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What to see in Mallorca in 3 days: the perfect itinerary to discover the island
Three days in Mallorca: just enough time to fall in love with the island
There are islands you visit, and others you truly feel. Mallorca belongs to the second group. Whether you come looking for postcard beaches, medieval villages, Mediterranean gastronomy, or adventures at sea, this island has something for every kind of traveler. And the best part is: three days are enough to discover its essence. Three days may sound like little time, but if you use them well, they’ll let you experience the diversity that makes Mallorca unique. From the cosmopolitan buzz of Palma to the calm of the hidden coves in the north; from the vertiginous cliffs of the Tramuntana to traditional markets scented with sobrasada and ensaïmada. This itinerary isn’t a checklist of places to tick off. It’s an invitation to experience Mallorca the way people who truly know it do: without rushing, letting yourself be surprised, combining the must-sees with those corners that don’t appear in guidebooks but end up being the ones you remember most. We’ve designed this route to optimize your time without sacrificing the experience. Each day has a different focus, a different area of the island, and its own rhythm. You can adapt it depending on your interests, your travel style, and the time of year you visit. Get ready to discover why millions of people return to Mallorca year after year. And why many of them end up staying.
Before you start: key tips to plan your Mallorca route
Before getting into the day-by-day plan, there are a few strategic decisions that will make a real difference to your experience. Mallorca has over 550 kilometers of coastline and a very varied geography, so planning well will save you time and help you enjoy more.
The first important decision is where to stay. If you only have three days, we recommend choosing one base and doing day trips from there rather than changing hotels every night. Palma is the most practical option if you want to combine city, beach, and excursions. The north of the island (Alcudia, Pollença, Port of Alcudia) is ideal if you prioritize nature, family-friendly beaches, and water activities. You can check our guide on where to stay in Mallorca to decide which area best fits your style.
Transport is another key factor. A rental car gives you full freedom to follow this itinerary at your own pace. Mallorca’s roads are in good condition, although some Tramuntana areas have sharp curves. If you don’t want to drive, there are good bus connections between the main towns, but you’ll lose flexibility.
As for the time of year: Mallorca enjoys a privileged climate almost year-round. May to October is ideal for beaches and water activities. July and August are the busiest and hottest months. September is possibly the perfect month: great weather, fewer tourists, and the sea still warm. In winter, the island has a different charm—ideal for hiking, villages, and gastronomy.
One last recommendation: don’t try to see everything. Mallorca rewards those who take their time. It’s better to enjoy a few things calmly than to rush from place to place without truly savoring any of them. This itinerary is designed with that spirit: balance between discovery and enjoyment.
Day 1: Palma de Mallorca, where it all begins
Your Mallorcan adventure starts in Palma, the island’s capital and one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. Palma is much more than the airport and beach hotels: it’s a city with soul, history, and a cultural life that surprises anyone who ventures into its streets. Morning is the best time to explore the old town. Start with Mallorca Cathedral, known as La Seu, a Gothic masterpiece that rises impressively over the bay. Its interior, partly redesigned by Gaudí, has a special light early in the morning. Right next door is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, the former residence of the kings of Mallorca. From the cathedral, get lost in the streets of the historic center. The Jewish quarter (Call Jueu) preserves a labyrinth of narrow alleys where time seems to stand still. Wander without a map, let yourself be surprised by stately patios, art galleries, and local craft shops. Make your way to Plaza Mayor and stroll along Passeig del Born, the city’s commercial heart. For lunch, look for one of the restaurants in Santa Catalina, a former fishermen’s neighborhood turned into Palma’s main food district. Here you’ll find everything from traditional tapas to fusion cuisine, always with quality local produce. In the afternoon, you have several options depending on your interests:
1Cultural option: museums and contemporary art
If you’re into art, Palma has a surprisingly strong cultural offer. The Joan Miró Foundation, designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert, houses an extraordinary collection by the Catalan artist who spent his final years in Mallorca. Es Baluard, the modern and contemporary art museum, offers spectacular views from its terraces as well as top-level exhibitions. And Casal Solleric, right on Passeig del Born, hosts free temporary exhibitions in an 18th-century palace.
