Day Trip to Mallorca from Barcelona: Best Itinerary, Transport & Must-See Spots

Summary

• A day trip from Barcelona to Mallorca is possible but has pros and cons.
• Flights are quick (35–60 minutes), allowing you to explore Palma’s key sights like the Cathedral, Old Town and beaches.
• With such limited time, you’ll miss out on many of the island’s best spots.
• Ferries take too long (6–8.5 hours), making them impractical for a day trip.
• Renting a car is useful for exploring beyond Palma, but public transport is enough for city visits.
• An overnight stay is ideal for a richer experience.

So, you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and decide you want to head outside the city to experience a bit more of what Spain has to offer. With the limited time you have, though, you realize you only have enough time for a day trip, so you’re running through your options when the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca, catches your eye.

Is 1 day enough for Mallorca? That’s what we’ll cover in this post, along with how to get there, what to do and common mistakes to avoid. 

Is a Day Trip to Mallorca from Barcelona Worth It?

To begin with, can you do a day trip to Mallorca from Barcelona?

A day trip from Barcelona to Mallorca is possible, but whether it’s worth it depends on your plans. Here are some things to think about:

Pros:

• Flights take about 35–60 minutes, with plenty of options.
• Palma, the island’s capital, is compact and walkable. You can see key sights like the Cathedral, City Hall and main shopping streets within a short time.
• Nearby beaches like Platja de Palma are easily accessible.

Cons:

• If you’re only in Mallorca for a few hours, you’ll likely stay near Palma or a nearby beach, missing out on the island’s best spots.
• The ferry takes too long (6–7.5 hours), making it impractical for a day trip.
• Barcelona and nearby destinations like Girona might be better for a quick visit.

If you find a cheap flight with good timing and just want to explore Palma or relax on a beach, a day trip from Barcelona to Mallorca is doable, however, an overnight stay makes the trip far more worthwhile.

Who is This Trip Best For and Is Mallorca Worth Visiting?

If you have been in Barcelona for quite some time and need a day trip idea, and you love wandering through charming old towns and visiting landmarks, then Palma is great. The city is small and packed with sights like the Cathedral, City Hall and markets, all within walking distance.

If you can book an early flight to Palma and a late return to Barcelona at a reasonable price, the trip becomes more convenient and worthwhile.

If you’re short on time, though, there are better locations for day trips from Barcelona, otherwise, you might just want to fully explore Barcelona in the time you have. If you want to explore more of Mallorca, a few hours generally won’t be enough to see the beauty of the island, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t like rushed trips.

Need more day trip ideas? Learn about other trips from Barcelona.

Best Way to Visit Mallorca from Barcelona: Flight vs. Ferry

When planning a trip from Barcelona to Mallorca, you have two main options: flying or taking a ferry. Both have their pros and cons, depending on your budget, time constraints and travel preferences. Here’s a rundown of how to get from Barcelona to Mallorca:

Flying from Barcelona to Mallorca

Why Fly?

• Speed: The fastest way to get to Mallorca. Flights take just 40 minutes in the air and with check-in and security, the total travel time is around 2.5 hours.
• Convenience: Flights depart hourly from Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI).
• Cost: All the airlines are budget airlines (Ryanair, Vueling Airlines, Air Europa and Iberia, with tickets usually ranging between $35 and $150.
• Efficiency: Barcelona Airport is known for quick security checks (often under 10 minutes) and you only need to arrive about 90 minutes before your flight.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Baggage Restrictions: Budget airlines have strict baggage rules. Make sure to follow their guidelines to avoid extra fees.
• Limited Comfort: Budget flights offer minimal customer service and legroom, so don’t expect luxury.

Taking the Ferry from Barcelona to Mallorca

Why Take the Ferry?

• Scenic Experience: Enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea during the journey.
• Flexibility: You can bring more luggage, your car or even your pets.
• Comfort: Overnight ferries offer private cabins, restaurants and entertainment options.
• Cost-Effective for Groups/Families: If you’re traveling with a car or a lot of luggage, ferries can be more economical.

Ferry Options: How long is the ferry from Barcelona to Mallorca

• Standard Ferry: Takes 7–8.5 hours and costs $55–$130 for foot passengers.
• High-Speed Ferry: Takes 3.5 hours (only available to Alcúdia, not Palma) but costs significantly more (~$328).
• Overnight Ferry: Departs Barcelona at 21:30 and arrives in Palma at 06:00, saving you a hotel night.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Travel Time: Ferries take significantly longer than flights (up to 8.5 hours).
• Seasickness: The sea can get rough, especially in September, so prepare accordingly if you’re prone to motion sickness.
• Limited Frequency: Ferries depart twice daily, so you’ll need to plan around their schedule.

