5 days in Mallorca: 5 EPIC itineraries (with photos!)

Visiting Mallorca in 5 days: essentials to know

How to spend 5 days in Mallorca? 

It depends on your center of interest. There are many amazing places and activities.
You can spend the entire time relaxing at the beach and enjoying the restaurants. But that would be a shame because the island is beautiful!
I this article I recommend 5 types of itineraries, depending on your expectations: scenery, beach, adventures, no driving...

But before, I share those itineraries, here are some important tips to keep in mind.

Are 5 days in Mallorca enough? 

The island is bigger than one imagines. And there is much to do and visit.
I think the best length for your Mallorca trip to enjoy a little bit of everything it has to offers is 2 weeks.
With 5 days, you have to make specific choices to either:

• pick one of everything (one cala, one village, one cave, one castle...)
• or pick an area of the island, and decide to come back another time to cover the rest

Don't jam-pack your road trip itinerary. You may want to stop at viewpoints, take side roads to explore hidden areas, or just stay longer in a village or at a beach because it is spectacular. Therefore, make sure to be reasonable in your planning.

Below is a map with the main driving times to give you perspective:

How to get to Mallorca

Mallorca has a very large airport. There are many flights from most European countries. Compare flight prices on Skyscanner

But you can also arrive by ferry from Barcelona or Valencia (roughly 8h crossing) - check out ferry options

How to get around

It is possible to explore some areas without a car: There are guided tours that can take you to the most famous places: caves, cliffs, 
But Mallorca is so much more than that!
There are so many viewpoints, stunning roads and hidden gems to discover...
I really think renting a car is the best way to discover the island.

• Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose your car and company (prefer a smaller car for the narrow roads)
• Consider their full coverage option (I recommend it because of the narrow roads)
• Book early - there is limited supply as it is an island. Especially for Summer, make sure you can get a car, if booking your flights last minute.

See my 36 tips about renting a car in Mallorca
And See my tips about driving in Mallorca.

Where to stay - best side of Mallorca

Well, there is no absolute best places to stay in Mallorca. It depends on what you are looking for.
Below are some of my recommendations, when you have only 5 days, so that you are not too far away from the attractions

• For a choice of restaurants and a main town - see best rated accommodations in Palma
• For beach + practical location to explore - see best rated accommodations in Port d'Alcudia
• For a party area - see best rated accommodations in S'Arenal (not far from Palma de Mallorca)
• For access to the best calas - see best rated accommodations in Cala d'or
• For families - see best rated accommodations in Cala Millor or in Colonia Sant Jordi

More tips on my article about where to stay in Mallorca.

Option 1 - Mallorca itinerary 5 days - road trip & variety

Introduction

This itinerary is for the first time traveler who wants to see a little of everything the island has to offer:
beaches, calas, medieval towns, charming villages, archaeological sites, caves, cliffs, mountains...

I have not included a few of the most famous locations, as I found them overrated and too crowded. I have chosen alternatives for you.

For this type of itinerary, renting a car is essential!
Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!

Summary

• Day 1 - Cape Formentor area (cliffs)
• Day 2 - Alcudia area
• Day 3 - Sa Calobra and Port de Soller (mountains)
• Day 4 - Calo des Moro and Mondrago natural park (nature, coves...)
• Day 5 - Palma de Mallorca

I have tried to alternate days with some beach time and others only exploring.
Days can be switched depending on weather and conditions. Avoid Palma de Mallorca on Sundays and Mondays (so that all monuments are open).

For this itinerary where you are driving to every corner of the island, the best places to stay are close to the main fast road:

• Palma de Mallorca - see best rated accommodations in Palma
• Alcudia or Port de Alcudia  - see best rated accommodations in Port d'Alcudia

Day 1 - Cape Formentor & Pollença

• Stop 1 - Mirador es Colomer to discover the magnificent cliffs
• Stop 2 - Albertcrutx tower to see the entire headland
• Stop 3 - Drive to Formentor lighthouse (if opened to car - In Summer months, it is closed and you have to take a shuttle from Formentor beach.
• Stop 4 - Formentor beach, considered one of the most beautiful on the island
• Stop 5 - if you don't spend your afternoon at the Formentor beach, you can head inland to visit the historic center of Pollença with its huge staircase to the Calvari

Learn more in my article about the things to do at Cape Formentor.

