Mallorca Road Trip: 7-Day Itinerary For First Timers

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I’ve been on a mission to explore all the European islands (and secretly compare them), and this week-long Mallorca road trip blew my socks off. As it was my first time on the island, I wanted to get a taste of everything – do a few of the famous hikes, stay in the beautiful mountain towns of Deià and Sóller, sunbathe at the famous beaches of Cala Moro & Cala Figuera, and catch as many epic sunsets as possible.

A few observations right off the bat is that Mallorca is one of the most touristed islands in Europe, full of German and UK folks. While it’s known for its parties and beaches, I was pleasantly surprised by the epic mountains in the center of the island – incredible hiking and scenic bike rides! The local food leans to fish and pork dishes, and the Spanish wine is good and cheap. Finally, driving the Ma-10 scenic road around the island is one of the highlights of my trip!

Here is the high-level itinerary for a week in Mallorca.

• Day 1: Arrive in Mallorca & Head to Sant Elm Town
• Day 2: La Trapa Ruins Hike & Fancy Dinner in Deià
• Day 3: A Day in Port de Sóller & Town of Sóller
• Day 4: Tramuntana Mountains Hike & Sa Calobra 🤩
• Day 5: Talaia d’Alcúdia Hike and Platja des Coll Baix 🤩
• Day 6: Best Beaches: Caló des Moro & Cala Figuera
• Day 7: Palma de Mallorca & Head Home

From a logistical perspective, I road-tripped the island counterclockwise along the iconically beautiful Ma-10 scenic road and stayed a couple of nights on each part of the island.

QUICK GUIDE: Where I Stayed (~€200 per night)
📍 1 Night in Southwest Mallorca: Sant Elm – Paguera Treff Boutique Hotel
📍 3 Nights in Central Tramuntana Mountains: Sóller – Ecocirer Healthy Stay
📍 1 Night in North Mallorca: Port de Pollença – Hoposa Bahia Seaside Hotel
📍 2 Night in Southeast Mallorca: Palma de Mallorca – Hotel Nakar
(More detailed recommendations, budget & mid-range below.)

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Mallorca Road Trip: 7-Day Itinerary

This road trip focuses more on nature, beaches, and hikes over city travel because I think that’s where Mallorca shines. I actually spent 10 days on the island because I like to travel slowly, but I have optimized this week-long road trip around Mallorca around my favorite spots.

If you have more time, I would add a day in Palma de Mallorca because it’s such a beautiful capital city that comes alive at night with live music & little cafes on the hilltops. I would also add a day or two in Soller and Deia, especially if you love little mountain towns and hiking.

Day 1: Arrive in Mallorca, Head To Sant Elm

I recommend flying into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), grabbing your rental car, and hitting the road. It’s a 45-minute drive to the cute little coastal village of Sant Elm, where you’ll spend most of the first two days decompressing and hiking, leaning into the Mallorca island lifestyle.

You can park your car right outside the little town here: Google Maps (cash only, about €5 per day).

Sant Elm is a charming coastal village in southwest Mallorca and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, most notably La Trapa Nature Reserve and Sa Dragonera, the island right in front of the village that looks like a dragon!

The cute little village center is made up of one main road filled with restaurants, cafés, and little shops. 

Here are my favorite restaurants for dinner:

• La Casita del Mar (local food, make a reservation, my first choice!)
• Restaurant de na Caragola (fantastic paella & sunset views)

Day 2: La Trapa Ruins Hike & Deià

I like to take it easy in the mornings, so I woke up, had a slow coffee, packed all my stuff, and went to one of the little beaches in Sant Elm to get a little morning tan. After an early lunch, it was time to hike La Trapa Ruins – make sure to pack water, hiking shoes (or sneakers), and a bathing suit.

La Trapa Ruins were originally established as a Trappist monastery in the early 19th century by French monks fleeing the Napoleonic Wars. Over time, the monastery was abandoned, leaving behind ruins set against a backdrop of some pretty amazing sea views. If you do it counterclockwise, Sa Dragonera island is visible from La Trapa, which makes for a pretty view on the way down.

After the hike, head to Soller to check into your new lodging and get yourself super cute for a nice dinner in Deià. Take the scenic drive on MA-10 along the coast from Sant Elm to Soller. It will be about 1.5 hours.

