Which scenic drives on the island offer the best views and local character for visitors?

Planning your journey around the island’s roads involves factoring in both the terrain and seasonal charm. The Ma-10 that winds through the Serra de Tramuntana is arguably the most iconic scenic route here, linking towns like Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller. This drive is famed for its dramatic mountain vistas, ancient stone villages, and terraced hillsides, providing countless spots to pause and admire olive groves and pine forests against the blue Mediterranean backdrop. Along the Ma-10, the temptation to stop for a plate of tumbet or a café con leche in a local village is irresistible.

On the north coast, the Ma-12 or highway towards Formentor peninsula is another spectacular option, revealing views of rugged cliffs, turquoise coves, and the crystal waters of Cala Figuera and Cala Murta. The road’s endpoint, the Formentor lighthouse, offers a panoramic lookout that’s particularly magical at sunset. For a gentler, seaside route, the Ma-13 from Palma to Alcúdia takes you through lively towns with historic centers, bustling markets, and access to beaches like Playa de Muro and the idyllic Es Trenc with its salt flats.

Public transport offers a different kind of scenic journey. The historic train from Palma to Sóller runs through citrus groves and hills, while TIB buses can connect you with hidden coves like Cala Mondragó and Cala Llombards. Wherever you choose to explore, roads and tracks on the island provide a relaxed but richly rewarding way to experience its natural beauty and distinct cultural rhythms.