Beware! this is a very very popular area. There are not many parking spaces (except around the beach), and not much space to turn around.
Better to visit as early as possible.

Day 2 - Alcudia old town and Alcudia beach

• Stop 1 - Alcudia old town - enjoy the medieval walls, the roman ruins, the church... just stroll around and on the walls
• Stop 2 - Alcudia beach - have a long walk on the sandy beach, or have fun with some of the water activities or just relax at the beach
• Stop 3 - if you don't want to spend too much time at the beach, you can head a little inland and visit the Campanet caves

Learn more in my article about the best things to do in Alcudia.
Alcudia as some great restaurants. I recommend having lunch inside to old medieval town.

Day 3 - Sa Calobra and Port de Soller

• Stop 1 - Drive the amazing road to Sa Calobra - stop at Col dels Reis to see the man made road with its laces
• Stop 2 - Enjoy the short walk to Calobra and the amazing hidden beach
• Stop 3 - Stroll around the bay of Port de Soller, enjoy lunch
• Stop 4 - Either head to the lighthouse (Far de Cap Gros) or up to the traditional village of Fornalutx

Sa Calobra is very popular, and parking is limited.
Visit as early as possible.

Learn more in my article about Sa Calobra and my article about Port de Soller

Day 4 - Calo des Moro and Mondrago Natural Park

• Stop 1 - Calo des Moro (arrive as early as possible, as it is very, very popular - read my article for all my tips)
• Stop 2 - Mondrago Natural Park - headland trail
• Stop 3 - Cala Mondrago or Cala S'Amorador beach

Learn more in my articles about Calo des Moro and Mondrago Natural Park.

Day 5 - Palma de Mallorca

• Stop 1 - Palma de Mallorca cathedral - get a skip-the-line ticket
• Stop 2 - Stroll around the city center, enjoy the variety of architecture
• Stop 3 - head south and visit the impressive round castle (Castell de Bellver) - appreciate the 360° views

See the best things to do.

Option 2 - Mallorca in 5 days - best beaches itinerary

Introduction

This 5 days Mallorca itinerary is for those who love discovering the most beautiful beaches and spending time relaxing there.
It covers my selection of the most beautiful calas and beaches.
Plus, I have added a few visits to combine with those beaches, if you don't want to spend the entire day there.

For this type of itinerary, renting a car is essential!
Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!

Summary

• Day 1 - Formentor beach
• Day 2 - Cala Pi & Cala Beltran
• Day 3 - Mondrago Natural Park
• Day 4 - Calo des Moro
• Day 5 - Cala Mesquida

For this itinerary, you want to stay at a place with a beautiful beach you enjoy as well, if you want to change one day into a no travel day:

• Colonia de Sant Jordi -  see best rated accommodations
• Cala Millor - see best rated accommodations  
• Alcudia or Port de Alcudia  - see best rated accommodations

Day 1 - Formentor Beach

Most publications choose Platja de Formentor as the most beautiful beach in Mallorca.
Formentor beach is long and sandy, with shallow turquoise waters.And it has many facilities.
The half circle bay offers beautiful views of mountains covered with pine trees.

And you can combine with a visit to the Formentor Peninsula and its impressive cliffs (or at least stop at Mirador Es Colomer on the way).
Learn more about the Formentor peninsula

Day 2 - Cala Pi & Cala Beltran

Visit the narrow cove of Cala Pi.
This is a great place for those who enjoy swimming.
Go down 146 stairs to a sandy flat beach and crystal clear waters.

