Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is one of my all-time favorite summer destinations. But I’m not alone, with tens of millions of people visiting Mallorca every year, I recommend planning your trip well in advance.
This stunning Mediterranean gem isn’t just about dreamy beaches (though, trust me, they’re incredible)—it’s a mix of charming villages, breathtaking mountains, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat.
In this guide, I’ll go through everything you need to know before visiting Mallorca, including how to get around, the best calas, and a sample itinerary.
Ready to fall in love with Mallorca? Let’s dive in!
What is the best time to visit Mallorca?
The best time to visit Mallorca is between May and October, with the main season beginning in June and ending in September
🌸 Spring (April to June): Spring is an excellent time to visit Mallorca with mild weather, fewer crowds and flowers in bloom. It’s the perfect time for hiking and cycling, especially in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
🌞 Summer (July to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Mallorca, with HOT, sunny weather and big crowds. If you can only get away during the summer, I prefer July over August.
🍂 Autumn (September to October): This is my favorite time to explore Mallorca, as the high-season crowds have thinned out, but the weather remains sunny and the water is still warm enough for swimming.
❄️ Winter (November to March): Winter in Mallorca is the low season, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. It does rain quite a bit in winter and some hotels and restaurants close down.
Looking for the best places to stay in Mallorca?
🌟 Palma de Mallorca >> Hotel Basílica overlooking a beautiful basílica.
🌟 Cala d’Or >> Eques Petit Resort; the pool area and grounds are stunning.
🌟 Sóller >> I love love love L’Avenida, set in a 100-year-old manor house.
Quick Mallorca tips & facts
🏖 What is a Cala? In the context of the Spanish Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, a “cala” refers to a small, cove-like beach or inlet that is typically surrounded by rocky cliffs or headlands.
🇪🇸 Mallorca or Majorca? Mallorca is the Spanish spelling, pronounced with a soft ‘ll’. When the name was anglicized, it was adapted to “Majorca” with a ‘j’ to represent the same sound, which is more familiar to English speakers.
💰 Currency: The local currency in Mallorca is the Euro. These days, most places take credit cards – restaurants, shops, gelaterias, petrol stations, etc. However, I still like to have some cash on hand for the markets (my favorite is Santanyi Market) and roadside vendors.
💸 Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Mallorca, but in the most touristy areas, I felt it was expected and everywhere else appreciated. Leaving around 5-10% of the bill in restaurants and rounding up taxi fares is common practice, unless you’re paying by card.
🥱 Siesta time: Many shops and businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta, usually from around 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
🎫 Activities and tours: Book in advance if you’re interested in popular activities like boat trips, winery tours or hot air balloon rides during the high season.
How many days do you need for Mallorca?
10 days is the perfect amount of time to visit Mallorca. If you can’t dedicate 10 days to one destination, a week will also get you a long way.
Mallorca is an island, but distances are longer than they appear. There are more than 200 beaches (some say 262) scattered along the coast, as well as nature hikes, charming old villages and historical sights.
While a one-hour drive to reach an attraction might not sound too bad, it is draining to do this every day. With 10 days on the island, you can base yourself in two/three different places so you don’t spend all your time on the road.
How to get to Mallorca
Mallorca is the largest of Spain‘s Balearic Islands, which also include Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera, the smaller islets Cabrera and Dragonera.
Getting to Mallorca from Europe is super easy thanks to budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizzair and EasyJet. Flights usually start around €50 (+ luggage fee), but sometimes they run sales starting at €19.
I know that United Airlines runs a direct route from New York to Palma, which is great. However, it might be more affordable to get a connecting flight through a bigger European city.
Additionally, ferries connect Mallorca to several destinations in Spain, including Ibiza, Menorca, Barcelona and Valencia.
8 best ways to get around Mallorca
Spanning almost 80 kilometers from north to south and 100 kilometers from east to west, getting around Mallorca takes a bit of planning. Here’s a quick overview of all transportation options:
🚘 Rent a car
A car is a must to get the most out of Mallorca. Some of the most beautiful attractions are not connected to public transport. I usually don’t like driving in unknown places, but it was totally fine in Mallorca.
Pro tip >> You can rent a car through offUgo, it is the best car rental experience I’ve ever had. Pick-up and drop-off are 100% contactless and the price includes full insurance without excess fees, in addition to 24/7 pick-up.
How long does it take to drive around Mallorca?
To get an idea of how big the island is, it took us around two hours to drive from Port de Sóller on the west coast to Cala d’Or on the east coast. And you can add another half hour during the high season in July and August.
The longest route running in a loop around the island is just over 300 kilometers long, which means it takes around 6 hours if you drive nonstop.
🚌 Take the bus
If you don’t want to drive, there are two main bus services in Mallorca. The blue, gren and white EMT buses run throughout the greater Palama area, and the yellow and red TIB buses link the capital with smaller towns and villages.
The TIB buses leave from Palma’s main Intermodal station, which is at Plaza de España (follow the yellow line underground). You can now tap your bank card to pay, which gives you a discount compared to paying with cash.
EMT City Buses: You only tap your card on the reader when you board.
TIB Regional Buses: You must tap your card on the reader when you get on and tap it again when you get off to calculate the correct distance-based fare.
🚇 Ride the trains and metro
TIB also runs trains from Palma to Manacor and Sa Pobla, stopping at lesser-known villages, such as Santa Maria, Lloseta and Binissalem. On most trains, you can take your bicycle with you for free.
Mallorca’s small metro service consists of two lines (M1 and M2) that operate in Palma. The M1 line connects the center of Palma with the University of the Balearic Islands, while the M2 line runs between Palma and the town of Marratxí.
Also, consider taking the historic train from Palma to Sóller, known as Ferrocarril de Sóller, which has been operating since 1912.
🛵 Rent a Vespa or motorbike
Many of the older towns and villages have very narrow streets, so getting around on two wheels can be a great option. There are many rental places in and around Palma, and you can also book online.
Make sure to take pictures of the scooter or motorbike at the rental place before you leave, and that your travel insurance covers it.
For the adventurous, cycling is a popular option, with well-marked routes showcasing the island’s natural beauty.
🚖 Take a taxi or private transfer
Sometimes, hailing a taxi is just more convenient than relying on public transport. Especially if you’re limited on time. Taxis are readily available in Palma, but also in other tourist hubs such as Cala d’Or or Magaluf.
To hail a taxi on the street, look for white cars with blue license plates and a green rooftop light. If you’re staying in Palma, download the Palma Taxi app to order in advance.
What surprised me last time is that a taxi or private driver can not come from one place and pick you up in another, except from the airport. You have to get a taxi or driver from the place you’re currently staying. I tried to get my hotel in Cala D’Or to pick me up in Palma, but they couldn’t.
🌟 If you prefer private transfers, I highly recommend Welcome Pickups. I’m continuously impressed by their affordable prices.
Is Uber available in Mallorca? Yes, Uber is now operating in Mallorca. You can choose between standard Uber, vans for larger groups, comfort reserve for higher-end cars and order a local taxi through the Uber app.
However, from my experience, a standard Uber costs a lot more than taking a local taxi running on a meter.
🚲 Ride a bike
Mallorca’s varied terrain of flat plains, rolling hills and challenging mountain routes in the Serra de Tramuntana makes it a haven for cyclists. Take advantage of the numerous well-maintained cycling paths and quiet country roads.
Additionally, the capital has a scenic, almost 16-kilometer-long bike lane along the Bay of Palma.
Bike rental shops are abundant, with options ranging from basic models to high-end road bikes and many also offer guided tours and support services.
