Mallorca in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Mallorca is an island with a lot of history and a long list of destinations to discover. From cathedrals, churches, spas, beaches, museums, viewpoints, natural areas and ruins to artisan markets, restaurants, cafes and bars.

There are certainly plenty of things to do in Mallorca and your three-day stay might seem a little short. However, it's plenty of time to see the must-see sights, join a tour, walk at your own pace, shop and enjoy the local nightlife.

Start your first day in Mallorca by exploring some of the main monuments of the island's capital: Palma de Mallorca.

With this itinerary you will be able to contemplate the architectural style of these places and learn about the history they hide.

Visit the Arab Baths of Palma de Mallorca and relax in their thermal waters

The Arab Baths of Palma de Mallorca are a good place to start your first day on the island, as you can enjoy the history of the island, see the impressive Muslim architecture of the baths and relax in the hot springs after a long transfer from the airport.

On arrival you will feel as if you have been transported back to the 11th century, the period in which the baths were built, enjoying one of the few remnants of the Muslim presence in this town. Unfortunately, all the other buildings from that period were replaced after the arrival of the conquering troops of Jaime I.

You will be able to access a central room with hemispherical domes and a series of columns with arches. Moreover, while you take a hot bath in the area set aside for this purpose, you will quickly notice some curious indentations in the floor, which allow the steam and water to circulate.

Useful information

• Price: from 3€ per person.
• Opening hours: 9:30am-7pm (winter) and 9:30am-8pm (summer).
• Where: Arab Baths of Palma de Mallorca at Carrer de Can Serra 7.

Contemplate the architectural beauty of the Basilica Church of San Francisco

After relaxing in the Arab baths, you can take advantage of its proximity to the Basilica of San Francisco to visit this national monument built between the 14th and 16th centuries.

With this visit you will discover this famous architectural ensemble, made up of the minor basilica, the cloister and other buildings. All of them are structures of great historical importance for the island of Mallorca and its capital.

During the tour, the first thing you will see is the façade of the church, in which the Baroque style predominates. The statue of Fray Junípero Serra also stands out.

Inside the building, you will see how the design is baroque and you will find an interesting image of Saint George. Don't miss the Cloister, just to one side of the church. It is an emblematic building whose trapezoidal shape and architectural beauty will surprise you.

Useful information

• Price: free admission.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday (10:00 to 18:00).
• Where: Basilica Church of San Francisco.

Enjoy the shopping centre, craft market and nightlife of Mallorca's historic Plaza Mayor.

The tour continues in the Plaza Mayor, which is approximately seven minutes away from the previous destination. There, you will have the opportunity to walk through one of the largest and most iconic squares on the island, where centuries ago the building of the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition was located .

This square has a huge shopping centre, built in the late 1960s. You can stroll around the shops and do some shopping, sit in one of its cafés or eat in its restaurants, and even go to the craft markets on Friday and Saturday mornings.

Also, if you don't know what to do in Mallorca at night, this square is a good destination to visit its lively bars and enjoy the recurring musical shows that take place there (local artists).

Tour the Cathedral of Santa Maria and admire the island from its terrace

Leaving the Plaza Mayor you will have to walk approximately six minutes to the Cathedral of San Maria de Mallorca or La Seu, as this monument is also known.

This religious building was built in Gothic style. Its history dates back more than 700 years, specifically to 1229, when it ceased to be a mosque and was consecrated to Christian worship by order of the conqueror James I of Aragon.

This monument stands out among the cathedrals of Europe because it has the tallest structure on the entire continent and boasts the largest Gothic-style rose window. During the visit, which lasts approximately one hour, you will have the opportunity to tour the inside of the cathedral and the museum of sacred art.

You can also climb up to the bell tower and the terraces of the flying buttresses to enjoy a privileged panoramic view of the sea and the island in general. Certainly, this is a suitable activity to include among the things to do in Mallorca in summer, winter or any season of the year.

