Day Trips Mallorca – The 8 Most Beautiful Tours by Convertible

Mallorca is far more than beaches and party strips. The third-largest Mediterranean island offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes within just 3,640 square kilometres: rugged sea cliffs on the west coast, gentle rolling hills in the interior, hidden coves in the east, and a mountain range stretching over 90 kilometres along the northwest coast. Best of all, no point on the island is more than ninety minutes by car from Palma. This makes Mallorca the perfect destination for day trips – and in a convertible, the drive itself becomes the experience.

Whether you cruise along the dramatic cliffs towards Cap de Formentor, wind through the hairpin bends of the Serra de Tramuntana, or explore the ancient lanes of Alcudia: every route tells a different story. In this guide, we present eight of the most beautiful day trips you can take from Palma – with detailed route information, highlights and practical tips. All routes are perfect for a convertible road trip, because Mallorca's roads are among the most beautiful driving routes in Europe.

Why Mallorca Is Perfect for Day Trips in a Convertible

The island is tailor-made for road trips with the top down. The roads are excellently maintained, the distances manageable, and the landscape changes every few kilometres. In a single day you can drive through olive groves in the interior, cruise along the sea cliffs, enjoy lunch in a mountain village and take an afternoon swim at a secluded cove in crystal-clear water. Mallorca's coastal roads are rated among the most beautiful driving routes in all of Europe by many motoring magazines – especially the MA-10 along the Tramuntana mountains and the road to Cap de Formentor are legendary.

Add to that the weather: over 300 sunny days a year mean you can drive with the top down almost any time. The mild temperatures in spring and autumn (20 to 28 degrees) are ideal for exploring the island without breaking a sweat. At Cabriomallorca.com you'll find your dream convertible from 40 EUR per day – fully comprehensive insurance included, no deposit, airport service and English-speaking support.

1. Cap de Formentor – The Most Spectacular Coastal Road

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The drive to Cap de Formentor is the classic Mallorca day trip – and with good reason. The narrow road winds along 300-metre-high cliffs, offers one breathtaking viewpoint after another, and ends at the island's northernmost point, where a historic lighthouse towers above the deep blue Mediterranean. In a convertible, this route is a truly spine-tingling experience.

The Journey Is the Destination

Set off from Palma in the morning and take the MA-13 motorway to Pollenca (approx. 55 km, a good hour). From there, follow the MA-2210 towards Port de Pollenca and then continue onto the Formentor peninsula. This is where the spectacle begins: the road snakes in tight hairpin bends along the cliffs, with constantly changing panoramic views of the open sea.

The first essential stop is Mirador Es Colomer – a viewpoint at 232 metres elevation from which you can see the rugged coastline and the offshore rock island of El Colomer. A short path leads to a viewing platform with a 360-degree panorama. Continue on to Playa de Formentor, a picture-perfect sandy beach fringed by ancient pine trees – ideal for a mid-morning swim. And finally you reach the Lighthouse at Cap de Formentor, which has been guiding sailors since 1863. The last few kilometres to the lighthouse are particularly spectacular: the road is narrow, the cliffs steep, and the views are boundless.

2. North Coast – Alcudia & Pollenca

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Mallorca's north coast combines history, nature, and some of the island's most beautiful beaches. This tour takes you through two of Mallorca's most charming towns and can be perfectly combined with a beach day at the famous Playa de Muro – a six-kilometre-long dream beach with a Caribbean feel.

Alcudia – Medieval Charm Behind Roman Walls

Historic Alcudia is surrounded by a completely preserved medieval town wall. Behind it lie winding lanes, Gothic churches and delightful cafes. Particularly worth seeing are the Roman ruins of Pollentia – the oldest Roman settlement in Mallorca, founded in 123 BC. A small museum displays the finds. The Tuesday and Sunday markets are among the largest on the island.

Pollenca – The Calvary with 365 Steps

The artist town of Pollenca enchants visitors with its Placa Major, its galleries and the legendary Calvari – a stone stairway with exactly 365 steps leading to a small chapel on the hilltop. From the top you have a magnificent view over Pollenca's rooftops and the bay beyond. The climb is especially rewarding at sunset. Back down in town, the restaurants on Placa Major offer a wonderful spot for dinner.

