In late June this past summer, we embarked on an exciting journey to uncover the beauty of the Balearic Islands, and more particularly the enchanting island of Mallorca. Mallorca, famous for its pristine lagoons, became our playground for several days as we set out to explore its hidden coves, each one more captivating than the last. Along the way, we also had the pleasure of immersing ourselves in the charm of its ancient villages. Here’s my complete Mallorca 5-day itinerary, taking you off the beaten path!
PS: Need a Google Map guide of Mallorca filled with great addresses? Simply click here!
First, some tips to make the most of your stay in Mallorca.
Practical Information for your Mallorca 5-day Itinerary
When is the best time to visit Mallorca?
The best time to visit Mallorca is from late April to June, and again in September and early October. During these shoulder months, the weather is warm and sunny, the sea is swimmable, the crowds are manageable and prices are significantly lower than in peak season! June is my personal favourite, that’s when I went there: the island is in full bloom, the days are long, and you can still find a quiet spot on the most beautiful coves.
July and August are the busiest and hottest months. The most popular beaches fill up fast, accommodation prices spike, and the roads get congested. That said, if summer is your only option, get to the beach early in the morning!
November to March is when much of the coastal infrastructure closes down, but Mallorca in the off-season has its own quiet charm, particularly for hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana or exploring the inland villages without a tourist in sight.
How to get around Mallorca
Mallorca is larger than you might imagine, so to truly explore its wonders, I highly recommend renting a car! While the island has a well-developed transportation network, having your own vehicle grants you access to Mallorca’s hidden gems, often not easily reachable by public transportation. We chose the Wiber agency for our car rental, it was cheap and well organised butv we had to take a shuttle to pick up our car. Next time, I would rent a car on Booking.com (like I always do) with a pick up directly at the airport, not to lose time.
Where to stay in Mallorca
Choosing where to base yourself in Mallorca is one of the most important decisions you will make for your trip! The island is larger than most people expect, and if you do not choose your base properly (depending on the places you plan on visiting!), you could be spending a lot of time behind the wheel. It often takes between 30 minutes and an hour by car to reach various interesting locations around the island!
For this 5-day itinerary, I recommend basing yourself in the eastern part of the island, which gives you easy access to the most stunning coves on day 1 and 3, while remaining within reasonable driving distance of the north and the west (where most of the picturesque villages are located).
For our stay, we chose the charming village of Artà, known for its tranquility and the impressive Santuari de Sant Salvador church. Here, we found ourselves far from the tourist crowds, and I particularly enjoyed the serene narrow streets and the authentic atmosphere at its restaurants.
Our accommodation was the Yartan Boutique Hotel, a true haven of peace where I could have easily stayed for weeks. I can’t recommend this hotel enough for its beautiful setting, excellent service, and reasonable prices!
I suggest booking the “Sa Dragonera” room, the only one directly overlooking the pool. The view when you wake up is idyllic. And their breakfast… simply incredible! Just like the staff, who warmly welcomed us.
Some excellent lunch/dinner spots in Artà
- Bistro Forn Nou: Outstanding tapas at affordable prices.
- Restaurant Forn Nou: Located right next to the bistro (both belong to the Forn Nou hotel next door), offering more sophisticated traditional dishes.
- Sa Grípia: A restaurant with a lovely terrace.
- Ses Cosines: A restaurant with a very cool atmosphere and decor.
- Babam Casa: A concept store where you can find hundreds of treasures!
If you have more than 5 days
For longer stays, consider splitting your time between two bases: one in the east for the coves, and one in the west (Sóller or Valldemossa) for the mountain villages and the Serra de Tramuntana. This avoids long daily drives and lets you settle into the rhythm of each part of the island!
A few words on Palma
We spent two nights in Palma at the end of our trip and, honestly, it was a bit disappointing. The city lacks the charm you might expect, feels heavily touristy, and the beaches nearby are nothing special… Unless you have a specific reason to be there, I would recommend skipping Palma altogether and using those nights to explore more of the island instead.
