After Cartagena, Mallorca was next — our first time spending the day at any of the Balearic Islands. We booked a full day of exploration with Spain Day Tours.

First Impressions of Palma

The blend of Spanish and Moorish styles and influences gave us a strong feeling of Seville as we began the tour in the city of Palma.

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina

We toured the grounds of the Royal Palace of La Almudaina.

The Cathedral-Basilica Santa Maria Complex

We then moved over to the Cathedral-Basilica Santa Maria complex. It was a Sunday, so the Cathedral itself was not open to visitors. That was followed by a walk through the streets of the town with a history lesson from our guide.

With a walk of old Town.

Valldemossa: A Mountain Village

After our morning in Palma, we went up into the mountains to the village of Valldemossa for a snack of tomato bread and soppressata, some history, and a beautiful town. The Old Town is a network of steep, car-free cobblestone streets. Flowers are everywhere, with stone houses and lots of pops of green on the buildings.

Bellver Castle: A Rare Circular Fortress

Finally, our last stop was a tour and stunning views from Bellver Castle — a rare circular castle built for King James II of Mallorca in the 14th century.

Quick Tips for a Full Day Tour of Mallorca

• Book a full day tour, like the one with Spain Day Tours, if you want to see Palma and the surrounding countryside in a single visit — the mix of city, mountain village, and castle made for a well-rounded day.
• Check the day of the week before you go — the Cathedral-Basilica Santa Maria was closed to visitors on Sundays.
• Save room for a snack in Valldemossa — tomato bread and soppressata hit the spot after a morning in Palma.
• Wear good walking shoes for Valldemossa’s Old Town — the streets are steep, cobblestone, and car-free.
• Savor the views at Bellver Castle — the circular design is rare enough on its own to make the stop worthwhile but the views sell it.