10 Days in Mallorca

The Island That Rewards Depth

Mallorca is roughly 100 kilometres across — but don't let the size mislead you. The drive from the northwest mountains to the southeast coast takes close to two hours, and the landscapes between them are completely different from one another. The Tramuntana mountains dropping into the sea above Deià share nothing with the white-sand coves of the southeast. Both are exceptional. This ten-day itinerary covers both, with two nights in Palma to open the trip properly.

The advice from Anne Marie, who has designed this itinerary and sent clients to Mallorca for years: resist the temptation to chase every beach on the list. Pick two regions and go deep. This itinerary does exactly that.

Palma: Days 1–2

Palma de Mallorca is one of the great Mediterranean cities and consistently underestimated by first-timers who see it only as a gateway to the island. The old town is a labyrinth of golden limestone alleyways built around a Gothic cathedral that genuinely takes your breath away — particularly before 11 AM, when the morning light pours through the stained glass in colours that Gaudí (who renovated the interior) could not have improved upon.

Day one begins at Café Riutort for brunch — a local favourite, full of regulars, always good. The morning continues at La Seu Cathedral (arrive before 11 AM; look for Gaudí's fingerprints inside and don't miss the Barceló chapel), then along the lanes to Arquinesia Perfumes, one of the most beautiful shops in the city — handcrafted scents inspired by the Balearics, in a space with dried flowers, warm wood and soft lighting. The afternoon moves to the Santa Catalina neighbourhood for lunch, a waterfront walk, and pre-dinner cocktails at Bar Abaco — behind heavy wooden doors in the old town, full of baroque antiques, candelabras, and fresh fruit piled high. Dinner at Botànic, in the Can Bordoy hotel's lush courtyard garden, closes the first evening perfectly.

Day two adds Fundació Miró Mallorca (the studio alone is reason enough — left as if Miró just walked out), a casual lunch at Mercat de l'Olivar where the seafood bars and vermouth on tap set the right tone, and dinner at Dins Santi Taura — one of the most refined dining experiences in the city, Mallorcan at heart with inventive twists and an elegant tasting menu that feels like storytelling on a plate.

Deià and the Northwest: Days 3–6

The drive up into the Tramuntana from Palma is beautiful enough on its own to justify the trip — take the MA-10 coastal road and stop for photographs. By the time Deià comes into view, stone houses clinging to the hillside above olive groves that tumble down to the sea, the register of the trip shifts entirely.

The northwest is Anne Marie's favourite region on the island, and the accommodation reflects it. Belmond La Residencia, perched above the village with views over the Tramuntana valley, is her personal benchmark for what a Mallorca hotel should feel like. The gardens are beautiful, the pool is perfect for long afternoons, and El Olivo — dinner in a 16th-century olive press with candlelit terraces and views over the valley — is the meal she recommends to every client who visits. Book El Olivo six months in advance; arrive early for pre-dinner cocktails at Café Miró on the terrace and watch the mountains catch the last light. For something with more personality and a stylish crowd, Corazón Mallorca — the most talked-about hotel on the island right now — is the alternative.

Day three in Deià opens with lunch at Ca's Patro March, perched on the rocks above Cala Deià. The setting above that emerald bay is genuinely extraordinary — stay for a swim after. The afternoon is for wandering without a plan: the winding stone streets, tiny galleries, the Plaza de la Iglesia at the top of the village with views across the valley.

Day four takes a morning drive to Valldemossa. Arrive early, before the day-trippers, and the cobblestone streets and flower-filled balconies feel entirely private. Start at Pastisseria Ca'n Molinas for the coca de patata — pillowy soft and best warm, served from a family bakery that has been here since 1920. The Carthusian Monastery (where Chopin wintered with George Sand) and the peaceful Jardins Rei Joan Carles follow, then the narrow scenic road down to Port de Valldemossa — a quiet local cove that most tourists skip entirely. Lunch at Nama Deia on the return: pan-Asian flavours, an elegantly styled terrace, and sweeping valley views. Sunset is at Son Marroig — the view over the sea and the iconic Sa Foradada rock formation is one of the great sunset views in the Mediterranean. Dinner at Bens d'Avall, Michelin-starred and perched on the cliffs between Deià and Sóller, with views that stop you mid-sentence.

