Planning a trip of 7 days in Mallorca without a car is not as challenging as it sounds.
Many of the Balearic island’s highlights are reachable by bus, including dreamy beaches, stunning viewpoints, and enchanting towns.
Without having to drive, you’ll get to see and experience a lot of what Mallorca has to offer, from Roman and medieval history to natural landmarks to a mesmerizing coastline.
So without further ado, here’s the one-week Mallorca itinerary you need to steal right now!
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
7-Day Mallorca Itinerary Summary and Map
This itinerary is perfect for those who want to take day trips from Palma de Mallorca by bus and are eager to explore Spain‘s UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
You can also plan this as a road trip, but it was convenient to use public transportation.
Day 1: Valldemossa + Deia, two of the prettiest towns on the island.
Alternatively, book this highly-rated tour or this one to visit Soller, Valldemossa, and Deia with a guide – they’re pricey, but not many tours include all three places.
Days 2+3: Palma de Mallorca, the capital city.
Day 4: Es Colomer lookout point + Formentor Beach + Port de Pollença.
Alternatively, book this guided day tour, which takes you to the Formentor Peninsula and offers a similar route to mine.
Day 5: A ride on the vintage train to the town of Soller + Jardines de Alfabia (optional: Fornalutx).
Day 6: Alcudia + Pollença, two must-visit historic towns in Mallorca.
Day 7: A guided tour to Cuevas del Drach (a visit to the island’s most famous caves and their underground lake) + extra beach time (optional: Cuevas del Hams).
Click here to access the MyMaps interactive map.
Tip: After accessing the map, you can also open it on your Google Maps app. Simply open your app, tap the ‘saved’ icon at the bottom, scroll down and tap the ‘maps’ icon, and choose the MyMaps map you want to see (you can do the same on your computer).
Other Activities to Add to Your Car-Free Mallorca Itinerary
If you want to change this 7-day itinerary and add other exciting activities, here are some unique highly-rated tours you can book:
- Full-day wine tour of Mallorca (from the area of Palma)
- Catamaran sailing tour with a meal (from Palma)
- Hot air balloon flight over Mallorca (without transfers)
- Excursion from Palma to 3 of the most beautiful coves in Mallorca (Cala Llombars, Cala S’Almonia, and Calo des Moro)
- A tour of 5 lesser-known villages in central Mallorca (from the area of Palma)
In addition, here are some highly-rated free walking tours you can add to your Palma itinerary (I LOVE themed tours, but the ones I wanted to take weren’t available during my visit):
- Free walking tour of Palma de Mallorca (mainly focuses on the old town)
- Free mysteries and legends evening tour of Palma de Mallorca (in Spanish)
- Free walking tour of Palma’s city walls
Where to Stay for One Week in Mallorca
There’s no shortage of coastal (and inland) towns in Mallorca to stay in, but since this is a Mallorca itinerary without a car, I wanted to base myself in Palma de Mallorca and take day trips.
For the dates of my trip, I could only find the right accommodation for me in the nearby town of El Arenal.
It is a popular tourist coastal town that didn’t exactly have the vibe I was looking for, but I made the most of it (and I did like its beach). I used bus 23 to get to Palma’s center and bus 25 to get to Palma’s central bus station.
I stayed at Hotel Gracia in El Arenal, but I suggest you find accommodation in Palma if possible, though note that it can be pricier.
In terms of places to stay in Palma, check out the highly-rated options I found, like:
1. Mallorca Suites (spacious apartments for 2-6 people in the heart of the old town).
2. Ca n’Alexandre (cozy double rooms, a rooftop terrace).
3. Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa (double rooms & suites, a rooftop terrace & pool, and an on-site spa).
If you’re looking for a hostel, check out El Josemari Youth Hostel – Albergue Juvenil.
If you skip out on the tour to Cuevas del Drach, you can also base yourself in Soller or Port de Soller and still make this itinerary work.
Getting Around Mallorca Without a Car (By Bus)
How long does it take to travel around Mallorca by bus? Is it even possible to get around my Mallorca by bus? What else do I need to know about buses in Mallorca? Don’t worry – I’m here to give you some essential tips.
