Mallorca Travelers Recommend

With three days to dedicate to the island of Mallorca, you can spot dolphins, go kayaking, or cruise off the coast; see the historic highlights of Palma de Mallorca; and enjoy full-day excursions to the island’s many vineyards, villages, and beaches. Here’s how to make the best of three days in Mallorca.

Day 1: Explore the Island

Get an early start to explore the streets of the capital, Palma de Mallorca, taking time to grab a typical breakfast of tostada con tomate (tomato-topped toast) on the way. First-time visitors looking to orient themselves may prefer the ease of a hop-on hop-off bus, which typically passes by landmarks such as Mallorca Cathedral and Bellver Castle. Or, get some exercise as well as insight with a guided city bike ride—tours often are suited to all ability levels.

Alternatively, skip the city and take a full-day island tour instead. Excursions typically focus on the north or west coasts, and often incorporate village visits, boat rides, and time to enjoy the striking natural beauty of the island. Round out your first day with a sunset dinner cruise in the bay or, if you’re traveling with children, board the pirate boat for a live show.

Day 2: Play to Your Interests

Reconnect with your personal interests in Mallorca on day two. Food lovers can opt for culinary and cultural walking tours—which typically introduce places and dishes you might otherwise not have discovered—or get hands-on in a cooking class. Paella is a favorite dish. Meanwhile, would-be sommeliers can venture into Mallorcan wine country for vineyard visits and abundant wine tasting opportunities on half-day excursions.

If immersive food and drink experiences aren’t for you on day two, take to the water—snorkeling trips, scuba diving lessons, and standup paddleboarding are just some of the outdoorsy options available. After an active second day in Mallorca, try classic Spanish tapas for dinner. Taking a tapas tour is ideal if you find the tapas options overwhelming—plus, you usually get a free drink with every order.

Day 3: Get Back to Nature

On day three make the most of Mallorca’s abundant nature and wildlife. Head out to sea for a dolphin- and whale-watching tour or visit multiple beaches with the help of a beach-hopping boat tour. There are also hassle-free, half-day excursions to places such as the Caves of Drach and the Serra Tramuntana. Take a full-day hiking tour to discover hidden spots most visitors do not discover on their own. If you still have the energy for it, finish the day with a privileged bird’s-eye view over the island during a hot air balloon ride.

Most visitors to Mallorca (Majorca) plan on plenty of time relaxing on white sandy beaches lapped by clear, turquoise water. As the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca boasts miles of coastline prime for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Here are some of the island’s best beaches. 

Alcudia

The largest beach in the Balearic Islands, Alcudia features 4 miles (7 kilometers) of soft white sand along the northern coast, backed by the Port d’Alcúdia resort and other hotels. Shallow water and ample facilities like restaurants, beach bars, parking, and chair rentals make this a popular and family-friendly beach. 

Es Trenc

More remote than other beaches and not attached to any resort, Es Trenc is still within easy driving distance from Palma and offers unspoiled scenery plus amenities including restrooms, lifeguards, and restaurants nearby. Take a break from sunbathing to look for migratory birds and other wildlife in the neighboring wetlands and sand dunes along the south shore.

Cala Formentor

This beautiful, narrow beach stretches between a pine forest and the shallow, clear water of a bay that’s ideal for swimming and water sports. Many boat tours stop here, and you can rent a Jet Ski or water skis for a high-speed aquatic adventure. The beach’s popularity can mean steeper prices for parking and rentals, but it’s an essential stop on any Mallorcan beach itinerary.

Sa Calobra

Escape the crowds at this secluded beach tucked into a cove on Mallorca’s northwestern shore. Stellar scenery and a castaway feel are the reward for the journey here, including a drive on winding mountain roads and a hike along a rocky stretch and through a well-lit tunnel. Be sure to bring everything you need, as there are no facilities at this far-flung beach paradise.