Don’t be fooled by the fact that Mallorca is an island. There are many sides to Mallorca – and the best way to see them is by car.
Mallorca is a fantastic and intriguing road trip destination.
Small enough to drive the entire island, yet large enough to offer constant variety, Mallorca is so much more than the beaches it’s most famous for.
With its many different villages, hidden attractions and changing landscape, a Mallorca road trip will make you forget you’re on an island.
Aside from that, though, the only way to see many of the most unique places in Mallorca is with your own wheels.
Without a car, you’ll miss some of the most magical parts of the largest Balearic island.
Even if you hire a car for a couple of days during your trip to Mallorca, you can be sure it will be worth it.
Here’s why you should road trip Mallorca – even for just a few days – and how to travel deeper in Mallorca by car.
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Why explore Mallorca by car
Of course, many people visit Mallorca without hiring a car and it’s totally possible to still see a lot without your own wheels.
That said, I will always hire a car on future trips to Mallorca (of which I’m sure there will be a few!).
My most recent Mallorca road trip opened my eyes to just how much this magical island has to offer – and how much easier it is to experience it when you have your own transport!
Do you need a car in Mallorca?
If you’re wondering whether you need a car in Mallorca, it’s certainly not necessary.
If you’re wondering if you would be better off hiring a car… that will depend.
Mallorca’s bus network connects all the major resort towns. If you plan to stay in one of them and aren’t keen on leaving, there’s probably no real reason to hire a car.
However, after having visited Mallorca several times – both with and without a car – it’s a destination where I would always recommend hiring a car if you want to explore a little.
Sure, you can take the bus to many places, but having your own wheels will be much more efficient.
Not only will you save hours on getting around, but it will save you a lot of money, too.
Is it difficult to drive in Mallorca?
If you’re nervous about driving in Mallorca, then don’t panic. I was, too!
I’m not a particularly confident driver, but I quickly found my way around Mallorca. And I even enjoyed it!
Palma can get quite busy, but you’re pretty much on the highway as soon as you leave the airport and don’t need to go into the city at all if you don’t want to.
Mallorca is a fairly easy place to drive once you get out of Palma – meaning there’s even more reason to try it!
The roads are generally quite empty and driving routes are also pretty straightforward, with the island’s main areas being connected by easy-to-navigate highways
There are a few mountain roads that can be a little windy, but they’re sign-posted, wide enough for two vehicles to fit through at almost all times, and fairly quiet most of the time.
The only one I chose to avoid was the infamous Sa Calobra road, partly because I’m not a confident driver and partly because there were too many other places in Mallorca that I wanted to see.
If you’re a more confident driver than me, it’s supposed to be one of the most beautiful (as well as one of the most dangerous!) roads in all of Spain.
Find a rental car in Palma:
Is 5 days in Mallorca enough?
In just 5 days, your Mallorca itinerary can cover most sides of the island.
You won’t be able to spend a whole lot of time in every place, but it’s certainly enough to get a feel for Mallorca.
And, if you plan to spend lots of time on the road, you’ll be able to soak up the island’s diverse landscapes.
In order to make the most of your Mallorca road trip, I would aim to spend around 5-7 days there.
If you want to extend your stay, I would recommend spending the first few days driving around and then choosing one spot to spend your remaining time in Mallorca.
You could choose to relax at one of the many beach resorts, stretch your legs on some of the many hiking trails in Mallorca or get super active by checking in to a fitness retreat at The Body Camp (like I did!).
You could easily spend weeks – or months! – exploring Mallorca and all it has to offer, but 5 days in Mallorca is certainly enough to make for a good trip. Especially if you plan to road trip Mallorca!
A 5 day Mallorca road trip itinerary
This is the more or less the Mallorca itinerary I followed, only tidied up a bit to make it a little easier!
This Mallorca road trip itinerary is for 5 days, and assumes you have 5 full nights on the island.
If you plan to depart on the evening of Day 5, it would be best to skip Cabrera because you will need to allow time to head back to Palma.
If you haven’t booked your flights to Mallorca yet, though, I’d highly recommend allowing yourself the five full days to explore.
Day 1: Palma and surroundings
Since Palma is the only airport on the island of Mallorca, this will almost certainly be where you arrive.
It’s also possible to arrive by ferry from several ports in Spain. These include the neighbouring Balearic Islands of Menorca and Ibiza, as well as several mainland ports such as Barcelona and Valencia.
If you arrive in Palma fairly early, you’ll easily be able to fill the rest of your day in this fun capital city.
Things to do in Palma
- Take a guided tour of the city to see the highlights
- Love reading? This tour is led by a local author
- Get off the beaten track with a tour dedicated to Palma’s Chinatown
- Or, go a little further and faster with a segway tour, an electric scooter tour or an e-bike tour
- Get your tapas on with a foodie tour of the city
- Take a cooking class so you can enjoy the Mallorquin culture after you return home
- Prefer the liquid stuff? Unwind after a long travel day with this casual Mallorquin wine tasting experience
- Relax before the Mallorca road trip begins with a 90-session and massage at the Arab baths
Where to stay in Palma
Son Boronat is a quirky estate-turned-hotel with beautiful views of the mountains we’ll be heading into later in this Mallorca road trip.
