7 Day Itinerary for the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands offer something for almost every kind of traveller. Families head to Alcúdia for calm, shallow beaches and a walled old town. Couples seek out mountain villages such as Sóller and Deià for citrus groves and slow lunches. Culture lovers explore the Gothic streets of Palma, while nightlife fans and beach club regulars gravitate towards Ibiza. Meanwhile, day-trippers cross to Formentera for the clearest water in the Mediterranean. This seven-day route combines all these experiences. It moves from the historic streets and mountains of Mallorca to the old town charm and beaches of Ibiza, finishing with a boat trip to Formentera. Along the way, you’ll find practical tips on tickets, transport and where to sleep each night.
Day 1: Arrival in Palma and the Old Town
Most visitors fly into Palma de Mallorca Airport, which sits just 8km from the city centre. Buses and taxis run regularly into town, so you’ll reach your hotel within thirty minutes. Once settled, spend the afternoon wandering Palma’s old town on foot.
Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
This Gothic cathedral towers over the seafront and took nearly 400 years to complete. Inside, a huge rose window scatters coloured light across the nave each morning. Consequently, an early visit rewards you with the best photographs. Book your slot ahead, as terrace access requires an advance reservation. Get directions
Since queues build quickly in high season, it’s wise to secure tickets before you arrive. Buy Tickets
Passeig del Born and Plaça Major
This tree-lined boulevard links the harbour to the shopping district. Afterwards, continue to Plaça Major for street performers and pavement cafés. Both areas stay lively well into the evening. Get directions
Day 2: Bellver Castle and the Serra de Tramuntana Foothills
Start the day with a short climb above the city, then loop back through Palma’s museums before lunch.
Bellver Castle
Unusually, this 14th-century fortress has a perfectly circular design, unlike any other castle in Spain. From its terraces, you’ll see the whole bay of Palma spread out below. Inside, the City History Museum traces Mallorca’s story from the Bronze Age onwards. Get directions
Because entry queues form fast in summer, pre-booking saves you time at the gate. Buy Tickets
Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Built into the old city walls, this gallery holds works by Miró and Picasso. Its rooftop terrace also offers sweeping views over the marina, so allow time to linger. Get directions
Where to stay in Palma
Palma’s old town gives you the easiest base for the first two nights, since every attraction sits within walking distance. The Protur Naisa Palma Hotel earns strong guest scores near 9.4 out of 10, with reviewers regularly praising its rooftop pool and central position.
Hotel Antigua Palma – Casa Noble draws praise for its boutique charm and quiet side street, just steps from the cathedral. Summum Hotel is another favourite, with guests consistently mentioning attentive staff and a beautiful historic building.
Brondo Architect Hotel suits travellers who want striking interior design paired with a central marina-side location.
Finally, Hotel Palma Avenidas offers a more budget-friendly 4-star option, and reviewers often highlight its walkable position and comfortable, modern rooms. Whichever you choose, book early for summer dates, as the old town fills up fast.
Day 3: The Tren de Sóller and the Tramuntana Mountains
Today takes you into the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana. Rather than driving, hop aboard a century-old train for a slower, more scenic pace.
Tren de Sóller (Sóller Vintage Train)
This narrow-gauge railway has run since 1912, threading through 13 tunnels and citrus orchards on its way north. Wooden carriages, brass fittings and a slow rattle over the tracks make the hour-long ride feel like stepping back in time. From the historic Sóller station, a vintage tram then continues down to the harbour at Port de Sóller. Get directions
Seats sell out on the busiest departures, so reserve ahead of your visit. Buy Tickets
Deià and Valldemossa
After lunch by the port, hire a car to reach the hillside villages of Deià and Valldemossa. Stone houses cling to the mountainside here, and both villages have long attracted writers and artists. A car gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints along the winding coast road. Hire a Car
Real Cartuja de Valldemossa
This former royal palace later became a Carthusian monastery, and composer Frédéric Chopin famously spent a winter here in 1838. Visitors can tour the cloisters, the old pharmacy and Chopin’s cell, and short piano recitals run throughout the day. Get directions
Since online booking is required for entry, buy your ticket before setting off. Buy Tickets
Return to Palma for your third night in the city. Book Accommodation
Day 4: Alcúdia and the North Coast
Today shifts pace towards Mallorca’s family-friendly north. Keep your hire car for this leg, as public transport links are limited outside peak season. Hire a Car
Alcúdia Old Town and Roman Ruins
Thick medieval walls still encircle Alcúdia’s old town, and inside them, narrow lanes lead past craft shops and tapas bars. Just outside the walls, the ruins of Roman Pollentia reveal a forum, theatre and small on-site museum. Alcúdia also hosts a lively Tuesday and Sunday market, so time your visit accordingly. Get directions
Playa de Muro and Alcúdia Bay
Fine white sand and shallow, calm water make this stretch ideal for families. Pine forest backs much of the beach, offering welcome shade during the hottest hours. Get directions
In the evening, drive back to Palma and drop off your hire car ready for tomorrow’s ferry crossing.
