How to spend 5 days in Mallorca: A scenic road trip guide

Want to spend the morning driving winding mountain roads and the afternoon swimming at a secluded cove? This is exactly what the Mallorca road trip offers. Located in the western Mediterranean Sea off the eastern coast of mainland Spain, Mallorca also known as Majorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago.

Planning a scenic drive across this island is one of the best decisions you can ever make. The journey is all about moving from beaches to dramatic mountain roads, historic villages and coastal viewpoints within the same day.

Here is the most helpful 5-day itinerary for Mallorca road trip you can follow to make the most of your trip!

Mallorca road trip at a glance

Mallorca road trip route map

Is this 5-day Mallorca road trip right for you?

This 5-day Mallorca road trip itinerary is best if you want to see a mix of beaches, mountain scenery, historic villages & coastal viewpoints without spending the entire trip in one location.

It is a good fit if you:

• Enjoy scenic driving and winding mountain roads
• Want to explore several regions of Mallorca in one trip
• Don't mind changing accommodation each night
• Want a mix of beaches, villages, hiking and sightseeing
• Prefer the flexibility of traveling by a car

Where should you start your Mallorca road trip route?

Arriving by air

If you are flying into Mallorca, you can start your journey directly from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). The airport is around 8 km from central Palma, making it convenient to pick up a rental car and drive into the city to explore the historic centre before beginning your road trip.

Palma Airport has direct road connections to the island's main road network, including the MA-19, which provides access toward Palma and other parts of Mallorca.

Already in Downtown Palma

If you have already spent a few days exploring the city first, you can start your road trip from Palma De Mallorca Downtown. Pick up your rental car from a convenient location in Palma and begin the loop by heading southwest toward Portals Nous via Ma-20 and Ma-1.

Suggested 5-day Mallorca road trip Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Palma & Southwest Coast

Route: Palma → Portals Nous → Andratx → Sant Elm

On the first day, we balance Gothic architecture in Palma with coastal scenery along Mallorca's southwest corner. The journey covers a total distance of around ~50-70 km.

Things to do

• Morning in Palma

  Start early, so you have enough time to walk through Old Town, explore the massive Palma Cathedral (La Seu) or climb up to Castell de Bellver for panoramic views of Palma Bay.

• Midday drive to Portals Nous

  Visit Puerto Portals to experience Mallorca's glamorous marina scene, stroll along the waterfront and enjoy lunch overlooking the yachts. For those who enjoy swimming/water activities can take an optional stop at Cala Bendinat beach.

• Afternoon in Andratx

  Continue southwest to Andratx, a traditional Mallorcan town surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains. Explore the historic stone buildings, visit Santa Maria d'Andratx Church and take a break at a local cafe before continuing toward the coast.

• Late afternoon coastal drive to Sant Elm

  

  Drive west toward Sant Elm, a relaxed former fishing village overlooking Sa Dragonera. Enjoy the coastal scenery, take a waterfront walk or relax on the beach. End your day with a beautiful sunset on this Mallorca road trip!

Where to eat

Where to stay in Sant Elm or Andratx

• Budget-friendly option: Universal Aparthotel Don Camilo
• Mid-range: Universal Hotel Aquamarin
• If you want to stay in a luxury property, we suggest looking for options near Port d'Andratx, as it has a stronger selection of upscale accommodation. You can continue the next day's journey from Andratx

Day 2: Serra de Tramuntana Mountain Villages

Route: Sant Elm → Andratx → Banyalbufar → Valldemossa → Deia → Soller

Get ready to drive through the heart of the UNESCO-protected Serra de Tramuntana mountains along the iconic Ma-10 road. This stretch combines dramatic coastal cliffs, ancient terraced olive groves & Mallorca's most charming stone villages. You will cover ~80-100 km on the second day.

After having an early breakfast at Sant Elm, drive towards Banyalbufar (~34 km/21 miles, 55 min drive via Ma-10).

Things to do

• Morning in Banyalbufar & Terraced Viewpoints

  Stop at Torre del Verger, a historic 16th-century coastal watchtower constructed high on a cliff edge for panoramic Mediterranean views.

  Visit Banyalbufar Terraces to admire the ancient dry-stone Moorish agricultural terraces that step steeply down toward the sea. It is one of the most photogenic landscapes along the MA-10.

• Midday drive to Valldemossa & Deia

  Valldemossa Village is the most recognizable villages on Mallorca and a must-stop on a Serra de Tramuntana road trip. Spend around 1-1.5 hours in this village. Walk through the cobblestone alleys lined with flower pots.

  Visit the Real Cartuja de Valldemossa (Royal Carthusian Monastery), where composer Frederic Chopin and French writer George Sand spent the winter of 1838-1839.

  Drive into Deia, a coastal village nestled between Serra de Tramuntana and the Mediterranean. Walk down to Cala Deia (an optional detour), a pebbled cove with clear water flanked by dramatic cliffs.

