3 Days Playing Mermaids in Mallorca
TRAVEL DATES: MAY 20-23, 2023 | EST. READING TIME: 24 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Dreaming of diving into crystal clear, turquoise waters to unleash your inner mermaid?
An enchanting island steeped in sunlit beauty, traveling to Mallorca offers the perfect Mediterranean escape. The sandstone walls of charming Moorish architecture like the cathedral radiate at sunset, while ancient hilltop monasteries dot serene vistas across the island.
Find traditional agriculture cultivating the lush orange groves of Sóller and olive farms in the tranquil countryside, paired with fresh seafood and local wines providing a taste of the rich Balearic soil. Rocky cliffs plunging into crystal-clear waters along the coastline reveal hidden coves with white sandy beaches at every turn. Mallorca is not just a destination; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in a slower way of life where beauty unfolds in panoramic views and every moment feels like a step back to a more enchanted age.
Three Day Mallorca Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed Mallorca island travel guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
9:20 - 10:00 AM: 🚌 Begin your tour of the island with a leisurely drive to Alcúdia (40 min)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 🥘 Explore the farmer’s market and grab a traditional Spanish bite to eat (2 hrs)
12:15 - 12:45 PM: ⛵ Wander through the harbor at the Port de Pollença (30 min)
1:00 - 1:30 PM: 🪨 Look out at the scenic Mirador de El Colomer viewpoint (30 min)
1:45 - 3:15 PM: ⛱️ Lounge on the Playa de Formentor (1 hr 30 min)
3:30 - 4:00 PM: ⛴️ Cruise on the ferry back to the Port de Pollença (30 min)
4:00 - 5:00 PM: 🚍 Head back to your original pick-up spot on the Puerto de Palma (1 hr)
7:30 - 9:30 PM: 🍷 Taste home-grown Mallorcan wine at Avinae Wine & Spirits (2 hrs)
9:45 - 10:45 PM: 🍻 Keep the night going at Arlequin Restaurant and Cocktail Bar and Guirigall (1 hr)
Day 2
9:30 - 10:45 AM: 🥞 Enjoy a colorful, “flexitarian” breakfast at Brunchit (1 hr 15 min)
10:45 AM - 1:30 PM: 🛍️ Shop around Plaça Major for beachy accessories (1 hr 45 min)
3:00 - 7:00 PM: 🛥️ Cruise through the Bay of Palma on a luxury catamaran (4 hrs)
7:30 - 9:00 PM: 🍝 Indulge with a filling pasta dinner at Gigi's Piccolo Ristorante (1 hr 30 min)
Day 3
8:00 - 8:40 AM: 🥮 Grab a quick ensaimada at Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo (40 min)
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: 🌊 Get your adrenaline racing on a thrilling coasteering adventure (4 hrs)
3:00 - 5:00 PM: ⛪ Leisurely explore La Seu and Banys Àrabs during the late afternoon (2 hours)
6:00 - 9:00 PM: 🧑🍳 Put on your chef hat during a group Spanish cooking experience (3 hr)
How to Get Around Mallorca?
Your Mallorca itinerary will ultimately determine the most appropriate method of transportation. If you’re dreaming of lounging on the sun-soaked shores of beach coves, you’ll need a vehicle to access these hidden gems off the beaten path. While I can’t speak to this experience myself, vehicles drive on the right side of the road on the island, so there shouldn’t be too steep of a learning curve for American drivers here. If you do plan to cruise down coastal highways, there’s no easier rental company to book with than Sixt. I’ve used them three times myself in the states, and every time the pick-up and drop-off process has been a complete breeze, with the entire exchange lasting no more than 5 minutes. They conveniently have four locations in Mallorca, so if you don’t want to wait in line for hours at a legacy vendor like Hertz, be sure to book with Sixt! Once you’re cruising down the road in your convertible, check out Cala d’Or, Playa del Mago, and Caló des Moro for the perfect secluded beaches to play mermaids at!
