Hello! My husband and I are planning a 21 day trip to Spain and southern Portugal in late September and early October. We are wondering if a side trip to the island of Mallorca for 2 or 3 days would be a good idea, instead of visiting Costa Brava or adding other days to mainland Spain. We heard Mallorca is beautiful, but should it be a priority on our trip or is a 2 -3 day detour not worth it? Thanks!

Mallorca is not, in my opinion, a place that would be worthwhile for 2 or 3 days. I spent 3 months there, it's that sort of place. Just add the days to places already on your itinerary.

Many hanks for the advice!

I'm not sure what MmePerdu means. Do you mean that 2/3 days isn't long enough, or it's too much?!

For a taste of the island, stay in or near Palma, visit Valdemossa, Deia, Pollenca. Take the old train from Palma to Soller as it rattles through the trees and across to the town of Soller and its port.

Alternatively, stay in Pollenca (lovely main square and good restaurants) and visit Lluc, Puerto Pollenca, Alcudia. IMO a 3 day detour would be well worthwhile.

Compared to the Costa Brava Mallorca is a good choice, Binisalem wine, monestries, bird watching, the NW bit is the best for me, the train is a fun trip while old Palma is pleasant

Thanks to those of you who suggest a two to three day detour is good!! Which hotels and picturesque beaches do you recommend? Many thanks!

My choice is always to stay in Pollenca, I just love the place. It's a bit inland, but just 5kms ( 10 mins by car) from its port which has a lovely long sandy beach that stretches across to Alcudia.

We usually stay at the Hotel Son Sant Jordi, a two minute walk from the Placa Major, (main square).

http://www.hotelsonsantjordi.com/en

http://www.theothermallorca.com/

Has some of the best options available on the island.

Es Trenc on the south coast is usually regarded as one of the best beaches in Europe.

There are some lovely very quiet bays east of Colonia Saint Jordi. The whole area is owned by the March banking family and is very undeveloped. It's a beautiful walk all the way to the south cape at Salines.

Just stay away from Magaluf. They are bringing in British police to deal with the hooligans who go there for stag parties, etc. Awful stuff.

Thank you for the very helpful recommendations!