🎫 Join a guided tour
Lately, I’ve become a fan of booking guided tours for my first few days in a new destination. That way, I can learn from a local and discover places I would never have found on my own. And in Mallorca, there are so many great guided tours to choose from. Just take a look below 👇
What is Mallorca known for?
Mallorca is first and foremost known for its varied coastline with many stunning calas and beaches. Some are hidden away and only reached through steep inclines, and some you can drive right up to, all lined by crystal-clear turquoise water.
In addition, Mallorca is known for its Mediterranean lifestyle, with an abundance of fresh produce, including seafood, citrus fruits and local grapes turned into wine, and a slow way of life.
Mallorca highlights map
Below you can access my Mallorca highlights map, with pins for all the best restaurants, photo spots, calas and things to see. Click on the rectangle in the upper right corner to access it in full size, or on the star to add it to your maps.
📍 For more inspiration on top attractions, be sure to check out my top things to do in Mallorca post.
Best Calas in Mallorca
Most of my favorite calas and beaches are located on the east and south coasts.
Cala Varques: This remote and unspoiled beach is only accessible on foot via a dirt track from the main road. The cove itself is a haven of fine white sand flanked by rugged cliffs and turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There are no facilities such as sunbeds and umbrellas, so bring everything you might need.
Cala Mondrago & S’Amarador: I love these beaches surrounded by the forest of Mondrago Natural Park. You can walk back and forth between the two in just a few minutes along a path running along the water’s edge. It is so fun to jump from the cliffs at S’Amarador, and in Cala Mondrago you’ll find a little shop, restaurant and sunbeds.
Cala Santanyí: Located about 10 kilometers from the charming town of Santanyí. The cove is over 100 meters long and made up of fine, white sand and clear and calm water. Perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it is clean and has high environmental standards.
Cala Llombards: Located in a town with the same name, this is one of the most popular calas in Mallorca. The water here is some of the clearest I’ve seen. You need to arrive before 8:30 am to secure a spot on the sand. There are some picturesque fishermen’s houses on the left of the beach, perfect for a little photo shoot.
Calo des Moro: Just down the coast, Caló des Moro was long one of Mallorca’s best-kept secrets. While the secret is out, it is still very worth a visit. Take in the breathtaking views from the top, and then it’s a short hike down to the water. The beach itself is surprisingly small; on high tide, it disappears altogether. So find yourself a boulder to lie down on and enjoy.
Es Trenc: If you get tired of the narrow rocky calas (is that even possible?), spend a day at Es Trenc, a 2-kilometer-long sandy beach further down the coast. Still wild and undeveloped, this vast cove of powdery white sand and Caribbean blue water is a must on any Mallorcan bucket list.
Cala Pi: This little cove is an Instagrammer’s dream. There are several popular viewpoints at the top. The beach is accessed via a steep set of stairs that descend between two high cliffs, leading to a beautiful stretch of fine, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Cala Mesquida: Cala Mesquida is a stunning beach on the northeastern coast, known for its wide expanse of fine, white sand and crystal-clear azure waters. It is part of a protected natural area and a favorite among surfers when the conditions are right.
Cala Deia: This is a stone beach, but I just had to include it, as Cala Deia is stunning. The water sparkles in deep shades of turquoise; it’s the ideal setting for sunbathing, swimming, cliff jumping and snorkeling. Get there early to secure the best spot on a cement block at the base of the Ca’s Patro March staircase (see map).
Best beaches Mallorca tour
Don’t have a car? Or maybe you’re limited on time? Then I highly recommend this guided tour to three of the most beautiful beaches and coves on the island.
10-day Mallorca sample itinerary
If I were to go back for the first time, this suggested Mallorca itinerary outlines exactly how I would spend my time.
Day 1: Sóller and Port de Sóller
- Afternoon: Arrive in Palma (Son Sant Joan Airport) and collect your car. Drive to Sóller, where you will be based on the West Coast. If you’re a lover of old-world architecture and gardens as I am, stop by Jardins d’Alfàbia on the way.
