Mallorca Tour | 8 days in Palma, the Tramuntana Mountains and hidden coves

Day 1: Departure for Palma de Mallorca

You’ll fly to Palma de Mallorca, where you’ll collect your hire car. You’ll stay for four nights at a Caractère hotel.

Day 2: Palma de Mallorca

Explore the capital with its cathedral, Jewish quarter and the Almudaina Fortress, a fortified castle built by the Moors in the 13th century but remodelled over the centuries by the Spanish kings. Within this complex, you can visit the King’s Palace and the Queen’s Palace, as well as the royal chapel and the inner gardens. Palma is also synonymous with modern art. At the Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo Es Baluard, you can view a remarkable collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures dating from the late 19th century. Cézanne, Gauguin, Picasso, Miró, Magritte... all are shown here at their best in a contemporary setting. About 3 km outside the historic centre, King Jaime II had his royal residence built in the 14th century, high above the city and the sea: the Castillo de Bellver. From the terrace, you have an unforgettable view of the city and the Bay of Palma.

Day 3: Port d’Andratx–Valldemossa–Deià

Via the fashionable Port d'Andratx, surrounded by almond groves, you drive to Ricardo Roca’s ‘Mirador’: a historic 16th-century watchtower, which stands at an altitude of approximately 430 m above sea level and, thanks to its location, offers an excellent view of the sea and the distant surroundings. A little further on, at the ‘Mirador de Ses Ánimes’, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the west coast, all the way to Puerto Soller. On your way to this port town, you can visit the Carthusian monastery in Valldemossa and the artists’ village of Deià. Deià is also a paradise for walkers. From here, the beautiful ‘Olive Tree Walking Trail’ leads all the way to Valldemossa. Today, Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca, beautifully situated on the slopes of the Tramuntana mountains, with narrow streets full of colourful ceramic tiles and flower-bedecked houses, and with a wonderful view of the surrounding area. Those looking to cool off can head to Cala Deià, a stunning beach in a picturesque bay with a few seafood restaurants.

Day 4: Puerto de Sóller–Sa Calobra–Puig Major–Inca

Today you’ll head to Puerto de Sóller, the seaside resort on Mallorca’s west coast, where you can take in the entire harbour from the ‘Mirador de Ses Barques’. Nearby lies Puig Major, Mallorca’s highest mountain. From there, follow the panoramic route to Sa Calobra, which has a special appeal due to its isolated location, and the Torrent de Pareís: this impressive mountain gorge was formed by the force of flowing water carving through the rocks. On the way back, you can stop off in Inca: at the start of the 20th century, a thriving leather industry emerged here, building on the leather crafts that had existed since the 13th century.

Day 5: Alcúdia–Formentor–Pollença

For its location alone, you simply must visit the walled harbour town of Alcúdia, situated on a peninsula between the beautiful Bay of Pollença and the Bay of Alcúdia. Miles of beach stretch out here, bordered by the famous Paseo Marítimo, from Platja d’Alcúdia to Platja de Muro, with its dunes continuing into the Parque Natural de s’Albufera. Via Alcúdia and picturesque Pollença, you reach the northernmost point of the island, Cap de Formentor, the tip of the peninsula of the same name which the Mallorcans call ‘the meeting place of the winds’. Here you find yourself amidst a landscape of rocks and mountain slopes, shaped over millennia by wind and water. The walk to the lighthouse offers spectacular views. You will stay here for three nights in Pollença or near Manacor.

Day 6: Capdepera–Arta-Llevant

On the east coast of Mallorca, you’ll find the impressive caves of Arta. The main attraction is the ‘Salon de la Reina de las Columnas’, a 22-metre-high stalagmite. In nearby Capdepera, the fortress is an absolute must-see: from there, in fine weather, you can see the neighbouring island of Menorca. A drive through the Llevant nature reserve and a visit to one of the many unspoilt beaches should not be missing from your itinerary.

Day 7: Manacor–Drach

Manacor is the birthplace of top tennis player Rafael Nadal and the cradle of Majorcan pearls. Alongside charming squares with palm trees and terraces, you can learn all about the famous Majorcan pearls here. Several businesses in Manacor specialise in the production of these cultured pearls. Drive along the coast to the caves and underground lakes of Drach. These highly impressive chalk caves, stretching some 2,400 metres in length and reaching heights of up to 25 metres, are a must-see. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll discover the most bizarre stalactites and rock formations in a magically lit setting.

Day 8: Return home

You can enjoy Mallorca’s many beautiful beaches for a little while longer, or go shopping in the capital before your return flight. Then you return your hire car and fly back home.

Frequently asked questions about Mallorca

Do I need a hire car for this tour?

Yes. With a hire car, you can explore Mallorca at your own pace and reach the different regions with ease. From the mountain roads towards Sa Calobra to secluded bays such as Cala Deià: many places are out of reach of public transport. You collect the car on arrival and return it before your return flight.

When is the best time to visit Mallorca?

May, June and September through to early October are ideal. Temperatures are pleasant and it’s quieter on the roads and in the villages. In July and August, it’s livelier and warmer, perfect for days at the beach. In winter, the island is quieter, but less suitable for this route.

What makes Mallorca different from other Mediterranean islands?

Mallorca surprises with its variety. You can combine Palma with its historic and cultural atmosphere, the rugged Tramuntana mountains, impressive caves and a coastline full of bays and villages. This variety means that every day feels different, without having to travel long distances.