3 Days in Mallorca Itinerary (Complete Island Guide + Map)

A perfect itinerary for 3 days in Mallorca (+ a map of all must-see places, the best beaches and how to get around the island).

Mallorca is located in the western Mediterranean Sea, about an hour’s flight away from both Barcelona and Madrid. It is the largest of the Balearic Islands, which includes also Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. Mallorca’s history is a mosaic of civilisations, each leaving its imprint on the island’s culture, architecture, and way of life.

The island is famous for its natural beauty and stunning coastline with crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches. Inland, charming villages offer a glimpse into traditional island life, with their stone houses and local markets.

Foodies won’t be disappointed, too! Food plays a central role in Mallorcan culture, offering fresh seafood and must-try dishes like paella and sobrasada sausage. And, make sure not to skip wine tasting – the island’s vineyards produce some of the best wines in Spain.

Perfect 3-day Mallorca Itinerary

If you’re visiting Mallorca only for 3 days (or a long weekend), I suggest staying in one place and taking day trips to discover the area. You can rent a car or explore the island by public transport. Switching hotels every day eats up precious time with packing and unpacking. Having a single base will maximise your time, and you’ll be able to see more from this gorgeous island.

However, if you plan on spending a week in Mallorca, I suggest dividing your time between Palma, the main town, and a beachside resort. That’s exactly what I did during my week on the island, and it worked out nicely. In this way, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Palma is rich in culture, history, and city life, while the beach resort offers relaxation, water fun, and peaceful coastal vibes. And the best part is, you’ll have the beach right at your doorstep!

This Mallorca itinerary is centred around staying in Palma and taking one or two day trips from there. In case you want to spend more time at the beach, you can easily adjust the itinerary, using Alcúdia as your base.

In my opinion, 3 days in Mallorca is the minimum amount of time to get a taste of the island. This is especially true if you also want to spend some time relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Mallorca is a large island, so it will be hard to see everything in just three days. However, if time is limited (or if you want to extend your stay), I’ve included sample itineraries for exploring the island in 2 or 4 days, right after the 3-day itinerary.

Tips for your 3-day Mallorca itinerary

Accommodation – already booked a hotel? Take a moment to check out my guide on where to stay in Mallorca to ensure you’ve picked the perfect spot.

💖 My favourite hotel in Palma: Hotel Basilica (central location, great rooftop terrace with pool)
My favourite beachfront hotel in Mallorca: Viva Golf (right on the beach, nice swimming pool)

Restaurants – during the peak season in the main town, Palma, securing a walk-in table can be challenging, so make reservations ahead of time. When I went in early June, people were lining up for the popular restaurants half an hour before they even opened.

Mallorca itinerary map

Here you’ll find a map of this 3-day Mallorca itinerary, complete with attractions and restaurant links.

3 Days in Mallorca itinerary – Day 1

The first day of this Mallorca itinerary is dedicated to Palma, the capital and largest town on the island. Palma charmed me with its blend of architectural styles, reminiscent of both Barcelona and Naples. It’s a gorgeous city, rich in history and fantastic food!

The itinerary for the first day includes taking a bus to Bellver Castle. In case you don’t want to deal with public transportation, I suggest taking the hop-on hop-off bus tour, which stops at the castle, too.

Morning

Breakfast at Fika Farina

Duration: 30 min 🕒 09:15 AM – 09:45 AM

Start your first day of this 3-day Mallorca itinerary with breakfast at Fika Farina. This Swedish sourdough bakery offers amazing cinnamon buns, excellent croissants and great coffee.

Another option for breakfast is Maison Legrix, a great French bakery. I loved their famous Palma Roll, especially the pistachio one.

Cathedral of Mallorca

Duration: 1 h 50 min 🕒 10:00 AM – 11:50 AM

The Cathedral of Mallorca, also known as La Seu, is one of the most stunning cathedrals in Europe. It was commissioned by King James I of Aragon in 1229, after its conquest of Mallorca. The construction continued over several centuries until 1601, resulting in a stunning blend of Gothic and Catalan architectural styles.

One of the cathedral’s most striking features is its rose window. It is one of the world’s largest Gothic rose windows, measuring about 12 meters (39 feet) in diameter. Every morning, the cathedral interior is filled with sparkling reflections of colours, it’s truly spectacular.

If you’re visiting on February 2nd or November 11th, make sure not to miss the Light Game of the Eight. Between 8 AM and 9 AM, you can witness the big rose window’s reflection below the other one on the opposite wall, creating a colourful figure eight.

