Palma is a perfect base because the island's best day trips fan out from it in every direction. Mallorca is bigger than it looks on a map, and mountain roads are slow, so it helps to plan each day around two or three sights and not to try to see the whole island at once. Here are the trips that work best, with practical tips on how to do them.
To Sóller by the vintage train
The wooden train from Palma climbs through the Serra de Tramuntana and passes through a series of tunnels before it drops into the orange-growing valley of Sóller. It is a trip in itself, with views from the carriage windows and a stop at a viewpoint on some departures. In Sóller, wander the square, with its modernist church and bank, then take the old tram to Port de Sóller for lunch by the harbour. Allow a full day, and book ahead in the main season. Consider returning by a different route, such as the bus or a taxi, for variety.
To Valldemossa and Deià
Valldemossa is a honey-coloured mountain village built around the Royal Charterhouse, where Chopin and George Sand spent a famous winter. It is half an hour from Palma by car or bus, and it pairs naturally with a drive along the coast road to Deià, a small artists' village above a rocky cove. Many guided tours combine the two with Sóller. Visit the Charterhouse early, before the coaches arrive, and remember that it is closed on Sundays.
To the gardens of Alfabia
On the way to Sóller, the old road passes the Alfabia gardens, a Moorish-style estate with a long vine-covered pergola, fountains and shady terraces. It is a lovely, calm stop for an hour, whether you drive or take a day tour. Check opening days before you go, since they vary by season.
To Sa Calobra and the Torrent de Pareis
The road to Sa Calobra is one of Europe's great driving experiences, with a famous knot of hairpin bends dropping to a harbour at the mouth of a spectacular gorge. It is a long day from Palma, around an hour and a half each way, so combine it with Sóller or Lluc and start early. If you prefer not to drive, choose a guided tour or take the boat from Port de Sóller in season.
To the east coast caves
The Caves of Drach, near Porto Cristo, are the island's most famous show caves, ending with a concert on an underground lake. The nearby Cuevas dels Hams offer a different, more theatrical show. Visits are by timed slot, so book ahead, especially in winter, when slots are fewer. Add lunch in Porto Cristo, and if you have time, the Rafa Nadal Museum in nearby Manacor. Day tours with transport from Palma are a good option for those without a car.
To Cabrera by boat
From Colònia de Sant Jordi on the south-east coast, a boat crosses to the Cabrera archipelago, a protected national park with clear water, a hilltop castle and rare lizards. It is a half-day or full-day trip, best between spring and autumn, and it is perfect for swimmers and nature lovers. Combine it with the southern beaches and a fish lunch in the village.
To markets and villages
If you like local life, choose a market day. The market at Sineu on Wednesdays is one of the oldest on the island, and there are weekly markets in many towns, including Sóller on Saturdays. Add a stop at a winery in the Binissalem area, or an olive-oil mill, for a taste of the countryside. Smaller villages, such as Deià, Fornalutx and Pollença, repay a slow wander.
To the north
The north of the island is the other great region of Mallorca, with the medieval walled town of Alcúdia, the Formentor peninsula and the bay of Pollença. It is farther from Palma, so many visitors stay in the north for a night or two, or take a long guided tour. The cliffs at Formentor and the lighthouse at the tip are among the island's finest scenery.
How to get around
Public buses and the Sóller train work well for Sóller, Valldemossa and some villages, while the east coast and mountain viewpoints are easier by car or with a guided tour. If you drive, start early, take care on narrow mountain roads and watch for cyclists, who use the same routes in large numbers, particularly in spring and autumn. Fuel up in Palma, since stations are scarce in the mountains, and check the weather before driving high roads.
Sample pairings
For a classic first trip, pair the train to Sóller with Alfabia on the way. For a scenic day, join Valldemossa, Deià and Sa Calobra. For a family day, choose the east-coast caves and a lunch in Porto Cristo. For nature, choose Cabrera. Whichever you pick, allow time to linger, since the best moments are often the unplanned coffee in a village square.
