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Although it may not be as well-known as some of its neighbours—such as Corsica, Ibiza or Sardinia—Mallorca is one of those places that captivates you the moment you set foot there. Whether for its pristine beaches that plunge into crystalline waters, its rugged mountains offering breathtaking panoramas, or simply its mild Mediterranean climate, the largest of the Balearic Islands has fascinated for decades. Pablo Picasso, Frédéric Chopin, Joan Miró… they all found an inexhaustible source of inspiration here. Here is a look at the must-see destinations for your next Mallorca road trip.
As the capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca is a must-see during a stay on the island. Since the old town centre is relatively compact, one day is enough to explore its main attractions. Don’t miss visiting its Gothic-style cathedral La Seu, which dominates the bay, and strolling through its picturesque streets, home to palaces, art galleries, and tapas bars.
Civitatis offers a wide range of excursions to discover the city, whether by segway, electric scooter or on foot.
Nestled less than a kilometre from Mallorca, the island of Sa Dragonera – rarely found on classic tourist itineraries – is the perfect destination for nature lovers and hikers.
In the 1970s, an ambitious urbanization project that planned the construction of a seaside resort had been considered for the island, but thanks to numerous environmental movements, the work never saw the light of day. Today, Dragonera is uninhabited; there are no hotels, restaurants, or shops. Although marked trails guide visitors to the main points of interest and viewpoints, free exploration remains one of the best ways to discover the island.
We start the day at Cala Banyalbufar. Located one kilometre below the small village of the same name, this pebble cove – accessible by a steep descent through the terraces – is the ideal place to dive into turquoise waters, or to contemplate the irrigation system typical of the Islamic era, which today supplies water to the upper terraces of the shore. When the weather is not too dry, you can also spot a small waterfall flowing down to the sea.
After spending the day on the beach, we head towards Valldemossa, one of Mallorca’s most picturesque small villages. Its historic centre is worth a few hours, whether to get lost in the narrow streets or to stop for some tapas. My favourite spots? Aromas and QuitaPenas Valldemossa.
If you’re in Valldemossa on a Saturday, don’t hesitate to book a free two-hour walking tour to discover all the secrets hidden in the village’s alleyways.
Surrounded by a majestic valley of orange groves in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, Sóller is a picturesque small village, mainly recognized for its relaxed atmosphere. Its port is home to a long sandy beach, behind which are many restaurants and shops. But if you ask me, avoid these often overpriced places.
For a more intoxicating gastronomic experience, take the tram that connects Port de Sóller and the village centre and head to Bar Molino, or to Ca N’antuna, nestled in the mountains of Fornalutx.
Sa Calobra (snake, in French) is a must-see during a road trip on the island of Mallorca. This winding road carved into the rock – with an impressive elevation gain and curves that can sometimes seem impossible – is probably to be avoided if you have a sensitive stomach. If that’s the case, I recommend you take a boat from Port de Sóller and go to Torrent de Pareis by sea. This way, you can still marvel at the scenery of the Serra de Tramuntana, but from the sea.
However, if you feel up to taking the MA-10 road section that descends to Sa Calobra, you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world: vast mountains plunging into the azure blue of the Mediterranean.
At the very bottom? Cala Tuent, to the west, and Torrent de Pareis, to the east. We start with the latter, known for its sumptuous pebble cove and its steep three-kilometre-deep canyon formed by the torrential action of water on the cliffs of the abrupt Serra de la Tramuntana. Then, when the sun disappears behind the mountains, we get back in the car and head to Cala Tuent, ideal for watching the sunset.
Remember to have snacks and parking money with you. Torrent de Pareis has many small restaurants, but none are worth lingering in.
Cala Figuera is one of Mallorca’s most beautiful coves, but it’s no longer a well-kept secret. Faced with the massive influx of tourists in summer, authorities have decided to restrict vehicle access during the warm season. To get there, you’ll have to leave your car at Parking Playa de Formentor, then walk or take a bus – often crowded – which will drop you off about twenty minutes’ walk from the cove. As for me, I always opt for the short hike. The jump into the water is all the more refreshing.
