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The Best 5 Days In Mallorca: The Ultimate Itinerary

If you’re planning a 5-day trip to Mallorca and wondering where the best places to visit are, then you’re in the right place!

Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is the largest and most popular of the four Balearic Islands, located just off the coast of mainland Spain. Mallorca is an incredibly beautiful and popular island that you simply can’t not fall in love with. While once known mainly for its party scene in Magaluf, Mallorca has grown in popularity among a much broader crowd from young families, retirees and travellers alike. With its diverse landscapes, picturesque little coves, and vibrant towns, it has so much to offer, and you can truly feel like you’re in a completely different place from one side of the island to the other. The little island sucks you in and makes you fall in love with it. And we’re certainly not complaining about that.

Whilst it is the largest of the four islands, it’s still quite easy to drive around, so even if you only have five days in Mallorca, you can still see all the amazing beaches and attractions in just five days.

I have visited Mallorca multiple times, first as a child on family holidays and since as an adult with friends and as a solo traveller. It’s a place that I could see myself living, with its gorgeous beaches, Mediterranean climate, and capital city packed full of all the things I love (mainly restaurants and good coffee shops).

In this guide, I’ve put together the perfect five-day itinerary for Mallorca, focusing on the south of the island to keep travel time to a minimum and leave you more time to enjoy the island.

Keep reading for your 5-day Mallorca itinerary!

In a hurry? Here is our quick guide to visiting Mallorca!

How to get here: Fly into Palma de Mallorca Airport, then catch the blue A1 EMT bus into Palma City.
What language is spoken?
 Spanish!
What currency is used? The Euro
Where to stay: The BOC Hostel – City for a budget friendly trip
When to visit: Shoulder season (Late April – Late June) is perfect for a warm, peaceful holiday to Mallorca
Mallorca itinerary highlights: Catamaran Cruise along the coastline, dinner at Restaurante Illeta and taking the vintage train to Sóller

Cala Pi - Best places to visit in Mallorca

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Here’s a quick look at what this 5-day Mallorca itinerary will cover!

Day 1:

  • Explore the capital city of Palma
  • Visit Palma Cathedral
  • Visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina
  • Sample Palma’s nightlife scene with a sangria in hand

Day 2:

  • Enjoy a Catamaran Cruise with snorkelling around the coastline
  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Illeta

Day 3:

  • Spend the day at Cala Pi
  • Walk up to the viewpoint at Cala Pi
  • Relax on the beach and swim in the sea

Day 4:

  • Take the vintage train to Sóller
  • Explore the gorgeous town in the mountains
  • Enjoy dinner at Port de Sóller

Day 5: Relax on one of the beautiful beaches

  • Relax at one of the nearby beaches
  • Head home!

Before we dive into the itinerary, I’m going to cover some other important things to know before your visit, such as the best way to travel around Mallorca, when to visit, how to get to the island and where to stay.

Here is a handy map to help you find each spot:

Everything you need to know to visit Mallorca

Where to stay in Mallorca

When it comes to choosing the perfect place to stay in Mallorca, there are tons of options across the island to suit everyone.

For the sake of this itinerary, you’ll be based in Palma. It’s a truly epic city and perfect for a short trip like this one.

The transport links are the best on the island, you’re near all of the spots that you’ll visit in this itinerary, and it really is a great place to stay, with a wide range of different options — from budget-friendly hostels to five-star hotels.

If you follow us on Instagram, then you will know that we actually visited Mallorca separately. Chris visited on a ‘lads weekend’ and I, Reanna, visited as a solo traveller so therefore, opted to stay in a hostel in Palma. I absolutely loved where I stayed and would thoroughly recommend it.

I stayed in The BOC Hostel – City.

They have two hostels in the city of Palma, City and Palma. I stayed in the ‘City’, and it was around a 15-minute walk into the city centre and around a 10-minute walk to the beach.

The hostel has a mixture of small, large and private rooms. Each dorm bed in The BOC Hostel is made up of a pod-style bed with a space down the side to put your bed and any other belongings. There is then a curtain at the end and a private light, plug, USB and USBC charger next to each bed. The hostel also has huge communal spaces, a rooftop pool, a kitchen and spaces to work from.

