The Ultimate Mallorca Guide: Palma, Sóller, Cala Major, Dolphins and the Best Place to Stay
Mallorca is not simply a Mediterranean island. It is a destination where historic streets, mountain landscapes, urban beaches, traditional villages, marinas, coastal roads and crystal-clear water can all be experienced during the same holiday.
Land at Palma de Mallorca Airport, collect a rental car, establish your base at Hotel AMIC Horizonte in Palma, and you will be perfectly positioned to explore some of the most famous places in Mallorca: Palma Old Town, the Bay of Palma, Cala Major, Porto Pi, the Paseo Marítimo, Sóller, Port de Sóller and the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana.
This practical Mallorca travel guide connects the island’s essential experiences into one simple itinerary: city, coast, mountains, beach, boat trip and unforgettable Mediterranean views.
Mallorca travel guide at a glance
A perfect first trip to Mallorca could include:
- Arrival at Palma de Mallorca Airport, PMI
- A stay at Hotel AMIC Horizonte, Palma
- Walking through the historic centre of Palma
- Exploring the Paseo Marítimo and Port of Palma
- Relaxing at Cala Major Beach
- Driving through the Serra de Tramuntana to Sóller
- Visiting Port de Sóller
- Taking a dolphin-watching boat excursion
- Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
- Returning to Palma to watch the sunset over the bay
The great advantage of staying in Palma is geographical. You can combine the atmosphere of a European city with direct access to beaches, ports, shopping areas, coastal roads and mountain excursions.
Arriving at Palma de Mallorca Airport
Most international visitors arrive through Palma de Mallorca Airport, commonly identified by the airport code PMI. The airport is situated east of Palma and is the principal gateway to Mallorca and the Balearic Islands.
Travellers who want to explore beyond Palma can rent a car directly at the airport. AENA lists several car-rental companies operating from the arrivals and baggage-reclaim areas, making it possible to collect a vehicle shortly after landing.
A rental car is particularly useful for visiting:
- Sóller
- Port de Sóller
- Valldemossa
- Deià
- Cala Major
- Illetes
- Calvià
- Andratx
- The Serra de Tramuntana
- Beaches and coves outside Palma
However, a car is not essential for every day of your holiday. Palma can be explored on foot, by public transport, taxi or bicycle, while the historic Sóller train provides an alternative way to reach the northwest of Mallorca.
Practical Mallorca arrival tip
Collect your car at Palma Airport, drive to Hotel AMIC Horizonte, leave your luggage and begin your trip with a panoramic view of the Bay of Palma. From this part of the city, visitors can easily connect with Palma city centre, Porto Pi, the port, Cala Major and the western coast of Mallorca.
Where to stay in Palma: Hotel AMIC Horizonte
Hotel AMIC Horizonte is located at:
Carrer de Vista Alegre, 1
07015 Palma, Mallorca
Balearic Islands, Spain
The hotel occupies an elevated position overlooking the Bay of Palma, close to the Port of Palma, Porto Pi, the Paseo Marítimo and the neighbourhoods of La Bonanova and El Terreno.
According to the hotel’s official information, Hotel AMIC Horizonte is approximately two kilometres from central Palma and is situated near the Paseo Marítimo, Porto Pi Shopping Centre and the Port of Palma.
This makes the hotel a strategic base for travellers who want to experience several different sides of Mallorca.
From Hotel AMIC Horizonte, guests can connect easily with:
- Palma city centre
- Palma Old Town
- Palma Cathedral
- Bellver Castle
- Porto Pi Shopping Centre
- Port of Palma
- Club de Mar Mallorca
- Paseo Marítimo
- Cala Major
- Marivent
- Illetes
- Puerto Portals
- The road towards Calvià and Andratx
The hotel’s elevated location also provides wide views across the city, harbour and Mediterranean Sea. Some of its rooms and suites are specifically designed around views of the Bay of Palma, including accommodation with terraces and panoramic outlooks over the port.
Why Hotel AMIC Horizonte works as a Mallorca base
Many visitors make the mistake of choosing between a city holiday and a beach holiday. Staying at Hotel AMIC Horizonte allows you to combine both.
In the morning, you can explore Palma Cathedral and the historic streets surrounding La Lonja. In the afternoon, you can swim at Cala Major. The following day, you can drive to Sóller, cross the Tramuntana landscape and return to Palma for dinner beside the Paseo Marítimo.