Is It Possible to Get around Mallorca by Bus
From Palma’s central bus station (Estació Intermodal), you’ll find dozens of intercity buses that will take you to different parts of the island.
However, many of the places I wanted to visit in eastern Mallorca required a lot of bus switches, and it was challenging to plan “normal” daily itineraries starting and ending in Palma.
To explore that area, it’ll be better to have a car or base yourself there.
As I said, I decided to focus mostly on the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which was easily reachable by bus. The longest ride took one hour, so it was pretty convenient.
It’s also good to know that intercity buses operate on natural gas and are very modern, clean, and spacious.
Paying for Buses in Mallorca
In and around Palma (not including the airport), a single ticket costs 2€, and you just pay the driver in cash (note that you can’t give him more than 10€). That’s how I traveled from El Arenal to Palma’s central bus station.
When you’re traveling around the island, a single ticket costs 4.5€, which you can purchase from the driver in cash, though using a credit card will give you a discount, depending on how many people you’re paying for.
Simply validate your card for each passenger – once when you get on the bus (in the machine next to the driver) and once before you get off (in the machine next to the bus’ back door).
Palma’s Central Bus Station (Estació Intermodal)
Located across from Plaça d’Espanya, the station is a bit confusing to find at first as it is situated in the subterranean part of the square (on the main street, you’ll only find Palma’s city buses).
You’ll see the escalator right next to the cafe & restaurant La Parada.
7 Days in Mallorca – Day 1
This day is dedicated to Valldemossa and Deia, two of the most beautiful places in Mallorca.
Surrounded by the natural landscapes of the Serra de Tramuntana, they boast the kind of charm you’ll only find in mountainous towns.
Getting from Palma to Valldemossa and Deia (and back): From Palma’s Estació Intermodal, take bus number 203 (timetable here). It has stops in both towns, so you can choose which one to visit first.
Alternatively, take this highly-rated day tour or this tour to visit Soller, Valldemossa, and Deia with a guide (they’re not cheap, but they’re two of the only tours that include all three places).
Valldemossa
Visiting Valldemossa was a dream come true for me as it had been on my bucket list for a long time, and it definitely did not disappoint.
Walking from the bus stop to the town’s center, don’t panic if you see a lot of tourists, because once you pass the first few streets (which are packed with shops and cafes), it becomes significantly less crowded.
I’m not saying you’re going to be the only one there, but as you start to lose yourself in Valldemossa’s quintessential plant-adorned streets and alleys, you’ll find more than enough quiet corners.
Apart from roaming freely, you can visit several points of interest in Valldemossa, including the 14th-century Chartusian Monastery (originally a royal residence of the kings of Mallorca), Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum, Rei Joan Carles Gardens, and Sa Miranda Des Lledoners viewpoint.
Deia
Deia is smaller than Valldemossa, and, at first sight, it might seem similar, but it doesn’t take long to see that it has its own unique vibe.
It’s home to an archeological museum housing prehistoric artifacts found on the island, it’s where you can visit the house-museum of poet and author Robert Graves, and it’s a great (and surprising) place for art lovers, with quite a few art galleries scattered throughout the town.
You’ll also find many restaurants and cafes in Deia with terraces overlooking the gorgeous scenery, and what’s better than a cup of coffee or a meal with a view?
7 Days in Mallorca – Days 2+3
Palma de Mallorca
While it is possible to spend only one day in Palma de Mallorca, I dedicated 48 hours to the island’s wonderful capital city. I loved it way more than I thought I would and discovered dozens of amazing spots to visit.
If you want to explore this city with a guide, you can also take one of these walking tours:
- Free walking tour of Palma de Mallorca (mainly explores the old town)
- Free mysteries and legends evening tour of Palma de Mallorca (in Spanish)
- Free walking tour of Palma’s city walls
- Three cultures of Palma free tour (focuses on the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian history of the city)
On your first day, focus on Palma’s old town – there’s a lot to do and see here, so take your time.