And for a little adventure, you can hike to the next water inlet called Cala Beltran. It is a beautiful walk with views almost all the way.
And you can combine with a visit to the nearby Capocorp Vell, one of the main archaeological sites on the island.

Learn more in my article about Cala Pi.

Day 3 - Mondrago Natural Park

The Mondrago Natural Park is famous for its white sand beaches, turquoise water and protected nature.
Several hiking paths allow the visitors to find long, and small beaches, whilst admiring the cliff views. My favorite walk is #2, around the headland.
It is popular but I think it remains a breath of fresh air as it is surrounded only by nature.
The main beach is Cala de Mondrago. This one is a bit wider than most in this article.
The other large beach is Cala s'Amarador.
The water is crystal clear.
Learn more

Day 4 - Calo des Moro

Calo des Moro is a stunning gem. it is definitively worth the effort to reach it.
The beach is actually very small, but the cove is mesmerizing which is why it is often listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca.
Its unique setting offers turquoise water and snorkeling opportunity along the cliffs.
Plus, the little headland makes it not too wide and not too narrow.

See all my tips about visiting Calo des Moro.

Day 5 - Cala Mesquida

Cala Mesquida is the most famous beach in the area of Arta and Capedepera
It is a long stretch of fine sand (350m) with sand dunes at the back.
It is quite a different experience than the other calas on the island.
Here the wind can be strong and create onshore waves.
A resort town has developed around it, but does not bother you once on the beach, at the bottom of the cliffs.

You can combine with a visit to the Arta caves (my favorite) or the Castle of Capdepera.

Option 3 - 5 days in Palma de Mallorca - day trips, no car

Summary

This 5 day option is for those who do not wish to rent a car, but still see a large variety of what the island as to offer.

• Day 1 - Palma de Mallorca main touristic area
• Day 2 - Port de Soller and Sa Calobra
• Day 3 - Underground Caves
• Day 4 - Palma de Mallorca, rest of town
• Day 5 - Cape Formentor (cliffs, beach)

Days can be switched depending on availability.
Avoid Palma de Mallorca on Sundays and Mondays (so that all monuments are open).

For this itinerary, better to stay in Palma de Mallorca for the largest choice of day trips - see best rated accommodations

Day 1 - Palma de Mallorca

• Stop 1 - Visit the Palma de Mallorca cathedral - get a skip-the-line ticket
• Stop 2 - Visit the Alumdeina Palace
• Explore the cathedral areas, with its beautiful buildings
• Get lost in side streets, to truly discover the city.

You can book a guided tour or segway tour or bike tour - see options

Check out my article with the best things to do in Palma.

Day 2 - Port de Soller & Se Calobra

Have a travel adventure to the North coast with bus, tram and boat.
Head to Port de Soller, where you can enjoy the vibrant seafront and historical tram.
Then you hop on a boat to visit the Sa Calobra area.

Check out program and availability

Day 3 - Caves

Mallorca is home to many fascinating caves (see my list).
The most famous are Drach and Hams. My favorite is Arta.
You can find day trips to the most famous cave to go underground, appreciate the formations and listen to music.
Just know that the visits to Drach are made by huge groups.

This tour below offers the option to combine Drach and Hams caves.

Check out program and availability

Day 4 - Palma de Mallorca

On Day 1, you have explored the touristic center of Palma.
Today, you can go further out.

• Don't miss the impressive round castle (Castell de Bellver).
• Learn more about art at the Miro foundation
• ... and more!

Make you exploration easier with the hop-on-hop-off bus - get tickets

Alternative

And, do you love Spanish cuisine ?
Well, enjoy your last day immersing yourself in it.

2 options:

• Take part in a Spanish cooking class - learn more and see availability
• Join a wine and tapas tasting tour - learn more and see availability

Alternative

Choose among one of the many boat tours to gain another perspective on the island.
Enjoy a relaxing time sailing.
Note that, some of the best scenery is a boat tour around Formentor. Boats depart from Port de Alcudia. There is not always a pick up from Palma de Mallorca. You would have to take the bus or a taxi (around 80 - 90 euros).
So doing a boat tour from Palma is a much more affordable option.

