The McXperience

Mallorca has it all—beaches, vibrant cities, and mouthwatering food. If you’re craving a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, this 3-day Mallorca itinerary is for you! But before we dive in, let’s tackle some essential tips on the number of days to spend, the best time to visit, where to stay, and how to get around. With so much to offer, navigating through all the cities, ports, and beaches can be overwhelming. Trust me, I felt totally swamped while planning, so I’m here to lay it all out for you.

How Many Days in Mallorca

Wondering how long to stay in Mallorca? Honestly, there’s no wrong answer. This itinerary is designed for an action-packed 3 days covering all the highlights, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can easily stretch it out over a week and add more activities. We squeezed Mallorca into a 3-day adventure because we were also hitting up the other Balearic Islands (which I would highly recommend).

Best Time of Year to Visit Mallorca

The ideal time to visit Mallorca is from April to September when most attractions are open and the weather is pleasantly warm. But, if you want to avoid the biggest crowds, consider traveling during the shoulder months. We planned our trip around Memorial Day to snag an extra day off work (I’m a PTO ninja) and loved the timing. The weather was warm enough for beach days without being overwhelmed by other tourists, as it was before peak season. While the water might be a bit chilly for long swims, it’s perfect for a quick dip.

Where to Stay in Mallorca

Where you stay largely depends on whether you’re renting a car:

With a Car: If you have a rental, the location of your accommodation matters less because you can easily drive around the island’s perimeter in 5-6 hours (though you probably won’t want to do that in one go). We chose to stay in Calvià, a quaint cove with walkable restaurants and a short 20-minute drive to Palma’s nightlife.

Without a Car: Consider splitting your stay between popular towns such as Port de Pollença (northern Mallorca), Port de Sóller, Deià, and Valldemossa (northwest Mallorca), Calvià (southwest Mallorca), Ses Salines (southeast Mallorca), and Palma de Mallorca (southwest Mallorca). This way, you can explore each area without the hassle of driving.

How to Get Around in Mallorca

Getting around Mallorca depends on your travel style and what you want to see. Here’s a breakdown:

Car: The easiest and most flexible way to explore. The roads are straightforward, and signs are easy to follow. Book your car a few months in advance, especially if you need an automatic. Many of the island’s most beautiful spots require a car, and driving offers stunning views so we loved having a car to get around.

Taxis and Buses: These are also options but can be less convenient for sticking to this itinerary. Buses require patience, and taxis might not always be available when you need them. Be cautious, as taxis might not always be available for the return trip (personal experience—got stranded a few times!)

3 Day Mallorca itinerary

You can easily adjust these days based on your preferred pace and how much time you have. This itinerary is the shortest I’d recommend to get a taste of Mallorca.

Day 1 – Deia, Mallorca Itinerary

After landing, pick up your rental car and head to your hotel to freshen up. If you’re staying in Calvià, it’s a quick 2o-minute drive from the airport and only 50-minute drive to Deia, a picturesque mountain village in northwest Mallorca. Although, no matter where you’re staying on the island, Deia should definitely be on your Mallorca itinerary!

Lounge at Cala Deia

Upon arrival, relax at Cala Deia, a charming cove with limited sand but plenty of views. Water shoes were helpful to have because of the rocky terrain.

Lunch at Ca’s Patró March

Worked up an appetite at the beach? Just a 5-minute walk from Cala Deia, Ca’s Patró March is a top-notch restaurant with fresh seafood and incredible views. Make a reservation, especially during peak season or if you have a large group.

Drinks at Restaurant Miró

After lunch, head to the Belmond Hotel for drinks at Restaurant Miró. Enjoy cocktails with panoramic views of Mallorca’s coastline, a perfect way to unwind before heading back to Calvià or your hotel.

Day 2 – Formentor & Palma, Mallorca Itinerary

This day is the perfect combination with stunning views, lounging on the beach, and exploring the city.

Cap de Formentor, Mallorca

Start your day with a drive to Cap de Formentor, about an hour from Calvià. This northernmost tip of the island offers breathtaking cliffs and deep blue waters. The drive is winding but very manageable. You can either stop at the viewpoint or continue another 25 minutes to the tip—just check conditions before you go. Hold onto your phones and hats at the viewpoint. There is plenty of parking if you go on the earlier side and it will make the viewpoint less crowded for better photo ops.

