The Best Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary

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Best Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary

Mallorca (also referred to as Majorca) is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands and lies in the Mediterranean Sea.

Its dry, sunny weather and easily accessible location makes it a popular choice for those seeking a fly and flop holiday, but there’s much more to see on this diverse and long-settled island.

Hire a car and tour its highlights, both on and off the beaten track, following our ultimate Mallorca road trip itinerary.

Palma to Talaiot Capocorp Vell

(23 miles, 35 minutes)

Set out from Mallorca’s historic capital, Palma. Head south on the coast road, Ma6014, perhaps stopping at the Penya-segat de s’Escorxador lookout to take in the view.

A little further on, the road turns inland to Capocorp Vell. There, Mallorca’s history can be traced back 3500 years.

On the island – and also on neighbouring Menorca – you’ll find Bronze Age megaliths known as talaiots and chamber tombs from the same era called navetas. It’s likely talaiots were used as meeting places, though some might have served a defensive purpose.

There are five of them at Capocorp Vell, which dates from about 1000BC. It was once a busy village. Over the years, it was altered and eventually abandoned, until in the early 20th century, Catalan archaeologists uncovered what the past had buried. Their finds form the site which you can tour today. 

Talaiot Capocorp Vell to Colònia de Sant Jordi

(13 miles, 20 minutes)

Pick up the Ma6014 again and just before you reach Colònia de Sant Jordi you’ll pass the Salines d’es Trenc.

This salt works has been producing salt the traditional way for years, using sun and wind power to separate the commodity from seawater via evaporation.

Take a guided tour to find out more about the process. Back in the car, you’ll soon get to the attractive resort of Colònia de Sant Jordi, which grew from a fishing port.

Stroll around the harbour and have a meal at one of the many restaurants that overlook the marina.

South of the town is Es Trenc, one of Mallorca’s best beaches, known for its powdery white sand and clear turquoise water.

It’s worth stopping at Colònia de Sant Jordi for a couple of nights to give yourself time to enjoy the beach and take a boat trip to nearby Cabrera Island.

This protected area is ideal for enjoying a nature hike. Don’t miss the Blue Grotto; the water in this sea cave is especially vivid in the afternoon.

Colònia de Sant Jordi to Cala Figuera

(11 miles, 25 minutes)

Continue on to another of Mallorca’s prettiest coastal spots. Surrounded by the fig trees from which it gets its name and bounded by rocky cliffs, Cala Figuera resembles a fjord.

But look a little more closely and the whitewashed homes of local fishermen with their terracotta roof tiles are unmistakably Spanish. Their bayside gardens are filled with brightly coloured hibiscus, almond trees and palms. The green garages you see aren’t for cars, however; they’re used to provide shelter for boats.

Sit for a while and watch the fishermen mending their nets under the hot Mediterranean sun.

When you’re ready to stretch your legs, the nearby Parc Natural de Mondragó extends north east, a sprawling nature reserve in which you might spot wild goats, rabbits, myriad birdlife and, in the water, turtles.

Cala Figuera to Portocolom

(12 miles, 30 minutes)

Push on to Portocolom, taking the road inland to Santanyi and then heading north east along the Ma19 and Ma4012. There are lots of side roads snaking back down to coastal coves.

On a hot day you might be tempted to head down to somewhere like Cala Sa Nau for a cooling dip. Portocolom itself is a pretty little place. Some locals claim that Christopher Columbus was born here, though that’s unlikely.

Once this sleepy place was a bustling port, shipping wine made from Pla and Llevant grapes until the vines were decimated by disease.

Drive down to Sa Cova Foradada to take in the view across the water to the lighthouse before parking up and wandering around the harbor on foot. Stay the night in one of Portocolom’s hotels and enjoy a fish supper.

Portocolom to Cuevas del Drach

(12 miles, 30 minutes)

The Ma4014 leads to the Cuevas del Drach, whose name translates as Dragon Caves. They are the most famous of Mallorca’s caves.

Book a ticket for a tour which takes you over a kilometre into the cave system and by boat across subterranean Lake Martel.

The temperature inside the cave stays more or less constant at a comfortable 21°C, making this a popular activity in summer when it can be searing hot outside.

Your guide will point out landforms such as The Flag and Snowcapped Mountain, and allow plenty of time for you to appreciate the blue water in the Baths of Diana.

Look up at the many stalactites that dangle from the roof of the cave, an extraordinary sight matched only by the incredible acoustics which you’ll appreciate as you listen to the classical music that’s played.

Cuevas del Drach to Arta

(18 miles, 30 minutes)

Pick up the coast road north to Castell de la Punta de n’Amer. This glorious 17th century castle is unusual because of its square design. The moated fortress was built to protect this stretch of coastline from attack from the sea and would once have been guarded by armed men.

The original cannon they might have used is here and inside, there’s a small but interesting collection of weaponry and uniforms to peruse.

Take in the view before continuing your journey inland to the town of Artà.

If it’s a Tuesday you’ll be able to shop at the handicrafts market for hand-woven baskets and locally thrown pottery.

There’s plenty to delight history buffs too, including the nearby Talaiotic settlement of Ses Païsses and the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador, a hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of Artà’s old town and the mountain peaks of the Serra de Llevant.

