Mallorca’s south and east: coves, caves and castles
From Palma to the dunes of Es Trenc, the coves of Santanyí, the underground lake of the Drach caves and the castles of Capdepera and Alcúdia.
- Distance
- 172 km (107 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 23 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Spain
- Updated
- July 31, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 172 km (107 mi) with 8 stops, from Palma to Alcúdia. About 2 h 23 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Spain · More road trips from Palma
Route description
Car ferries reach Palma from Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia, and Alcúdia from Ciutadella in Menorca; book ahead in summer, especially with a motorhome. Note that wild camping and overnight parking of motorhomes outside campsites are widely prohibited on the island. From Palma take the Ma-19 motorway east towards Llucmajor and Campos, then minor roads south to the car parks of Es Trenc, about 50 km.
Es Trenc is one of the few long beaches on Mallorca without buildings behind it; the salt pans of Ses Salines lie just inland. Continue to Santanyí, a village of honey-coloured sandstone, and the coast below it. Caló des Moro is tiny and very popular: go early, park where signed and walk the rocky path. Mondragó Natural Park, a few kilometres north, has larger car parks and easier walks.
Country roads run north through the Felanitx area and past Portocolom to Porto Cristo, a small port where the Caves of Drach open. The visit takes about an hour and ends with a short concert on Lake Martel; the Caves of Hams are nearby too. From here the road leads north via Son Servera to Artà, a hill town under a walled sanctuary with good views.
Capdepera, 8 km east of Artà, has a medieval castle on its hill, and the coves of Cala Ratjada and the Capdepera lighthouse lie beyond. Finish by crossing to Alcúdia on the Ma-12 along the long Bay of Alcúdia. Its old town is ringed by restored medieval walls, and the Roman town of Pollentia is just outside. The route is about 170 km. Pollença and Cap de Formentor are a short drive further.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Palma
Spain - 247 km
Es Trenc beach
NatureCampos, SpainA long undeveloped beach of white sand and dunes backed by salt pans, protected as a natural park. Paid car parks at the ends fill by late morning in summer; there is little shade.
- 316 km
Caló des Moro
NatureSantanyí, SpainA small cove of turquoise water between pine-covered cliffs, reached on foot in about 20 minutes on a lane and a rocky path. Parking is very limited and it is packed in summer; come early morning or out of season.
- 49 km
Mondragó Natural Park
NatureSantanyí, SpainTwo sheltered sandy coves, s’Amarador and Font de n’Alis, with coastal walking paths and dunes. The park car park charges in summer; the coves are good for families.
- 530 km
Caves of Drach
NaturePorto Cristo, SpainShow caves with Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes open to visitors, where a short classical concert is played from boats. Tickets are timed; the car park is at the entrance.
- 622 km
Artà
Spain - 79 km
Capdepera Castle
HistoryCapdepera, SpainA 14th-century walled enclosure on a hill above the village with a small church and views to Menorca on clear days. Park in the village and walk up the stepped lane.
- 840 km
Alcúdia
Spain
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Palma → Caló des Moro · 63 km · 0 h 52 minOn the way: Es Trenc beach.
- Day 2: Caló des Moro → Artà · 61 km · 0 h 50 minOn the way: Mondragó Natural Park, Caves of Drach.Overnight nearby, for example: Zona d'acampada s'Arenalet (8 km).
- Day 3: Artà → Alcúdia · 49 km · 0 h 40 minOn the way: Capdepera Castle.Overnight nearby, for example: Campament de la Victòria (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June, September and December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Mallorca’s south and east: coves, caves and castles?
3-day road trip of about 172 km (107 mi) with 8 stops, from Palma to Alcúdia. About 2 h 23 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Mallorca’s south and east: coves, caves and castles?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 23 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Mallorca’s south and east: coves, caves and castles start and end?
It starts in Palma and ends in Alcúdia.
Which countries does Mallorca’s south and east: coves, caves and castles pass through?
Spain.
Where can you camp along Mallorca’s south and east: coves, caves and castles?
OpenStreetMap lists 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Son Tries, Campament Hipocampo and Zona d'acampada s'Arenalet.
When is the best time for Mallorca’s south and east: coves, caves and castles?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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