Mallorca is one of the most beautiful Spanish islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The island has a rich history, with a 13th-century cathedral and a royal palace located in the capital – Palma. Small villages like Pollenca offer entertainment in the form of art galleries and festivals. The island boasts beautiful nature too, with citrus plantations in Fornalutx.
In recent years, tourists have started visiting the island for more than just its history. Palma has become a party city for young people and all the beach resorts in Mallorca welcome thousands of visitors every summer. To put it simply, there is a lot to see on the island! Is there any way to get through all of it in one trip?
We think there might just be a solution. All you need is a car, some friends, and a good attitude. For everything else, follow this perfect Mallorca road trip itinerary!
Day1: From Palma
Mallorca road trip itinerary: From Palma to Santanyi
Journey: 92 km, 1h30m
To visit: The historic center, buildings, and museums of Palma, Cala Santanyi Beach
Where to stay: Petit Hotel Sant Miquel
When traveling around Mallorca, the best thing you can do is start your journey in the capital. There is so much to see there! The historic center alone will take you hours to go through. The best thing about road tripping is that you can decide how much time you want to spend in any given city.
In Palma de Mallorca, we recommend you just walk around the center and admire the architecture. If you’re looking for a more detailed itinerary, check out the Santa Maria cathedral that was built in the 13th century. Then, make your way to Almudaina, a majestic royal residence. Don’t forget about the circular medieval fortress – Bellver Caste.
The journey to Santanyi shouldn’t take longer than an hour and a half. Santanyi offers a lot for people who enjoy nature. For instance, you can visit the caves or go on a hot air balloon ride. Those who want to have some time off can go on a boat trip or spend some time at Cala Santanyi Beach. If you’re not in the mood to swim, visit Cala Figuera.
Day2: Northbound
Mallorca road trip itinerary: From Santanyi to Arta
Journey: 78 km, 1h20m
To visit: Family seaside resorts of Porto Cristo, the caves of Drach, Cala Mesquida
Where to stay: THB Felip
Traveling to Arta from Santanyi will take you a bit over an hour. Leave early in the morning, as there is a lot to see in the area of Arta. For starters, you cannot miss the town of Porto Cristo. Porto Cristo is a small town in Mallorca, but it’s definitely worth a visit. It is very family-friendly and offers a wide variety of seaside resorts. If you like to spend time by the water, you might consider staying there for a bit longer.
Cala Mesquida
Near Porto Cristo, you will find the caves of Drach. These are four caves reaching a depth of 25 m. The caves are a major tourist attraction in Mallorca. About 15 km away from Arta, you will find Cala Mesquida. Cala Mesquida is a stretch of beautiful beaches. You will find a number of water activities, as well as cafes, umbrellas, and sunbeds.
Caves of Drach
Day 3: The Northeastern Tip of The Island
Mallorca road trip itinerary: From Arta to Pollenca
Journey: 62 km, 1h
To visit: Alcudia, Mirador Es Colomer, Pollenca
Where to stay: Mon Boutique Hotel
Once you’re done with the Arta municipality, make your way to Pollenca. Pollenca is a very small town with only about 9,000 inhabitants. Despite that, there is a lot to see. For instance, you can take the 365 steps all the way up to a chapel on Calvari hill. There is a 13th-century church on the main square that you can visit as well. If you don’t feel like doing anything, just sit in one of the many cafes, drink coffee, and people watch. For the best view, visit Mirador Es Colomer. It’s best to go at sunset and bring a bottle of wine. Get a marvelous view of the sea and surrounding cliffs.
Not far, you will find Alcudia which is known for its beautiful beaches. While you’re there, you can visit the town’s Neo-Gothic church by the name of Saint Jaume.
Pollenca
Day4: Northwest coast of Mallorca
Mallorca road trip itinerary: From Pollenca to Fornalutx
Journey: 103 km, 2h
To visit: Cap de Formentor, Sa Calobra, Fornalutx
Where to stay: S’Olivaret
When you’re leaving the Pollenca municipality to make your way to Fornalutx, stop by Cap de Formentor. Cap de Formentor is what Mallorcans call the meeting point of the winds. It is a small spit of land that gives you the most beautiful view of the sea in that area.
Not far from Cap de Formentor, you will find Sa Calobra. Torrent de Pareis/Sa Calobra is a beach tucked in between massive cliffs. The beach is so picturesque that it is a must-visit on your trip, especially if you are going in summer. You might want to consider spending some time there if you enjoy cycling, as Sa Calobra boasts one of the most amazing cycling routes in Europe.
Fornalutx is a municipality and a small village in the mountains of Mallorca. Right off the bat, this area will surprise you with its wonderful nature. If you like hiking and breathing fresh air, you will feel right at home in Fornalutx.
Cap de Formentor
Day 5: West Mallorca
Mallorca road trip itinerary: From Fornalutx to Valldemossa
Journey: 26 km, 45m
To visit: Soller, Deia, Valldemossa
Where to stay: Es Petit Hotel de Valldemossa
The drive from Fornalutx to Valldemossa is a short one; it should take approximately 45 minutes. Valldemossa was popularized by the Austrian Archduke Ludwig Salvator, who mentioned the municipality in his writing. Today, the place is a popular tourist destination and one you shouldn’t miss. You will find breathtaking nature and views there, along with shops, restaurants, and cultural sights. Several festivals take place there in the summer months. If you visit in July, you might make it to the Festes de la Beata or Annual Artdemossa. The Festival of Saint Bartomeu takes place at the end of August.
