Seven days in Mallorca is enough time to fall in love with the island, but never enough to truly know it all. This Mediterranean jewel has the unique ability to offer adventure and relaxation in equal measure, to surprise you with landscapes that change dramatically within just a few kilometres, and to connect you with a culture that has managed to maintain its essence despite the passage of time. If you’re planning one week in Mallorca, you’ve made the perfect decision: just the right amount of time to explore its most iconic corners, immerse yourself in its spectacular nature, and relax on beaches that look like postcards. This 7-day Mallorca itinerary will take you from the vibrant capital to mountain villages, through ancient caves and crystal-clear coves. Discover what to see in Mallorca in one week with this complete guide.
Preparation: what you need to know before your week in Mallorca
Before setting off to explore what to see in Palma de Mallorca in 7 days and the rest of the island, consider these logistics. Hiring a car is essential for this itinerary: the distances between points of interest and the freedom of movement fully justify it. Prices range from 150-300 euros per week depending on season and vehicle type.
As for accommodation, you have two options: establish a base in Palma and take daily excursions, or change areas every 2-3 nights to reduce travel times. The first option is more comfortable, the second more immersive. The best time to travel is April-June and September-October: pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and more reasonable prices than in midsummer.
Itinerary summary: Mallorca in 7 days
| Day | Area | Main highlights | Driving time from Palma |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palma | Cathedral, old town, Bellver Castle | Base |
| 2 | East coast | Cuevas dels Hams, Porto Cristo, beaches | 1h |
| 3 | Serra de Tramuntana | Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller | 30-50 min |
| 4 | North | Alcudia beaches, old town | 1h |
| 5 | South | Es Trenc, Cala Mondragó, nature | 45 min |
| 6 | West | Port d’Andratx, Sant Elm, Sa Dragonera | 50 min |
| 7 | Flexible | Revisit favourite or final Palma immersion | Variable |
Day 1: Palma de Mallorca, the island’s cultural heart
Morning: La Seu and historical heritage
Your first day should be entirely dedicated to Palma de Mallorca. Begin at Santa María Cathedral (entry 8 euros, opens at 10:00). This Gothic temple rises majestically above the sea and its main rose window is one of the world’s largest. Allow at least an hour and a half to explore it properly. La Almudaina car park is 100 metres away (2 euros/hour).
Afterwards, visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina (7 euros) and the Arab Baths (2.50 euros), remnants of Moorish Mallorca. By 13:00 you’ll have completed the monumental circuit.
Midday: Markets and local gastronomy
The Santa Catalina Market or Olivar Market are essential stops for lunch: tapas of sobrasada, Mallorcan cheeses, olives, and local wine. Budget 15-20 euros per person for a good meal.
Afternoon: Seafront promenade and Bellver Castle
After lunch, stroll along the Paseo Marítimo and climb up to Bellver Castle (4 euros), a circular fortress unique in Spain with panoramic views of the entire bay. Allow 1-2 hours for the visit. The sunset from here is spectacular.
Day 2: East coast, underground nature and beaches/h2>
Morning: Porto Cristo and Cuevas dels Hams
Set off early towards Porto Cristo (1 hour from Palma via free motorway). This tranquil natural harbour is the starting point for one of the most memorable experiences of your week in Mallorca: the Cuevas dels Hams.
These natural caverns will immerse you in an underground world where time is measured in millennia. The stalactite and stalagmite formations create impossible landscapes, but what’s truly unique is the Blue Cave, an underground lake where a classical music concert takes place, making use of the grotto’s natural acoustics. The light, the silence of the ancient rock, and the music create an almost magical atmosphere you’ll find hard to forget. The visit lasts approximately one hour and it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during high season. You can check timetables and availability on the caves’ official website.
Afternoon: Beaches and eastern villages
After the caves, have lunch at one of Porto Cristo harbour’s restaurants with sea views. In the afternoon, you have several nearby beach options: Cala Millor (15 minutes by car) for full facilities, or Cala Anguila (10 minutes) for something quieter. If you prefer culture, Manacor is 15 minutes away where you can visit a Majorica pearl factory.
Day 3: Serra de Tramuntana, postcard villages
Morning: Valldemossa and Deià
On the third day, head up to the mountains. The Serra de Tramuntana, declared UNESCO World Heritage, is home to picture-perfect villages. Start in Valldemossa (30 minutes from Palma). Arrive before 10:00 to avoid tour buses. Public car park at the village entrance (2 euros/hour).
The Charterhouse where Chopin spent the winter of 1838 is worth visiting (entry 9.50 euros). Afterwards, have coffee with coca de patata, the local pastry, at any café in the centre.
Continue to Deià (20 minutes), a historic artists’ retreat with spectacular Mediterranean views. Have lunch here with views (20-35 euros/person at terrace restaurants).
Afternoon: Sóller and Port de Sóller
In the afternoon, head to Sóller (20 minutes from Deià). Its square dominated by a modernist church is perfect for coffee. From there, take the historic tram (7 euros return) down to Port de Sóller, where you’ll end the day with a stroll beside the bay protected by mountains. If you’d like to know more about this area, check out our guide to Mallorcan villages.