If you prefer to stay at a hotel, then GPRO Valparaiso Palace & Spa is gorgeous! Complete with a spa, indoor and outdoor pool, beautiful gardens and gorgeous views. It’s a bit out of the centre of Palma but the facilities and relaxing atmosphere more than make up for that.

If you would prefer one in the centre of Palma, then you really can’t beat Hotel Cappuccino, just 900 yards from the beach, with a small rooftop pool, palm-tree lined courtyard and interior designed by Jacques Grange. The hotel is paradise in the heart of the city.

I wrote a full guide on hotels in Mallorca to help you find the best one to stay in for your budget and perfect location; you can read it here.

Do I need to hire a car in Mallorca?

If you are able to hire a car, then this will make it far easier to explore the island and not miss any of the best things to do in Mallorca. However, from Palma, there is also a good bus to take you to various spots on the island. Plus, tons of boat trips to take you to the coves and out into the water and, of course, the vintage train to Soller (all of which you’ll visit in this itinerary)!

If you are like me and can’t drive then it is certainly possible to visit Mallorca and see lots of the sights of the island without hiring a car.

Are 5 days in Mallorca enough?

Whilst you could easily spend longer in Mallorca, relaxing into island life, 5 days is a good amount of time for any trip to Mallorca to see the best places to visit in Mallorca and get a feel for the island. Of course, you could easily spend longer here, as there are plenty of things to keep you entertained for 2+ weeks.

What is the best month to visit Mallorca?

As one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca has a typical Mediterranean climate with lots of heat in the summer and mild yet stormy weather in the winter. June to September is the island’s summer months and the best time to go for almost guaranteed beautiful weather.

I visited in May, and the weather was mostly perfect (with just a few tropical storms and cloudier mornings), but it was also a lot cheaper and quieter than it is during the peak months. I’ve also visited during peak summer (in August), and it was considerably busier.

How to get to Mallorca

You’ll more than likely fly into Mallorca’s main airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport. It’s the third largest airport in Spain and serves over 30 million passengers every year!

From Palma Airport, it’s easy to get to the centre of Palma. You can opt to take a taxi or Uber or catch the public bus, which is what I did. The public bus costs €5 one way, and it is worth noting that you can only pay for your bus ticket in cash. The bus you will need is the blue A1 EMT bus. The ticket must be bought on the bus and cannot be booked in advance. There is an ATM inside the airport terminal if you need to withdraw cash for it; however, like all Airport ATMs, it charges a large fee, so I recommend bringing some Euros with you if you can.

Most other buses in Mallorca accept contactless bank cards.

Useful Spanish phrases for when you are visiting the best places to visit in Mallorca:

¡Hola! – Hello (O-la)
¡Buenos días! – Good morning! (BWAY-nos DEE-as)
¡Buenas tardes! – Good evening! (BWAY-nas TAR-des)
¡Bienvenido! – Welcome! (Bee-en-ven-EE-doh)
¿Cómo estás? – How are you? (KOH-moh eh-STAHS)
¿Cómo te ha ido? – How’ve you been? (KOH-moh te ha EE-doh)
Estoy bien ¡Gracias! – I’m fine, thanks (eh-STOY bee-en GRA-tee-as/GRA-see-as)
¿Y tú? – And you? (ee too)
Bien/ Así así. – Good/ So-so (bee-en / a-SEE a-SEE)
¿Qué tal? – How are you? (kay tal)
¡Gracias! – Thank you! (GRA-thee-as/GRA-see-as)
Por favor – Please (por FAH-vor)
¡De nada! – You’re welcome! (de NA-da)
¡Perdone! / ¡Oiga! – Excuse me (to ask for something)! (per-DON-ay/ OY-ga)
¡Perdone! / Disculpe! – Excuse me (to get past)! (per-DON-ay/ dis-KUL-pay)
¡Disculpe! – Sorry! (if you didn’t hear something) (dis-KUL-pay)
¡Lo siento! – Sorry! (for a mistake) (lo see-EN-to)

The perfect 5-Day Mallorca itinerary: day-by-day breakdown

Day 1 in Mallorca: Explore the capital city of Palma

Palma, Mallorca’s capital city, has so much to offer in terms of history, culture, and incredible restaurants, making it a great place to start your trip in Mallorca. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Mallorca and for very good reason.