Start by visiting some of its most famous landmarks, including the impressive 13th-century Palma Cathedral and the 14th-century Royal Palace of La Almudaina, a royal residence of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Majorca.
You can get your Palma Cathedral ticket here or book a guided tour. You can also purchase a combo ticket that includes both the cathedral and the royal palace.
Next, lose yourself in the old town’s lovely maze of streets and squares, lined with an abundance of cozy cafes, shops, traditional bakeries, unique modernist buildings, beautiful churches, art galleries, and so much more.
Be sure to explore the indoor market Mercat de l’Olivar, photograph Gaudi-style buildings like Can Corbella and Can Forteza Rey, have some hot chocolate at Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, walk along Passeig del Born, and stroll through Palma’s Jewish Quarter.
On your second day, you’ll have time to see what else Palma has to offer.
First, climb up to the 14th-century Castell de Bellver, a castle built for King Jaume II of Majorca and a famous Spanish landmark, overlooking the city and the harbor. See prices and opening hours here.
Unless you have a car with you or a ticket to the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, you’ll have to do the final ascent on foot, so bring comfortable shoes.
Next, explore the neighborhood of Santa Catalina (one of the best free things to do in Palma), and don’t miss its 100-year-old indoor food market.
What used to be a fishermen’s quarter is now known as the Soho of Palma thanks to restaurants offering international cuisines, boutique shops, trendy bars, and colorful streets.
Head to the Es Jonquet district to absorb its village-like charm and see its centuries-old windmills, and if you find yourself with some extra time, spend another evening in the old town.
7 Days in Mallorca – Day 4
This day is dedicated to Mirador Es Colomer (Es Colomer lookout point), Platja de Formentor (Formentor Beach), and Port de Pollença.
Getting from Palma to Port de Pollença (and back): From Palma’s Estació Intermodal, take bus number 301 (timetable here) and get off at Port de Pollença – Estació.
Getting from Port de Pollença to Mirador Es Colomer and Platja de Formentor (and back): From Port de Pollença – Estació, take bus number 334 (timetable here). It has stops in both places, so you can choose which one to visit first.
Alternatively, book this guided tour, which goes through a similar route to mine.
Mirador ES Colomer
The Formentor Peninsula boasts plenty of scenic spots.
Those taking a road trip can get all the way to Cap de Formentor (Mallorca’s northernmost point) and its 19th-century lighthouse, but even if you’re traveling by bus, you can still admire the peninsula’s landscapes.
The most iconic viewpoint in Mallorca, Mirador Es Colomer, is reachable by public transportation, which is no less than impressive considering the jaw-dropping scenery you’ll see.
Overlooking the rugged Mediterranean coastline and the northern peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, it is a fantastic spot to start your day, though many people also choose to watch the sunset there.
Bus 334’s timetable will give about an hour to enjoy this viewpoint, which I thought was just the right amount of time.
Platja de Formentor
There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in Mallorca.
Still, it seems like many of the insta-worthy extra-turquoise ones are more conveniently reachable by car (some are also reachable by bus, but depending on where you’re staying, you might need three buses and several hours to get there).
Platja de Formentor is easy to add to this daily itinerary, and while some say this beach is overrated, I don’t care because I absolutely loved it. I got to see its crystal-clear water and the natural beauty of this part of the Formentor Peninsula, and that was more than enough for me.
You’ll also find a few restaurants/cafes on this beach, but I haven’t tried them myself.
I don’t know if it’s because I visited in May, because that morning was a bit cloudy, or because I just got lucky, but there were very few people there that day, which added to the positive experience.
Port de Pollença
I admit that I underestimated Port de Pollença because I thought it was just another resort town, but I loved spending a couple of hours there. Its tranquility, lovely promenade, and stunning coastline have won me over.
It’s an ideal place to unwind – you can wander the shops, grab a bite, have some ice cream, or just sit back and stare at the waves.
7 Days in Mallorca – Day 5
On this day, you’ll take the vintage train to the town of Soller and visit the charming Jardines de Alfabia (Alfabia Gardens).
