Mallorca in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Mallorca is a paradise on earth, so seven days there is one of the experiences you can not miss, even once in a lifetime.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

11 min read

Mallorca in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Mallorca | ©JamesPDeans

With its beaches, flavors and the excellent disposition of its people, there is truly a lot to see and do in Mallorca. From lying in the sun and enjoying its crystal clear waters, to touring its Moorish and Roman ruins, to its amazing pearls or its caves, this, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is a unique place.

Whether you prefer the beach life or not, you will not fail to fall in love with this dream place. If this is your first visit to the island I assure you that you will come back, and if you already know it, well, it is always worth rediscovering it. If you are thinking of visiting Mallorca, this guide will be very useful, since I have selected for you the best activities of the island, grouped in 7 days, so that you can have an idea of an itinerary of pure fun.

Day 1: Getting to know the main places in Majorca

Majorca Tourist Bus| ©Joe K
Majorca Tourist Bus| ©Joe K

Arriving in paradise is an incredible feeling, you have 7 days ahead of you and endless things to do. So, to start this adventure I propose you to start this first day with a tour around the island.

Get on a tourist bus

Just arrived on the island, the best way to get to know the city and its main attractions is to get on one of the tourist buses. With the peace of mind of having a specialized guide who will tell you in your language the details of each of the sites they pass through. This type of excursion is very useful to get in touch with this destination.

In the hop-on hop-off tourist bus of Mallorca you can visit emblematic places of the island, such as the Cathedral-Basilica, with its beautiful Gothic style, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and some of its beaches and coves, to enjoy the warm and translucent waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

This type of tour allows you to get on and off as many times as you want, and is valid for 24 or up to 48 hours, so it is absolutely worth the experience. You will end up having an idea of where each of Mallorca's main attractions are located, which will make things much easier for the rest of your trip.

If it's time for lunch, before continuing I recommend stopping in the southern part of Mallorca, in the central district. Around the Royal Palace of the Almudaina you will find several restaurants of all styles and for all budgets. If you want to try the quality Basque cuisine I recommend the restaurant La Bóveda, in Carrer de la Botería Nr. 3, you will not regret it.

Book now your excursion in the hop-on hop-off tourist bus of Mallorca

Visit the Cathedral-Basilica of Mallorca or La Seu

Undoubtedly one of the main architectural jewels of the island, and one of those places that you cannot miss if you are passing through Mallorca. Located in the southern part, on the shores of the coast of Palma, this Cathedral-Basilica of Levantine Gothic style is the most important religious building on the island.

The Cathedral of Mallorca (or La Seu, in Mallorquin) began to be built in the 13th century, during the reign of James II. The views of the Mediterranean Sea from the top are unparalleled. It was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument by Unesco in 1931, and its Gothic-style rose window is the largest in the world. Whether you are a Christian or not, you have to visit it, as the beauty of the place will leave you speechless.

Visit the Almudaina Royal Palace

After touring the Cathedral, about 300 meters from there is the Royal Palace of the Almudaina, also called Royal Alcazar of Palma de Mallorca, where you can appreciate all the beauty and charm of the Arab past of the island, since, although it is of Roman origin, it was built on the basis of the Muslim fortress that began to be built in the thirteenth century.

This is the summer residence of the king, so you can tour the various rooms and see pieces of royal furniture that are more than 800 years old. An incredible place, ideal to visit with children.

Finish this first day in Mallorca with a delicious dinner at Las Olas bistro, at Carrer de Can Fortuny, 4, also in the downtown district. The place has options for all tastes, including vegans and celiacs.

Day 2: Tour other gems of Mallorcan history

Bellver Castle| ©Sergei Gussev
Bellver Castle| ©Sergei Gussev

As you can see Mallorca is much more than its paradisiacal beaches and dreamy coves. For this fourth day on the island I propose a varied itinerary.

Visit Bellver Castle

Very close by is another of the places that you cannot miss during your visit to Mallorca, I am referring to the Bellver Castle. A surprising circular castle, also in Gothic style, dating from the 14th century. As a curiosity, it is one of the few circular castles preserved in the world, and the oldest.

In it you can visit the Museum of History of the city of Palma, and enjoy the incredible views of the Sierra de Tramuntana and the port. Its structure is beautiful, so it is an ideal place to take some good pictures.

