Playing Mermaids in the Spanish Isles: 3 Days in Mallorca

LAST UPDATED: MAY 25, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: MAY 20-23, 2023 | EST. READING TIME: 19 MIN



 

Dreaming of diving into crystal clear waters to unleash your inner mermaid?

 
A woman in a white summer dress strolls through a vibrant garden on a sunny day in Mallorca.

An enchanting island steeped in sunlit beauty, traveling to Mallorca offers the perfect Mediterranean escape. Sandstone Moorish architecture radiates at sunset, while ancient monasteries dot serene vistas across the hillsides.

Traditional agriculture cultivates the lush orange groves of Sóller and olive farms in the countryside, paired with fresh seafood and local wines providing a taste of the rich Balearic soil. Rocky cliffs plunging into turquoise waters along the coast reveal hidden coves with white sandy beaches at every turn. Mallorca is not just a destination; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in a slower way of life where beauty unfolds in panoramic views and each moment feels like a return to a more enchanted age.


3 Days in Mallorca Itinerary

In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed 3 days in Mallorca island travel guide you’ll find below:

Day 1

  • 9:20 - 10:00 AM: 🚌 Begin your tour of the island with a leisurely drive to Alcúdia (40 min)

  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 🥘 Explore the farmer’s market and grab a traditional Spanish bite to eat (2 hr)

  • 12:15 - 12:45 PM: ⛵ Wander through the harbor at Port de Pollença (30 min)

  • 1:00 - 1:30 PM: 🪨 Look out at the scenic Mirador de El Colomer viewpoint (30 min)

  • 1:45 - 3:15 PM: ⛱️ Lounge on the Playa de Formentor (1 hr 30 min)

  • 3:30 - 4:00 PM: ⛴️ Cruise on the ferry back to Port de Pollença (30 min)

  • 4:00 - 5:00 PM: 🚍 Head back to your original pick-up spot from the Puerto de Palma (1 hr)

  • 7:30 - 9:30 PM: 🍷 Taste home-grown Mallorcan wine at Avinae Wine & Spirits (2 hr)

  • 9:45 - 10:45 PM: 🍻 Keep the night going at Arlequin Restaurant and Cocktail Bar and Guirigall (1 hr)

Day 2

  • 9:30 - 10:45 AM: 🥞 Enjoy a colorful, “flexitarian” breakfast at Brunchit (1 hr 15 min)

  • 10:45 AM - 12:30 PM: 🛍️ Shop around Plaça Major for beach-inspired boutique accessories (1 hr 45 min)

  • 3:00 - 7:00 PM: 🛥️ Cruise through the Bay of Palma on a luxury catamaran (4 hr)

  • 7:30 - 9:00 PM: 🍝 Dig into a filling pasta dinner at Gigi's Piccolo Ristorante (1 hr 30 min)

Day 3


How to Get Around Mallorca?

Your Mallorca itinerary will determine the most appropriate method of transportation. If planning to lounge on the sun-soaked shores of beach coves, you need a vehicle to access these off the beaten path hidden gems. Cruising down the road in a convertible, check out Cala d’Or, Playa del Mago, and Caló des Moro for the perfect secluded beaches to play mermaids at!

  • While I can’t speak to this experience myself, vehicles here drive on the right side of the road, so there shouldn’t be too steep of a learning curve for American drivers.

    If you plan to cruise down coastal highways, there’s no easier rental company to book with than Sixt.

    I’ve booked through them three times myself in the states and once abroad, and each time the pick-up and drop-off process has been a complete breeze, with the entire exchange lasting no more than 5 minutes.

    They conveniently have four locations in Mallorca, so if you don’t want to wait in line for hours at a legacy vendor like Hertz, book with Sixt!

While I imagine a self-guided journey is the most magical way to explore Mallorca, my end of May visit didn’t enjoy the gift of great beach weather. Instead, I stayed around Palma and booked excursions based in the capital.

 
Marina in Mallorca with luxury yachts moored and palm tree in the foreground.
 

For activities inside the city center, it’s quicker and easier to walk the compact alleyways and side streets. No destination takes more than 20 minutes to reach, making the €25 taxi to and from the airport your only likely transit expense.