3. Serra de Tramuntana & Port de Soller

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The route through the Serra de Tramuntana is arguably the most beautiful half-day excursion Mallorca has to offer. The UNESCO World Heritage mountain range stretches along the entire northwest coast of the island and features the MA-10, a winding mountain road unrivalled in Europe. Between centuries-old olive groves, dramatic sea cliffs and picturesque mountain villages, you feel as if you've entered another world – far from the bustle of the coastal resorts.

Valldemossa – The Village Where Chopin Spent the Winter

The first stop is Valldemossa, just 17 kilometres from Palma. The mountain village of honey-coloured stone houses climbs picturesquely up the hillside. At its heart stands the Royal Charterhouse (Real Cartuja), a former monastery where Frederic Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838/39. His piano is still there today. Strolling through the narrow lanes with their flower boxes and ceramic tiles feels like a journey back in time. Be sure to try the Coca de Patata, a sweet potato pastry unique to this village.

Deia – The Artists' Village Above the Sea

A few kilometres further lies Deia, a tiny village that has attracted artists, writers and musicians for decades. Robert Graves lived here for over 50 years; his house is now a museum. The village perches on a hill above the Mediterranean, and the view from the parish church at sunset is one of the finest on all of Mallorca. Down by the sea, Cala Deia beckons – a romantic rocky cove with two excellent fish restaurants.

Port de Soller – Harbour Charm and a Historic Tram

The destination of this route is Port de Soller, a horseshoe-shaped natural harbour surrounded by mountains. The promenade invites you to stroll, restaurants serve freshly caught fish, and the historic tram dating from 1913 connects the harbour with the town of Soller – a leisurely ride through orange groves that no Mallorca holiday should miss. The Orange Express (Tren de Soller) also runs from Palma directly to Soller through the mountains – an alternative for those who want to incorporate a train journey on the return trip.

4. East Coast – Porto Cristo & Coves del Drach

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Mallorca's east coast is the counterpart to the wild Tramuntana: gentler, more family-friendly and full of surprises underground. The main attraction on this route is the legendary Coves del Drach (Dragon Caves) near Porto Cristo – one of Spain's most visited natural wonders and an excursion that has been leaving visitors in awe for over a hundred years.

The Dragon Caves – An Underground Lake with a Concert

The Coves del Drach are a system of four interconnected caves stretching over 1,200 metres. The highlight is Llac Martel (Lake Martel) – one of the world's largest underground lakes, 177 metres long and up to 9 metres deep. At the end of the tour, a live concert with musicians in boats takes place on the lake – a magical experience as the music echoes off the stalactites. The lighting bathes the bizarre dripstone formations in warm colours and creates an atmosphere you won't forget in a hurry.

Porto Cristo – A Harbour with Character

After the caves, a stroll through Porto Cristo is well worthwhile. The small harbour town has preserved its authentic charm – no high-rises, no concrete resorts. Along the harbour, restaurants line up serving fresh fish and paella. From the waterfront promenade you have a lovely view of the bay, where colourful fishing boats bob on the water.

5. Arta & the Northeast

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Mallorca's northeast is less touristy than the south and west coasts – and that's precisely what makes it so appealing. The route passes through the island's authentic hinterland, past almond tree fields and old fincas, to one of Mallorca's best-preserved historic towns: Arta.

Arta – Fortress, Lanes and the Soul of Mallorca

The town of Arta sits at the foot of a hill, crowned by the imposing pilgrimage church of Sant Salvador and the remains of a Moorish fortress. The climb up the broad stairway is worthwhile: from the top you have a 360-degree view over the town's rooftops, the countryside and, on a clear day, all the way to the coast. Arta itself impresses with its well-kept stone houses, small galleries and a lively cafe culture. An authentic weekly market takes place on Tuesdays, where locals sell their own produce.