Visit the best of Joan Miró's work at the Miró Foundation Mallorca

Less than 30 minutes away, continue your day with a tour of the works of the Catalan master Joan Miró. In Mallorca you will find the Foundation that bears his name, which, like the one in Montjuic, Barcelona, celebrates the life and work of Miró.

Here you can appreciate all the talent of one of the best painters of the region and the world, with original paintings and sculptures, audiovisual sectors, where you will learn about the different stages of his work. Of course, you can take some souvenirs of your visit to the foundation in its highly recommended store, from reproductions, books with his main works, and much more. The visit is perfect to enjoy with children, since, for Miró, playfulness was always present.

Cala Major Beach

Spend the rest of the day at Cala Major, a place full of comfort, where you can also have lunch at your leisure in one of its many beach bars and restaurants facing the sea. It is a cove with a beach of 200 meters of fine white sand and the most incredible turquoise waters.

After a morning of history and art, nothing better than enjoying the sun and the Mediterranean Sea in this idyllic spot. The cove is located very close to the Miró Foundation, so you can reach it on foot in a matter of minutes. To return to Palma's central district take bus 4, which will take you there in 20 minutes.

End the day with dinner at Erizo de Bar, a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean that will surprise you with its original menu and affordable prices. Located at Carrer de la Sirena No. 1, on Palma's Paseo Marítimo.

Day 3: Mediterranean boat trip

Sailing around Mallorca| ©Daniel Olah
Sailing around Mallorca| ©Daniel Olah

No visit to an island like Mallorca would be complete without a boat trip. There are many options, but if you want to go on one of the best boat tours in Mallorca, I recommend you to opt for one of those that last the whole day. They always end up being the best choice, since you will be able to enjoy the best coastal areas of the island in a water ride.

Your captain will tell you everything you need to know about Mallorca and the different places you will visit. Besides, they include food and drinks, so you won't have to worry about anything, just enjoy.

Some of these tours include a visit to the virgin island of Cabrera, and almost all of them make a stop at Cala Vella to do some snorkeling, as this area is particularly beautiful to enjoy underwater.

Book one of the best boat tours in Mallorca now!

Day 4: Beaches!

S'Amarador Beach| ©Marcelo
S'Amarador Beach| ©Marcelo

Start your fourth day with breakfast at La Molienda, definitely the best cafe in Mallorca. After touring the center and the main attractions of the city, it's time to see why this is one of the most chosen islands by beach lovers.

Enjoy one of the best beaches in Mallorca: Alcúdia

If what you are looking for is fine white sand, transparent and warm waters with miles of beach, then Alcúdia is your place. It is the longest of all the beaches of Mallorca, with all the services for your comfort and tranquility.

Alcúdia is ideal to spend the whole day, and if you get tired of being in the sun, you can visit the port area, where you will find a wide range of restaurants. If you are one of those who die for seafood, this is your place.

This beach is special to visit with your children, as they can do diving, water sports and a host of activities around the Mediterranean. Of course, it is located in the northern region of the island. The best way to get here is by bus, with line 302 you should be here in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If not, you can always ask for an Uber.

Visit Puerto Pollensa and Formentor

If you want to visit other of the best beaches of the northern region in the same day, you can take bus 333 or 334, and in less than 20 minutes you will arrive in Pollensa, a place full of charm. Walk around its fishermen's port and enjoy the promenade in front of the sea.

There you can also go to Cala de Sant Vicenç, an authentic Mallorcan paradise.

A few kilometers further north you will find Formentor beach. Surrounded by pine trees and mountains, this beach is excellent for snorkeling because of its shallow and warm waters. I recommend that you stay to watch the sunset at Formentor, as it is a unique spectacle.

Day 5: Winery tours and hot air balloon ride

Sunset and hot air balloon ride| ©james_duncan
Sunset and hot air balloon ride| ©james_duncan

For this fifth day I propose two very different options. On the one hand, a guided tour of the wineries and vineyards of the island, and on the other hand, a high altitude adventure, traveling more than 70 kilometers aboard a hot air balloon.

