When is the best time of year to take a scenic drive along Mallorca’s west coast?

Late spring through early autumn is the sweetest spot for a drive along Mallorca’s rugged west coast, especially if you’re following the Ma-10 through the Serra de Tramuntana. From May to September, you’ll enjoy warm, mostly dry weather and long, golden evenings that bring the terraced hillsides and azure coves like Cala Mondrago and Cala Llombards into vivid relief. It’s the time when almond blossoms have faded but the wild lavender scents still linger in the air.

Summer is lively, with towns like Sóller and Deià buzzing with visitors and open-air cafés, but that also means the roads and beaches can be busy by mid-July and August. If you prefer a quieter drive with equally tempting views, aim for late May or early September—the shoulder months tend to offer comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and clear skies without the intensity of midsummer heat. The TIB buses still run on many Tramuntana routes, but a car gives you the freedom to explore hidden spots that public transport can’t reach.

Weather can shift quickly up in the mountains, so it’s wise to bring light layers even in summer. The famous winding roads along Formentor and towards Valldemossa show their true colours under soft, shifting light, making every stop a photo opportunity. Pair your journey with local flavours — perhaps a picnic of pa amb oli with sobrassada and a glass of Binissalem wine under the pine trees. The charm of the island’s west coast lies as much in its natural beauty as its serene villages and rich culinary traditions, best savoured outside the crowded high summer.