Here are my picks for the 17 best things to see and do in Mallorca, with prices, opening hours and transport tips. Prices are in euros. Many of Palma’s museums are closed on Mondays, and the cathedral is closed on Sundays, so plan your days in the city around that. Several of the nature experiences require a car or a bus, and at Formentor there are access rules for cars in summer.

1. Palma Cathedral (La Seu)

Santa María Cathedral, which everyone on the island calls La Seu, stands on the edge of Palma’s Old Town and looks straight out over the harbour. The Gothic church is Mallorca’s landmark, and it’s just as impressive from the harbour promenade as it is from inside. The ticket also gets you into the cathedral’s museum of sacred art.

A standard ticket costs €11, and children aged 9 and under get in free. From April to November, the church is open to visitors from Monday to Friday from 10am to 5.15pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 2.15pm. From December to March, it closes at 3.15pm on weekdays, and it’s closed to visitors on Sundays all year round.

My best tip is the tour up onto the rooftop terraces. It costs €25 including the church and the museum, and you go up in groups at fixed times. You need to be over 9, and the tour isn’t for you if you’re afraid of heights or have difficulty walking. In summer, there’s also a guided sunset tour of the terraces for €30. See times and tickets on the cathedral’s website.

Book a skip-the-line ticket to Palma Cathedral.

2. Serra de Tramuntana

The Serra de Tramuntana is the mountain range that runs along the whole north-west coast of Mallorca, and in my opinion, it’s the most beautiful landscape on the island. Since 2011, it’s been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a cultural landscape. That’s because of the terraces with their dry-stone walls, the olive trees and the old water channels that farmers have built up the steep slopes over the centuries.

The easiest way to experience the mountains is to drive the roads between Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller and Lluc, but if you’d like to walk, the GR 221 trail is the big draw. It’s also called the Ruta de Pedra en Sec, the Dry Stone Route, and 261 kilometres are open and waymarked when you count the main route and the side routes. Along the way, there are public walkers’ refuges, including Can Boi in Deià, Muleta near Port de Sóller, Tossals Verds and Son Amer near Lluc.

It’s free to walk in the mountains. My tip is to walk a single day stage rather than the whole route if you only have a week’s holiday, and to start early in summer, before the heat sets in. The refuges need to be booked in advance, and it’s a good idea to check that they’re open before you set off. You can read about all this in the official leaflet about the route.

3. The Sóller Train, Sóller and Port de Sóller

The train from Palma to Sóller runs with old wooden carriages through the Serra de Tramuntana and is one of the classic experiences on the island. The journey takes about an hour with a stop in Bunyola, and the last stretch descends into the valley of Sóller with its orange and olive groves. From Sóller, a historic tram continues down to the harbour town of Port de Sóller.

A single ticket on the train costs €23, and a return costs €30. The tram costs €10 per journey, and a combined ticket for the train and the tram from Palma to Port de Sóller and back costs €40. The train runs several times a day, but some departures only run by arrangement with the ticket office, so always check the current timetable.

It’s expensive for an hour-long train ride, and it’s worth knowing that in advance. My tip is to take the train one way and the bus the other, so you don’t pay the full return fare. Spend your time in Sóller on the square by the church, then take the tram down to the harbour and have lunch by the water.

Book a half-day tour with the Sóller train and the tram.

4. Valldemossa and the Cartoixa Monastery

In my opinion, Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Serra de Tramuntana, with stone houses, steep streets and flowerpots by the doors. The village’s big sight is the Cartoixa de Valldemossa, a 14th-century monastery where the composer Frédéric Chopin and the writer George Sand stayed. Here you’ll see King Sancho’s Palace, the cloisters, the garden and the museum rooms.

Several times a day, there’s a piano concert of Chopin’s music in the palace that lasts about a quarter of an hour, and it’s included in the ticket. The ticket costs €12.50, or €15.50 with access to the tower. The monastery is only open from Monday to Saturday, on weekdays from 10am to 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. The concert times are on the monastery’s website.

From Palma, bus 203 runs via Valldemossa and Deià to Port de Sóller. My tip is to arrive early in the morning, before the village fills up with day-trippers, and to combine the visit with Deià further along the coast road.

Book a day trip to Valldemossa and Sóller with the tram.

5. Palma’s Old Town and Es Baluard

Behind the cathedral lies Palma’s Old Town, a maze of narrow streets with old town houses and courtyards. It costs nothing to wander around, and this is where you’ll find most of the city’s cafés, tapas bars and small shops. Walk from the cathedral through the streets to the town hall square, Plaça de Cort, and continue west to the old exchange building, La Llotja, near the harbour.

At the western end of the Old Town is the Es Baluard art museum, which is built into the old Renaissance city wall. A ticket costs €8, and on Fridays you decide the price yourself. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm and on Sundays from 10am to 3pm, and it’s closed on Mondays. Find out more on the museum’s website.

My tip is to go up to the terrace by the museum late in the afternoon, when you can see the harbour, the bay and the cathedral all at once. If you’d like the history as well, a guided walking tour is a good start to your day in Palma.

Book a guided walking tour of Palma’s Old Town.

6. Cap de Formentor

Cap de Formentor is the peninsula at the far north-eastern tip of the island, where the mountains end in sheer cliffs that drop into the sea. The road out to the lighthouse winds across the peninsula, and along the way you’ll pass the Mirador des Colomer viewpoint and the beach, Platja de Formentor. It costs nothing to get out there.

In high season, there are access rules for private cars. From mid-May to mid-October, only authorised vehicles may drive the last stretch out to the lighthouse between 10am and 10pm, and the car park at Platja de Formentor closes to cars when it’s full. Instead, bus 334 runs from Alcúdia via Port de Pollença to the Mirador des Colomer, the beach and the lighthouse. The rules are published by Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT.

My tip is to drive out before 10am or outside the season if you want to take your car all the way to the lighthouse. Drivers must be past the barrier before 10am, or they risk a fine. In summer, you can also take a boat from Port de Pollença to the beach at Formentor and skip the drive.

Book the ferry from Port de Pollença to Formentor Beach.

