Hi, My family and I will be spending a week in Mallorca, Spain. We are a group of 2 seniors, 2 adults, and 1 toddler at age of 3. We are staying in the Can Pastilla area. I'm planning for 2 days where we'll be driving around the island by ourselves. But given that we are a group of old and young, I would appreciate help from you seasoned travelers on –

1) Is my itinerary is too full/challenging for our group?
2) Is there anything along the planned route I should be aware of? (For example, steep road, too much hiking, hard to get to/unsuitable for seniors and young child, etc.)
3) Would also appreciate recommendations on restaurants. We are open to all type of local cuisine, traditional, fusion, pastries, tapas, or whole-in-the-walls!

Day Trip by Car #1 – Beaches/Bays near Palma – Start from Can Pastilla -> S'Amarador -> Es Calo des Moro -> Flor de Sal d'Es Trenc (visit the salt factory) -> Es Trec Beach -> Cala Pi -> back to Can Pastilla.

Day Trip by Car #2 – West Coast Mallorca – Start from Can Pastilla -> Banyalbufar -> Valldemosa -> Deia -> Soller -> Port de Soller -> Fornalutx -> back to Can Pastilla.

Thanks in advance for everyone's help!

Your first day trip seems to be a trip between beaches most of which are similar. There actually isn't that much to see when you get to each one, so I'd plump for one and stay there. Alternatively why not head for Es Trenc if you want to see the salt factory, then up to Porto Cristo for lunch and then the Caves of Drach. Come back towards Palma via Manacor and see the pearl factories.

On your day two, Banyalbufar doesn't offer much, so I might skip that and go to Valdemossa, Deia and Soller and the port. Park in Soller and take the tram down to the port. That will take up most of the day without it being hectic.

If you have your car for longer, go up to see Pollenca-about a 40 minute drive- and then Alcudia. Before Pollenca go to the monastery at Lluc. If you can get out early, see the market at Inca on a Thursday morning.It's big and bustling.

I must have been to Mallorca at least 10 times over the last 10 years and still find new things to see, so providing you keep away from Magaluf and Palma Nova (party central) you'll be delighted by a lovely island.

You might also try Sant Elm-tiny place but the restaurant Na Caragola Is excellent- it's near Andratx and then Andratx itself.

Thanks, Rubicund, for the suggestions!

I'll look into the route you suggested for Trip 1.

For Trip 2, I had a feeling it might be too packed for us to leisurely go through 6 towns. So will likely trim out Banyalbufar as you suggested. I can then fit in the train ride into Port Soller which I think my daughter would enjoy.

As for Pollenca, I know this is a popular town worth visiting. But I'm a bit concerned with climbing the steps/hill for my father and 3 year old daughter. How long of a walk is this hilly path up?

The hill up the Calvary steps is steep and may be difficult for your Dad and daughter. However, the rest of Pollenca is reasonably flat and shouldn't cause any problems. The little church at the top of the steps is not particularly attractive and missing out on the climb up may be a blessing. but you'll miss the view. If you do go to Pollenca, have lunch in the main square, Placa Major and enjoy people watching over a drink. The restaurants at the foot of the small steps are good, (3 of them) but try the Cafe Juma for a snack and a drink or the cafe next to it L'illa.

Good to know!
I forego Pollenca because of the steep hill, and also Alcúdia since not going to Pollenca. Now it sounds like I can put them back into my trip after all!
Also appreciate the restaurant/ cafe recommendations!

The Calvary Steps are at the back of the town and usually won't impinge on a visit. There are some shops on the lower steps which should be OK to get to but above those the steps run through a residential area.

Don't miss the old town in Alcudia and the Roman ruins across from the gates. I do prefer Pollenca however.

Noted - thanks again!

Rubicund, Just thought of another question -- on the return leg, we are flying from PMI to BCN with a 3 hour layover in the BCN airport. Do you know if we would to process the tax refund in PMI airport or in the BCN airport. (We booked the 2 legs of the flight separately, so our luggage will be with us once arriving BCN airport, to be rechecked-in again for the BCN outbound flight.)

Sorry - one more!
For the Car Trip: Valldemossa → Deia → Soller → Port de Soller..... is it worth going in reverse direction to avoid the tourist traffic?

Sorry, can't help with tax refund procedure, but I'd guess that I'd use BCN as you have the time to do it. I don't think it makes any difference which direction you visit, as people will be there from all areas of the island.

Do not forget your IDP to cover each driver and your child will need a child car seat too.

The area around Mondrago can be very difficult to navigate. There are many small country lanes and it is easy to get lost. It may be worth using google maps on a phone to ensure you don’t lose half an hour.

there are some good harbour front restaurants in Colonial San JordI, I don’t like Es Trenc. It is one of the best beaches in Europe and perfect for 3 year olds, as our son discovered many times but it can get very busy.

The beaches to to the West of San Jordi are beside the huge land holdings of the Son March family who own this corner of the island, The land is undeveloped and the beaches much quieter. It’s about half a mile walk.

You could take take the old tram from Palma over the mountains to Soller and then to Puerto Soller.
It’s old, wooden, open and great fun for younger children.

In 20 plus visits during nearly every month of the year, I have rarely encountered what I would call bad traffic. The road to Deia can get busy would would register on the Richter scale compared with other roads in Europe. We just spent a week on the Bordeaux ring road!

Just to clarify what BC posted, the train from Palma to Soller isn't open, it's old wooden carriages and is great fun. The tram from Soller to the port isn't open either but is an old wooden carriages too. It runs alongside the sea into the port.

Well open, not in the sense of no roof but when all the large windows are down in 35oC it certainly feels open.

Stunning views, great experience.