Artà to Port d’Alcúdia

(22 miles, 40 minutes)

The Ma12 connects Artà to Alcúdia, though you might wish to make a pitstop to take advantage of the broad sandy beach of Platja Sa Canova or to pay a visit to the Necròpolis de Son Real, a prehistoric cemetery containing more than 100 tombs dating back to the 7th century BC.

Alcúdia itself has much to recommend it. This medieval town is the focus for present-day tourism in the north of the island, though time appears to have stood still in its well-preserved historic core.

You can explore the Roman ruins of Pollentia, where you’ll be able to identify a theatre and Forum, or peer down from the town’s medieval walls.

Nearby Port d’Alcúdia is the hub of tourist activity, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of restaurants, cafés and hotels. There are plenty of opportunities for water sports.

Coasteering, though not for the fainthearted, is also possible. This adrenaline sport comprises cliff jumping, adventure swimming, abseiling, climbing and rock scrambling.

Port d’Alcúdia to Lluc

(28 miles, 50 minutes)

Moving on, you might be tempted to detour to Inca, Mallorca’s third-largest town, which lies at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.

It’s known for its tradition of leather-making and you can shop for locally made items at the weekly market. Regardless, you should plan to visit Lluc.

Its former monastery occupies an extraordinary location in the Serra de Tramuntana. It has been a place of pilgrimage since the 13th century after a young shepherd found a statue of the Virgin Mary hidden in a crack in the rock.

Over the years, the statue, known locally as La Moreneta (“The Little Dark One” or the Black Madonna), has been adorned with precious gems and has pride of place in a purpose-built chapel. A choral concert takes place daily in addition to the Sunday service.

Have a wander round Els Porxerets, the pilgrims’ quarters, and book one of the simple rooms at the monastery for an overnight stay if you’re in need of a little seclusion and tranquility.

Lluc to Port de Sóller

(23 miles, 1 hour)

The road to the coast twists and turns as it makes its way through this mountainous part of the island at a torturously slow pace. But, driving the meandering Ma10 is a pleasure.

Take advantage of the Mirador de s’Entreforc to pull off the road and take it all in. The road passes Embassament de Cúber, a pretty reservoir; there’s ample parking if you’d like to take a scenic hike around its shore.

Shortly after the tunnel, there’s another layby, this one offering splendid views across the valley below.

The road continues to wind its way down through the forested hills until it reaches the sea at Port de Sóller. You’ll find this a convenient base where there’s enough to do to warrant staying a few nights.

For instance, tours can be arranged to Sa Fosca. This impressive canyon is the longest on the island, a technically difficult descent that requires expert guidance as you tackle multiple jumps and countless rappels.

It’s an enormous physical and mental effort but you’ll be rewarded by the sight of numerous turquoise pools that litter the gorge. As the canyon narrows, you’ll understand why it gets its name – Sa Fosca means darkness in Catalan.

A popular, and far less demanding, excursion from Port de Sóller is the tram ride to Sóller, known for its oranges – an annual festival dedicated to the fruit usually takes place in March – and its  botanical gardens.

Note too, that this charming little town is linked to Palma by a vintage train. The narrow gauge railway was established in 1912. The wooden carriages, with their highly polished slatted benches, are utterly fabulous.

Even though you’ll soon be driving back to Palma, it’s definitely worth buying a ticket for a round trip to the Mallorcan capital on this heritage route.

Port de Sóller to Valldemossa

(16 miles, 45 minutes)

To reach Valldemossa from Port de Sóller, you have a choice of two routes. The first, Ma11, takes an inland course, passing the exquisitely photogenic Jardins d’Alfàbia.

Lovingly tended gardens surround a quaint finca with a Baroque façade. In the verdant grounds, there are fountains which date from the 18th century and an orchard.

Alternatively, hug the coast on the Ma10 to Deià. Call in at Can Alluny, the former home of English novelist Robert Graves and his great love, the American poet Laura Riding, now a museum.

Upscale Deià has long been a favourite with the jet-set. Sir Alec Guinness, Peter Ustinov and Ava Gardner were guests at Can Alluny, Andrew Lloyd Webber often spends his summer here and the estate owned by Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones is just down the road.

Leave Deià for Valldemossa and round off the day at a museum devoted to Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and his French lover, the French writer George Sand.

Valldemossa to Palma

(15 miles, 30 minutes)

The Ma 1110 is the most direct route back to Palma. A longer, coastal road takes in the Torre del Verger and the Mirador Josep Sastre, from which you can see Dragonera Island.

Once in the capital, swap four wheels for two feet and explore this captivating city.

Begin your discovery of Palma in its Casco Antiguo, the atmospheric old town, where you can lose yourself for hours amid its cobblestone alleyways, medieval palaces and shady squares.

Palma’s unmissable cathedral, known as La Seu, overlooks the water and is the city’s ornate emblem. Construction began in the 13th century but this magnificent building wasn’t finished until 1601.

You’ll best appreciate its 61 stained glass windows from inside – time your visit for a sunny morning to see the Rose Window at its best – as well as the surprisingly slim pillars that need the support of external buttresses to keep the roof aloft.

There are numerous museums, art galleries, shops and restaurants to keep you amused in the place they call the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”, so allow at least a few days to enjoy this marvelous city before departing for home.

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