  • To broaden my exploration beyond Palma, I enlisted the help of Viajes Sidetours. The day 1 itinerary below describes the ins and outs of this Cap de Formentor journey, with highlights including shopping around the Alcúdia market, ferrying to Port de Pollença, and lounging on Playa de Formentor.

    If you’re planning to see these landmarks anyways, book this tour instead of renting a car since self-guided drivers attempting the same journey have chronicled heaps of complaints about parking problems, closed mountain roads, and fines from license plate cameras. Alternatively, hitch a ride on the bus up from Port de Pollença for only €1.80.

    One thing to note about this tour —assuming all drivers use the same script—is that your multilingual guide will talk the ENTIRE time you’re driving. If you know nothing about the region and consider yourself an avid learner, this format will be perfect; however, if you don’t want to listen to someone continuously repeat the same phrase in five languages, bring headphones.

 
Detailed view of a colorful Modernist building facade in Mallorca, Spain, under a clear blue sky.
 

How to Get from Mallorca Airport to Palma?

FROM: Palma de Mallorca Airport (Llevant de Palma District, 07611 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain)

TO: Palma Centre (Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain)

TRANSPORTATION: taxi (10-15 min, direct, €25) or Aeroport - Sortides → 456-Alexandre Rosselló - Àrea d'intercanvi Sindicat via A1 bus (14 min, 3 stops, $6)

TAXI: As a small island operation, the Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is a quick 15-minute ride away from the capital’s urban core. After a long international travel day from the U.S. to Zurich and then Mallorca, I opted for this more efficient method and hopped in a €25 taxi to the Airbnb.

When it’s time to return to the airport for your flight home, conveniently schedule a pick-up ahead of time by calling the operator numbers listed on cabs driving around the city!

 
A woman in a pink skirt and white top twirling with joy at the Mallorca marina, with yachts and palm trees in the background.
 

BUS: To travel to Mallorca, Spain more frugally, there’s a bus serving the airport. Catch the A1 line from the Aeroport - Sortides stop and ride for 14 minutes over 3 stops to the 456-Alexandre Rosselló - Àrea d'intercanvi Sindicat stop servicing the city center. Running every 15 minutes and costing ~$6, you shouldn’t have to wait too long for this carriage to whisk you away.

DRIVE: If you rent a car to explore hidden gems around the island, all the major rental agencies have booths inside the airport as well!


Where to Stay in Mallorca on a Budget?

LODGING: Old Town Apartment (no frills bedroom in shared apartment, $246.16 for 4 nights split among 2 people)

With an action-packed itinerary—and consequently many excursions to pay for—a no-frills Airbnb room with convenient access to the heart of historic Palma was one of the most cost-effective budget accommodations in Mallorca. What you see is what you get in this listing, and although it’s not overly luxurious you’ll have everything needed to ensure a comfortable stay. As a superhost with 10 years of experience and a 4.92 star rating at the time of writing, you can’t go wrong with this budget accommodation option in the capital of Mallorca, Spain!

 
People walking on a tree-lined street with historical buildings in Mallorca on a sunny day.
 

  • This private room in a renovated 18th-century building sits inside Sunil’s shared apartment.

    An accommodating yet respectful host, Sunil carried our bags inside and shared local recommendations—like the historic Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo—upon request, but never made us feel uncomfortable and essentially left us to our own devices.

    As 22-year-old girls at the time, this was especially appreciated since we were effectively sharing an apartment with a stranger.


What to Do in Mallorca?

Day 1

FROM: Puerto de Palma (Disseminat Aparcamiento Sector H)

TO: Alcúdia (07400, Balearic Islands, Spain)

TRANSPORTATION: Viajes Sidetours (40 min, direct, included in tour price)

Alcúdia

To traverse the island with the help of a coach tour, begin your day with pick-up from Puerto de Palma around 9:20 AM. From here you’ll be whisked away to the north end where the quaint town of Alcúdia awaits, home to well-preserved medieval walls and a historic 13th-century old town. As the capital of Mallorca during the Roman period, Roman ruins are scattered about including the remains of the ancient city of Pollentia.

The real highlight, however, is the vibrant market held every Tuesday and Sunday on Paseo Mare de Déu de la Victòria. Stalls with juicy fruit sourced from across the island, textiles, and artisan handicrafts fill the surrounding streets, and while I didn’t make a purchase perusing the wares was the perfect way to occupy an hour during this sunny Sunday morning.

