Michelle Cacija

Get ready for five days of pure adventure on the sun-soaked island of Mallorca! From the vibrant streets of Palma’s Old Town, where the majestic Palma Cathedral towers over the city, to the mysterious depths of the Caves of Drach and Hams, this island has something for every traveler craving excitement. Wander through the charming mountain towns of Sóller and Valldemossa, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, with beautiful landscapes at every turn. Imagine hopping on the vintage Sóller train, exploring the narrow streets of this picture-perfect town, or soaking in the serene beauty of Valldemossa, tucked away in the Tramuntana mountains.

Servus and welcome to my 5-day Mallorca itinerary. This adventure-packed journey will have you exploring water activities, diving into history, and uncovering the hidden gems that make Mallorca such a magical destination. Whether you’re seeking thrill or tranquility, Mallorca has it all — waiting for you to explore!

As always, I want to remind you, that this itinerary isn’t perfect because everyone travels differently, and all trips involve changes of plans. I want to let you know that everything on this website has been experienced, photographed, and written by me. Since I finance all my travel expenses on my own, the stories and opinions given are truly my own. If you’re interested in seeing more travel pictures or videos, feel free to check out my Instagram @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija.

Index

1. The Basics about Mallorca
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medical insurance
4. Itinerary
5. Summary of activities
6. Summary of where to eat
7. Other Spanish Blogs

The Basics about Mallorca

When to visit

Mallorca is a fantastic destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. For beach enthusiasts, the summer months of June to August bring warm weather, though the island can be very crowded. In contrast, spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer milder temperatures and fewer tourists, making them ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Winter is cooler, but offers a more quiet atmosphere, perfect for exploring Mallorca’s culture and scenery in peace. We visited in late August and, fortunately, it wasn’t as busy as we had expected it to be.

Time period

I would say a typical vacation in Mallorca lasts between five to seven days, giving you enough time to explore the island’s diverse regions, from its stunning beaches to charming mountain villages like Soller or Valldemossa. However, shorter weekend trips or extended stays are also common, especially for those interested in specific activities like hiking, partying, or exploring Palma’s cultural landmarks. We stayed five days but wouldn’t have minded staying longer.

Getting There

Since Mallorca is an island it’s only accessible by air or sea. Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is the main airport, with direct flights from many European cities, especially during peak tourist season. Alternatively, ferries operate from the Spanish mainland, including Barcelona and Valencia, offering a scenic way to arrive on the island. We came by plane.

Where to stay

Mallorca offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxurious beach resorts to charming Airbnb’s and budget-friendly hostels. For a vibrant, easily accessible experience, staying in Palma is a great choice. If you plan to rent a car and prefer a quieter stay, there are many smaller towns and villages that offer similar accommodation options. We chose to stay in Palma, as we didn’t plan on renting a car during this trip.

Getting around

The best way to explore Mallorca is likely by renting a car, giving you the freedom to visit villages, beaches, and mountains at your own pace. However, if you’re staying in Palma, be sure your accommodation provides parking, as finding a spot can be challenging, especially in the old town where cars are quite rare. Palma is a highly walkable city though, with all the major sights located within easy walking distance of each other. If you’re not renting a car, public buses connect major towns and tourist areas, although they run less frequently outside of peak season. Cycling is also popular, particularly for those near scenic coastal routes or close to the mountains and nature parks. If, like us, you’re not renting a car, I recommend booking guided tours that take you around the island.

Renting a car

I’ve rented at least six cars and always booked them through check24 ^(ad), which I can highly recommend. The website offers good deals, the insurance is quite cheap and provides good coverage, and the customer service is very efficient and accommodating. However, Check24 currently only offers its website in German. So it’s mandatory to speak the language.

What to pack

Regarding what to pack, it obviously depends on when you go, but if you go in late August like us, I recommend packing lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, including shorts, t-shirts and dresses. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking through the city, I recommend bringing a few comfortable enclosed shoes. Sun protection essentials like sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are fundamental. In spring and fall, bring layers for cooler evenings, while winter visitors should include a warm jacket and rain gear for occasional showers.

Additionally, consider bringing your own little medication bag, including Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, sleeping tablets or spray, bug spray, aftersun, etc. You never know what you might need it for, and you might feel more comfortable using medication from home rather than in a country where you don’t know the ingredients and languages. If you’re coming from outside Europe, don’t forget to bring a Type C power adapter.

Cost of Traveling

Mallorca can be quite expensive, especially in the peak tourist season. However, it’s possible to explore the island affordably with a bit of planning. Booking accommodations early, opting for local eateries, and using public transportation can help keep expenses lower. The most expensive part is probably the accommodation.

Things you need to be aware of

Water in Spain. You can safely drink tap water as it’s clean.