Day five is for Sóller. Start in Plaça de la Constitució — cafés spill onto the terrace, the atmosphere is relaxed and vibrant, the Sant Bartomeu church is a modernist gem. Ride the vintage tram down to Port de Sóller (twenty minutes, scenic, entirely charming), spend the afternoon on the harbor or at Patiki Beach, and then dinner at Neni Mallorca — Israeli-Oriental fusion on the rooftop of the Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel, bold flavours, dramatic Tramuntana views.

Day six is slower: a late breakfast, a morning at Cala Cúcari (a more secluded alternative to Cala Deià with the same turquoise water), afternoon drinks at Corazón, sunset back at Son Marroig, and dinner at Barretes at Ca's Xorc — outdoor dining among candlelit greenery with panoramic Tramuntana views.

The Southeast: Days 7–10

The drive east from the northwest to Santanyí takes about two hours. Stop at the Alfabia Gardens — a fascinating blend of Renaissance and Moorish styles with fountains, terraces, and lush greenery — before continuing south to the coast.

The southeast is the Mallorca of white-sand beaches and crystal water. Es Turó, near Santanyí, is Anne Marie's go-to recommendation for this region: simple, stylish, genuinely relaxing, close to the southeast's best beaches, and the right base for families and couples alike. If the drive east falls on a Saturday, the Santanyí market is not optional — local crafts, fresh produce, great energy.

Day eight opens the southeast with Cala Pi: a steep staircase down to a beautiful sandy beach with turquoise water and dramatic cliffs. Dinner at Mirador de Cabrera — perched with views over the sea and Cabrera Island, peaceful setting, unforgettable sunset.

Day nine is for the two best coves on the island. Set out early for Calo des Moro — dramatic cliffs, wild blue water, a challenging hike that makes the arrival feel earned — then work along to Cala S'Almunia, which Anne Marie considers the prettiest spot on the entire island. The ancient boathouses carved into the rock, the impossible turquoise, the near-silence in the early morning. Bring a picnic and plan to stay a while. Lunch at Café Drac over Cala Santanyí on the way back, a lazy afternoon at Cala Llombards, and dinner at Ocre at Hotel Can Ferrereta — a gorgeous design-forward space in a restored 17th-century mansion in Santanyí where the food matches the setting.

Day ten closes the trip in Cala Figuera, a fishing village of whitewashed buildings and a peaceful harbor where the boats are still working boats and the pace is as unhurried as anywhere on the island. Breakfast at Cassai in Ses Salines, a final morning at Cala Llombards, and dinner at Villa Lorenzo in Cala Figuera for seafood on a calm terrace with water views.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mallorca?

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the sweet spots — warm enough for swimming, cool enough for comfortable walking and driving the mountain roads, and less crowded than the July–August peak. The northwest in May, when the wildflowers are out on the Tramuntana, is as beautiful as the island gets.

How do you get around Mallorca?

Rent a car. Public transport works in Palma but is unreliable once you're outside the city, and the best spots on the island are not on a bus route. Book the rental when you book your flights — automatic cars disappear fast in peak season and prices climb steeply if you wait. Park on the outskirts of villages like Deià and Sóller and walk in; the streets are medieval, parking is a nightmare, and the short walk is part of the experience.

Is Mallorca worth it for a week, or do you need longer?

One week is the sweet spot for most clients. A few nights in Palma, then a move to the northwest or a beach base, gives you the full flavour of the island. Two weeks lets you slow down, split your base, and stop feeling like you're rushing — it stops feeling like a trip and starts feeling like a life you won't want to leave.

How far in advance should restaurants be booked?

For El Olivo at Belmond La Residencia: six months for summer tables. For Bens d'Avall and Dins Santi Taura: two to three months in peak season. For Ca's Patro March: at least several weeks. The best tables on this island go fast and do not discount.

Is Mallorca suitable for families?

Very much so. The southeast — with calm, sandy beaches at Cala Santanyí and Cala Pi, and the stylish family-friendly base at Es Turó — is designed for families. The vintage train from Palma to Sóller through orange groves is a hit with every age. The Cuevas del Drach sea caves in Porto Cristo are genuinely dramatic and worth a half-day. The Ecovinyassa citrus farm in Sóller is hands-on and memorable for younger children.