MALLORCA, SPAIN: 8-DAY ITINERARY + TRAVEL GUIDE

Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Sea, and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. The craggy coastline riddled with more than 200 picturesque calas and beaches serves up a sunbathers dream, coupled with storybook villages, picturesque waterfronts, fresh seafood, delicious tapas, cliff jumping and hiking. Below is my complete 8-day Mallorca itinerary that covers the best of everything on the island including beaches, calas, villages, hotels, restaurants, viewpoints and more. For even more details on Mallorca, check out my Mallorca Travel Guide.

Note that the size of Mallorca is massive, leaving you two options. One is to base yourself at one hotel on one side of the island and day trip to the other coast. Or split time between two hotels on opposite sides of the island to save time on driving. This itinerary is designed based on a west coast stay, my favorite part of the island. If you’re staying anywhere else on Mallorca, the itinerary below will not make logistical sense.

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Day 1

ARRIVE IN PALMA

From the Palma airport, pick up a rental car for your one-week trip around Mallorca. Most car rental agencies have outposts at the airport. Drive up to the west coast to check into your hotel in one of the villages – Deia, Fornalutx, Port de Soller, Soller or Valldemossa. They are all a short drive from one another, and make for a good base for a weeklong stay.

5 PM: PORT DE SOLLER (sightsee)

After unpacking and settling in, head to Port de Soller for an evening stroll. The small stretch of coast is filled with sailboats and yachts that feels quintessential Europe on a warm summer evening. And the waterfront is lined with tapas bars, seafood restaurants, cafes, gelato, shops and beach clubs.

7:30 PM: KINGFISHER (dinner)

Kingfisher sits at the far end of the Port de Soller waterfront, serving up a selection of fresh seafood. It’s my favorite restaurant on all of Mallorca. Everything is amazing – the prawns, sea bream, sea bass, seafood stew, bread and gin + tonic.. Great ambiance in the evenings overlooking the beautiful waterfront. Reservations highly recommended.

DAY 2

10 AM: CALA DEIA (beach)

Cala Deia is a beautiful cove located on the west coast, just below the village of Deia. The crystal clear water sparkles deep shades of turquoise offering up an ideal setting for sunbathing, swimming and cliff jumping. This is a rocky beach – no sand in sight! So arrive early to claim a good boulder, rock or platform for sunbathing. There is one metered parking lot that fills up quickly – best to arrive early to secure a spot.

1 PM: CA’S PATRO MARCH (lunch)

The best restaurant view on the island is from Ca’s Patro March, perched above the stunning blue waters of Cala Deia. The menu is filled with fresh, delicious seafood options. This place is a vibe.

5 PM: DEIA (sightsee)

Deia is part of a cluster of storybook villages on the island’s west coast. It’s small, and not a lot going on, but perfectly serene to visit in the evening, especially if you have a dinner reservation at El Olivo, Restaurant Nama or Restaurante Miro. Wander through the village and you’ll find a handful of boutiques, restaurants and a church perched on the village hilltop. Deia is a pedestrian village with a small metered parking lot at the edge of town.

6:30 PM: CAFE SA FONDA (drinks)

Grab an evening drink at this popular local spot.

7:30 PM EL OLIVIO or RESTAURANT MIRO (dinner)

El Olivio sits perched over the village of Deia, offering up the most serene setting for dinner at Golden Hour. The restaurant is fine dining with a minimum per person spend, located on the Belmond’s La Residencia property. Reservations highy recommended months in advance. If El Olivio is booked up, then its neighbor Restaurante Miro is a perfectly fine alternative. It’s the sister restaurant that’s also located at La Residencia. The view is a little different, but it’s the same serene outdoor ambiance of Deia, and the menu is filled with delicious, fresh options including seafood, pastas and salads.

DAY 3

8:30 AM: MIRADOR COLL DE REIS (sightsee)

On the drive to Sa Calobra Beach, stop at Mirador Coll de Reis for epic views of the ultra curvy Sa Calobra Road that winds down to the waterfront below.