Toilet situation. Unfortunately, public restrooms typically cost around 50 Cent to a euro in Spain (and many other European countries). So, make sure to carry a few coins with you and always use the restroom before leaving your accommodation, a restaurant, or a café.

Tipping. In Spain, tipping isn’t as common or expected as it is in some other countries. However, it’s appreciated if you receive exceptional service. It’s common to round up the bill or to leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants and cafes.

Currency. The Currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). While a few years ago, Mallorca was still very cash-oriented, they now accept cards mostly everywhere. It’s still advisable, though, to bring some cash with you.

Medical insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Itinerary

Day 1

Our first day in Mallorca began with going out for breakfast at a charming café just around the corner from our accommodation. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants filled the air, while we enjoyed our food. We sat outside at a small table, watching the neighborhood slowly wake up — a perfect start to our day.

Afterward, we headed to Mercat de l’Olivar, a vibrant local market known for its wide selection of fresh produce, seafood, and meats. The market spans two floors and offers everything from local cheeses and meats to fresh fruit, vegetables, and baked goods. There’s also a supermarket inside, making it convenient to find anything you might need. In addition to food, the market has small eateries where you can sample local delicacies, and it’s a popular spot among both locals and visitors.

After dropping off our groceries, we set out to explore the city. While wandering through the streets of Palma, we walked past the City Hall, a charming building with traditional Mallorcan architecture. We stepped into its entry hall, where you can find large statues and beautiful details that give a sense of the city’s history and culture.

Next, we headed to the iconic Palma Cathedral, also known as La Seu. Although we considered going inside, we opted to admire its stunning Gothic exterior instead, as the entrance fee seemed quite high, and it was crowded. A little tip: if you stand at the front of the cathedral and the doors are open, you can catch a sneak peek into the interior through the main entrance, giving you a glimpse of its beautiful design without having to go in!

Next to the cathedral is the Royal Palace of Almudaina, a historic castle that we had planned to visit. Unfortunately, it was closed as it happens to be closed on Mondays, so we decided to return another day. We found out that the best time to visit is on Wednesdays between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (or until 6:00 p.m. from October to March), when European Union citizens can enter for free. These tickets are available only at the ticket office, so make sure to get them there.

Since we couldn’t tour the castle that day, we decided to explore the small but beautiful gardens surrounding it instead. These gardens are free to enter and offer a peaceful retreat with lovely fountains, shaded pathways, and views of the nearby coastline. It was a short but relaxing alternative.

After visiting the gardens, we decided it was time for lunch and enjoyed a delicious paella, my favorite Spanish dish. If you’re a fan of rice, this might just become your new favorite meal! Here’s a little tip: always choose a restaurant where the paella is served in a traditional pan (the paellera)—it enhances the experience and definitely the taste! In my experience, you shouldn’t pay more than €12-15 per person for a good paella. Be cautious with shared paellas; they often cost nearly double for two but aren’t much larger than a single portion.

After lunch, we took a stroll through the city center, browsing a few local shops before making our way to the waterfront. There, we visited the Feria Mujeres Emprendedoras market, located near the iconic Palma Cathedral. It’s a wonderful market to look for local food, clothing, jewelry or handmade souvenirs.

Later, we returned to our accommodation for a quick rest, and in the evening, we decided to head to the beach. We ended the day with a relaxing swim in the sea, enjoying the calm and beauty of the evening.

Day 2

We began our second day by strolling through the charming streets of Palma, taking our time to explore some of the local shops along the way. Eventually, we found ourselves on Carrer de Sant Miquel, one of Palma’s most popular shopping streets. It’s a lively street, filled with a mix of well-known brands, boutique stores, and local shops, making it a great place to browse and soak in the city’s atmosphere.

From there, we stumbled upon the Kanal Torrent de Sa Riera, a picturesque waterway that flows through Palma. This green oasis offers a peaceful break from the busy streets, with shaded pathways perfect for a relaxing walk.

As we continued, we stumbled upon the Llotja de Palma, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Entrance to this historic building is free, and although there isn’t much inside in terms of exhibitions, the intricate stonework and vaulted ceilings make it well worth a visit for those who appreciate beautiful design. After exploring the Llotja, we decided it was time for lunch and began searching for a charming spot to enjoy a meal.

For the afternoon and early evening, we had booked a catamaran tour that included snacks, a drink, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and snorkeling. After lunch, we made a quick stop at our accommodation to change and pack our bags before heading to the dock for the start of our adventure.

The experience was incredible! The snack platter was delicious, offering a mix of local treats like jamón, tortilla, fresh fruits, and more. As we sailed along the stunning coastline, we were treated to breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs. Some of us took the opportunity to snorkel, paddleboard, or simply swim in the turquoise sea. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making for an unforgettable afternoon on the water! Back on land, we walked along the coast before going back to the accommodation.