Day 5: Ferry to Ibiza and Dalt Vila
Several ferry operators, including Baleària, sail between Palma and Ibiza, with the fastest crossings taking around two hours. Book your ferry in advance during summer, since sailings fill up quickly.
Dalt Vila
Ibiza Town‘s fortified old quarter, Dalt Vila, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Steep cobbled streets climb past whitewashed houses towards the cathedral and castle at the summit. Along the way, small galleries and wine bars occupy converted townhouses. Get directions
Ibiza Cathedral and City Walls
Renaissance-era ramparts surround Dalt Vila, and a walk along them delivers panoramic views over the harbour. At the top, the cathedral’s bell tower marks the highest point in the old town. Consequently, sunset here draws a steady crowd of photographers. Get directions
Where to stay in Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town works well as your base for the final three nights, combining old-town charm with easy access to the port. R&C Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila sits inside a 19th-century townhouse within the walls, and reviewers regularly praise its regal rooms and rooftop pool with a Google rating close to 4.7 out of 5.
Hotel La Torre del Canónigo, a Small Luxury Hotel, draws consistent praise for its intimate size and views over the port.
Montesol Experimental Ibiza attracts guests who want a stylish central address close to the marina and old-town nightlife.
La Ventana, a boutique option beside the medieval wall, is often mentioned for its roof terrace and warm, personal service.
Finally, Dalt Vila House offers self-catering apartments with balconies overlooking the old town, a favourite with travellers wanting more space. Reviewers across these properties commonly mention helpful staff, quiet rooms despite the lively surroundings, and strong breakfasts.
Day 6: Santa Eulària des Riu and the West Coast Sunset
Today combines a relaxed coastal town with one of the island’s most famous viewpoints. Local buses connect Ibiza Town to most coastal resorts, making this an easy day without a car. Buy Tickets
Santa Eulària des Riu
This relaxed town sits along Ibiza’s only permanent river, and its long promenade suits an easy morning stroll. A hilltop church, the Puig de Missa, overlooks the harbour and rewards the short climb with wide sea views. Santa Eulària des Riu also has a good weekly craft market, held on Wednesdays. Get directions
Es Vedrà Viewpoint
This dramatic limestone islet rises sharply from the sea off Ibiza’s south-west coast. Legend links it to ancient myths, and many visitors say it’s the island’s most striking natural sight. Arrive at the Cala d’Hort viewpoint before sunset, as parking fills quickly. Get directions
Day 7: Day Trip to Formentera
On your final full day, catch an early boat from Ibiza Town’s harbour to Formentera. Crossings take around 30 minutes, and frequent departures run throughout the morning.
Ses Illetes Beach
Turquoise, shallow water and powder-white sand have earned Ses Illetes comparisons to the Caribbean. Sun loungers and beach bars line the shore, though the quieter northern end suits those wanting more space. Get directions
Es Caló de Sant Agustí
This small fishing hamlet sits between two of Formentera’s best beaches, and traditional wooden boat huts still line its tiny harbour. Afterwards, grab a simple seafood lunch at one of the family-run restaurants nearby. Get directions
Sant Francesc Xavier
Formentera’s small capital centres on a fortified 18th-century church and a handful of relaxed craft shops. It makes a pleasant final stop before you catch your return ferry to Ibiza Town in the late afternoon. Get directions
Back in Ibiza Town, enjoy a final dinner in the marina before your departure the next morning from Ibiza Airport. Across seven days, you’ll have explored Gothic cities, mountain villages, historic monasteries and three of the Balearics’ distinct islands, giving you a genuine taste of everything this archipelago offers.