Morning: Visit Palma Cathedral

Start your Mallorca itinerary by visiting Palma Cathedral (La Seu). This magnificent Gothic cathedral is a true architectural gem and a symbol of the city. Marvel at its grandeur and explore its stunning interior. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider climbing the 43 metres to the top for panoramic views of Palma.

Note: To go inside Palma Cathedral, you must have your arms and legs covered.

Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town (Casco Antiguo). It’s one of my favourite cities, so I really encourage you to leave enough time to just wander. it’s architecturally beautiful with influences from a whole range of styles, including Gothic and Renaissance, but inside the buildings, you’ll find modern coffee shops, designer shops and local boutiques intertwined and a great food scene. Don’t miss Plaça Major, the heart of the city.

If you want to sample some local delicacies, head to Mercat de l’Olivar, Palma’s bustling food market. Sample fresh fruits, pastries, cheeses, and tapas while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a great brunch spot, then I couldn’t recommend Sāntal Cafe enough. You’ll find the café in Santa Catalina inside an old converted windmill. Not only was the setting stunning, but I also enjoyed some delicious pancakes there. They’re also open for afternoon snacks.

Afternoon: Visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, which can be found next to the cathedral. Explore the stunning rooms and learn about the palace’s history. Don’t forget to stroll through the picturesque gardens and enjoy the gorgeous panoramic views of the sea.

Take a break for lunch and enjoy authentic Mallorcan cuisine from one of the many restaurants and cafes that Palma is home to, serving traditional dishes like paella or tapas.

After lunch, take a stroll along Passeig des Born, a beautiful boulevard lined with trees and shops. Pick up some souvenirs or relax at a café and watch the world go by with a Sangria in hand.

Evening: Experience the nightlife in Palma

As the sun starts to set, head for dinner. At one of Palma’s excellent restaurants. Indulge in some fresh paella accompanied by a glass of local wine. 

End your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife of Palma. Visit one of the trendy bars or clubs in the Santa Catalina or La Lonja neighbourhoods. Dance the night away or simply relax and soak up the energetic atmosphere.

If you are visiting Palma read our top 10 things to see and do whilst you are in Palma here.

Day 2 in Mallorca: Go on a Catamaran Cruise then enjoy dinner at Restaurante Illeta

Morning and Afternoon: Enjoy a Catamaran Cruise around the island

You can’t come to Mallorca and not go on a boat trip around the island. Seeing the island from the sea is one of the best things to do on the island, so today, book yourself onto a boat trip and cruise around the coastline.

I recommend a Catamaran Cruise. It lasts for 5 hours and includes a delicious barbecue meal with two stops and also the opportunity to snorkel. This cruise was actually fully booked the second time I visited, so I instead went on a slightly different boat trip which left from a different spot. It was still lovely, but I feel my trip would have been improved if I had gone on this one.

If you prefer a small boat trip with fewer people and no lunch, then the Palma Bay Boat Tour & Snorkeling with Drink Included is a great option. It takes you to a secret spot to snorkel and then cruises back along the coastline for a 2.5-hour trip.

I’ve selected both of these to include in your Mallorca itinerary because they both come highly rated and leave from Palma, which is where I suggest you base yourself for this itinerary.

Boat trips in Mallorca (especially popular ones) can sell out quickly, so I recommend booking in advance. You can book the Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim here.

If that one doesn’t take your fancy, you can have a browse at some other boat trip options here:

The blue waters of Mallorca with boats on it

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Illeta

There’s no denying that this restaurant is popular, but for very good reason. With 360-degree views, this restaurant is on its own ‘island’. Jutting out into the sea, you’ll walk along a pier to get to it.

With spots where the views and location are the star of the show, you often find that the food doesn’t live up to the high standards. However, that’s just not true for Restaurante Illeta. While the prices aren’t cheap, the food was fresh and served up in front of you. The vegetarian paella was some of the best that I’ve ever had (helped, of course, by the incredible views). The restaurant also has a great reputation for its fish and seafood, if that’s your thing.

Booking is recommended, as otherwise you will have to wait in the queue for one of the remaining tables that haven’t been booked. The restaurant also prioritises those who have booked, giving them the best tables.