The Cathedral of Mallorca also houses notable works of art. Among them are Antoni Gaudí’s wrought-iron canopy above the altar and a contemporary artwork by Miquel Barceló.

🎟️ Book in advance: lines are often long, so secure your ticket now
Entry ticket: Skip-the-line Cathedral of Mallorca (skip the crowds, with free cancellation)

Even though I’ve visited numerous cathedrals in Europe, I was astonished by how stunning the Cathedral of Mallorca was, both inside and out. So, be sure to take your time and visit the cathedral.

The ticket also includes a free entry to the Museum of Sacred Art (MASM), located next to the cathedral. The museum’s collection features religious paintings from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, intricate altarpieces, sculptures and other religious items.

From May to October, you can visit the cathedral terraces from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and the harbour. Note that there are about 210 steps to the top and no available lift.

Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Duration: 1 h 🕒 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina was originally built as an Arabian fortress, known as Alcázar, during the Islamic period. In the 13th century, when Mallorca came under Christian rule, the palace was transformed into a royal residence. La Almudaina was the seat of the Kingdom of Mallorca until 1349, when the latter was integrated into the Crown of Aragon. Today, the palace is the official summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family in Mallorca.

You can explore its interior, displaying old furniture, artworks, tapestries, and historical items. The ground floor has a medieval style, while the second floor showcases royal designs from the 17th to 19th centuries. Some of the palace’s highlights include the Gothic Hall, the Chapel of Saint Anne and the Arabic Baths.

🎟️ Book in advance: lines are often long, so secure your ticket now
Entry ticket: Skip-the-line Palace of La Almudaina (skip the crowds, with free cancellation)

Plaça de Cort

Duration: 15 min 🕒 12:00 PM – 12:15 PM

On your way to lunch, stop at the famous Plaça de Cort. This historic square is home to the beautiful Ajuntament de Palma, Palma de Mallorca’s city hall. The building dates back to the 17th century and features a mix of architectural styles, including Baroque elements.

At the centre of the square, you’ll find the famous olive tree (known as Olivera de Cort). The tree originally grew in Pollença before being replanted in Palma in 1989 as a symbol of peace. It is believed that the olive tree is over 500 years old.

Lunch at Café Noti

Duration: 1 h 30 min 🕒 12:30 PM – 02:00 PM

For lunch, head to Café Noti. It is my favourite place for brunch in Palma. They serve delicious Eggs Benedict, tasty toasts, sweet treats, and fantastic coffee. I particularly loved their Mediterranean Toast (with burrata and serrano ham) and their Eggs Benedict with serrano ham.

Another option for brunch is Surry Hills Coffee. They offer a variety of toasts featuring seasonal ingredients, egg dishes, and fresh pastries. Personally, I liked their toast with mushrooms and feta cheese.

Afternoon

To reach Bellver Castle from the city centre, you’ll need to catch a bus (the closest stop to the castle is Plaça de Gomila). Then, it’s approximately a 15-minute uphill walk from there. Another option is the hop-on hop-off bus tour, which conveniently includes a stop right at the castle, avoiding the uphill walk altogether.

Initially, Bellver Castle wasn’t on my to-do list because it’s located outside the city centre. However, I managed to include it, and I’m glad I did, as the views from the castle are totally worth it.

Bellver Castle

Duration: 1 h 🕒 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM

Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver) is a stunning fortress from the 14th century. It was built during the reign of King James II of Mallorca to serve as both a royal residence and a defensive stronghold. One of the most distinctive features of Bellver Castle is its circular layout. It is the only circular castle in Spain and one of the rare few in Europe.

The castle’s name Bellver means beautiful view. And indeed, it offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of the Bay of Palma and the Tramuntana Mountains. Nowadays, the Bellver Castle houses the City History Museum (Museu d’Història de la Ciutat de Palma de Mallorca).

Keep in mind that the ticket office is situated outside the castle grounds, about a 5min walk from the entrance, so plan accordingly.

Dinner at El Camino

If you have time to visit only one restaurant in Palma, make it El Camino. It’s an excellent tapas restaurant, my favourite one in the city of Palma. I recommend ordering the tomato bread, Iberian acorn ham, jamon croquettes and the queen scallops. Make sure you try the delicious desserts as well – both the crema catalana and the chocolate tart were amazing.

The place is trendy, so book at least several weeks in advance, especially in the high season.