It’s a little way out of Palma, so better if you arrive early, but will set you up closer to your destination tomorrow.
Click here to check availability.
For a more budget-friendly option, check in to Hostal Bonany.
This affordable guesthouse is clean, airy and even has a pool.
Plus, it’s conveniently located to downtown Palma – a bonus if you plan to explore the city’s nightlife.
Day 2: Exploring the western coast of Mallorca
Today, we’re going to spend the first full day of your Mallorca trip exploring the island’s eastern coast.
If you’re visiting Mallorca between February and October, pick up some snacks in Palma and then head straight to Sant Elm.
The ferry to Dragonera – a must-visit 6km-long island and Natural Park just off the eastern coast of Mallorca – departs from here.
It’s best to book ahead since seats are limited and this is the only way to guarantee a spot. You can book by calling any of the phone numbers on the website (just make sure you add the country code if calling from an international phone!).
You will have a choice of return ferry – which you must choose in advance – but you can spend as little or as much time on Dragonera as you like.
There are a number of hikes you can enjoy, but the four main signposted hiking routes vary from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
I recommend the Far de Tramuntana route, which takes around 1 hour (plus stops!).
It’s an easy but enjoyable hike that will give you a glimpse of the mountains we’ll be heading to tomorrow.
If you have some time leftover before heading back, you can relax on the small beach and botanical garden right next to the dock.
Off-season option:
If you’re visiting Mallorca during the off-season, enjoy a more leisurely morning exploring Palma before setting off around the coast.
There are lots of amazing landmarks viewpoints to enjoy as you make your way east.
Some of the stops you might want to make include Castell de Bellver for a quick culture stop, Cala Punta Negra for amazing views and Parc Arqueologic Puig De Sa Morisca for scenic hikes to rival Dragonera.
After your morning adventures, head to the town of Santa Ponsa for a late lunch.
Here you’ll find Donna Vegana. Not only is it the best vegan restaurant in Mallorca, but one of the best places to eat for both vegans and non-vegans alike!
Indulge in one of the many plant-based dishes before beginning your drive into the Tramuntana mountains.
Where to stay:
La Posada del Marqués combines Mallorquin tradition with modern-day luxury.
A stay in this 16th century converted finca also promises a very special stay in Mallorca’s famous mountains.
Prefer something a little more homely? Son Boronat is situated on a beautiful countryside estate.
It’s perfectly positioned for tomorrow’s mountain adventures, but feels like its own little sanctuary due to the peaceful surroundings.
Day 3: The Tramuntana mountains
Today, you’re going to be driving down Mallorca’s most scenic roads, so make sure your travel camera is charged!
You’re going to want to stop a lot during this drive, so take it at a leisurely pace and enjoy the views.
You’ll pass by cute mountain towns, stunning coastal scenery and countless angles of the impressive Tramuntana mountain range that runs across Mallorca’s northern coast.
No matter where you chose to spend last night, head towards the Ma-10, and follow it north.
There is only really one way to go, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost!
This beautiful road will take you past many viewpoints, so take your time and expect to make lots of stops.
It’s also worth stopping at some of the cute towns you’ll come across along the way.
Valldemossa
Undoubtedly a little touristy, but still just as charming as an undiscovered town, Valldemossa is one of the first places you’ll come across.
Head into the back roads to find plenty of free, roadside parking, and then head towards the centre of town.
This town is home to the famous coca de patata, (potato cake), and you’ll find them at most bakeries.
Warning: the famous potato cakes are sometimes made with lard or ghee, so they’re not always suitable for vegetarians. It’s best to double check if you are veggie!
It would be easy to spend the whole day here – and you may want to if you have more than 5 days in Mallorca.
But a couple of hours should be all you need to take in the viewpoints, visit the Rei Joan Carles gardens and enjoy the local delicacies.
Deia
Deia is possibly the most beautiful mountain town of all in Mallorca, but the road passes it quickly.
So quickly, in fact, that I wasn’t able to stop there myself.
The road can get busy in the middle of the day, and parking can become scarce. It’s best to head into some of the town’s side streets if you want to make a stop here.
Otherwise, it’s still a beautiful place to drive through and admire from the road!
Sóller
A busier town than the others you will pass through, Sóller feels more like a typical European town but with a very Mallorquin vibe.
There’s plenty of parking in the town, but the easiest place to park is directly on the Ma-11. From there, it’s just a short 10-15 minute walk to the centre.
Once you’ve explored the main town, hop on the tram and enjoy the scenic ride down to the Port de Sóller.
It costs 7 Euros each way, which my seem a little pricy, but it’s worth it for the views: rolling hills of orange farms, traditional houses and, eventually, a gorgeous beach with a backdrop of mountains.
Where to stay
After a day exploring the mountains, check into a hotel with an amazing view of them.
Es Picarol isn’t just one of the best boutique hotels in Mallorca – it may be one of the best hotels in the world.
