One Day in Mallorca: The Guide to a Spainish Paradise
A Day in Mallorca: What to See, What's Free, and What to Skip. Our Full Itinerary Plus Celebrity Secrets
Mallorca has a way of making you wonder why you didn’t book a longer holiday. Crystal-clear coves, dramatic mountain roads, charming old towns and enough Mediterranean sunshine to recharge anyone’s weary batteries. We were fortunate enough to spend a day at this Spanish gem while cruising on the Norwegian Dawn, and we know that many visitors will only have a single day to experience it – whether arriving on a cruise ship, taking a day trip, or squeezing it into a busy Spanish itinerary.
The good news? One day in Mallorca is enough to fall completely in love with the island.
Whether you’re after history, beaches, incredible viewpoints or simply a long lunch overlooking the sea, here’s exactly how we spend one unforgettable day in Mallorca.
Start Your Morning in Palma
No visit to Mallorca is complete without spending time in its beautiful capital, Palma.
Begin your day early at the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria, better known as La Seu. Towering above the harbour, this Gothic masterpiece is one of Spain’s most impressive cathedrals and can be seen from almost anywhere along the waterfront. We headed straight there and managed to get in front of the queue for the opening at 10am. A magnificent time to see the stained glass windows as the morning sun shone through. For this reason I would suggest pre-purchasing your Cathedral of Santa Maria tickets.
Take your time wandering through the narrow cobbled streets surrounding the cathedral. You’ll discover hidden courtyards, artisan boutiques, cosy cafés and beautiful historic buildings around almost every corner.
If coffee is calling your name, this is the perfect place to stop for a traditional Spanish breakfast of coffee and freshly baked ensaïmada –the island’s famous spiral pastry.
Walk Along Palma's Waterfront
One of our favorite free activities is simply strolling along Palma’s picturesque promenade.
Luxury yachts bob gently in the marina while cyclists, joggers and locals enjoy the sea breeze. It’s an ideal place to soak up Mallorca’s relaxed atmosphere without spending a cent.
Visit Bellver Castle
A short drive from the city centre takes you to Bellver Castle.
Unlike most European castles, Bellver is completely circular and offers spectacular panoramic views over Palma, the marina and the Mediterranean coastline.
History lovers will enjoy exploring its museum, while photographers will struggle to put their cameras away.
Head Into the Serra de Tramuntana
If there’s one drive you absolutely shouldn’t miss, it’s through the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains.
This UNESCO World Heritage region showcases Mallorca at its most spectacular.
Expect winding roads, dramatic cliffs, ancient olive groves and charming stone villages that seem frozen in time.
Stop in Valldemossa
Valldemossa regularly tops the list of Mallorca’s prettiest villages—and for good reason.
Stone houses draped in flowers line quiet streets where every corner feels postcard-perfect.
Browse local craft shops, enjoy coffee in the village square or simply wander without a map.
If time allows, visit the Royal Charterhouse where composer Frédéric Chopin famously spent a winter.
Lunch With a View
Mallorca knows how to do lunch.
Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood in Port de Sóller, tapas in Palma or grilled fish overlooking the Mediterranean, make time to slow down and enjoy the island’s incredible cuisine.
Some local dishes you might want to try:
- Pa amb oli (rustic bread with a tomato and olive oil spread)
- Sobrasada (pork and paprika style salami)
- Fresh grilled octopus
- Tumbet (a layered vegetable dish of aubergine, red peppers and potato)
- Almond cake for dessert
Spend the Afternoon at the Beach
Mallorca is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Depending on where you’re travelling, consider visiting: Cala Major, Cala Deià, Playa de Muro, Cala Agulla or Es Trenc
End the Day Watching the Sunset
If you only do one thing in Mallorca, make sure you watch the sunset. Whether you’re overlooking the cliffs near Deià, sitting on the beach or enjoying dinner beside the marina, Mallorca produces some unforgettable Mediterranean sunsets. It’s the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
Free Things to Do - One Day in Mallorca
Travelling doesn’t always have to be expensive. Here are some fantastic experiences that cost absolutely nothing:
- Wander Palma’s Old Town.
- Walk along Paseo Marítimo.
- Relax on one of Mallorca’s beautiful public beaches.
- Explore the streets of Valldemossa.
- Visit local markets (even if you’re just browsing).
- Drive through the Serra de Tramuntana.
- Watch sunrise or sunset over the Mediterranean.
- Explore picturesque fishing villages like Port d’Andratx or Cala Figuera.
- Hike one of Mallorca’s many coastal walking trails.
- Admire Palma Cathedral from the outside.
Did You Know? Mallorca's Celebrity Secrets
- Where is Brad Pitt’s house in Mallorca? Pitt reportedly bought a villa in Port d’Andratx, on the island’s southwest coast, around the time of his split from Angelina Jolie.
- Which celebrities live in Mallorca? Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones own the S’Estaca estate between Deià and Valldemossa, and the village of Deià has long attracted names like Annie Lennox and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
- Where did Princess Diana stay in Majorca? She reportedly stayed at Belmond La Residencia, the luxury hotel in Deià that’s hosted everyone from Harrison Ford to European royalty.
- Where is the posh part of Mallorca? Deià and Port d’Andratx are generally considered the island’s most exclusive corners, all cliffside villas and hidden money.
- Was anything filmed on Mallorca? Yes – the BBC’s The Night Manager filmed scenes at Cala Deià, and the Balearic islands doubled as a filming location for Special Ops: Lioness in 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one day enough in Mallorca?
Yes. While you could easily spend a week here, one day is enough to experience Palma, a mountain village and one of Mallorca’s beautiful beaches.
Can you explore Mallorca without hiring a car?
Yes, if you’re staying in Palma. However, hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore the island’s spectacular mountain villages and hidden beaches, especially with all the recommended stops above.
What’s the best month to visit Mallorca?
May, June, September and October offer warm weather, fewer crowds and excellent swimming conditions.
Is Mallorca expensive?
Mallorca caters for every budget. Luxury resorts exist alongside affordable guesthouses, local cafés and free beaches.
Is Mallorca suitable for cruise passengers?
Absolutely. Palma’s cruise port is well connected to the city, making it easy to enjoy a memorable day ashore.
What food should I try in Mallorca?
Don’t leave without tasting ensaïmada, sobrasada, pa amb oli, fresh seafood and tumbet.
Which beach is best for first-time visitors?
Playa de Muro and Es Trenc are both excellent choices thanks to their white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Is Mallorca family friendly?
Very much so. Families will find safe beaches, excellent attractions, water parks, scenic train rides and plenty of outdoor activities for all ages.
Final Thoughts
Mallorca is one of those destinations that effortlessly exceeds expectations. We were amazed at how clean it was. It felt a little like Montecarlo. You arrive expecting beautiful beaches, but leave talking about mountain villages, incredible food, historic streets and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet in Spain.
Even if you only have one day in Mallorca, you’ll experience enough to understand why millions of travelers return year after year.
Our advice? Treat your first visit as a teaser. Because once you’ve experienced Mallorca, there’s a very good chance you’ll already be planning your next trip before your plane takes off.