- Evening: Explore the town of Sóller and take the vintage tram to Port de Sóller for a seafood dinner at Kingfisher Restaurant.
Day 2: Cala Deià and Valldemossa
- Morning: Visit Cala Deià, a small, stone beach perfect for a morning swim.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch on the beach in Ca’s Patró March, or head into the little village of Deià. If you want to get moving, walk along the coast from Cala Deià to Cala Llucalcari.
- Evening: Drive to Valldemossa, visit the Royal Charterhouse and explore the quaint village. Make sure to get a photo of the town from “Mirador de Valldemossa II” viewpoint.
Day 3: Fornalutx and hiking
- Morning: Start your day in Fornalutx, often called one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, and explore its picturesque streets. This area also boasts so many gorgeous hikes; I recommend Sóller – Binibassí – Fornalutx – Biniaraix.
- Afternoon: Stop by Ecovinyassa Citrus Farm on your way back, whether you choose to hike or not.
- Evening: Spend the rest of your day exploring Sóller, if you didn’t have the time on day 1. Have dinner at La Romaguera, my favorite restaurant in Sóller, serving everything from tacos to dumplings.
Day 4: Sa Calobra and Port de Pollença
- Morning: Pack up your things and drive to Sa Calobra. Enjoy the dramatic scenery and visit the Torrent de Pareis gorge. As mentioned above, this is one of the best hikes in Mallorca, though challenging. You can also visit without hiking.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Port de Pollença and go for a walk along the waterfront.
- Evening: Have dinner at Voramar 57 Pizzería right on the water, one of the best pizza places in Mallorca.
Day 5: Cap de Formentor and Pollença
- Morning: Drive to Cap de Formentor, the northernmost point of Mallorca, and take in the breathtaking views from the lighthouse. Stop at one of the viewpoints on the way back, such as Es Colomer, and marvel at the view.
- Afternoon: Head to the charming town of Pollença, explore the historic center and climb the 365 Calvari Steps for stunning views.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Pollença.
Day 6: Alcúdia and Playa de Muro
- Morning: Visit the medieval town of Alcúdia, walk along its ancient walls, enjoy the city and explore the local market (every Tuesday and Sunday).
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores of Playa de Muro, known for its clear waters and family-friendly atmosphere. If you’d rather escape people, go for a walk in Parc Natural de s’Albufera de Mallorca.
- Evening: If you’re a seafood lover, I highly recommend stopping by Restaurant Celler Ca’n Costa Alcúdia on your way back.
Day 7: Caves and beaches of the East Coast
- Morning: Pack up again and drive to the east coast to visit the Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) in Porto Cristo, famous for their underground lake and stunning formations.
- Afternoon: Head to Cala Varques or Cala Romantica for a relaxing beach afternoon.
- Evening: Stay overnight in a coastal town somewhere between Cala d’Or and Santanyí. In Cala d’Or, there are lots of restaurants and bars. If you prefer somewhere quieter, the area around Santanyí is a great choice.
Day 8: S’Aramador, Santanyí and Cala Figuera
- Morning: Head to the beach. My favorites are S’Amarador in Mondrago Natural Park and Cala Llomards.
- Afternoon: For lunch, visit the town of Santanyí, known for its charming market and artisanal shops.
- Evening: Continue to Cala Figuera, a picturesque fishing village and enjoy dinner overlooking the harbor.
Day 9: Cala Pi and Palma
- Morning: On your way back to Palma, stop by Cala Pi. Remember to get some photos from the viewpoint I have marked on the map.
- Afternoon: Explore Palma’s historic center, visit the stunning Palma Cathedral (La Seu) and explore Almudaina Palace. Stop by Can Joan de s’Aigo for an ice cream and pastries.
- Evening: Go for a stroll through the Santa Catalina neighborhood, my favorite area of Palma. Have dinner at La Nueva Burguesa.