7. The Caves of Drach (Coves del Drach)

The Caves of Drach, Coves del Drach, are near the harbour town of Porto Cristo on the east coast. The caves are almost 1,200 metres long and up to 25 metres deep, and the route takes you past dripstone formations down to the underground lake, Lago Martel. At the lake, you’ll hear a short concert of live music, and afterwards you cross the lake by boat or walk round on foot.

The visit takes about an hour. A ticket costs €18.50 online and €19.50 at the ticket office, and children aged 3 to 12 pay €11.50 online. From 16 March to 31 October, there are tours at 10am, 11am, midday, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm, and for the rest of the year at 10.30am, midday, 2pm and 3.30pm. The caves are only closed on 25 December and 1 January. See prices and times.

Buy your ticket online, both because it’s cheaper and because you’ll be sure of a time slot. If you’re staying in Palma, a tour with transport is the easiest option, as Porto Cristo is on the other side of the island.

Book a trip from Palma to the Caves of Drach with a concert and boat ride.

8. The Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Directly opposite the cathedral stands the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Palau de l’Almudaina. The building was the residence of the Muslim governors, and today it’s run by the state-owned Patrimonio Nacional, which manages Spain’s royal palaces. Inside, you’ll see the 14th-century throne room and the Chapel of Santa Anna in the King’s Courtyard, among other things.

A ticket costs €8, and there’s a reduced price of €5 for children aged 5 to 16, students and over-65s. The palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm from October to March and from 10am to 7pm from April to September, and the ticket office closes an hour earlier. It’s closed on Mondays. See prices and times at Patrimonio Nacional.

The best deal here is the free entry for EU citizens. On Wednesdays and Sundays from 3pm, EU citizens can visit on their own for free if they show a passport or ID card at the ticket office. The palace can also close to visitors during official events, so check the website the day before you plan to go.

9. Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle, Castell de Bellver, is a medieval castle on a wooded hill west of the centre, and it has one of the best views over Palma and the bay. The castle has been inhabited for over 700 years, and today it houses the city’s history museum.

A ticket costs only €4, and on Sundays entry is free for everyone. Children under 14 always get in free. From April to September, the castle is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and from October to March it closes at 6pm. On Sundays and public holidays, it’s open from 10am to 3pm, and it’s closed on Mondays. Last entry is half an hour before closing time. See the castle’s opening hours and prices.

The castle stands in the middle of Bellver Forest, and I’d recommend walking up through the woods if it isn’t too hot. Be aware that the castle closes when the city council closes the city’s parks because of bad weather, and that can happen at a few hours’ notice.

10. Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis

Sa Calobra is a small cove on the north coast, where the Torrent de Pareis gorge meets the sea between vertical rock walls. The gorge is about 3.3 kilometres long, its walls are up to 200 metres high, and the area has been protected as a natural monument since 2003. The beach at the mouth of the gorge is what most people come to see, and it’s free to walk in to it from Sa Calobra.

You get there along the Ma-2141 mountain road, which winds down towards the coast, or by boat along the coast from Port de Sóller. Hiking through the Torrent de Pareis itself is a different matter entirely. The authorities rate it as difficult, you’ll have to climb and jump across slippery rocks, and ropes are often needed. Never enter the gorge if rain or thunderstorms are forecast, because the water can rise suddenly, and there are rescue operations every year.

Read the Balearic authorities’ advice before you go, and call 112 in an emergency. My tip is to stick to the short walk in to the beach if you’re not an experienced hiker.

Book a day trip to Sa Calobra by train, tram and boat.

11. Alcúdia and the Roman Town of Pollentia

Alcúdia in the north of the island has an Old Town with narrow streets and mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries, surrounded by 14th-century town walls that were built to protect it from pirates. It’s free to wander around, and on Tuesdays and Sundays there’s a market in the Old Town from 9am to 1.30pm. Check the market days with Alcúdia’s tourist office.

Just outside the walls lie the ruins of the Roman town of Pollentia, which dates back to 123 BC. Entry costs €4, and young people aged 8 to 25 and over-65s pay €2.50. Children under 8 get in free. Last entry is an hour before closing time, and it’s closed on public holidays. The opening hours change between summer and winter, so check them on Pollentia’s website.

My tip is to come on a market day in the morning and walk around the ruins afterwards. Alcúdia is also a good base for Formentor, because bus 334 starts here.

12. Es Trenc

Es Trenc on the south coast is the long, white sandy beach that many people dream of when they think of Mallorca. It lies in the Es Trenc-Salobrar de Campos Natural Park between Sa Ràpita and Colònia de Sant Jordi. The park covers almost 3,770 hectares of land and sea, and behind the beach lies the Salobrar de Campos wetland, where salt is still produced.

It’s free to go to the beach, and the park is open around the clock. You have to park in the authorised car parks, including the one at Na Tirapel, and there are no bins in the park, so you need to take your rubbish home with you. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach from March to October, and music from speakers isn’t permitted. See the rules on the natural park’s page.

My tip is to bring water, food and something for shade, because you’ll have to fend for yourself on the beach. Arrive early in the day in July and August, when the car parks can fill up.

13. Mondragó Natural Park

Mondragó is a small natural park on the east coast in the municipality of Santanyí, with two of the most beautiful swimming coves on that part of the island. The park was established in 1992 and covers about 766 hectares of woodland, dunes and rocky coastline. The beach of s’Amarador is close to the car park, and from there you can walk on along the coast.

There are five waymarked routes that take from a quarter of an hour to an hour, so you can easily combine a short walk with a swim. The visitor centre at Ses Fonts de n’Alis, on the road between Portopetro and Cala Mondragó, is open every day from 9am to 4pm, and you can book free guided walks all year round. Find out more on the natural park’s page.

In summer, you have to pay to park at s’Amarador and Ses Fonts de n’Alis, while parking is free outside the season. My tip is to come in the morning in July and August and walk one of the short routes before you find a spot on the beach.

14. Santuari de Lluc

The Santuari de Lluc monastery lies in a valley high up in the Serra de Tramuntana and is an old place of pilgrimage. The church was built from 1622 to 1691, and the main building houses a museum that has been open since 1952. Behind the monastery, there’s a botanical garden from 1956 with plants and trees from the Balearic Islands.

