The Balearic Islands are a mosaic of limestone coves, medieval stone lanes, and citrus-sweet mountain air. Once a crossroad of Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Catalans, their legacy lives in fortress walls, Arab baths, and village chapels perched above the sea. Today, Mallorca and Ibiza pair culture with coastline—think Gothic cathedrals, rustic markets, and crystalline water that begs for a swim.

Two UNESCO treasures frame this week: Palma’s La Seu cathedral watching over the bay and Ibiza Town’s Dalt Vila citadel soaring above whitewashed alleys. Inland, the Serra de Tramuntana folds into olive terraces and literary hideaways in Valldemossa and Deià. Offshore, catamarans glide to secret calas where the water seems lit from within.

Expect Mediterranean flavors at every turn: ensaïmadas and sobrasada in Mallorca, bullit de peix and grilled dorada in Ibiza. Book popular restaurants and boat trips in advance from June–September, pack reef-safe sunscreen, and consider shoulder seasons for softer light and calmer coves. Getting around is easy—buses link towns, taxis are reliable, and ferries and short flights connect the islands.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma blends a grand Gothic skyline with café culture and an easy beach-to-city rhythm. La Seu cathedral’s rose window fills the nave with kaleidoscopic light, while lanes around Plaça Mayor and La Lonja hide tapas bars, galleries, and courtyards. Markets brim with Balearic cheeses, jamón, and glistening seafood from the morning catch.

• Top sights: La Seu Cathedral, Almudaina Palace, Arab Baths, Es Baluard Museum, Santa Catalina and Olivar markets, Bellver Castle’s hilltop views.
• Why stay: Palma is walkable, food-forward, and perfectly placed for Serra de Tramuntana day trips and coastal sails.
• Coffee & bites to try: ensaïmada and hot chocolate at Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo, specialty coffee at La Molienda or Mama Carmen’s, pa amb oli at a rustic celler.

Where to stay (Palma): Browse apartments and fincas on VRBO Palma de Mallorca or hotels via Hotels.com Palma de Mallorca. Standouts include the romantic cliffside retreat Cap Rocat, budget-favorite heritage stay Hostal Pons, and beachside comfort at Iberostar Playa de Palma.

Getting there: For international flights into Spain compare deals on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Within Europe, check flights and ferries via Omio flights and Omio ferries (Barcelona–Palma ferries are ~6.5–8 hours, €35–70; Spain domestic flights to PMI are often 50–60 minutes).

Day 1: Arrival in Palma, Tapas and Twilight Stroll

Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your hotel. Stretch your legs along Passeig del Born—Palma’s stylish boulevard—then dip into the cool cloisters of the Almudaina Palace courtyards.

Evening: Ease into island flavors with a gourmet tapas crawl. Join this self-guided route (includes five stops with bites and wines): Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Palma de Mallorca.

After, try Bar España for classic pinchos and tortilla or La Bodeguilla for jamón ibérico and Mallorcan wines.

Day 2: Gothic Palma, Markets, and Arab Baths

Morning: Coffee at La Molienda, then tour La Seu Cathedral early to watch sunbeams ignite its famed rose window. Walk the Parc de la Mar and peek into the Arab Baths—one of Palma’s oldest Moorish remnants.

Afternoon: Graze your way through Mercat de l’Olivar: slurp oysters at a raw bar, sample Mahón cheese, and try a conill amb ceba (rabbit with onions) tapa if you spot it. Post-lunch, decompress at the candlelit hammam experience: Small-Group Arab Bath Experience in Hammam Al Ándalus Palma.

Evening: Sunset at Bellver Castle’s circular ramparts. Dinner in Santa Catalina: try Vandal for inventive Mediterranean plates or Izakaya-style skewers at Naan Street Food; finish with almond gelato near Plaça Major.

Day 3: Tramuntana Day Trip — Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller

Full-day tour: Let someone else handle the winding mountain roads on this small-group excursion to postcard villages and sea viewpoints: Mallorca Full-Day VIP Tour: Valldemossa, Deià & Sóller Experience.

Expect cobbled lanes, Chopin lore at Valldemossa, artist-haunts in Deià, an orange-scented Sóller, and a summer swim stop. Snack on coca de patata in Valldemossa and sip Sóller orange juice along the way.

Day 4: Sail the Bay of Palma and Beach Time

Morning: Board a sleek catamaran to swim and snorkel over turquoise sandbanks. Tapas and a welcome drink are included: Luxury Catamaran sailing with welcome Drinks Tapas Max10-12Person.

Afternoon: Walk or e-scoot the waterfront promenade to Portixol for a long lunch—grilled octopus, lemony salads, and a cold caña by the sea. Swim at nearby City Beach or Ca’n Pere Antoni.