Day 1: Exploring Southeast Mallorca
Our first day was dedicated to exploring the “cales” (coves) in the southeastern part of the island, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and the charming boat garages and typical fishermen’s houses lining the coves.
My recommendation: rent a boat to explore the coves at our own pace and enjoy the views of the impressive rocky formations along the coast. We set off late in the morning from the marina of Cala d’Or, ideally located for exploring the northern sectors, which are less accessible by road.
After a picnic on the boat, we spent the afternoon at Cala Llombards, one of the sublime coves in the region. My favorite coves in the southeast of Mallorca include:
- Caló del Moro & S’Almonia: Two closely located coves with magnificent scenery! Not the most convenient for swimming, as you need to lay your towel on or between the rocks. These are beaches you visit for the views, not to relax!
- Cala Llombards: With its turquoise waters, fine sand, and picturesque setting, it’s a must-visit.
- Cala Figuera: A charming little port that’s a must-see.
- Cala S’Amarador: More family-friendly, this beach is located in the Mondragó Natural Park, a protected green space where hiking is also possible. Don’t miss the short walk between S’Amarador beach and Cala Mondragó at sunset when the colors seem to come straight out of a painting.
As the day’s heat subsided, we headed to Santanyí in the late afternoon, a traditional and authentic village inland not far from the coast. I loved its old ochre-colored streets, where the setting sun played with the stone textures, creating a peaceful atmosphere – perfect for a stroll!
This inspiring environment attracts artists from around the world. Santanyí is a village where art reigns supreme, you’ll find a range of galleries showcasing the works of both local and international artists.
The heart of the village is built around the church, and there, the restaurant terraces liven up the previously quiet streets of Santanyí! On the menu, traditional Mediterranean flavors presented with a modern twist manifested in colorful dishes. Once again, art finds its way onto the chefs’ plates, especially at Sa Botiga restaurant where we dined. An excellent address!
Another fantastic place for dinner in the region is the Norai restaurant in Portopetro. Make sure to book a table by the sea in advance for a dining experience with your feet (almost) in the water!
Mallorca 5-day itinerary: best things to do
Day 2: Exploring North Mallorca
After a slow morning by the lovely pool at Yartan, we set out for the north of the island to discover the breathtaking panorama at the Mirador d’Es Colomer, renowned as Mallorca’s most beautiful viewpoint. And let me tell you, the view certainly lives up to its reputation!
After climbing a few steps and following a short walk, you’ll overlook the turquoise sea from an impressive cliff rising over 300 meters high. In the distance, along the coast, you can see the islet of Es Colomer, which gave its name to this superb view.
To fully enjoy this experience, I recommend arriving at Mirador d’Es Colomer early to avoid the crowds and the intense midday sun. The site lacks natural shade, and we learned this the hard way when we visited around noon!
Another recommended gem in the area is Cap de Formentor, which features a beautiful lighthouse and equally breathtaking views.
Having felt the scorching heat of the day, it was time to head to the beach! We chose to explore the bay of Formentor, an enchanting sandy beach framed by pine trees, just a short 10-minute drive from Mirador d’Es Colomer.
Here, you have a choice: you can opt for the sunbeds at the Platja Mar restaurant (though it comes with a price tag of around €60 per pair) or select a spot under the shade of pine trees on the left side of the beach, where tranquility reigns. We opted for the latter and relished every moment! The sea there is crystal-clear, and the coastline at the far end of the beach offers nice snorkeling spots.
Quick tip: There are three parking lots around the beach. The first parking lot, Far de Formentor, is the farthest but also the largest and cheapest. The other two parking lots (A and B) are right by the beach.
With our afternoon well spent, we ventured into the charming medieval town of Alcúdia, still surrounded by its magnificent fortified wall. It ranks among the oldest towns on the island and once served as the Roman capital of the Balearic Islands, bearing the name Pollentia during that era. Remarkably, the ruins from that age have withstood the test of time and are open for exploration.