While I imagine this would be the most magical way to explore Mallorca on a self-guided journey, we visited the island during the end of May and sadly didn’t receive the gift of great beach weather. Instead, we opted to stay around our home base in Palma and sign up for a bunch of excursions based in the city’s capital. For any activities you do inside the city center, the compact alleyways and side streets means it’s easier and quicker to walk wherever you’re going. No destination every took us more than 20 minutes to reach, and the taxi you’ll need to take to and from the airport will likely be your only transit expense for approximately £25. We had an early flight out of Palma when we left the island, and if you’re in a similar situation it’s easy to call one of the operator numbers listed on the side of cabs driving around in the city to schedule a taxi pick-up in advance!
To broaden our exploration beyond the city, we enlisted the help of Viajes Sidetours for a tour around the island. The detailed day 1 itinerary below describes the ins and outs of this Cap de Formentor journey, but the highlights include shopping around the Alcúdia market, ferrying to Port de Pollença, and lounging on Playa de Formentor. If you were hoping to see these landmarks anyways you’ll be better off booking this tour instead of renting a car, since drivers attempting the same journey have chronicled heaps of complaints about parking problems, closed mountain roads, expensive rates, and fines from license plate cameras. Alternatively, consider hitching a ride on the bus up from Port de Pollença for only €1.80.
One thing to note about this tour option (assuming all the drivers use the same script), is that your multilingual guide will talk the ENTIRE time you’re driving. If you know nothing about the region and consider yourself to be an avid learner, this format will be perfect for you; however, if you don’t want to listen to someone continuously repeat the same phrases in five different languages, consider bringing along headphones.
How to Get from Mallorca Airport to Palma?
FROM: Palma de Mallorca Airport (Llevant de Palma District, 07611 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain)
TO: Palma’s Distrito Centro
TRANSPORTATION: taxi (10-15 min, direct, €25)
This could be you strolling around Palma!
As a small island operation, the Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is located a quick taxi ride away from the capital’s urban core. This 10 to 15 minute ride will cost you around €25, or if you’re looking to travel to Mallorca, Spain more frugally there’s a bus that services the airport. Catch the A1 line from the Aeroport - Sortides stop and ride for 14 minutes over 3 stops until you arrive at the 456-Alexandre Rosselló - Àrea d'intercanvi Sindicat stop servicing the city center. This line runs every 15 minutes and costs ~$6, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long for your carriage to whisk you away. After a long travel day from the United States to Zurich and then to Mallorca, we opted for the more efficient route and simply hopped in a taxi to our Airbnb. When it’s time to return to the airport for your flight home, you can conveniently schedule a taxi pick-up by calling any of the operator phone numbers pasted on the exterior of taxis driving around the city!
If you’ve decided to rent a car to explore hidden gems around the island, all of the major rental companies have booths inside the airport as well!
Where to Stay in Mallorca on a Budget?
LODGING: Old Town Apartment (no frills bedroom in shared apartment, $246.16 for 4 nights split among 2 people)
With an action-packed itinerary—and consequently many excursions to pay for—my best friend and I decided budget accommodations in Mallorca were our best way to go. While the decision between splurging and saving on lodging is a whole separate discussion, in this case we found it most cost-effective to stay in a no-frills Airbnb room with convenient access to the heart of historic Palma. This listing in a renovated 18th century building is none other than a private room in Sunil’s shared apartment. An accommodating yet respectful host, Sunil helped us carry our bags into his apartment and shared local recommendations—like the historic Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo—upon request, but never made us feel uncomfortable and essentially left us to our own devices. As twenty-two year old girls at the time, this was especially important and appreciated on our end, since in practice we were effectively sharing this apartment with a stranger.
What you see is what you get in the Airbnb listing, and although it’s nothing overly luxurious you’ll find everything you could need to ensure a comfortable stay. As a superhost with 9 years of experience and an extremely solid 4.92 star rating on this listing, you can’t go wrong with this budget accommodation option in the capital of Mallorca, Spain!
Lively streets right outside the Airbnb listing
What to Do in Mallorca?
Day 1
FROM: your pickup depends on your lodging, but is likely the Port of Palma (Disseminat Aparcamiento Sector H)
TO: Alcúdia (07400, Balearic Islands, Spain)
TRANSPORTATION: Viajes Sidetours (40 min, direct, included in tour price)
Alcúdia
Assuming you’ve opted to traverse the island with the help of a coach tour, you’ll begin your day with pick-up from Puerto de Palma around 9:20 AM. From here, you’ll be whisked away across the width of the island to the north end, where the quaint town of Alcúdia awaits.
