Mallorca is one of the most visited destinations in Spain when summer arrives. This is due to the combination of inland nature, the quality of its beaches, the gastronomy, and the range of leisure activities the island offers.
If you’re thinking about taking a trip to the island, here’s what to see in Mallorca in 7 days, how to get around the island, and some of the best beaches.
Day 1: Palma de Mallorca
Our route begins in Palma de Mallorca. The city is small, but the old town is worth exploring, where you’ll find the Cathedral of Santa María, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and a stroll through the La Lonja neighborhood. Palma’s charm lies in its cobblestone streets, so the best way to discover it is on foot. Another must-see in the capital is Bellver Castle, where the views of Palma are simply spectacular.
Palma is full of local pastry shops where you can try the typical Mallorcan ensaimadas. The perfect plan for the afternoon is to walk along the Paseo Marítimo and enjoy the sunset by the sea. On the first day the best option is to stay in Palma to take advantage of the start of the trip.
To get the most out of your trip around the island the best option is to rent a car to have total freedom and reach hidden coves, although if you prefer you can move to almost all the towns with public transport.
Day 2: Tramontana Mountains
We opted to rent a car and head to the Sierra de Tramuntana on our second day on the road. The Sierra de Tramuntana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, and is a dream place for nature lovers and hikers.
Mallorca’s roads are good, although somewhat winding, as they often cross mountains or follow the undulations of the cliffs. Some of the must-see towns on a route around the island are Valldemossa, Sóller, and Deià. You can stroll through the cobblestone streets or take one of the many hiking trails in the Tramontana Mountains.
For the night, you can choose a rural mountain hotel in any of the villages that make up the Tramontana Mountains to enjoy the tranquility of nature, or return to Palma. It’s recommended to have at least two accommodations, one on each side of the island, to avoid long car journeys.
Day 3: Northwest Coast
If you choose to travel by car, continue the route towards the northwest coast of the island. Along the way, you can stop at hidden beaches such as Cala Tuent and Cala Deià. Another option is to spend the day in Sóller and Puerto de Sóller. You can get there from Palma de Mallorca using the historic Mallorca train and then the tram to the port.
That day, we stayed at the same accommodation in the Tramontana Mountains, or if you prefer, you can stay in Palma de Mallorca.
Day 4: Beaches in the East of Mallorca
On the fourth day, it’s time to head east to enjoy some of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches. In this area, you can explore beaches like Alcúdia and the s’Albufera Natural Park, offering countless activities (hiking trails, paradores for a barbecue, birdwatching, horseback riding, snorkeling, etc.).
Other interesting options are Cala Millor and Cala Ratjada, where you can enjoy crystal-clear waters, rent a catamaran and explore the cliffs, or practice water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking. This area is a little further from Palma de Mallorca, so you can look for accommodation in this part of the island if you haven’t yet left.
Day 5: Cuevas del Hams and Porto Cristo
The Cuevas del Hams in Porto Cristo are another of Mallorca’s most visited sites. Here, you can admire stalactites and stalagmites on a guided tour of an underground environment. Afterwards, you can try the local cuisine at one of the restaurants in Porto Cristo. You can take advantage of your visit to the Cuevas del Hams to visit the Dinosaurland dinosaur park.
Our route will continue through the south of the island, so we decided to stay in Porto Cristo and enjoy a nighttime stroll around the port.
Day 6: Beaches of Southern Mallorca
Arriving at the end of the trip we decided to enjoy a relaxing day on the beaches of the south of Mallorca. Our first stop was Cala d’Or to start our day. Later we drove to the beach of Es Trenc, an earthly paradise, with miles of white sand and crystal clear water. The feeling of being in an almost virgin place is incomparable. In the afternoon we decided to backtrack and spend the evening in the village of Santanyí, where we spent the night.
Day 7: Llucmajor and Back
On the last day, we began our journey back to the capital and decided to stop halfway in Llucmajor, where we decided to lose ourselves in its streets and market. In the afternoon we started our journey back to Palma.
If you’re planning a trip to Mallorca, our recommendation is a 7-day road trip around Mallorca, where you can enjoy the island’s charms at your leisure. Choose three accommodations around the island to make getting around more convenient. Enjoy your trip and don’t hesitate to tell us about your experience.