More ideas for 3 days in Mallorca – Day 1

Enjoy a massage at the Arab baths

Duration: 1 h 30 min

Experience the ancient tradition of Arab baths at Hammam Al Ándalus Palma. Treat yourself to a 90-minute bath session, then enjoy a deep, relaxing massage or skin treatment. Relax in the thermal pool and the eucalyptus-scented steam room. Finish by resting on the warm stone bench and savouring a soothing mint tea.

Llotja de Palma

Duration: 15 min

Llotja de Palma, also known as La Lonja, is an impressive historic building, constructed in the 15th century. Featuring intricate stonework and elegant arches, it is a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Llotja de Palma served as a maritime trading exchange between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Admission is free, so make sure to take a quick look inside.

Spanish Cooking Experience

Duration: 3 h

Join this Spanish Cooking Experience and discover the secrets of the traditional Spanish cuisine from a local chef. You’ll learn to prepare classic Spanish dishes like tortilla española, paella and Catalan cream. Take home the tasty recipes, so you can enjoy these classics time and time again.

Church of Santa Eulàlia

Duration: 20 min

You’ll find the gorgeous Church of Santa Eulàlia a short walk from the Cathedral of Mallorca. Built in 1236, shortly after the Catalan conquest of Mallorca, it is one of the oldest churches in the city. The church became the location for Jaume II’s coronation as the king of Mallorca on September 12, 1276.

One of the most notable features of the Church of Santa Eulalia is its stunning rose window.

Entry to the Church of Santa Eulàlia is free. However, you have to pay a small fee to climb the belfry to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Basilica de Sant Francesc

Duration: 40 min

The Basilica de Sant Francesc and its adjacent monastery are a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Built in 1286, the basilica was originally constructed for the Franciscan order. Inside, you’ll find the tomb of Ramon Llull. He was a famous philosopher and theologian who had a big impact on Mallorca’s culture and thinking in the Middle Ages.

The monastery is known for its beautiful arcaded walkways and serene courtyard. Make sure to visit its halls and cloisters to appreciate the beautiful architecture.

Cake and gelato time

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know my passion for gelato. That’s why I didn’t pass up the chance to try some fantastic gelato in Palma as well. Oh, and also some cakes. But let’s start with the gelato.

For some of the best gelato in Palma, head to Rivareno Heladería. Their gelato is creamy and thick, and they offer some unique flavours like Caramello Croccante and Cremino RivaReno (both of which are my favourites). Make sure also to try the Pistachio flavour – you won’t want to miss it!

For an authentic Basque cheesecake, make your way to Mia & Victoria Pastelería. It’s a little cosy cake shop, which offers a variety of cheesecakes. I tried the classic and pistachio flavours, both wonderfully soft and creamy!

If you’re looking for some quality pastries, Lluís Perez Pastisser is the place to go. Their
Gianduja croissant is a real delight!

3 Days in Mallorca itinerary – Day 2

On the second day of this Mallorca itinerary, you’ll visit the longest beach on the island – Playa de Muro and the small, beautiful town of Alcúdia. You can either drive to Alcúdia or catch bus 302 from Palma Intermodal Station, which will get you to Alcúdia in approximately an hour. Note that the bus station is underground.

Morning

Breakfast at Manjares

Duration: 30 min

Start your day with breakfast at Manjares. They have a great selection of pastries, cakes and excellent coffee. The chocolate dulce de leche cake was fantastic.

Alcúdia Old Town

Situated in the north of Mallorca, Alcúdia is one of the oldest settlements on the island. Its origins can be traced to the Phoenicians and later the Romans, who founded the city of Pollentia in 123 BC.

Alcúdia is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and narrow cobblestone streets, lined with charming traditional houses. You can see the town and its main attractions in just 2 hours. On Tuesdays or Sundays, be sure to check out the bustling market near Portal del Moll and throughout the town’s streets.

Portal del Moll

Duration: 10 min

Portal del Moll is one of the gateways leading into the historic Old Town of Alcúdia. This entrance is part of the medieval walls, which encircle the Old Town. The walls were constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries to protect the town against invaders and pirates.

Church of St. Jaume

Duration: 20 min

Constructed in the 13th century, the Church of St. Jaume is one of the oldest churches in Alcúdia. It was initially built on the site of an ancient mosque after the Christian conquest of Mallorca. The church combines Neo-Gothic architecture with touches of the Baroque style. Church of St. Jaume is famous for its stunning Baroque altarpiece. Made of carved wood and hand-gilded in the 17th century, it portrays the life of Sant Jaume, the city’s patron saint.