Discover the surprising world of Mallorcan wine

Take a tour of the best wineries on the island. This is undoubtedly one of the best tours to do in Mallorca, as you will discover all the flavor and quality of the local wines in an unbeatable natural setting, while learning about the winemaking process.

Most of these guided tours through the vineyards and wineries of Mallorca include a tasting of the different varieties of wines, as well as some of the best Spanish cheeses and hams, pâté and other delicacies that will leave you ecstatic. An experience for your senses that you cannot miss on your trip to Mallorca.

Thanks to its proximity to the Mediterranean, the taste of the harvests is usually very particular. That is why some of these tours also include a walk through the olive groves, with its corresponding tasting of olives and extra virgin olive oil. The duration of these tours ranges from 1 hour and 30 minutes to almost 4 hours. An ideal plan for mid-morning.

Take to the skies of Mallorca on a hot air balloon ride

After filling your stomach and delighting your palate with the tour of vineyards and wineries, I have reserved for you an adventure that will allow you to get to know Mallorca from a new perspective. If you are one of those who are up for anything, you can't miss this hot air balloon ride over the best of the island.

With its mountains, coves and beaches, and all the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea unfolding before your eyes, this 2-hour guided tour aboard a hot air balloon is unparalleled. The tour takes off from the northwest portion of the island, so keep this in mind when choosing a winery tour. It is best to opt for one that is close to this part of the island.

Day 6: Visit the Drach Caves and the Hams Caves

Drach Caves in Porto Cristo| ©Norman G
Drach Caves in Porto Cristo| ©Norman G

Take a full day excursion to one of the most amazing places in Mallorca. The labyrinthine caves of Drach are a complex of galleries, which were formed by the action of the Mediterranean Sea over millions of years.

On board a boat you will enter these passages full of stalactites and stalagmites, until you reach the subway lake Martel. Here you will enjoy a spectacle of lights that move in synchrony with the music played live by a small orchestra. Let yourself be thrilled by this combination of art and all the charm of nature.

For many years, caving has become one of the most sought-after activities for visitors. Caving, the act of exploring caves, lakes and subway galleries, is an absolutely different experience, not suitable for people who suffer from claustrophobia.

Day 7: Tour Valldemossa and Sóller

Valldemossa| ©Mia & Steve Mestdagh
Valldemossa| ©Mia & Steve Mestdagh

This trip has come to an end, but before packing your bags, I propose a last day in the western region of Mallorca, more specifically to two places that will leave you in love: Valldemossa and Sóller.

Tour the beautiful village of Valldemossa

Located only 17 kilometers from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, this charming village surrounded by mountains has a historical heritage worth visiting.

Here you can discover some of the most picturesque sites of the island, such as the Cartuja, with its beautiful bell tower; the Palace of King Sancho, built by the monarch James II for his son; the gardens of King Juan Carlos; the Chopin Cell, where the composer lived for a time, or the Birthplace of Santa Catalina Thomas. But, beyond these attractions, the simple plan to wander through the little stone streets of Valldemossa is a real pleasure.

It is the ideal place to stroll and enjoy the nature and history of the region. If it is lunchtime, there is nothing better than a few dishes at the Quitapenas Restaurant. With a mix of unique flavors and elements typical of Mallorca, this is one of my favorites in Valldemossa.

Discover all the charm of Sóller

Finally, minutes away from Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca, I am referring to Sóller. Leaving Sóller can be a sin, but well, it will only leave you wanting to return, and that is always a good thing.

Surrounded by a valley of orange trees, which perfumes the whole town, Sóller has a curious past and a dazzling beauty. Thanks to its dealings with France, due to the export of its oranges and olive oil, it has received a strong architectural influence from the Gallic country. Although if we talk about architecture, in Sóller you can see many works of the disciple of Antoni Gaudí, Joan Rubió i Bellver. One of the most outstanding is the Church of San Bartolomé, with its neo-Gothic style.

The port of Sóller is another place you must visit, and if you stay the rest of the day, it is the ideal place for a dinner in front of the sea.

To return to Palma, I recommend that you get on the old wooden train. Just arrive in time so you can enjoy the modernist style of the station, a real marvel.

And after a wonderful seven days this tour has come to an end. I hope you found this article useful and that you enjoy Mallorca as much as I did, see you next time!