Mallorca by car – places not to miss!
Mallorca is without a question one of my favorite islands. I’ve been several times & every time I visited this beautiful part of Spain I fell more and more in love with it.
Within this blog post I’ll present you the places you shouldn’t miss when exploring Mallorca by car. Specially when you not into a party holiday but want to learn about what this island has to offer and where to go for some incedible hidden gems.
Keep in mind, that this travel guide is designed for traveler who are willing to explore Mallorca by car, because only this way you can discover the spectacular mountain roads, breathtaking bays and secluded places that make up the actual island charm.
Let's start - Explore Mallorca by Car - Places not to miss while roadtripping this beautiful island!
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Alcudia Market
In the north of the island, this weekly market takes place every Tuesday and Sunday directly in the old town of Alcudia. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can buy what your heart desires. Basically everything is offered here. Clothes, leather goods, sunglasses – there is something for everyone – but above all, the culinary offers convince when strolling through the market.
There is something new to see, smell or taste with every step you take and since Alcudia is far less touristy than other coastal towns in Mallorca, the market does not only serve tourists, but also provides the locals with everything they need.
In addition, the weekly market stretches along the historic walls of Alcudia, so you can explore this part of Mallorca in a relaxed way while shoppping.
Fact Check:
- Address: Carrer del Moll 23.3 07400 Alcudia
- Market: Tuesday & Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Parking spaces: signposted and easy to find
Lluc Monastery
Santuari de Santa Maria de Lluc or the monastery of Lluc is located in the middle of the Tramuntana Mountains and so the drive to the sanctuary is a very scenic experience. 525m above sea level, the monastery towers over the Balearic island. When exploring Mallorca by car this is surely a place you don’t want to miss.
It is an important place of pilgrimage that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Entryto the monastery is free – only if you want to visit the museum, you pay an obolus of 4€.
In addition to a gold-plated chapel and a beautiful garden – the Jardin Botanico de Lluc – the sanctuary also offers a restaurant and accommodation.
Fact Check:
- Address: Plaza dels Peregrins, 1, 07315 Escorca
- Entry: free (museum 4€)
- Parking: available (chargeable) – also a bus runs regularly
Sa Calobra
Without a doubt, Sa Calobra is one of the top places not to miss in Mallorca! By Car, the drive over the wild serpentines to Cala de sa Calobra is absolutely a highlight while exploring the island. The bay is absolutely beautiful and with a bit of luck, you can even spot some dolphins.
Sa Calobra has two beaches. There is a small one, right when you get into the place. The other one – the Platja de Torrent de Pareis – is reached by a narrow path carved into a giant rock. What makes the beach special? It is located directly in the torrent de Pareis canyon, through which a torrent flows directly into the sea during winter months.
By the way, you can combine a visit to the monastery Lluc and Sa Calobra easily, since they are located on the same route and are accessible via the serpentine road MA-2141.
Fact Check:
- Address: 07315 Sa Calobra
- Parking: available (chargeable)
- Alternative: direct bus connection from Alcudia to Sa Calobra
Coves D'Arta - Stalactite Caves
Actually the stalactite caves of d’Arta aren’t located directly in Arta, but in the popular resort of Canyamel. It is one of 5 caves that can be visited on the island.
Guided tours take place in several languages at regular intervals and last a little longer than 30 minutes. Unlike in other caves, taking pictures is allowed here.In impressive halls, the stalactites hang like arrows from the ceilings and are really worth every photo.
A visual highlight is th A little sidenote: Come here in the evening – we took the last tour of the day and only had a few people with us.
The exit of the cave, which leads out of the cave via an huge staircase and offers a wonderful view over the sea.
Fact Check:
- Address: Carretera de las Cuevas, 07589 Canyamel
- Opening hours: daily 10am-6pm (different between October and March)
- Entry: 15€/person (children 7€)
Cap de Formentor
Cap Formentor is a popular destination for Mallorca holidaymakers – so there is a lot going on, but you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful and spectacular viewpoints of the entire island.
The journey alone is already spectacular and characterized by breathtaking views. When you finally reach the lighthouse at the end of the route, you are at the northernmost point of Mallorca.
Caution! When exploring Mallorca by Car and you add this to your list of places not to miss be careful. Between June and September there are access restrictions if you arrive with your own car/rental car. During this times there is a shuttle bus transporting you to the lighthouse.
Little insider tip: The arrival before 10 o’clock or after 7 pm is still possible by car and probably also the best time to bypass the crowds of tourists!
Fact check
- Address: Cap Formentor, 07460, Balearic Islands
- Caution: Access restrictions between June and September
- Shuttle bus: 1.55€/person
Cala Pi
Cala Pi is a small town in the south of Mallorca. Especially the small beach in the middle of a sheltered bay invites you to linger. You can swim here in the shallow sloping sea and enjoy the sun in a very picturesque setting. Even those who are enthusiastic about snorkeling get their money’s worth here.
However, the real highlight, is the view from above. Along the cliffs there are several hiking trails – one of them leads to a famous viewing platform, which can also be seen on numerous Instagram pictures.
Definitely one of Mallorca’s places not to miss!
Fact Check:
- Access: Beach accessible via steep stairs
- Good to know: toilets and beach bar available
- Highlight: View of the bay from above
Es Pontás - The Rock Gate
Es Pontás – the beautiful rock gate! For sure another places not to miss when exploring the Balearic island Mallorca by car!
The rock gate is located directly on the coast between Cala Santanya and Cala Llombards and is a popular photo motif.
You should definitely wear sturdy footwear if you want to visit the rock gate. The way from the parking lot to Es Pontás is short, but rocky.
Again, don’t miss the chance to hike over the cliffs and perhaps even discover the small hidden bay of Calo des Macs.
Fact Check:
- Parking: Parking above Cala Santanyi (free)
- Distance: 15 minutes hike from parking lot
- Recommendation: sturdy footwear
Palma de Mallorca
Palma – the classic if you want to explore Mallorca, but rightly one of the places on the island you should not miss.
The city itself is best explored on foot, but also bus and metro are available. If you arrive by car, it is best to park in one of the car parks around the ciry center – but caution the earlier you’ll arrive in Palma, the more likely you’ll get a parking space.
The most famous attraction of Palma is the Cathedral Le Seul. Its gothic architecture impresses from the outside and from the inside and should definitely be included during a visit to Palma.
But the city is also ideal for shopping. In the middle of the old town, above the cathedral area, the main shopping street is located. This is where life is all about. Many shops and cafés invite you to linger, but keep in mind that especially smaller boutiques close during the typical Spanish siesta around 1 pm and do not reopen their doors until 5 pm.
Fact Check:
- Parking: Car parks in the city centre (2€/hr)
- Siesta: 1pm-5pm (shops closed – large supermarkets are open)
- Highlight: Cathedral de Seul – buy a ticket to skip the line here
I hope you enjoyed my guide on “Explore Mallorca – places not to miss” and leave this beautiful Balearic island with beautiful photos and lasting memories! If you want to save it for later – go ahead and pin it to your favorite Pinterest Boards.
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