See the options

Day 5 - Alcudia and Formentor

History and scenery.
Enjoy one of the most beautiful areas in Mallorca.
Visit the medieval towns of Alcudia and Pollença, before discovering the Formentor peninsula.
You will be able to see a lot!
However, beware that for Formentor, you will mostly see the beach and the views from the road. No other stops planned.

Check out program and availability

Option 4 - 5 days in Mallorca off the beaten path

Introduction

Mallorca is very popular as a tourist destination. It can be very crowded.
3 options to get away from the crowds:

• Start your day around sunrise
• Travel off season
• Go to less touristic places

For this type of itinerary, renting a car is essential!
Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!

Summary

• Day 1 - Central Mallorca
• Day 2 - S'Estalella, Cala Pi, Cala Beltran
• Day 3 - East of Alcudia
• Day 4 - Capdepera area
• Day 5 - Palma de Mallorca

For this itinerary where you are driving to every corner of the island, the best places to stay are close to the main fast road:

• Palma de Mallorca - see best rated accommodations in Palma
• Alcudia or Port de Alcudia  - see best rated accommodations in Port d'Alcudia
• Or you can find an accommodation off the beaten path in the center of the island!

Day 1 - Central Mallorca

Explore the center of Mallorca.
Everyone rushes to the beautiful beaches and mountains. But the central countryside also has a lot of charm.
Some of my favorite places to visit include:

• Stop 1 - the small town of Sineu, in the heart of Mallorca
• Stop 2 - the museu Etnologic Calderers with farm, casa and museum - to learn about life of the island
• Stop 3 - the Campanet caves - the island has many famous caves. These get hardly any visitors compared to the large ones. Yet, they have some of the most beautiful formations.

Day 2 - S'Estalella, Cala Pi, Cala Beltran

Cala Pi can have quite a lot of visitors, but still a lot less than the calas closest to the resort towns.
Plus, the hike to Cala Beltran is stunning and without crowds.
Learn more in my article about Cala Pi and Beltran.

Then I recommend enjoying the walk to S'Estallela lighthouse and tower.
Most of it is walking on an easy, flat path. Therefore, I think it is worth the effort (1h30 return).
The walk takes around a headland that includes sea caves, rock formations, a small lighthouse and a historical tower.
The defensive tower dates back to 1577 (and restored in 1984). It is cylindrical at the top and conical at the bottom. Its height is 9.2m (30ft).
The best part is the mix of nature with the constructions.

Day 3 - East of Alcudia

When everyone heads to Alcudia, Port de Alcudia and Playa del Muro, head East.
You can find much quieter areas with interesting sites and views such as:

• Son Real - with the necropolis by the sea and maritime towers with a fascinating history (to train submarines). 
• The small dunes of Playa Son Serra
• The very peaceful coast at Betlem

Day 4 - Arta - Capdepera area

Explore the Capdepera area.
It still has a lot of people, but being on the opposite side from Palma de Mallorca, it can have quite moments.
Consider visiting:

• The Arta caves - I think this cave is much better than the more famous ones on the island, and it is less crowded
• The castle of Capdepera, with views over the town and the region
• The Capdepera lighthouse and have fun on the rocky headlands
• The Ses Paisses Archaeological site in Arta

Learn more in my article about the best things to do in Capdepera.

Day 5 - Palma de Mallorca off the beaten path

It is not easy going off the beaten path in a Major city.
But there are still a few places where you will not be surrounded by hundreds of tourists, such as:

• The historical Arab Baths
• Plaça de ses Columnes
• Jardi del Bisbe
• and if you are getting lost by taking side streets...

Want more ideas off the beaten path?

Option 5 - sport and adventure: 5-day itinerary in Mallorca

Introduction

Want to get active and have a few adrenaline rushes during your one week in Mallorca?
Then this is the itinerary for you.

