Mallorca and Menorca for 8 nights
 

We're back to travel and taking a cruise on the Douro in October, followed by a trip to Mallorca and/ or Menorca for 8 days. (My husband got to visit Mallorca in 2018 for a conference, but chemotherapy prevented me from joining him, so this is my chance to see it.)
It looks like there's plenty to do and see, so trying to decide how to divide up the trip. We love hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, exploring history and nature, as well as good food and wine.
We'll be there the first week of November. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations about how many days on each island; how to get from one to the other; places to stay (we love B&Bs) and eat; must see places.
Thank you for helping make this a fabulous celebratory trip (5 years cancer-free)!

Firstly, many congratulations on your five years. My DW is in a similar place to you . We've been to both islands a number of times and prefer Mallorca, although we do enjoy Menorca too. In November you're outside of the main tourist season, although Mallorca will be the busier of the two islands. It certainly won't be shoulder to shoulder busy and the plus is that more places will be open to eat and stay.

Will your accommodation be booked via an extension on your conference? In November I'd stay in Palma and hire a car to see the island and there's certainly plenty to see even in 8 days. The east side of Mallorca is flat with coastal resorts, while the west is mountainous and for us, is much more interesting. You'll want to see:
Porto Christo (east)
Caves of Drach (east)
Alcudia (north)
Pollensa ( NW- our favourite place)
Deia (NW)
Lluc (Monastery-NW)
Soller(W)
Valdemossa(W)
Binissalem (NW- wine)
Palma (S-capital and largest city)

All that gives you lots to see and will fill your eight days. I'd leave Menorca to another trip. See and climb the Calvary Steps in Pollenca, eat and /or drink in the Placa Major. There are lots of small restaurants in the narrow streets and the food is excellent. Palma has many restaurants to choose from and you must see the cathedral.

All this is only a small sample, so eight days will be swallowed up easily. Bear in mind that the days will be shorter and the sea will be too cold for swimming.

Thank you, Robicund. I've seen a lot of posts about staying in Pollensa. Thoughts on this rather than Palma?

Pollenca will be quiet in November. Some restaurants/bars will be open, food shops and supermarkets all open. It's a small town whereas Palma is a good size city, although I still prefer Pollenca for its Spanish feel. With a hire car you can be most places on the island in under an hour.

Bookmarking these suggestions for future trip planning