Alcúdia is home to well-preserved medieval walls and a historic old town that dates back to the 13th century. As the capital of Mallorca during the Roman period, Roman ruins can be found scattered about, including the remains of the ancient city of Pollentia.
The real treat, however, is the vibrant market in Alcúdia’s old town held every Tuesday and Sunday on the Paseo Mare de Déu de la Victòria and surroundings. Here you’ll find a large number of stalls with juicy fruit from the island, textiles, and artisan handicrafts. While I didn’t buy anything on this particular occasion, pursuing the stalls was the perfect way to enjoy this sunny Sunday morning and occupied about an hour of the stop.
Given that the time you’ll spend in Alcúdia is one of the longer stops on this 8-hour tour of Mallorca, I’d recommend getting a bite to eat here before you need to return to the coach. My best friend and I ate paella at The Corner, but after receiving an onslaught of some of the worst reviews I’ve ever seen on TripAdvisor it appears to be permanently closed. I really didn’t find the food to be that bad, but nonetheless you can still try this traditional Spanish dish at Restaurante Fonda Llabrés, which has mildly better reviews than The Corner. The timing of this stop is tricky, because the really fantastic spots like Restaurant Celler Ca'n Costa don’t open until later in the afternoon when you’ll already be on your way to Port de Pollença. That being said, expect to eat average food from one of the café’s catering to tourists and opening early—since authentic Spanish spots will likely be opening in the late morning anyways—and you won’t be disappointed. If your heart is set on enjoying delectable paella don’t worry, you’ll be cooking some yourself on the third day of this itinerary!
Port de Pollença
After Alcúdia, your next stop will be the Port de Pollença after a quick 15 minute drive. This strategic naval port is set against the stunning backdrop of the Tramuntana mountain range, with sandy beaches and clear, shallow water perfect for swimming.
Depending on the weather during your tour, swimming may not be top of mind, so consider spending the 30 minutes during this stop strolling through the Pine Walk promenade. This beautiful, shaded promenade lined with ancient pine trees offers stunning views of the bay and adds to the serene experience of this stop.
Departing from the coach next to the marina will also allow you to admire the boats in the harbor in a picturesque view that is quintessentially Mediterranean. If you’ve still got time to spare, or are feeling a bit hungry after the drive over from Alcúdia, enjoy a quick cup of coffee or scoop of gelato from one of the many local cafés and gelaterias near the waterfront.
Candidly, we showed up to this tour extremely jet-lagged, hungover, and ill-prepared for the cool weather with nothing but two thin towels to keep ourselves warm. Assuming you look and feel like less of a train wreck, you should absolutely depart from the coach and enjoy this stop. We fools—on the other hand—just slept in the back of the bus! Travel plans don’t always work out perfectly, and in this moment the extra 30 minutes of sleep we caught on the quiet bus were absolutely critical.
Mirador de El Colomer
Another quick 15 minute ride on the bus will take you to Mirador de El Colomer. This viewpoint offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views on the island with dramatic cliffs and deep blue waters creating a striking visual contrast. Positioned on the northern tip of Mallorca, this stop provides visitors with awe-inspiring vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, the rugged coastline, and the Tramuntana mountain range.
Unlike other viewpoints that require a hike, Es Colomer is easily accessible by car, making it a convenient stop for those touring the island. A short walk from the parking area leads to the most majestic view, which is accessible to a wide range of visitors via paved paths with handrails—you may even see a wild goat while admiring the view! If you’re in need of a quick bite, a small kiosk and sometimes food trucks can be found in the area selling convenient—albeit overpriced—snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
I fear this is another stop where our foolish decisions from the night before led us to remain on the coach pretty much the whole time. As pictured in this photographic evidence, we did attempt to explore the area before being figuratively blown away. The context clues hidden in the photo to the left will demonstrate that while the rest of our tour group checked the weather ahead of time and came prepared with long pants and a warm jacket, we showed up ready for a blissful summer day in our breezy jumpsuits. Learn from our mistakes and make smarter decisions!
Playa de Formentor
Only 10 more minutes on the bus will take you to arguably the most beautiful destination on this tour: Playa de Formentor. This crescent-shaped beach is one of the finest natural beaches in Mallorca Spain, surrounded by a lush pine forest and the Tramuntana mountains. A clean, tree-backed stretch of paradise almost one kilometer long, the narrow beach is filled with fine-grained sand and shallow blue-green waves that lap at the calm shore.
