Wondering how to spend 2 days in Mallorca?
Located in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the Spanish coast, the island of Mallorca is blessed with an excellent climate, beautiful beaches, and a rich culture.
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While Ibiza may have earned a reputation as something of a party island; this isn’t the case with Mallorca.
Yes, it has good nightlife, particularly in its vibrant capital of Palma. But Mallorca has much more to offer than sun, sailing, sand, and sangria.
The island is dotted with charming towns and villages, boasts a dramatic landscape, and has many ancient buildings to explore.
If you plan to spend 2 days in Mallorca, you might wonder how to make the best use of your time driving around Mallorca. So we’ve designed this handy itinerary to help you plan your trip and decide what to do in Mallorca.
It includes our suggestions for attractions to visit each morning and afternoon, plus tips on where to eat and stay.
Day 1
Your first day in Mallorca (also known by its Catalan name Majorca) will be spent in the island’s capital, Palma.
This city often gets overlooked as a destination in itself, yet there is much to see here, and it is one of the best places to capture the real essence of the island.
Morning
Visiting the market of any city is the best way to understand just what makes it tick. So start your day with breakfast at Palma’s largest market hall, Mercat de l’Olivar.
You’ll find everything on offer here, from fresh produce and seafood to local cheese and jamón – traditional Spanish ham.
There are plenty of tasting stands and stalls selling food to take away. With so much to choose from you’ll be spoiled for choice!
This is a great place to pick up gifts and souvenirs, too, with lots of local and authentic handicrafts available. Next, head to the city’s most iconic monument – its cathedral.
Just a short walk away, this 13th-century sandstone building – known locally as ‘La Seu’ – is beautiful to see. It is surrounded by lush gardens and sits directly opposite a lake.
Its interior is equally stunning, designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi and with gorgeous stained glass windows.
Practically adjacent to the cathedral is the Royal Palace of Almudaina, the official residence of the Spanish royal family whenever they visit Mallorca.
You can book tickets online to visit its interior, where you’ll learn more about the palace’s history and see some of its impressive rooms.
After that, take some time to explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town. Here you’ll come across the 12th-century Arab baths, the only remnants of the Arab city of Medina Mayurqa.
They are extremely well-preserved and you can still see the Moorish arches of the various bathing areas. Stop to relax for a while in the tranquil gardens, filled with cacti and palm trees.
As lunchtime approaches, take a stroll along the Passeig d’es Born. This wide, tree-lined avenue is the most elegant in Palma and is home to luxury stores, so it’s a great place for window shopping.
You’ll also find lots of cool cafes, bars, and restaurants at which to stop for lunch and to prepare for more sightseeing in the afternoon.
Afternoon
After lunch, head west to one of Mallorca’s most popular attractions – Bellver Castle.
It can be reached by car in just under 10 minutes, or you can be there by bus in less than half an hour (just be prepared for a steep uphill walk from the bus stop!).
Built early in the 14th century on a hilltop overlooking Palma’s Old Town, it was originally a royal residence and was also used as a prison.
One of the few circular castles in Europe, it has a very imposing and austere appearance from the outside.
Its interior, however, is surprisingly elegant and home to a museum, part of which comprises eight of the castle’s rooms.
Best of all are the panoramic views you can enjoy from the upper terrace, taking in the Bay of Palma, the pine forest surrounding it, and part of the Tramuntana mountain range.
After all that sightseeing, it’s time to relax a little. The beautiful Jardines de Marivent – just west of the castle – provide the perfect spot.
Occupying 9,000 square meters and surrounding the royal residence, the gardens are exceptionally calm and tranquil, filled with indigenous plants and bronze sculptures by Joan Miró.
Evening
Mallorca is well known for its excellent culinary scene, and we strongly recommend booking a table at the 1-Michelin star Marc Fosh Restaurant.
The food is simple but delicious, sourced from local ingredients and with a distinctly Mediterranean flair.
Located in the elegant 17th-century Hotel Convent de la Missió, the restaurant also has an excellent wine list and a relaxed, welcoming ambiance.
Day 2
The second of your two days in Mallorca will be spent visiting some of its towns and villages, then soaking up the sun on one of its many stunning beaches.
Morning
Start the day by driving north for around 40 minutes to the town of Soller, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful on the island.
It just oozes rustic charm, with cream-colored traditional-style townhouses featuring the green shutters typical of Mallorca.
The 16th-century baroque church of St Bartholomew is one of Soller’s main attractions, although its Saturday market is very popular too, with lots of traditional crafts and fresh produce.
If you are seeking culture then you have plenty of options, with several different museums in the town. Alternatively, head to the Jardí Botànic near the main square for some tranquility and natural beauty.
From Soller, you can take a vintage tram to the port. The journey itself is lovely, passing through groves of oranges and olives.