I recommend getting to Deià around 6 pm to check out the little town and walk around before sunset. Dinner reservations at the iconic La Residencia Hotel at Restaurante Miró, owned by Luis Vuitton. It will be a pricier meal (I paid about $120 just for myself), but the town and views are incredible, there’s Spanish guitar every night for dinner, and the meal is upscaled Mallorcan food – delicious!

Day 3: A Day In Sóller & Port de Sóller

While Deià is a literal postcard, I loved the town of Sóller more – it has a more livable, local feel and is a bit bigger. It’s also cheaper on the lodging and a great hub for going on some pretty great hikes.

Today is a touristy rest day. Start off with a morning coffee and a ride on the historic wooden tram from Sóller to Port de Sóller. This journey is about 30 minutes and is a great way to see the orange groves and countryside. In Port de Soller, spend some time on the beach, enjoying the sun and sea, and walk around the promenade. Grab lunch at a local seaside restaurant – try some trumpet, pa amb oli, and any fresh seafood on the menu.

In the afternoon, take the tram back to Soller and walk around the cute streets of the town – shop for espadrilles shoes and local cork and leather goods. Admire the architecture of the Church of Sant Bartomeu and the bustling main square, Plaza Constitución.

For dinner, my favorite restaurants in Soller are:

• La Romaguera Restaurant
• Ca’n Pintxo Restaurant
• Restaurant Can Gata

Day 4: Tramuntana Mountains Hike & Sa Calobra

Today is a full hike and adventure day! Pack hiking shoes, a sandwich snack, water, a small towel, and a bathing suit – I was out all day! From the town of Soller to the parking lot for the hike it takes about 30 minutes. Start early, and bring lots of water!

I am not going to lie, this was a bit of a haul uphill at the beginning, but after I found my pace, this was a pretty satisfying half-day hike through mountains, olive orchards, and forests filled with streams and wildflowers – not joking, right out of a fairytale!

After the hike, it’s a quick drive to the village of Sa Calobra. To get here, you’ll be turning off the MA-10 onto MA-2141 down a windy, hairpin turn road and drive all the way to the bottom, where you can explore the Torrent de Pareis gorge and hang out at the beach for a bit. There is paid parking here (cash and credit accepted).

Once you park, stroll down the paved road to Sa Calobra. Around the rocky Platja de Sa Calobra, you’ll find a bunch of places to grab a bite or an “apres hike beer,” it’s a pretty cool spot for a swim, too.

From here, follow the signs to Torrent de Pareis. You’ll be walking along a path that’s right next to the coast and go through two tunnels. The second tunnel is like a grand entrance to this amazing beach called Platja de Torrent de Pareis. It’s sandwiched between huge cliffs, and there’s a giant stream from the sea cutting right through, which you can explore a bit if your legs have not given up on you yet.

I stayed here to relax until sunset and returned to Soller for dinner and much-needed wine.

Day 5: Talaia d’Alcúdia Hike & Platja des Coll Baix

Spoiler Alert: I got lost on this day hike and was followed by some mountain goats, so definitely download the offline map and follow it closely! 🙈

Today is a full-day hike on the Alcudia peninsula, and I know I say this a lot, but it has some of the highest and best views on the island. Pack all your stuff, and head to Port de Pollença to check into your lodging. From there, pack 2 big bottles of water (or more), a lunch sandwich, snacks, a beach towel and swimsuit, and a hat to protect from the sun, and head to the trail.

This hike will have some amazing views of Pollença Bay, Alcúdia Bay, the Formentor Peninsula, and the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. I got lost along the way and didn’t end up doing the Platja des Coll Baix, but it was still one of those hikes I’ll remember for a while.

PRO TIP: I highly recommend doing the offshoot to Penya des Migdia right at the beginning of the trail.

For dinner, go back to Port de Pollenca, where you can decompress and eat right at the seaside restaurant at your hotel.

Day 6: Best Mallorca Beaches

Today is another little road trip from Port de Pollença to southwest Mallorca, where the best beaches are! The drive from Port de Pollença to Caló des Moro (and the nearby beaches of Cala Figuera and Lombards) is about 1 hour and 20 minutes through the middle of the island.