Lluc is also known for the Els Blauets boys’ choir, a choir school with roots in the 16th century. You can stay overnight in the monastery’s guesthouse, where the rooms are set around a courtyard, and eat Mallorcan dishes at the Sa Fonda restaurant. Find out more on the sanctuary’s website.

Lluc is on the GR 221 trail, and the Son Amer walkers’ refuge is close to the monastery. My tip is to drive up and combine the visit with Sa Calobra, which is in the same municipality, Escorca. The roads are narrow and winding, so allow plenty of time.

15. Fundació Miró Mallorca

The Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró in Cala Major, west of the centre, is where you’ll get closest to the artist Joan Miró. Here you’ll see Taller Sert, the studio where Miró worked, and the exhibition building designed by Rafael Moneo. The old farmhouse of Son Boter on the grounds may be closed for restoration, so check the museum’s website before you go.

A ticket costs €10, and under-16s get in free. On Saturdays from 3pm and on the first Sunday of the month, entry is free for everyone. From 16 September to 15 May, it’s open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, in summer until 7pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 3pm. It’s closed on Mondays. See the museum’s website.

From Palma, city buses 46 and 47 run to the Saridakis 29 stop by the museum. My tip is a Saturday afternoon, when you save the cost of the ticket and still have plenty of time to see everything.

16. Cabrera National Park

South of Mallorca lies the Cabrera archipelago, which has been a national park since 1991. The park covers 90,794 hectares, by far the largest part of which is sea, and it’s made up of 19 islands and islets. By the harbour on the main island stands a castle from the late 14th century, but the castle building itself may be closed for safety reasons, so check the national park’s website before you sail out.

In summer, tour boats sail from Colònia de Sant Jordi to Cabrera with the operators the national park has approved. The park’s visitor centre in Colònia de Sant Jordi is open every day from 10am to 5pm in winter and until 6pm from June to September, but it’s closed in December and January. See the national park’s page.

Cabrera is for you if you’d like to see a quiet side of Mallorca far from the busy beaches. Bring swimwear and water, and book well in advance if you’re travelling in July or August.

Book a boat trip from Colònia de Sant Jordi to Cabrera.

17. Palma Aquarium

Palma Aquarium near Playa de Palma is the obvious choice on a rainy day, especially if you’re travelling with children. The aquarium has over 8,000 marine animals, and the main attraction is Big Blue, one of the deepest and largest shark tanks in Europe, with over 3.5 million litres of salt water.

A ticket costs €30.50 for adults and €19.50 for children aged 3 to 12, and children under 3 get in free. The aquarium is open every day from 9.30am to 6.30pm, and last entry is at 5pm. After 2pm, tickets are discounted. See opening hours and prices.

From Palma, the journey takes about 20 minutes by bus and 10 minutes by car, and there’s free outdoor parking. It’s expensive for a whole family, so I’d suggest saving the aquarium for a day of bad weather or the hottest hours in the middle of the day.

Book a ticket to Palma Aquarium.

Practical Travel Tips for Mallorca

Bus A1 runs from the airport into Palma, and taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. If you’re heading further out on the island, a hire car is the easiest option, especially for Formentor, Sa Calobra and the beaches in the south, but remember the access rules at Formentor in summer. I’ve covered all the options from the airport in my guide to getting from Mallorca Airport to Palma and your hotel.

Palma is small enough to explore on foot, and the cathedral, the Almudaina, the Old Town and Es Baluard are all just a few minutes’ walk from each other. The Almudaina, Bellver Castle, Es Baluard and the Miró museum are closed on Mondays, while the cathedral is closed on Sundays. On the other hand, Sunday is the free day at Bellver, and EU citizens get into the Almudaina for free on Sundays from 3pm.

If you’re not sure which part of the island to stay in, read my guide to where to stay in Mallorca, or see all hotels in Mallorca on Booking.com. If you’d like to continue to the neighbouring islands, I’ve also written about where to stay in Menorca and Ibiza.

The post 17 Best Things to Do in Mallorca: Sights, Prices & Tips appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Most people who land here aren’t staying in Palma at all, but in Magaluf, Alcúdia, Cala Millor or somewhere else on the coast. That’s why your choice mostly depends on where your hotel is and whether you land in the middle of the day or late in the evening. Below, you’ll find fares, timetables, stops and taxi rates, so you know exactly what to do when you walk out into the arrivals hall. For the rough conversions I’ve used about £0.84 and $1.12 per euro.

At a glance

• Bus A1: €5 (about £4.20/$5.60) in cash or around €3 (about £2.50/$3.40) by bank card, 25 minutes to the last stop on Passeig Mallorca, running from 05:30 in the morning until around 02:15 at night.
• TIB airport buses: Around €4.05 (about £3.40/$4.50) to Calvià and around €8.10 (about £6.80/$9.10) to Alcúdia and Cala Millor by card, running all year from early morning until late in the evening.
• Bus A2: €5 (about £4.20/$5.60) in cash or around €3 (about £2.50/$3.40) by card, 35 minutes to s’Arenal via Can Pastilla and Playa de Palma, running from 06:15 until around 00:15.
• Taxi: At least €16.95 (about £14.50/$19) from the airport and around €20 (about £17/$22.50) to the centre of Palma during the day, on the island’s fixed rates.
• Uber: The app shows the fare before you book, and the car picks you up outside the arrivals hall.
• Shared transfer: Booked in advance, it takes you to the door of your hotel together with other travellers.

Finding your transport at the airport

The arrivals hall is on Planta 0, which is street level, and this is where almost all transport starts. The buses stop on Planta 0 at arrivals, in front of the car park. EMT’s airport buses A1 and A2 and TIB’s airport buses all use the stop at arrivals, so you won’t have to look for two different places. The A1 and A2 also stop on Planta 2 at departures, which is mostly useful on the way back.

The taxi rank is also on Planta 0 at arrivals. The airport advises you to take a taxi only from the signposted rank and not to accept offers from drivers anywhere else. Uber and other pre-booked cars with a driver pick up on Planta 0 outside the terminal building at arrivals. You can see all the stops on the airport’s bus page.

If you’re hiring a car, most of the rental companies have their desks in the arrivals hall on Planta 0, and Europcar, Record Go and Sixt also have a desk in the baggage reclaim hall. You collect the car itself in the car park on level 0, 1 or 2, depending on the company. The list of companies is on the airport’s car hire page.