 
People walking on a tree-lined street with historical buildings in Mallorca on a sunny day.
 

Given Alcúdia is one of the longer stops on this 8-hour tour of Mallorca, grab a bite to eat before returning to the coach. I ate paella at The Corner, but after receiving some of the worst reviews I’ve ever seen on TripAdvisor it appears to be permanently closed. I didn’t find the food to be that bad, but nonetheless you can try this traditional Spanish dish at Restaurante Fonda Llabrés, which has mildly better reviews.

The timing of this stop is tricky because the really fantastic spots like Restaurant Celler Ca'n Costa don’t open until the afternoon when you’ll be on your way to Port de Pollença. That said, expect average food from one of the café’s catering to tourists by opening early and you won’t be disappointed, since truly authentic Spanish spots won’t open until later anyways. If your heart is set on enjoying delectable paella, fear not—you’ll cook some on the third day of this itinerary!

Port de Pollença

After Alcúdia, reach Port de Pollença via a 15-minute drive. This strategic naval port is set against the Tramuntana mountain range, with sandy beaches and clear, shallow water perfect for swimming. Depending on the weather getting in the water may not be top of mind, so consider spending this 30-minute stop strolling the Pine Walk promenade. Lined with ancient pine trees, this shaded walk offers stunning views of the bay and adds to the serene ambiance.

 
Tranquil beachfront promenade in Mallorca with pine trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
 

Otherwise, admire boats in the marina in a picturesque view that is quintessentially Mediterranean. With any time to spare—or if you’re hungry after the drive from Alcúdia—enjoy a quick cup of coffee or scoop of gelato from one of the many waterfront cafés and gelaterias.

Mirador de El Colomer

Another 15-minute ride will bring you to Mirador de El Colomer. This viewpoint offers some of the most spectacular panoramas on the island with dramatic cliffs and deep blue water creating a striking visual contrast. Positioned on the northern tip of Mallorca, this stop entails awe-inspiring vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, rugged coastline, and Tramuntana mountains.

Unlike other viewpoints that require a hike to reach, Es Colomer is easily accessible by car, making it a convenient stop for those touring the island. A short walk from the parking lot leads to the majestic scene, which is accessible to a wide range of visitors via paved paths with handrails—you may even see a wild goat hanging out! A small kiosk and sometimes food trucks sell convenient—albeit overpriced—snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.

 
Scenic view of Mallorca's rocky coastline with pine trees and the Mediterranean Sea.
 

Playa de Formentor

Only 10 more minutes on the bus brings you to the most beautiful destination on this tour: crescent-shaped Playa de Formentor which is one of the finest natural beaches in Mallorca Spain. A clean, tree-backed stretch of paradise nearly one kilometer long, the narrow strip is filled with fine-grained sand and calm blue-green waves.

With an hour and a half to spare, dip in the crystal-clear water or tan on the sandy shore. To avoid UV rays, the surrounding pines offer plenty of natural shade or rent loungers and umbrellas lining the beach. The usual facilities like showers, toilets, and the waterfront eatery L'Espigó Beach Bar are found about, and in the summer supervision is provided by a lifeguard.

 
Fashionable woman in a chic rust-colored jumpsuit posing on a stone wall with the scenic Mallorca coastline in the background.
 

If you come prepared with a water sport in mind, you likely have enough time to rent the required gear at the beginning of this stop. Water bikes, windsurfing equipment, small sailboats, and catamaran rentals are offered at different points throughout the year along this shore.

Once your time at Playa de Formentor is up, grab a ferry ticket from the tour operator and board the boat that will take you back to Port de Pollença after a 30-minute ride. From Port de Pollença, the same bus will pick you up from the depot and transport you back to Palma, which takes about an hour to return to the original departure point. If you boarded in central Palma like I did—which happens to be the last pick-up spot—the drop-off process occurs in reverse so you’ll be first off the bus!

Avinae Wine & Spirits Tasting

Learn about Mallorcan wine with a tasting session in the basement of a cozy 'colmado' wine store. Avinae Wine & Spirits offers plenty of samples along with a mahón cheese plate and other local delights like wild boar sobrasada—a native high-quality sausage. As a special touch, the group is limited to just six guests so you can personally learn from the sommelier.