With an hour and a half to spare, consider taking a dip in the crystal clear water or tan on the sandy shore. If you prefer to avoid the UV rays, the pine trees also offer plenty of natural shade or you can rent loungers and umbrellas lining the beach. The usual facilities like showers, toilets, and the waterfront eatery L'Espigó BeachBar can be found about, and during the summer supervision is provided by a lifeguard.
If you come prepared with a particular water sport in mind, you likely have enough time to rent the required gear if you do so right at the beginning of the stop. Water bikes, windsurfing equipment, small sailboats, and catamarans are offered at different points throughout the year along this shore.
As you may have guessed from my previous snarky comments, we did not come prepared to swim, nor did the weather create an enticing opportunity for us to do so. Instead, we captured the perfectly fake Instagram flicks against the stunning landscape that managed to hide how frigid we really were. Once these photos were captured, we huddled ourselves in our towels again and sat on a rock under the pine trees chatting about life.
Once your time at Playa de Formentor is up, grab a ferry ticket from the tour operator and board the boat that will take you back to the Port de Pollença after about a thirty minute ride. From the Port de Pollença, the same bus will pick you up from the ferry depot and transport you back to Palma, which takes about an hour to return to where you originally departed from. If you boarded the tour from central Palma like we did—which just so happens to be the last pickup point—the drop-off process occurs in reverse so you’ll be in the first group off the bus!
Avinae Wine & Spirits Tasting
FROM: Sunil’s apartment (Carrer de Can Sanç)
TO: Avinae Wine & Spirits Tasting (Carrer dels Llums, 3, Centre, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain)
TRANSPORTATION: turn right out of the Airbnb down Carrer de Can Sanç, left onto Carrer de la Carnisseria, right onto Carrer de Santa Eulàlia, right at the next side street you see with Mallorcària on the corner, and finally left onto Carrer dels Fideus (while these directions sound complicated, this only entails a ~3 minute walk)
Use your time in Palma to learn more about Mallorcan wine with a tasting session in the heart of the old town. Taking place in the basement of a cozy 'colmado' wine store, the tasting includes plenty of samples along with a mahón cheese plate and other local delights like wild boar sobrasada, a native high-quality sausage. As a nice extra touch, the group is limited to just four people so you get personal attention from your host.
Dani was our extremely knowledgeable sommelier who made the experience feel like a chemistry session! When learning about each wine variety, he explained the simple science behind the Mallorcan pairings in an easy to understand manner to describe why some snacks opened the body of the wine while others dulled its flavor. This was without a doubt the most informative tasting I’ve ever been to, but Dani was so charismatic that the lessons were incredibly entertaining rather than dragging on like a boring class.
The intimate nature of this small-group experience meant we got to know all of the other wine-lovers present while chatting about the island, and with our bellies warmed with wine we decided to all keep the night going on a quick bar crawl!
Drinks — Arlequin and Guirigall
From the green chartreuse shots being served on the counter, you may not realize that two 21 year old girls ended up here with four Danes in their late 50’s! In all of my tasting experiences abroad, the nature of wine to warm up strangers and form unlikely friendships is unparalleled, and such was the case here! Following the end of our experience at Avinae Wine & Spirits, we all headed across the street to circus-themed Arlequin Restaurant & Cocktail Bar where Dani treated everyone to a peppery liqueur none of us had tried before! I imagine the tasting owners have some kind of partnership with Arlequin, as it’s conveniently located across the street and we’re definitely not the first group to end up here with Dani.
Nonetheless, he was kind enough to treat everyone to this drink as we all continued to chat and get to know each other better! Continuing on to another recommended spot from Dani, we ended the night at Guirigall after my best friend and I shared a round of craft beers with the rest of the group! This casual pub was a bit more laid-back than playful Arlequin, and the quiet interior of this brewery feels like it’s straight out of Amsterdam with biking motifs decorating the walls. Once you’re satisfied with your nightcap, or when your bed starts calling, head back to your lodging to prepare for another active day ahead!