I didn’t book, as I didn’t realise quite how busy it got and ended up waiting for around 1.5 hours for a table, which was during lunch service in August. Once I was served, I was seated in the middle of the restaurant with no view. Luckily, our waiter took pity on me and my friend and as soon as a table with a view became available (which was about 3 minutes after we had been sat), he moved us.

To get here from Palma, you can either take a taxi, the drive takes around 30 minutes or catch the 101 bus towards Port d’Andratx and then walk for 7 minutes. The bus also takes around 30 minutes, but it doesn’t run that frequently, so be sure to check the timetable before planning your evening.

Restaurante Illeta in Mallorca

Day 3 in Mallorca: Visit Cala Pi – One of the best places to visit in Mallorca

On day 3 of your Mallorca itinerary, it’s time to visit one of my favourite coves/ beaches in Mallorca.

Cala Pi is a small, quiet natural cove on the southeast of the island, surrounded by lush nature. It’s a beautiful little spot to spend the day enjoying the view and swimming in the clear waters.

How to get to Cala Pi

If you’re staying in Palma then you can drive here. The drive takes around 40 minutes and there’s a car park at the top of the town. If you haven’t got a car then you can hop on the 505 bus from Palma’s main station. The drive takes around 1hr and drops you in the town. Just be sure to check Google Maps as the bus only runs once every 3hrs so you don’t want to miss your one back.

Can I swim at Cala Pi?

Yes, the water is clear and calm. It’s the perfect swimming spot. Just one of the reasons that it’s one of the best things to do in Mallorca.

How long do I need at Cala Pi?

I spent around 3 hours here which was a perfect amount of time to explore the viewpoints and surrounding cliffs and laze on the beach for a little bit. You could easily spend longer here if you headed to one of the restaurants or spent longer on the beach.

How do I find the viewpoint at Cala Pi?

Head to the spot where the beach is signposted, but, instead of heading all the way down turn to your left at the stairs and go along. From here you’ll get these incredible views.

Morning: Head on the bus to Cala Pi

Start your day early and make your way to Cala Pi. The first bus leaves Palma bus station at 7:45 am and arrives at 9:50. The journey itself is beautiful as you drive through scenic countryside and coastal roads, surrounded by greenery and stunning landscapes.

Spend your morning leisurely exploring the beach and the viewpoint. Cala Pi boasts a sandy shoreline, perfect for lounging and sunbathing. Find a cosy spot under the shade of an umbrella, unwind with a good book, or swim in the beautiful clear waters.

Afternoon: Swim, relax and hike

As lunchtime approaches, venture into the small village of Cala Pi. The village itself is small but charming. You’ll find a few local restaurants that serve traditional Mallorca cuisine. Treat yourself to a leisurely in one of them, or alternatively bring a picnic with you so that you can stay on the beach and eat it with a view.

After lunch, take a stroll along the cliffs that surround Cala Pi. The views from above are simply breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged coastline. Head up to the viewpoint at this point (where the above photos are taken from).

Evening: Watch the sunset and enjoy delicious meal

As the day winds down, find a spot to sit and witness the sunset over Cala Pi. The combination of the setting sun, the sparkling sea, and the dramatic cliffs create a truly magical moment that you won’t want to miss.

For dinner, head back to the village and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. Indulge in Mallorcan specialities like arroz brut (a rice dish), tumbet (a vegetable dish), or ensaïmada (a sweet pastry). Or hop in your car or back on the bus into Palma and enjoy dinner here instead.

Day 4 in Mallorca: Take the vintage train to Sóller

The town of Sóller is one of the most beautiful in Mallorca, and taking the vintage train there just adds to its charm.

This iconic railway journey will transport you back in time as you soak in the scenic beauty of the island’s countryside and immerse yourself in the charming town of Sóller. One of the best places to visit in Mallorca, which should really be included in any Mallorca travel itinerary.

Morning: Take the vintage train to Sóller

After breakfast, hop aboard the vintage train to Sóller. Start your day by making your way to the historic train station in Palma, where the vintage train departs. The train was originally used to transport citrus fruits from the Sóller Valley to Palma, now it’s a tourist attraction transporting visitors to the little town of Sóller through the gorgeous mountains.

