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One of our preferred ways to travel is to road trip in a campervan, it forces you to slow down, and pull over to take in the view and is a relatively affordable way to travel as you can cook your own meals and save costs on accommodation.
This way of travel gives you a chance to take a turn down a road you probably wouldn’t drive down if it wasn’t for this way of travel, a chance to discover hidden gems that give you a real immersive experience of a place. Rent a campervan on the island to discover the quieter side of Mallorca.
Mallorca is perhaps an undiscovered island for van life and offers a great opportunity to explore the island by campervan. There are limited facilities for campervans and motorhomes in Mallorca, however the choice of park ups and places to discover are endless.
Enjoy spots from the scenic Serra de Tramuntana Mountains to the stunning coves featuring beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. Please take the time to read below about the rules for campervans and be respectful so this can continue for everyone to enjoy.
Experience vanlife in Mallorca for yourself, hire a campervan or take your own to this incredible destination for a taste of Mediterranean island life. In this guide we share a fantastic 4 day guide to exploring the north and northeast of Mallorca by campervan.
We have written a series of guides for your trip to Mallorca, including a detailed guide to Mallorca, list of the best beaches with pictures and a 7 day itinerary around Mallorca *coming soon.
WHERE IS Mallorca?
Mallorca is part of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, located between Sardinia and Ibiza. It is the largest island of the Balearic archipelago, in between Ibiza to the west and Menorca to the east of Mallorca. It’s only a 2.5 hour flight from London to Mallorca and is accessible by ferry from mainland Europe.
What is Mallorca known for?
Also referred to as Majorca, the island of Mallorca is known for a variety of wonderful things, from its delicious food and produce such as fresh organic oranges, almonds, olives and grapes. Mallorca has many villages and towns showcasing Spanish architecture and charm, markets selling local handcrafts and produce, sheltered stunning coves and magical caves.
There are plenty of places to discover for the adventurous traveller and the sun worshiper from beautiful beaches perfect for relaxing to impressive mountains that offer challenging hikes and world-renowned cycling routes with unbeatable views. It is also known as a birdwatching paradise and is the only island to have black vultures in the world.
How to get to Mallorca?
By Plane
Palma de Mallorca (PMI) is the main airport on the island, offering connections to most of mainland Europe and international destinations. The airport is 10 km east of the city of Palma centre. From London it takes 2.5 hours to fly to Mallorca and most airlines cover the route including British Airways, Easyjet, Wizz Air, Ryanair etc. Most UK airports have direct flights to Mallorca and budget airlines offer good deals making it an affordable and popular destination.
Once you arrive on the island, there are a few campervan hire rental companies to choose from depending on what you are looking for, and options are somewhat limited. If you own your own campervan it is possible to take the ferry across to Mallorca, which we will discuss in the next section.
By Ferry
If you plan to drive to Mallorca from mainland Europe, there is the option to catch a ferry from either Spain or Italy. The quickest and most direct route by boat is to take the ferry from Barcelona to Alcúdia and times are listed below as an estimate and vary depending on the operator.
Barcelona to Alcúdia | 5 hr 15 mins - 5 hr 30 mins
Valencia to Palma | 6 hrs 45 mins - 8 hrs
Barcelona to Palma | 7 hr - 7 hours 15 mins
Toulon to Alcúdia | 11 hr 30 mins - 16 hrs 15 mins
The cost of the ferry from Barcelona to Alcúdia is approximately £125 to £230 for a campervan. We would recommend booking your ferry in advance as these slots can be booked up quickly, especially in the summer months.
How to get around Mallorca by campervan?
Mallorca has a good transport network including well-maintained motorway roads that are in good condition. If you want to explore the island to more remote locations by campervan, some of these locations will only be accessible by gravel roads, that you will want to drive and most of those we drove on were in relatively good condition.
Rent a campervan in Mallorca for around €150-200 per day in the summer months and €80-120 in the winter months. There are a few companies who offer campervan rentals from customised luxury self converted vans to small VWs and more simple conversions. Options are limited and if you have your own campervan it is worth adding Mallorca as a detour to your European road trip itinerary.
Most of the northern part of the island is covered in mountains running from east to west and these roads can be a little more difficult to manoeuvre, especially if you have a longer campervan or motorhome. Exploring this area requires a little more planning, so you don’t end up driving down narrow streets of a village! We rented a VW crafter long wheel base campervan from Two Brothers campervan and chose to explore the east coast of Mallorca which is relatively easy to navigate and ideal for a road trip.