Day 2
FROM: Sunil’s apartment (Carrer de Can Sanç)
TO: Brunchit (Carrer Capellers, 2, Distrito Centro, 07002 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain)
TRANSPORTATION: walk 3 minutes down Plaça d’En Coll
Breakfast — Brunchit
Begin your second day in Palma with breakfast at Brunchit, a brunch concept born in Bali with famous floral facades. The flexitarian menu caters to all dietary preferences, with classics like eggs Benedict on the menu alongside innovative creations like red vegan pancakes. Each dish is designed with the best top quality ingredients from local markets and is garnished with a magical touch of color and joy. I enjoyed a vegan pancake variety that looks like it’s been updated with new dish options, but regardless of what you decide to order from Brunchit it’s sure to be delicious! It’s important to note that this chain doesn’t accept reservations, so you may have to wait a bit before being seated.
Plaça Major
Directly outside Brunchit is Plaça Major, Palma’s main square. Surrounded by traditional yellow buildings with green shutters, this center of city life stands where the San Felipe Neri convent was originally located. Today, however, you’ll find a great selection of cafes, bars and restaurants with the possibility of seeing street artists and musicians perform. As such, this is the perfect jumping off point for a quick shopping spree in Palma!
I was on the hunt for beach attire and accessories to wear on our upcoming catamaran excursion, and found exactly what I was looking for at Stradavarius and Bossa. This Spanish fashion retailer reminds me of Zara in terms of the type of clothes offered and the affordable price point. I walked out with a teal linen button down that was perfect for the breezy boat along with a textured cream tank that has become a staple in my wardrobe. With Bossa being our next stop, I was stoked to find colorful beaded bracelets that wouldn’t tarnish for a reasonable price! My travel companion and I both walked out with some new jewels, and I was devastated when I got home and realized they don’t have an online store — if I’m ever back in Palma, returning to Bossa will be at the top of my itinerary! Shop around until it’s time for your catamaran excursion, and make sure to head back to your lodging to change if you plan to wear a swimsuit.
Bay of Palma
FROM: Sunil’s apartment (Carrer de Can Sanç)
TO: Port of Palma (Disseminat Aparcamiento Sector H)
TRANSPORTATION: walk 15 minutes to the Port of Palma across from Carrer del Moll
Take a break from the city streets and embark on a relaxing catamaran tour along the coast as one of the top things to do in Mallorca, Spain. Whether you’d prefer a relaxing or active half-day on the water, this intimate small-group experience provides everything you could need. After being welcomed with a glass of champagne, you’ll depart from the harbor as you admire the beautiful Balearic Island views. Once the boat cruises into a sheltered cove, you'll be served tasty homemade Spanish tapas and can spend the afternoon how you please — whether that’s by taking a swim in the turquoise water, navigating with a snorkel or SUP board, or just lounging on the bow net.
Given the chilly day our tour fell on, we didn’t do much swimming—although for the record we did take a quick dip in the frigid water!—and instead ordered a bottle of wine to share as we relaxed and indulged on this maritime journey. Our captain was super friendly and let the self-proclaimed DJ in our group queue up lively music throughout the afternoon. While four hours may sound like a long time, the trip absolutely flew by as we chatted with the other passengers, took LOTS of photos, and nibbled on some tasty treats. My favorite Catalan snack served up was pan con tomate, which as the name implies involves a fresh tomato paste spread over hearty toasted bread!
Dinner - Gigi's Piccolo Ristorante
FROM: Port of Palma (Disseminat Aparcamiento Sector H)
TO: Gigi’s Piccolo Ristorante (Carrer de Cazador, 3, Centre, 07002 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain)
TRANSPORTATION: walk 22 minutes down Passieg de Sagrera onto Carrer del Palau Reial then Carrer de Can Vatlori
After a long day on the water, fill up your belly with a warm, hearty Italian dinner from Gigi's Piccolo Ristorante. Without making a reservation in advance, we struggled to find a spot to eat dinner after our catamaran tour, and had to try to grab a table at multiple restaurants before finding Gigi’s! This delicious Tuscan cuisine served in a hidden gem off the beaten path was exactly what we needed, and the extremely reasonable prices were the cherry on top! For a mere €10 I enjoyed a hearty plate of rigatoni alla bolognese which was some of the cheapest, yet delicious pasta I’ve ever had! Enjoy everything that Gigi’s has to offer before calling it a night on your second day in Mallorca!
