How to make the best of 2 days in Mallorca
Have you ever made up your mind to visit a place just by looking at its pictures on someone else’s Instagram? It’s not uncommon for me to do that, so when I planned my Spain itinerary (I had hardly ten days and I was starting from Barcelona), I knew I had to visit the Balearic Islands, and Mallorca specifically. If you know me, you know my love for crystal clear blue waters, and you would also know that I am happy to travel far and wide to see the best beaches that exist. I made it to Hawaii (my dream destination) a few years ago, and the Maldives thereafter, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, Santorini in Greece and most recently, The Whitsunday Islands in Australia, following my love for the azure colours of the sea. So, I knew whether I make it elsewhere or not in Spain, I was going to spend at least 2 days in Mallorca (I wish I could’ve spent more!).
I had to choose between Ibiza and Mallorca, but Ibiza’s reputation for being a crazy party island where the night doesn’t end wasn’t particularly appealing for me, so I choose the more serene and quieter of the two Balearic jewels. But what I realized, once I got there, was that Mallorca is much larger than it seems on a map and to explore all the beautiful coves, beaches, stone towns and hidden gems, 2 days were too less! Also, since I wanted to spend some time beach-bumming, I chose to stay away from the city centre, in a location known for its cerulean waters, which were a treat for the eyes. I would highly recommend renting a car unless you plan to just chill in your resort and not explore the island. The distances are large (from one end of the island to the other, you can easily end up driving for more than 2 hours) but the roads are well-paved and easy to drive on. In some parts, you will end up driving on hilly bends and curves so be careful, take it easy and do not drive after drinking!
Click here to book your car rental.
Mallorca (or Majorca) is not all about the beaches though. Charming stone towns, dramatic cliffs and lush hillsides, ancient castles and churches make for a great combination of culture, history and nature on an idyllic island. Shed your clothes, flaunt the sun-kissed look and get ready for breathtaking views because you WILL be mesmerized!
What to do in 2 days in Mallorca
Day 1: Palma de Mallorca, Cala Deia, Valldemossa, Playa de Muro
Palma de Mallorca, the capital city, is the ideal place to start as you’re most likely to arrive here. Two monuments attract the maximum attention here- Cathedral de Mallorca, a 13th-century sandstone building located in the old harbour and Castillo de Bellver, located on the hilltop overlooking the old town of Palma. However, if you prefer to lounge by the sea (like I do), then skip Palma altogether and head to Cala Deia instead. Also, if you’ve decided to stay in Palma de Mallorca, then you’ll have time in the evening to enjoy the lively nightlife here. You can head to other places during the day and explore Palma later in the evening.
Cala Deia is not a place that you’ll find in many suggested itineraries for 2 days in Mallorca. However, it was a hidden gem and a fantastic find for me as it is tucked away in one corner of the island, like a little secret that very few people know about. This gorgeous piece of heaven on the Western Coast of Mallorca is about an hour’s drive from Palma de Mallorca or the city centre. To get here, you’d have to pass through Valdemossa and just when you least expect it, you’ll see a picturesque cove sitting dramatically in the middle of jagged cliffs. Two restaurants located on either side offer breathtaking views of the crystal-clear alluring waters.
Valdemossa village itself is a charming place to explore. Known as the ‘stone village’ because of the winding uphill cobbled stone streets and the stone houses, the village is in an idyllic valley surrounded by the lush Tramuntana mountains. Several art galleries, boutiques and restaurants offering fresh seafood can be found in the town centre and a stroll in the lanes between the historic houses will take you back in time. The village is quiet, laid-back and magical!
I chose to stay in Playa de Muro, an area known for its beachside resorts. Several restaurants, bars and lounges line the gorgeous white sandy beach which is also popular with families due to a large number of facilities available. Even the nights here are quite lively, though not loud, with live music and entertainment in several places. The street market selling souvenirs and handicrafts is a great place to shop. Playa de Muro is about an hour’s drive away from Valdemossa Village and also from Palma de Mallorca.
Dine at Picafort Beach restaurant if you enjoy live music!
Recommended place to stay in Mallorca (Can Picafort): The Sea Hotel by Grupotel
Day 2: Cala Mesquida, Drach Caves & Caló des Moro
If you’re staying overnight in Palma, then this itinerary should be done the other way round, starting from Caló del Moro. As I chose to stay in Playa de Muro, Cala Mesquida made the perfect starting point.
Just a 45-min drive from Playa de Muro is one of the best beaches that I saw in Mallorca – Cala Mesquida. The perfect place to sunbathe on the white sandy beach or swim in the shallow turquoise waters of the sea, this place is best for beach bums to just relax and feast their eyes on exceptional sea views. You could start with coffee or breakfast at Restaurante La Terraza, located on top of the hill, offering sweeping views of the ocean and the beach below. From here, you can walk down the stairs to the beach itself. The fine-grained, soft white sand here is a unique quality of this place. It is possible to rent sun lounges and sunshades at the beach.
Not too far from the beach is a town called Capdepera, a medieval town with a castle and walls, worth a visit!
About a 30-min drive from Cala Mesquida is the Drach Caves, an underground cave system. Home to one of the largest underground lakes in the world, the limestone caves with the magnificent stalactites can only be accessed with a guided tour which departs at fixed times from the entrance. The tour lasts for about an hour, mostly on foot, and ends with a boat ride on Lake Martel while calming classical music adds to the beauty of the experience.
From here, I suggest driving yet another 50 minutes to the south of Mallorca, towards Caló des Moro, a place I highly recommend to visit on the island, no matter where you’re staying. Although the distances on the island can be unexpectedly large, the destinations make up for the long drives. Although not your typical white sandy beach and is slightly tougher to access because of the steep hike down to it, the phenomenal views are absolutely worth the effort. Surrounded by cliffs and bushes on both sides, the beach is not commercialised so you will not find any sun lounges or cafes in the area. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because you will be hiking on sharp stones and through bushes, and do not expect to have a large, open area to relax and sunbathe unless you’re willing to sit on the rocks. This beach is a swimmer’s and sea view lover’s haven!
Calo des Moro is about an hour’s drive from Palma de Mallorca and an hour and a quarter from Playa de Muro. As the roads are winding and narrow, driving in the dark is not the most pleasant experience. Keep that in mind while taking the journey back!