A road trip Mallorca along the east coast of the island will take you through medieval castles and impressing caves. It can make an unforgettable jouney filled with beauty and discoveries. Find the best itinerary for this trip here!
Recommended activities:
1. Skip the Lima Palma Cathedral Entry Ticket
2. 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
3. East Mallorca Coasteering Experience
4. Caves of Drach Day Tour
Recommended hotels:
1. Hipotels Playa de Palma Palace & Spa Palma de Mallorca
2. Alua Leo Hotel Palma de Mallorca
3. Hotel and Restaurant Jardi D’Artá Artá
4. Can Xisquet Capdepera
5. Apartamentos Sureda Canyamel
6. Villa Can Nieves Cala Ratjada
7. Casa Portoblau Porto Cristo
Road Trip Mallorca around the East Coast:
What to See
Palma
I will start by presenting a little guide about what you can find in Palma, the island’s capital. With about 420,000 population as for 2023, this number can easily multiply by five in summer holidays.
Being such a beautiful summer destination, not all the tourism revolve only around the beaches. There is much more to Palma than the sea. There are picturesque streets on the Old Town which take you back to historical times, with the Cathedral as an omnipresent landmark.
I recommend obtaining a Skip the Line Palma Cathedral Entry Ticket in advance. The Cathedral is always crowded with tourists, so this ticket will make you save a lot of time.
Another impressive landmark and which I recommend not to miss is the Castle of Bellver. This city’s simbol dates back to the 13th century and it is the only circular castle in Spain.
The castle is located 3 km from the center. An easy way to arrive there is to obtain your ticket for a 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. This way you can enjoy access not only to the castle but also to 16 stops around the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Artá
The Mallorca road trip around the eastern coast starts in Artá. This charming town, home to approximately 8,000 people, is located at a one-hour driving distance, 52.2 miles (84 km) from Palma.
Artá boasts 26 beaches, some of which are considered the most beautiful on the entire island of Mallorca.
Artá stands out as a unique destination, preserving the essence of traditional craftsmanship. There are numerous artisans proficient in woodworking and handicrafts. Many of them engage in the manufacture of the iconic handbags and hats made of Palma, a native plant thriving on Mallorca. I found beautiful items in Son Pocapalla, a shop with more than 50 years in the business.
The most emblematic landmarks of Artá are the fort and the church of Sant Salvador, situated atop the mountain bearing the same name. To reach the summit, one must ascend 180 steps, but trust me, the magnificent view of the valley from above is well worth the effort.
Capdepera
Capdepera is about 12,000 people and it’s main attraction is also a medieval castle. You can climb it easily in about 5 minutes in order to get an amazing view of the town.
Inside the castle you will find a permanent exhibit showcasing the traditional craftsmanship of Capdepera and Artá with “llata”. This is a unique type of palm heart. It’s very interesting to learn how the leaves are dried, braided, and transformed into various objects like beautiful baskets, collectors, and fans.
The lighthouse of Capdepera is one of the most iconic landmarks in Mallorca. Situated in a breathtaking natural setting, it offers a magnificent view of the cliffs. And from the top you can even glance at the Menorca Island.
Canyamel Harbor
The Canyamel harbor is south of Capdepera. On one side there is a natural reserve which is perfect for bird watching. On the other side you will find the resort of Canyamel, very popular not only with Spanish tourists but other European tourists as well.
The beach has a blue flag and is considered one of the top 20 beaches in Mallorca and is only 6 miles (10 kms) from Artá and Capdepera. It’s a lovely destination for families. It stretches for 290 meters, making it perfect for diving.
Cala Ratjada
Cala Ratjada is a charming fishing port featuring a small beach on one end and Cala Aguila at the northern tip. The city’s focal point is the port, around which the center of town is concentrated. There is a significative German population which adds a unique flavor to the area.
At Cala Ratjada tourists enjoy every kind of sea water sports, diving and surfing.
Cala Agulla
Northwest of Cala Ratjada you will find the town of Cala Agulla. This 525-meter white-sand beach is very clean with white sand and turquoise waters. It offers various water sports and activities, like pedal boats, kayaks, and paddleboarding.
Caves of Artá
These caves are located in the Canyamel harbor and can be reached by car from Cala Ratjada in only ten minutues. Visits to the caves are every half an hour and last 40 minutes. During the tour you can see one of the most impressive stalagmites in the world, 22 meters high.
Jules Verne visited these caves, inspiring his novel “Journey to the center of the earth”. They were a refuge for 2,000 Moors during the conquest of Mallorca by the Spanish king in the 13th century. Later the caves were used by hermits, pirates, and smugglers.
Porto Cristo
Porto Cristo exudes traditional charm with its old stone houses, white chalets, and lively port. The addition of a marina caters to modern boat owners. Ideal for families and couples seeking a peaceful getaway, it offers a tranquil atmosphere with limited nightlife.
From Portocristo, you can take a half-day coasteering adventure. This includes climbing, rappelling, scrambling, and even jumping off cliffs. Safety gear and a safety-oriented instructor are provided. This is a kid-friendly tour for the adventurous family.
Book your East Mallorca Coasteering Experience here
Caves del Drach
The main attraction nearby are the famous Caves del Drach (Caves of Dragons). The route inside has a total of 0.75 miles (1.20 km) and it is one of the best things you can do in this Mallorca road trip through the eastern side of the island.
The visit lasts for about one hour. Inside the caves there is one of the largest underground lakes of the world, Lake Martel. Here visitors attend a classic music concert and can even have a boat ride.
Book a Caves of Drach Day Trip and Optional Caves of Hams here
Road Trip Mallorca: Where to Stay
Palma
Hipotels Playa de Palma Palace & Spa is a 5-star hotel located 200 meters from Playa de Palma beach. It features a spa with beauty treatments, a hot tub, and a fitness center. Bike hire and on-site parking are available. Popular for cycling.
Book your stay at Hipotels Playa de Palma Palace & Spa here
The Alua Leo Hotel enjoys a prime location just 100 meters away from the stunning Can Pastilla Beach. Spacious pool-side area complete with a bar. Buffet restaurant that serves a diverse selection of international and local cuisine. Parking facilities.
Book your stay at the Alua Leo Hotel here
Artá
The Hotel & Restaurant Jardi D’Artá is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It enjoys views of the impressive church of San Salvador. It offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a fitness center. The beaches of Cala Rajada are located 10 km away.
Book your stay at the Hotel & Restaurant Jardi D’Artá here
Capdepera
Can Xisquet is a self-catered vacation home. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a well equipped kitchen. It offers a terrace, private pool, and free WiFi. Son Moll Beach and Cala n’Aguait are both 1.5 miles away.
Book your stay at Can Xisquet here
Canyamel
Apartamentos Sureda is close to Canyamel Beach. There are well-equipped apartments with private terraces. Pool, a café-bar, and a wellness area. It’s close to restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets, the Arta Caves (20 minutes’ walk). It offers private parking.
Book your stay at Apartamentos Sureda here
Cala Ratjada
Villa Can Nieves is within a 9-minute walk of La Ferradura Beach and 0.6 miles of Cala Agulla Beach. Built in 2018, the villa features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views. Restaurant, spa and a wellnes center.
Book your stay at Villa Can Nieves here
Porto Cristo
Casa Portoblau is a vacation home located just an 8-minute walk from Playa de Porto Cristo. It has 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with free toiletries. Free WiFi. It features gardens, terrace, patio and a 24-hour front desk.