Enter through one of the grand stone gates of the town, and you’ll discover its enchanting ancient streets, local shops and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere you’ll definitely enjoy.
Google Maps Guide
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However, keep in mind not to confuse Alcúdia with Port d’Alcúdia, a much more modern and touristy resort located along the coast. We stopped by out of curiosity, but if you seek the charm of the old villages, I recommend moving on. Instead, consider a visit to Port de Pollença to enjoy its lovely seafront promenade before making your way to Alcúdia.
Day 3: Exploring South Mallorca
The southern part of Mallorca is renowned for its beaches that rival the Seychelles in beauty. But that’s not all it has to offer; this region is also home to the Salines d’Es Trenc, a biodiversity paradise and the production site of the famous Flor de Sal d’Es Trenc, used in the kitchens throughout the island. I highly recommend a visit to this unique place to soak in its natural splendor and learn about the local expertise in salt production.
Upon arriving at the entrance to the salt flats, just before reaching Es Trenc Beach, you’ll find a small cafeteria with a lovely terrace where you can refresh yourself and get your hands on the renowned fleur de sel.
When you set foot on Es Trenc Beach, don’t be discouraged by the crowd. While it’s a popular tourist destination, armed with determination (and a hat to shield yourself from the blazing sun), you can easily make your way to the quieter side of the beach.
Please note that this beach is quite wild, lacking any shelter from the sun or facilities for food and drinks. You can purchase an umbrella at the beach entrance, but my recommendation is to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.
A local tip for an alternative to Es Trenc: Platja des Dolç, an equally stunning beach located to the south of Es Trenc, offers a quieter atmosphere with fewer visitors.
In the afternoon, or perhaps later as we did, make a stop at Cala Pi, another enchanting cove well worth exploring. While there, we took a stroll to the Torre de Cala Pi, which offers a stunning panorama of the coastline.
Day 4: Exploring West Mallorca
Having explored much of the Mallorcan coastline, it was time to venture inland to the western part of the island. There, you can discover three villages renowned for their traditional charm: Valldemossa, Deià, and Fornalutx.
We started our day with a morning visit to the streets of Valldemossa, and it was a true gem! I must admit that I would have liked to spend my remaining two nights in this picturesque village instead of in Palma de Mallorca. The stone facades of the houses are adorned with dozens of plants and flowers, creating a visual feast for the eyes for a plant-lover like me! Lose yourself in the narrow streets, with or without a guide, and simply soak in the beauty of your surroundings.
Our stay in Mallorca was limited to four days, making it challenging to choose our final destination! Given our love for the southeastern coves of the island, we decided to return there in the afternoon for another visit.
In hindsight, I’d recommend allowing at least 5 full days (6 nights) to truly explore Mallorca, and ideally, a full week. Here’s the rest of the itinerary I would have followed if we had spent 5 days in Mallorca.
For lunch, before heading to Sóller to admire its stunning cathedral, consider stopping at Cala Deìa for a meal at the renowned Caùs Patró March restaurant, known for its enchanting setting. In the late afternoon, make your way to Port de Sóller, where you can enjoy dinner. A restaurant that caught my attention is NENI Mallorca.
Day 5: Your choice depending on what you liked most so far
For your fifth day, here are three distinct options depending on what you have enjoyed most so far!
Option 1: Back to the southeast coves
If the crystal-clear coves of day 1 left you wanting more, go back. The southeast of Mallorca has enough to fill several days, and some of the most beautiful spots are the ones you rush past on the first visit! Use this day to slow down: spend the morning between Cala Llombards, Caló del Moro or S’Almonia at your own pace. In the afternoon, make your way to Cala Pi, a stunning narrow cove framed by pine trees and golden cliffs, with the Torre de Cala Pi viewpoint offering a magnificent panorama of the coastline.