2Relax option: urban beaches and sunset
If you’d rather unwind, Palma has urban beaches you can reach on foot or by bike. Can Pere Antoni is next to the seafront promenade and offers cathedral views while you swim. Ciudad Jardín, a bit further out, is quieter and has beach bars where you can grab a drink. For sunset, nothing beats the Paseo Marítimo: have a drink at a terrace overlooking the bay and watch the sun paint the cathedral’s silhouette orange.
3Foodie option: markets and tapas
Palma is a paradise for lovers of good food. Mercado del Olivar is the city’s traditional market, perfect for buying local products or eating tapas at its stalls. The San Juan Gastro Market, more modern, brings together food from around the world in a lively atmosphere. And if you’re looking for something more traditional, the La Lonja district is packed with historic taverns where you can try tumbet, frito mallorquín, or pa amb oli with sobrasada.
Day 2: Northern Mallorca, where the sea takes center stage
The second day takes you to the north of the island—an area many consider Mallorca’s most special. Here the landscape changes: wide, generous bays, clearer waters, and a slower pace. It’s the perfect day to combine nature, beaches, and charming towns. If you slept in Palma, the drive to Alcudia takes around an hour. The road crosses the island’s interior, past almond groves and vineyards, offering a different perspective of Mallorca. Your first stop is the town of Alcudia. Its old town, surrounded by 14th-century medieval walls, is one of the best preserved on the island. Stroll its cobbled streets, step into Gothic churches, and walk up on the walls for panoramic views. On Tuesdays and Sundays there’s a traditional market—one of the most authentic on Mallorca. From Alcudia, head down to the port. The Port of Alcudia is the starting point for some of the island’s best sea experiences. This is where we operate at Coral Boats, and where we recommend one of the most special moments of your trip: a boat trip across the Bay of Alcudia. The waters in this bay are exceptionally calm and crystal-clear, protected by the area’s natural geography. It’s the perfect place to swim in coves that are only accessible from the sea, snorkel over posidonia seagrass meadows, and discover spots like Coll Baix or the islet of Alcanada with its historic lighthouse. You can read more about these secret places accessible only by sea.
1Morning: boat excursion around the bay
We recommend booking our morning tour, which departs early when the coves are empty and the sea is at its calmest. For a few hours you’ll sail through turquoise waters, stop in virgin coves to swim and snorkel, and enjoy typical Mallorcan snacks on board. It’s a completely different way to experience the coast, far from crowded beaches.
If you’re traveling as a family, the Bay of Alcudia is especially recommended for its calm, kid-safe waters. If you’re traveling as a couple and want something more romantic, our sunset excursion offers a magical experience as the sun sets over the Serra de Tramuntana.
2Afternoon: Pollença and Cap de Formentor
After the boat trip, drive to Pollença, another charming town just a few kilometers away. Its main square is full of cafés where you can take a break, and the Calvari steps (365 cypress-lined stairs) offer panoramic views of the area.
If you still have energy, the road to Cap de Formentor is one of the most spectacular in Mallorca. It winds along cliffs until you reach the lighthouse at the island’s northern tip. The views are stunning, especially at sunset. In summer, car access is restricted during certain hours, so plan ahead or consider arriving by boat.
For dinner, head back to Port de Pollença and choose a restaurant along the seafront. Fresh seafood, rice dishes, and local wine as the sun disappears on the horizon—the perfect way to end the day.
3Alternative: Playa de Muro and the s'Albufera Natural Park
If you’d rather keep the day more relaxed, spend the afternoon at Playa de Muro, considered one of the best beaches in Europe. Its white sand and shallow waters make it perfect for families. Right behind it is the s'Albufera Natural Park, a protected wetland where you can walk along canals, watch birds, and completely disconnect.
Day 3: The Serra de Tramuntana and the west coast
The third day takes you to Mallorca at its wildest and most spectacular: the Serra de Tramuntana, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. This mountain range running along the island’s northwest coast offers breathtaking landscapes, stone villages perched above the sea, and nature that feels almost untouched. The route we propose passes through some of Mallorca’s most iconic places. Expect winding roads, plenty of photo stops, and the feeling of discovering a world apart. If you’re coming from the north of the island, your first stop can be Lluc, Mallorca’s most important monastery. Set in a valley surrounded by mountains, it’s a pilgrimage site and also a starting point for hiking trails. The surroundings are spectacular, and there’s a special calm that invites reflection. From Lluc, the road descends toward the west coast. The first view of the sea from these heights is striking: cliffs hundreds of meters high dropping vertically into the water, with the deep blue Mediterranean stretching to the horizon.
