Road-trip itinerary (map, timings & tips)
5-day itinerary at a glance (how to split your trip)
- Day 1 — Palma & Bay: old town, Cathedral and Bellver.
- Day 2 — Classic Tramuntana: Valldemossa → Deià → Sóller (MA-10).
- Day 3 — Northern heritage & viewpoints: Alcúdia, Pollença & Formentor.
- Day 4 — East & caves: Porto Cristo & Drach Caves (alternatives if the sea is rough).
- Day 5 — South-east coves: Es Trenc, Caló des Moro & Santanyí.
👉 Pacing tip: use Palma as a single base if you’d rather not switch hotels, or pick 2 bases (Palma + Santanyí/Alcúdia area) to cut drive times. With unlimited km you’re not mileage-bound, and full-to-full keeps fuel costs in check.
“Collect your vehicle 5 minutes from the airport… no waiting.” Ideal to land and head straight out via Ma-19.
Day 1 — Palma & the Bay: Cathedral, Bellver & characterful barrios
Walk + drive plan:
- Park centrally (or P+R) and walk the Old Town: La Seu Cathedral, Almudaina Palace, La Lonja and the Jewish quarter.
- Drive up to Castell de Bellver (360° bay views).
- Evening tapas around Santa Catalina or Mercat de l’Olivar.
Rough timings: Airport → centre ~15–20 min (traffic). Centre → Bellver ~10–15 min.
Parking: choose a covered car park to avoid circling; at rush hour, P+R + bus saves time.
Day 2 — Classic Tramuntana: Valldemossa → Deià → Sóller (MA-10)
The island’s signature scenic drive.
- Palma → Valldemossa: 30–35 min. Stroll & Charterhouse.
- Valldemossa → Deià: 25 min via MA-10. Signed viewpoints (don’t stop on shoulders).
- Deià → Sóller: 25–30 min. If time and sea allow, Cala Deià late morning; sunset at Port de Sóller.
Parking & logistics:
- Valldemossa: use the signed car parks (blue zone in season).
- Sóller: harbour car park or by the town entrance, then walk in.
- With free additional drivers, share the bends and finish fresher.
Weather plan B: if rain/fog, reverse the order (Sóller first) or switch to the interior (Inca-Lloseta-Binissalem, wineries).
Day 3 — Northern history & beaches: Alcúdia, Pollença & Formentor
Suggested sequence:
- Alcúdia (walls & old town).
- Pollença (Plaça Major, Calvari).
- Cap de Formentor (viewpoints).
Rough timings: Palma → Alcúdia 45–55 min. Alcúdia → Pollença ~15 min. Pollença → Formentor 25–40 min with stops.
Restrictions & wind: at peak times access to Formentor may be regulated; in autumn it’s looser, but check signs. Strong winds: limit exposed stops.
Parking: car parks at the entrance to Alcúdia/Pollença; at Formentor, only in authorised areas.
Day 4 — East & caves: Porto Cristo & Drach Caves (+ alternatives)
Main plan:
- Morning in Porto Cristo and visit to the Drach Caves (check slots; signed parking).
- Afternoon around Porto Cristo or Artà for a quieter town vibe.
Rough timings: Palma → Porto Cristo 55–65 min.
Tips: bring a light layer (cool inside the caves) and avoid peak hours. If the sea is rough, this under-cover day is perfect.
Service edge: full cover, no excess = zero stress when manoeuvring in busy car parks.
Day 5 — South-east coves: Es Trenc, Caló des Moro & Santanyí
Turquoise-water route:
- Es Trenc early (paid, signed parking; long sandy strand, clear water).
- Caló des Moro / s’Almunia (sturdy shoes for the access; arrive early).
- Santanyí for lunch and a wander around the historic centre.
Rough timings: Palma → Campos/Es Trenc 35–45 min. Campos → Santanyí 20 min. Santanyí → Caló des Moro 15–20 min.
Parking: better in autumn, but early arrival is still key.
Driving & parking tips (restrictions, P+R, rain, light)
- Daylight planning: earlier dusk; allow margin for returns, especially after the MA-10.
- Rain: pine-needle tarmac can be slick; go gentle on throttle/brakes.
- Cyclists on MA-10: keep distance and patience on blind bends.
- Palma: at rush hours, use P+R and bus in; saves time.
- Long legs: with unlimited km you can detour to viewpoints without watching the odometer.
- Full-to-full: refuel before the mountains; avoid hunting for a petrol station at night.
- Car class: compact for villages (narrow streets), estate/MPV with kids’ gear, convertible for coast & sunny days.
Hire a car without surprises: optimise your route with Autos Mallorca
- Express pick-up: shuttle & car 5 minutes from the airport.
- Total transparency: full cover no excess, no card holds, unlimited km, full-to-full, free extra drivers, free cancellation up to 24h.
- Close support: “Coverage explained clearly… car felt brand new.”
- Pro tip: book early for bank-holiday weeks; better rates and more choice.
Check availability for your dates and pick the car that fits your 5-day route.
Mallorca in 5 days works brilliantly by car: one day Palma, one Tramuntana, one north + Formentor, one caves, one south-east coves. With a hire no excess, no holds and express pick-up, you focus on fun, not logistics. Adjust each day to the forecast and keep a plan B for a flawless trip.
FAQs
Single base or two bases for 5 days?
Don’t mind driving? Base in Palma. Prefer short hops? Two bases (Palma + Santanyí or Alcúdia).
Is Formentor restricted year-round?
Varies by season and time. Looser in autumn, but check local notices the day before.
Where to park in Palma to visit on foot?
Central car parks or P+R (bus in). Less traffic, more time.
Which car for this itinerary?
Compact for villages/curves; estate/MPV with kids & luggage; convertible for coast & mild weather.
Last-minute change of plan?
With free cancellation up to 24h and no card holds, you can adjust without penalties.
