What to see in Majorca in 4 days
Exploring the Majorcan culture and nature in a 4-day trip gives you the opportunity to enjoy more than just an aperitif of the Balearic essence. If you organise yourself well and devote the first two days to Palma slowly but steadily, you will have two more days to visit the rest of the island. The capital concentrates large doses of history and architecture, while the rest will move you with its overwhelming beauty. When taking a trip to the most picturesque towns, you must not forget Valldemossa, Sóller, Pollença and Alcúdia; also, you must visit Cape Formentor or its beautiful namesake beach. Remember to also visit one of its magnificent caves; one of the most surprising is Drach Caves.
And, to finish off an exhausting day full of emotions, we have two suggestions: watch the sunset while sailing on a boat or attend chill-out sessions at Puerto Portals. Fun is served!
Itinerary day 1
10.00-10.30
S’Hort del Rei
Start the day by strolling through this beautiful garden created in the 14th century during the reign of King Jaume II. Originally, it had fruit trees, vegetables and flowers. When Majorcan architect Gabriel Alomar restored it in the 1960s, he added typical items from the island such as the pergola and other elements of Moorish inspiration such as the water fountains.
11.00-12.00
Almudaina Royal Palace
Also known as Castell Reial or Alcázar Real, this building with the appearance of a fortress is the result of modifications to a 13th century Muslim fortress. It was the seat of the independent Majorcan kingdom in the 15th century. Inside, you can admire the tapestries, paintings and furniture from different periods of history.
12.30-12.45
Plaza de Cort
This square is the heart of Palma, and even has a plaque that states this. It is dominated by the town hall, where the large wooden eaves overhang the impressive 17th century façade. It houses a valuable art collection, where the picture gallery of the illustrious sons of the Kingdom of Majorca stands out.
13.00-14.00
Cathedral/La Seu
La Seu is the city's iconic monument and dominates its skyline. If you think that it draws attention from the outside, just wait and visit it to find out its secrets. Remember to visit the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, where the artist Miquel Barceló left his mark in 2007, and the altar where Gaudí also made additions.
14.30-16.00
Aromata restaurant
It is located in the courtyard of a 17th century palace and managed by the chef Andreu Genestra. The restaurant provides exquisite dishes using quality raw materials and local products. The afternoon menu provides light meals and the evening one is more sophisticated. You should try both.
16.30-18.30
Es Baluard Contemporary Arts Centre
An extensive range of art from the 20th and 21st centuries is exhibited at this cultural centre. The building is nearly as interesting as the content: modern installations have been added to its Renaissance bastion. It has been conceived as a living space. You can walk along the walls, attend events and enjoy its terraces and courtyards.
19.30-21.30
Puerto Portals
After the cultural visits, you should go to Puerto Portals in Calviá, 9 kilometres from Palma. It is the best nautical and leisure centre on the island. You can admire the luxury yachts, go shopping, drink something on a terrace and even enjoy DJ sessions.
22.00-23.30
Quadrat
Soft lighting and music, a luxurious decoration but without fanfare. High quality Mediterranean cuisine, which can also be enjoyed at the tables in the interior garden. And then, to prolong the good feelings, nothing like a cocktail with views from the terrace.
Itinerary day 2
10.00-11.00
Parc de la Mar
In a city which has a sea port, like Palma de Mallorca, it is wonderful to start the day by strolling through the promenade and visiting Parc de la Mar, which also provides a beautiful reflection of the cathedral on its artificial saltwater lake. It was built in the 1970s as a reminder of the past when the sea reached the walls.
11.30-12.30
La Lonja
The former maritime trade exchange enjoys a privileged location next to the sea and its architecture is worthy of admiration. Inside, there is a beautiful nave with spiral columns and rib vaults, where temporary art collections are usually exhibited.
13.00-14.00
Bishop’s Palace
It is located behind the apse of the cathedral and houses the Diocesan museum. It began construction in the 13th century and has expanded over time. Check out the Gothic entrance
of the former Saint Paul oratory, the main Modernist-style façade and the sundial in the courtyard.
14.30-16.00
Santa Catalina market
In line with the trend in gourmet markets, check out the Santa Catalina market, where you can poke around (or buy) quality products in its around fifty stalls and taste local dishes at the highly recommended small restaurants.
16.30-18.00
Juan March Foundation
This is a must for all contemporary art lovers. An extensive collection of 20th century Spanish art is exhibited at this museum located in a former manor house. The works are from well-known artists such as Salvador Dalí, Juan Gris, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso.
