Mallorca is often seen as an island where renting a car is essential, but during my trip I discovered that you can explore a large part of the island comfortably using public transport. I spent a total of nine nights on Mallorca, with five nights based in Palma, two in Port de Pollença and two in Alcúdia. From cities to viewpoints and beautiful calas, everything I visited was reachable without driving.
Palma de Mallorca
I spent five nights in Palma de Mallorca, and it turned out to be the ideal base for exploring the island. Palma is vibrant, walkable and extremely well connected by buses and trains, which makes day trips easy while still enjoying the city’s energy in the evenings.
During my stay, I stayed at The Boc Hostels, which I can highly recommend if you enjoy a social atmosphere and like going out at night. It’s a great place to meet other travelers, and the location makes it easy to explore Palma both during the day and after dark.
One of the first places I visited was La Seu Cathedral, Palma’s iconic Gothic cathedral overlooking the sea. Whether you admire it from the outside or step inside, it’s impossible to miss and sets the tone for the city’s mix of history and Mediterranean atmosphere. Just behind the cathedral, wandering through the narrow streets of the old town is a must. You’ll find hidden patios, small cafés and historic buildings around every corner.
From Palma, I visited Cala Mosques, a beautiful beach that can be reached by public transport followed by a short walk. It felt wonderfully secluded despite being so accessible, showing that you don’t need a car to enjoy Mallorca’s stunning coastline. I also visited Playa Cala Pi, another stunning beach, which shows how much natural beauty Mallorca has to offer; even when traveling by public transport.
Another highlight was a day trip to Sóller and Port de Sóller, traveling by historic train from Palma. Sóller is charming and relaxed, with a beautiful central square, while Port de Sóller offers a scenic bay surrounded by mountains. Ending the day by the sea here was one of the most memorable moments of my trip.
Port de Pollença
After Palma, I traveled north by TIB bus to Port de Pollença, a peaceful seaside town that feels very different from the capital. I stayed here for two nights to explore the dramatic landscapes of northern Mallorca.
I stayed at Hotel Eolo, perfectly located near the sea, ideal for enjoying slow mornings and evening walks along the promenade. From Port de Pollença, I visited Mirador Es Colomer, one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island. The bus takes you close to the mirador, and after a short walk you’re rewarded with panoramic views over steep cliffs and deep blue water.
Another highlight from Port de Pollença is Platja de Formentor, often called one of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches. It’s a long, white sand beach with crystal-clear turquoise water and surrounded by pine-covered cliffs. The easiest way to get there without a car is by bus from Port de Pollença, which makes it perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. I spent hours swimming and enjoying the view, feeling like I was somewhere completely secluded even though it’s a popular destination.
Alcúdia
My final stop was Alcúdia, where I spent two nights. Alcúdia is known for its historic old town and beautiful nearby beaches, and it’s another great destination if you’re traveling without a car.
I stayed in Cozy Studio “Edificio Siesta 2”, a beautiful apartment with an incredibly stunning view. It was spacious, comfortable and the perfect place to unwind after long beach days. It seems like the appartment is not bookable at the moment, but there are a lot of other nice options in the area.
From Alcúdia, I visited Cala Barques, one of the most beautiful calas I saw on Mallorca. The combination of turquoise water, rocky cliffs and a peaceful atmosphere made it a highlight of the trip.
Bus Schedules in Mallorca
To plan my journeys around Mallorca, I mainly used the official TIB Mallorca website, which is the main platform for intercity buses and trains across the island. By entering either the bus line number or my departure and destination, I could easily check up-to-date timetables, stops, and how frequently the buses were running on different days of the week. This made it straightforward to plan day trips from Palma as well as longer journeys to the north of the island.
For getting around within the city of Palma itself, I used the EMT Palma website, which covers all local city buses. This was especially useful for shorter trips around the city and for reaching bus and train stations.
On the day of travel, I often double-checked my route using Google Maps. This helped me see real-time departure times, possible delays, transfer points, and the walking distance between bus stops and my final destination. I usually checked the schedules the evening before traveling and then relied on Google Maps during the day itself, which made using public transport in Mallorca surprisingly easy.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Mallorca without a car is not only possible, but genuinely enjoyable. The public transport system connects cities, beaches, and viewpoints well, especially if you plan your routes in advance. While some remote calas remain difficult to reach, this itinerary proves that you can experience a wide variety of landscapes and highlights without driving.
Mallorca without a car is slower, more sustainable and surprisingly stress-free. It allowed me to experience the island in a way that felt both relaxed and authentic.
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