Useful information

• Price: from 20€.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (10:00 to 16:45).
• Where: Santa María Cathedral.

Get to know the Royal Palace of La Almudaina in Mallorca

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is an obligatory destination for any tourist, so you should include it among the best activities in Mallorca on your first day.

You will have the opportunity to visit the Royal Alcazar, which was officially recognised as a royal residence from the 13th to the 14th century. Today it has been converted into a museum that you can visit from Tuesday to Sunday.

The tour of the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, built by order of James II of Mallorca on the site that was once occupied by the Arab citadel, begins in the Hall of Chimneys, which takes its name from the fact that the heating system was located in this area.

You can then enter the Hall of Kings, where you will find some portraits of the island's monarchs, and immediately go on to the Rabbit Room. Afterwards, you can go up to the terraces and contemplate the medieval garden of S'Hort del Rei and the bay area.

Useful information

• Price: from 7€. (Wednesdays and Sundays free after 15:00 hours)
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 to 19:00 hours).
• Where: Royal Palace of La Almudaina. To get there, just walk south along Carrer del Palau Reial towards Carrer del Mirador, about a couple of minutes from Santa Maria Cathedral.

Even if you only have two days to visit Mallorca, I would recommend that you dedicate one of them to the itinerary I propose for this second day.

During this day, you will visit some of the island's villages and natural areas. However, in order to take in as many attractions as possible and make the most of the day, I recommend that you get up early.

Visit the Caves of Drach

The second day in Mallorca begins with a visit to the Drach caves, which you can visit either with a guided tour or by buying tickets at the ticket office.

In either case, you will have to travel to Porto Cristo, approximately 45 minutes by car from Mallorca. This way, you will experience a one-hour adventure, during which you will walk through the interior of the cave (1,200 metres), while you enjoy the impressive natural surroundings.

At the end of this tour, you will be amazed by a short concert of instrumental music.

Afterwards, it's time to leave the cave, taking part in one of the most surprising boat trips in Mallorca, as you sail through the crystal-clear, calm waters of the underground Martel Lake.

Useful information

• Price: from 15€.
• Opening hours: every day (9:00 to 17:00).
• Where: Cuevas del Drach.

Get to know the Caves of Hams

Just four kilometres away by car you will find your next destination, the Cuevas dels Hams, where nature and the hand of man embrace to offer you a geological space of great beauty.

There you will enjoy different and amazing natural scenery, ideal if you are travelling to Mallorca with children.

Normally, you will walk through the botanical garden of the Round Cave to the Blue Cave, where there is a blue lighting system that creates a series of interesting visual contrasts.

Also, in this area, you will have the opportunity to watch a projection with the history of the island and details about the discovery of the cave. Afterwards, you will enter the Classical Cave, with hundreds of stalagmites and stalactites, to finally reach the underground lake Sea of Venice and witness a classical music concert.

Useful information

• Price: from 22€.
• Opening hours: every day (10:00 to 17:00 hours).
• Where: Cuevas dels Hams.

Take an excursion to the village of Valldemossa

After visiting this pair of caves, I recommend you head to the west of the island, specifically to the village of Valldemossa, which is usually one of the best day trips in Mallorca.

The best thing to do is to explore the streets of this beautiful town on foot, while you gradually discover its history, take photographs, eat and rest in one of its restaurants, buy souvenirs, among other things.

On this excursion you will also see the Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa, known for being the former residence of King Sancho I and, some time later, the home of the composer Frédéric Chopin.

Right next to it, you will find the Palace of King Sancho and the Gardens of King Juan Carlos, whose panoramic view will surprise you. Next, the best thing to do is to take a stroll through the historic quarter of the town, to discover its picturesque streets and the Church of Sant Bartolomeu.

Stroll through the village of Sóller

The village of Sóller, in the northwest of Mallorca (approximately 55 minutes from Valldemossa), is another of the island's attractions to include among the 10 things to do in Mallorca in June or any other month of the year.