Roman Remains of Pollentia

Duration: 1 h

Pollentia was an ancient Roman city founded in 123 BC by the consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus. It was one of the most significant Roman settlements in the Balearic Islands. The archaeological site covers a huge area and contains various remnants and structures from Roman times.

You’ll probably need about an hour to explore everything. The entrance fee also gets you into the Museum Monogràfic de Pollença for free, where you can see artefacts found during the excavations.

Lunch at Bodega Ca’n Pantina

Duration: 1 h 30 min

For lunch, head to Bodega Ca’n Pantina. It’s a great cosy restaurant serving Mallorcan cuisine, fresh fish and paellas. I tried the tomato bread with cheese and ham, along with the croquettes and spicy patatas bravas – absolutely delicious!

Afternoon

Relax at Playa de Muro

Famous for its turquoise waters and sandy shores, Playa de Muro is the longest beach in the Balearic Islands. The beach boasts a long stretch of fine, white sand surrounded by dunes and pine trees. In my opinion, Playa de Muro is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca.

In case you’re travelling without a car, you’ll have to catch bus 302 from Alcúdia to get to the beach (10min journey). Another option is to visit Playa de Alcúdia instead, which is located right between Playa de Muro and the town of Alcúdia. It’s a fantastic sandy beach with clear waters.

Dinner at Can Matevet Restaurante Vermutería

Finish this day trip to Alcúdia with a dinner at Can Matevet Restaurante Vermutería. It’s a lovely restaurant, situated at Port d’Alcúdia. I can recommend the scallops with mari sauce and the chargrilled octopus with sweet potato purée.

More ideas for 3 days in Mallorca – Day 2

Scenic North Coast Catamaran Cruise

Duration: 5 h

Explore Mallorca’s stunning north coast on a catamaran cruise from Port d’Alcudia. Visit secluded coves for snorkelling and swimming, and enjoy breathtaking views, including the Formentor Lighthouse. Discover hidden gems like Es Coll Baix Beach and enjoy the tranquillity of the Bay of Pollença during this unforgettable cruise.

Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Duration: 3 h

If you’re staying overnight in Alcúdia, don’t miss the chance to join this Sunrise at Sea & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour. The tour starts at dawn and will take you along the stunning coast of Mallorca. Admire the beautiful sunrise colours over the water, while looking out for dolphins. The tour also includes delicious breakfasts on board.

Mountain Horse Riding Experience

Duration: 2 h

Join this Mountain Horse Riding Experience and explore the mountainside on horseback. The tour starts at Ranxo Ses Roques, where you’ll visit the petting farm to feed the local farm animals. During the scenic ride, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy stunning views of Alcudia Bay.

Enjoy the views from Cap de Formentor

Duration: 4 h

If you’re planning to spend more than a day in Alcúdia, consider a half-day trip to Cap de Formentor. The peninsula boasts the island’s most spectacular vistas. At the northern tip of the peninsula, you’ll find the famous lighthouse, Far de Formentor.

Note, that during the summer months, the traffic to Cap de Formentor is restricted. You have to take bus line 334 from Alcúdia to get to the peninsula and Far de Formentor.

3 Days in Mallorca itinerary – Day 3

Morning

Catamaran Snorkelling Cruise

Duration: 5 h

On your last day in Mallorca, you’ll discover the spectacular south coast of the island. Join this Catamaran Cruise with swimming and snorkelling, and explore the beautiful coves and beaches along the south coast. Drop anchor at Portals Vells or Cala Vella for a chance to swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters. Finish the cruise with a delicious barbecue meal prepared onboard.

Afternoon

Feel free to choose from my recommendations below based on your interests and preferences. Note that some places might be harder to get to (or take more time) using public transport, so plan accordingly. You may want to rent a car for the day or skip the catamaran cruise in the morning, depending on your plans.

Take a day trip to Valdemossa

Duration: 5 h

Set amidst the magical Tramuntana Mountains, this picturesque town offers stunning views. Valdemossa is famous for its Carthusian Monastery, a former royal residence where the renowned composer Frederic Chopin once stayed. For the best views of the city and the valley, head to Miranda des Lledoners. Also, make sure to visit Forn i Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas and try their famous coca de patata (potato pastry).

How to get to Valdemossa
It’s a 30-minute drive from Palma, or you can also take bus line 203.

If you’re travelling by car, you can combine Valdemossa with Deià, a pretty coastal village with honey-coloured houses with green shutters. It is mostly known as a former home to the famous English poet and writer, Robert Graves. Also, on your way to Deià, stop at Son Marroig, a popular viewpoint. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic cliffs, Son Marroig offers stunning sunset views.