Day 4: North Mallorca, endless beaches
After three intense days, dedicate the fourth to relaxation. The beaches of Muro and Alcudia (1 hour from Palma) are kilometres of white sand and shallow waters. High season parking: 6-8 euros/day. Arrive before 11:00 to choose your spot comfortably.
In the afternoon, visit the town of Alcudia with its medieval walls. On Tuesdays and Sundays there’s a traditional market. Spend 1-2 hours exploring the old quarter before returning.
Day 5: South Mallorca, paradise coves
The fifth day explores the south. Es Trenc is the most famous beach: several kilometres of white sand and turquoise waters. Paid parking (6 euros/day). Arrive before 10:00 in summer as it fills up. The Es Trenc Salt Flats nearby are a natural space where salt is still produced traditionally.
If you prefer smaller coves, Cala Mondragó and Cala S’Amarador in Mondragó Natural Park are perfect. Parking 5 euros, marked paths between both coves. For more options, see our section on Mallorca beaches and coves.
Day 6: West Mallorca, wild nature
The sixth day takes you west, the wildest area. Port d’Andratx (50 minutes from Palma) is an elegant port perfect for lunch. From there, continue to Sant Elm (20 minutes more), at the southwestern tip, with views of Sa Dragonera island.
If you enjoy hiking, take the boat to Sa Dragonera (hourly departures in summer, 12 euros return). It’s a nature reserve with routes between old lighthouses. Allow 3-4 hours for the complete excursion.
The villages of Banyalbufar and Estellencs with their terraced fields towards the sea are essential stops on the return journey.
Day 7: Flexible ending according to your interests
Your last day depends on your flight time and preferences:
If your flight leaves in the afternoon: Spend the morning in the area you enjoyed most. Still craving more beach? Return to Es Trenc. Prefer culture? The Santa Catalina neighbourhood in Palma is perfect for a relaxed brunch (12-18 euros) and final shopping at local stores.
If your flight leaves early: Make the most of the previous afternoon-evening for a final Palma stroll. Playa de Palma or Cala Major are 10-15 minutes from the centre for a final Mediterranean swim.
Typical purchases to take home: Sobrasada, ensaimadas (best bought on the last day), Mallorcan olive oil, Es Trenc salt, artisan ceramics.
Car return: Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure. Rental offices are in the terminal.
Final tips for your week in Mallorca
This 7-day Mallorca itinerary will have shown you the essentials: Palma’s cultural richness, the underground natural wonders at Cuevas dels Hams, the Tramuntana mountain villages, paradise beaches, and the authenticity of the west. What to see in Mallorca in one week is a question with a thousand answers, but this route perfectly balances adventure, culture, and rest.
Remember that each area of Mallorca deserves more time than this itinerary offers. If you want to explore any specific region in depth, our blog has detailed guides by area to help you plan future getaways. Mallorca always has something new to offer, and seven days are just the beginning of a love story with the island.
Frequently asked questions about one week in Mallorca
- How much does one week in Mallorca cost?
It depends on spending level, but budget between 800-1,500 euros per person including flights, accommodation, car hire, meals, and entrance fees. Low season (April-May, October) is more economical than July-August. - Is hiring a car necessary to explore Mallorca in 7 days?
Yes, it’s essential for this itinerary. Public transport is limited outside Palma and you’d lose a lot of time. Weekly hire costs 150-300 euros depending on season. - What’s the best time for this 7-day Mallorca itinerary?
April-June and September-October offer the best balance: pleasant climate (20-28°C), fewer tourists, lower prices, and all services open. Avoid August if possible, it’s the most crowded month. - Where’s best to stay for visiting Mallorca in one week?
Palma is the most practical option as a single base: good connections, nightlife, and services. If you prefer more tranquillity, stay 3 nights in Palma and 3-4 in the east (Porto Cristo, Cala Millor) or north (Alcudia). - Can this itinerary be done without a car?
Not practically. You could manage Palma and some organized tours, but you’d lose flexibility and several of the best places (caves, mountain villages, hidden coves) would be out of reach. - How long does it take to cross Mallorca from end to end?
East to west is about 100 km (1h 30min via motorway). North to south, about 80 km (1h 15min). The Tramuntana mountain roads are slower: count on 40-50 km/h average. - What to see in Palma de Mallorca in 7 days if staying only in the capital?
If you dedicate the whole week to Palma and surroundings, add: Bellver Castle, Pueblo Español, Palma Aquarium, Cala Major and Illetas beaches, Cabrera excursion, paddle surf lessons, neighbourhood markets, and nightlife in La Lonja. - Are Cuevas dels Hams suitable for young children?
Yes, the visit is accessible for all ages. The tour is guided, without physical difficulty and with a constant temperature of 18°C (bring a light jacket). Children are usually fascinated by the underground concert. - Do I need to book Cuevas dels Hams in advance?
Highly recommended during high season (June-September). In mid-low season you can buy at the box office, but booking online guarantees your preferred time slot and avoids waits. - Can I swim in the sea throughout a week in Mallorca?
From June to September, the water is 23-27°C, perfect. In May and October, 18-21°C, cool but pleasant. April and November, 16-18°C, only for the brave. Beaches operate from May to October.