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Although not as well known as some of its neighbouring islands – Corsica, Ibiza, and Sardinia spring to mind – Mallorca is one of those places that captivates as soon as you set foot on it. Whether it’s for its immaculate beaches flowing into crystal-clear waters, its rugged mountains offering breathtaking panoramas or simply its mild Mediterranean climate, the largest of the Balearic islands has been fascinating visitors for decades. Pablo Picasso, Frédéric Chopin, Joan Miró… all have drawn inspiration from here. Here’s a look at the must-see destinations on your next road trip to Mallorca.
As the capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca is a must-see when visiting the island. Since the old city center is relatively compact, one day is enough to explore its main attractions. Don’t miss a visit to the Gothic-style La Seu Cathedral overlooking the bay, and a stroll through the quaint alleyways 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 involving the construction of a seaside resort was envisioned 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 signposted paths guide visitors to the main points of interest and lookouts, free exploration remains one of the best ways to discover the island.
We start the day at Cala Banyalbufar. Situated one kilometre below the village that shares its name. This pebbly cove – reached by a steep descent through the terraces – is an ideal place to take a dip in the turquoise waters, or to contemplate the irrigation system typical of the Islamic era, which today supplies water to the upper terraces on the shore. When the weather is not too dry, you can also catch a glimpse of a small waterfall flowing down to the sea.
After spending the day on the beach, we head for Valldemossa, one of the most charming villages on the island of Mallorca. Its historic centre is well worth spending a few hours in, whether to lose yourself in the narrow streets or to stop for some tapas. My favourite places? 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 trees in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, Sóller is a quaint little village, renowned for its relaxed atmosphere. Its harbour is home to a long sandy beach, behind which are numerous restaurants and shops. But if you ask me, avoid these often overpriced locations.
For a more exhilarating dining experience, take the streetcar from the Port of Sóller to the village centre and visit Bar Molino, or Ca N’antuna, nestled in the Fornalutx mountains.
Sa Calobra (“snake” in English) is a highlight on any road trip on the island of Mallorca. This winding road cut into the rock – with its impressive gradient and curves that might sometimes be considered impossible – is probably best to avoid if you suffer from vertigo. If that’s the case, I’d recommend boarding a boat from Port de Sóller and taking the sea route to Torrent de Pareis. You’ll still be able to marvel at the scenery of the Serra de Tramuntana, but from the sea.
If, on the other hand, you feel up to taking the stretch of the MA-10 road down to Sa Calobra, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world, of vast mountains tumbling 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, renowned for its impressive pebble cove and steep, three-kilometre-deep canyon formed by the torrential action of water on the cliffs of the rugged Serra de la Tramuntana. Then, as the sun disappears behind the mountains, we climb back into the car and drive to Cala Truent, ideal for taking in the sun set.
Remember to bring snacks and pay for parking. Torrent de Pareis is home to many small restaurants, but none of them are worth your time.
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, the authorities have decided to restrict vehicle access during the warm season. To get there, you’ll have to leave your car at the Playa de Formentor parking lot, then either walk to the cala or take a bus – often overcrowded – which will drop you off about twenty minutes’ walk from the cala. As far as I’m concerned, I always opt for the short hike. It makes the jump into the water all the more refreshing.
Cap Formentor, on the other hand, is only accessible by bus, departing from the “Cala Figuera” stop or directly from the parking lot. I recommend going just as the sun is setting, as the view promises to be unforgettable.
Coll Baix beach is one of Mallorca’s most untouched coves. Its difficult access makes it a place rarely visited by tourists, guaranteeing a relaxing afternoon. After a short hike, a breathtaking panorama unfolds: steep cliffs, pine forests, pebble beaches, and crystal-clear waters create 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.
Get your running shoes ready once more, this time to explore the Llevant Natural Park. Park the car at Cala Mesquida, then head for Cala Torta, one of my favourite spots. The hike takes around 40 minutes and follows the wild coastline of the east of the island. It’s best to set off early, as shade is scarce.
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.
Take the Ma-6110 national road, 12 km south of Ses Salines, to reach Cap de Ses Salines, a peninsula at the southernmost tip of Mallorca. This site is home to a lighthouse dating back to 1863, although it is not open to the public. Though the site itself does not offer many attractions, it is surrounded by superb beaches protected by the Reserva Marina del Migjorn de Mallorca.
To the east, beaches nestle into the coastal cliffs, leading to coves such as Caló des Màrmols, beaches like Platja d’Almunia and caves like Cova de Sa Plana. A rugged nine-kilometre path links the various sites along the coast. Further west, we particularly like El Caragol beach, also renowned for its stretches of white sand.
Es Trenc beach is unlike any other cala on the island of Mallorca. With its white sand, sandy ochre dunes, crystal-clear waters and endless expanse, you’d think you were in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the beach is a victim of its own success, and it can be difficult to find a place to lay down if you don’t arrive very early in the morning. It’s during the off-season – May, September and October – that it reveals itself to be a veritable paradise on earth.
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 usually found in the most popular destinations in Spain, Greece, Italy, and Portugal. For five days, the rental cost me 216 euros, plus the added cost of the full coverage at 14 euros/day offered by Discover Cars. All in all, I spent 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 best option for a road trip to Mallorca is to rent a car. Though the idea of travelling to the island with your own vehicle is possible, the journey can be long and costly. In high season, Corsica Ferries run daily between Toulon and Alcúdia, lasting around 15 hours. For two people with a small car, the average price is around 350 euros.
Canadians who want 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 Aeroplan credit card benefits like the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card.
Mallorca, with its varied landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a must-see destination for lovers of nature and 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 center, each destination promises to intoxicate your senses.
Savings this way:
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