The intimate nature of this small-group experience meant I got to know the other wine-lovers present while chatting about the island, and with our bellies warmed with wine we decided to keep the night going with a quick bar crawl!

 
An inviting spread of cheese, charcuterie, and empty wine glasses set up for a wine tasting session in a rustic Mallorca setting.
 

  • Dani was our extremely knowledgeable host who made the experience feel like a chemistry session!

    When learning about each variety, he explained the simple science behind the Mallorcan pairings in a straightforward manner to describe why some snacks opened the body of the wine while others dulled its flavor.

    This was undoubtedly the most informative tasting I’ve ever attended, and Dani’s charisma ensured the lesson was incredibly entertaining rather than dragging on like a boring class.

Drinks — Arlequin and Guirigall

From the green chartreuse on the counter, you may not realize two 22-year-old girls ended up here with four Danes in their late 50’s! In all my tasting experiences abroad, the tendency of wine to form unlikely friendships is unparalleled, and such was the case here!

Following our Avinae Wine & Spirits experience, we headed across the street to circus-themed Arlequin Restaurant & Cocktail Bar where Dani treated everyone to a peppery liqueur none of us had tried before! I imagine the wine shop partners with Arlequin, since it’s conveniently located across the street and we’re certainly not the first group to end up here with Dani.

 
A woman serving traditional Mallorcan drinks at a bar with a customer in the foreground.
 

Nonetheless, he treated everyone to this shot as we continued to get to know each other. Continuing to another recommendation from Dani, we ended the night at Guirigall after sharing a round of craft beers with the group. This casual pub straight out of Amsterdam was more laid-back than playful Arlequin, with the quiet brewery interior decorated with biking motifs. Once you’re satisfied with your nightcap—or when your bed starts calling—head back to your lodging to prepare for another active day ahead!

Day 2

Breakfast — Brunchit

Begin your second day in Palma during this Mallorca in 3 days itinerary with breakfast at Brunchit, a brunch concept from Bali with famous floral facades. The flexitarian menu caters to all dietary preferences, with classics like eggs Benedict on the menu alongside innovative creations like red vegan pancakes. Each dish is designed with quality ingredients from local markets and garnished with a magical pop of color. This chain doesn’t accept reservations, so you may have to wait before being seated.

 
Gourmet pancakes topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and a caramelized banana on a plate.
 

Plaça Major

Directly outside Brunchit is Plaça Major, Palma’s main square. Surrounded by Baroque yellow buildings with Neoclassical and Mediterranean influences, this center of city life sits on the original location of the San Felipe Neri convent. Today, find a selection of cafés, bars, and restaurants with possible street art and musical performances, making it the perfect jumping off point for a Palma shopping spree!

 
Bustling street scene in front of a historic ornate building in the heart of Mallorca.
 

  • I hunted for beach attire and accessories to wear on the upcoming catamaran excursion, finding exactly what I was looking for at Stradavarius and Bossa.

    This Spanish fashion retailer is similar to Zara in terms of the clothing types offered and affordable price point. I walked out with a teal linen button down that was perfect for the breezy boat ride along with a textured cream tank that’s become a staple in my wardrobe.

    At Bossa, I was stoked to find colorful beaded bracelets that wouldn’t tarnish for a reasonable price!

Shop until it’s time to board the luxury catamaran, returning to your lodging to change beforehand if you plan to swim.

Bay of Palma

Take a break from the city streets on a relaxing catamaran tour along the coast as one of the top things to do in Mallorca, Spain. Whether you prefer a relaxing or active half-day on the water, this intimate small-group experience supports both travel styles. After being welcomed with a glass of champagne, depart from the harbor and admire beautiful Balearic Island views. Once the boat cruises into a sheltered cove, taste homemade Spanish tapas and spend the afternoon how you please—whether that’s by swimming in the turquoise water, navigating with a snorkel or SUP board, or simply lounging on the bow net.

 
Two friends sharing a toast with glasses of white wine on a yacht, with the clear turquoise waters of Mallorca and sailboats in the background.
 