Due to the popularity of campervans and the rise of #vanlife, travel by campervan became one of the preferred transport options in a post-pandemic era. This has resulted in many places being overwhelmed by the number of campervans and unfortunately disrespectful behaviour of littering, noise and parking inconsiderately etc.
Many countries now restrict and limit parking for motorhomes and campervans by putting up signs and height barriers. Despite this, Mallorca is a great place to explore by campervan and there are plenty of options for parking your campervan across the island but please familiarise yourself with the rules (next section below).
What are the rules for campervans in Mallorca?
Before you head to Mallorca in your campervan, motorhome or a rental, it is important to understand the difference between camping and parking. Wild camping is not permitted in Spain, this is to protect the natural spaces and reduce the human impact on the environment to allow fauna and flora to thrive.
Camping vs Parking
Wild camping rules apply to campervan and motorhome users, so it is worth understanding the difference between camping and parking.
‘Camping’ by definition is setting up tables and chairs, awning and barbeque, basically extending your area outside of your tent or campervan. It also applies if you are making noise pollution and disposing of any liquid waste. If you want to camp you must go to a designated campsite and in Mallorca there are limited options which we list under the section ‘Campsites and Dedicated campervan/motorhome parking in Mallorca’.
‘Parking’ by definition is where all wheels have contact with the ground and there is no use of levelling blocks and nothing extends outside the area of the campervan or motorhome. You must make sure that if you are parked in a spot to check that it does not have any signs or local restrictions.
You are permitted to park your campervan where there are no stated restrictions and sleep for the night without extending your area outside of the campervan. If you are caught wild camping you can be given a large fine, most natural parks and reserves do not allow camping.
Parking is not permitted on privately owned land and protected natural areas and you should stay for a maximum of one night per spot.
It is important to be considerate and respectful when travelling by campervan. This will help to preserve this way of travel for everyone to enjoy now and in the future. Make sure you take all your rubbish with you, not taking up considerable room in a car park (parking over more than one space if possible), keep noise to a minimum and respect the locals by not parking on private land or blocking entrances.
Campervan facilities in Mallorca
There are several recycling facilities across the island which sort your waste into recyclables and waste. We also found on Mallorca that there were many bins in towns and along the coast ensuring that many of the beaches and towns were well kept and clean.
For your toilet waste, there are two places on the island that offer this service which does make it limited. However, based on the fact that it only takes an hour from one side of the island to the other makes it not so much of a challenge and requires a bit of planning on your trip.
There are two waste disposal sites for your campervan in Mallorca (currently free of charge), one in Palma and the other in Manacor:
Petroest petrol station, Manacor
This petrol station has a dedicated space for you to empty your grey and black water from your toilet. The water fill-up tap was not available when we visited.
WHERE | Petroest, Carrer Manacor-Porto Cristo, Km 5.5, 07500 Manacor, Balearic Islands, Spain
Son Castelló Recycling Waste Centre, Palma
The EMAYA Recycling Waste Centre is open from 8am until 8pm with the last entry at 7:45 pm, to empty your grey and black water from your toilet. There is also the option to refill water with non-drinking water or non-potable water (known in Spanish as ‘agua no potable’).
Where to fill up Water on Mallorca?
Non-potable water is water that is untreated and not suitable for drinking known in Spanish as ‘agua no potable’. Make sure you fill up your water from potable sources (agua potable) which have been treated and it is worth asking someone if you are unsure. Water is available from most petrol stations, use the Park 4-night app to find nearby stations with water refilling services.
What to know before driving in Spain
All driving licences issued in the UK, EU and EEA countries are accepted, check the gov.uk website for whether your driving licence is valid.
Whilst driving around Mallorca in your own vehicle from the UK, you are required to carry the following with you at all times:
Hi-vis reflective jackets
Warning triangles
Headlamp beam deflectors
Full valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID
V5 registration document
Vehicle insurance
Display UK sticker
Campsites and Dedicated campervan/motorhome parking in Mallorca
There are a limited number of campsites in Mallorca and most are designed for camping in tents. However, there are some spots that have dedicated parking for campervans and motorhomes to park overnight. Some of these dedicated spots include:
A campsite with showers, toilets, swimming pool, €27 for two people with a campervan without electricity and there is the option to pay to use the facilities only. This site can get busy in the summer months and is part of a larger holiday accommodation complex.
WHERE | Campament Hipocampo, C/Es Domingo Vells Buzon 40, 07689 Espinagar, Balearic Islands, Spain
A large car park opposite Cala Agulla beach and costs €12 for campervans and motorhomes with no facilities and allows overnight parking.