Option 2: East coast wild beaches near Artà
If you are staying in or near Artà, this day is made for you. The east coast north of the village is home to some of the most unspoiled beaches on the island, several of which require a short hike to reach, which is exactly what keeps them quiet! Top picks: Cala Torta, wide and wild with no facilities, Arenalet del Verger, accessible on foot through a pine forest; Cala Agulla and Cala Mesquida, both beautiful and easier to reach by car. End the afternoon with a visit to the Coves d’Artà, a spectacular cave system carved into a cliff above the sea, which has been fascinating visitors since the 19th century. The guided tour takes about 40 minutes and is well worth it.
Option 3: Inland villages and the Alfàbia Gardens
For a slower, more cultural final day, start with the Jardins d’Alfàbia, a beautiful Moorish-inspired garden of terraces, fountains and centuries-old trees tucked into the mountains just before the Sóller tunnel. It is peaceful, underrated, and unlike anything else on the island!
From there, drive up to Fornalutx, voted throughout the years as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain: a tiny cluster of stone houses climbing the hillside above an orange grove, with a main square so perfectly preserved it feels almost unreal. Have lunch there at one of the small terrace restaurants before making your way to Biniaraix, an even smaller hamlet just a short drive away, where a centuries-old cobbled mule path leads up through the mountains for those who fancy a short walk.
End the day back in Port de Sóller for a last sunset over the bay, and dinner at Es Canyís, a classic seafood restaurant right on the beach, or Agapanto, a more intimate spot on the hillside with panoramic views and creative Mediterranean cooking! Book ahead as it fills up fast.
As a final piece of advice, I recommend avoiding certain areas in Mallorca that are heavily impacted by mass tourism, particularly the entire southwest of the island, including Palma de Mallorca, as well as the bay of Alcùdia.
A little FAQ about Mallorca
How many days do you need in Mallorca? Is 5 days enough for Mallorca?
Five days is a good amount of time to get a real feel for the island and cover the highlights without rushing. That said, Mallorca rewards those who stay longer: with a week, you can slow down, revisit your favourite beaches and explore areas you missed. If you only have 3 days, focus on the southeast coves and one or two villages in the west.
Is Mallorca worth visiting?
Of course! Despite its reputation as a mass-tourism destination, Mallorca has a side that most package tourists never see: wild coves with water so clear it barely looks real, medieval villages with (almost) no souvenir shops in sight, and a coastline that genuinely rivals anything in the Mediterranean. The key is to rent a car and get off the main tourist trail.
What is the best area to stay in Mallorca?
It depends on your priorities. For the most beautiful beaches, base yourself in the east, around Artà or Santanyí. For the mountain villages and dramatic scenery of the Serra de Tramuntana, Sóller or Valldemossa are wonderful places to stay. For nightlife and convenience, Palma works, though it lacks the charm of the rest of the island.
Do you need a car in Mallorca?
Yes, for this itinerary, a car is essential. Public transport connects the main towns, but the hidden coves, mountain viewpoints and inland villages that make Mallorca special are rarely reachable by bus. Renting a car is the single best investment you can make for your trip.
What is Mallorca known for?
Mallorca is known for its stunning beaches and coves, particularly in the southeast, its dramatic mountain range (the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), its charming medieval villages like Valldemossa and Deià, and its world-class gastronomy. It is also one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe, welcoming millions of visitors every year, though it is perfectly possible to escape the crowds if you know where to look!
Best things to do in Mallorca: Google Map with my favorite addresses
To easily access the addresses mentioned above, including my favourite restaurants, beaches, and other off-the-beaten-path activities to do in Mallorca, I invite you to download my Google Maps guide of Mallorca! You can add it to your own Google Maps account to navigate and get around easily while you’re there.
That wraps up our Mallorca 5-day itinerary! I hope you’ve enjoyed pre-exploring this beautiful island with me, I personally loved this island and I wouldn’t hesitate to return to discover even more of its hidden treasures. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @thebeachmuse 💙
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