Soller
Known for its abundance of citrus groves, Soller was once a thriving orange exporter and one of the richest towns in Mallorca.
In fact, you can take a self-guided tour at Ecovinyassa, an enchanting orchard on the outskirts of the town and a hidden gem in Mallorca, to learn more about this aspect of Soller’s history (be sure to make a reservation in advance).
This town is also home to a beautiful main square (dominated by the Sant Bartomeu Church), charming streets lined with shops and restaurants, modernist buildings, several museums and art galleries, and even a botanical garden.
Apart from the lively La Plaza de la Constitución, two notable spots are the Modernist Museum of Can Prunera, located on the famous Sa Lluna street, and the Picasso and Miró exhibition rooms found inside the Sóller Railway Station.
Getting to Soller: While you can get to this lovely town by bus, taking the vintage train is a must-have experience in Mallorca. Inaugurated in 1912, the old wooden train connects Palma to Soller, which was pretty much isolated until that time due to its location in the Serra de Tramuntana.
I was a bit skeptical about this attraction because it’s so popular, but once we got out of Palma, the views were worth it.
Right before getting to Soller, there’s an extra stop at an amazing lookout point called Mirador del Pujol de’n Banya, which is a total bonus.
Tickets: Right next to Palma’s Estació Intermodal, you’ll see the vintage train ticket office and station. I only bought a way-one ticket, but you can purchase a round trip or a combined ticket that also includes the vintage tram ride from Soller to the coastal town of Port de Soller. See the latest prices and timetables here.
If you find yourself with some spare time, you can also take bus 232 from Soller to Fornalutx, considered one of the most charming villages in Mallorca.
Jardines de Alfabia
I didn’t want to go back to Palma de Mallorca on the vintage train because I had to visit the picture-perfect complex of Jardines de Alfabia.
Consisting of a villa and gorgeous gardens, this place’s history traces back to the Arab era in Mallorca (10th-13th centuries).
With a backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains, a circular route will allow you to enjoy the gardens’ beauty to the fullest, taking you through fountains, ponds, palm trees, and more.
Before heading out, don’t skip out on having a cup of coffee in the serene and scenic cafe area. Get your tickets here, and consult the latest opening hours here.
Getting from Soller to Jardines de Alfabia (and back to Palma): Get on bus 204 (timetable here) at a stop called Cetre (61009) and get off at the gardens. From there, you can take the same bus back to Palma.
7 Days in Mallorca – Day 6
On this day, you’ll visit two must-see towns in Mallorca – Alcudia and Pollença.
Getting from Palma to Alcudia: From Palma’s Estació Intermodal, take bus number 302 (timetable here) and get off at Pollèntia, the bus stop located across from Alcudia’s tourist information center.
Alcudia
While the area of Alcudia and its surroundings has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, the town’s two most prominent landmarks are the ruins of the Roman city of Pollentia and the 14th-century medieval walls, commissioned by King Jaume II of Aragon because of its strategic location.
There’s something extra charming about walled towns, and it was a real pleasure to step inside Alcudia’s gates, explore its streets and alleys, and climb and walk along the wall to appreciate the views.
If you’re here on a Sunday or a Tuesday, you can also enjoy the weekly local market, open from 8 AM to 1:30 PM.
If you want to add some beach time to this daily itinerary, buses 302, 315, and 322 will take you to the nearby coastal town of Port d’Alcúdia, where you can soak up the sun on Playa de Alcudia and Playa de Muro.
Getting from Alcudia to Pollença: From the bus stop Centre Històric (just outside Alcudia’s tourist information center), take bus 322 (timetable here) to Pollença.
Pollença
When you first get to Pollença, you might be a bit underwhelmed, but within a 5-minute walk from the bus stop, you’ll get to the old town, which will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
That’s not surprising, considering the fact that one of Pollença’s most influential rulers was the Order of Solomon’s Temple, also known as the Knights Templar, who built the Esglèsia de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels, a church that still stands today in the heart of the town’s center.
