Very few islands in the world have captivated as many illustrious and anonymous travellers as Mallorca, the island of rosemary-scented mountains and hidden coves keeping the secrets of the Mediterranean. This is the place where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand found their sublime inspiration. “This is the most beautiful country I have ever seen. It’s paradise”. It’s the place where Ana María Matute discovered her blue refuge of silence. Where Joan Miró found serenity at last. But Mallorca isn’t visited: it’s unravelled. That’s why we’re here. To tell you what to see in Mallorca in 3 days to really understand it.
The best things to do in Mallorca in 3 days
From the beautiful city of Palma to the villages of Tramuntana and a multitude of beaches and coves where time stands still. Mallorca is home to unforgettable places to visit all around the island. This is your guide to Mallorca in 3 days.
Palma
Palma de Mallorca is a city brimming with history. From the Romans. The Vandals. The Arabs. And the Christians. This coming and going of civilisations has left a unique architectural imprint on the city: just stroll its streets to discover beautiful places such as the Plaza de Cort, the Plaza Mayor, the Jewish quarter of Carrer del Call and Carrer de Sant Feliu. But we recommend four must-sees on your wanders:
La Seu Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of Santa Maria, or simply as Mallorca Cathedral, it’s worth visiting first thing in the morning to contemplate its Gothic splendour. The exterior leaves an impression with its rose window, one of the largest in the world at 13 metres in diameter. The interior, refurbished by Gaudí at the beginning of the 20th century with modernist touches and a mural painted by Miquel Barceló in one of its side chapels, even more so.
Palacio de la Almudaina
After the Cathedral, your next stop should be the Palacio de la Almudaina in the same morning. A former royal residence overlooking the sea, its walls bear witness to the history of the Middle Ages on the island, combining Muslim, Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque features. Outstanding gems here include its Gothic gallery with pointed arches, the Tinell room, the chapel of Santa Ana and all the traditional Andalusian elements such as its Arab baths. A symbol of the city.
Fundación Miró Mallorca
Fundación Miró is a museum that pays tribute to the great artist Joan Miró and his very special bond with the island. It houses a collection of more than 6,000 works including paintings, sculptures, drawings, sketches, photographs and much more. Moreover, its location multiplies the beauty; it’s situated on a hillside of Genoa, overlooking the sea and surrounded by Mediterranean wildlife.
Castell de Bellver
The Castell de Bellver is a Gothic castle with the distinction of being the only round castle in Spain and one of the few in Europe. And that’s not all: it’s also a very unusual fortress as it harmoniously combines the defensive with the palatial. Its slender columns and pointed arches are a living testimony to the Mediterranean Gothic style. At 112 metres above sea level, it’s well worth a visit.
Beaches and Coves
Mallorca is much more than beaches and coves, but it’s undoubtedly a place of picture postcard beaches and coves. The only problem is that there are dozens and dozens that warrant a visit, so a 3-day itinerary for Mallorca requires selection. These are our winners:
Cala Llamp: Beach Club Gran Folies
The most crystal-clear waters. The most exciting caves. And Beach Club Gran Folies, our luxury beach club perched on a hillside with sea views, pool, Balinese beds and Mediterranean cuisine with an international twist; the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor romantic dinner in Mallorca in a restaurant in Puerto de Andratx, chill out music and an idyllic relaxing atmosphere. One of the best experiences to give as a gift in Mallorca.
Cala Mondragó
A cove of fine white sand and turquoise waters hidden among pine trees and low cliffs. Cala Mondragó is an untouched cove located in a natural park. It’s a ten-minute walk from the car park. From Cala Mondragó, follow a footpath surrounded by native plant life to reach Cala S’Amarador, which is even wilder and more isolated. Escape the urban. Building and noise-free.
Caló des Moro
This is one of Mallorca’s most photographed coves. Small and remote, it’s ideal for snorkelling as the crystal-clear water boasts outstanding visibility and many fish live close to the rocky walls. A magical place with its colours, diminutive size and the light that envelopes it. You’ll need to walk down a steep slope to get there. Good footwear is required.
Villages of the Sierra de Tramuntana
After a first day of more conventional cultural tourism and a second day of total enjoyment between Balinese beds with sea views and exquisite food, comes a third day of rural tourism. In any 3-day itinerary in Mallorca, the villages of the Sierra de Tramuntana are a must-see: a spectacular combination of history and nature.
Valldemosa
It was here in its Charterhouse that Chopin and Sand spent that wonderful winter which inspired them for the rest of their lives. Highlights include its cobbled streets, small stone houses with green shutters and flower pots, and the serenity that only the rural world preserves. Another of Mallorca’s spots that’s perfect for enjoying the sunset. The views here of the valley and the sea in the distance are truly captivating.
Sóller
Four great things about Sóller: it’s located in a valley surrounded by mountains, it has very particular modernist architecture, it has gardens halfway between Renaissance and Moorish and it has a historic tram that connects the town with the port. Orange and lemon trees flourish all around, making the village one of the most beautiful places on the island. The church of Sant Bartomeu is a must-see.
Deià
One of the most famous villages in the area. The poet Robert Graves, David Bowie and The Beatles all spent time here. And understandably so: it’s just too beautiful. We especially recommend the viewpoint near the church, the Archaeological Museum, Robert Graves House and the cemetery. Everything is close by and can be enjoyed in half a morning.
Sa Foradada Viewpoint
Very close to Deià is this unique viewpoint. Unique for boasting the best views on the island and because from here you can see Sa Foradada peninsula and its famous natural hole in the rock. The best place to watch the sunset in Mallorca and a must-stop on your 3-day visit to the island.
It’s no coincidence that Mallorca is one of the most visited destinations in Spain. All these places we have discussed are incredible, but the island hides many more gems for you to discover. Follow our recommendations for 3 days in Mallorca and you’ll find them as you travel from place to place. That’s the island’s charm.
