Mallorca rewards the curious. Romans, Moors, and the Crown of Aragon all left their mark on this Balearic island, from Palma’s honey‑stone Gothic cathedral to Arab Baths and hill towns tucked into the Serra de Tramuntana. The interior is a patchwork of olive terraces and vineyards; the coast swoons into sheltered calas with impossibly clear water.

Food here is honest and proud: sobrasada on warm bread, tumbet layered with summer vegetables, arròs brut spooned straight from the pan, and flaky ensaïmadas with thick hot chocolate. Markets overflow with island almonds and oranges from Sóller, while restaurants range from counter-top tapas to Michelin-starred cliffside dining.

Practical notes: Summer is dazzling—and busy—so prebook restaurants and parking, especially on scenic roads like Formentor. Spring and fall bring mild weather and excellent hiking. Buses reach many villages, but a rental car gives freedom; in high season, shuttles may replace private vehicles on certain routes (e.g., Formentor). Always carry water, sunscreen, and rock shoes for pebbly coves.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma is your stylish gateway: a waterfront capital of Gothic spires, modernist mansions, and alleyways perfumed by bakeries. Start at La Seu cathedral, whose nave glows with Gaudí interventions and Miquel Barceló’s chapel. Then meander to Es Baluard Museum, Bellver’s circular castle, and the foodie quarters of La Lonja and Santa Catalina.

Why base here first: unbeatable dining, energetic markets, and easy day trips to Valldemossa and Deià. Palma also has the island’s best coffee culture, beach access at Illetes and Cala Major, and sunset terraces overlooking the bay.

• Getting in (flights/ferries): Fly into PMI; from most European hubs, nonstop flights are 1–2.5 hours. Compare options on Omio (often $40–$120 one way off-peak). Ferries from Barcelona or Valencia take ~6–8.5 hours; check sailings on Omio Ferries. Airport to Old Town: 15–20 minutes by taxi (~€25–35) or A1 bus (~€5).
• Where to stay: Browse apartments near La Lonja or Santa Catalina on VRBO Palma or hotels on Hotels.com Palma. Specific picks: cliff‑perched Cap Rocat (ultimate splurge), beach‑friendly Iberostar Playa de Palma, and Old Town charmer Hostal Pons. Budget by the long strand at El Arenal: Hostal Atlanta.

Day 1: Arrive in Palma — Old Town Ramble and Tapas

Morning: Flight or ferry to Mallorca. Grab a window seat if you can—the approach over the Sierra is stunning.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs along Parc de la Mar to La Seu Cathedral (allow 45–60 minutes; tickets ~€10). Slip into the Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) nearby for a serene 10‑minute peek at Palma’s Moorish past and citrus‑scented gardens. Coffee and first ensaïmada at Can Joan de S’Aigo—almond ice cream is the local classic.

Evening: Tapas crawl in Santa Catalina. Try Bar España for croquetas and spicy patatas bravas, then counter‑seat at El Camino for razor clams, tortilla, and txakoli poured high. Cocktails at Ginbo (Mallorcan gin, citrus, and rosemary) or the theatrical, baroque Abaco for a one‑drink wonder.

Day 2: Markets, Castles, and Waterfront Sunset

Morning: Espresso and avocado toast at La Molienda or a flat white at Mistral Coffee Roasters. Graze through Mercat de l’Olivar—oysters at the fish bar, then a slice of coca and olives to go. Visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and stroll the Born.

Afternoon: Taxi or bus up to Castell de Bellver for panoramic city‑to‑mountain views (allow 60–90 minutes; entry ~€4–6). If art calls, swap Bellver for Es Baluard and its terrace café.

Evening: Book Marc Fosh for a Michelin‑star tasting that celebrates Mallorcan produce (reservations essential), or try De Tokio a Lima for slick Nikkei flavors on a city‑view terrace. Nightcap with live music at Blue Jazz Club atop Hotel Saratoga.

Day 3: Beach Day—Illetes and Cala Comtessa, Then Contemporary Art

Morning: Brunch at Santina (fresh bowls, eggs, good coffee), then bus/taxi to Platja d’Illetes and adjacent Cala Comtessa—clear water, pine shade, easy snorkeling. Bring rock shoes and arrive early; sunbeds are limited in summer.

Afternoon: Lunch at Balneario Illetas (sea bream a la plancha; book if you want front‑row tables) or head back toward Palma for a pool‑bed afternoon at Purobeach Palma. Culture stop: Fundació Miró Mallorca, set in Miró’s studio complex.

Evening: Breezy dinner at Tast Club (tapas with a wink—beef sirloin, truffled tortilla), or seasonal tasting at Fera. Finish with a classic at Brassclub, where the bartenders lean inventive but balanced.

Day 4: Valldemossa & Deià—Stone Villages and a Swim at Cala Deià

Morning: Drive or take the TIB 203 bus (scenic; ~40 minutes) to Valldemossa. Breakfast on warm coca de patata at Ca’n Molinas, then tour the Royal Carthusian Monastery where Chopin wintered with George Sand.

Afternoon: Continue the MA‑10 coastal road to Deià. Hike the Caminet to Cala Deià (20–30 minutes down), swim, and lounge on flat rocks. Lunch at Ca’s Patró March (grilled fish; reserve or go early) or Sa Vinya in the village for pa amb oli and local wine.

Evening: Golden‑hour stroll around Deià’s church and cemetery with sea views, then return to Palma for a simple dinner—try Bar La Rosa Vermutería (vermut, gildas, anchovies). Rest up: tomorrow you change bases.

