4 days in Palma de Mallorca
With four days, give the cathedral district an unhurried start, make a separate western museum circuit, and reserve a full day for Sóller and its port. Finish with Palma's markets and eastern coast. The train day sits between city days so you can adjust it around weather, ticket availability and the seasonal operating schedule.
At a glance
- Where to stay
- Around Plaça d'Espanya makes the Sóller departure and airport arrival straightforward. Choose The old town (Casc Antic) instead if you prefer atmospheric evening walks and are happy to walk to the station on your excursion morning.
- Book ahead
- Cathedral terraces tour, The Sóller train, Dinner at DINS Santi Taura or El Camino
- Other lengths
- 2 days 3 days
Day 1: A slow introduction to the old town
- Morning
- Visit the cathedral, allowing extra time if you have booked its terraces. Afterwards, pause beside Parc de la Mar before walking back into the lanes. Keep the morning focused on this area rather than adding a market across town.
- Afternoon
- Cross to Palau de l'Almudaina and continue to the Arab Baths. Walk onwards through the lanes toward Plaça Major, looking into accessible courtyards from public doorways without entering private spaces.
- Evening
- Follow Passeig des Born down toward La Lonja for dinner. Take a short walk around Sa Llotja afterwards, using the evening to understand how the old trading quarter connects with the harbor.
- Dinner
- Choose a restaurant near the Born and order tapas with seasonal vegetables and a local fish dish.
Day 2: Castle, studios and Santa Catalina
- Morning
- Start at Bellver Castle and spend time in the city history museum before enjoying the bay views. Use a taxi for the approach if you want to keep your walking energy for the rest of the day.
- Afternoon
- Continue by transport to Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró. Check which studios are accessible before visiting, then return toward Santa Catalina. Leave a proper gap for lunch rather than trying to fit both attractions around a late market visit.
- Evening
- Eat in Santa Catalina and explore the streets around its market. If you want more walking, continue toward the harbor through Son Armadams, choosing a return route that suits your accommodation.
- Dinner
- Book Vandal in Santa Catalina if you want a longer dinner, and check the current menu before choosing your dishes.
Day 3: Sóller town and the port
- Morning
- Walk to the historic railway station beside Plaça d'Espanya for your booked departure. Check the current timetable rather than assuming an early service. On arrival, explore Sóller's central square and nearby streets before continuing to the coast.
- Afternoon
- Take the tram to Port de Sóller and have lunch beside the bay. Walk along the waterfront, leaving enough time to return to Sóller for the train you intend to catch back to Palma.
- Evening
- Return to Palma and keep dinner near your accommodation. Avoid attaching a timed museum visit to the return journey, since the excursion already depends on coordinating the train and tram.
- Dinner
- Have fish or a rice dish at a restaurant in Port de Sóller, then choose a light supper in Palma.
Day 4: Markets, modern art and the eastern coast
- Morning
- Visit Mercat de l'Olivar before the stalls close, then continue to Es Baluard. On Sunday, replace the market with a slow breakfast and check the museum's earlier closing time.
- Afternoon
- Walk toward Can Pere Antoni and stop for a swim if conditions are suitable. Continue along the coast to Portixol, taking breaks as needed rather than treating the whole waterfront as a fixed walking target.
- Evening
- Choose dinner around Portixol or continue into Es Molinar for a quieter seafront setting. Take a bus or taxi back if you do not want to repeat the walk after eating.
- Dinner
- Order grilled fish and seasonal sides at a waterfront restaurant in Portixol or Es Molinar.
Tips for 4 days in Palma de Mallorca
- Use Monday for Sóller if the railway is operating, or for the coast, since several Palma museums close that day.
- Check the train's seasonal maintenance closure before making Sóller the centrepiece of a winter visit.
- Move the coastal afternoon to your clearest weather window and keep museums for a less settled day.
4 days in Palma de Mallorca
Is four days too long for Palma?
Four days work well when one is a full excursion to Sóller. The remaining time lets you visit the main sights without sacrificing neighborhood walks and time beside the sea.
Should I hire a car for these four days?
This plan works without a car. Walk around central Palma, use local transport for the western sights, and take the historic train and tram for Sóller.
What if the Sóller train is not running?
Check current bus options to Sóller, or replace the excursion with a longer Palma day around Santa Catalina, Son Armadams and the waterfront. Confirm museum opening days before rearranging visits.
Should I book the train before arriving?
Booking ahead is sensible during busy periods, especially if you need a particular departure. Check the official timetable and return arrangements before committing the rest of that day's plans.