Apart from roaming freely through the main square (Plaça Major) and the cobbled streets, you must climb the 365 stairs to the Calvary Chapel, which offers incredible panoramic views.
If you feel like doing some more physical activity, you can also hike to the Santuari del Puig de Maria, the oldest monastery in Mallorca.
Getting from Pollença back to Palma: Take bus 301 (timetable here) from Pollença back to Palma’s Estació Intermodal.
7 Days in Mallorca – Day 7
On this day, you’ll visit the most famous natural landmark in Mallorca, Cuevas del Drach (and Cuevas del Hams if you choose to), and spend some time at one of the beaches near Palma.
Cuevas Del Drach
If you love visiting caves, you have to include Cuevas del Drach on your Mallorca trip itinerary.
Consisting of four interconnected caves, this complex was formed by the Mediterranean Sea millions of years ago, boasting countless beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes, including Lake Martel, one of the largest in the world.
The tour inside these caves includes a route of more than 1 km, an optional boat ride in Lake Martel, and even a short classical music concert. Note that they’re a popular attraction, so keep in mind that they’re going to be busy.
Since they’re located in eastern Mallorca, the easiest way to get to Cuevas del Drach from Palma without renting a car is to book a half-day tour. You’ll also see an option to book a full-day tour that includes the nearby Cuevas dels Hams.
Beach Time
If you only take the half-day tour, you’ll have enough time to end your trip with some relaxing beach time. Since I stayed in El Arenal, I soaked up the sun on Arenal Beach.
That said, you can check out other beaches in and around Palma, including Platja de Can Pere Antoni (not the best but is the closest to Palma’s center), Platja de Can Pastilla, Platja de Cala Major, and Playa de Illetes.
Is a Week in Mallorca Enough?
‘Enough’ is a subjective word, so as someone who loves to experience each destination to the fullest, exploring Mallorca in 1 week was only enough to focus on a specific area of the island, especially since I didn’t take a road trip and only used buses to get around.
Deciding how many days you need in Mallorca depends on how many & which places you want to visit and whether you’ll rent a car or not – you can see a few of Mallorca’s highlights in 4-5 days, and you can also take a 2-week road trip through the entire island.
1 Week in Mallorca Without a Car – Other Travel Tips and Notes
When to Visit
I visited at the end of May. You can already see A LOT of tourists, yet some places were not as crowded as I expected, so in comparison to June, July, and August, I’d say May is a very good time to visit Mallorca.
I also got to enjoy great weather, though a few mornings were a bit cloudy (and even rainy), so pack accordingly.
Getting to Mallorca
While there are direct flights to this Mediterranean island from so many airports across the world, you could also book a flight from Madrid or Barcelona, as well as take a ferry from Barcelona or Valencia (the ride takes roughly 8 hours).
Language
Since Mallorca is such a touristy island, all service providers speak English. That said, it’s good to know that the official languages of the island are Catalan and Spanish.
Other Places I Would Have Loved to Visit
If I were to rent a car, I would add the following places to my itinerary:
- Mondrago Natural Park, located on the southeastern coast, and the nearby port of Cala Figuera.
- The town of Capdepera and its castle, and the nearby Cala Mesquida.
- Cala Mitjana.
Other Mallorca and Spain Travel Guides
Were you inspired by my trip to Mallorca? Read more about Spain:
- Is Mallorca worth visiting?
- What to pack for Mallorca
- Best Spanish road trips
- Long weekend breaks in Spain
- Hidden gems in Spain
- Spain travel tips
- Spain travel quotes
- Novels set in Spain
- Gifts for Spain lovers
Want to explore other destinations without renting a car? Read:
I normally rent a car when I plan on visiting different areas, but this is good to know in case the car rentals are too expensive. Thanks for the tips!
You’re more than welcome! I agree a road trip is better if you want to get to every nook and cranny, but buses were very budget-friendly 🙂
I haven’t been to Mallorca since I was a child, but we went everywhere by bus. You’ve made me want to visit again!
Thank you! Sounds like you had great memories 🙂