Summary

• Day 1 - Quad and snorkeling
• Day 2 - Torrent de Pareis hike
• Day 3 - Coasteering / cliff jumping
• Day 4 - Kayaking
• Day 5 - Sea caving, Diving or off-road driving

For this type of itinerary, renting a car can make your life easier!
Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!

Day 1 - A mix of land and sea

Enjoy a complete adventure day with

• Quad biking
• Cliff jumping
• Snorkeling

Check out the program and availability

Day 2 - Torrent de Pareis hike

One of the most famous hike in Mallorca is the walk down (or up) Torrent de Pareis to Sa Calobra

• It is a river bed and it can be hiked only during the dry months (meaning the hottest months)
• Always check the weather forecast as the area can have flash floods
• You can start the hike at the top, at Café Escorca (on Ma-10) and walk down
• Or you can start at the bottom and hike up
• It is a difficult hike with large boulders, tight squeezes, vertigo inducing area and steep sections
• Ropes are required on this hike
• You can book a guided hike to be safer - see options

Day 3 - Coasteering

One of the most famous activities in Mallorca is coastering and cliff jumping.
It combines stunning views, water activities and some big adrenaline rush.

Check out this coasteering tour

Check out this cliff jumping tour.

Day 4 - Kayak

One of the best way to appreciate the landscapes, in my opinion, it by renting a kayak or a paddle board.
The gliding on water while watching the scenery is mesmerizing.

Check out all the Mallorca kayak tours

Check out this paddle board experience

Otherwise, you can also find some rentals on many beaches such as Formentor, Mondrago...

Day 5 - Sea caving, diving or off-roading

Are you more land or water?

Enjoy a different kind of water adventure by going sea caving! A unique experience you will never forget.
Learn more

Or go more classic:

• Introduction to diving - see details
• Off-road driving - see details

FAQs

How much are 5 days in Mallorca? - Cost

It can vary greatly depending on your type of accommodation, your car rental, your choice of activities and the season...

Count an average of 900 to 1100 euros for a couple.
But off season, with cheap accommodations, bus travel and only free activities you can spend 5 days for less than 500 euros.

Mallorca itinerary by bus in 5 days

There is a good network of bus around the island. But it will greatly limit what you can see and for how long.
Check out the bus network on this official website.

For this itinerary, better to stay in Palma de Mallorca for the largest choice of bus routes - see best rated accommodations

From Palma de Mallorca you can go to:

• Alcudia
• Port de Soler
• Port d'Andratx
• Cala Pi (in Summer only)
• Manacor
• Cala Millor
• Sineu
• ...

Best time to visit Mallorca

The traveling season in Mallorca is quite long with pleasant temperatures.
You can even enjoy Winter in Mallorca if you don't mind a little chill (temperatures between 12 and 15°C).
It has charm in any season... 
The best time, depends on what you are looking for:

• Crowds -
  Mallorca is a very popular destination.
  The Summer Months get crazy with full beaches and attractions.
  Even October remains a busy month. Not crazy but busy.
  So the shoulder months are quieter (April/May and October).
  But if you want peaceful, visit in Winter - you can have the roads almost to yourself!
• Weather -
  The temperatures get really hot in Summer, are very pleasant in shoulder months and are chilly in Winter.
• Swimming -
  Summer is the best times to swim in warm waters.
• Hiking / biking -
  But, if you are planning a hiking or bicycle riding trip, then avoid Summer as you may melt because of the temperatures.

Want to see more of Mallorca?

• 40 most beautiful landscapes in Mallorca (with pictures) - read article
• 7 Best Mallorca caves - read article
• 10 best calas in Mallorca (coves) - read article
• 12 Mallorca hidden gems, off the beaten path - read article
• 21 most beautiful views in Mallorca - read article
• Mallorca travel tips - read article
• 21 Most beautiful towns and villages in Mallorca - read article

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