WHERE | Parcheggio Cala Agulla, Diseminado Cala Agulla, 1016T, 07590, Illes Balears, Spain
A large car park that costs €8 for campervans and motorhomes and allows overnight parking. There is a toilet nearby and a fountain to refill water.
WHERE | Parking Santuari de Lluc, Plaça dels Pelegrins, 1, 07315 Escorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
A municipal camping area with amazing views of the Tramuntana mountains and basic facilities. Payment for the campsite must be made at Lluc campsite (5 minute drive) costs €5 per person. There are toilets, showers, barbecue areas and water, however no electricity.
WHERE | Pixarells, Ma-10, 19, 07315 Escorca, Illes Balears, Spain
Close to Port Vell with no services, is opposite a bike path and allows parking for a maximum of 48 hours.
WHERE | Passeig Pintor Miquel Vives, 80, 07559 Son Servera, Illes Balears, Spain
4-Day Road Trip Itinerary Mallorca
DAY 1 | Travel to Mallorca, North Coast Alcúdia Peninsula
Travel to Palma de Mallorca by plane, and read about how to get to Mallorca and when is the best time to visit in our detailed guide to Mallorca. If you are renting a campervan from Two Brothers campervan, to reach Sa Polbla, you can either take the A32 bus which costs €11.25 for 2 people. Make sure to bring change if you plan on using the bus, as not all buses accept cards or have the correct change. Alternatively, take the Airport Bus A1 to the Estació Intermodal (Intermodal station) where you can catch the metro T2 line to Sa Pobla.
If you are planning to bring your own campervan to Mallorca this is also possible by catching a ferry from mainland Europe. The quickest and most direct route is from Valencia which takes 4 hours in total whereas from Barcelona it takes 7 hours and from Naples 8 hours in total. Book your ferry in advance, as availability is more difficult in the summer months.
We picked up our campervan rental from Two Brothers Campervan in Sa Pobla and stocked up on food at the local Lidl, mostly lots of Spanish Chorizo, perfect for the many Paellas we would be cooking. From Sa Pobla, head northeast to the wonderful Alcúdia Peninsula known for its beautiful coastline, beaches and the medieval town of Alcúdia.
Explore the charming streets of Alcúdia steeped in history and surrounded by a medieval stone wall. The town has an authentic feel in comparison to the nearby seaside resorts like Port d’Alcúdia. Discover the old Roman remains of Pollentia, the stone gate of Portal del Moll and wander along the streets passing many shops along the way.
Platja de Sa Font de Sant Joan, one of the best beaches in Mallorca is located on the Alcúdia Peninsula. A lovely sandy, sheltered beach with clear water which makes it a great spot for snorkelling to spot marine life. The views from this beach are spectacular with unobstructed scenery of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Park along the road Cami de Manresa for easy access to the beach.
S'Albufera Natural Park is the largest wetland in the Balearic islands and home to a large variety of wildlife including the chance to spot rare birds such as the Eleanora’s falcons and Ospreys. Entry to the park is free, however, a permit must be obtained from the visitor centre and you can explore the park either by foot or bike.
S’Albufera Natural Park opens at 9am and closes at 6pm (1st April to 30th September) and 5pm (1st October to 31st March). To access the Natural Park, there is parking opposite here and you will enter via the bridge Pont dels Anglesos.
Other places that are worthy of visiting nearby, include the incredible hiking opportunities to Mirador Penyal del Migdia with coastal views overlooking the Formentor peninsula and Cap de Formentor. North of Alcúdia are the epic roads to Cap de Formentor, stop off at Platja de Formentor which you can read about in our best beaches in Mallorca guide and make sure to drive up to Albercutx Watchtower to Mirador de El Colomer.
STAY | Watch the sunset along the north coast of the Alcúdia Peninsula (check Park4night app for plenty of overnight spots)
DAY 2 - Northeast Coast, Cala Agulla
After exploring the beautiful Alcúdia peninsula, head east to Cala Agulla on the northeast coast of Mallorca. This stretch of coastline has a wild beauty and feels like a remote setting with a backdrop of the mountains of Llevant Natural Park.
The beach of Cala Agulla is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca, surrounded by pristine nature with pine trees and sand dunes. Walk along the boardwalks to explore more of the Natural Park and discover the variety of plants and animals that live in this fragile ecosystem. Cala Agulla is an award-winning blue flag beach with great facilities including outdoor showers, toilets, a beach bar, lifeguards and sunbeds with umbrellas to rent during the day.
