16 most popular day trips from Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Let’s explore the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca, Spain! This beautiful island has so much more to offer beyond its capital – from mountain villages and hidden beaches to scenic drives and charming coastal towns.

We spent several months living in Mallorca and exploring every corner of the island, discovering new places each time we went on a road trip around the island. Whether you’re into hiking, swimming, or sightseeing, there’s something for everyone here.

In this blog post, you’ll find the most popular day trips from Palma de Mallorca, with descriptions, photos, and locations on Google Maps to help you plan your perfect Mallorca itinerary. Get ready to explore and fall in love with this stunning island! Cheers!

1. Valldemossa

Now that I think back to our travels around the island, Valldemossa has to be my favorite village in Mallorca. I love coastal vibes, but there’s just something too special about those villages in the mountains!

Valldemossa is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Mallorcan architecture with honey-colored stone houses, and such landmarks as the Carthusian monastery and the Palace of King Sancho, located in the small square of Plaça Cartoixa.

I recommend stopping in Valldemossa for a couple of hours to explore its scenic viewpoints, try the local pastry, and walk the most beautiful street in Mallorca, Carrer Rectoria.

If you stay here until lunch, I recommend trying the traditional Mallorcan Pa amb oli tapas at QuitaPenas Valldemossa, or picking a restaurant in Plaça Cartoixa square and people-watch while having a glass of local wine with tapas.

One of the must-do things in Valldemossa is to try the local pastry, Coca de Patata. We went to Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas, a traditional local bakery that has been around for about 100 years. This is one of those traditional Mallorcan treats you have to try during your visit!

To explore Valldemossa to the fullest, you should plan a half day trip here. And because this is one of the most popular day trips from Palma de Mallorca, I recommend arriving here early. This way, you’ll be able to squeeze in more of Mallorca’s destinations in a single day.

Location: Valldemossa

2. Village of Deià

Deià is another dreamy mountain village in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, just a short drive from Valldemossa. Because of their proximity, many travelers combine a visit to Valldemossa and Deià in a single day.

If you are doing one of your day trips from Palma de Mallorca and you are short on time, I recommend doing the same!

Deià is definitely a place with character. For centuries, this has been a place favored by many celebrities and artists due to its peaceful atmosphere and inspiring scenery. And it still is!

These days, many tourists travel to Deià village for its postcard views.

Even if you don’t have time to explore Deià, just stopping by the road for one of those iconic hillside shots from Carretera de Deià is a must!

If you have more time, I recommend hiking up Deià hill to the Sant Joan de Deià Church and the cemetery next to it for the most scenic views over the village, surrounding mountains, and olive groves (they proudly use their own olive oil everywhere around here!).

Besides, none of the other charming villages in Mallorca have as many cafés and restaurants with scenic terraces as Deià!

There are a couple of them lined along the main road, like Café Deiá, or you can plan a more fancy lunch at the famous La Residencia Hotel, which has hosted many international celebrities.

Either way, half a day spent here would be plenty to soak in that special Deià charm, especially if you can plan to end the day with a sunset dinner at La Residencia. But even an hour or two will do!

Location: Deià

3. Cuevas del Drach, or Dragon Caves

Coves del Drach or Dragon Caves, located in the village of Porto Cristo on the east coast of Mallorca, are the most famous caves in Spain’s Balearic Islands and probably in all of Spain.

These caves have been known to locals since the Middle Ages.

Known for their impressive rock formations, underground concerts, and boat rides in a 170-meter-long and 30-meter-wide underground lake named Lake Martel, these caves have become one of the most popular places to visit in Mallorca.

As you enter the impressive cave, you will first wander around the underground maze, and then you will arrive at a large underground hall, like an auditorium with seats towards the lake.

This is where you will be surprised with a live concert!

There are musicians sitting in a boat and floating around the lake while performing a classical music concert for you. Sounds pretty wild, right? After the concert, you’ll also have the opportunity to jump inside the boat and cross the lake on a boat!

