Plan your trip
3-Day Mallorca Itinerary for First-Timers: Day by Day
Short answerFor a first trip to Mallorca, base yourself in Palma and plan three days: one for the city, one for the Tramuntana mountains (Valldemossa, Sóller, Port de Sóller), and one for beaches or Alcúdia. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, but buses can work if you stick to main routes. Distances are short: the island is only 55 km from Palma to Alcúdia, so you can reach most places in about 90 minutes.
Palma old town and city beaches
Start in Palma, the island's capital and one of the best things about Mallorca, according to travellers. Spend the morning exploring the old town around Palma Cathedral, then visit Castell de Sant Carles or Bellver Castle for views. In the afternoon, head to a city beach like Platja de Ca'n Pere Antoni or Cala Major.
For transport, Palma is walkable, but you can use EMT buses (€2 within the city in 2024, pay on board). If you have a car, park in underground parking in the centre, which travellers report costs around €2 per hour. Avoid driving into limited-traffic areas near the cathedral; fines apply.
In the evening, explore the nightlife zone near Maritimo, where Club Tunnel and other bars are located. For dinner, try Ca’n Torrat for wood-fired grilled meats at a good price, or Raimundo Burger, voted the best burger in Mallorca.
Valldemossa and Sóller by car or bus
Drive or take the bus to Valldemossa (Bus 203 from Palma, hourly, 30 minutes) to see the Valldemossa Charterhouse, where Chopin and George Sand stayed. Then continue to Sóller, a touristy but worthwhile town, and take the historic tram down to Port de Sóller.
If you're driving, note that the Ma-11 road to Sóller goes through a toll-free tunnel, but cyclists and hikers must use the old road. Parking in Sóller is at the edge of town; the centre is narrow and traffic-restricted. Alternatively, the heritage train from Palma to Sóller is popular but crowded; in 2024 it costs €20 single, €28 return, and a return to the port is €35.
In Port de Sóller, visit Museu de la Mar and walk to Far des Cap Gros for sunset. For dinner, try one of the restaurants along the waterfront. If you have time, the village of Fornalutx is a short drive or bus ride (Bus 232) from Sóller.
Local tipDownload offline Google Maps of your area so you can GPS while on Airplane mode, and buy a cheap Spain SIM card to call restaurants for reservations.
Beaches and Alcúdia
For your last day, head north to Alcúdia, which has a well-preserved walled old town and a long sandy beach. The drive from Palma takes about an hour via the Ma-13. Alternatively, TIB Bus 302 runs from Palma every 20-30 minutes, taking an hour.
In Alcúdia, walk the city walls on the Camí de Ronda, visit the Church of Sant Jaume, and relax on Platja d'Alcúdia or Platja de Muro. If you want a quieter beach, Cala Bóquer or Cala en Gossalba are nearby but require some walking.
On your way back, you could stop at the Roman ruins of Pollentia or the Ermita de la Victòria. For dinner, consider Sa Fonda in Muro for a Mallorcan buffet at lunchtime on weekdays (13:00–15:00), though it may be closed on Tuesdays. Note that in summer, beaches get crowded, so arrive early.
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Transport logic: car vs bus
Having a rental car is recommended for exploring the island, according to travellers. It gives you the freedom to reach beaches and mountain villages at your own pace. The island isn't that big; with a car you can be pretty much anywhere in 90 minutes maximum. Rent from the airport; book early as options sell out. Reliable companies mentioned by travellers include Sixt, Wiber, Hiper Rent a Car, and OK Mobility. Avoid large SUVs; they're impractical on narrow roads.
If you prefer not to drive, TIB buses cover main towns from Palma, but they can be slow and infrequent. Buses accept credit or debit cards, no cash needed. The airport bus to Estació Intermodal costs €5 and includes one transfer. For Sóller, Bus 204 runs every 30 minutes from Palma. For Valldemossa, Bus 203 runs hourly. For Alcúdia, Bus 302 runs every 20-30 minutes.
Driving tips: drive on the right, watch for speed cameras, and be aware of cyclists on the roads. At roundabouts, watch for zebra crossings at entry and exit. If you have the right of way, take it; being overly polite can confuse others.
What travellers report
Palma is one of the best things about the island; definitely spend a day there.
Stay close to Palma, e.g., the city or Palma Nova, for beauty nearby.
Where to stay and eat
Stay close to Palma, either in the city or nearby like Palma Nova, for easy access to the island. Travellers report that Hotel Java has a great breakfast buffet included. Alternatively, consider Sóller or Port de Sóller as a base; staying in Sóller was amazing for some, with a car to visit main towns including Palma. Don't bother staying in two different places; with a car you can reach anywhere quickly.
For food, don't bother with an all-inclusive hotel; there are so many amazing places to eat. Try Ca’n Torrat for grilled meats, Raimundo Burger for burgers, and Sa Fonda in Muro for a Mallorcan buffet. In Palma, La Nueva Burgesa deducts the price of bread from the bill for burgers. For low-carb options, everywhere does jamon and queso, and traditional restaurants do chorizo.
If you're self-catering, buy ensaimada from a local bakery for breakfast. For a cheap Spain SIM card, consider buying one to make calls to restaurants for reservations.
Questions people ask
Do I need a car in Mallorca?
Having a rental car is recommended for exploring the island, according to travellers. It gives you flexibility to reach beaches and mountain villages. However, buses can work if you stick to main routes.
What's the best time to visit Mallorca?
Avoid the congested summer period; consider quiet months such as November or February. Autumn and spring are better but autumn can be rainy. September is a good time when the hottest days are past but the sea is warm.
How do I get from Palma airport to the city?
Bus A1 runs to the city centre every 15 minutes from 06:15 to midnight, and costs €5 in 2024. A taxi costs €28 daytime, €34 midnight to 05:00, and takes 15 minutes.
Is Mallorca safe?
Palma is very safe, unlike areas in the US and UK. However, be careful with valuables at the beach; travellers report thefts. Don't leave money unattended.
What should I not miss in Mallorca?
Palma is one of the best things about the island; definitely spend a day there. Also visit Valldemossa Charterhouse, Sóller, and the beaches near Alcúdia. For hiking, try the trail from St Elm to La Trapa.
Compiled from OpenStreetMap, Wikivoyage and traveller reports. Confirm prices and opening hours locally. About
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