1. Bus A1 to central Palma

The A1 is EMT Palma’s airport bus and the easiest way into Palma. From arrivals, it takes the Ma-19 motorway to Palau de Congressos and then continues into the city via Porta des Camp, Sindicat and Plaça d’Espanya to the last stop on Passeig Mallorca by Jaume III. The whole journey takes 25 minutes according to the timetable. The route is only for journeys to and from the airport, so you can’t use it between two stops in the city.

During the day, the A1 runs every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 12 minutes at weekends and on public holidays. The first bus leaves the airport at 05:30. In the evening, it runs every 20 minutes until around 01:15, and after that there’s only one more bus, which is the last one, at around 02:15. In other words, there’s a bus almost around the clock. The timetable changes between summer and winter, so check the departures with EMT Palma if you’re landing late.

The A1 suits everyone staying in Palma, as well as anyone travelling on by train or bus from Estació Intermodal at Plaça d’Espanya. The catch is that it doesn’t go to the resorts. If you’re heading for Magaluf, Alcúdia or Cala Millor, you’ll save both time and a change by taking one of TIB’s airport buses straight from the same stop.

Fares and tickets

A ride on the A1 costs €5 (about £4.20/$5.60) if you pay in cash on the bus. If you pay by bank card, the first passenger gets a 40 per cent discount, so the journey costs around €3 (about £2.50/$3.40). If you’re travelling together and pay for everyone with the same card, the others in the group get an even bigger discount of up to 60 per cent. This applies to groups of up to five people.

EMT has scrapped the multi-trip cards and prepaid airport tickets you could buy in the past, so these days you pay by card or in cash when you board. The island’s travel card, the Tarjeta Única, is the cheapest option for residents, while according to TIB, a bank card gives visitors the best price.

Pay by card on the bus

You hold your bank card against the card reader when you board. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, both debit and credit cards, and you don’t need to buy a ticket first. All of the day’s journeys are charged together as one amount the following day, and your bank may hold up to €20 (about £17/$22.50), which is released automatically once the journeys have been paid for.

If you’re paying for several people, hold the card against the reader once for each person when you board. Use the same card or the same phone all day, otherwise the system can’t add your journeys together. The rules are explained by TIB, which runs the payment system together with EMT.

Where to get off

Palau de Congressos: The first stop in the city is by the conference centre in the eastern part of Palma. Get off here if your hotel is nearby. If you’re heading into the Old Town, stay on the bus.

Porta des Camp: The stop is on Avinguda Gabriel Alomar by the old city gate on the edge of the Old Town, which is called Casco Antiguo in Spanish. Get off here if you’re staying in the eastern part of the Old Town, and walk the last bit through the narrow streets.

Plaça d’Espanya - Estació Intermodal: This is Palma’s transport hub. Estació Intermodal is on the square, and it’s where TIB’s buses to the rest of the island leave from, along with the metro and the trains to Inca, Manacor and Sa Pobla. Get off here if you’re travelling on around the island or if you’re staying in the northern part of the centre. Read more about Estació Intermodal on TIB’s website.

Passeig Mallorca - Jaume III: The last stop is on Passeig Mallorca by Jaume III, a shopping street. From here, you can walk into the western part of the Old Town, and many of the city’s hotels are within walking distance.

2. TIB airport buses to the resorts

If you’re not staying in Palma, TIB’s airport buses are the ones to look out for. TIB is Mallorca’s public bus network, and its airport routes are called Aerotib and have numbers beginning with A. They run direct from the airport to the big holiday areas, so you won’t need to change in Palma. The buses run all year, including in the low season, but in winter there are different routes and fewer departures.

Four routes run in summer. The A11 goes to Calvià and stops at places including Portals Nous, Palmanova, Magaluf, Santa Ponça and Peguera, ending at Camp de Mar. The A32 runs via Inca and sa Pobla to Alcúdia, Port d’Alcúdia and Playa de Muro, ending at Can Picafort. The A42 runs via Manacor and Porto Cristo to Sa Coma, Cala Millor and Cala Bona on the east coast, and the A51 runs via s’Arenal and Llucmajor to Campos.

The summer routes usually start running at the end of March, and the winter timetable applies from November. In winter, the A11 and A51 keep running, while the A33 replaces the A32 and ends at Port d’Alcúdia, and the A43 replaces the A42 and ends at Manacor, where you can change at the railway station. The winter A11 also runs only as far as Peguera rather than Camp de Mar. The changes are listed in TIB’s overview of the winter routes.

In summer, there are usually 45 to 50 minutes between departures, and the A32, for example, runs every 50 minutes on average, with the last departure from the airport at 00:05. In winter, the routes run roughly once an hour, and the last buses leave the airport between 22:30 and 23:40. If you land after midnight, there are no TIB buses, so it’s a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. The journey time depends on how far along the route you’re going, so check your departure on TIB’s airport page before you fly.

Fares and tickets

The fare depends on how far you’re going. To Palmanova, Magaluf and Santa Ponça, the journey costs around €4.05 (about £3.40/$4.50) by card and around €6.75 (about £5.70/$7.60) in cash. To Alcúdia and Can Picafort on the A32 and to Cala Millor on the A42, it costs around €8.10 (about £6.80/$9.10) by card and around €13.50 (about £11.50/$15) in cash. Paying by card is around 40 per cent cheaper, which makes it the obvious choice.

Cash fares are paid to the driver, but only with notes of up to €20 (about £17/$22.50), and the cash ticket is only valid on the route you’re travelling on. See the rules for the cash ticket on TIB’s website.

Remember to tap out with your card

On TIB buses, you hold your card against the reader both when you get on and when you get off. If you forget to tap out, you’ll be charged a penalty fee of €0.30 (about £0.25/$0.34) per person. If several of you are travelling on the same card, each person has to tap in, but the card only needs to be held against the reader once when you get off. One card can cover up to five people, and with the card you can change twice within 60 minutes if you’re continuing on another bus or a train.

Where to get off the TIB bus

Palmanova and Magaluf (A11): These are the resort areas in Calvià, west of Palma. The bus stops in both towns, so ask your hotel which stop is closest. Santa Ponça, Peguera and Camp de Mar are further along the same route.