Pro Tip:
As a popular cruise ship port, dainty Palma can quickly become overrun with thousands of tourists in the main city center, especially during the cruising high-season of the spring and summer. If you’re set on dining at a particular restaurant, you should plan to make reservations in advance since you likely won’t know which days a cruise ship will be docking in the harbor!
Day 3
Breakfast — Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo
Assuming you’re staying in Sunil’s apartment, just across the street you’ll find Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo, a Palma hidden gem run by a small Mallorcan family who has produced homemade traditional products for three centuries. This historic cafe was notably founded by one of the first ice cream makers in Mallorca—‘Joan de s’Aigo’—and is one of the oldest chocolatiers in Europe. A businessman who invested in snow stores known as “cases de neu” in the Tramuntana mountain range, Joan invented the premise of mixing the melted ice with fruit juice, with the resulting treat being the precursor of today’s ice cream. Almond ice-cream was the first to be produced and it was of such good quality that doctors on the island prescribed it to their patients due to its nutritional value.
The Can Sanç location has preserved all the features of the first shop opened in the 1700s, including the mill used to grind the almonds and the ice cream vat which was used until the end of twentieth century. A short time later Joan began production of hot chocolate and ensaïmadas, which evolved into a local tradition of consuming these treats together after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The shop opens at 8:00 AM, so you won’t have much time before your 9:00 AM excursion, but you should be able to sneak a spiraled ensaïmada in that small window!
Experience Mallorca Coasteering
FROM: Sunil’s apartment (Carrer de Can Sanç)
TO: your pickup depends on your lodging, but is likely the Port of Palma (Disseminat Aparcamiento Sector H)
TRANSPORTATION: Experience Mallorca, with Portals Vells as the final destination (30 min, direct, included in tour price)
Once you’re finished with breakfast, prepare for an adrenaline rush as you embark on a 4-hour coasteering adventure. If you’re unfamiliar with coasteering, this marine activity involves sea caving, adventure swimming, cliff jumping, rock scrambling, and zip lining with the help of a licensed guide who will ensure you have a safe experience on this ultimate wet and wild day out. The cliff jumping involves a 3-12 meter drop after springing away from the beautiful coastline, and the tour progression ensures you start small and finish big while building confidence along the way.
We were SO excited for this action-packed activity, but unfortunately the inclement weather during our Mallorca trip caused our journey to get cancelled. That being said, I don’t have any personal remarks to add here, but just because we missed out on this experience doesn’t mean you have to. Coasteering is undoubtedly one of the most unique outdoor adventures and activities in Mallorca, so don’t miss this opportunity if you can stomach the jumps!
La Seu
FROM: Port of Palma (Disseminat Aparcamiento Sector H)
TO: La Seu (Plaça de la Seu, s/n, Centre, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain)
TRANSPORTATION: walk 16 minutes down the Port of Palma, cross the Avenue de Gabriel Roca, turn right onto Passeig Dalt Murada and then left onto Carrer del Palau Reial
After an exhilarating morning, take the afternoon slowly as you relax while exploring some of the cultural attractions and landmarks in Mallorca. Beginning with La Seu, this cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture with soaring vaults, slender columns, and one of the world's largest large rose windows on the main facade. Its construction began in 1229, after King Jaume I of Aragon conquered Mallorca, and it was not completed until 1601. In the early 20th century, renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí transformed the interior, making significant alterations like moving the choir from the middle of the nave to the presbytery, which added a unique modernist touch to the otherwise Gothic architecture.
Symbolizing the Christian conquest of the island, it’s also the site of the Royal Chapel containing the tombs of Mallorca’s monarchs. Today, you’ll find the seat of the Diocese of Mallorca inside, cementing La Seu as not only a place of worship but also a cultural icon on the island. While we just admired the facade from the sidewalk, you can tour the interior for €10 between 10:00 AM - 2:15 PM any day except Sundays.
Almudaina Palace
Flanking the left and right sides of the cathedral, you’ll find the King’s Orchard and Bishop’s Garden respectively. The King’s Orchard, or S'Hort del Rei, is a Moorish garden located outside the walls of Almudaina Palace. While in the 14th century this would have been an enclosed fruit tree and flower space within the palace, today the Andalusian-inspired garden features cypress trees, pergolas, and trickling fountains. The most notable feature is an ancient ship bow which crosses over the swan’s pond, as this arch likely came from the Almudaina Palace shipyard.