Day 10: Enjoy Palma
- Morning: Head to Bellver Castle for panoramic views of Palma and the bay.
- Afternoon: It’s time to head home after an incredible 10 days.
Best areas to stay in Mallorca
Choosing where to stay in Mallorca depends on your travel interests, style and length of stay. Here are some of the best areas, each with its own unique character and attractions:
Palma de Mallorca – South
The vibrant capital, Palma de Mallorca, is perfect if you love a mix of history, culture, and nightlife. If you only have a weekend or very little time, the capital is also a great base as it is close to the airport and quite central.
If you have more time but decide to explore Mallorca without a car, consider Palma as well, as almost all buses and trains start and end in Palma.
🌟 My favorite hotel in Palma de Mallorca is Hotel Basílica overlooking the beautiful Basílica de Sant Francesc.
Cala d’Or – East
Cala d’Or is ideal if you are looking for a beach vacation but still want to be in the midst of things. This area is known for its stunning coves, crystal clear waters and family-friendly atmosphere. There are also some great restaurants and fun bars up and running during the summer months.
The marina area is dotted with lovely cafes and restaurants, making it a nice spot for evening strolls. It’s perfect for water sports, rent a boat or jet ski and cruise around to the five different calas in town. For a much calmer and more authentic option, I recommend Cala Figuera.
🌟 For accommodation in Cala d’Or, I love Eques Petit Resort; the pool area and grounds are stunning.
Port de Pollença – North
Port de Pollença offers a mix of beautiful beaches and mountainous landscapes, making it a great area for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The town has a lovely promenade lined with cafes and shops, and it’s a gateway to the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, ideal for hiking and cycling.
🌟 MarSenses Puerto Pollensa Hotel & Spa is my favorite place to stay in this area.
Sóller – West
Located in the Tramuntana mountain range, Sóller is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of mountain and coastal scenery. The port of Sóller, just a short tram ride away, offers beautiful beaches and delicious fresh seafood.
I highly recommend this area for hikers, cyclists, and anyone who wants to be in the mountains and close to the sea, with lots of natural highlights around and easy access to the rest of the island.
🌟 I love love love L’Avenida, a manor house in the middle of Sóller that feels very exclusive and old-worldly.
Best restaurants in Mallorca
This one is for my fellow foodies. You might already know that I usually plan my trips around the restaurants I want to try. I did not do that in Mallorca this time, but I still had one of the best food experiences I’ve had in years.
Below, I have included some of my favorites, and you’ll find many more in the highlights map.
🍽 Bar Abaco >> Set in an old building in the heart of Palma, Bar Abaco is one of the most beautiful bars I’ve been to. It is decorated with fresh flowers, produce displays and candles. Try to get a table in the backyard around the fountain; it is stunning. Just bear in mind that you pay for the setting, the drinks are not the cheapest.
🍽 Restaurant Diferent Cala D’Or>> We had dinner at Restaurant Diferent several nights in a row, and all the dishes I tried were delicious.
I recommend treating this restaurant as a tapas place and ordering 3-4 of the starters/raw bar for each person. The pulled pork tacos are my absolute favorites. One day I ordered three servings haha. The truffle croquettes, crispy rice and fried zucchini blossoms also have to be mentioned.
Right across the street, you’ll see a colorful boho bar called Lola. We were able to sit down at one of their tables closest to Diferent and order food from there and drinks from Lola.
🍽 Cassai Gran Café >> If you’re looking for the cutest cafe in Mallorca, you have to visit Cassai Gran Café in Ses Salines. Think sushi, paella, burgers and pizza under hanging flowers and fairy lights. They make their own iced tea and even have a pink cotton candy machine, need I say more?!
The town itself is also super charming, with boutiques and a botanical garden called Botanicactus, focusing on cacti.
🍽 Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo >> Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, established in the 18th century, is a beloved institution in Palma. Steeped in history, this charming café exudes an old-world atmosphere, inviting locals and tourists alike to step back in time as they cross its threshold.