Lake Martel is one of the largest underground lakes in the world, and I felt truly special riding a boat in the very depths of the cave deep underground. Plus, the cave itself is pretty spectacular with impressive rock formations!

Las Cuevas del Drach caves are one of the main tourist attractions in Mallorca, and, understandably, this is a popular place among tourists, so be prepared that besides you, there will be a big group of people.

However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that these are some of the most spectacular caves you will see in your life, which makes it one of the must-do day trips from Palma de Mallorca!

By the way, if you are into caves or you are maybe looking for alternatives, I have a blog post about the most spectacular caves in Mallorca, so do check it out. Here’s a hint – while Drach Caves were spectacular, they actually weren’t my favorite caves we visited in Mallorca! 😉

Location: Coves del Drach

4. Sóller in the Orange Valley

Sóller is one of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca, nestled between the Serra de Tramuntana mountains near the northwest coast of Mallorca. It is known for its iconic 16th-century Church of Sant Bartomeu, its famous vintage tram, and oranges!

A visit to the iconic Sóller town must be on your Mallorca bucket list!

I especially loved the church – the intricate stone carvings, large arches, and a blend of Gothic and modernist elements are all a masterpiece of the architect Joan Rubió i Bellver, a student of the famous Antoni Gaudí (designer of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia).

Visiting this iconic symbol is one of the top things to do in Sóller. We also visited the inside of the church to see its vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. I especially loved the massive rose windows.

The medieval church has become a symbol of Sóller and has been ever-present in many cultural and historical events in the town for centuries. Even today, people gather in the main square to eat, drink, and socialize with the church quietly overlooking it all.

While visiting Sóller, don’t forget to taste one of their legendary orange ice creams made of oranges grown in their own valley. I also recommend window shopping on Moon Street, which is the main shopping street in Sóller.

But the real tourist magnet in this town is the vintage tram painted in the color of, you guessed it, oranges! Sóller Tramway has been operating since 1913.

Here’s where people get confused a little bit. There is a historical wooden TRAIN traveling between Palma de Mallorca and Sóller, and this is how you can get to this town from Mallorca’s capital, if you don’t have a rental car. The train ride takes 1 hour.

But then there is a smaller vintage TRAM connecting Sóller with its coastal sister town – Port de Sóller. This is the popular tourist attraction, and it only takes about half an hour to get from the Orange Valley to the beach.

I recommend coming to Sóller in the morning, exploring all the sights and trying the ice cream, and then catching a tram to Port of Sóller for a beachside stroll and leisurely lunch by the Mediterranean Sea.

Location: Sóller

5. Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches

One of the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca is exploring the island’s southeastern coastline, which is home to some of the most beautiful coves in Mallorca.

This area is full of hidden turquoise bays, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear water – some of the most beautiful swimming spots in the Mediterranean!

I recommend spending the day visiting several stunning Mallorca beaches like Calo des Moro, Cala s’Almunia, Cala Llombards, and Cala Mondragó, which are basically the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca.

Each one has its own charm – Calo des Moro is small and surrounded by cliffs, Cala s’Almunia feels more secluded and natural (great for cliff jumping), Cala Llombards is great for swimming, and Cala Mondragó is part of a gorgeous protected natural park.

These coves are perfect for a beach-hopping day trip. Bring water, snacks, and good shoes since some of them require a short walk to reach. The southeastern coast is truly where you’ll find Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches!

Location: Calo des Moro – Cala s’Almunia – Cala Llombards – Cala Mondragó

6. Alcúdia Old Town

The old town of Alcúdia is the most beautiful old town in Mallorca. The ancient town is known for its well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the old town, traditional Mallorcan architecture, and the popular weekly market.

As soon as I entered the old town, I felt like I had traveled back in time!

The old town captivates you with its massive medieval city gates, narrow streets, cobblestone squares, boutique shops, and quaint cafes. We have visited Alcúdia many times, and it is as charming as it gets!