Port de Sóller (and Sóller)

Northwest Mallorca trades city bustle for citrus groves and mountain drama. Sóller’s Modernist façades frame a lively square; a vintage tram trundles to Port de Sóller, a perfect crescent beach ringed by seafood spots and sunset terraces. Trails lace the Serra de Tramuntana right from town.

Why stay here: doorstep hikes (Fornalutx, Biniaraix, Deià), easy boat trips to Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent, and those famous oranges. You’ll feel the island exhale.

• Getting there from Palma: Morning transfer (assume ~9:00). By car via tunnel: ~35 minutes. The historic Tren de Sóller (1 hour) is a joy—wood‑paneled coaches through orchards (adult ~€18–25 one way). The tram Sóller–Port (~15–20 minutes; ~€8–9) completes the journey.
• Where to stay: For seafront and sunsets, browse VRBO Port de Sóller or Hotels.com Port de Sóller. For village calm, check VRBO Sóller and Hotels.com Sóller.

Day 5: Palma → Sóller by Vintage Train, Port Promenade, and Sunset Seafood

Morning: Depart Palma on the Tren de Sóller (aim for a mid‑morning departure; sit on the right for views). Switch to the Tramvia for the breezy ride into Port de Sóller. Drop bags and breathe—different island, same island.

Afternoon: Lunch at Kingfisher (grilled octopus, catch of the day, harbor views) or Randemar for Mediterranean bowls and pizzas. Beach time on the protected sands; rent a kayak or take a short coastal boat cruise from the port (2 hours is perfect) to sea caves and swim stops.

Evening: Sunset apéritif at cliff‑edge Nautilus. Dinner at Es Canyis (since 1954; try the John Dory and the “Gató” almond cake). Gelato nightcap at Fet a Sóller, featuring local oranges.

Day 6: Cap de Formentor and Alcúdia Old Town (Full‑Day Road Trip)

Morning: Early start by car to Alcúdia Old Town (~1 hr 15 min). Coffee at Can Moixet under the arcades and a stroll on the medieval walls. If it’s Tuesday or Sunday, the market floods the streets with produce and crafts.

Afternoon: Drive the Formentor peninsula: stop at Mirador Es Colomer and Talaia d’Albercutx for cliff‑to‑sea vistas. Swim at Platja de Formentor; in peak season, sections of the road close to private cars midday—use the shuttle bus (small fee) and plan around it. Lunch beachside at Ponderosa Beach on Playa de Muro (book ahead; rice dishes are the move).

Evening: If you linger for lighthouse sunset, return carefully after dark (curves, goats); otherwise head back toward Sóller before dusk. Light dinner at Bon VI (wines and small plates) or a pa amb oli at Sa Figuera near the port.

Day 7: Sóller Slow Morning, Then Depart

Morning: Breakfast at Café Scholl (homemade cakes, good brews). Explore Plaça de la Constitució and the Modernist Church of Sant Bartomeu, then pop into Can Prunera Modernist Museum if time allows. Saturday brings a lively local market.

Afternoon: Tram or taxi back to Sóller station, then car/taxi to PMI for your flight (35–45 minutes by road; taxis ~€50–65). If you’re bussing, TIB line 204 runs Sóller–Palma, then connect to the A1 airport bus. Depart with a tote of oranges and a box of ensaïmadas.

Evening: In transit. Start plotting your return—there’s always another cala to swim and another terrace to discover.

Eating and Drinking Cheat Sheet (Save This)

• Palma coffee: La Molienda; Mistral Coffee Roasters.
• Palma lunches: Mercat de l’Olivar fish bar; El Camino counter dining; Bar La Rosa Vermutería.
• Palma dinners: Marc Fosh (tasting); De Tokio a Lima (Nikkei); Tast Club (stylish tapas); Fera (seasonal tasting).
• Sweet stops: Can Joan de S’Aigo (ensaïmada, almond ice cream); coca de patata at Ca’n Molinas (Valldemossa).
• Port de Sóller: Kingfisher; Es Canyis; Randemar; Nautilus for sunset; Fet a Sóller for citrus gelato.
• Day trip bites: Ponderosa Beach (Playa de Muro); Sa Vinya (Deià).
• Mallorcan must‑tries: sobrasada on pa amb oli, tumbet, arròs brut, Mahón and Mallorcan cheeses, local wines (Binissalem DO).

Getting To/From Mallorca—Optional Barcelona Add‑On

Many travelers route via Barcelona. If you add a night before or after Mallorca, these top‑rated experiences pair beautifully with your island week:

• Barcelona: Sagrada Familia Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Tickets

  

  Beat the queues and learn Gaudí’s symbolism up close.
• Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour

  

  A tasty primer on Catalan bites and local vermut before you fly to Palma.
• Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch

  

  A mountain‑monastery day that nicely mirrors Mallorca’s blend of peaks and palate.

Final logistics: For intra‑Europe flights and ferries, compare times and fares on Omio (flights) and Omio (ferries). Book Palma and Sóller stays via VRBO and Hotels.com; for a splurge near Palma, consider Cap Rocat.

Summary: In one week, this Mallorca itinerary layers Palma’s culture and cuisine with Sóller’s mountain‑meets‑sea rhythm. Between cathedral light, coves at Illetes and Deià, a Formentor road trip, and seafood sunsets in Port de Sóller, you’ll taste and see the island at its best. Leave room in your bag for olive oil, oranges, and promises to return.