1Sóller and Port de Sóller: the heart of the Tramuntana
Sóller is probably the most charming village in the Tramuntana. Surrounded by mountains and orange groves, it has a modernist historic center that reflects its prosperous past as a citrus exporter. The main square, with the church of Sant Bartomeu and café terraces, is the perfect place for a break.
From Sóller, a historic wooden tram takes you to Port de Sóller, a natural harbor surrounded by mountains. It’s the only natural port on the west coast and has a completely different vibe from the east: more intimate, more sheltered, with the charm of places that live outside mass tourism.
Here you can have lunch at one of the port restaurants, swim at the small beach, or simply stroll along the promenade. If you’re up for adventure, boat trips from Port de Sóller head to Sa Calobra and other coves inaccessible by land.
2Deià and Valldemossa: villages of artists and writers
Continuing south along the coastal road (one of the most beautiful in Europe), you’ll reach Deià. This tiny village perched above the sea has been a refuge for artists, writers, and musicians for decades. Robert Graves, author of I, Claudius, lived here until his death. The honey-colored stone houses, bougainvillea gardens, and sea views create a unique atmosphere.
A few kilometers further is Valldemossa, famous for its Royal Charterhouse where Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838–1839. The village is beautiful, with cobbled streets decorated with flowerpots and a special light that has inspired painters for centuries. It’s very popular, so try to arrive early in the morning or at sunset.
In both villages you’ll find local craft shops, art galleries, and restaurants with terraces overlooking the valley. It’s the perfect place to buy a special souvenir: handmade ceramics, local olive oil, or Valldemossa’s famous coca de patata pastries.
3End of the day: sunset on the west coast
Mallorca’s west coast has some of the most spectacular sunsets in the Mediterranean. The sun sets directly over the sea, painting the cliffs with impossible colors. There are several viewpoints (Mirador de Ricardo Roca, Ses Ànimes, Na Foradada) where you can stop and enjoy the show.
If you prefer a more intimate sunset, head down to one of the coves in the area. Cala Deià is small and rocky, but it has a special charm. Lluc Alcari, a bit further north, is even smaller and quieter.
The return to Palma (if it’s your base) or to the airport can be done via the highway crossing the island, much faster than the mountain road. In just over half an hour you’ll be back, ending three intense days with Tramuntana’s images etched in your mind.
Itinerary variations: adapt the route to your style
The itinerary we’ve described is a balanced proposal, but Mallorca offers so many possibilities that it’s worth considering alternatives depending on your interests. Here are a few variations you can incorporate.
If you prioritize beaches and the sea, consider spending two days in the north of the island instead of one. The Bay of Alcudia has kilometers of coastline to explore, and combining a beach day with a boat trip will let you discover coves that would otherwise be inaccessible. You can check our family-friendly cove guide if you’re traveling with kids.
If you’re interested in history and culture, add a visit to Artà (in the east of the island), with its medieval fortress and prehistoric caves. Or spend more time in inland villages like Sineu, Petra, or Montuïri, where tourism has barely arrived and you can experience the most authentic Mallorca.
If you love hiking, the Serra de Tramuntana offers routes for all levels. The Camí de s'Arxiduc, near Valldemossa, is one of the most popular. Torrent de Pareis, ending at Sa Calobra, is more demanding but spectacular. And the GR 221, the Ruta de Pedra en Sec, crosses the entire mountain range for the more adventurous.
If you’re traveling as a couple and looking for romance, consider a night in one of Deià or Sóller’s boutique hotels. Dining under the stars in a mountain village and waking up to Mediterranean views is hard to beat. And for a special evening, our sunset excursion from the Port of Alcudia is one of the most romantic experiences on the island.
If you have a bit more time, a fourth day could be dedicated to an excursion to Cabrera National Park, a protected archipelago south of Mallorca with the clearest waters in the Balearics. It requires booking in advance, but it’s one of the most impressive natural experiences in the Mediterranean.
Practical tips for your 3-day route around Mallorca
To make your trip as smooth as possible, here are some practical tips we’ve gathered from years of experience and from the questions travelers ask us.
