What are some worthwhile stops for food and sightseeing when driving the Ma-10 or Ma-13 on Mallorca?

Taking the Ma-10 along the picturesque Serra de Tramuntana or cruising the Ma-13 from Palma up to Alcudia, you'll find plenty of memorable detours for both culinary delights and sightseeing. In the Tramuntana, charming villages like Valldemossa and Deià offer captivating street scenes, historic architecture, and local cafés where you can sample traditional pa amb oli or freshly baked ensaimadas. Don’t miss a visit to the Soller railway station before continuing along the winding roads hugging the coast, with stunning views of the Mediterranean and hidden coves like Cala Llombards inviting you to pause.

Heading north on the Ma-13, towns such as Pollença and Alcudia provide a fascinating glimpse into Mallorca’s heritage with their old town charm and bustling markets. It’s a great chance to taste sobrassada, a local cured sausage, while sipping a glass of Binissalem wine at a family-run bodega. Closer to the east coast, the salt flats near Es Trenc beach offer unique scenery and excellent picnic spots. For nature lovers, a short detour to Cala Mondragó in the southeast reveals crystal-clear waters and protected walking trails.

For those relying on public transport, the TIB bus network connects many of these highlights, making it easy to hop between towns. Whether wandering through Palma’s vibrant streets, exploring forests in the Tramuntana, or relaxing by the sea, each stop along these routes introduces you to the island’s flavours and landscapes in a way that feels authentically local. Keep an eye out for small roadside stalls selling Hierbas or Palo, two herbal liqueurs that make perfect souvenirs of your journey.