Mallorca

Why this trip

Twenty minutes from the plane to the old town, and the island's best bits are nowhere near a resort.

• Out 10:15, back 14:30 · direct · 3h 5m
• You stay in Santanyí — 17th-century manor, spa, garden restaurant.
• The one thing you'd do: Bus A1 into Palma — €5, 15 minutes to Plaça d'Espanya.

• 🌊 Sun and sea
• 🌲 Nature escape
• 🧖 Wellness
• 💌 Romantic

The Tramuntana hotels close for the season earlier than the flights stop.

The plan

The signature run · around Palma Old Town

1. Day 1

   Arrive and dive in

   • 17:00Bus A1 into Palma€5, 15 minutes to Plaça d'Espanya.
   • 18:00Cathedral at golden hourLa Seu from the Parc de la Mar reflecting pool.
   • 20:30Dinner in Santa CatalinaDuke for global small plates, or the Mercat de Santa Catalina bars for tapas.If the weather turns: Traditional? Ca'n Joan de S'Aigo for hot chocolate and ensaïmada after.
   • 22:30Drinks on a rooftopHostal Cuba's terrace looks back at the whole bay.
2. Day 2

   The main event

   • 09:00Vintage train to Sóller1912 wooden carriages through the mountains, an hour, then the tram down to the port.
   • 11:30Swim at Port de SóllerSheltered bay, clear water, cafés along the front.
   • 13:30Lunch in Deià or FornalutxBus or taxi along the coast road. Fornalutx is arguably Spain's prettiest village.
   • 16:00Cala DeiàSteep walk down to a rocky cove and Ca's Patró March above it.If the weather turns: Rough sea? Valldemossa and the Chopin monastery, ten minutes inland.
   • 20:30Dinner back in PalmaVandal for playful plates, or Marta Rosselló for something more considered.
3. Day 3

   Palma Old Town at your own speed

   • 09:00Cap de FormentorThe dramatic north cape. Hire a car or take the guided coach; the road is the attraction.
   • 13:00Lunch in PollençaThen climb the 365 Calvari steps if lunch was light.
   • 17:00Beach at AlcúdiaLong, sandy, shallow — the opposite of the coves.
   • 21:00Late dinner in PalmaEl Camino, standing at the bar, no bookings.
4. Day 4

   One last moment

   • 10:00Ensaïmada and coffeeFornet de la Soca in the old town, a properly good bakery.
   • 11:30Espadrilles and olive woodPalma's old town shops, not the airport.
   • 14:00A1 bus backEvery 15 minutes from Plaça d'Espanya.