Alcúdia boasts several landmarks like the 14th-century Sant Jaume d’Alcúdia Church as well as the ruins of the ancient Roman city Pollentia. But one of my favorite things to do in Alcúdia was walking around the medieval walls surrounding the town.

On Tuesdays and Sundays, Alcúdia turns into one of those Mediterranean trading hubs you see in the movies. The whole town comes alive with street stalls selling local crafts, fresh produce, and Mallorcan delicacies.

We absolutely loved this town, so I highly recommend adding this town to your list of must-do day trips from Palma de Mallorca! It also has a sister town by the coast – Port d’Alcúdia, known for its beachside promenade and waterfront restaurants.

Location: Alcúdia Old Town – Port d’Alcúdia

7. Mirador Es Colomer and Formentor Peninsula

If you are into beautiful nature and epic views, this spot is for you!

The Formentor Peninsula is one of the most epic landscapes in Mallorca. Located on the north coast of the island, this peninsula features sharp, steep cliffs, a rugged coastline, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

There is a must-see place in this peninsula, Mirador Es Colomer viewpoint, named after the tiny island called Es Colomer, which you can actually spot from the coast. You simply can’t leave the island without visiting this iconic viewpoint in Mallorca!

This bucket list place gets especially busy during sunset when the viewpoint and its nearby Albercutx Watchtower gather locals and tourists hunting for the most dramatic sunset views you can get on the island of Mallorca.

Yeah, we joined them and I’m glad we did, haha! The sunset was stunning!

If you have more time (and you have a car!), you can drive to Cap de Formentor cape – the most northern tip of Mallorca, marked by a large white 19th-century lighthouse sitting on a cliff 210 meters above the sea. But note that this road has restrictions!

Location: Mirador de Es Colomer – Cap de Formentor

8. Wine tour from Palma de Mallorca

A wine tour in Mallorca is one of the best day trips you can take from Palma, especially if you want to experience the island’s countryside and taste some incredible local wines.

Mallorca has a long wine-making tradition, and its vineyards are spread across the island, offering plenty of options for wine tastings.

Many of the wineries are small, family-run, and surrounded by scenic views of olive trees, mountains, and stone villages, so it makes the whole experience so much better and more authentic!

You can join an organized wine tour from Palma or rent a car and visit a few wineries on your own. Most tours include tastings of several wines along with local tapas like cheese, olives, and cured meats.

Some of the best-known wineries to visit are Bodega Ribas (one of the oldest on the island), José L. Ferrer in Binissalem, and Bodega Son Prim. A visit to one of the wineries is one of the best ways to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the Mallorcan countryside!

9. Pollença, home to the 365 Calvari Steps

Pollença or Pollensa is a picturesque Roman-time town in the north of the island of Mallorca, known for its famous 365 Calvari Steps – a must-do thing for every visitor to Pollença and Mallorca.

The iconic stairway consists of 365 stone steps, symbolically representing each day of the year. The steps start in the heart of Pollença town and lead to the 18th-century Calvari Chapel sitting on top of a hill overlooking the town.

We came to Pollença for the stairs but stayed for its historical charm. Other things to do in Pollensa include crossing the ancient Roman Bridge of Pollença, stopping for tapas and sangria at Plaça Major, and admiring the frescoes in Pollença Church.

If you have more time, I recommend checking out the Pollensa Museum, located inside a former convent. When we visited, one of the exhibitions was displayed inside a church.

But if you plan your visit to Pollença on Sunday, then you must stroll through the hustle and bustle of Pollença Sunday Market! I got two new dresses there, and my husband was happy to get caramelized almonds – his favorites!

Pollença is one of the towns where time stands still, so if you are into destinations with historical charm, you’ll love Pollença, making it one of the best destinations for a day trip from the capital of Mallorca!

If you have more time, I recommend paying a visit to Pollenca’s sister town by the coast – Port de Pollenca, right at the foothills of the dramatic Formentor Peninsula.

Location: Calvari Steps in Pollença

10. Boat trip along the coastline

One of the best ways to experience Mallorca is from the water, and a boat tour or a catamaran trip along the coastline is a perfect day trip from Palma.