9 AM: SA CALOBRA BEACH (beach)

Hands down my favorite beach on Mallorca. Park at the paid lot, and then follow the path along a gorgeous stretch of coastline out to Sa Calobra, an absolutely stunning beach that sits trapped between two limestone cliffs. The cove is wide and deep, so the water here doesn’t get murky when crowded. There are rocks, cliffs and stone steps to swim out to for cliff jumping. And the water color is stunning.

2 PM: PORT DE SAL CALOBRA BEACH (beach)

A lovely little port beach you’ll see on the walk from the parking lot to Sa Calobra. It isn’t nearly as epic as Sa Calobra, but still worth a stop. It’s beautiful.

4 PM: BAR DEPORTIU (drinks)

Cute little al fresco spot in Fornalutx village for afternoon aperitivo. The outdoor seating is perfect for people watching, cocktails and munchies.

5 PM: FORNALUTX (sightsee)

A charming cluster of stone houses, cobbled lanes and potted plants, Fornalutx is a mountain village that sits trapped in the Serra de Tramuntana. The fairytale setting is filled with tapas restaurants, shops, a church and market square.

6:30 PM: CAN BENET BY DON PEDRO (dinner)

A casual restaurant for dinner in Fornalutx with outdoor seating that is a vibe on a summer evening. The menu includes a selection of traditional Spanish tapas, sandwiches and salads.

DAY 4

8 AM: CALA LLOMBARDS (beach)

There’s a reason everyone loves Cala Llombards. It’s ridiculously beautiful. The water color is a particular shade of blue, the prettiest on the island. And the sandy beach, sunbathing rocks, boathouses and swim ladders give the cala so much character. Arrive early to enjoy the beach before it gets busy, but even with crowds, it’s a great place to spend the day.

1:30 PM: CASSAI GRAN CAFE & RESTAURANT (lunch)

Tucked away on the streets of Ses Salinas is one of the most beautiful restaurants on Mallorca complete with boho details, sage greens, foliage, rustic wood, airy ceilings and lots of light. Note that while the space is stunning (fit for an Instagram feed), the food is mediocre and service is a bit slow.

3 PM: ES PONTAS (beach)

Es Pontas is a stunning natural arch that sits just off the island’s southeast coast. The viewpoint is accessible via a short walk from the parking area, and from there a trail leads down to the water. On a calm day, swim out to the arch where a rope hangs from the soaring limestone ceiling for thrill seekers to swing and jump into the water.

6:30 PM: CAFE CA’N TONI (dinner)

Tasty little tapas spot located in the heart of Palma’s Old Town. Reservations are recommended at night when the restaurant is popping, but during the day it’s possible to walk-in. Highly recommend sitting outside on the covered patio.

DAY 5

8 AM: SOLLER (sightsee)

Soller is home to a lovely village square surrounded by a gorgeous church, al fresco dining, gelato and little boutiques.

10 AM: SOLLER TRAIN TO PORT DE SOLLER (sightsee)

Take the historic Soller train over to Port de Soller, a quick 15-minute journey from the town centre out to the waterfront.

11 AM: PORT DE SOLLER (sightsee)

Return to the vibrant waterfront to enjoy the daytime vibes a bit before grabbing lunch and going for a swim.

12 PM: PATIKI BEACH (lunch)

Fun outdoor spot for lunch with views of the Port de Soller waterfront.

1:30 PM: PORT DE SOLLER SWIMMING ROCKS OR PORT DE SOLLER BEACH (beach)

Swim at the secluded Port de Soller swimming rocks if they are open. Or, if you prefer a proper sun bed and umbrella, hit up one of the beach clubs along the waterfront.

5 PM: SOLLER TRAIN TO PORT DE SOLLER (sightsee)

Take the historic Soller train back to Soller, a quick 15-minute journey to the town centre.

6 PM: CA’N LLIMONA (dinner)

Delicious little Italian restaurant located in Soller that serves up a selection of fresh pasta and homemade sauces. The restaurant is pretty tiny, reservations recommended.