Given the chilly day, there wasn’t much swimming—although for the record I did take a quick plunge in the frigid water. We ordered a bottle of wine to share instead, indulging during this relaxing maritime journey as our friendly captain let the self-proclaimed DJ aboard queue up lively music throughout the afternoon.

While four hours may sound long, the trip absolutely flew by as we chatted with other passengers, took lots of photos, and nibbled on tasty treats. My favorite Catalan snack served was pan con tomate, which involves fresh tomato paste spread over hearty toasted bread!

Dinner - Gigi's Piccolo Ristorante

After a day on the water, fill your belly with a warm Italian dinner from Gigi's Piccolo Ristorante. Without making a reservation in advance, we struggled to find a dinner spot after the tour and tried multiple restaurants before locating Gigi’s.

 
A plate of rigatoni pasta with tomato sauce and grated cheese, garnished with chives.
 

This Tuscan cuisine served in an off the beaten path spot was exactly what we needed, and the extremely reasonable prices were the cherry on top! For a mere €10 I enjoyed a hearty plate of rigatoni alla bolognese—some of the cheapest, yet most delicious pasta I’ve ever had! Enjoy everything that Gigi’s has to offer before calling it a night during your second day in Mallorca!

Pro Tip:

As a cruise ship port, quaint Palma quickly becomes overrun with tourists, especially during the spring and summer high season. If you’re set on a particular restaurant, make reservations in advance if you don’t know which days ships dock in the harbor!

Day 3

Breakfast — Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo

If staying in Sunil’s apartment, just across the street find Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo, a Palma hidden gem run by a small Mallorcan family producing homemade traditional products for three centuries. This historic café was notably founded by one of the first ice cream makers in Mallorca—‘Joan de s’Aigo’—and one of the oldest chocolatiers in Europe. Previously an investor in snow stores known as “cases de neu” in the Tramuntana mountains, Joan invented the premise of mixing melted ice with fruit juice, with the resulting treat being the precursor to today’s ice cream. Almond ice-cream was the first flavor produced, considered to be of such good nutritional value that doctors prescribed it to their patients.

 
Customers dining inside a historic cafe in Mallorca with a vintage decorative tile sign.
 

The Can Sanç location has preserved all the features of the first shop opened in the 1700s, including the almond grinding mill and the ice cream vat used until the end of 20th century. A short time later Joan began producing hot chocolate and ensaïmadas, which evolved into a local tradition of consuming these treats together after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. You won’t have much time before the 9:00 AM excursion since the shop opens at 8:00 AM, but you should be able to sneak a spiraled ensaïmada in that small window!

Experience Mallorca Coasteering

FROM: Sunil’s apartment (Carrer de Can Sanç)

TO: Portals Vells (Balearic Islands, Spain)

TRANSPORTATION: Puerto de Palma → Portals Vells via Experience Mallorca provided transportation (30 min, direct, included in tour price)

Once finished with breakfast, prepare for an adrenaline rush during a 4-hour coasteering adventure. If unfamiliar with coasteering, this marine activity involves sea caving, adventure swimming, cliff jumping, rock scrambling, and zip lining with the help of a licensed guide who ensures you have a safe experience on this ultimate wet and wild day out. The cliff jumping portion involves a 3-12 meter drop after springing away from the beautiful coastline, and the tour progression ensures you start small and finish big while building confidence along the way.

 
Adrenaline-seekers cliff jumping into the azure waters of Mallorca, with a clear sky above and rocky shore in the background.
 

While I was ecstatic for this action-packed activity, inclement weather during my Mallorca 3 days trip caused the journey to be cancelled—but just because I missed out doesn’t mean you have to! Coasteering is undoubtedly one of the most unique outdoor adventures and activities available in Mallorca, so don’t miss this opportunity if you can stomach the jumps!

La Seu

After an exhilarating morning, take the afternoon slowly while exploring cultural attractions and landmarks during this Mallorca 3 day itinerary. Beginning with La Seu, this Gothic cathedral features soaring vaults, slender columns, and one of the world's largest large rose windows on the main façade. Construction began in 1229 after King Jaume I of Aragon conquered Mallorca and was not completed until 1601. In the early 20th century, renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí transformed the interior—making significant alterations like moving the choir from the middle of the nave to the presbytery—which added a unique modernist touch.