On the way you will have to go through impressive tunnels that perforate the mountains until you reach this beautiful town surrounded by a majestic valley. There you will find a peaceful atmosphere with a lot of history, a series of monuments and privileged natural views.

You will see the Plaza de la Constitución, with its terraces, cafés, restaurants and the Church of San Bartolomé. You will also see the tram rails, which cross the square. In fact, you can get on this means of transport to go to the Port of Sóller.

Afterwards, you can enter the Can Prunera Modernist Museum and see an important display of furniture belonging to 20th-century society. Continue the excursion at the Sóller Railway Station, where you will find a couple of permanent exhibitions by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.

To end your three-day trip to Majorca, there is nothing better than a tour of the island's coves and beaches.

You will discover hidden landscapes of great natural beauty, where the blue waters contrast with the sand, the green areas and the sun's rays.

Mondragó Cove

Cala Mondragó is a nature reserve located approximately one hour southwest of Mallorca. This is the starting point of the recommended itinerary for the third and last day of the tour.

In the cove you can walk along the white sand and dive into the crystal-clear waters. If you want to find some shade, you should head to the back of this cove, where you will find a small green lung, made up of a series of desert plants and some pine trees.

In addition, in this cove you can do some sporting experiences, such as taking part in one of the best bicycle tours on the island or hiking.

In fact, you should know that this place is suitable for wheelchair users and is equipped with everything necessary for the enjoyment of the whole family.

Useful information

• Price: from 6€.
• Opening hours: every day (9:00 am to 4:00 pm).
• Where: Cala Mondragó.

S'Amarador Cove

The next destination is located approximately 10 minutes away from Cala Mondragó, so you can easily go from one to the other along a path.

When you reach Cala S'Amarador, you will notice that it is bigger than the previous one. Moreover, you will feel enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquillity, as it is a hidden bay and, therefore, less crowded.

In this cove you can swim in the calm waters, lie on the sand to sunbathe or simply sit in the shade of the vegetation that surrounds this area to contemplate the views.

In fact, depending on the time and season of the year, you can watch the sun melt into the water. A true visual spectacle, in which there is only you and nature. Without a doubt, this is a suitable visit if you do not know what to do in Mallorca in June and September, which are the hottest months of the year.

Caló des Moro

After enjoying the beauty and tranquillity of Cala S'Amarador, get back in the car and drive to Caló des Moro (approximately 23 minutes away). When you get there, you have to go down a slightly long path with an uneven surface. However, it will be worth it, because little by little you will discover an incredible panoramic view of the cove.

Once in the cove, you will see its beautiful turquoise blue waters, in which you can dive and swim safely. This is because the water is shallow and, thanks to the cliffs, you will be protected from the winds and waves. You will also enjoy the white sand, the surrounding vegetation and the incredible view of the sunset.

Es Trenc beach

To end the third day's route, drive approximately 34 minutes from Caló des Moro to the south coast of Mallorca, where you will find Es Trenc beach.

This is a natural space with an extension of seven kilometres with dunes, white sand and turquoise waters that invite you to dive into it. You can relax, take advantage of the natural surroundings and even the sunset to take some photographs.

This is certainly a good plan to include in the things to do in Mallorca in July or any other month of the summer and autumn season.

Afterwards, you can return to Palma de Mallorca and, depending on the time of your flight, you can take part in one last activity lasting a maximum of three hours. For example, one of Mallorca's gastronomic tours or a Segway tour through the main streets.

Useful information

• Price: from 5€.
• Opening hours: every day (9:00 am to 9:00 pm).
• Where: Es Trenc beach.

The tourist card will be your best ally while visiting the island of Mallorca. You will enjoy significant discounts on admission to monuments, museums, restaurants, shops and some transport routes.

You can purchase Palma Pass Express, (access to three museums), Palma Pass 72 hours (access to the island's transport, all monuments and museums) and Palma Pass Family (3 attractions for a couple of adults and children).