Accommodation: book in advance, especially if you travel between June and September. Hotels and apartments with great views or prime locations sell out quickly. Consider agritourism options inland if you want something different—traditional fincas converted into hotels with pools and absolute tranquility.
Rental car: pick it up at the airport for convenience. Full-coverage insurance is worth it if you’re not used to mountain roads. Parking in Palma is tricky; use public garages or leave the car at your hotel and get around on foot or by public transport.
Reservations: popular restaurants (especially in Palma, Deià, and Sóller) can fill up in high season. Book ahead if there’s a specific place you really want. The same applies to boat trips: small-group tours often sell out days or even weeks in advance.
What to pack: beyond beach essentials, bring comfortable shoes for walking on cobbled streets, something warm for mountain evenings (even in summer), and high-SPF sun protection. If you plan to snorkel, you can bring your own gear or rent it; we provide equipment on all our excursions. Check our guide on what to bring on a boat tour for more details.
Weather: check the forecast before choosing the day for your boat excursion or your Tramuntana visit. Wind can change sea conditions and cause some activities to be canceled. Read our wind and weather guide to understand how conditions can affect your plans.
Food: don’t leave Mallorca without trying pa amb oli (bread with olive oil and tomato), sobrasada, tumbet, vegetable cocas, arroz brut, and ensaïmada. Traditional markets are the best place to buy local products. And if you’re interested in the onboard food experience, on our excursions we serve typical Mallorcan snacks that perfectly complement a day at sea.
Your adventure map: itinerary summary
To help you visualize the whole plan, here’s a summary of the three days:
Day 1 - Palma:
Day 2 - Northern Mallorca:
Day 3 - Serra de Tramuntana:
This itinerary covers Mallorca’s must-sees at a reasonable pace. But remember the best way to travel is leaving room for the unexpected: that cove you stumble upon by chance, that restaurant a local recommends, that conversation with a fisherman at the port. Mallorca rewards those who know how to improvise.
Beyond the itinerary: experiences that make the difference
There are certain experiences in Mallorca that elevate a trip from good to unforgettable. They’re those moments you don’t fully plan, but remember forever.
Sailing at sunrise when the sea is like a mirror and the coves are still asleep. Swimming in water so clear you can see your shadow on the bottom three meters down. Eating a rice dish facing the sea at a no-frills beach bar. Getting lost in the streets of a medieval village without knowing exactly where you’re going. Watching the sun sink into the Mediterranean from a cliff with a glass of local wine in hand.
You can’t buy these experiences as part of a tourist package. You find them when you travel with your eyes open, when you let yourself go, when you choose quality over quantity.
At Coral Boats, we’ve spent years helping travelers discover that other Mallorca. Our excursions from the Port of Alcudia are designed to create exactly those kinds of moments: small groups, classic wooden boats, coves you can only reach by sea, and a local crew that knows every corner of the bay.
If something you’ve read resonates with you, we invite you to include a sea experience in your trip. It’s not just an excursion—it’s a different way to connect with the island, the sea, and that Mediterranean rhythm that makes Mallorca so special.
You can explore our different options on the boat tours in Alcudia page. And if you have questions about which excursion best fits your group, feel free to reach out: we’ll be happy to help you design the perfect experience.
Your Mallorcan adventure starts here
Mallorca is an island that reveals itself little by little. Three days are enough to fall in love, but not enough to know it completely. And that's part of its magic: there's always something new to discover, a corner you hadn't seen, an experience you hadn't tried.
This itinerary has given you the keys to make the most of your time. Palma with its mix of history and modern life. The north with its crystal-clear waters and unhurried rhythm. The Tramuntana with its wild beauty and stone villages. Each area has its own personality, its own light, its own way of being Mallorca.
But in the end, what you'll take with you won't only be photos and memories of places. It will be sensations: the smell of the sea mixed with pine trees, the taste of a freshly made ensaïmada, the breeze on your face as you sail toward a hidden cove, the peace of a mountain sunset.
Mallorca has that power. The power to make you feel you've found something you didn't even know you were looking for. A place where time works differently, where beauty is around every corner, where Mediterranean life truly makes sense.
Three days are just the beginning. The island is already waiting for you.
See you at sea?