Inca (A32 and A33): Inca is inland, in the Raiguer region. Get off here if you’re staying in or around the town. There are also trains to Palma from here.

Alcúdia and Port d’Alcúdia (A32 and A33): Get off in Alcúdia if you’re staying inside the town walls, and in Port d’Alcúdia if you’re staying by the harbour and the beach. In winter, Port d’Alcúdia is the last stop, and from here you can change to buses towards Pollença.

Playa de Muro and Can Picafort (A32): This is where you’ll find the hotels along the Bay of Alcúdia. Can Picafort is the last stop in summer. In winter, the A33 ends at Port d’Alcúdia, so check your connection for the final stretch.

Sa Coma, Cala Millor and Cala Bona (A42): These are the beach resorts on the east coast. Cala Bona is the last stop. In winter, the A43 only goes as far as Manacor, so check your onward connection out to the coast.

Campos (A51): The last stop is the town on the route that’s closest to the beaches of the Migjorn, such as Es Trenc. From here, take a taxi for the final stretch.

3. Bus A2 to Playa de Palma and s’Arenal

The A2 is EMT’s second airport bus, and it runs in the opposite direction from the A1, along the coast east of the airport. From arrivals, it goes to Cala Estància and Can Pastilla and then along Playa de Palma, past the numbered beach pavilions from Balneari 13 to Balneari 1, and into s’Arenal. It reaches the last stop by the water park in s’Arenal in 35 minutes. Like the A1, it’s only for journeys to and from the airport.

During the day, there are 35 minutes between buses on weekdays and 25 minutes at weekends and on public holidays. The first one leaves the airport at 06:15 and the last at around 00:15. The fare and payment are the same as on the A1, so it’s €5 (about £4.20/$5.60) in cash or around €3 (about £2.50/$3.40) by card. If you’re staying at Playa de Palma, the A2 is the cheapest way to your hotel, and the pavilion numbers make it easy to find the right stop.

4. Taxis and Uber

Taxis in Mallorca run on the meter, with rates that apply across the whole island. During the day on weekdays, from 07:00 to 21:00, the starting fare is €2.50 (about £2.10/$2.80) and each kilometre costs €1.20 (about £1/$1.35). At night and all day at weekends and on public holidays, the starting fare is €2.85 (about £2.40/$3.20) and each kilometre costs €1.35 (about £1.15/$1.50). Journeys from the airport carry a supplement of €4.65 (about £3.90/$5.20), charged once per journey, and luggage doesn’t cost extra.

A journey from the airport costs at least €16.95 (about £14.50/$19), which covers the starting fare, the airport supplement and the first 7 kilometres. The bus route to Plaça d’Espanya is around 9 kilometres, so expect to pay around €20 (about £17/$22.50) to the centre of Palma during the day. To the resorts, the fare depends on the distance, and if there are five or six of you in a large car, it costs €3 (about £2.50/$3.40) extra. All the rates are listed by Palma’s mobility department, and you can read the airport’s advice on its taxi page.

Uber also operates from the airport. The app shows the fare before you book, and it shows where you’ll meet your driver, which isn’t always at the nearest exit. According to the airport, the cars pick up on Planta 0 outside the terminal at arrivals. Find out more from Uber and on the airport’s page about pre-booked cars.

Private transfer

If you’re landing late with children, or there are several of you with lots of luggage, you can book a private transfer from the airport to Palma here. The driver waits for you, and the price is agreed in advance. If you’re only going to Palma, though, an ordinary taxi is cheaper.

5. Shared transfer to your hotel

If you’re going to a resort that no airport bus reaches, such as Cala d’Or, or to a finca inland, a shared transfer is a halfway house between the bus and a taxi. You share a minibus with other travellers, and it drops each of you at your hotel. The downside is that the journey takes longer because the minibus stops at several hotels.

The transfer has to be booked at least two days in advance, and you can book a shared transfer from the airport to your hotel here. It’s a good option if you land in the evening after the last buses have gone and don’t want to pay for a long taxi ride on your own.

6. Car hire from the airport

If you’re staying in the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana or at a finca in the Pla de Mallorca, a hire car is often the most practical option, because many of the villages only have a few buses. Pick up the car at the airport so you don’t have to drive through Palma first. The desks are in the arrivals hall on Planta 0, and the cars are in the car park. If you’re only staying in Palma or in one of the resorts with an airport bus, you won’t need a car from day one.

Getting back to the airport

From Palma, the A1 runs from Passeig Mallorca by Jaume III via Plaça d’Espanya and Porta des Camp to the airport. The first bus leaves at 04:17, and during the day it runs every 12 to 15 minutes. The last departure is at around 00:20, and after that there’s no A1 to the airport until 04:17. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and the bus stops first on Planta 2 at departures and then at arrivals. Get off at departures.

The A2 runs from s’Arenal from 05:15 until around 22:30. TIB’s airport buses start early in the morning at the far ends of their routes. Check the time for your stop in TIB’s timetable, and remember to tap out with your card when you get off at the airport.

If you’re catching a very early flight from a resort, a taxi is the safe choice. The airport supplement of €4.65 (about £3.90/$5.20) also applies to journeys to the airport. Book your taxi with the local taxi association the evening before. The phone numbers for the associations in each town are on TIB’s taxi page. You can also book a shared transfer from your hotel to the airport here at least three days in advance.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s what I’d recommend, depending on where you’re staying:

Palma de Mallorca: Take the A1 and pay by card. For the Old Town, get off at Porta des Camp or at the last stop on Passeig Mallorca by Jaume III.

Playa de Palma and s’Arenal: Take the A2, which runs along the whole beach. If you’re staying in s’Arenal, you can also take the A51.

Palmanova and Magaluf: Take the A11, which runs direct for around €4.05 (about £3.40/$4.50) by card.

Pla de Mallorca, Alcúdia and Can Picafort: Take the A32 in summer and the A33 in winter, but the A33 only goes as far as Port d’Alcúdia, so for Can Picafort a taxi is the easiest option for the last stretch. If you’re staying at a finca inland, a hire car or a transfer is easier.