Evening: Dinner in La Lonja: El Camino for counter-side tapas and wood-grilled fish, or tastings at Wineing if you love comparing island varietals. Pack lightly—tomorrow you hop to Ibiza.

Ibiza Town (Eivissa)

Beyond its DJ mythology, Ibiza Town is a UNESCO jewel. Dalt Vila’s Renaissance walls climb above white houses and jasmine-scented lanes; fishermen’s llaüts still bob in the harbor below. Cafés spill onto sunlit squares, and sandy coves like Talamanca and Figueretes are a stroll away.

• Top sights: Dalt Vila ramparts and cathedral, Museu d’Art Contemporani d’Eivissa, Marina Botafoch, nearby coves (Cala Comte, Cala Bassa), hippie markets on select days.
• Why stay: A lively base with easy bus and boat links to west-coast beaches and sunset lookouts.
• What to eat: bullit de peix (fish stew with arroz a banda), flaó cheesecake with mint, grilled local prawns, and modern Mediterranean tapas.

Where to stay (Ibiza Town): Compare central apartments and villas on VRBO Ibiza or browse hotels with pools and marina views via Hotels.com Ibiza.

Getting from Mallorca to Ibiza: Fly (~45 minutes, typically €30–120) or take a ferry (~2–3.5 hours, ~€35–70 foot passenger). Compare times and fares on Omio flights and Omio ferries. Plan a morning departure and be beachside by lunch.

Day 5: Travel to Ibiza, Dalt Vila, and a Sunset Sail

Morning: Depart Palma for Ibiza by flight or ferry (morning services usually get you in by late morning). Drop bags and grab an espresso and ensaïmada cousin flaó slice at Croissant Show.

Afternoon: Explore Dalt Vila: trace the bastions to the cathedral for harbor panoramas, then descend to the marina for gelato. Lunch at La Bodega (bocadillos and tapas) or Can Terra (Basque-style pinchos) with a glass of txakoli.

Evening: Set sail on golden water with snacks and open bar: Ibiza Midday or Sunset Sailing with Light Snacks and Open Bar.

Toast the first Balearic sunset, then dine at La Brassa’s leafy courtyard—think charred artichokes, seafood paella, and sangria.

Day 6: West-Coast Beach Hopping by Catamaran

Full-day cruise: Swim, paddleboard, and laze at two of Ibiza’s finest beaches (often Cala Comte and Cala Bassa) with food and drinks included: Ibiza Beach Hopping Cruise with Paddleboards, Drinks and Food 6h.

Back in town, refresh and go for bullit de peix near the port or shared plates at S’Escalinata on the steps.

Day 7: Easy Morning, Last Swim, Departure

Morning: Walk the lower bastions and pop into the contemporary art museum (MAC). Brunch at Passion Café for fresh juices and avo toast, then a final dip at Talamanca Beach—calm water and showers make it departure-friendly.

Afternoon: Souvenir stop for artisan ceramics or island salt, then transfer to the airport or ferry port for your onward journey. If your flight is later and you want one last splashy sendoff, consider a short cruise: 3 Hours All Inclusive Boat Trip Ibiza.

Evening: Travel day—if you’re heading elsewhere in Europe, compare options on Omio flights. For long-haul or multi-city returns, scan fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Optional Add-Ons (if you extend):

• Mallorca vintage rail and coast combo: Mallorca in One Day Sightseeing Tour with Boat Ride and Vintage Train.

  

• Private boat day in the Bay of Palma for snorkel lovers: Private Boat Tour from Palma with Snorkeling and Paddle Surfing.

  

Food & Drink Cheat Sheet:

• Palma breakfasts: Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo (hot chocolate and ensaïmada), Mama Carmen’s (specialty coffee and bowls).
• Palma lunches: Mercat de l’Olivar stalls; Celler Sa Premsa for hearty Mallorcan classics.
• Palma dinners: El Camino (bar dining), La Bodeguilla (wine-forward tapas), Santa Catalina’s modern bistros.
• Ibiza breakfasts: Croissant Show for pastries; Passion Café for healthy spreads.
• Ibiza lunches: Can Terra (pinchos), beachside chiringuitos at Talamanca or Figueretes for grilled fish.
• Ibiza dinners: La Brassa’s garden, S’Escalinata’s steps for sharers and cocktails, marina spots for seafood with a view.

In one week you’ll trace cathedrals and citadels, cruise luminous coves, and taste the islands’ soulful kitchens. This Palma-and-Ibiza pairing delivers culture, coastline, and just the right dash of nightlife—an itinerary you can replay in any season.