Step aboard the vintage train, which dates back to the early 20th century, and get ready to embark on a picturesque journey weaving through Mallorca’s rolling hills and mountain villages. As the train chugs along, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mallorca’s countryside, including olive groves, citrus orchards, and lush valleys. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the train.

Train to Sóller prices:


The train to Sóller costs €23 for one way and €30 for a return journey. If you wish to travel on the train and tram, this costs €38 for a return journey to Port de Sóller and back to Palma.

The train departs Palma at the following times:


10:10, 10:50, 12:15, 13:30, 15:10 and 19:40. These are subject to change, depending on the season, so I suggest you check before visiting.

Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Sóller

After the picturesque journey, you’ll arrive in Sóller. It’s a charming town in the heart of the Tramuntana Mountains. Start your day in Plaça Constitució, the main square, where you can sit and soak in the lively ambience. It’s full of cafes, restaurants and shops. Pick up a coffee whilst watching the world go by and the train drive through the town – it’s a wonderful sight! I sat for ages with an iced latte, just taking in the atmosphere.

Sóller is full of wonderful restaurants and is the perfect place to sample traditional Mallorcan dishes, such as tumbet (vegetable medley), fideuà (noodle paella), or pa amb oli (bread with tomato and olive oil). Pair your meal with a glass of fresh orange juice squeezed from one of the local citrus trees, and make sure to try some of the locally grown olives and olive oil! (that you can also go on a tour of).

Explore the town’s attractions, including the iconic Sóller Church, which boasts stunning architecture and a picturesque bell tower. Visit the Modernist-style Can Prunera Museum to admire its collection of contemporary art and decorative arts.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Port de Sóller before taking the train back to Palma

As the day draws to a close, make your way to the tram to Port de Sóller. (If you opt to visit earlier in the day, you can also walk, which takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.) It’s a gorgeous little beachside town that has a very different feeling to Sóller. It’s a remote part of Mallorca, and that only adds to its charm. Head to the docks, visit the lighthouse and visit the Santa Catalina lookout point before heading to one of the many restaurants for dinner.

Before leaving Sóller, don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous Sóller ice cream. Known for its creamy texture and a wide variety of flavours, it’s the perfect treat to end your day on a sweet note. I tried the lemon and basil flavour and the pistachio and white chocolate flavour – both were incredible and I would highly recommend!

Day 5 in Mallorca: Relax on one of the beautiful beaches

Day 5 is all about slowing down and relaxing at one of Mallorca’s famous beaches before making your way to the airport and heading home.

With so many incredible beaches to choose from, you really will be spoilt for choice whilst visiting Mallorca. If you are like me and fancy a more relaxed beach day, then one of the beautiful beaches closer to Palma city centre seems more appealing.

There are two main ones to choose from: Palma City Beach and Cala Major.

I opted for Cala Major due to its clear blue waters. However, Palma City Beach does have more restaurant options and is closer to the centre. So, if that’s what you’re looking for, then this might be a better option. If you opt to stay at The BOC Hostel, then Palma City Beach is a 15 – 20 minute walk.

Morning and Afternoon: Relax at the beach

Start your day early so that you can make the most of however many hours you have left. Enjoy a coffee sitting at one of the beach bars that each beach is full of, people watching and waiting for the day to come alive.

Find your perfect spot on the soft sands, relax, swim in the sea and honestly do nothing! You couldn’t come to Mallorca without having a beach day so, just relax and enjoy what Mallorca is most famous for.

Evening: Enjoy your last local dinner before heading to the airport

When hunger strikes, indulge in a beachside feast. Grab some tapas and a sangria, and soak up the last of the Maldivian atmosphere before heading to the airport and catching your flight home!

Final thoughts on the ultimate 5 days in Mallorca itinerary

There really is so much to see in Mallorca, but you can see a lot in 5 days! From going on a gorgeous Catamaran Cruise along the Mallorca coastline to indulging in dinner with a view at Restaurante Illeta and taking the vintage train to Sóller, not forgetting, spending an incredible day at Cala Pi.

We hope that you have a wonderful time visiting the island of Mallorca and exploring all of the best places to visit in Mallorca. It’s a truly magical island that will pull you in and make you fall in love with it in a new way every time. You just have to let it.

Hopefully, this 5 days itinerary in Mallorca will help you plan your trip!

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