Four-Day Leisure Guide to Mallorca, Spain
Chopin said, "I have found my dream Mediterranean." And he never left again.
🛫 Day 1: Palma Cathedral and Old Town
🌅 Arrive in Palma by plane from Barcelona or Madrid early morning (about 1-1.5 hours). Take a taxi straight from the airport to Palma Cathedral (La Seu), a Gothic-style ocean version, with renovations by Gaudí. The cathedral’s rose window is called the "Gothic Eye." At noon, sunlight streams through, casting colorful beams across the hall, like God descending. Next door is the Almudaina Palace, the summer residence of the Kings of Mallorca.
🍽️ At noon, dive into the Olivar Market in the old town, start with fresh oysters and sparkling wine, and share a paella for two. In the afternoon, stroll the cobblestone alleys of the old town, visit the Arab Baths—the only remaining Islamic relic—and enjoy coffee at Plaza Mayor while watching street performers.
🌃 At dusk, head to Bellver Castle, the only circular castle in Europe, perched on a hilltop. Watch the sunset over Palma Bay as the whole city is bathed in golden light.
🌊 Day 2: Northwest Coast - The Most Beautiful Driving Route
🌞 Rent a car in the morning and drive north along the Ma-10 road, one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal roads. First stop: Sóller, where a century-old wooden tram clatters from the port to the town. Valldemossa is the winter village of Chopin and George Sand; his piano remains in the monastery garden.
🍽️ For lunch, dine at C’an Costa next to Chopin’s former home—roast suckling pig and local sweet wine are must-tries.
🌊 In the afternoon, arrive at Formentor, the northwesternmost seaside town on the map. Climb the cliffs to see Sa Foradada, the "Pierced Rock." At sunset, the sun shines through the rock hole, and sailboats draw golden lines on the sea.
🚤 Day 3: Southeast Coast - Jelly Sea and Trendy Beaches
🌞 Head to Colònia de Sant Jordi in the morning, Mallorca’s most rustic seaside town. Take a boat to explore "Turkish Blue" (Caló des Moro), where the jelly-like sea is unrealistically blue. Nearby, "Witch Beach" (Cala Macarella) is surrounded by pine forests with clear water and fine sand.
🍽️ For lunch, enjoy a seafood barbecue on S’Amarador Beach (grilled squid, large shrimp, sardines), sitting on a beach mat with toes buried in the sand.
🌊 In the afternoon, visit Cala Figuera, a cliffside village. The Drach Caves (Coves del Drac) house the world’s largest underground lake, where classical concerts echo underground. Take a small boat through the caves, looking up at stalactites hanging like frozen waterfalls.
⛰️ Day 4: Tramuntana - Ridge Hiking and Farewell
🌞 Hike the Tramuntana Mountains (a World Heritage site) in the morning, starting from Escorca. The ridge trail has snowy peaks on one side and the deep blue Mediterranean on the other. Along the way, see ancient terraces, stone farmhouses, and hear the bells of grazing sheep.
🍽️ Have lunch in Fornalutx, known as Mallorca’s most beautiful village. Stone houses are covered with wisteria, and you can eat Mallorca bread with olive oil and tomato sauce under the old banyan tree in the square.
🌊 In the afternoon, visit the natural salt flats (Salines de Llevant), where salt piles look like snow mountains. At sunset, the salt ponds reflect the sky like a pink-purple magic mirror. Pack the blue, gold, and white of Mallorca into your memory and take it on the plane.
⛺ Must-Do Highlights
· Palma Cathedral: Gaudí renovation + Gothic Eye rose window
· Ma-10 Road: Most beautiful northwest coastal drive
· Valldemossa: Chopin’s winter piano retreat
· Caló des Moro: Turkish Blue jelly sea
· Drach Caves: Underground lake classical concerts
· Tramuntana Hiking: Snowy peaks on one side, sea on the other
🏨 Accommodation: Stay in Palma Old Town (convenient for food and drink) / Northwest Coast (stunning scenery) / Southeast Coast
🚇 Transportation: Flights to Palma from major Spanish cities (1-1.5 hours); strongly recommend renting a car to enjoy the coastal roads; boats can be rented for island beaches
🍽️ Must-Eats: Roast suckling pig, Spanish paella, fresh oysters, sweet wine, Mallorca bread
💡 Tips: Best time is May-June or September-October to avoid crowds in July-August; sunscreen + sunglasses + wide-brimmed hat are Mediterranean essentials; mountain goats cross slower than cars on mountain roads; some beaches require advance booking in July-August
🌟 In Mallorca, the Mediterranean blue is endless. Chopin found his dream, and you find yours. After Mallorca, all other seas feel just okay. Next time, come back when the apricot blossoms fill the valleys~👋