Capdepera – The Best-Preserved Fortress on the Island

Just ten kilometres further, the Castell de Capdepera towers over the town of the same name – one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Mallorca. The 14th-century complex encloses an entire quarter with a church and offers breathtaking views from the battlements along the coast and, on clear days, all the way to Menorca. Admission is just 3 EUR.

Llevant Nature Reserve and Cala Rajada

East of Arta stretches the Parc Natural de la Peninsula de Llevant – a nature reserve with hiking trails, wild coastline and secluded coves. If you prefer something more laid-back, drive on to Cala Rajada, a lively coastal town with good restaurants and the beautiful Cala Agulla for swimming.

6. Santanyi & the Southeast Coast

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The southeast coast around Santanyi is Mallorca's jewel for anyone seeking spectacular coves and authentic island life. The region is home to some of the island's most beautiful natural beaches and is easily accessible by car. A single day is enough to discover the highlights – but you'll want to come back.

Santanyi – A Honey-Coloured Market Town

The town of Santanyi is known for its warm sandstone from which the entire old town is built – the same stone that was used for the Cathedral of Palma. The Saturday market on Placa Major is one of the finest on the island: handicrafts, ceramics, olives, cheese and local wines. The atmosphere is authentic and never overcrowded.

Cala Santanyi and Es Pontas

Just five minutes by car lies Cala Santanyi – a sheltered cove with fine sand and crystal-clear water. From here, a coastal path leads to the famous Es Pontas, a natural rock arch that stands iconically above the sea. Deep-water solo climbers from around the world come here to conquer the arch. For everyone else, the sight alone is worth the trip.

Calo des Moro and Cala Figuera

Not far from Santanyi lies Calo des Moro, a tiny, fjord-like cove with water in incredible shades of blue. The cove is accessible via a footpath and is best visited early in the morning before the crowds arrive. For a more relaxed alternative, head to Cala Figuera – a picture-postcard fishing village where boats bob right in front of the boathouses and restaurants serve the freshest catch of the day.

7. Market Tour – Sineu, Inca & the Village Markets

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Mallorca's weekly markets are far more than tourist events – they have been the social centrepiece of the villages for centuries. This is where locals buy their fruit and vegetables, where neighbours meet, and where Mallorcan culture comes alive. A market tour through the interior shows you a side of Mallorca that most holidaymakers never see.

Sineu – The Oldest Market on the Island (Wednesday)

The Wednesday market in Sineu is considered the oldest weekly market in Mallorca – it was first authorised by King Jaume II in 1306. The market activity extends through the entire old town and covers everything: fresh fruit and vegetables, spices, sobrassada (Mallorcan cured sausage), cheese, baskets, ceramics, clothing, and even a livestock market on the edge of town where chickens, goats and donkeys are traded. The historic centre of Sineu with its Gothic parish church and old manor houses is worth the visit alone.

Inca – Leather Goods and Cellers (Thursday)

Inca is the third-largest town in Mallorca and the centre of the leather industry. Every Thursday a large weekly market takes place where you can find leather bags, shoes and belts at fair prices. However, the real highlight of Inca is the Cellers – former wine cellars converted into rustic restaurants. In establishments like Celler Ca'n Amer or Celler Sa Travessa, you can enjoy traditional Mallorcan cuisine (Lechona, Tumbet, Frit Mallorqui) in atmospheric vaulted rooms.

Other Market Days at a Glance

Besides Sineu and Inca, there is a market somewhere on Mallorca almost every day. The most important: Monday – Manacor and Caimari. Tuesday – Arta and Alcudia. Saturday – Santanyi and Palma (Sa Feixina). Sunday – Alcudia and Pollenca. Simply plan your excursion day around the market day and combine the market visit with one of the other routes.

8. The Grand Island Circuit (Full Day)

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The grand island circuit is the ultimate challenge for anyone who wants to experience all of Mallorca in a single day. This route circumnavigates the entire island and combines the highlights of all the other tours into one unforgettable road trip. You need a full day, a full tank and – of course – a convertible. Because on no other route do you experience so clearly just how diverse this island truly is.