Take a scenic train ride to Sóller

Duration: 5 h

Nested in a green valley, Sóller is surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains. This charming village is famous for its citrus orchards, particularly its sweet oranges. You can tour the citrus groves and learn about the history of the orange trees of Sóller at Ecovinyassa farm. Ecovinyassa is open every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Note that you need to book in advance your visit to Ecovinyassa.

Make sure to also visit the gorgeous 13th-century Sant Bartomeu Church.

How to get to Sóller

• it’s a 40-minute drive from Palma, or you can also take bus line 204
• take a vintage wooden train from Palma, which takes you through the picturesque countryside. From Sóller you can take the historic tram through the orange groves down to Port de Sóller

Relax at the beach

If you’d rather relax on the beach for your final day in Mallorca, take a look at the options I’ve listed below. These are the closest beaches to Palma, easily accessible by bus:

• Platja de Cala Major – the most popular sandy beach near the main city of Palma (30min bus ride from the city centre)
• Playa de Palma – one of the longest beaches in Mallorca (approximately 4.6km or about 2.9 miles in length), located 20min bus ride from the city centre
• Platja de Can Pere Antoni – closest beach to the city centre (30min walk from the city centre or a short bus ride)

Other options, situated at a greater distance from Palma but offering more scenic beaches, include:

• Caló del Moro – it’s a very small, but incredibly beautiful beach with sheer cliffs, white sand and shallow turquoise waters
• Cala Mesquida – sandy beach, perfect for swimming with shallow, crystal-clear water
• Platja de Formentor – white sandy beach, featuring pine forests and views of the Tramuntana mountains
• Platja d’es Trenc – a long, beautiful beach with Caribbean blue waters and bright white sand
• Cala d’Or – consists of several small sandy beaches with clear turquoise waters, nestled among sandstone cliffs. Among them, Playa Cala Gran is the most popular one

Keep in mind that accessing these beaches from Palma via public transport is challenging, so it’s best to rent a car.

Dinner at Wine & Food Restaurant

Finish your last day in Mallorca with dinner at Wine & Food Restaurant. I loved the fact, that they serve single-sized paella, which is not a common thing. I tried the seafood paella and the lamb with honey sobrasada and truffled potatoes, both very tasty.

Another option for dinner is Bar España, a great tapas bar. They specialise in pinchos (small snacks) which you can order right from the bar. They also offer various tapas – I particularly liked the patatas bravas with sobrasada.

More ideas for 3 days in Mallorca – Day 3

Off-Road Quad Bike Tour

Duration: 3 h

Explore Palma’s surroundings on an exciting Off-Road Quad Bike Tour. Have fun while driving through sand and rocky trails. In summer, stop for cliff jumping, swimming and snorkelling or head to Randa Mountain for great views during the winter months.

Scuba Diving in a Marine Nature Reserve

Duration: 3 h 30 min

Join a scuba diving tour for beginners in Cala Delta Bay, a stunning nature reserve. Learn diving techniques guided by experienced professionals. Discover the island’s rich underwater wildlife during an unforgettable diving tour.

Hot Air Balloon Flight

Duration: 2 h 30 min

Float over Mallorca on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight. See the beautiful Tramuntana mountains and the northeast coast villages. Enjoy aerial views of the rugged coastline, while watching the sunrise or sunset from over 900 feet high. Make lasting memories during your Mallorca vacation!

Explore Cova des Coloms Caves

Duration: 4 h

Mallorca is famous for its limestone caves, where you can actually swim. Join this caving adventure and explore the amazing Cova des Coloms, a huge natural cave. This adventure with stunning scenery offers you a glimpse into the island’s hidden treasures.

Visit the Palma Aquarium

Duration: 2 h

Palma Aquarium is home to 8,000 specimens from 700 different species. These include fish, sharks, colourful corals, and various marine creatures from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. One of its highlights is the Big Blue Tank, a massive aquarium holding over 3.5 million litres of seawater. Here, you’ll also have the chance to see the world’s largest collection of living corals.

Book your skip-the-line to Palma Aquarium here.

Book your tickets in advance

Cathedral of Mallorca – it is the most popular attraction on the whole island of Mallorca, so book your skip-the-line ticket in advance.

