3 days in Mallorca

The Spanish island of Mallorca is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, limestone mountains, and vibrant nightlife in the capital city of Palma.
The optimal times to visit are during spring and early autumn, as you can enjoy pleasant weather without the influx of tourists; however, any time of year is a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful Mediterranean island.
In this blog post, I will provide my recommendations on how to make the most of 3 days in Mallorca!

HOW TO GET TO MALLORCA

Mallorca is located a two-hour flight away from London and several major cities across Europe, which contributes to its popularity as a weekend getaway. For travelers arriving from the United States, I suggest flying into Barcelona and dedicating a few days to explore the city prior to heading to Mallorca. Ensure that your itinerary for Mallorca includes a minimum stay of three days on the island.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MALLORCA

In summer, I suggest you spend at least part of your trip relaxing in the sun on one of Mallorca’s many beautiful beaches. The east side of the island is said to have the most beautiful beaches and fun little beach clubs. Since my friend and I visited in the month of November (although still 70F+ most days!), we spent our time exploring the island.

DAY 1: ANNUAL CITY TOUR

On the initial day of our visit to Mallorca, we dedicated several hours to exploring the historic district of Palma. I loved the Cathedral of Mallorca. We took a self-guided tour, which cost only 7€, and then explored the rest of the old town on foot.

There are beautiful winding roads everywhere and several shopping streets in the old town. I could have spent at least another whole day wandering around the city, soaking up the culture and beautiful architecture. We didn’t make it to Beller Castle, but I hear it has an incredible view of the city that is worth exploring.

DAY 2: FORAGE CAP

On our first adventure out of the city, we hired a car and headed north to Formentor. Leaving Palma was a little scary because the streets of the old town are small and windy, but once you’re on the main roads, it’s a breeze driving around Mallorca.

It’s very easy to find the main towns you’ll want to visit with a simple map that your hotel will provide. Cap De Formentor, at the northern tip of the island, is stunning, and there’s a viewpoint, which slides over a cliff, where you can take a million photos and immerse yourself in the coastline.

The journey from Palma to Cap De Formentor takes approximately 35 minutes, therefore I suggest proceeding further and driving to the lighthouse. The Faro de Formentor itself is nothing to write about, but the drive along the ocean is beautiful and reminds me of driving down Highway 1 to Big Sur, California. Just be sure to drive slowly and watch out for cyclists, as the roads are windy and small. Following your visit to the lighthouse, proceed to Formentor beach, a stunning and unspoiled beach bordered by pine trees, where you can enjoy swimming and relaxation during the warmer months.

DAY 3: VALLDEMOSSA, DEIA & SOLLER

On the final day of our stay in Mallorca, we made the decision to investigate the western part of the island. We traveled to the town of Valldemossa, located approximately 20 minutes from Palma. Valldemossa is so charming with its small cobbled streets and beautiful old buildings built into the mountainside. This was by far my favourite town in Mallorca!

Our next stop, just 10 minutes down the road, was Deia, a beautiful mountain village that also overlooks the sea. In the summer, be sure to stop by the Belmond La Residencia for a cocktail at their poolside restaurant and bar.

The town of Sóller is located merely 15 minutes away from Deia and is certainly deserving of a visit. Should you decide to go, make sure to visit Port de Soller. We were unaware of the port, which led us to miss the finest aspect of the town!

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN PALMA

Can Cera Gastro Bar, is a great Mediterranean restaurant in the Can Cera Boutique Hotel. The ambience is luxurious and the food was excellent (the burrata salad with basil pesto dressing was amazing)!

If you are in search of high-end Spanish cuisine, consider visiting La Bodeguilla. They offer exquisite Spanish tapas; every item on the menu was exceptional, but I particularly enjoyed the cheese plate (which, for some inexplicable reason, is listed only under desserts, so you must request it), and the seafood paella was outstanding. Additionally, they boast an impressive selection of wines.

Café La Lonja is a great place for tapas and Spanish drinks for lunch. This place has a cool atmosphere, good food and cocktails, and a nice outdoor area right in front of the harbour.

To experience the finest burger in Europe, one must visit California Burger Bar! My friend Mark established California Burger Bar in May 2014, and ever since, individuals have been traveling to Palma specifically to sample these renowned burgers. The fries are equally delightful, the cocktails are served strong in large glasses, the bar features stylish decor, and they play classic gangster rap!

There are many bars in Mallorca’s old town, but another of my favourites is Bar Abaco, an old Mallorcan manor house. Have your cocktails at the bar and then head upstairs to explore the lounges, kitchen and terrace where you can enjoy your drinks in a unique and intimate atmosphere. Cheers!

WHERE TO STAY IN MALLORCA

Situated in the heart of Palma’s old town, Boutique Hotel Calatrava is in the perfect location for exploring the city on foot, and also facing a beautiful bay with a jogging path along the water. Hotel Calatrava is a five-star establishment exuding global charm. This was my accommodation during my visit. I love everything about this hotel, but my favourite amenity is the rooftop terrace overlooking the city and the sea, where you can enjoy breakfast every morning, and champagne sunsets in the evening.