• Late afternoon to Soller & Port de Soller

  Relax in Soller’s central square, Plaza de la Constitucion, dominated by the imposing modernist Church of Sant Bartomeu.

  End your day by taking the historic open-air wooden tram connecting Soller village to its bay at Port de Soller. Stroll along the bay & then take the tram back to Soller for the night.

Where to eat

Where to stay in Soller

• Luxury mansion property: Gran Hotel Soller
• Mid-range option: El Guia Hotel & Restaurant
• Budget-friendly option: Hostel Soller, Hotel La Vila

Day 3: Sa Calobra & Dramatic Northern Coast

Route: Soller → Sa Calobra → Pollenca → Cap de Formentor → Port de Pollenca

On the third day of your epic road trip we suggest you to start early because this is the most driving-intensive day of the itinerary. Allow extra time for the winding MA-2141 and stops around Sa Calobra.

Today, you’ll drive a total distance of around 100 to 130 km through the ancient town of Pollenca & along the northern cape.

Things to do

• Morning in Sa Calobra & the Ma-2141 switchbacks

  After having breakfast in Soller, head towards Sa Calobra (~1 hour away). Drive the "Tie-Knot" Curve (Nus de Sa Corbat). Turn off the Ma-10 onto the Ma-2141 scenic road. This iconic route loops under itself in a 270-degree turn down dramatic mountain canyon walls.

  Park your car near the cove at Sa Calobra and walk through the rock-cut tunnels to reach Torrent de Pareis, a dramatic gorge surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

• Afternoon in Pollenca Old Town

  Climb the tree-lined stone staircase in Pollenca, also known as the 365 Calvari Steps, to the hilltop chapel for views across the northern valley.

  Relax in Placa Major, a lively town square surrounded by historic stone townhouses and outdoor cafes.

• Late Afternoon in Cap de Formentor

  

  Continue onto the Formentor Peninsula and stop at Mirador Es Colomer for spectacular views of Mallorca's rugged northern coastline. Walk up to the viewpoint platforms to admire the cliffs & deep-blue Mediterranean.

  Watch a beautiful sunset at Cap de Formentor, the island's northernmost point and where the famous Formentor Lighthouse stands.

Where to eat

Where to stay in Port de Pollenca or Alcudia

• Budget-friendly: Apartamentos Maricel, Port de Pollenca
• Mid-range: Eolo Affiliated by FERGUS, Port de Pollenca
• Alternative in Alcudia: Hotel Can Mostatxins: best for a historic experience in this restored 15th-century property.

Day 4: Medieval Towns & East Coast Calas

Route: Alcudia → Arta → Cala Ratjada → Porto Cristo → Cala d'Or

Now the landscape changes from the dramatic mountain peaks of the west to the flat countryside, historic inland settlements & famous turquoise coves (calas) of Mallorca's eastern and southeastern coast. Today you will be driving a distance of ~120-150 km.

Things to do

• Morning in Alcudia Ramparts & Medieval Arta

  Start early to explore the 14th-century Alcudia Old Town. Walk through medieval walls and cobblestone lanes before the tour crowds arrive.

  Drive east to the hilltop to visit Santuari de Sant Salvador, a fortified sanctuary in Arta.

• Midday in Capdepera Castle & Cala Agulla

  Explore Capdepera Castle, an impressive 14th-century fortress built to guard the island’s easternmost tip against pirate attacks.

  Enjoy water activities, sunbathing or snorkeling at Cala Agulla or Cala Mesquida. They are among the wild pine-backed beaches near Cala Ratjada.

• Afternoon in underground caves at Porto Cristo

  

  One of the popular attractions of this 5-day Mallorca road trip itinerary is the Caves of Drach (Cuevas del Drach) near Porto Cristo. The cave is filled with stalactites & stalagmites formed over millions of years.

  Another highlight of this cave is the Lake Martel, one of the world's largest underground lakes.

  Important Note: Make sure to reserve tickets online 2-3 days in advance to secure an afternoon slot to visit the Caves of Drach.

• Late afternoon, arrive in Cala d'Or

  End your day in a popular resort town on Mallorca's southeast coast, known for its turquoise-water calas, whitewashed architecture, marina & relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Where to eat

Where to stay in Cala d'Or

• Luxury property: Meliá Cala d'Or Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range option: Hotel Cala d'Or Playa
• Pocket-friendly option: Hostal Mistral

Day 5: Mondrago Natural Park & Return to Palma

Route: Cala d'Or → Mondrago Natural Park → Santanyi → Es Trenc → Palma

This is your final day for completing the full island loop of this scenic Mallorca road trip. On the fifth day, you’ll explore pristine protected nature reserves, rural market villages & Caribbean-style turquoise beaches before returning to Palma. You will drive a distance of around 100-120 km.

Things to do

• Morning: Hiking & cove hopping at Mondrago Natural Park

  

  Arrive early to explore Parc Natural de Mondrago (protected coastal park), full of pine forests, wetlands & migratory birds.

