3 Days in Mallorca: Experience the Island's Charm Beyond Palma

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Advisor - Carey McDougall
Curated By

Carey McDougall

  • Beaches

  • Nature Escapes

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Mallorca

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

This captivating image showcases a historic town perched on a hill, framed by a wooden balcony adorned with flowers, overlooking lush greenery and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Curator’s statement

Mallorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, boasts stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and charming old towns, making it a popular destination for sun-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. If you’re looking to escape the bustle of the capital city, Palma, this itinerary will allow you to discover those hidden treasures in just a few short days. Picture yourself wandering through quaint coastal villages, soaking in the breathtaking vistas of rugged mountain landscapes. This is where Mallorca's true charm lies, inviting you on an adventure beyond the ordinary, promising unforgettable moments.

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Day 1: Coastal Delights from Port de Pollença to Camp de Mar

A wooden boardwalk surrounded by water with a venue in the distance beneath trees and cabanas.

For your first day, spend the morning soaking up the sun on the beach right outside your hotel in Port de Pollença. Whether you opt for renting a daybed and umbrella or simply laying your towel out on the sand, this morning is all about relaxation. When it’s time for lunch, just walk along the beach and stop into one of the many restaurants lining the beachfront street. Consider Vitho Cafe for a casual pizza and sangria with a sea view.

After lunch, you can either head back to the serene beach in Port de Pollença for a peaceful afternoon or, if you're craving more excitement, take a short drive of less than 15 minutes to the vibrant beach of Port d'Alcudia. This stunning stretch of white sandy beach is filled with watersports and beach bars, offering a livelier option for your afternoon. Be sure to stroll down the beautiful pier extending into the ocean, providing unbeatable photo opportunities. After your day of sunbathing and swimming, return to your hotel to relax and get ready for the evening ahead.

Tonight, you’ll want to head across the island to Restaurante Illeta in Camp de Mar on the southwest coast. Be sure to secure your reservations well in advance to snag a table at this coveted spot. Located on a tiny rocky island, you’ll stroll down a pier to reach the restaurant. With any luck, you’ll score a table right along the water and witness a gorgeous sunset! Don’t miss the chance to order the paella, perfect for sharing among the table.

Day 2: Mallorca’s Majestic Mountain Villages

A low-angled shot of an old brown and beige architectural building.

After indulging in breakfast at your hotel’s buffet or a nearby café, kickstart your morning by driving about an hour to the northwest coast to explore the charming town of Soller. Well-known for its lush orange groves, historic architecture and narrow streets lined with shops and cafés, Soller sets the perfect tone for your day ahead. If your visit falls on a Saturday, be sure to wind through the market where local vendors offer up an array of fresh produce, handmade crafts and unique goods. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of Taroncello de Mallorca, a delicious handmade orange liqueur crafted from Soller’s famed oranges. Afterwards, consider taking a short tram ride or quick drive to Port de Soller, a picturesque harbor lined with restaurants, boutique shops and a sandy beach. It's a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy the coastal scenery while treating yourself to a refreshing gelato to round off your morning adventure.

Next, venture to the idyllic village of Deia for your lunch reservation at Restaurante Miró nestled within La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel. Offering breathtaking views of the village amid the Tramuntana mountains, and renowned for serving up the finest jamon, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Following lunch, spend the rest of your afternoon leisurely strolling through the quaint streets of this picturesque village for a truly memorable experience.

After a day full of exploration, this evening is best enjoyed near your hotel in Port de Pollença. However, if you’re still up for more adventure and winding mountain roads, consider catching the sunset at Cap de Formentor Lighthouse situated at the northeastern tip of Mallorca.

Optional: Consider adding the enchanting town of Valldemossa to your day of exploration. It's just a short 15-minute drive from Deia.

Day 3: Hidden Coves of Mallorca

A tree with water in the background.

Begin your day by exploring the beauty of Cala Sant Vicenc. With its several small sandy beaches - Cala Barques, Cala Clara, Cala Molins and Cala Carbó - this area is famous for its picturesque coves, clear waters and towering cliffs. Whether you’re seeking relaxation in swimming and sunbathing or something a bit more adventurous like snorkeling and hiking along the trails, you could easily spend hours here.

Next, head to the town of Pollença to experience another charming village filled with cobblestone streets, historic buildings and a bustling weekly market held on Sundays. Browse through stalls offering fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade pottery and other souvenirs for yourself and loved ones, or even pick up a new outfit for your vacation. Afterward, enjoy lunch at one of the many cafés before continuing your adventure to the southeastern coast of the island for the rest of the afternoon.

Cala s'Almunia and Caló des Moro are two stunning beaches in southeastern Mallorca, about an hour’s drive from the town of Pollença. Cala s'Almunia offers a secluded cove with clear turquoise waters, while Caló des Moro boasts pristine white sand surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Both are perfect for basking in the sun and taking a dip in the sea but can get crowded in peak season. However, there are numerous other beaches and calas to explore in this part of the island, so you're sure to find one that suits your preferences! Alternatively, if you have a longer trip, save these beaches for another day when you can head down there bright and early to beat the crowds.

Need to know

Getting There & Around

Port de Pollença in northern Mallorca offers a great home base for exploring the sandy beaches and hidden calas throughout the island. After picking up your rental car at the Palma de Mallorca airport, it’s just a 45 minute drive to reach this seaside paradise. Having a rental car for this trip is essential, because it allows you to maximize your time on this large island to see as much as possible without wasting time on transportation hassles.

Advisor - Carey McDougall

Travel Advisor

Carey McDougall

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mallorca. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Best of Madrid: A Guide to Eat, Explore and Enjoy.