Mallorca, Spain
"Coves, cycling passes, and a mountain range hiding behind the resorts"
Mallorca has a reputation problem: everyone pictures package hotels, and then they see the Serra de Tramuntana. Behind the coastline sits a UNESCO mountain range, stone villages, a vintage train to Sóller and cala after cala of impossibly clear water. It's the rare island that works for hikers, cyclists and people who just want a decent beach club.
Best Time to Visit
April to June and September to October
Mar – May
Almond blossom into warm spring; ideal hiking and cycling.
Jun – Aug
Peak beach season, warm sea, packed calas and top prices.
Sep – Oct
Warmest water of the year with half the crowds.
Nov – Feb
Quiet and mild, many coastal places closed, great for walking.
Getting Around
A car unlocks the island; Palma itself is walkable and better without one.
🚗 Rental Car
Essential for coves and mountain villages. Book far ahead in summer.
🚆 Sóller Train
A 1912 wooden train from Palma over the mountains — a ride, not just transport.
🚲 Road Bike
World-class cycling; the Sa Calobra descent is a pilgrimage.
🚌 TIB Buses
Decent network to the main towns, thin on the coastal roads.
💡 Drive the Ma-10 mountain road early — by midday it's a slow conga of coaches and cyclists.
Suggested Itineraries
Arrive Palma
Old town wander and a first ensaïmada.
Sóller
Vintage train over the mountains, tram to the port, orange juice everywhere.
West Coast
Deià swim at Cala Deià, Valldemossa in the late light.
Formentor
Cap de Formentor viewpoints and Pollença old town.
Southeast Calas
Cala Mondragó, s'Amarador and Es Trenc sand.
Interior
Sineu market, wine tasting in Binissalem.
Departure
Palma market breakfast, then out.
🧭 Wandersparks rule: leave one thing undone on purpose. That's the little hook that pulls you back for round two.
Highlights
Must See
- Cap de Formentor
- Valldemossa & Deià
- Cala s'Almunia
- Palma's old town
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
The best calas have no car park worth the name — arrive before 10am or plan on parking a long walk away.