcan lamb shoulder (big enough for two).

Abbaco Natural Food & Sushi

We get it if you’re craving sushi after lounging on so many beaches. And so does Abbaco. Enjoy fresh and organic dishes (with vegetarian options) in a seafront locale.

Palma de Mallorca itinerary

You’ll arrive at the Palma de Mallorca Airport, so you should start or finish your Mallorca trip in Palma.

Palma itinerary: Day 1 (Cathedral and Palma town)

Morning: Visit the Cathedral and Royal Palace of La Almudaina

This morning, you’ll visit the most famous Palma de Mallorca attractions: the Palma Cathedral (known as La Seu) and the Royal Palace La Almudaina.

Thankfully, they are right beside each other, so it’s a leisurely morning. Especially if you book ahead and skip the line with these Cathedral tickets.

Afternoon: Wander the streets of Palma

Now that you have the important cultural stuff out of the way, it’s time to get lost in the streets of the Old Town, and you will.

It could take you a whole weekend in Mallorca (maybe more!) to explore the labyrinth of Palma’s Old Town. But how else will you find all those fabulous shoe stores?

Some of the best places to see in Palma de Mallorca?

• Passeig del Born – A tree-lined boulevard in the center of town with rows of shops and elegant buildings
• Can Corbella – One of the city’s most unique buildings, dating back to the 19th century and built in a pre-modernist, neo-Mudejar style. (Look up to see the stained glass windows framed by arches.)
• Fundacio La Caixa – The old modernist Gran Hotel turned cultural center, café and museum.

If you’re ready to give your feet a break, do what we did and hop on the hop-on, hop-off bus. You’ll get a 24-hour ticket with 16 stops and entry to Bellver Castle.

Be sure to grab the complimentary earphones to learn about the attractions en route in your own language.

Palma itinerary: Day 2 (Soller)

If you haven’t included Soller on your Mallorca travel itinerary as a place to stay, take a day trip from Palma on the century-old wooden Soller train.

It’s a one-hour ride through 13 tunnels in the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains.

Palma itinerary: Day 3 (S’Arenal)

Up for some bicycling?

Rent a bike for 15 Euros (about $16.50 USD) and spend the day freewheeling along the 8-mile Paseo Maritimo.

This two-lane seaside bicycle path runs from Palma to El Arenal, passing several beaches along the way.

It’s an entirely flat ride, so it’s safe and easy for most people (if you can stay on the bike after a couple of sangrias, which you’ll want at a café or resto along the way).

We rented from Nano Bicycles in the Old Town, but there are lots of bike rental shops in town and near the start of the bicycle path.

Alternative Palma itinerary (Day 3): E-bike tour

Another option is to discover the Old Town of Palma on this highly-rated half-day e-bike tour.

You’ll glide around Palma and beyond, covering a little more than 16 miles and many top attractions, including Bellver Castle, Convento de Santa Clara, the Cathedral and the Basilica de Sant Francesc.

Can Bordoy

Ready for some elegance at Can Bordoy in Old Town?

Think 1940s Hollywood with its crystal chandeliers, velvet drapes, black-painted wood floors and gold fixtures.

Where to eat in Palma de Mallorca

Whether you’re visiting Mallorca for a week (or, lucky you, have 2 weeks in Mallorca!), you’ll have no problem gaining a few pounds from all the scrumptious food.

Not surprisingly, many of the best restaurants in Mallorca are found in the capital.

Botanic Garden Restaurant

Go at night to the Botanic Garden Restaurant (in the Can Bordoy hotel) and sit in the lush garden courtyard for some romance.

With a tagline like, “Green is the new sexy,” you expect veggie-forward lusciousness. And that it was.

There are tasting menus to choose from. But this time, we had the octopus tacos, cauliflower tabbouleh with crispy quinoa, leeks with black truffle hollandaise and bluefin tuna belly with beets.

Bistro Esencia

Bistro Esencia is a boho wine bar just outside of Old Town. They turn their menu up a notch with things like seafood cappuccino and risotto with beetroot and rose essence.

La Vieja

You know La Vieja has to be something special since it’s in the Michelin Guide. We loved the cool graffitied walls and the Canary Island cuisine blended with a Mallorcan touch.

Best time to visit Mallorca

If you want hot days and breezy nights, there is only one time to plan your itinerary for Mallorca – the summer months (aka high season).

Late May and early October are also good months with fewer crowds, but it’ll be cooler (actually perhaps more bearable).

The temps were still in the 80s F for us in early October on our second visit. And, yes, you can still swim in the sea in October!

Last words on visiting Mallorca

Whether you’ve got one week in Mallorca or the luxury of a full 14-day Mallorca itinerary, prepare to feel all the amor for Mallorca we do!

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Photo credits: 2 to 4, 5, 12 to 14, 15, 17 to 19, 20 to 25, 27 to 29, 30 to 33, 35 to 45, 47, 51, 52, 54, 59, 60, 62 to 68 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase

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