Perfect One-Day Mallorca Itinerary: Things To Do in Mallorca in One Day

Morning Itinerary

Palma Cathedral (La Seu) & Parc de la Mar

Begin your adventure at La Seu, the majestic Palma Cathedral with its Gothic architecture towering over the city’s waterfront. Built in the 13th century, it features a stunning rose window made of over 1,200 pieces of glass and modifications by Antoni Gaudí, who added a spectacular suspended canopy above the altar.

Right in front of the cathedral is Parc de la Mar, a scenic promenade offering a serene start to your day. Enjoy the reflection of La Seu in the artificial lake and take in the Mediterranean breeze before diving into Palma’s historic streets.

The Old Town: Plaça Mayor, Passeig del Born & Mercat de l’Olivar

Walk through Palma’s Old Town, where medieval streets lead to courtyards and historical landmarks.

• Plaça Mayor – A lively square surrounded by elegant 19th-century buildings, once the site of Palma’s Inquisition headquarters.
• Passeig del Born – Known as Palma’s ‘Golden Mile,’ this tree-lined avenue is home to designer boutiques, cafés and old mansions.
• Mercat de l’Olivar – An indoor market where you can grab a fresh ensaïmada (Mallorcan pastry) or sample local cheeses, olives and jamón.

Es Baluard Museum & Palma’s City Walls

Continue to Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art, housed within a 16th-century fortress. The museum features works by Picasso, Miró and Barceló, as well as stunning views of Palma’s skyline from its terrace.

Take a short walk to Palma’s ancient city walls, once used to defend the island from pirates. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of the port and the Mediterranean Sea, making it a perfect photo stop.

Midday Itinerary

Drive to Capocorb Vell

Leaving Palma, take a 40-minute scenic drive south to Capocorb Vell, one of the best-preserved Talayotic settlements in the Balearic Islands. This 3,000-year-old village consists of five circular stone towers, believed to have been watchtowers and homes of early Mallorcans. Walking among the ruins feels like stepping back in time to Mallorca’s mysterious Bronze Age civilization.

Traditional Lunch at Ca’s Busso
After exploring Capocorb Vell, enjoy an authentic Mallorcan meal at Ca’s Busso, a rustic countryside restaurant known for its home-cooked dishes. Try:

• Sobrassada – A cured sausage spiced with paprika, unique to Mallorca.
• Tumbet – A delicious vegetable dish similar to ratatouille, made with potatoes, eggplant and peppers in tomato sauce.
• Pa amb oli – Crusty bread rubbed with tomatoes, olive oil and served with cheese or cured meats.

Afternoon Itinerary

Visit Santa Maria del Camí

Stop at Santa Maria del Camí, a picturesque town known for its artisan shops, local wineries and a charming Sunday market (which closes at 2pm). Even if you visit on a different day, the town’s quiet streets and local cafés provide a peaceful break to your day.

Light Hike to Mirador de la Victoria

Drive north to Alcúdia, where a short but rewarding hike takes you to Mirador de la Victoria. This viewpoint offers lovely views over Pollensa Bay, with the Mediterranean stretching into the horizon. The trail is easy, taking about 30 minutes round trip, making it a perfect balance of adventure without exhaustion.

For those preferring relaxation, head instead to Playa de Formentor, one of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches with turquoise waters, soft sand and pine trees.

Evening Itinerary

Cuevas de Artà (if time allows)

If you have extra time, visit Cuevas de Artà, a stunning cave system on Mallorca’s eastern coast. Unlike the more crowded Drach Caves, these lesser-known caves are dramatic and mystical, featuring massive stalactites and a cathedral-like interior.

Then drive back to Palma to drop off your car, grab something to eat and watch the sunset, creating a perfect farewell moment before catching your flight back to Barcelona.

If you’re looking for some alternative locations to the regular places people recommend, while still fitting into your schedule, you might find any of these suits your interests and are located near the route you take through the island:

• Cap de Formentor – The northernmost tip of Mallorca, famous for its stunning cliffs, lighthouse, caves and beaches, making it perfect for nature lovers.
• Cap Andritxol – A scenic, easy hiking trail near Calvià with breathtaking coastal views and colorful wildflowers.
• Es Trenc – A secluded, Caribbean-like beach with soft white sand, crystal-clear waters and a beachfront restaurant.
• Cala Figuera – A picturesque fishing village with whitewashed houses, turquoise waters and a scenic harbor, great for photography.
• Fornalutx – A peaceful mountain village near Sóller, known for its cobbled streets, stone houses and beautiful views.
• Coves de Campanet – A cave system with impressive rock formations, underground lakes and signs of prehistoric human life.
• Portals Vells – A hidden coastal gem with sandy beaches, quiet coves and a historic cave once used for stone extraction.