 
The imposing facade of Palma de Mallorca Cathedral, a historical landmark under overcast skies with visitors gathered along the outer wall.
 

Symbolizing Christian conquest of the island, the Royal Chapel contains the tombs of Mallorca’s monarchs. Find the seat of the Diocese of Mallorca inside today, cementing La Seu as both a place of worship and cultural icon on the island. While I simply admired the façade, tour the interior for €10 between 10:00 AM - 2:15 PM any day except Sundays.

Almudaina Palace

The Moorish King’s Orchard, or S'Hort del Rei, is located outside Almudaina Palace on the right side of the cathedral. While in the 14th century this would have been an enclosed fruit tree and flower space, today the Andalusian-inspired garden features cypress trees, pergolas, and trickling fountains outside. The most notable feature is an ancient ship bow crossing over the swan pond, as this arch likely came from the palace shipyard.

Originally an Islamic fort, Almudaina Palace is now the official summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Converted into a royal residence by Christian monarchs after the Reconquista, today it physically reflects this layered history as the original Islamic architecture is fused with Gothic and Romanesque elements added during the medieval Christian era.

 
A tranquil fountain surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers in a serene Mallorca garden.
 

On the opposite side of La Seu, Bishop’s Garden maintains the classical layout of Palma’s historic mansion gardens with divisions for fruit trees, vegetables, and an ornamental pond with goldfish. Belonging to the Diocese of Mallorca, this is another serene natural oasis to stroll through during your relaxing afternoon.

Evidently, these Mallorcan landmarks reflect the artisanal styles which have succeeded each other throughout the history of the Balearic Islands’ capital. Meandering through each site will provide you with a holistic view of how the region evolved under the leadership of various ruling cultures. From 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM every day except Mondays, delve deeper into the story of Mallorca’s past for only €7.77 inside Almudaina Palace, housing a range of artifacts from Moorish pottery and tapestries to Renaissance art—and even modern pieces inside the lavishly decorated royal apartments. Otherwise, after 3:00 PM you can get free, 40-minute access to the palace from Wednesday through Sunday.

Banys Àrabs

One of the few remaining examples of Moorish architecture in Palma to explore during 3 days in Majorca, the nearby Banys Àrab date back to the 10th century when Moors ruled the island. A historic link to Mallorca's past, they feature typical Islamic architectural elements like horseshoe arches. The central room—likely used for hot baths—is covered by a dome ceiling punctuated with several round apertures; the resulting starry-sky effect this filtered light source creates is characteristic of Islamic bathhouses.

 
Woman in a pink skirt exploring the ancient Arab baths in Mallorca.
 

A social center for relaxation, the Banys Àrabs provide insight into daily rituals of Moorish inhabitants on the island and the importance of cleanliness in Islamic culture. The surrounding gardens add to the serene atmosphere, making it a peaceful retreat from the busier city streets. Open from 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM daily, touring the bathhouse costs a mere €2.50, with tickets available for purchase in front of the attraction. I spent around 30 minutes exploring and snapping photos, and you can expect to do the same.

Dinner — Lonja 18 Cooking Experience

After connecting with the archival heritage of the island, cap off an exhilarating three days in Mallorca with an exploration into the gastronomy of the region. In partnership with a local chef from Lonja 18 (now rebranded Moltak), learn how to prepare the great classics of traditional Spanish cuisine—including seafood paella, tortilla española, and Catalan cream for dessert intermixed with appetizers like sobrassada, pa’amb oli, and pimientos de Padrón. This deep dive into the culinary culture of Palma de Mallorca begins with a lesson on each dish, including the region of origin and local ingredients involved in preparing it.

Preparation of each dish begins with a demonstration before it’s up to the class to produce the menu. In our group of eight students, each pair was assigned to prepare a small plate together, while the whole class contributed to the main paella course. Although the helpful chef is available to provide instruction as needed, this is truly a hands-on activity where you’ll be encouraged to cook each dish from scratch—even if that means pulling the tentacles and ink sack from a raw squid!

 
Two smiling women presenting their freshly cooked seafood dishes at a Mallorcan cooking class.
 