The views of the cliffs, turquoise coves, and hidden beaches – it’s an incredible experience that gives you a completely different perspective of the island!

There are many options for boat trips starting from the port of Palma or nearby harbors. Most boat tours include time for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on deck with a drink in hand. And maybe even tapas!

There are also special sunset cruises, where you get to watch the sunset from a boat – one of the most magical ways to end the day. I can attest to that! And don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and your swimsuit – you’ll definitely want to jump in!

11. Sa Calobra Road & Torrent de Pareis

Driving the serpentine twists and hairpin bends of the famous Sa Calobra Road is one of the most exciting things to do in Mallorca for real thrill-seekers!

My husband loves winding mountain roads, so he was absolutely ecstatic to drive here, haha!

If you are just like him (and have a rental car!), driving the Sa Calobra road or MA-2141 is one of the absolute must-do things to do in Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is considered one of the most iconic roads in the world!

The best section of the 13-kilometer road starts at the Nus de Sa Corbata or the Tie Knot and then descends 800 meters ending at the secluded beach of Sa Calobra – another one of the beautiful beaches and top places to visit in Mallorca.

Sa Calobra pebble beach is actually the mouth of a stream named Torrent de Pareis. There is a narrow opening between two cliffs where the stream enters the sea. You can access it via a pedestrian tunnel carved into the coastal cliff. Such a cool place!

If you are into road trips, epic views, and adventures, you must include Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis in your itinerary! It is one of those places that make traveling exciting and unforgettable!

Location: Sa Calobra Road – Torrent de Pareis

12. Boat trip to the uninhabited Sa Dragonera

If you love hidden gems and hiking in untouched places, you must consider a boat trip to Sa Dragonera Island off the southwest coast of Mallorca. The unique Sa Dragonera (the Dragon Island) was named for its dragon-like shape.

The tiny uninhabited island is a protected natural park boasting several endemic species (including their very own lizards!). There are three hiking trails on the island leading to the south end, to the north end, or to the highest peak of the island.

You can get to Sa Dragonera by a small ferry departing from Sant Elm. Read more about visiting Sa Dragonera here. Visiting the island is the perfect adventure for nature lovers and hikers. We went to the island three times during our stay!

Location: Sa Dragonera

13. Coves d’Artà

The Coves d’Artà or Artà Caves, next to the Bay of Canyamel in the Northeast of Mallorca, is a large network of spectacular limestone caves in Mallorca. I have to be honest and say that out of all the caves, these are my favorite caves in Mallorca!

Firstly, there are no hordes of tourists or crowds because you can only see the cave by joining a guided tour. Secondly, the groups are average. I think we were about 20 people in our group, which makes it a more intimate experience.

And, finally, the cave itself. I have been to many caves in Mallorca and around Spain, and I have never seen something so spectacular as Arta Caves.

I felt like I was in an underground city. The halls and galleries are endless and massive.

The stalactites and stalagmites reach as high as 40 meters high towering above our heads. I felt like a dwarf wandering around Moria (fans of The Lord of the Rings will know, haha)!

The whole underground landscape was out of this world. Cuevas de Arta have a rich history and have been known and used by humans since ancient times. Even the father of science fiction, Jules Verne, has visited the caves to draw inspiration.

In addition to the jaw-dropping inside, Caves of Artà also have the most beautiful cave entrance in Mallorca. The massive stairway looks like the mouth of a giant. It is one of the most beautiful places in Mallorca for sure!

If you are looking for unusual places to discover as one of your day trips from Palma, then you should definitely consider visiting Coves d’Artà! They are simply spectacular!

Location: Coves d’Artà

14. Jardins d’Alfàbia

Tucked at the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains is a unique place – Jardins d’Alfàbia. This beautiful hidden gem in Mallorca lets you discover a side of the island that many visitors never see.

The lush historical gardens date back to the 13th century, when this estate was created by the Moors who ruled over Mallorca at that time.