Renowned for their rich and creamy hot chocolate, famous ensaimadas (flaky spiral pastries) and an array of homemade ice cream flavors, Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo is a testament to traditional Mallorcan confectionery.
🍽 Café Ca’n Toni >> Café Ca’n Toni, nestled in the heart of Palma de Mallorca’s Old Town, is an authentic tapas restaurant known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Reservations are recommended at night, and I highly recommend getting a table on the patio.
Frequented by tourists and locals alike, the restaurant offers a delightful array of traditional tapas, from succulent jamón ibérico and patatas bravas to freshly prepared seafood dishes.
🍽 El Olivio >> El Olivo, located in the picturesque village of Deià, is a renowned fine dining restaurant set within the luxurious Belmond La Residencia hotel. During the summer months, a reservation is a must.
Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century olive press, the restaurant offers an enchanting atmosphere with its rustic stone walls, candlelit tables and stunning views of the Tramuntana Mountains.
🍽 Kingfisher >> Kingfisher is another one of my favorite restaurants in Mallorca. Set on the water’s edge in Port de Sóller, overlooking yachts and sailboats, it is the perfect place to feast on fresh seafood.
Is Mallorca expensive?
Yes and no. What is expensive is relative, but I would say that Mallorca falls somewhere in the middle of travel prices globally, with a daily average travel cost of $150. It is cheaper than Scandinavia and the US, but more expensive than, let’s say Murcia Spain or Albania.
During peak tourist season, which typically runs from late spring to early autumn, prices for accommodation, car rentals and activities often double from the low season.
How to travel Mallorca on a budget:
- Travel during the shoulder season
- Stay in lesser-known areas
- Eat where locals dine, buy fruit to eat on the beach
- Enjoy the many natural attractions
- Use public transportation (tap on and off buses with your bank card)
- Book your accommodation as soon as possible. I booked a week in a hotel in Cala d’Or for my sister for €1300, and a month later, that same room cost €2200 for the same time period.
How much for 1 week in Mallorca?
I spent €900 during my last trip to Mallorca in July, including accommodation and traveling with a friend. I got a great deal on Hotel Playa Mondragó in Mondragó Natural Park, set right on the beach.
Breakfast was included in the room price, and we had two meals in restaurants every day. This was a recharging holiday som we didn’t drink much alcohol.
Other than that, we took the bus back and forth to Cala d’Or most days, we got a taxi to and from the airport for €100 each way and bought a few souvenirs.
🌟💍 Looking for the best travel jewelry? Atolea is my go-to because I don’t have to think about it. Sunscreen, sweat, salt water—you name it, this jewelry can handle it, so I can put it on in the morning and leave it on all day. Click here and use code SUNSHINE15 for 15% off!
👀 Read next >> Don’t miss Mondrago National Park: Home to my favorite beaches in Mallorca
I loved Mallorca when I visited. I bought one of my favourite pieces of Nao there – a girl holding a duck. Can’t wait to go back.
Love it! Hope you get to go back soon, I’ heading over again next week 🤗
I have always wanted to visit this island. You are so lucky to live in Europe so it is a cheap budget flight to the destination. It is a little more expensive to travel from the U.S. Your photos are gorgeous.
Thank you! 😊 Yes, we are lucky that it’s so easy and affordable to get around. But you have all the states to explore 😉
Mallorca is on our list. I like the idea of visiting in Fall, when the water is still warm enough to swim, but the crowds have thinned out.
Yes, fall is definitely the best time to visit 😊
What a wonderful post. Very informative. I got a great sense of the island and it makes me want to plan a trip.
I’m so happy to hear that, Angela 😀
Thank you for sharing detailed info, you made it feel like I have a best friend who lives there and you’re telling me just what I would want to know for a great trip!
And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment 🤗
This is the best Mallorca guide I’ve found so far. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I’m happy you found it helpful 🤗