18.30-20.30
Es Trenc beach
This incredible beach is a protected area and one of the most beautiful in Majorca. In addition to enjoying its peacefulness as it is not very crowded, you can also explore the nearby Es Trenc salt mines. It is a wonderful experience.
21.00-22.30
Adrián Quetglas restaurant
This Argentine chef with Majorcan blood provides exquisite dishes with an impeccable presentation at this restaurant which bears his name. His cuisine is aimed at ‘democratising haute cuisine and bringing it to everyone’. The afternoon five-course menu has an affordable price.
23.00-01.00
BrassClub cocktail bar
If you decide to have a night on the tiles, this cocktail bar is the best option since it is managed by Rafa Martín, one of the best cocktail professionals in the Balearic Islands. It is located downtown and you will love its atmosphere.
Itinerary day 3
10.00-12-00
Bellver Castle
It is around 3 kilometres from the historic centre and you can reach it on foot or by bus. You can see all the bay and part of the Tramuntana mountain range from the castle, which is located at over 100 metres above sea level. This 14th century Gothic construction is one of the few circular castles in Europe.
12.30-14.00
Marivent Palace
Although you cannot visit the summer residence of the Spanish royal family in Majorca, what you can do is stroll through its beautiful garden. When the royal family is not staying there, the garden is open to the public. It is worth walking along the paths and admiring Joan Miró's sculptures here and there.
14.30-16.00
Casa Maruka Restaurant
This restaurant managed by the Serrano family is located in a 100-year-old house, with an interior Majorcan-style courtyard. There you can try delicious Majorcan cuisine based on local produce.
17.00-18.00
Drach Caves
Nature is always ready to surprise us and, in this case, we are left speechless. These grottos extend over one kilometre under the surface of the earth and have large navigable lakes. Observing the stalactites and stalagmites, sailing and attending a concert are some of the surprising activities.
18.30-20.30
Sailing
At Manacor port, near the Drach Caves, you can find several operators which provide sailing trips. On this eastern coastline, you will find the island's best beaches, so you will be pleased to sail along the coast to discover its hidden coves.
21.30-23.30
La Veranda Restaurante
Located in the historical boutique hotel Formentor, a Royal Hideaway hotel, this gorgeous seafront restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine made with the finest products.
Itinerary day 4
10.00-11.30
Valldemossa
Around 20 minutes from Palma de Mallorca, Valldemossa has a quaint historic centre and was the setting for the relationship between the composer Chopin and the French writer George Sand. The Real Cartuja (Royal Carthusian Monastery) in Valldemossa is worth a visit on its own but it has many other attractions.
12.00-13.30
Sóller
Take a stroll through the nearby town of Sóller, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Spain, which you can get to by going on the historic Sóller train from Palma. In that town, you can take a tram that goes through the town's famous fertile area to the bustling Sóller port.
14.00-15.30
Es Canyís restaurant
Our recommendation is to have lunch at this family-run restaurant in Sóller port, where you can enjoy paella and delicious fish stews while feeling the sea breeze. Fish, seafood, salad and delicious desserts are the main dishes on its menu.
16.00-17.30
Pollença / Pollensa
This town with narrow alleyways and bustling squares is considered to be the cultural epicentre of Majorca since many famous poets and musicians are from there. Its Classical Music Festival is an annual must since it is one of the main festivals in the Balearic Islands.
18.00-19.30
Cap de Formentor
This headland is located on the northernmost point of the island and is also well loved by the Majorcans. Enjoy the scenery from its viewpoint and take a 15-kilometre trip full of bends to its lighthouse. Remember to go for a swim in Formentor beach.
20.00-21.00
Alcúdia
This beautiful town in north Majorca is the only one on the island that has maintained its medieval walls. Stroll through its perfectly restored historic centre and check out its manor houses, its courtyards and its cute little shops. Do not miss the street markets on Tuesday and Sunday; that is the time to buy the area's best food and hand-crafted souvenirs.
22.00-00.00
Sadrassana restaurant
Dining at this restaurant is a wonderful experience since it is located in a 19th century Majorcan farmhouse (casal) which shares its space with the Horrach Moya art gallery. Its menu includes traditional dishes as well as more creative recipes from Majorca. A good incentive is that you can enjoy a cocktail from expert hands.