Mallorca Itinerary Made Easy: 4 Days of Beaches, Villages & Palma Highlights
Palma sign in the heart of Palma de Mallorca
Short on time but want to make the most of Mallorca? This quick guide gives you exactly what you need: the perfect 4-day Mallorca itinerary and a curated list of the best things to do in Palma, the island’s vibrant capital. Whether you're craving historic charm, dramatic coastline drives, or beach side relaxation, this itinerary covers the highlights without overwhelming you.
Use this post for travel inspiration, easy planning, or as your go-to cheat sheet while you're on the island! We hope this quick guide will provide you a some ideas to help you plan your Mallorca adventure.
Looking for an in-depth guide with even more towns, beaches, tours, and tips? Don’t miss our Ultimate Mallorca Travel Guide — packed with everything you need to plan a longer stay or return trip or to find out more about the best beaches, places to stay, restaurants to try, and more information to help you plan your escape.
A Perfect 4-Day Itinerary for Mallorca
If you are short on time and it is your first time to the island of Mallorca, we recommend staying in the main city of Palma de Mallorca, which will offer you a great base to explore from with plenty of city amenities and access to the rest of the island.
Here's how to make the most of your 4 days on the island:
Day 1: Palma Exploration
Morning: Begin at Palma Cathedral when the light is magical, then wander through the atmospheric Arab Quarter and Jewish Quarter, stopping at Plaza Mayor.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant in Santa Catalina neighborhood, then visit Bellver Castle for panoramic views.
Evening: Stroll along the seafront promenade before dinner in La Lonja district, known for excellent restaurants in historic surroundings.
Alternatively: Take the Hop-on, Hop-Off Bus to get a sightseeing tour of the city and stop at the Palma Cathedral and Bellver Castle before making your way back downtown.
Downtown Palma de Mallorca
Day 2: Sóller and Northwest Coast
Morning: Take the vintage wooden train to Sóller, enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery en route.
Afternoon: Catch the tram to Port de Sóller for lunch overlooking the bay, then spend time exploring the port or relaxing on the beach.
Evening: Return to Sóller for dinner in the beautiful main square before taking the train back to Palma.
Alternatively: You can opt to take a day tour through Viator or GetYourGuide to Sóller and Sa Colabra.
Sa Calobra
Day 3: Mountain Villages and Dramatic Coastlines
Morning: Drive or take a tour to Sa Calobra, arriving early to avoid the crowds. Explore the gorge and stunning beach setting.
Afternoon: Visit the charming village of Fornalutx for lunch, then continue to Valldemossa to see the monastery where Chopin and George Sand spent their famous winter.
Evening: Return to Palma or enjoy dinner in one of the mountain villages for an authentic Mallorcan experience.
Alternatively: You came for the Beach right?! Consider relaxing and wandering (or cycling) down the Passeig Marítim and finding a local beach to relax at.
Alternative 2: If you came for hiking, consider waking up early and hiking one of the trails near Soller.
Serra de Tramuntana Mountain Range
Day 4: Beach Day and Final Explorations
Morning: Visit one of Mallorca's renowned beaches—Es Trenc for natural beauty or Playa de Muro for facilities and shallow waters.
Afternoon: Explore nearby towns (Santanyí if near Es Trenc, or Alcúdia if near Playa de Muro) for a final taste of island culture.
Evening: Return to Palma for a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the cathedral illuminated at night.
If You Have More Time: Extended Stays
If you have additional days, consider these experiences:
Eastern Mallorca
Artà: Charming town with Tuesday market and impressive fortress
Capdepera: Medieval walled town with one of the best-preserved castles
Cuevas del Drach: Spectacular cave system with underground lake
Cala Mondragó: Natural park with twin beaches and turquoise waters
Southern Experiences
Santanyí: Honey-colored stone buildings and vibrant Wednesday market
Ses Salines: Ancient salt pans and the nearby beach of Es Trenc
Mondrago Natural Park: Protected coves with excellent swimming
Interior Mallorca
Sineu: Authentic town with Mallorca's oldest and largest weekly market (Wednesday)
Petra: Birthplace of Junipero Serra, founder of California missions
Bodegas: Wine tours in the central plains, especially around Binissalem
Top Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca
Palma, Mallorca’s vibrant capital, is full of culture, history, and sea views. If it is your first time to the island (or your 5th), Palma has so much to offer. Here are the highlights you shouldn't miss:
La Seu Cathedral
Palma’s iconic Gothic cathedral towers above the bay. Inside, Gaudí’s touches and the giant rose window (“Gothic Eye”) create a stunning light show, especially in winter. This is one of our favorite areas in Palma and offers some amazing pictures. It is also a beautiful cathedral inside.
Tip: Buy tickets online and book the rooftop tour for incredible views.
Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (La Seu)
Bellver Castle
A rare circular castle with sweeping views of Palma and the sea. Set atop a hill and surrounded by pine forest, it’s ideal for a peaceful walk, photos, or sunset. We really enjoyed learning the history of this castle on top of the hill overlooking Palma.
Best for: History lovers and photographers.
Historic Windmills
Wander along Carrer Indústria to spot Palma’s old windmills—once used for milling grain, now scenic monuments that tell of the city’s agricultural roots. Another great place to explore the agricultural history of Palma and to take some great pictures.