Old City of Valdlemossa
Not far from Valldemossa, you will find the sunny town of Soller. The town is surrounded by mountains, giving it a unique position in the country. In the center, you will find the Placa Constitucio, which is the local square. There are several cafes and restaurants on the square, as well as a church and museum near Port de Soller.
Only about 15 km away from Valldemossa is the town of Deia. Deia is best known for its famous residents and visitors. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have been regular visitors in the past. Andrew Lloyd-Webber spends his summers in Deia. You might also run into Richard Branson, a famous entrepreneur, and mogul.
Sollér
Day6: Return to Palma from the southwest
Mallorca road trip itinerary: From Valldemossa to Palma
Journey: 70 km, 1h20m
To visit: Banyalbufar, Estellencs, Antratx
Where to stay: Hotel Blue Bay
Now, you are coming towards the end of your journey. On this day, you are invited to drive back to Palma, which is only about an hour and 20 minutes away from Valldemossa. On your way back, stop by the municipality of Banyalbufar. The place relies almost entirely on agriculture for making money. You will find that most of the people work in food production. Thus, you will come across the best seafood, olives, tomatoes, and wine! If you’re in the mood for a walk, visit the Port des Canonge trail.
Estellencs
Estellencs is a mountainous village on the island. It is not as a popular destination as the other places mentioned here, which makes it perfect for a quiet getaway. If you need some time to relax and be on your own, this is the perfect place. To keep you company, you get the most wonderful views of the sea and mountains.
If you have some time left, visit Andratx on your way back to Palma. The municipality was once reliant solely on agriculture and fishing. Now, these activities are most often practiced by the village’s inhabitants for recreational purposes, and the economy relies on tourism instead. Andratx has several beautiful churches, such as the Church of Santa Maria de Andrach and the ruins of a former monastery.
Andratx
Once you get to Palma, we recommend you spend a few nights there to relax after your trip. Stay at a nice beach hotel like Blue Bay and soak in the sun. In the evening, walk the narrow streets and take in the city. You will feel recharged and full of energy for your trip back home!
Documents to have onboard
When you’re traveling to Mallorca by car, you need to have a few things on you at all times. Let’s start with the obvious – your driving license. Make sure your driving license is valid in Mallorca and not just in your home country. Then, always keep your vehicle registration document in the car. If you’re renting a car, the rental place will give it to you. Finally, you need your MOT test certificate, which serves as a confirmation that your car is safe to drive. Whether you’re renting a car or driving your own, we recommend you get it insured. What happens on the road is not always in your control, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Another document you should have on you at all times is a valid form of ID. Your passport will do just fine! Besides, if you’re traveling in from abroad, you will have your passport on you anyway. Keep an eye on it and don’t leave it lying around.
Rules of conduct
Every country has its own rules of the road and Spain is no exception. If you don’t want to run into any difficulties during your road trip around Mallorca, you need to follow the local rules and drive safely. For starters, always make sure you’ve dressed appropriately for your car trip. If you’re wearing flip-flops or driving barefoot, you can be fined for not having the appropriate footwear. The same goes for clothing; wear a t-shirt or pay 200 euros!
Residents of some countries like to honk whenever they see fit. You can’t get away with that in Mallorca. Only honk in cases of emergencies, like if there is a road accident ahead or you have to brake suddenly. At the same time, keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and ears insight. Failing to comply with these simple rules could lead to a hefty fine. Even though you might be used to driving more negligently, these rules actually make a lot of sense. Stay safe on the road and you won’t get into any trouble.
Driving in Mallorca
Other useful information regarding driving
Whether you are chasing natural pools in Tenerife or you decided to take Mallorca in a car, you have two options. You can either come in your own car or rent a car on the island. The second option is significantly easier, though it might be slightly more expensive. You will find a number of car rental agencies in Palma. For instance, Hertz is a popular option among tourists. It’s a global company that has a strong reputation in the rental car community.
Coming in your own car can save you money on air tickets. Depending on where you’re coming from, paying for gas can be a lot more convenient than buying plane tickets. Remember that Mallorca is an island, so you can’t just drive down there. You have to take a ferry to Palma from Valencia or Barcelona. Going from Barcelona to Palma will take you a little bit over 7 hours. Usually, people like to take the night ferry so they can sleep and wake up to a new city. Check the prices of the ferry and see if bringing your own car is worth it.
Once you get to the island, remember to drive safely. The roads are rather traditional, so strap your seatbelt and enjoy the ride!
Final Words about Mallorca Road Trip
A mistake many travelers make when going to the Balearic Islands is settling in one place. Don’t get me wrong, if you enjoy a relaxing vacation by the beach or in the city, there is no reason why you shouldn’t settle down in a beach resort or boutique hotel. However, you might miss out on all the other wonderful places Mallorca has to offer.
Taking a road trip around the island is the perfect way to discover all the picturesque places. The best part is, you don’t have to follow anyone’s lead! Drive to any destination you like and stay for as long as you like. All the towns mentioned are quite close to each other, so you won’t drive too far away even if you try!
Mallorca is just a small island compared to Spain, if you are planning a whole itinerary, take a look at the things to see in Granada. If you are an island lover and would like to stick close to the sea, Spain has also other great islands like Tenerife. There a lot to there as well and the climate is a bit different than Mallorca. And if you want more ideas for the coast, cheackout this guide about the 7 Spain seaside destinations to explore this summer. Enjoy!