Platja de Formentor, Mallorca

From the viewpoint, it’s a short 10-minute drive to Platja de Formentor. This beach features crystal-clear waters and mountain views. There’s a a couple of lots on the way to the beach where you can pay to park where we didn’t have any trouble finding a spot. Parking Lot A is closest to the beach but Parking Lot B is a perfectly fine option if A is full. While the beach is relatively long, it’s definitely narrow, so I’d recommend going around 10-11 in the morning to grab a spot. You can rent a boat, lounge on the sand, go for a swim, or grab a bite to eat at nearby restaurants.

Palma de Mallorca

After you’ve had enough sun, return to your hotel to freshen up before exploring Palma de Mallorca. As the island’s capital, Palma is a must on your Mallorca itinerary and only a 20 minute drive from Calvià. Here’s what to do:

• Go Shopping: Explore your fair share of the local boutiques and well-known brands
• Visit the Cathedral: The Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca is iconic. Even if you don’t go inside, the views from outside are still impressive. For interior access, I recommend booking tickets online in advance to skip the line.
• Eat All the Tapas: You truly can’t go wrong with stopping in almost any restaurant you see. I really didn’t research many restaurants ahead of time (very unlike me) and we were so impressed with everywhere we ate. Bread, olives, and aioli are must-orders everywhere you go. Don’t miss this Mallorcan specialty!
• Bar Hop: There are so many different spots around the city to grab a cocktail, but our very favorite that we found was Bar Abaco. They don’t take reservations but we had no problem finding a seat: enjoy the patio or cozy up inside. Look for the big brown wooden doors – you can’t miss it!

Day 3 – Sóller Itinerary & Beach Hopping in Mallorca

Get ready for a day packed with stunning landscapes and coastlines! Start your adventure with a picturesque train ride to Sóller and then dive into beach-hopping along the stunning southeastern coast.

Train to Sóller, Mallorca

If you’re staying near Palma, the best way to visit Sóller is by train. You can snag your tickets online up to a week in advance, making it a breeze to plan. Not staying in Palma? No worries—driving to Sóller works perfectly too. The train is a steal at around 30 Euros for a round trip, and runs on a schedule that suits everyone’s timing.

From your hotel, head to Train Sóller Station in Palma de Mallorca where there’s ample public parking nearby. If you arrive 20 minutes early that will allow plenty of time before you depart. The train ride to Sóller is about an hour long and the views are beautiful. If you’re traveling between April and May, you’re in for a treat because you’ll likely see groves of citrus trees filled with fruit. Plus, the train makes a scenic stop so you can get some Instagram-worthy photos.

Sóller & Port de Sóller, Mallorca

Once you arrive at the Sóller Train and Tram Station, you’ve got tons of options. Stroll around the charming town or hop on the tram to Port de Sóller. The tram runs every 30 minutes and the ride is a swift 15 minutes. We decided to start with Port de Sóller, where we enjoyed a leisurely walk and an amazing waterfront meal before exploring the town of Sóller itself. My favorite part of the visit was Gelat Sóller—this place serves gelato made from fresh Mallorcan fruit, the orange and lemon are a must-try. Don’t leave Sóller without making a stop for this!

After you finish your gelato, make sure to catch your train back to Palma in time for some more adventures. With the rest of your day free, you’ll have plenty of time to check out some of the best beaches on the island.

Southeast Beaches in Mallorca

After making it back to Palma, grab a bite to eat if you’re hungry then head to the beaches! The southeastern coast of Mallorca is filled with gorgeous beaches, so get ready to explore a few of the island’s best.

While you probably won’t have time to visit every beach in one day, you can definitely make a dent in this list depending on how long you want to spend at each destination. Here’s a quick guide to some of my favorite beaches to add to your Mallorca itinerary, starting from the easternmost beach and working your way west:

• Playa de S’Amarador – 50 minutes from Palma
• Caló des Moro – 20 minutes from Playa de S’Amarador
• Platja d’es Carbó – 35 minutes from Caló des Moro (keep in mind that to reach this beach you’ll need to walk an additional 30 minutes from the car)
• Playa Es Trenc – 13 minutes from Platja d’es Carbó
• Cala Pi – 25 minutes from Playa Es Trenc

If you’re looking for more info on these beaches and other beach recs from all around the island, check out my other article on the Best Beaches in Mallorca.

With beaches, scenic views, and delicious food, this 3-day Mallorca itinerary has you covered for an unforgettable trip. But, there are still so many cities and beaches to explore outside of this, but these are definitely the spots you don’t want to miss!