  Walk the short coastal boardwalk connecting Cala Mondrago & Cala S'Amarador (two famous pristine coves). S'Amarador is known for its wide white sand beach and shallow, crystal-clear water.

• Midday in rural Santanyi & Ses Salines

  Explore Santanyi Village, a traditional inland town built from golden sandstone. If you are visiting the village on Wednesday or Saturday morning, you can buy something from its market for artisan crafts, local olive oil & sea salt.

  You can make an optional stop at Botanicactus in Ses Salines. Explore one of Mallorca's most distinctive botanical gardens, home to thousands of cacti & succulents alongside Mediterranean, tropical & wetland plants.

• Afternoon at Es Trenc Beach

  

  Spend the final afternoon at Platja d'Es Trenc, Mallorca's most famous natural beach. It stretches for roughly 2 kilometres along fine white sand & shallow turquoise water, flanked by dunes.

• Late Afternoon/Evening: Return to Palma

  Drive back to Palma via the Ma-19. It will take you approx. 50 min (~50.2 km away). If you have rented a car, drop off the vehicle at Palma Airport or downtown, depending on your departure plans.

Where to eat

Where to stay in Palma (Final night)

• Budget-friendly option: Brick Palma
• Mid-range option: Hotel Saratoga
• High-end property: El Llorenc Parc de la Ma

Helpful tips for driving in Mallorca: Rules, parking & roads

Important rules in Mallorca

• You need to drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
• Speed limits vary by road type and local signage. In urban areas, limits can be as low as 20 km/h (single-lane streets), while motorways can permit up to 120 km/h. Always follow the posted limit, particularly through villages and mountain roads.
• Be careful on the roundabouts. Spanish law requires drivers to position themselves appropriately according to their intended exit and move to the outer lane before exiting when safe, while following road markings/signage.
• The MA-10 is popular with cyclists, particularly around the Serra de Tramuntana, so allow extra space (at least 1.5 meters of space) when overtaking.
• If you have hired a rental car, always keep your driving licence, IDP, passport, rental contract and vehicle registration handy throughout your journey.

Parking breakdown (The color codes)

* Parking markings & restrictions can have local municipality variations, so always check nearby signs & meters.

Route-specific road conditions & restrictions

• Avoid driving directly into the narrow streets of Palma's historic center. Several areas of the Old Town are designated as ACIRE (Controlled Access Residential Areas), where vehicle access is restricted & generally requires authorization.
• You can park your vehicle in underground garages such as Parc de la Mar or Placa d'Espanya.
• It is advised to drive well below the posted speed limit when necessary on MA-10 and MA-2141, particularly around blind bends, hairpins and narrow sections.
• In mountain villages such as Valldemossa, Deia & Fornalutx, park your car in a designated parking area and explore the village on foot. Historic streets can be narrow, steep & difficult to navigate and in some areas, vehicle access is restricted.

Quick checklist before you hit the road

• If you are renting a car opt for a compact vehicle. Narrow mountain lanes and tight underground parking garages make smaller cars far less stressful to drive than large SUVs.
• Download offline maps as cellular service may drop in deep mountain gorges along the Ma-10 and near Sa Calobra.
• Reserve your time-slot tickets for popular sites like the Cuevas del Drach at least a few days in advance before your travel dates.
• While card payments are widely accepted across the island, some remote beach parking lots & small village meters may require small coins or Euro notes.

People also ask

• How many days do I need for a Mallorca road trip?

  You can experience Mallorca's major highlights in 5 days, making it an ideal length for a first road trip.

  A 5-day itinerary allows you to combine Palma's historic sights with the Serra de Tramuntana, dramatic mountain roads, picturesque villages, northern viewpoints and the island's beautiful east and south coast.

  If you prefer a slower pace with more time for beaches, hiking and smaller villages, extend your trip to 7 days or more.

• Is driving in Mallorca difficult?

  Driving in Mallorca is generally easy with well-maintained main roads connecting Palma, the airport and major towns. However, some scenic routes through the Serra de Tramuntana can be narrow, winding and steep, requiring slower speeds and extra caution.

  Historic villages such as Valldemossa, Deia and Fornalutx can also have restricted or limited-access streets and tight parking.

• What is the most scenic road in the Mallorca road trip?

  The MA-10 through the Serra de Tramuntana is widely regarded as one of Mallorca's most scenic driving routes.

  It winds through dramatic mountain landscapes and along the northwest coast, connecting postcard worthy villages such as Banyalbufar, Valldemossa, Deia and Soller. 

  For even more dramatic mountain scenery, you can take the MA-2141 to Sa Calobra, famous for its steep descent and numerous hairpin bends.

• When is the best month for a road trip in Mallorca?

  May, June, September & October are among the best months for a Mallorca road trip. The weather is comfortable for sightseeing, hiking & beach stops, while roads and attractions are typically less crowded.

  May and June are good for exploring the Serra de Tramuntana, while September and October offer warm sea temperatures and pleasant conditions for coastal drives.

  If you travel in July or August, expect heavier traffic, busier beaches and difficulty finding parking at popular attractions.