DAY 6

10 AM: BELLVER CASTLE (sightsee)

Visit beautiful Bellver Castle, a Gothic castle perched on a hilltop overlooking Palma. It boasts a rare circular shape, and dates back to the 14th century.

11:30 AM: MAMA CARMEN’S (lunch)

From Bellver Castle, drive to Palma and park in one of the city lots for the day. Walk to Mama Carmen’s for a delicious healthy brunch.

12 PM: PALMA CATHEDRAL (sightsee)

This stunning 14th century Gothic Roman cathedral sits in the heart of Palma, towering over Old Town and the Bay of Palma. The best photo location to capture the entire church is from across the lagoon, along the stone ledge.

1 PM: GELATERIA ROSARIO (gelato)

Stop at one of the many tasty gelato shops in town.

1:30 PM: PALMA (sightsee)

The bustling capital city is the busiest place on the island. Explore the town centre on foot – sights to visit include La Rambla, Basílica de Sant Francesc, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Can Forteza Rey and more.

7:30 PM: PIZZERIA 500 GRADOS (dinner)

A trendy pizza joint in Palma that serves delicious wood-fired pies including classics and restaurant specialities.

DAY 7

8 AM: VALLDEMOSA (sightsee)

Possibly the prettiest village on Mallorca. Similar to Deia, Valldemossa is built up a hilltop, but it’s a bit more bustling with a variety of boutiques, cafes, shops and restaurants. Spend a morning navigating the maze of cobbled lanes lined with the most potted plants and flowers you’ve ever seen.

10 AM: BARBAFLORIDA’S CAFE (breakfast)

This charming little cafe in Valldemossa is a wonderful stop for a light morning breakfast, coffee or tea.

12 PM: PORT DE VALLDEMOSSA (beach)

It’s a rather narrow drive down to the village beach from Valldemossa, but once parked it’s a lovely place to spend the afternoon. The waterfront is charming, and an absolute vibe.

5 PM: VALLDEMOSSA (sightsee)

Return to Valldemossa village in the early evening when everything is open and lively. It’s a very different feeling than a stroll in the morning quiet.

7 PM: ES TALLER (dinner)

Lovely little tapas restaurant for a healthy dinner in the heart of Valldemossa village.

8:30 AM: CALO DES MORO (beach)

Calo des Moro is a stunning inlet along the island’s southeast coastline. Admire the breathtaking view from atop, and then it’s a short hike down to reach the water. The beach itself is surprisingly small. And depending on the tide, there might be little to no sand at all, in which case beachgoers claim rocks and boulders for sunbathing. Parking in the area is limited, and still a walk to reach the beach. Arrive early.

11 AM: CALA S’ALMUNIA (beach)

This beach is a must-visit while on Mallorca. A craggy crack in the coastline has formed two small coves where beachgoers flock for sunbathing, cliff jumping, swimming and boathouse vibes. It’s a five-minute walk from Calo des Moro via a coastal trail, so easy enough to visit both in one day.

7:30 PM: RESTAURANT NAMA (dinner)

Return to your hotel on the west coast to shower and relax a bit after a long day at the beach. Then, drive to Deia for dinner at Restaurant Nama. It’s one of the few upscale Asian fusion menus on Mallorca. Reservations recommended, request a table on the terrace.

BEST MALLORCA HOTELS

My recommendation is to stay on the west coast of Mallorca, and explore the island via day trips. The above itinerary works best with a west coast stay, but can be tweaked if you decide to stay elsewhere on the island.

• DEIA – Belmond La Residencia, Charming Villa
• FORNALUTX – Els Abats
• PORT DE SOLLER – Jumeirah Port de Soller
• SOLLER – Can Veri Suites, Grand Hotel Soller, Meem Townhouse
• VALDEMOSSA – Agroturismo Son Viscos, Hotel Ca’n Uetam, Mirabo de Valldemossa