4 Days in Mallorca: The Perfect Off-Season Island Itinerary

A Girls’ Getaway to Mallorca: Beaches, Markets, and Mediterranean Magic

Everything you need to know for the perfect off-season island getaway

Mallorca in October? Surely not! But low and behold—it absolutely is. This past weekend, I took a four-day girls’ trip to Mallorca, and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful and relaxing getaways I’ve had in Spain so far.

From travel tips and car rentals, to hidden beaches and local eats, here’s everything you need to know to plan your own off-season escape to this Mediterranean gem.

Getting Around Mallorca: Why You’ll Want a Car

One thing I quickly learned: renting a car in Mallorca is essential.

The island is larger than you might expect, with beautiful coasts and beaches spread across different regions. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore hidden coves, quiet local towns, and scenic drives at your own pace.

We rented through GoldCar, which partners with Key ‘N Go. The pick-up and drop-off process was smooth and efficient. While some of Mallorca’s streets are narrow, driving wasn’t nearly as stressful as I expected. If you’re comfortable behind the wheel, you’ll be just fine—just make sure to check parking garage hours (we may or may not have learned this the hard way after locking our car in one overnight!).

🚗 Tip: Choose a smaller car for easier navigation and parking, especially in older towns.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach Mallorca is by flying into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). Palma is the island’s main city and hub for flights, food, and nightlife. If you’re coming from Madrid, flights are typically cheap, quick, and frequent.

While Palma is the most convenient base for travel, you don’t have to stay there. We chose to stay in Cala d’Or, about 50 minutes southeast of Palma, for a more relaxed, beach-town vibe.

What to Pack and Expect in October

October in Mallorca is a dream for those who want sunshine without scorching heat.

• Temperatures: Mid-70s°F (around 24°C) during the day, cooler mornings and evenings.
• What to pack: Light sweaters or long dresses for evenings, and swimsuits, shorts, and tank tops for the day.
• Bonus: The UV is lower, but you can still tan—so don’t forget sunscreen!

☀️ It’s the perfect weather for exploring beaches comfortably, without summer crowds.

The Beaches (Cala Life!)

Mallorca’s beaches—known as calas, or coves—are some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen.

Cala Esmeralda

We discovered this on an early morning run near Cala d’Or and stumbled upon what I can only describe as a mermaid cove. It’s a natural rock pool tucked between cliffs—more of a swimming spot than a tanning beach—but it’s stunning.

                                                                   Colorful morning views at Cala Esmeralda hidden gem

Cala Banyalbufa

On day two, we drove to Cala Banyalbufar, a breathtaking local beach framed by rugged cliffs and bright turquoise water. Be warned—Google Maps might not take you directly there! The path starts near a small church and leads to a staircase that opens onto the beach. If you get a little lost, just ask a local—it’s worth the adventure.

Playa de S’Amarador

Our final beach day was spent at Playa de S’Amarador, which had convenient public parking nearby. The beach was wide and peaceful, and a walking path connects to other coves for great photo spots and scenic views.

                                                                                  Views from Playa de S’Amarador.

Where to Eat and What to Do

Santanyí Market

This was one of my favorite stops of the entire trip. The Santanyí Market is bursting with life, local jewelry, produce, and homemade treats. From fresh fruit to baked pastries, there’s something for everyone.
🕘 Arrive by 9 a.m. for parking—locals aren’t kidding about that tip!

                                                                Exploring the lively Santanyí Market for local treats and crafts.

Sóller

You must visit Sóller, a charming town surrounded by mountains. The town square features a stunning cathedral and tons of local shops and cafés. We ate at Ca’n Pintxo, where we tried patatas bravas, fresh bread, an eggplant dish, and sangria. The pumpkin waffles were an unexpected hit!
We ended the night with dessert at Mister Island McCoy’s Ices—the perfect sweet stop.

                                                                                               Sóller streets 

Cala d’Or Eats

• Noir Mallorca: A lovely family-run café with an incredible pistachio croissant and a refreshing açaí bowl.

• Pinsi’s Picnic: Another great option for smoothie bowls and brunch food.

  

                                                                                       Coastal bites and cozy cafés      

Palma Favorites

In Palma, we visited NAP (Neapolitan Authentic Pizza) for delicious bruschetta and pizza—it’s actually a chain also found in Madrid.
For tapas, Bar España was the highlight of the trip. We had veggie and pork spring rolls, bread with tomato, patatas bravas, cheesecake, and a brownie with ice cream. It was affordable and delicious—an unbeatable combo.

Why October Might Be the Best Time to Visit Mallorca

While October isn’t considered peak season, that’s what makes it so special. There are fewer crowds, shorter wait times, and a slower, more authentic pace. Locals are friendlier, the water is still warm, and the island feels peaceful.

Whether you’re swimming in turquoise coves, exploring mountain towns, or supporting local markets, Mallorca in October offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

So go ahead—book that ticket, pack your sunscreen, and live your best mermaid life.

                                                                         Historic streets and mountain views in Sóller.