It’s impossible to describe this hotel in just one paragraph, but you can read more about what makes it so special it in this review.
Try to get there before sunset to enjoy a scenic welcome drink from the panoramic rooftop.
Follow it with a pizza from Santapí, which has a mouth-watering menu including many vegan and vegetarian options.
Did I mention that there are lots of great vegan restaurants in Mallorca?
RELATED READ: The Body Camp – a plant-based fitness retreat in Mallorca.
Day 4: The relaxed north-eastern tip of Mallorca
If you happen to waking up in Sineu on a Wednesday, don’t rush off too quickly.
Wednesday is market day, and it’s when Sineu really comes alive. From 8h00-14h00, local farmers flock to the streets for the weekly bustle.
And, even if you don’t plan on buying anything, a walk around with give you a great taste of local life in the heart of Mallorca.
If you don’t plan on visiting the market, it’s still good to plan ahead for it.
With the market stalls taking over most of the main streets in Sineu, you’ll want to make sure you park somewhere that you can easily get out of.
When you leave Sineu, head straight up to the Ma-13.
A short way along, you’ll find the Campanet Caves. Natural caves like these are found in several places across the island, but these ones tend to be less busy.
Despite that, the Campanet Caves are well worth a visit because they’re fascinatingly eerie – especially if, like I did, you find yourself all alone inside!
Allow yourself 60-90 minutes to fully explore the caves before heading towards the east coast of Mallorca.
This corner of the island is home to some of the most impressive beaches, such as Platja des Coll Baix, Platja de Muro and Platja de Formentor (if you fancy a bit more of a drive!).
Choose one to soak up or maximise your Mallorca road trip by stopping at several.
In this area, there are also numerous viewpoints – most of which are well-signposted along the roads – and s’Albufera Natural Park, a must-visit for nature lovers.
After a day of exploring and soaking up the sun, enjoy a more traditional Mallorquin experience by spending the night at a finca hotel.
We’ll be starting the day in Sant Jordi tomorrow, so the best towns to stay in would be Manacor, Campos or any resort town along the south-eastern coast.
Day 5: Cabrera and southern Mallorca
Today, we’re heading to another must-visit islet just off of Mallorca’s coast: Cabrera.
This time situated in the south, Cabrera isn’t just an intriguing island with an important role in European history.
Cabrera is just as significant today, albeit for different reasons.
The only National Park in the whole of the Balearic Islands, Cabrera is a hub of ecotourism in the region.
This full guide to Cabrera island will help you plan your visit – something you’ll need to do in advance! – and ensure you make the most of your time in this very special place.
Boats to Cabrera leave from Colonia de Sant Jordi, a small port town on the southern coast of Mallorca.
The one-way streets can be a little bit tricky to navigate, so allow yourself plenty of time to make it to the dock.
I managed to find roadside parking in the middle of July, but there is plenty of paid parking available, too.
After visiting Cabrera – and enjoying the scenic ride back to shore – take a short drive north to Flor de Sal d’Es Trenc.
This hidden spot is situated on the edge of another one of Mallorca’s natural beauty spots, Es Trenc Natural Park.
Here, you can take a tour of the salt basins from which flor de sal (or sea salt) is harvested using only natural methods.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot some local or migratory birds in the protected area nearby!
Afterwards, you can stop by the small on-site store to buy some salts or local artisan products to take home as souvenirs.
You can also sit and enjoy a drink or some ice-cream topped with flor de sal (they have vegan ice-cream, too!) while soaking in the impressive surroundings.
Return to Palma
After your 5-day Mallorca road trip, it’s time to head back to the island’s capital city.
If you this is the end of your trip to Mallorca, you can return your car to the airport and head straight for departures.
If you’re going to stay in Mallorca a little longer, keep reading for some ideas on how to spend the rest of your Mallorca trip…
Planning more than 5 days in Mallorca?
If your flight doesn’t leave until late on the 6th day – or you have an extra night – I recommend leaving your accommodation plans open so you can spend an extra night exploring your favourite place during your Mallorca road trip.
Alternatively, Palma is a wonderful city with lots to explore, so you can easily pass a day there.
If you didn’t have time to squeeze in all the things you wanted to do during your arrival day, now is the perfect opportunity to enjoy more of the city.
If you plan to spend several more days in Mallorca (or longer), there’s still plenty to explore.
Other things to do in Mallorca
- Check out some of the islands vegan restaurants, many of which only use locally sourced ingredients
- Take a trip to Manacor, the second largest town in Mallorca, and stop by the Rafa Nadal Xperience Museum
- Enjoy the growing number of ecotourism experiences in Mallorca
More from the Balearic Islands
Looking to explore more than Mallorca? Great choice!
The Balearic Islands have a lot to offer, and each has its own unique charms.
- Here’s what to wear in Ibiza if you decide to visit Mallorca’s wilder neighbour.
- For a slower-paced break, there are lots of unique things to do in Menorca.
- Still can’t choose which island to visit? Here is a comparison of Ibiza vs Menorca