Originally an Islamic fort, Almudaina Palace now serves as the official summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family. It was converted into a royal residence by the Christian monarchs after the Reconquista, and today reflects this layered history as its original Islamic architecture is fused with Gothic and Romanesque elements added during the medieval Christian era.
On the opposite side of La Seu, Bishop’s Garden maintains the classical layout of the gardens of Palma’s historic mansions, with divisions for fruit trees, vegetables, and an ornamental pond with goldfish. Belonging to the Diocese of Mallorca, this is another serene natural oasis to stroll through during your relaxing afternoon.
Evidently, the landmarks of the Balearic Islands’ capital reflect the artistic styles that have succeeded each other throughout the history of Mallorca. Depending on the amount of time you have, meandering through each of these sites will provide you with a holistic view of how the region evolved under the leadership of various ruling cultures. From 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM every day except Mondays, you can delve deeper into the story of Mallorca’s past for only €7.77 inside Almudaina Palace, which houses a range of artifacts from Moorish pottery and tapestries to Renaissance art and even more modern pieces inside the lavishly decorated royal apartments. Otherwise, if you show up after 3:00 PM you can get free, 40-minute access to the palace from Wednesday through Sunday.
Banys Àrabs
One of the few remaining examples of Moorish architecture in Palma, the nearby Banys Àrab date back to the 10th century when the Moors ruled the island. They serve as a historical link to Mallorca's past, particularly its Islamic period, featuring typical Islamic architectural elements such as horseshoe arches and domed ceilings. The central room, which was likely used for hot baths, is covered by a dome that is punctuated with several round apertures. The resulting starry-sky effect this filtered light creates is a characteristic element of Islamic bathhouses.
A center for social interaction and relaxation, the Banys Àrabs provide insight into the daily life of Moorish inhabitants on the island, including their rituals and the importance of cleanliness in Islamic culture. The surrounding gardens add to the serene atmosphere, making it a peaceful retreat from the busier city streets. Open from 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM daily, touring the bathhouse costs a mere €2.50, with tickets available for purchase in front of the attraction. We spent around 30 minutes exploring the area and snapping photos, and you can expect to do the same.
Dinner — Lonja 18 Cooking Experience
FROM: Sunil’s apartment (Carrer de Can Sanç)
TO: Lonja 18 (Carrer de la Llotja, 18, Centre, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain)
TRANSPORTATION: walk 12 minutes following the same route you would take to the Port of Palma, turning right onto the Carrer de la Llotja prior to reaching the Avenue de Gabriel Roca
After connecting with the archival heritage of the island, cap off an exhilarating three days in Mallorca with an exploration into the local gastronomy of the region. In partnership with a local chef from Lonja 18, you’ll learn how to prepare the great classics of traditional Spanish cuisine, including seafood paella, tortilla española, and Catalan cream for dessert with mixed appetizers like sobrassada, pa’amb oli, and pimientos de Padrón. This deep dive into the culinary culture of Palma de Mallorca begins with a lesson on each dish, including which region of the island it originated from and the local ingredients involved in preparing it.
From there, each dish begins with a cooking demonstration before it’s up to the class to prepare the menu. In our group of eight students, each pair was assigned to prepare a small plate together, while the whole class contributed to the main course of paella. While the chef is available to provide help and instruction as needed, this is truly a hands-on activity where you’ll be encouraged to produce each dish from scratch — even if that means pulling out the tentacles and ink sack from a raw squid!
The friendly atmosphere of this 3.5 hour class and the charismatic chef was infectious, and even though I consider myself to be an atrocious cook I was easily able to follow the step-by-step instructions adapted to my skillset — and I’d say the dishes turned out quite tasty if I do say so myself! As the cherry on top, this class includes an open bar with your choice of white or red wine to enjoy throughout the experience. Our group warmed enough throughout due to the friendship-forming nature of wine, and by the end when we sat around the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor it felt like we had all known each other from the start! At the end of the class, you’ll walk out with the recipes you learned and can continue practicing at home to surprise your friends and family!
How Much Do Three Days in Mallorca Cost?