Raiguer and Inca: Take the A32 or A33, which stop in Inca, or the A1 to Plaça d’Espanya and then the train to Inca.

Cala Millor and the east coast: Take the A42 in summer. In winter, the A43 only goes as far as Manacor, so a taxi or a transfer is easiest for the final stretch.

Cala d’Or: There’s no airport bus, so take a taxi or a shared transfer.

The Migjorn and the beaches in the south: Take the A51 to Campos and a taxi from there, or hire a car if you want to get around to Es Trenc, Es Caragol and Cala Llombards.

Serra de Tramuntana: Take the A1 to Plaça d’Espanya and then the TIB bus from Estació Intermodal towards Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller, or hire a car at the airport.

If you land at night: The A1 runs until around 02:15, but there are no TIB buses after midnight. To the resorts, it’s a taxi or a transfer you’ve booked in advance.

If there are three or four of you: Four people on the A1 using the same card pay at most around €12 (about £10/$13.50), while a taxi to the centre of Palma costs around €20 (about £17/$22.50) and takes you to the door.

Practical tips for getting from Mallorca Airport to Palma and your hotel

Pay by card instead of cash. On both EMT and TIB buses, paying by bank card is around 40 per cent cheaper than a cash ticket, and you don’t need to have change ready.

Use one card for the whole group. One card can cover up to five people, and the others in the group get a bigger discount than the first person. Hold the card against the reader once for each person.

Remember to tap out on the TIB bus. If you forget to hold your card against the reader when you get off, you’ll pay a penalty fee of €0.30 (about £0.25/$0.34) per person.

Only take a taxi from the rank. The airport advises against accepting offers from drivers outside the signposted rank, and you should ask for a receipt if you want to make a complaint.

Choose your hotel with the connection in mind. If you’re staying in Palma’s Old Town, the A1 runs to the edge of the area almost around the clock, and you can see hotels in the Old Town here. At Playa de Palma, the A2 runs past the whole beach, and you can see hotels at Playa de Palma here. In Magaluf, the A11 stops in the town, and you can see hotels in Magaluf here. If you’d like to stay in Alcúdia, the A32 and A33 go all the way, and you can see hotels in Alcúdia here.

If you’re not sure which area suits you, read my guide to where to stay in Mallorca. If you’re heading on to the neighbouring island, I’ve also written about where to stay in Menorca. Once you’ve arrived, my guide to the best things to do in Mallorca covers what to see on the island, from Palma’s cathedral to the Sóller train, Formentor and the beaches.

The post Mallorca Airport to Palma & Your Hotel - Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

You can find everything in Mallorca, whether you are into long mountain walks, the more crowded beaches, historic towns, or charter stays.

In this article, I’ll share 5 beautiful areas in Mallorca, Spain. I’ll also share links for booking good hotels in the mentioned areas.

Where to stay in Mallorca? Let’s get this travel guide started.

The best areas to stay in Mallorca

• Serra de Tramuntana & Sóller – stay close to the beautiful mountains ⛰️
• Palma de Mallorca – stay in the capital of the Balearic Islands
• Plá de Mallorca & Can Picafort – stay in the middle of the island
• Raiguer & Inca – stay close to the best of both worlds
• Migjorn – best area to stay for beaches 🏖️

Click the links above to see the best hotels in the different areas of Mallorca.

Mallorca may not be the biggest island in the Mediterranean, but the landscape, the cities and the population are as varied as if you travelled to a large country.

Therefore, you can have completely different experiences depending on where you travel and where you stay while you are in Mallorca.

And then let’s get to the guide to the best areas in Mallorca and the hotel recommendations.

I’ve also made a video on 2 of the best areas in Mallorca:

1. Serra de Tramuntana – stay close to the beautiful mountains ⛰️

Mallorca’s magical mountain range, which stretches over 90 km along the west coast, is a must-see for nature lovers and a gem on the island that should be experienced.

It is also here in the area that the popular tourist area of Sóller is located.

See the best hotels in Sóller here.

Suppose you are looking for a holiday full of hiking and nature experiences. In that case, this is the perfect place to stay in Mallorca.

The mountain range covers 30% of the island’s total area and has 11 great mountain peaks that reach over 1000 m in height.

In 2011 Serra de Tramuntana was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Fantastic mountain routes in the Serra de Tramuntana

Most people associate a holiday in Mallorca with sun and sandy beaches, but if you want to travel to this area, the mountain range can be just as great an experience in the slightly cooler months.

In winter, you can also see the many beautiful almond trees in bloom.

The area offers spectacular views over the coast, where the deep blue colour of the sky stands out in harmony with the sea’s surface, almost deserted walking paths, the scent of citrus fruits and century-old olive trees.

You don’t have to be a professional hiker to experience some routes, although it is a good idea if you don’t fear heights.

The towns in the mountain area are a whole chapter in themselves. 

Although there are only a few hundred inhabitants in several towns, there is still life. Weekly markets are held in several places with local produce, and each town has its attractions.

Stay in the artist town of Deiá

Something else unique in Deiá is the town’s many watchtowers, which were built in the 16th century to prevent pirates from going ashore.

The small town with 850 inhabitants also has a lot to offer gastronomically. You will find delicious cafes and tapas bars in several places in the city.

See the best hotels and villas in Deiá here.

Hotel recommendation – Hotel Des Puig

Staying in Deia, located at the foot of Teix mountain, gives you the perfect starting point for some beautiful hikes. This hotel is small and idyllic but has everything you need.

There is a pool and fitness centre, wifi and a delicious breakfast buffet, giving you the best start to the day you could wish for.

See more photos and book online here.

Places to stay in Sóller

Ecocirer Healthy Stay is a unique and eco-friendly boutique hotel in the charming town of Sóller.

Focused on sustainable living and wellness, this hotel offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking a healthier and more mindful experience.

The beautifully designed rooms incorporate upcycled materials, providing a stylish and eco-conscious atmosphere.

Indulge in their delicious plant-based breakfasts with locally sourced and organic ingredients.

With close proximity to both the mountains and the beach, Ecocirer Healthy Stay is the perfect choice for nature enthusiasts and those looking for a rejuvenating escape.

See more photos and book online here.

Now, let’s head down to Port de Soller (the seaside part of Soller).