2-day Mallorca itinerary

If you have limited time, I suggest allocating a day to Palma and another to Alcúdia. In my view, Alcúdia has the best beaches – long stretches of sandy shoreline with exceptionally clear water. I’d also recommend taking a cruise (from Palma or Alcúdia), which will show you the island’s highlights.

2 days in Mallorca

• Day 1: Cathedral of Mallorca, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Plaça de Cort, Bellver Castle
• Day 2: Catamaran Cruise, Playa de Muro

4-day Mallorca itinerary

In my opinion, spending 4 or 5 days in Mallorca is the ideal duration to explore the island’s highlights. Even if you use public transport, you can still explore a lot of the island. As I mentioned, if you’re staying for about a week, it’s a good idea to split your time between Palma, the main town, and a beachside resort. This way, you can enjoy the beach without having to travel there every day.

4 days in Mallorca

• Day 1: Cathedral of Mallorca, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Plaça de Cort, Bellver Castle
• Day 2: Alcúdia Old Town, Roman Remains of Pollentia, Playa de Muro
• Day 3: Catamaran Snorkelling Cruise, Valdemossa
• Day 4: Scenic train ride to Sóller, relax at the beach

What to see next

If you’re flying internationally to Barcelona, consider extending your vacation by a few days to discover this iconic city. For more information, take a look at my 4-day Barcelona itinerary.

Where to stay in Mallorca

If you’re visiting Mallorca for a long weekend, I’d recommend staying in Palma, the island’s main town. It is excellently connected by public transportation to some of the most popular places, including Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller. Also, Palma de Mallorca Airport is a short bus ride away. Furthermore, there are several beaches (Playa de Palma, Can Pere Antoni, and Cala Major) accessible within a 20-minute bus journey to choose from.

However, if you’re staying longer or you prefer a beach holiday, I’d suggest splitting your time between Palma and Alcúdia. Situated on the northern coast, Alcúdia has some of the island’s finest beaches, featuring long stretches of sandy shores and turquoise waters.

---

Protur Naisa Hotel – Best hotel in Palma

📍Location: 6min walk to Palma’s Old Town ⭐ Rating: 9.1 | 4,540+ reviews

The Protur Naisa Hotel is the perfect base for a long weekend in Palma. It’s in a quiet spot, just a short stroll from the old town and the main shopping streets. The hotel also has a lovely spa with a saltwater pool and a jacuzzi. And the rooftop pool (heated in winter) is a real bonus, complete with a Sky Bar and amazing views over the city.

---

Grupotel Maritimo – Best beach hotel

📍Location: 5min walk to the beach ⭐ Rating: 9.0 | 4,150+ reviews

Grupotel Marítimo is a fantastic half-board hotel just steps from Playa de Muro, the longest beach on the island. It’s got everything you need for a relaxing stay – two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, and even a tennis court if you’re feeling active. Breakfast is delicious, and the themed dinner nights are a lot of fun!

Getting around in Mallorca

As the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is too big to explore on foot or by bicycle. However, the island offers great public transportation for reaching popular spots without a car. Mallorca has an extensive bus network, operated by TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears). It connects the main towns, villages, and tourist destinations. Palma, the capital city, serves as a central hub for many bus routes (see all lines and schedule here). You can take a bus from Palma to Alcúdia, Valldemossa, Sóller and even Cap de Formentor.

However, keep in mind that buses are slower and they don’t run as often as you’d think. That’s why if you’re short on time or prefer to explore secluded beaches, I’d recommend renting a car. Plan ahead and book months in advance, last-minute car rentals can be tough to secure. When driving around Palma, be careful about the ACIRE zone (areas with restricted traffic), otherwise, you might end up getting a fine.

Taxis, especially in small villages on the island, are just not reliable.

How to get to Mallorca

By ferry

Mallorca has two main ferry ports – Palma de Mallorca on the west coast and Alcúdia on the east coast. There are regular ferries from Barcelona that go to Mallorca. However, I suggest flying (less than an hour) instead of taking the ferry, which takes about 7 hours from the mainland to the island.

By air

Mallorca Airport, also known as Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), is situated about 8km east of Palma, the capital city. It is the main international airport serving the island of Mallorca. Once at the airport, you can rent a car or take bus A1 to Palma or bus A32 to Alcúdia. A taxi ride to Palma’s city centre costs around €25.

Best time to visit Mallorca

The best time to visit Mallorca is from June to September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F). This time is great for enjoying the beautiful beaches, as the sea is warm, making it perfect for swimming and water sports. July and August are the peak tourist season, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.

FAQs about visiting Mallorca

Pin for later