The scenic gardens feature fountains, palm trees, lush walkways, as well as an abundance of exotic plants and flowers.

Over the centuries, many of Spain’s monarchs have stayed in this estate when visiting Mallorca, and you’ll be able to explore the glamorous, renovated rooms where they stayed during their visits inside the manor.

Also, inside the garden, there is a special walkway where you can switch on water fountains with streams of water dancing over the walkway. See the first photo!

Just don’t get stuck in the middle when it turns on, or you’ll be wet, haha! That was one of my favorite spots in the gardens. We saw some kids who were especially happy to enjoy this activity, trying to escape the wet walkway.

Jardins d’Alfàbia is truly an oasis for nature lovers. You can also relax at a cafe in the middle of the garden and enjoy the fresh garden air under the shade of trees.

In one of the corners, you will find a small animal farm with goats, turkeys, sheep, and other animals all roaming around. They seemed so chill and content, lying there in the warm sun.

At the end of our visit, we got to explore the charming 13th-century manor house, which features antique furniture and blends together Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. If you are into historical buildings, this is a must-visit place for you!

Location: Jardins d’Alfàbia

15. Village of Fornalutx

Now, this is for travelers who love discovering hidden gems!

Fornalutx is an idyllic village nestled between the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, just a few kilometers from Sóller.

Because of the short distance between these two places, some travelers even choose to hike from Sóller to Fornalutx.

But unlike the busy and crowded Sóller, you can still arrive early to Fornalutx (it is a 45-minute drive from Palma de Mallorca) and wander around the streets in complete silence, just like we managed to do.

This charming village is often regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain due to its rustic charm, well-preserved traditional Mallorcan architecture, and dramatic mountain landscapes.

We spent a whole day exploring Fornalutx, and I loved it!

The origins of the authentic mountain village of Fornalutx date back to medieval times, when the territory was under the rule of Moorish forces, but later, in the 13th century, it was reconquered by the Spaniards.

There are no popular tourist attractions in this village, and one of the best things to do in Fornalutx is just to wander around the charming village and explore the narrow streets, picturesque stairways, and fantastic views of the mountains.

Many travelers use this village as a starting point for different hikes around the mountains.

Parking lots fill up quickly however, the village still remains relatively calm. If you have more time, I recommend finding a nice restaurant with a view for lunch, like Ca N’Antuna, Restaurant Es Turó, or Restaurant Calzone.

Location: Fornalutx

16. Cala Figuera

If you’d rather explore a charming coastal village, there’s no better place than Cala Figuera!

Cala Figuera, with its picturesque port, is my favorite coastal village in Mallorca. It is known for its coastal charm with its narrow bay, azure waters, and white boats, as well as the white fishermen’s houses lined at the water’s edge with pine trees hanging above.

It is the picture-perfect postcard village with Instagrammable spots in every corner! There’s even a path along the coastline named the ‘Photography Route’ where you can take lots of photos of the charming bay.

We visited the village in the morning, and it was the perfect place to go for a walk along the coastline right by all the boats parked in the bay. It was a clear day, so the colors of the crystal-clear waters were popping!

We walked along the small waterfront pathway connecting two bays from one bay to the next and then back. As you can see from the many beautiful photos, it was a successful morning walk, haha!

Port of Cala Figuera is the epitome of a charming village! I especially loved the white houses and boat garages with colorful doors and window shutters – a typical sight you can see in many bays and ports in Mallorca.

Location: Port of Cala Figuera

Happy exploring!

Mallorca is one of those islands that always leaves you wanting to come back. Beyond the white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, it’s full of culture, history, and hidden spots that make every trip special.

We’ve spent months exploring the island, going on numerous road trips outside Palma and around the island, and discovering mountain villages, peaceful coves, scenic drives, and charming local markets along the way.

I hope this blog post helps you plan your own adventures and inspires you to explore beyond the city. Mallorca has so much to offer, and each day trip will show you a new side of this beautiful island. Happy exploring!

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