Old town
For sleeping next to the cathedral and getting around almost everything on foot. It is lively at night, so choose your street carefully if noise bothers you.
Itinerary · Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca in 3 days: day-by-day itinerary
3-day itinerary for Palma de Mallorca: the cathedral, the old town, Bellver Castle, Sóller and Valldemossa, with tips for getting around the island.
- 3days
- 11stops
- 7Areas
This 3-day itinerary is designed for anyone visiting Palma de Mallorca for the first time who wants to combine city and landscape. The first day covers the old town and the cathedral; the second heads to the Serra de Tramuntana, with Valldemossa and Sóller; and the third brings together Bellver Castle, a nearby beach and the port area.
There are several ways to get from Palma airport. The EMT A1 city bus links the airport with the centre and stops at arrivals and departures. The A2 line goes to S’Arenal and Platja de Palma, useful if you are staying in that area. TIB Aerotib buses leave from arrivals for other parts of the island. And the taxi, with a rank on floor 0, takes about 15-20 minutes to the centre.
Tips
- Renting a car is the most convenient way to see the Serra de Tramuntana, but the roads are narrow and winding: drive unhurriedly and avoid the busiest hours.
- If you go by bus to Valldemossa and Sóller, check the return times in advance, because in small villages services are less frequent in the afternoon.
- Book the cathedral and the most popular visits ahead in high season.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the streets of the old town are cobbled and the mountain villages have slopes.
- In summer, the sun and heat bite at midday: leave outdoor visits for first thing in the morning or the end of the afternoon.
- Take swimwear and a towel almost every day, because the island invites a swim when you least expect it.
Day 1
Cathedral, Almudaina and the old town
Catedral de Mallorca (La Seu)
Old town
La Seu rises above the sea and is Palma's great icon. Its bright interior includes work by Gaudí and Miquel Barceló. Book ahead and visit first thing in the morning.
Palau de l'Almudaina
Old town
A former Moorish fortress turned royal palace, right opposite the cathedral. It can be toured quickly and completes the visit to the monumental complex.
Banys Àrabs
Old town
A small bathhouse from the Andalusian period, preserved in the old town, with a quiet garden. It is a short visit and fits nicely between the cathedral and lunch.
Passeig del Born and the streets of the centre
Old town
A tree-lined avenue that runs down towards the port and serves as a hub for strolling, shopping and having a drink. From here you can walk to the squares and courtyards of the old town.
Day 2
Valldemossa, Sóller and Port de Sóller
Valldemossa
Valldemossa
A stone village in the Serra de Tramuntana, with cobbled streets and flowerpots on the facades. The Valldemossa Charterhouse recalls the stay of Chopin and George Sand. You can get there by intercity bus or by car in about 30-40 minutes from Palma.
Sóller
Sóller
From Valldemossa, continue to Sóller by car or bus along a mountain road with viewpoints over the sea. The village square and its streets are a good place for lunch.
Tram and Port de Sóller
Port de Sóller
A vintage tram connects Sóller with the port, a sheltered bay with a seafront promenade, a small beach and fish restaurants. A good spot for lunch and a swim before heading back to Palma.
Day 3
Castell de Bellver, Cala Major and Palma by night
Castell de Bellver
Bellver
A circular Gothic castle surrounded by woodland at the top of a hill. The terrace has one of the best views of the Bay of Palma. You can get up by city bus or taxi, or on foot through the forest if you feel like a walk.
Cala Major and the seafront promenade
Cala Major
A small, convenient beach for a swim without leaving Palma. Afterwards, the seafront promenade leads to the centre, with waterfront terraces.
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró
Cala Major
The studio and work of the artist, who lived in Majorca, set among gardens a few minutes from Cala Major. Book ahead in high season.
Sa Llotja and the port
Sa Llotja
End the day in the neighbourhood by the port, with the Gothic Llotja exchange lit up and plenty of restaurants nearby. It is a nice plan for a stroll followed by dinner.
Palma de Mallorca
Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca
Santa Catalina
A neighbourhood with a local feel, with a market, bars and restaurants, ten to fifteen minutes on foot from the old town. A good option for eating well without tourist-centre prices.
Portixol
A former fishing district by the sea, quiet and with a seafront promenade, a little way from the old town but well connected by bus.
Itinerary · Palma de Mallorca
More Palma de Mallorca itineraries
5 days
Palma de Mallorca in 5 days
- Day 1 Cathedral, Almudaina and the old town
- Day 2 Castell de Bellver, Cala Major and the seafront promenade
- Day 3 Sóller train, Sóller and Port de Sóller
- Day 4 Valldemossa and Deià
- + 1 day
7 days
Palma de Mallorca in 7 days
- Day 1 Cathedral, Almudaina and the old town
- Day 2 La Llotja, Santa Catalina and Es Baluard
- Day 3 Castell de Bellver, Cala Major and Fundació Miró
- Day 4 Sóller train, Sóller and Port de Sóller
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see Palma de Mallorca?
Three days are enough to see the old town, Bellver Castle and two villages in the Serra de Tramuntana. With more time you can add Alcúdia and more coves.
What do I need to book before travelling on this 3-day itinerary?
It is best to book the cathedral and paid visits ahead in high season. If you are going to rent a car, do it as early as possible, especially in summer.
Can this itinerary be done without a car?
Yes, although it takes more planning. Palma can be explored on foot and by city bus, and Valldemossa and Sóller are reached by intercity bus; the train goes to Sóller. A car gives more freedom in the mountains.
Photo credits
- Catedral de Mallorca (La Seu): Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Palau de l'Almudaina: Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Castell de Bellver: Friedrich Haag, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons