Staying in Palma but want to explore beyond the city? These day trips from Palma de Mallorca take you into mountain villages, turquoise bays, and hidden corners of the island, all within easy reach of the capital.
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I’m Hazel, a travel blogger and solo traveller who has explored Mallorca extensively. Palma makes one of the best bases for short island adventures.
Here are my top 6 recommended day trips, with practical tips for making them work without a car (though driving gives more flexibility).
1. Valldemossa: The Quintessential Mallorcan Village 🏛️
Just half an hour from Palma, Valldemossa is all honey-coloured stone, flower-filled lanes, and mountain air.
The Royal Carthusian Monastery, once home to Chopin, is the star – but wandering the cobbled streets and pausing for coffee in a shady square is just as magical.
🚍 How to Get There: Direct bus from Palma (about 30 minutes).
🏛️ Best For: History, photography, café culture.
🍰 Don’t Miss: Tasting a warm coca de patata dusted with sugar from a village bakery.
2. Sóller & Port de Sóller: Mountains Meet the Sea 🏝️
This classic day trip begins aboard the vintage wooden train that rattles through citrus groves and the Tramuntana peaks.
In Sóller town, linger in the lively plaza before taking the tram to Port de Sóller, where a turquoise bay and seafront restaurants invite you to slow down over a long lunch.
🚂 How to Get There: Historic train (1 hour).
🚞 Best For: Scenic travel, food, relaxed seaside vibes.
🍊 Don’t Miss: Sipping fresh orange juice in Sóller’s sunny main square.
3. Deià: Artists’ Haven by the Sea 🎨
Perched between mountains and sea, tiny Deià has inspired artists and writers for decades.
Deià’s stone houses seem to tumble down the hillside, ending in wild coves where the Mediterranean sparkles. It’s the perfect spot for a slow village stroll, followed by a lingering lunch with a view.
🚍 How to Get There: Bus from Palma (about 50 minutes) or combine with Valldemossa by car.
🎨 Best For: Art, views, and long, lazy lunches.
🍴 Don’t Miss: A long, lazy seafood lunch at Ca’s Patro March, perched above the waves.
4. Cala Pi: Hidden Beach Bliss 🏖️
A narrow inlet carved into golden cliffs, Cala Pi feels like a secret tucked into the island’s south coast.
The shallow turquoise waters here are ideal for swimming, while a short walk up the cliff gives a postcard-perfect view of the cove. Quiet and unspoiled, it’s worth the journey.
🚘 How to Get There: Car recommended (about 1 hour). Limited buses available.
🏊 Best For: Swimming, sunbathing, off-the-beaten-path vibes.
📸 Don’t Miss: Climbing to the cliffside viewpoint for that iconic turquoise-and-gold shot.
5. Alcúdia & Port d’Alcúdia: History & Long Beaches 🏰🏖️
In the north, Alcúdia pairs medieval charm with endless sandy shoreline.
Within the walled old town, cobbled streets, Roman ruins, and tapas bars tempt you to linger.
Just outside, Port d’Alcúdia and Playa de Muro stretch for miles – the kind of beach where you’ll want to stay all afternoon.
🚍 How to Get There: Car (1 hour) or direct bus (1.5–2 hours).
🏛️ Best For: History + beach combo.
🌅 Don’t Miss: Ordering tapas and local wine at Ca’n Costa in the heart of the Old Town.
6. Cap de Formentor: Dramatic Cliffs & Sunset 🌅
At Mallorca’s northernmost point, Cap de Formentor is all drama: winding mountain roads, jagged cliffs plunging into sapphire seas, and viewpoints that take your breath away.
Come in the late afternoon, then watch the sun dip into the horizon at Mirador Es Colomer – an unforgettable finale to your trip.
🚘 How to Get There: Car (1.5 hours). Summer access may be restricted to shuttle buses.
📸 Best For: Photography, dramatic landscapes.
🌅 Don’t Miss: Watching the sky blaze with colour at sunset from the Mirador.
Practical Tips for Day Trips from Palma de Mallorca 📝
🚘 With a Car: Driving gives maximum flexibility. Book via Discover Cars for easy pickup in Palma.
🚌 Without a Car: Buses connect Palma to most towns and villages, but schedules are slower- perfect if you’re not in a rush.
🌸 Best Time to Go: Spring and autumn for hiking; summer for beaches.
✈️ Solo Travel: Mallorca is safe and easy to explore solo. Group tours from Palma are also a good way to meet people.
FAQs: Day Trips from Palma de Mallorca 💡
Quick answers to help you plan with confidence:
Not strictly. Valldemossa, Sóller, and Deià are easy by bus or train. For coves like Cala Pi or Formentor, a car is best. For car rentals, try Discover Cars.
The Sóller train + Port de Sóller is a classic and easy choice.
Yes, they’re close together and make a perfect combo.
About 1 hour by car or 1.5–2 hours by bus.
Yes, though if you want lots of beach time, staying in Alcúdia or Port de Pollença works better.
Map of These Day Trips 🗺️
See all the key stops pinned on this custom map.
Related Reading 📚
More Mallorca inspiration to pair with your trip:
☀️ Weekend in Mallorca Itinerary: 2-3 Days of Sunshine & Culture.
🌴 Mallorca Travel Guide: Sun, Sea, and Serra de Tramuntana.
🏘️ 10 Beautiful Towns in Mallorca You Have to Visit.
🍊 Food of Mallorca: What to Eat and Drink on the Island.
🤔 Unusual Facts About Mallorca: 29 Cool Things You Probably Didn’t Know.
Final Thoughts ✨
These day trips from Palma de Mallorca showcase the island’s diversity – from mountain villages and seaside towns to hidden coves and dramatic cliffs. For solo travellers, they’re safe, easy, and the perfect way to balance city energy with island beauty.
Save These Day Trips from Palma 📌
Staying in Palma? These Mallorca day trips take you to mountain villages, hidden coves, and dramatic viewpoints – all easy to reach in a single day. Pin to your boards for later viewing.
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
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