Getting Around: Should You Rent a Car on Mallorca?

Whether you rent a car on Mallorca depends on what you’re planning to do on your day trip.

If you’re mainly staying in Palma, don’t rent a car — the city has great public transport, parking is a nightmare and most sights are walkable. If you want to explore beaches, mountain villages and scenic routes, however, renting a car is the best option, especially on a short timeframe.

Public Transport vs. Car Rental

Public Transport (Good for budget travelers & those staying in Palma)

• Buses are affordable, clean and reliable but are centered around Palma, meaning trips to other areas often require transfers.
• The Sóller train is a scenic ride but only goes between Palma and Sóller.
• Taxis are convenient but expensive for long distances.
• Biking is great for short distances in Palma, Alcúdia and coastal areas.

Renting a Car (Best for flexibility & exploring beyond Palma)

• Mallorca is bigger than it looks — about 50 miles (80km) across — so getting to remote beaches, markets and villages is much easier with a car.
• Public transport doesn’t cover all areas well and some buses only run every 2 hours.
• A car lets you travel on your own schedule without worrying about timetables.
• Downsides: Driving in Palma is stressful, parking can be tricky and rental scams & hidden fees exist, so research companies carefully.

Other Ways to Get Around Mallorca

• Buses: Affordable, clean and reliable, however, most routes center around Palma and some rural areas have limited schedules (some buses run only every 2 hours).
• Trains: The scenic Sóller train is a great experience but Mallorca’s rail network is limited (only covering Palma, Sóller, Inca and Manacor).
• Taxis: Available in towns like Palma but can be expensive for long trips.
• Bicycles: Palma has bike-friendly routes along the bay and cycling is great in Alcúdia, Port de Pollença and the Tramuntana mountains.
• Motorbikes & Scooters: A flexible way to explore, especially for solo travelers or couples.

Need some ideas for car routes for a one-day visit to Mallorca?

• Route 1: Palma → Capocorb Vell (ancient ruins) → Mirador de la Victoria (hiking) → Playa de Formentor (beach) → Sunset at Es Colomer
• Route 2: Palma → Valldemossa (charming village) → Sóller (tram ride) → Sa Calobra (stunning coastal road) → Port de Pollença
• Route 3: Palma → Cala Pi (hidden beach) → Santanyí market (if visiting on a market day) → Cala Mondragó (nature reserve & beach)

Final Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Mallorca Day Trip

Planning a one-day trip to Mallorca requires thoughtful preparation to make sure it’s a relaxing and memorable experience. Here are some final travel tips and key dos and don'ts to consider:

Dos:

1. Plan a Manageable Itinerary: Focus on exploring Palma as it offers a rich blend of history, culture and cuisine. Make sure to book everything in advance so you’re not wasting time waiting around.
2. Eat Local Cuisine: Try traditional pastries like ensaimadas at renowned establishments such as Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, which has been serving Mallorcan delicacies for over 300 years.
3. Consider a Guided Tour: Use hop-on-hop-off bus tours to swiftly visit key sites like Bellver Castle, which offers panoramic views of Palma Bay. You can also book a customizable private guided tour if you want help fitting in all the locations you’re itching to see.

Don'ts:

• Overload Your Schedule: Avoid trying to see too much in one day; instead, focus on a few key attractions to fully appreciate each experience.
• Rely Solely on Car Rentals: Certain areas, such as the center of Sóller, have restrictions on tourist vehicles, requiring visitors to park outside and explore on foot.
• Forget to Dress Appropriately: You’re only here for a day, not for a fashion trip. Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking.

It’s Time to Book Your Trip to Mallorca!

Whether you take a day trip to Mallorca from Barcelona depends on how much time you have and your style of travel. We’d definitely recommend an overnight or weekend trip as there is so much to explore here that we haven’t covered, but if you’re able to plan well and the island has sights you want to see, it’s definitely doable in your short trip to Barcelona.

Make sure to check out GoWithGuide’s range of private tour guides as they can help you plan your day trip to Mallorca, lifting the stress of the day off your shoulders.