Planning an itinerary for Palma de Mallorca depends on how long you’re staying, but whether you have three days or five days, the city offers a perfect blend of culture, architecture, beach relaxation, and local gastronomy. Palma is compact enough to explore comfortably yet diverse enough to fill a week with rewarding experiences. Below is a complete 3-day and 5-day itinerary designed to help you make the most of your time in Palma de Mallorca — balancing history, nature, and leisure.
3-Day Itinerary: The Perfect City Break
Day 1 – Historic Palma and Old Town Exploration
Morning:
- Begin your visit with Palma’s most iconic landmark, La Seu Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Spain. Don’t miss the rose window and Gaudí’s interior additions.
- Next, visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, just next to the cathedral, to see its blend of Moorish and Gothic influences.
- Stroll through Parc de la Mar, the waterfront park below the cathedral, for postcard-worthy views.
Afternoon:
- Head into the Old Town (Casco Antiguo) to explore its narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and charming squares.
- Visit Plaça Major and stop for lunch at a traditional café — try pa amb oli or ensaimada for a local touch.
- Wander through Passeig del Born, the elegant shopping boulevard lined with boutiques, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Evening:
- Have dinner in the Santa Catalina district, known for its tapas bars and lively atmosphere.
- End your day with a relaxing walk along the Paseo Marítimo, enjoying the harbor views and evening lights reflecting on the water.
Day 2 – Culture, Art, and Coastal Views
Morning:
- Visit Bellver Castle, a 14th-century circular fortress overlooking Palma. Walk through its museum or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the city and bay.
- On your way back, stop by the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, home to works by Picasso, Miró, and Barceló.
Afternoon:
- Head to Santa Catalina Market for lunch. Enjoy local seafood or fresh tapas among the lively stalls.
- Spend your afternoon at Can Pere Antoni Beach, the nearest city beach, ideal for a swim or sunbathing.
- Alternatively, rent a bike and ride along the Paseo Marítimo toward Portixol, a charming seaside area filled with cafés.
Evening:
- Dine at a waterfront restaurant near Portixol or return to the Old Town for a traditional Mallorcan dinner at Celler Sa Premsa.
- Enjoy a glass of local wine or Hierbas Mallorquinas liqueur before calling it a night.
Day 3 – Day Trip or Nature Escape
Option 1 – Valldemossa and Deià:
- Take a scenic drive or bus to Valldemossa, a picturesque village in the Tramuntana Mountains. Visit the Charterhouse of Valldemossa, where composer Chopin once lived.
- Continue to Deià, a coastal artists’ village surrounded by dramatic mountain views. Have lunch overlooking the sea before returning to Palma.
Option 2 – Sóller and Port de Sóller:
- Take the vintage wooden train from Palma to Sóller, a scenic one-hour journey through the mountains.
- Explore the town’s main square and ride the historic tram down to Port de Sóller for lunch by the marina.
- Return to Palma in the evening.
Evening:
- Enjoy your final night with a sunset walk along Parc de la Mar or a cocktail at one of Palma’s rooftop terraces, such as at Es Princep Hotel or Nakar Hotel, offering stunning views over the cathedral and bay.
5-Day Itinerary: A Complete Palma and Island Experience
If you have five days, you can follow the three-day plan above and add more time for beaches, culture, and exploration of Mallorca’s countryside and coastline.
Day 4 – Beach and Relaxation Day
Morning:
- Visit Cala Major Beach, a short bus or taxi ride from the city center. The beach has clear water, soft sand, and nearby cafés.
- Alternatively, head to Illetes Beach, one of the most beautiful near Palma, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants and spend the afternoon relaxing or paddleboarding.
- For something different, visit the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró, dedicated to the artist Joan Miró, who lived and worked in Mallorca.
Evening:
- Return to Palma and enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant near the harbor, such as Ca’n Eduardo, which offers fresh fish and views of La Seu Cathedral.
- Take a casual evening stroll through the La Lonja district, known for its nightlife and local charm.
Day 5 – Discover More of Mallorca
Use your final day for another day trip or deeper exploration of the island’s natural beauty.
Option 1 – Alcúdia and Pollença (North Mallorca):
- Travel to Alcúdia Old Town, a walled medieval city with narrow streets and lively markets.
- Continue to Port de Pollença for lunch by the sea and perhaps a visit to Cap de Formentor, Mallorca’s northernmost point with stunning cliffs and views.
Option 2 – Wine and Countryside Experience:
- Visit the wine region around Binissalem or Santa Maria del Camí. Many vineyards offer tours and tastings, where you can sample local wines and olive oils.
- Explore small inland villages to experience authentic Mallorcan life.
Option 3 – Cabrera Island Excursion:
- Take a boat trip to Cabrera National Park, a protected island just south of Mallorca known for its unspoiled beaches and marine life. It’s perfect for snorkeling and nature walks.
Evening:
- Return to Palma for your farewell dinner. Enjoy one last stroll through the Old Town, perhaps stopping at Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo for dessert — an ensaimada and hot chocolate.
Tips for Your Stay
- Getting Around: Palma is easy to explore on foot, by public bus, or by taxi. For day trips, consider the train to Sóller or local buses to Valldemossa and Deià.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for sightseeing and beach days.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Tumbet, sobrasada, pa amb oli, and frito mallorquín are all authentic Mallorcan dishes worth sampling.
- Cultural Etiquette: Shops may close during siesta hours (around 2:00–5:00 p.m.), and dinners typically start later in the evening.
Summary
- 3 days in Palma is perfect for discovering the city’s highlights — its Gothic cathedral, royal palace, old town charm, art, and waterfront atmosphere.
- 5 days in Palma allows you to combine city exploration with beach time and day trips to Mallorca’s most beautiful villages, mountains, and coastal areas.