It is worth walking to Cala Moto which is north of Cala Agulla and Punta des Gullo, a headland where a rocky path leads you to a wonderful panorama of the surrounding coastline. The sunsets from this cove are pretty special, a great spot to watch the sunset is sitting on the rocks next to the Mero Diving Centre.
Explore the most eastern point of Mallorca where you’ll discover Capdepera Lighthouse, one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the island. There is limited parking at the lighthouse so we would recommend parking in Es Pelats and walking up to the lighthouse. If you have the time make sure to also stop at the stunning Platja de Cala Gat which is located close to the lighthouse.
Spend the evening at Noahs Lounge, a chilled spot with lovely ocean views in Port Cala Rajada serving drinks and food including pizza, burgers, pasta and salads overlooking the harbour.
STAY | Park at Cala Agulla car park costs €12 for campervans and motorhomes and has no facilities and allows overnight parking
DAY 3 - EXPLORING HIDDEN COVES and beaches
In the morning, head out on a short hike to Cala Varques, perhaps one of the most remote and most beautiful beaches in Mallorca. The beach is pristine and has some of the clearest water and after walking there you will be quick to get in the water and cool down! Park in one of the laybys off the Ma-4014, parking for cars is fairly limited in the summer months making it worthwhile getting there early.
There is a laid-back atmosphere with a temporary, rustic beach bar serving cold drinks and fruit which gives you an idea of how some of the beaches in Mallorca would have been like before it became such a popular destination without perfectly lined sun beds.
The beach can be accessed either by boat or a 30-minute hike, walking through a pine forest which offers welcome shade. It is worth setting off earlier in the morning before the midday heat and make sure to pack some snacks and plenty of water.
Cala Varques is a perfect beach for sunbathing and snorkelling due to its sheltered position set between two headlands. It’s worth exploring the coast to the left of the beach to see the arch named ‘Pont Natural d’Es Caló Blanc’ and in the other direction, you’ll discover a smaller beach only accessible at low tide.
If you’re looking for easy access to a beach then head to Cala Romántica, a soft white sandy cove with plenty of facilities and easy access and parking right next to the beach. There is a beach bar, restaurant, toilets, and lifeguards.
There is the possibility of taking a boat to see the Pirate Cave which is located in the next cove north. Take a walk through the Blau Punta Reina Resort by taking a left and going up the stairs to reach Platja de Cala Mendia, a beautiful cove with views of the cave.
STAY | Campament Hipocampo is a campsite with showers, toilets, swimming pool, €27 for two people with a campervan and without electricity. There is the option to pay to use the facilities only. This site can get busy in the summer months and is part of a larger holiday accommodation complex. Otherwise, use the Park4night app for nearby parking spots.
DAY 4 - Porto Colom
Visit the traditional fishing village of Porto Colom, once a primary fishing port for wine. Porto Colom is one of the prettiest villages with beautiful traditional fishing boats, pastel-coloured houses and a relaxed and charming atmosphere.
Take a walk along one of the many streets in Porto Colom, following the harbour stop by the picturesque streets of Carrer de la Mar and Carrer del Carme. Look out for the typical Mallorcan boat called a ‘Llaüt’ which is a wooden boat and you can rent one or take an excursion for the day to explore the nearby coves.
There are a few shops to browse and make sure to visit Supermercado Carnicería Mari Carmen along Carrer d’En Cristòfor Colom for some delicious local produce. We bought some tasty chorizo from this small, local supermarket and the ladies there were so friendly and helpful pointing us to what they would recommend.
Porto Colom was named after Christopher Columbus who was supposedly born in the village and also has a street named after him. The village maintains its charm and natural beauty making it a place to take it easy and explore the many beautiful streets. There is an impressive lighthouse named ‘Far de Sa Punta de Ses Crestes’, which is unfortunately not accessible to the public, however there is a great viewpoint of the lighthouse is from Sa Cova Foradada.
Visit the soft sandy Cala Marcal, a blue-flag beach and the most popular close to Porto Colom with sun loungers and restaurants nearby. For a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere head over to S’Arenal Grand or S'Arenal Petit beaches on the opposite side of the harbour and an incredible view of the pretty pastel houses of Porto Colom.
There is a local market in Porto Colom every Tuesday and Saturday from 9am till 2pm at Carrer Marina selling local produce such as fruit, vegetables, clothing and crafts.
STAY | There are plenty of spots to park overnight in and near Porto Colom, have a look on Park4Night App