It is a practical location for:
- Couples visiting Mallorca
- Families exploring Palma
- Friends planning a Mediterranean weekend
- Solo travellers
- Road trips around Mallorca
- Cruise passengers extending their stay
- Groups visiting Palma
- Bleisure and business travellers
- Travellers looking for a hotel near the Port of Palma
Explore Palma de Mallorca
Palma is the capital of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands. It is far more than an arrival point for the island’s beaches.
The historic centre contains narrow streets, traditional courtyards, stone façades, local shops, restaurants, galleries, churches and some of Mallorca’s most recognisable landmarks.
Places to visit in Palma
Begin around Palma Cathedral, also known as La Seu, beside Parc de la Mar. From there, walk towards the historic district, Plaça de Cort, Passeig del Born and La Lonja.
A Palma walking route can include:
Palma Cathedral and Parc de la Mar
The cathedral dominates the waterfront skyline and is one of the defining images of Palma de Mallorca. Parc de la Mar, immediately below it, provides a spacious area from which to appreciate the cathedral, the old city walls and the Mediterranean setting.
Palma Old Town
Walk through the narrow streets surrounding the cathedral and discover historic mansions, patios, small squares and local businesses. This is one of the best areas in Palma for slow travel, photography, architecture and gastronomy.
Passeig del Born
Passeig del Born is one of central Palma’s best-known promenades. It connects shopping streets, restaurants and historic areas and is an excellent reference point for discovering the centre on foot.
La Lonja
The La Lonja district combines Gothic architecture with restaurants, terraces, galleries and nightlife. Its location between the old centre and the waterfront makes it an essential stop on a Palma itinerary.
Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is one of Palma’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, known for its market, cafés and international dining scene. It is situated close to the city centre and the Paseo Marítimo.
Bellver Castle
Castell de Bellver stands above Palma and is particularly relevant for guests staying near La Bonanova and Hotel AMIC Horizonte. The castle and its wooded surroundings provide another elevated perspective over Palma, the port and the bay.
Discover Palma’s maritime side
Hotel AMIC Horizonte is closely connected to the maritime identity of Palma.
Below the hotel are the Port of Palma, Club de Mar and the western section of Palma’s waterfront. From here, the Paseo Marítimo continues towards central Palma, marinas, restaurants, nightlife venues and cultural spaces.
The hotel’s location allows guests to experience Palma from two perspectives:
- From above, looking across the harbour and Bay of Palma
- At sea level, walking beside marinas, boats and the Mediterranean waterfront
This is especially attractive for travellers interested in:
- Sailing
- Yacht culture
- Cruise tourism
- Boat excursions
- Waterfront restaurants
- Mediterranean sunsets
- Walking and cycling beside the sea
Cala Major: a beach inside Palma
One of the greatest advantages of western Palma is the proximity of Cala Major, sometimes written as Cala Mayor.
Cala Major is located on the western side of the Bay of Palma, approximately four kilometres from central Palma.
Unlike remote coves that require a long drive, Cala Major provides a genuine Mediterranean beach experience within the municipality of Palma. It is surrounded by restaurants, accommodation, residential streets and services, making it especially convenient for visitors who want to combine sightseeing and beach time.
Why visit Cala Major?
Cala Major is suitable for:
- A morning swim before visiting Palma
- A relaxed afternoon at the beach
- Couples looking for an accessible coastal plan
- Families who do not want to travel across the island
- Visitors staying near Porto Pi or La Bonanova
- Travellers without a rental car
- Short breaks in Palma
- A final swim before flying home
From Hotel AMIC Horizonte, Cala Major forms part of the hotel’s immediate western Palma environment, together with Porto Pi, Marivent and the coastline leading towards Illetes.
Cala Major and Marivent
The Cala Major area is also associated with Marivent and the western entrance to Palma. This part of the city provides an interesting contrast with the historic centre: Palma Cathedral and the old town represent the monumental city, while Cala Major and Marivent represent its Mediterranean residential and beach identity.
For a balanced Palma itinerary, visit the old town in the morning and Cala Major in the afternoon.
A scenic Mallorca road trip to Sóller
No first-time Mallorca guide is complete without Sóller.
Sóller lies in the northwest of Mallorca, within the Serra de Tramuntana landscape. Mallorca’s official tourism portal describes it as being in the centre of the Tramuntana mountain range’s coastal side.
