Mallorca is one of the jewels of the Mediterranean thanks to its combination of nature, history, and culture. The Balearic Islands offer options for all types of tourists, from a short getaway to a three-day or longer itinerary.
If you want to visit the island but don’t have much time, here’s a 3-day itinerary through Mallorca that passes through picturesque villages and coves with crystal-clear waters.
Day 1: Palma de Mallorca and the Spanish Village
The route begins in Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital. The city is small, but it’s recommended to spend at least a few hours exploring the old town, where you’ll find the Cathedral of Santa María, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and the La Lonja neighborhood. Palma’s charm lies in its cobblestone streets and lively squares.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Spanish Village, a miniature recreation of Spanish architecture and culture. This site offers visitors the opportunity to explore replicas of buildings, squares, and monuments from all over Spain. You can have tapas in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor or visit the Alhambra in Granada just a few meters away.
Mallorca’s seafront promenade is another of the city’s attractions. You can relax as you leave the Spanish Village and enjoy the sunset by the sea before trying Mallorcan cuisine.
Day 2: Route of the villages of the Sierra de Tramontana
The next day, you can begin the route to the Sierra de Tramontana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route is perfect for driving enthusiasts thanks to the winding mountain roads with panoramic views. The route has some viewpoints off the road where you can stop for a rest or take some photos.
Once you enter the Sierra de Tramontana, head to Valldemossa, a village steeped in history and surrounded by nature. The Charterhouse of Valldemossa is a must-see; the composer Frédéric Chopin lived here.
Sóller is a must-see, a town surrounded by mountains and valleys full of orange and olive groves. The town’s biggest attraction is the historic Sóller train to Puerto de Sóller, which allows you to enjoy a journey through tunnels through nature.
Deià is also one of the most beautiful towns on the island. It’s also located near the coast and stands out for its rocky cliffs and cobblestone streets. You can visit the church of San Juan Bautista.
Other beautiful towns to visit in the Tramuntana Mountains include Escorca, Fornalutx, Estellencs, La Calobra, and Pollença. It’s impossible to visit them all in one afternoon, so it’s advisable to choose two or three towns in one day and explore them at your leisure.
Day 3: Cape Formentor and Alcudia
Cape Formentor is located at the northern tip of the island and is one of the most impressive places in Mallorca. You can visit the Formentor Lighthouse, 200 meters high, offering spectacular panoramic views. Then, relax on Formentor Beach, famous for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.
The Es Colomer and Talaia d’Albercutx viewpoints and Cala Figuera are other stops. If you don’t have a car, you can make the most of the day and book one of the boat trips or a panoramic tour of Formentor offered by countless companies in the area.
Alcudia is one of Mallorca’s must-see towns and has recently been included on the list of the most beautiful towns in Spain. The town is located between the peninsulas of the Bays of Pollensa and Alcudia.
You can explore the historic center and venture further afield to explore the walls of this medieval town and visit the Church of Sant Jaume.
The Best of Mallorca’s Gastronomy
You can make the most of your trip and try the local cuisine. These are some of the island’s typical dishes:
- Sobrasada: This Mallorcan sausage is made with pork, paprika, and spices. It is often spread on toast or used as an ingredient in various dishes.
- Paella mallorquina: Inspired by Valencian paella, this Mallorcan version combines rice with seafood and local meats such as rabbit or chicken.
- Frito mallorquín: This typical Mallorcan dish is a mixture of liver, lamb, potatoes, and peppers, all seasoned with aromatic herbs.
- Ensaimada: This is a fluffy, spiral-shaped sweet pastry that can be filled with cream, angel hair, or chocolate.
- Tumbet: This dish combines layers of eggplant, potato, and oven-roasted red pepper. The mixture is topped with a homemade tomato sauce and gratinated with cheese.