The friendly atmosphere cultivated by the charismatic chef during this 3.5-hour class was infectious and I easily followed the step-by-step instructions even though I’m an atrocious cook —the dishes turned out quite tasty too if I do say so myself! As the cherry on top, an open bar serves your choice of white or red wine to enjoy throughout the experience. Our group warmed up quickly due to the friendship-forming nature of wine, and when we sat around the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor it felt like we had known each other from the start! At the end of the class, walk out with new recipes to continue practicing at home alongside friends and family.


How Much Do Three Days in Mallorca Cost?

Following the above 3 days in Mallorca itinerary totaled $810.27, costing me $270.09 per day as a student:

Coasteering would’ve added an additional $76.33 to these expenses, bringing the grand total to $886.60. Incur greater expenses if you up your accommodations and stay in a hotel, plus visiting in the peak tourist season of summer will raise these rates even further.

On a tighter budget, consider window shopping around Plaça Major instead of actually buying souvenirs. This is quite an excursion-heavy itinerary, so you could also skip out on wine tasting and visit a traditional Spanish restaurant versus cooking your own paella with Lonja 18.


What to Wear in Mallorca?

While there's no strict dress code on Mallorca, a few key styles capture the essence of this sun-drenched island: light, airy fabrics and Mediterranean flair meet the relaxed, beach-inspired designs prevalent in coastal resorts. But what does that mean for you?

Embrace casual chic with a blend of stylish comfort in this laid-back fashion scene. In practice, combine elegant pieces from your wardrobe with artisanal embellishments and breezy linen garments. This mix-and-match approach might result in you pairing a vibrant flowing maxi dress with espadrille sandals, or crisp linen pants paired with a teeny bikini—either way, choose lightweight materials to accommodate the warm climate while embracing leisurely island life!

Sophisticated Jumpsuits

embrace a carefree vacation mindset and get ready in a snap with an all-in-one jumpsuit!

Vibrant Dresses

radiate island energy with vibrant beachy dresses that pop against the saturated sunset

Teeny Bikinis

prepare to lounge under the warm Mallorcan sun with teeny bikinis that won’t give you funky tan lines

Linen Pants

airy linen pants blend comfort and style, from classic cream pairs to patterned sets with coastal details

Wrap Skirts

transition from sand to city with a relaxed wrap skirt you can dress up or down

Tropical Bandanas

control your hair under a tropical bandana on the breezy island while exuding cool girl nonchalance

 

Discover where I purchased my pictured pieces with curated Mallorca summer outfit inspiration to help you pack your own mermaid-inspired travel wardrobe!

 

Is Mallorca Worth a Visit?

Unfortunately, May 2023 was not the best time to travel to Mallorca and the chilly weather prohibited the carefree beach days I had envisioned for myself on the island. That said, weather is always a travel factor completely out of your control, and the fact that I was able to have an incredible trip even without enjoying the jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches speaks to the many merits of Mallorca. This also means you’ll likely enjoy Mallorca even if you’re not a fan of lounging on the beach all day!

As one of the three Balearic Islands, it’s difficult for me to count this visit as my first trip to Spain, even though Mallorca is technically part of the country. With some shared cultural relics like the delicious tradition of preparing paella, much of what I saw and heard from locals is that Mallorca retains a hodgepodge of characteristics from the various ruling bodies which occupied the island throughout its history. This is evident in longstanding landmarks with architectural additions spanning centuries, the ongoing clash between speakers of the island’s two official languages, and local pride for delicacies which are uniquely Mallorcan.

Even the natural topography encompasses a surprising amount of diversity for a relatively small floating rock—wooded hills and caves reflect the prehistoric period in the interior, fertile plains contrast with alpine peaks protruding from the west, and a mild climate makes every day spent on long sandy beaches and out in the spacious bays serene.

Mallorca is the ultimate island destination if you’re seeking rest and relaxation on the Mediterranean with the added delight of a completely new culture to experience. A quick flight over from the mainland, it fits perfectly into a Spanish tour if you’re already planning to hit Madrid or Barcelona along the way!

 

TRAVEL TOOLS

Mallorca Customized Map (Google Maps)


ABOUT ME

Girl floating in the clear blue-green waters of Cefalù, Sicily, surrounded by rocky shoreline and vibrant Mediterranean scenery.

Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?

While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.

I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.

It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!


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Aerial Adventure: 2 Days in Interlaken, Switzerland