The journey from Palma to Sóller reveals a completely different Mallorca. The urban landscape gives way to mountains, valleys, olive trees, citrus groves and traditional Mallorcan architecture.
Driving from Palma to Sóller
Hotel AMIC Horizonte provides a convenient starting point for a day trip from Palma to Sóller.
A suggested route is:
Hotel AMIC Horizonte → Palma → Sóller → Port de Sóller → Serra de Tramuntana → Palma
The drive is suitable for travellers who want freedom to stop, take photographs and continue towards other Tramuntana destinations.
Possible additions include:
- Deià
- Valldemossa
- Fornalutx
- Biniaraix
- Mirador de Ses Barques
- Port de Sóller
Allow a full day if you want to enjoy the route without rushing.
The historic train from Palma to Sóller
Travellers who prefer not to drive can take the historic railway connecting Palma and Sóller.
Mallorca’s official tourism information describes the route as a century-old train journey from central Palma through rural landscapes containing carob and almond trees.
The train is not only a form of transport. It is one of Mallorca’s classic travel experiences.
After arriving in Sóller, visitors can explore the town before taking the traditional tram towards Port de Sóller.
This option is ideal for:
- Couples
- Families
- Railway enthusiasts
- Photographers
- Slow-travel visitors
- Travellers staying in Palma without a car
Schedules, ticket availability and seasonal operating information should always be checked before travelling.
What to see in Sóller
Sóller is known for its stone architecture, mountain surroundings, citrus-growing tradition and historic connection with Palma.
The heart of the town is Plaça de sa Constitució, surrounded by cafés, traditional buildings and the church of Sant Bartomeu.
Spend time walking through the streets rather than treating Sóller as a quick photograph stop. The attraction lies in its atmosphere: local life, architecture, terraces, orange trees and the presence of the Tramuntana mountains.
Visitors can also explore:
- Sóller Market
- Can Prunera
- The railway station
- Local cafés and bakeries
- Traditional Mallorcan shops
- Streets leading towards Biniaraix and Fornalutx
Sóller Market is included among the island’s official visitor attractions and local points of interest.
Port de Sóller: mountains meeting the sea
A few kilometres from Sóller is Port de Sóller, one of the most distinctive natural harbours in Mallorca.
The port is set within a protected bay surrounded by mountains. Its promenade, beach, marina, restaurants and traditional tram create one of the island’s most recognisable coastal settings.
Port de Sóller is an excellent place to:
- Walk along the promenade
- Have lunch overlooking the harbour
- Relax on the beach
- Take a boat trip
- Watch the sunset
- Photograph the tram beside the sea
- Explore the northwest coast of Mallorca
Combining Sóller and Port de Sóller during the same day provides two different experiences: a historic inland town and a Mediterranean harbour.
Dolphin watching in Mallorca
A dolphin-watching excursion can become one of the most memorable moments of a Mallorca holiday.
Several operators around Mallorca offer boat trips designed to observe dolphins living in the waters surrounding the island. Some excursions last approximately two hours, while others add a swimming or snorkelling stop in a bay or coastal area. Departure points, duration, vessels, prices and routes vary by operator.
The Instagram guide that inspired this itinerary highlights an option with:
- A price of approximately €35 per person
- A two-hour boat trip
- Dolphin observation in the wild
- A short swimming stop
- The opportunity to enter the Mediterranean from the boat
Prices should always be confirmed directly with the excursion provider before booking, as they can change according to departure port, season, vessel type and trip duration.
Responsible dolphin watching
Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings cannot be treated as guaranteed performances. Responsible excursions should prioritise animal welfare, maintain an appropriate distance and avoid disruptive behaviour.
Choose an authorised operator and follow all safety instructions given by the crew.
What to bring on a Mallorca boat excursion
Bring:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sun protection
- Hat
- Water
- Light clothing
- Non-slip footwear
- A waterproof case for personal belongings
- A light jacket for early-morning departures
Sea conditions can change, so travellers who are sensitive to movement may also wish to prepare for possible seasickness.
A three-day Mallorca itinerary from Hotel AMIC Horizonte
Day 1: Palma city and the Bay of Palma
Start with breakfast and views over Palma Bay.
