Itineraries for Your Trip to Mallorca
3 Days in Mallorca for First Timers
Mallorca is etched in my memory as a sun-soaked place of water slides and seaside fun, thanks to the many holidays I took there with my family when I was a child. But since I started visiting the largest of the Balearic Islands as an adult, I've discovered the sophisticated and rugged sides of the island, where secret beaches and fine dining restaurants offer respite from the crowded parts of Spain's favorite island escape. If you've got three days in Mallorca, you'll have time to experience both the highlights and hidden gems. Here's how to spend your 72 hours there.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Caves of Drach, an underground wonderland.
Mallorca stays warm and sunny well into October, which is a great time to visit if you want to skip the summer crowds.
Begin your 72-hour stint by getting your bearings on an electric bike tour through Mallorca's history-rich capital. Admire the grand and Gothic Palma Cathedral, a 13th-century structure with a golden sandstone facade, and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina (Palau de l’Almudaina) with its mix of architectural styles.
This afternoon, head to one of Mallorca’s top attractions, the Caves of Drach (Cuevas del Drach). Explore stalactite- and stalagmite-covered caverns via a boardwalk and a boat ride and enjoy a classical musical concert in the cave’s main chamber.
Today, leave the crowds of Mallorca’s main beaches behind on a tour that takes you off the beaten path to lesser-known bays and coves. Visit the picture-perfect Calo des Moro for a swim before trying your hand at stand-up paddleboarding at Cala Llombards.
If you don’t opt to spend the entire day beach-hopping, you can spend the afternoon admiring the scenery from a fresh perspective. Hop on a catamaran cruise, and you can sail on the Mediterranean Sea while enjoying traditional Spanish tapas.
Now you’ve ticked off the area’s highlights, spend your last day exploring a different side of Mallorca. You can explore the mountaintop city of Valdemossa (a cluster of stone structures in the forested mountains), stroll through the fishing village of Sóller, nestled among orange groves, and get a better look at the island’s quieter spots.
You’re sure to have worked up an appetite with so much sightseeing, so spend your final evening delving into Mallorca’s rich food scene during a cooking class. Master the art of making iconic Spanish dishes such as Spanish tortilla, paella, and crema Catalana before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your labors and toast your last evening here.