Following the above Mallorca vacation itinerary ideas totaled $810.27, costing me $270.09 per day as a student:
Transportation
$26.86 - Taxi rides to and from the PMI airport, split amongst two people
Food and Drink
$7.88 - Can of beer from Guirigall
$23.39 - Red vegan pancakes from Brunchit
$20.59 - Bottle of wine purchased on the catamaran, split among two people
$21.49 - Rigatoni pasta and split burrata from Gigi's Piccolo Ristorante
$10.74 - Ensaimada and coffee from Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo
Activities
$76.52 - Avinae Wine & Spirits tasting
$109.80 - Luxury catamaran sailing excursion with welcome drinks and tapas
$108.33 - Lonja 18 Spanish cooking experience
Souvenirs
$72.53 - Two beaded bracelets from Bossa
$32.59 - Linen button down and tank top from Stradivarius
Lodging
$246.16 - four nights in Sunil’s apartment, split amongst two people
Coasteering would’ve added an additional $76.33 to my expenses, bringing the grand total to $886.60. You’ll incur greater expenses if you decide to up your accommodations and stay in a hotel, and visiting in the summer during the peak tourist season will likely rate these rates even further.
If you’re on a tighter budget, consider window shopping around Plaça Major instead of actually buying any souvenirs. This is a pretty excursion-heavy itinerary, so you could also skip out on the wine tasting and visit a Spanish restaurant versus cooking your own paella with Lonja 18.
What to Wear in Mallorca?
While there's no strict dress code on Mallorca, a few key styles capture the essence of this sun-drenched island: light, airy fabrics and Mediterranean flair meet the relaxed, beach-inspired designs prevalent in coastal resorts. But what does that mean for you?
Embrace casual chic with a blend of comfort and style in this laid-back fashion scene. In practice, this means combining elegant pieces from your wardrobe with local artisan crafts and breezy linen garments. This mix-and-match approach might see you wearing a vibrant flowing maxi dress with espadrille sandals, or crisp linen pants paired with a teeny bikini—either way, be sure to choose lightweight materials that speak to the warm climate and embody the island's leisurely pace!
Sophisticated Jumpsuits
embrace a carefree vacation mindset and don’t worry about styling each outfit — get ready in a snap with an all-in-one jumpsuit!
Vibrant Dresses
radiate island energy with vibrant beachy dresses that pop against the saturated sunset
Teeny Bikinis
prepare to lounge under the warm Mallorcan sun with teeny bikinis that won’t give you funky tan lines
Linen Pants
airy linen pants blend comfort and style, from classic cream pairs to patterned sets with coastal details
Wrap Skirts
transition from the sand to the city with a relaxed wrap skirt you can dress up or down
Tropical Bandanas
keep your hair under control on the breezy island while exuding cool girl nonchalance
Is Mallorca Worth a Visit?
Unfortunately, May 2023 was not the best time to travel to Mallorca and the chilly weather prohibited the carefree beach days we had envisioned for ourselves on the island. That being said, weather is always a travel factor completely out of your control, and the fact that we were able to have an incredible trip even without enjoying the jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches around the coast speaks to the many merits of Mallorca. This also means you’ll likely enjoy Mallorca even if you’re not a fan of lounging on the beach all day!
As one of the three Balearic Islands, it’s difficult for me to count this visit as my first trip to Spain, even though Mallorca is technically part of the country! With some shared cultural relics like the delicious tradition of preparing paella, much of what we saw and heard from locals is that Mallorca retains a hodgepodge of characteristics from the various ruling bodies that occupied the island throughout its history. This is evident in the longstanding landmarks with architectural additions spanning centuries, the ongoing clash between speakers of the island’s two official languages, and the local pride for delicacies which are uniquely Mallorcan.
Even the natural topography of the land reflects the surprising amount of diversity contained on this relatively small floating rock — wooded hills and caves reflect the prehistoric period in the interior, fertile plains contrast with alpine peaks protruding from the west, and a mild climate makes every day spent on the long sandy beaches and spacious bays serene.
Mallorca is the ultimate island destination if you’re seeking rest and relaxation on the Mediterranean with the added delight of a completely new culture to experience. A quick flight over from the mainland, it fits perfectly into a Spanish tour if you’re already planning to hit Madrid or Barcelona on the way!