And the port has plenty of attractions, too, with two great beaches, many restaurants, and its own charming village.
To end the morning, head west to the gorgeous village of Valdemossa, a 30-minute drive away. When you see its stone houses and cobbled stone streets, you’ll understand its nickname – ‘the stone village’.
You can find art galleries, shops, and restaurants here, although the greatest pleasure is in simply walking through the lanes between the old houses and soaking up the old-world atmosphere.
Afternoon
When seeing Mallorca in 2 days, it’s important to fit in some downtime and take advantage of the island’s incredible beaches. There are several to choose from within a 30-minute radius of Palma by car.
One of the most popular is Cala Blava on the southwest coast. Small and sandy, it is located in a cove and has beautiful clear water.
There is little swell in the summer months, and access to the water is via a gently sloping beach, so it’s ideal for families.
Another good choice is the bustling Cala Major, offering 656 feet (200 meters) of glistening, fine-grained sand. Unlike at Cala Blava, you can hire sun loungers and umbrellas here, and there are also showers.
If you are happy to venture a little further afield, then head to the lovely resort of Cala Pi, just 45 minutes away by car. Named after the pine trees that surround it, the beach is short but wide, with fine sand and turquoise waters.
You’ll need to negotiate a somewhat steep staircase to reach it, but we think you’ll agree it’s worth the effort!
Evening
To end your weekend in Mallorca, we recommend trying the local tapas. The island has its own variation of tapas quite distinct from that on the mainland.
The Mediterranean influence here is strong, and you’ll see lots more olives, almonds, pine nuts, and vegetables than elsewhere in Spain.
Be sure to sample the tapas at several bars and look out for the delicious Pimientos de Padrón – small green peppers sprinkled with sea salt.
Are 2 Days In Mallorca Enough?
If you’re wondering how many days in Mallorca is enough, we think two days in Mallorca are more than enough to experience the atmosphere of its capital and some of the surrounding areas.
It is a large island, so if you venture much further afield, you will find yourself spending quite a lot of time on the road and rushing from one attraction to another.
This itinerary gives you just the right balance of activities, while still affording you a real insight into Mallorcan life.
Do remember, though, that it is based on spending two full days on the island. To see everything comfortably, you may need to add an extra night to your stay if you arrive late or depart early.
Where To Stay In Mallorca
There are many excellent accommodation options across the island, but for this itinerary, we would recommend basing yourself in or near Palma. Here are some of our favorite places to stay.
Best Budget Accommodation
The Boc Hostels – City Albergue Juvenil is not your typical hostel! Just a 12-minute walk from the beach, it features an outdoor pool with a fitness center, along with a shared lounge and sun terrace.
The air-conditioned dormitory accommodation is spotlessly clean and comfortable, with cubicle-style beds for privacy. Private rooms are also available.
Best Mid-Range Accommodation
The Ca n’Alexandre is located just a short walk away from a beach and most of the city’s attractions.
A beautifully restored townhouse, it combines historic charm and contemporary appeal, with family rooms available and a terrace for relaxing. A delicious and varied breakfast is served daily and there is parking available nearby.
Best Luxury Accommodation
Cap Rocat is in the perfect location if you want to be able to explore Palma easily without staying within the city itself.
Famous as the most secluded and private resort in the Mediterranean, this beautiful hotel is located in a fortress that lies within a Protected Natural Area.
Designed to blend into its surroundings, its elegant rooms have been created from watchtowers, battlements, and courtyards carved into the rock.
You’ll enjoy direct access to the sea, along with an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace.
Best Time To Visit Mallorca
While planning your holiday, you may wonder when is the best time to visit Mallorca.
Here’s a quick overview for you:
- November to March is going to be colder, so it’s not ideal if you wish to swim around or do more “summer activities”.
- April to May is a great time to visit Mallorca because it’s not too hot yet, but still enjoyable.
- June to August is the busiest time of the year to visit Mallorca. If you decide to visit during the summertime, we recommend you book your hotels and activities in advance.
- September to October is still a great time to visit as it’s not too hot and not too busy.
That said, the best time to visit Mallorca is between April to May and September to October.
How To Get From Barcelona To Mallorca
If you wish to visit Mallorca from Barcelona, you must remember that Mallorca is an island.
So, you have two main options available:
The flight takes less than one hour, and you’ll find direct options.
The ferry is much longer. It takes between 5h45 and 7h15 to reach Mallorca by ferry (depending on the port of arrival).
Final Thoughts On This Itinerary For Two Days In Mallorca
Spending time in Mallorca will give you a deeper understanding of the island’s culture and history, along with ample shopping opportunities and access to world-class beaches.
You will love the contrast with the small towns and villages you visit on your second day, where the history of the island really comes to life.
We hope this itinerary has helped you decide what to do in Mallorca in 2 days and that you have an unforgettable trip.
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