I recommend going to the beaches in this order so that you catch the smallest and best ones before the crowds get there. I also recommend doing as I did and popping into a grocery store to get some fruit and a sandwich for a late breakfast on the beach.

✅ Caló des Moro – The most iconic and smallest of them all! Park on the street around this one-way road, and then take the stairs down to Cala S’Almunia. From here, go left along the trail till you get to Caló des Moro – you want to get here by 9 am to get a spot on the little beach. It’s a shit show afterward!

✅ Cala Lombards – Just 10 minutes from Caló des Moro is Cala Lombards. You can park here.

PRO TIP: Between Cala Lombards and Cala Figueres, grab lunch at Restaurante Pura Vida for the view – make a reservation early in the morning so you have a good spot.

✅ Cala Figueres – This is the biggest of the beaches, and it’s actually a Y-shaped bay (so two beaches in one), great for an end-of-day sun soak and nap. There is a parking lot here, but you can also park on the street. From there, you can walk the small trail to the beaches in the bay. There are little fish restaurants and cafes along the bay.

From the beaches to where you’re staying tonight, Palma de Mallorca is a 45-minute drive. Dinner in Palma at Sa Costa Palma.

Day 7: Palma de Mallorca & Head Home

On the last day, I spent the day in Palma, the capital city of Mallorca. In the afternoon, I returned my car and caught my flight home. If you need to park your car, I recommend paying and parking outside the city here – driving in Palma is a mess, and the streets are super tiny.

Here’s what I loved doing and seeing in Palma:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria (La Seu) – Check out the reflection of the cathedral in the Parc de la Mar’s pool – perfect for that insta-worthy photo!
• Palma Old Town – Wander through the maze of narrow streets or do it on a Segway With a Local Guide!

If I could add a couple of days, I’d add a few more in Palma de Mallorca so I could explore the little city that reminds me of a mini-Barcelona, and the beautiful beaches nearby at a more chill pace.

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Mallorca Road Trip Map

Here is a Google Map of the stops along the 7-day Mallorca road trip. I prioritized Northern Mallorca’s mountains and southwestern Mallorca’s beaches.

To drive from one end of the island to the other takes about 1.5 hours, a bit more if you’re taking the scenic Ma-10 road. While it’s a big island, it’s super easy to navigate, and the roads are great!

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Only Have 1 Day to Road Trip Mallorca?

If you only have one day to “road trip” Mallorca, I would fly into Palma de Mallorca in the morning and rent a car for the day. I would then spend the day either at one of the famous Mallorca beaches or hiking in the north in the Tramuntana Mountains. Both options end in the capital city of Palma with a nice dinner and some partying!

🏖️ Option 1: Mallorca Beaches & Palma

• Land in Palma de Mallorca & rent a car for the day
• Drive 45 minutes to Caló des Moro, Cala Llombards, and Cala Figuera for a beach day – spend 1 to 2 hours at each beach!
• Drive back to Palma for dinner & party for the night.
• Return the car in the morning and fly home.

⛰️ Option 2: Tramuntania Hike, Sa Calobra, & Palma (For the Ambitious)

• Land in Palma de Mallorca & rent a car for the day
• Drive 1.5 hours to the iconic Sa Calobra windy road to the beach.
• Lunch on the beach.
• Hike the Tramuntana Mountains in the afternoon (4.5 hrs).
• Drive back to Palma for dinner & party for the night.
• Return the car in the morning and fly home.

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Where to Stay In Mallorca

I stayed all over the island, and my favorite town was Soller in the mountains, so that’s why I was home-based there for a bit longer. I spent an average of €200 a night, with some stays in the budget hotels and a couple of splurges here and there. The idea for this 7-day Mallorca road trip is:

• 1 Night in Southwest Mallorca: Sant Elm
• 3 Nights in Central Tramuntana Mountains: Soller
• 1 Night in North Mallorca: Port de Pollença
• 2 Night in Southeast Mallorca: Palma de Mallorca

Where To Stay in Southwest Mallorca: Sant Elm

📍 Budget: Hostal Dragonera – beachfront views right on the main street, balcony optional. While the rooms are small, they are clean and tidy. Great for a one-night stay.
📍Mid-Range: Paguera Treff Boutique Hotel – beachfront views, balcony to enjoy the sunset, right on the main street, champagne to greet you, and breakfast included.