Day 3

On the third day of our trip, we embarked on a three-hour Dolphin Watching Boat Tour, which also included a refreshing swim in the ocean near stunning cliffs. While I was prepared for the possibility that we might not spot any dolphins, I was pleasantly surprised when several appeared, swimming gracefully alongside our boat. It was an incredible experience to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Seeing dolphins up close, in the wild, was a truly unforgettable moment, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique adventure on the water.

After the successful dolphin-watching tour, we returned to our accommodation to shower, change, and swap our bags. Once we were ready to go again, we grabbed a small lunch before heading to Palacio de la Almudaina, the royal palace in Palma. Fortunately, it was open, and we were able to enter for free since we visited on a Wednesday between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., which is when the palace offers free entry for EU citizens. This historical site is still used by the Spanish royal family for ceremonies and offers a fascinating glimpse into Mallorca’s royal past.

After exploring the palace, we took a leisurely walk along the scenic seaside promenade with stunning views of the Mediterranean and the Catedral de Mallorca. We treated ourselves with an ice cream as we strolled by the water. As the sun went down, we headed back to the accommodation and called it a day.

Day 4

On the fourth day of our trip, we embarked on an exciting day tour to the Caves of Drach and Caves of Hams. The tour began with a stop at the famous Manacor pearl factory, where we were introduced to the fascinating process of pearl cultivation. We learned about the techniques used to create these beautiful pearls, from the initial stages of oyster selection to the final steps of pearl formation and harvesting. It was an interesting and educational experience, offering a deeper appreciation for this local industry that has been a significant part of Mallorca’s economy.

After visiting the pearl factory, we made our way to the Hams Caves, a natural wonder famous for its beautiful spiral-shaped formations. The caves are filled with detailed stalactites and stalagmites, creating a magical feeling that, along with their special geological features, left us amazed.

We then continued our tour with a visit to the charming coastal town of Porto Cristo, a picturesque destination. During our visit, we strolled through the town’s quaint streets, admiring the traditional Mallorcan architecture and enjoying one of the best paellas we ever had before.

Next, we explored the famous Caves of Drach, equally breathtaking with their stalactite and stalagmite formations. A highlight of the tour was Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world. There, we were treated to a live classical music performance and had the unique experience of a boat ride across the serene waters of the lake, adding to the magical ambiance. Alternatively, you can just cross the bridge if you don’t feel like waiting in line for the short boat-ride.

Both cave systems offered a captivating glimpse into Mallorca’s natural beauty and its fascinating geological history. After returning to Palma de Mallorca, we took a quick rest at our accommodation before heading to the beach. Like the previous day, we ended the evening with a relaxing swim in the sea.

Day 5

On our final day, we had booked a tour to explore the picturesque towns of Sóller and Valldemossa. The tour began with a scenic drive along Mallorca’s breathtaking west coast, offering stunning views of forests, mountains and cliffs. Our first stop was the charming town of Sóller, which quickly became one of my favorite places in Mallorca.

As we wandered through the historic streets of Sóller, we shared and tasted an ensaimada for the first time — a traditional Mallorcan pastry, light and sweet. We continued strolling through the quaint streets, popping into small, cute shops along the way. Later, we stopped for freshly squeezed orange juice, as Sóller is famous for its delicious oranges, grown in the nearby groves.

On the way to our next destination, Valldemossa, we paused at a scenic viewpoint that overlooked the cliffs and the vast open ocean. The sight was absolutely breathtaking, and the natural beauty of Mallorca, especially around the mountains, is truly mesmerizing.

In Valldemossa, we got some ice cream and explored the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with charming houses and plants. One of the highlights was visiting the Valldemossa Monastery and its beautiful gardens. This village, nestled in the mountains, was the perfect place to end this tour.

After returning from the tour, we went out for dinner and enjoyed some delicious tapas. Our final activity of the trip was a late-night swim, which was a perfect way to end the day. Afterwards, we headed back to our accommodation to pack our bags and get ready for the early morning departure. I’m sure that this wasn’t our last time in Mallorca!

Summary of activities

• Visit the city Palma
• Palma cathedral
• Palace Almudaina
• Fishmarket Palma
• Boat trip
• Dolphin watching
• Beach day
• Caves of Drach
• Caves of Hams
• Visit the village Portocristo
• Visit the village Soller
• Visit the village Volledmossa

Summary of where to eat

• Café Noti – Café ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Café Placa – Spanish restaurant in Palma ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Mool – Spanish restaurant in Palma ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Casa Julio Restaurant Bar – Tapas bar in Palma ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Gust Gourmet Bar – Tapas bar in Palma ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Ca’n Salvador – Spanish restaurant in Portocristo ^{(unpaid ad)}

Other Spanish Blogs