Continue towards:
- Palma Cathedral
- Parc de la Mar
- Palma Old Town
- Plaça de Cort
- Passeig del Born
- La Lonja
- Santa Catalina
- Paseo Marítimo
Return to Hotel AMIC Horizonte in the late afternoon and enjoy the changing light over the port and Mediterranean Sea.
Day 2: Sóller and Port de Sóller
Leave Palma in the morning and travel to Sóller by car or historic train.
Explore:
- Plaça de sa Constitució
- Sóller’s historic streets
- Local shops and cafés
- Port de Sóller
- The promenade and marina
- The beach and coastal scenery
Return to Palma through the Tramuntana landscape.
Day 3: Dolphins and Cala Major
Book a dolphin-watching or coastal boat excursion with an authorised operator.
After the trip, return to western Palma and spend the afternoon at Cala Major Beach.
Finish your Mallorca itinerary with dinner near the Paseo Marítimo, Port of Palma or Porto Pi.
Is it better to stay in Palma or at a remote Mallorca resort?
For travellers planning to explore the island, Palma often provides greater flexibility than an isolated resort.
Staying in Palma gives you access to:
- Historic monuments
- Restaurants and nightlife
- Shopping
- Urban beaches
- Marinas and boat connections
- Public transport
- Mallorca Airport
- Roads towards the Tramuntana mountains
- Calvià and southwest Mallorca
- Business, cultural and sporting events
Hotel AMIC Horizonte adds the advantage of being outside the busiest streets of the historic centre while remaining geographically connected to central Palma, the port and the western coast.
It can therefore function as a bridge between several versions of Mallorca:
Urban Mallorca. Coastal Mallorca. Maritime Mallorca. Mountain Mallorca. Cultural Mallorca.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Mallorca
Which airport serves Mallorca?
The island’s principal airport is Palma de Mallorca Airport, identified by the code PMI.
Can I rent a car at Palma Airport?
Yes. Several car-rental companies operate from the airport’s arrivals and baggage-reclaim areas.
Where is Hotel AMIC Horizonte?
Hotel AMIC Horizonte is located at Carrer de Vista Alegre, 1, in Palma, close to the Port of Palma, Porto Pi, La Bonanova and the Paseo Marítimo.
Is Hotel AMIC Horizonte near Palma city centre?
The hotel’s official website places it approximately two kilometres from central Palma.
Is Cala Major part of Palma?
Yes. Cala Major is a coastal area and beach within Palma, on the western side of Palma Bay.
Can I visit Sóller from Palma in one day?
Yes. Sóller and Port de Sóller can be combined as a full-day excursion from Palma.
Can I travel from Palma to Sóller without a car?
Yes. The historic Sóller railway connects Palma and Sóller.
Are dolphin-watching trips available in Mallorca?
Yes. Excursions operate from several coastal areas, although routes, prices, duration and seasonal availability vary. Dolphins are wild animals, so responsible observation and realistic expectations are important.
Is Palma suitable for a beach holiday?
Yes. Palma combines city experiences with beaches such as Cala Major and Can Pere Antoni, while other coastal areas including Illetes are accessible from the city.
Mallorca begins with a good location
The best Mallorca holidays are not built around a single beach or one famous photograph. They connect different landscapes and experiences.
Land at Palma Airport. Discover the streets of Palma. Wake up overlooking the Bay of Palma. Walk beside the port. Swim at Cala Major. Cross the Tramuntana mountains. Explore Sóller. Sit beside the harbour at Port de Sóller. Take a boat into the Mediterranean and return to the city as the sun begins to fall.
From Hotel AMIC Horizonte, Mallorca opens in several directions.
The old town lies towards central Palma. Cala Major and the southwest coast lie to the west. The port and Paseo Marítimo extend below the hotel. Sóller and the Tramuntana mountains wait to the north.
Mallorca is not one destination.
It is a collection of places, landscapes and emotions—and Palma is one of the best points from which to discover them all.
- Panoramic view of the Bay of Palma from Hotel AMIC Horizonte in Mallorca
- Hotel AMIC Horizonte swimming pool overlooking the Port of Palma
- Historic streets in Palma de Mallorca Old Town
- Cala Major Beach near Palma de Mallorca
- Scenic road trip from Palma to Sóller through the Serra de Tramuntana
- Port de Sóller beach, marina and mountains in northwest Mallorca
- Dolphin-watching boat excursion in the Mediterranean Sea near Mallorca
- Sea-view room at Hotel AMIC Horizonte in Palma, Mallorca
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