The Route in Detail

Start early in the morning from Palma and take the coastal road to Andratx and Port d'Andratx – a chic harbour town overlooking the southwestern sea cliffs. From here, take the MA-10, the legendary Tramuntana coastal road, northwards through Estellencs, Banyalbufar (famous for its terraced vineyards above the sea) and Valldemossa to Soller. This stretch alone is an experience you'll never forget.

After a coffee break at the harbour of Port de Soller, continue over the Coll de Femenia to Pollenca. If time permits, make a detour to Cap de Formentor (note: summer road closure!). Continue to Alcudia, then down the east coast via Arta and Capdepera to Porto Cristo. If you wish, you can visit the Dragon Caves here. The final leg leads through Santanyi, past some of the island's most beautiful coves (Cala Santanyi, Cala Figuera), and via Campos and Llucmajor back to Palma.

Tips for the Circuit

Plan at least 4 to 5 photo stops – the temptation to pull over at every new panorama is strong. Pack swimwear, as there are countless opportunities for a refreshing dip along the way. Fill up in Palma or Soller – petrol stations are less frequent on the northeast coast. And start early: leave by 8 am and you'll comfortably complete the circuit by sunset.

Practical Tips for Your Day Trip in Mallorca

Petrol Stations and Refuelling

Mallorca has a well-developed network of petrol stations, especially along the motorways and in larger towns. On the northeast coast and in remote mountain areas (e.g. Serra de Tramuntana), petrol stations are less frequent – fill up in good time. Petrol prices are around 1.50 to 1.60 EUR per litre (as of 2026). Most petrol stations accept card payment; some smaller ones only take cash.

Tolls and Tunnels

There are no toll roads in Mallorca. The only fee-based stretch is the Tunel de Soller (approx. 3.80 EUR per trip), which connects Palma with Soller. Alternatively, you can take the old, free mountain pass road (Coll de Soller) – a beautiful winding road that is especially fun in a convertible and well worth the detour.

Parking

In tourist towns (Valldemossa, Deia, Pollenca) parking spaces are scarce during high season. Try to arrive before 10 am. Blue lines on the roadside mean paid parking (ticket machine), yellow lines mean no stopping at all. In Palma there are numerous underground car parks (approx. 2–3 EUR/hour). At many coves and nature reserves, parking is free but limited.

Best Time of Year for Day Trips

The ideal months for day trips by convertible are April to June and September to October. Temperatures are perfect (20 to 28 degrees), the roads are less busy and car rental prices are lower. In July and August, the interior can exceed 35 degrees – coastal tours and mountain drives are recommended then, where the breeze in a convertible provides pleasant cooling. Spring is especially charming, when the almond trees bloom (February/March) and the landscape is lush and green.

Road Conditions and Traffic

The main roads and motorways in Mallorca are in excellent condition. The secondary roads in the Tramuntana and along the east coast are sometimes very winding and narrow – which is a delight in a convertible but requires attentive driving. Watch out for cyclists, especially on the MA-10 and in the Tramuntana: Mallorca is a popular cycling destination. During high season, traffic jams can occur at the approaches to popular coves and viewpoints.

Conclusion: Mallorca Is an Island Full of Discoveries

Whether you have just half a day or an entire week – Mallorca rewards every excursion with new impressions. The eight routes in this guide cover the full diversity of the island: from the dramatic cliffs of Cap de Formentor to the cultural treasures of the Tramuntana to the hidden coves of the southeast coast. And the best part: the drive itself is often the greatest highlight. Mallorca's coastal roads, hairpin bends, and country lanes through olive groves and almond tree fields are among the most beautiful driving routes in Europe.

In a convertible, you experience all of this with wind in your hair, sun on your skin and panoramic views with nothing between you and the sky. Discover Mallorca the way it's meant to be – open, free and unforgettable.

Ready for your Mallorca road trip? At Cabriomallorca.com you'll find your dream convertible – from 40 EUR/day, no deposit, fully comprehensive insurance and airport service. Also explore our other guides: Top Attractions Mallorca, The Most Beautiful Beaches of Mallorca, Serra de Tramuntana and Palma de Mallorca.