El Corte Inglés
This Spanish department store is great for shopping and food. Check out the rooftop for panoramic views and visit the basement market for local treats. If you are looking for a shopping day or short stop, El Corte Inglés and the surrounding area contains tons of shops, souvenir stands, and boutique stores nearby.
Try: Ensaïmadas, sobrasada, and Mallorcan wines.
Beaches & Promenade
You came to Mallorca for the beaches, right?! Palma’s city beaches are surprisingly good, linked by a long seafront promenade (Passeig Marítim) perfect for walking or cycling. Although there are better beaches outside of Palma, if you are looking to stay close by the beaches here are great for relaxing, sunbathing, or playing games like paddle ball or volleyball. Mallorca recently banned drinking alcohol on the beaches, so the promenade offers a great place to grab a drink (or coffee or sparkling water) with plenty of places to eat.
Top Beaches Near Palma:
Ciudad Jardín: Shallow, family-friendly
Cala Major: Easy access, full amenities
Can Pere Antoni: Closest to the cathedral, great views
More Things to Do in Palma
Stroll the Old Town: Charming alleys, boutiques, and cafés - lots of great shopping and places to explore.
Visit Mercat de l’Olivar: Bustling market full of fresh produce and local flavor - a great place to stop if you plan on stocking up on food for your AirBNB or VRBO.
Tour La Almudaina Palace: A royal residence with historic charm
Sip Sunset Cocktails: Rooftop bars along the marina offer dreamy views
Causeway in Palma de Mallorca
Favorite Day Tours from Palma
For those who prefer organized excursions:
Valldemossa, Deià & Sóller Tour: The classic mountain village route with professional guides explaining the cultural and historical significance
Drach Caves & East Coast: Combines the spectacular caves with pretty fishing villages and pearl factories
Formentor by Land & Sea: Travel to the dramatic peninsula by coach and return by boat for different perspectives
Wine & Olive Oil Experience: Visit traditional fincas for tastings of Mallorca's increasingly respected wines and exceptional olive oils
Palma Cycling Tour: A different way to see the capital, with routes suitable for all fitness levels
Consider using Viator or GetYourGuide for booking other experiences!
Port de Sóller
Top Sights to See on the Island
While Mallorca offers countless attractions, these spots deserve special mention:
Sóller and Port de Sóller
One of your favorites—and with good reason! This charming mountain town and its port offer Mallorca at its most picturesque. Take the vintage wooden train from Palma through orange groves and tunnels for an unforgettable journey. In Sóller itself, enjoy the beautiful main square with its modernist architecture, then catch the historic tram down to Port de Sóller's horseshoe bay lined with seafood restaurants.
Don't Miss: Saturday market in the main square, Can Prunera Museum of Modernism, and gelato at Sa Fàbrica de Gelats.
Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis
Another of our favorite highlights! This stunning location features one of the most dramatic roads in Europe, with 26 hairpin turns descending to a breathtaking cove (especially while you are sitting up high on a tourist bus!). The final reveal of the beach nestled between massive limestone cliffs is worth every twist and turn. The gorge walk through Torrent de Pareis (when dry and safe). This is one of the most iconic and well known hikes on the island, and well worth a visit.
Insider Tip: Visit early morning to avoid tour buses, or take the ferry from Port de Sóller for a different perspective.
Serra de Tramuntana
This UNESCO World Heritage mountain range offers spectacular scenery, traditional villages, and hiking opportunities for all levels. The GR221 (Dry Stone Route) is the premier long-distance trail through centuries-old olive groves and past ancient agricultural structures.
Highlights: Villages of Valldemossa, Deià, Fornalutx (often called Spain's prettiest village), and the monastery at Lluc.
Caves of Drach (Cuevas del Drach)
Near Porto Cristo, these spectacular caves feature one of the world's largest underground lakes. The guided tour culminates in a magical classical music concert performed on boats floating on the crystal-clear waters. While touristy, the natural formations are genuinely impressive.
Cap de Formentor
The northernmost point of Mallorca offers dramatic cliff views that plunge 400m into the sea. The scenic drive includes several viewpoints with panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean that will leave you breathless as well as a very photogenic lighthouse.
Photography Tip: Visit for sunrise or sunset for the most spectacular lighting.
Pollença and Alcúdia
These northern towns offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and beach access:
Pollença: Climb the 365 steps of the Calvari staircase for panoramic views and explore the Roman bridge
Alcúdia: Wander perfectly preserved medieval walls and Roman ruins while enjoying excellent dining options
Es Trenc
This pristine 2km stretch of white sand and turquoise water is often compared to Caribbean beaches. It remains relatively undeveloped as it's protected as a natural park. Perfect for a day of pure beach relaxation.
Mallorca is such a fun island to explore and we truly enjoyed the mix of beaches, history and scenery - as well as the amazing people. The island truly offers something for everyone - whether you are looking to relax and take in the beautiful scenery, find family friendly areas to make memories, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife and clubs. We hope this quick guide will help you plan and find inspiration for your Mallorca adventure!
Looking for an in-depth guide with even more towns, beaches, tours, and tips? Don’t miss our Ultimate Mallorca Travel Guide — packed with everything you need to plan a longer stay or return trip or to find out more about the best beaches, places to stay, restaurants to try, and more information to help you plan your escape.