Hotel Esplendido is a charming retreat along the scenic bay-front promenade of Port de Soller.

This stylish four-star hotel, with its chic Scandinavian styling, offers a luxurious stay with immediate access to the sandy beach and breathtaking seaside views​​.

The rooms, equipped with modern amenities, ensure a comfortable experience.

See more photos & book here.

Hotel Es Port in Port de Soller provides a tranquil retreat while still being a short walk from the lively promenade​.

Housed in a 17th-century fortified mansion, it offers a unique stay near the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea​.

This family-friendly 4-star spa hotel offers extra beds and complimentary cots for those travelling with children​.

Guests can enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, tennis courts, a gym, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and on-site parking.

The hotel also has a “show-cooking” restaurant for a delightful dining experience​.

See more photos & book here.

Hotel Finca Ca N’ai is celebrated for its excellent service and cleanliness, rated as ‘exceptional‘ by numerous guests.

Located conveniently near Soller, with Port de Sóller and the Soller Botanic Garden just a short drive away, it offers a tranquil adults-only retreat​​.

The hotel is known for its luxurious amenities, which include two outdoor pools, a spa, and inclusive parking​.

Guests appreciate the proximity to the beach and the array of services, such as daily housekeeping and a pool bar, ensuring a carefree and indulgent stay​​.

The serene atmosphere is perfect for those seeking an adult-only holiday with a touch of nature and bio-luxury.

See more photos & book here.

2. Palma de Mallorca – stay in the capital of the Balearic Islands

The whole area of Palma de Mallorca is the smallest on the island. It only consists of the capital, Palma and the surrounding municipality.

Nevertheless, it is approx. half of the island’s population resides here.

See the best hotels in Palma de Mallorca here.

Palma truly is one of Europe’s most incredible cities in miniature format. 

Palma is a bustling city

One of Mallorca’s best-known sights and, therefore, worth a visit when you travel to the Spanish holiday island.

There are actually no limits to what you can experience in Palma. There are several museums in the old town of Casco Antiguo, but this is also where you will find the exclusive shopping street Jaime III.

The harbour promenade in Palma runs from the centre and 4 km to the shopping centre in Porto Pi. You will find many bars and discotheques along the promenade that kick off the nightlife.

To experience a bit of idyll, visit Es Portixol, a small fishing harbour to the east of the city centre in Palma.

You can hardly visit Palma without stopping by La Seu Cathedral, which the artist and architect Gaudi (who we know from Barcelona too) simplified 100 years ago. Here you will find one of the world’s largest rose windows, with more than 12,000 pieces of coloured glass.

Le Seu is the city’s trademark and pride, a piece of history you must experience if you spend your holiday in the Palma area.

Gastronomically, there are also plenty of experiences in the capital where delicious Mediterranean cuisine with lots of fish and shellfish, delicious vegetables and olive oil play a prominent role.

The tapas bars are side by side, but if you are into the more familiar fast food, there is plenty of that too.

Suppose you are more curious about the food and the ingredients – visiting the market halls for the weekly food market is worth spending time on.

Check out my video where I share some great places in Palma:

Places to stay in Palma

Are you looking for a luxurious place to stay in Palma de Mallorca? Look no further than Protur Naisa Palma Hotel.

Located in the heart of Palma de Mallorca, this luxury hotel has an atmosphere of sophistication and serenity. The hotel features 152 suites and rooms with modern design elements and comfortable furnishings.

The rooms at Protur Naisa Palma Hotel provide all the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay, such as satellite TV, kitchenette facilities, daily cleaning services, and complimentary WiFi access.

The hotel also has an on-site swimming pool and jacuzzi and a children’s play area for the younger guests.

Get the best rate online here.

There are plenty of luxury places to stay in Palma de Mallorca, so let’s take another one.

MHOUSE Boutique Hotel Palma is an elegant and stylish urban retreat in the heart of Palma.

This contemporary hotel features beautifully designed rooms with modern amenities, ensuring you can enjoy a comfortable and luxurious stay in the city centre of Palma.

Relax on the sun terrace, dip in the chic rooftop pool, or enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel’s trendy café.

Its prime location allows easy access to Palma’s iconic sights, charming streets, and vibrant culinary scene.

MHOUSE Boutique Hotel Palma offers a perfect blend of comfort, sophistication, and convenience for your Mallorcan adventure.

See more photos and book online here.

Bordoy Continental Palma is another brilliant place to stay in Palma.

Combining modern amenities with traditional Mallorcan architecture, this hotel offers guests a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The well-appointed rooms provide a comfortable and relaxing stay. Its prime location means easy access to the city’s top attractions, shopping, and dining options.

Enjoy an excellent breakfast at the hotel before exploring the city or unwind in the cosy lounge area after a day of sightseeing.

Bordoy Continental Palma is an excellent choice for travellers seeking both comfort and convenience in Palma.

See more photos and book online here.

Santa Clara Urban Hotel & Spa in Palma de Mallorca earns high praise for its value, with guests appreciating the balance of cost and quality.

This boutique hotel is in the old town, away from the crowds but within walking distance of the city’s attractions and beaches​​.

Previous guests rate it ‘excellent’ for its location, cleanliness, and service and are particularly enamoured with the views from the rooftop terrace​​.

The rooftop terrace, often highlighted in reviews, adds a unique touch to the urban charm of the hotel, making it a standout choice for those seeking quality accommodations at a reasonable price​ in Palma de Mallorca.

See more photos & book here.

Check out my video with more Mallorca travel tips:

3. Plá de Mallorca – stay in the middle of the island

You’ll find the area called the granary of Mallorca in the middle of the island.

Most of the island’s agricultural products, such as maize, potatoes and rice, are grown in this area. Here you will also find beautiful wine plantations and plantations with almond trees.

The area is sparsely populated compared to the rest of the island and characterized by rustic manor houses and iconic mills.

Can Picafort – best place to stay for families with children

You find the most tourists at Can Picafort, next to Alcudiá Bay, with kilometres of white sandy beaches. It is precisely the coastal areas that attract most travellers.

Can Picafort is a small resort town located in the beautiful Alcudia Bay. Located about 45 km northeast of Palma, it offers stunning views and miles of beaches and crystal-clear waters.

