What to see in Majorca in 5 days
Travelling is not only staying in the destination area, it is much more. In Majorca, you will need at least five days to realise that not only does it have an immense variety of plans but that it is an island you can easily live on. Could there be anything more satisfying than strolling through Palma’s historic centre admiring its monumental heritage and be captivated, once again, by the grandeur of the cathedral (La Seu) or the subtle intricate Gothic stonework of La Lonja? You can also eat tapas in the Santa Catalina district, visit manor houses with their beautiful courtyards and check out the art collections in its numerous museums. And, after falling in love with the capital, you can continue your visit along the coast to explore secret coves with turquoise water and discover mountain villages with stone houses and winding roads.
If you also add a boat trip and a supper at one of the many special restaurants, this 5-day getaway would be near perfection.
Itinerary day 1
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 night out 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 2
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 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 adapted 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
Marc Fosh restaurant
The well-known chef Marc Fosh provides delicious Mediterranean dishes at his 1-Michelin star restaurant. Without losing sight of the Balearic essence, his cuisine provides simple tastes with local ingredients. It is located in a beautiful 17th century building.
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.
12.00-14.00
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.
17.00-20.30
Sailing
At Manacor port, near the Drach Caves, you can find several operators which provide sailing trips. On the 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
Forn de Sant Joan restaurant
It is located in a former bakery from the 19th century and is a perfect hotspot for eating traditional food with a creative touch. It has a good customer service, exquisite lunchtime menus and a wide range of dishes throughout the day.
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. It is near Deià, another charming village in the Tramuntana mountain range, and the Son Marroig estate.
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.
14.00-15.00
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.
15.30-16.30
Lluc Sanctuary
The image of the 'Black Virgin' (La Moreneta) is venerated at this sanctuary, which is visited by thousands of locals and foreigners. It is located at over 500 metres above sea level, right in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range. Several hiking routes also start near the temple.
17.00-18.00
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.
18.30-19.30
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.
Itinerary day 5
10.00-11.00
Capdepera
Start your last day at this town which is around 80 kilometres from Palma. In addition to strolling through its intricate network of streets, with its 14th century manor houses, our recommendation is to visit Capdepera Castle, from where you will have a beautiful view of the town.
11.30-12.30
Mesquida cove
This pretty cove with white sand and surrounded by pine trees is located between Capdepera and Artà and is one of the most beautiful in Majorca. One side of the beach is usually used as a nudist area. On a clear day, you can even see the Minorcan coastline from the beach.
13.00-14.00
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. Other interesting caves nearby are those of Artà and Hams.
14.30-16.00
Can March restaurant
This family restaurant in Manacor is one of the references on the eastern coast of Majorca. The brothers Gilabert manage it. Fish dishes and local produce, such as cheese, chocolate, salt and virgin olive oil, are the highlights in their cuisine.
16.30-18.00
Manacor
It is Majorca's second-largest city and our recommendation is to visit the Nostra Senyora dels Dolors church, go shopping to buy some beautiful Majorica pearls and, if you like sports, visit the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience, where the whole family can enjoy an interactive experience.
18.30-20.00
Varques cove
This is a picture-postcard cove in Manacor, with its white sand, crystal-clear water and unspoilt setting. It is the perfect place to end the day surrounded by rocky cliffs while the sky turns pink and orange.
21.30-00.00
Tomeu Caldentey Cuiner
The finishing touch to your trip will be at this restaurant managed by one of the island's top chefs. Tomeu Caldentey provides authentic culinary experiences divided into several phases where the flavours combine. There are only two shifts per day, so you should book well in advance.