Cap Formentor, for its part, is only accessible by bus, with departures possible from the “Cala Figuera” stop or directly from the car park. I recommend going there at sunset; the spectacle promises to be unforgettable.
Coll Baix beach is among Mallorca’s most preserved coves. Its difficult access makes it a place little frequented by tourists, guaranteeing an afternoon of relaxation. After a short hike, a striking panorama unfolds: steep cliffs, pine forests, pebble beach, and crystal-clear waters compose a landscape of almost unreal beauty.
If you’re more athletic, you’ll want to set off from the village of Alcúdia. From Hôtel Can Mostatxins, the hike to Coll Baix beach takes just over two hours. For those who prefer to a slower pace, the Refugi del Coll Baix can be reached by car, reducing the walking time to around 50 minutes. Note, however, that the last few metres of the route are demanding, with a rugged and sometimes poorly-marked path.
We put on our running shoes again. This time, it’s to discover the Llevant Natural Park. We park the car at Cala Mesquida, then head towards Cala Torta, one of my favourites. The hike lasts about forty minutes and runs along the wild coastline of the east of the island. Moreover, it’s better to leave early, as shade is rare there.
After basking on the white sandy beach of Cala Torta, we return to Cala Mesquida. But instead of following the coastline, we take the path through the forest. In total, this looping trail is just over four kilometres long.
By taking the national road Ma-6110, 12 km south of Ses Salines, you reach Cap de Ses Salines, a promontory located at the southern tip of Mallorca. This site houses a lighthouse dating from 1863, although it is not accessible to the public. While the place itself does not offer many attractions, it is surrounded by superb beaches protected by the Reserva Marina del Migjorn de Mallorca.
To the east, the beaches are nestled in coastal cliffs, leading to coves such as Caló des Màrmols, beaches like Platja d’Almunia, and caves like Cova de Sa Plana. A rugged trail connecting these different sites runs along the coast for nine kilometres. Further west, El Caragol beach is particularly popular, also known for its stretches of white sand.
Es Trenc beach is unlike any other cove on the island of Mallorca. With its white sand, ocher and sandy dunes, crystal-clear waters, and endless expanse, you might think you’re in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the beach is a victim of its success, and it can be difficult to find a spot to lie down if you don’t arrive very early in the morning. It’s off-season – in May, September, and October – that it truly reveals itself as a little earthly paradise.
If you’re going to spend the day there, remember to bring a picnic. Thanks to a major effort by the local population, the beach has avoided being turned into a resort, and all the chiringuitos (beach bars) that were there were removed a few years ago.
For my road trip, I rented a car through Discover Car, a car rental platform that compares rates from various rental agencies. My experience? Impeccable. I was able to compare the different agencies, prices, cars, and pick-up locations. Sometimes in Mallorca, rental agencies may claim to be at the airport, but, in reality, require you to take a shuttle to reach them.
After some research, my choice fell on RecordGo, a small agency generally found in the most popular destinations in Spain, Greece, Italy, and Portugal. For five days, the rental cost me 216 euros, to which was added the cost of full coverage at 14 euros/day offered by Discover Cars. In total, I paid 286 euros.
You can avoid the full coverage costs by paying with a credit card that offers insurance coverage for car rentals.
In France, American Express cards rank among the cards offering the best insurance coverage:
In Canada, here are two interesting cards to consider for their insurance:
The most sensible option for a road trip in Mallorca remains car rental. Although the idea of reaching the island with your own vehicle is conceivable, the journey can be long and costly. In high season, a Corsica Ferries ferry connects Toulon to Alcúdia daily on a journey of approximately 15 hours. For two people accompanied by a small car, the average price is nearly 350 euros.
Canadians wishing to explore the island of Mallorca can easily get there with their Aeroplan points, with flights starting at 35,000 points in Economy Class and 60,000 points in Business Class. Consult our guide: maximizing your Aeroplan points flight options for a trip to Europe to build your strategy and take advantage of the benefits of Aeroplan credit cards like the TDMD AeroplanMD Visa Infinite* Card.
Mallorca, with its varied landscapes and rich cultural heritage, stands out as an essential destination for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. Whether in the heart of Palma, on the wild beaches of the east and north coasts, or in the picturesque villages of the island’s centre, each destination promises to captivate.
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