Central Tramuntana Mountains: Sóller

📍 Budget: Ca’s Cuscanti – right in Soller, spacious clean rooms with a classy decor. Freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning from the host, Tony!
📍Mid-Range: Ecocirer Healthy Boutique Stay – beautiful rooms with mountain views, a little pool, a freshly made breakfast and coffee in the morning, and right near Soller town square!

North Mallorca: Port de Pollença

📍Budget: Hotel Eolo – great for a one-night stay, especially since you’ll be hiking most of the day. A great breakfast and a view of the sea are included!
📍 Mid-Range: Hoposa Bahia – wonderful breakfast included, and you can dine right on the beach, as the hotel sits on the water.

Southeast Mallorca: Palma de Mallorca

📍 Budget: Casa Catalina – In a hipster neighborhood with great cafes and restaurants, but nice and quiet at night.
📍Luxury: Hotel Nakar – This is a bit of a splurge, but so nice to have a rooftop pool overlooking Palma for the last nights of the stay. Breakfast is included!

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Mallorca Travel Tips & Budget

Before I get into when to go and how many days to spend in Mallorca, I wanted to share my budget for the 7-day road trip. Keep in mind that I went in the shoulder season at the beginning of October.

➡️ Total Budget for the 7-Day Road Trip in Mallorca: €2,360

• Lodging – €1,500 (average €200 a night)
  • I splurged in Soller and Palma de Mallorca but stayed in more budget lodging (still cute) for the one-night stays.
• Car Rental – €260
• Food – € 500
• Parking, Tours, Random – €100

✅ When is the best time to visit Mallorca?

The best time to visit the island is in the fall or the spring – March, April, and May. I made this trip in October when it was still sunny and warm (temperatures in the 80s) and was greeted by fewer tourists and lower prices.

The summer season gets a bit crowded with UK and German tourists, as this island is one of the most famous of the Spanish Balearic Island groups. Mallorca is pretty dead in the winter (November to March), and most restaurants and towns close down.

✅ How many days are enough for Mallorca?

Generally, a stay of 5 to 7 days allows you to explore a good mix of beaches and historical sites and do some hiking in the mountains of Mallorca.

Here’s a quick breakdown of an itinerary depending on the amount of time you have:

• 3-4 Days: Perfect for a short, relaxing break. Focus on Palma and the nearby beaches & hikes. One day, you can explore the historic Old Town and visit the Cathedral in Palma, next you can make a day trip to Sant Elmo town and hike La Trapa Ruins to see sunset over La Dragonera island, and last, you can spend a day sunbathing at the nearby beaches of Caló des Moro, Cala Llombards, and Cala Figuera.
• 5-7 Days: Ideal for a true road trip experience. You have time to explore the mountain villages of the Serra de Tramuntana, take a day trip to the charming town of Sóller & Deià, and enjoy more beaches. Check out the 7-day itinerary I put together!
• More than a Week: Great for a deep dive into Mallorca’s lesser-known towns, for spending more time in each location, and maybe even taking a boat trip around the island.

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Getting To Mallorca

The best and oftentimes cheapest way to get to Mallorca is to fly into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). You can also take a ferry from mainland Spain or France to the port of Mallorca.

✅ What airport is best to start your Mallorca road trip?

The best airport to start your Mallorca road trip is Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). It’s the main gateway to the island and is located just 8 km east of Palma, the capital city.

This airport has a wide range of flight options from both international and domestic locations, is recently remodeled and smells super new, and is well-connected to the main roads that criss-cross the island, making it easy to start your road trip in any direction.

✅ What port is best to start your Mallorca Road Trip?

If you want to take a ferry from the mainland, the Port of Palma is the best option. It’s the main port on the island, located conveniently in Palma de Mallorca, the capital. This port is not only the largest in Mallorca but also one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, serving ferries, cruise ships, and private yachts.

• Barcelona to Mallorca: 7.5 hrs by ferry (~€100)
• Valencia to Mallorca: 8 hrs by ferry (~€50)
• Toulon, France to Mallorca: 14 hrs by ferry (~€300)

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Renting a Car in Mallorca

I rented a car in Mallorca for my road trip, and I recommend you do the same. Driving in Mallorca is pretty straightforward, and the drivers, mostly from the UK and Germany, are civilized and follow the diving rules. My best advice is to rent the smallest car possible because the roads are quite small, especially in the mountains.

