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5-Day Mallorca Itinerary: Beyond the Obvious with Slow Days
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Short answerA 5-day Mallorca itinerary that goes beyond the obvious should base you in one place, mix one or two headline sights with lesser-known beaches and villages, and deliberately leave afternoons free. Travellers report that with a car you can reach anywhere on the island in about 90 minutes, so you do not need to move hotels. Use Palma for a day, then explore the east and north coasts, the Tramuntana, and quieter spots like Muro or Cala d'Or.
Why base yourself in one place
Travellers report that the island isn't that big; with a car you can be pretty much anywhere in 90 minutes maximum. That means you can stay in one base and still see a lot. Many recommend staying close to Palma, e.g., the city or Palma Nova, for beauty nearby, but if you want a slower feel, consider Sóller, Port de Sóller, or Cala d'Or. Staying in Sóller was amazing for one traveller who rented a full house in the mountains above the town for 3 weeks and used a car to visit main towns including Palma.
A car is recommended for exploring the island, and renting from the airport is common. Book early: travellers report that many options were already booked for desired dates. Also, a large SUV is highly impractical in Mallorca; everyone tries to avoid those. For peace of mind, taking the rental company's extra insurance is often easier and avoids a 1000 euro card block, and the price difference is often minimal compared to buying separate insurance.
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Palma old town and a slow evening
Palma is one of the best things about the island; definitely spend a day there. Start with the old town around the cathedral, but be aware that the city center near the big Cathedral has limited traffic areas; entering without authorization can result in fines. Park in an underground car park: travellers report underground parking in Palma center is easy and cheap at around 2 EURO per hour.
For a slow afternoon, wander the old streets and sit in a square. If you want nightlife later, Club Tunnel is located in Palma near Maritimo, the night club zone; other nearby places include Tramontana, La forja, Atomic garden, and Hard Rock Cafe. Palma is very safe, unlike areas in the US and UK. For food, try La Nueva Burgesa in Palma, which deducts the price of the bread from the bill for burgers.
Local tipDownload offline Google Maps of your area so you can GPS while on Airplane mode, and consider buying a cheap Spain SIM card to make calls to restaurants for reservations.
East coast coves and a hidden town
Head east to Cala d'Or, which has wonderful coves, pine trees, and turquoise water; rent a car and drive around, and Parc natural de Mondragó is wonderful. The east of the island is less resorty than Alcudia, which is very much a family destination. Cala d'Or also has a great mix of little bars and tapas restaurants with really nice beaches.
On the way back, stop in Muro, a hidden gem with an etymological museum, various churches, and a panoramic walkway. If you're there at lunchtime on a weekday, Sa Fonda in the old town of Muro does a great Mallorquian buffet at lunchtime (13:00–15:00), though it may be closed on Tuesdays. Confirm locally before you go.
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Tramuntana villages and a slow hike
Drive to Valldemossa and Sóller. Soller is a bit touristy but worth a visit. In Valldemossa, the Charterhouse is the main sight, but you can also just walk the village. For a hike, use the free AllTrails app to find trails around Mallorca. A recommended hike is from St Elm to La Trapa; it's not a casual walk but also not that hard. Another option is to park your car at 39.583881,2.350424 and walk down Avenida de la Trapa to start a 3-4 hour hike that takes you past a high point on the West coast.
If you want a beach, Cala Deia or Cala Tuent bay are quieter options mentioned by travellers. Be careful with valuables at the beach: one traveller reported all money was stolen at the beach.
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.
North coast and Alcúdia
Drive north to Alcúdia, which retains its old city walls and has a long beach strip. The old town is pedestrianised and pleasant for a slow wander. Nearby, check out the beaches near Alcudia and inland towns such as Valldemossa. If you want a quieter beach, Cala Varques is a beautiful little beach; get there early. Travellers report it's a favourite.
For a scenic drive, head to Cap de Formentor, a cliff around 230m above sea level, well worth a visit for the view of the drop; a good view is further up the nearby mountain. Note that small roads in the Tramuntana can be tricky because they are narrow, and watch out for groups of cyclists on the roads.
Slow day and local food
Leave this day free for a slow morning and a long lunch. Don't bother with an all-inclusive hotel; there are so many amazing places to eat and drink it would be a shame to miss out. For a local experience, try Ca’n Torrat, which has wood fire grilled meats for a very good price and parking outside. Raimundo Burger was voted the best burger in Mallorca.
If you want a beach day, consider Es Trenc Beach or Cala Santanyí, but go early. Remember that buses accept regular credit or debit card, no cash needed, if you decide to leave the car. For dinner, try gambas al ajillo: the basic recipe is garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, cayenne; maybe paprika or smoked paprika and lemon juice.
Questions people ask
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
Yes, a car is recommended for exploring the island. Travellers report that with a car you can reach anywhere in about 90 minutes. Book early, as many options get booked up.
When is the best time to go?
Avoid the congested summer period; consider quiet months such as November or February. Autumn and spring are better but autumn can be rainy. In May, Mallorca is probably a little less resorty and touristy than later in summer.
Is it safe to leave valuables at the beach?
No, be careful with valuables at the beach. One traveller reported all money was stolen at the beach.
What if it rains?
There are few rainy day activities on offer; the airport can be chaotic with stranded tourists during rain. Have a backup plan like a museum or a long lunch.
How do I pay for buses?
Buses accept regular credit or debit card, no cash needed. The bus from the airport to Estació Intermodal costs 5 euros and includes one transfer.
Compiled from OpenStreetMap, Wikivoyage and traveller reports. Confirm prices and opening hours locally. About
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