The resort features quiet and peaceful beaches and several restaurants and bars catering to different types of cuisine.

See the best hotels in Can Picafort here.

Can Picafort’s idyllic location also offers many tourist activities, including boat tours, scuba diving, walking trails, and other coastal activities like beach volleyball and kayaking.

I was there as a child and loved it, so it’s also a great place to stay in Mallorca with children.

Places to stay in Can Picafort

Let me share a few of the best places to stay in Can Picafort.

Ferrer Janeiro Hotel & Spa in Can Picafort is favored for its serene ambiance and modern amenities.

The hotel boasts a full-service spa, a fitness center, and rooms with contemporary decor, many offering picturesque views.

Guests praise the hotel for its varied dining options, including a restaurant serving international and local dishes.

Reviews frequently highlight the friendly staff and the hotel’s convenient location, offering easy access to beaches and local attractions, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration.

See more photos & book here.

Recommendation: stay in a Spanish finca with a pool

You can hardly do anything but stay authentically on a Spanish finca.

A finca can be described as a farm ranging from a small private one-family farm to large manor houses with several rooms.

Regardless, you will experience staying in a more ordinary home than a large modern hotel.

At this finca in Porreres, there is plenty of rural idyll and relaxing surroundings, but at the same time, a little luxury in the form of a pool and the possibility of restaurant visits.

4. Raiguer – stay close to the best of both worlds

Raiguer is the most versatile area of Mallorca; the area borders the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on one side, the flat landscape of Plá de Mallorca on the other, and borders right down to the region of Palma.

If you want to spend your holiday experiencing the versatile regions of Mallorca and enjoy city life, the beautiful beaches, the view from the mountains, and the rural atmosphere, staying in Raigur is a good starting point.

The town of Inca is incredible

The town of Inca is well known for its production of leather goods. Several well-known shoe brands are actually manufactured here. If you want to experience fantastic craftsmanship, the city is worth visiting.

Check out the best hotels in Inca.

In addition, the city is full of atmosphere and offers some of Mallorca’s best restaurants.

Every Thursday morning, a large market is held in the town, offering everything from fruit and vegetables to souvenirs, jewellery and, of course, lots of leather goods.

It is certainly not too little to set aside three hours to visit the large, brightly coloured market.

Best place to stay in Inca (hidden gem)

If you want to stay near the city but at the same time enjoy the tranquillity and experience Mallorca’s more rural sides, then Sa Vinya des Convent is an absolutely fantastic place to stay.

It is like a little hidden gem on the outskirts of Inca.

Get the best rate online here.

New Can Furios Hotel is another sophisticated and charming boutique hotel close to Mallorca’s scenic Tramuntana Mountains.

This tranquil retreat boasts tastefully decorated rooms with a blend of traditional and modern design elements. Unwind in the serene gardens, take a refreshing dip in the inviting pool, and indulge in delicious local cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Venture out to explore the charming villages and stunning landscapes nearby.

At New Can Furios Hotel, you are assured a delightful and unforgettable stay in Mallorca’s picturesque countryside.

See more photos and book online here.

5. Migjorn – best place to stay for the best beaches 🏖️

Migjorn to the south is a popular destination for the many guests looking for a fantastic (almost) Caribbean beach experience with white sand and crystal clear water.

Migjorn is an extension of Plá de Mallorca and is a plain-like area still very much characterized by agriculture.

However, it is here in the area that we find some of the best beaches in Mallorca, so if you are looking for the perfect place for a relaxing beach holiday, you can book the hotel here in Migjorn.

See the best hotels in Migjorn here (there are some fantastic places to stay in this part of Mallorca).

The link opens hotels in Sa Ràpita, but you could stay anywhere along the southern coast of Mallorca to explore the best beaches on the island.

Best place to stay in Migjorn

Monsuau Cala D’Or Hotel 4 Sup is an exceptional 4-star boutique hotel in the picturesque area of Cala D’Or.

The hotel boasts elegantly designed rooms that ensure maximum comfort, while the serene pool area provides the perfect relaxing space.

• Please note that this is an adult-only hotel in Mallorca

For unparalleled sea views, make your way to the rooftop terrace. The on-site dining options offer delectable cuisine, but you can also explore the nearby marina, which features a range of exquisite restaurants.

Rest assured, a stay at Monsuau Cala D’Or Hotel guarantees a memorable experience.

You can get the best rate online here.

Since, as mentioned, most guests visit this part to experience the beautiful beaches, below are 3 suggestions for good beaches.

3 best beaches on Mallorca’s south coast

Es Trenc

The beach is located in a nature reserve and is therefore well preserved. The water is shallow all along Es Trenc, which stretches over 2 km, making it a very child-friendly beach.

There are several marked places for naturists along the beach, although most visitors still wear swimwear. However, visiting the beach can be an expensive pleasure, as you already have to pay the first 7 euros at the car park, just to park the car.

Es Caragol

To get to this beach, you must walk 1.5 km on a rough path, but it’s beautiful and definitely worth it. The 450 m long beach lies relatively undisturbed; there are no facilities such as beach bars, deck chairs and the like, only the fine sand and the sea that sparkles in beautiful blue and turquoise colours.

The nearest town is 7 km away, and there are no hotels or anything else in the area.

Cala Lombards

This beautiful beach is in a small bay surrounded by high rocks and pine trees. The beach is a little small, and it can quickly fill up in high season.

The clear water is ideal for snorkelling, but families with children also like this area because of the fine sand and shallow water.

The nearby holiday town is a quiet residential area mainly consisting of villas. The nearest restaurant is approx. 1 km away from the bay, so bringing your own food may be a good idea.

The prices in the only beach bar selling drinks and snacks are relatively high.

I hope this guide helped you and that you now know where to stay in Mallorca. If you’re flying in, take a look at my guide to getting from Mallorca Airport to Palma and your hotel as well. Once you’re there, my guide to the 17 best things to do in Mallorca covers what to see on the island, from Palma’s cathedral to the Sóller train, Formentor and the beaches. If you’ve got any questions about the areas or hotels in Mallorca, please comment below and I’ll do my best to help.

Frequently asked questions about Mallorca:

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