➡️ I rented from Discover Cars in Palma de Mallorca Airport! ⬅️

✅ Can you travel through Mallorca by car?

Yes, you can definitely travel through Mallorca by car, and it’s actually one of the best ways to explore the island – it’s how I went about it.

One of the highlights for road trippers in Mallorca is the MA-10 road. This scenic route runs along the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site! Remember to drive carefully, especially on the winding parts of the road, and be aware of cyclists who frequently use the route.

✅ How long does it take to drive around Mallorca?

Driving around Mallorca is a fantastic way to see the island. It can vary in duration depending on your route and stops. If you’re planning to drive along the coast, covering the entire perimeter of Mallorca, it’s roughly a 312 km (194 miles) journey.

Driving non-stop and sticking mainly to the Ma-19 and Ma-1, the primary highways, would take about 5 to 6 hours. Remember, driving times can be affected by traffic and cyclists, especially during peak tourist season, and by the slower speeds on the island’s many winding roads.

✅ What is the most scenic route in Mallorca?

The most scenic route in Mallorca, widely known for its breathtaking views, is the drive through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, primarily along the MA-10 road. I drove this route along the northwest coast of Mallorca so many times in my road trip just to stop at all the little viewpoints – the insane mountain and coastal views, the picturesque villages, and the windy road itself is such an experience!

The route begins in the town of Andratx, located in the southwest of Mallorca. As you continue north, you’ll pass through small villages like Estellencs and Banyalbufar, nestled in the mountains and offering spectacular views of the sea. Then on to one of the most famous stops along MA-10, Valldemossa, a beautiful village known for its historic Carthusian Monastery.

Continuing along the route, you’ll reach Deià, one of my favorite villages in Mallorca. Deià has attracted artists and writers for years, including famous bands like Sting and the Police, writers like Anaïs Nin, and actors like Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The MA-10 then leads to Sóller, famous for its beautiful orange groves and historic railway. For the adventurous, towards the end of the MA-10 route is a detour to Sa Calobra and the Torrent de Pareis gorge. The road to Sa Calobra is known for its hairpin bends and dramatic views, and I think is an epic end to this scenic route in Mallorca.

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Driving in Mallorca 

Driving in Mallorca is pretty safe and easy, and the island is well-connected with highways and roads to pretty much anywhere.

The most frustrating thing to look out for is the masses of cyclists that are also using the roads, especially MA-10, which is one lane in each direction. I had to really be zen and brave to pass some of these groups safely.

PRO TIP: The winding mountain road leading to Sa Calobra is somewhat insane with the hairpin turns, so you’ll want to be extra careful. 

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Parking in Mallorca

Parking in Mallorca is almost always paid. If you’re street parking, blue lines mean you have to pay at the kiosk. White lines are free, and they are usually right outside the village center.

Many places you’ll stay at do not have on-site parking because they’re located in little villages and the streets are narrow, so I recommend asking your host where it’s best to park your car.

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Conclusion: Best Spots On This Mallorca Road Trip

In conclusion, I spent about €2.5K on a 7-day epic road trip of Mallorca and saw the best of the island, did some pretty amazing hikes through the Tramuntania Mountain Range, and swam in the best beaches Mallorca has to offer.

My favorite hike ended up being Talaia d’Alcùdia, where I met some mountain goats on my trail. I also loved spending a day at the Caló des Moro beach, where I bit the bullet and showed up at 7 am with the sun to really get the magic of this small cove undisturbed.

My favorite places in Mallorca were:

• La Trapa Ruins Hike & La Dragonera Island
• La Residencia Hotel & Restaurant Miró Dinner
• The Mountain Town of Soller
• The Village of Sa Calobra & The Serpentine Road leading to it
• The MA-10 scenic road from Sant Elm to Sa Calobra in the north of the island.
• Talaia d’Alcúdia Hike
• Sunbathing on the best beach in Mallorca – Caló des Moro.
• The Cathedral & Capital City of Palma De Mallorca

All to say, Mallorca was an amazing island to road trip, and each day had a bit of magic and adventure without being too overwhelming logistically. So what are you waiting for?!