Mallorca: Full-Day Island Tour by Train, Tram, and Boat

This Mallorca tour offers a comprehensive glimpse of the island’s natural beauty through a carefully curated mix of land, sea, and historic transportation. Over about eight hours, you’ll cruise along the coast, explore breathtaking lakes, ride vintage trains and trams, and enjoy plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxation. It’s a well-rounded way to see Mallorca’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple excursions yourself.

Two things I really like about this experience are the diverse modes of transport—from boat rides to vintage trains—and the spectacular scenery at each stop, especially the lakes and coastal coves. These elements make the day feel both adventurous and beautifully scenic.

However, one possible consideration is that the schedule involves quite a bit of moving around, which means there’s limited free time at some locations, like Soller or Sa Calobra. If you love a leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed; but if you’re eager to maximize sightseeing, it’s perfect. Also, keep in mind that bad weather may cancel the boat trip, replacing it with a bus through Puig Major, which could alter the overall experience.

Key points / Takeaways

• Diverse transportation: Combining coach, boat, tram, and train gives a real sense of Mallorca’s varied landscape.
• Spectacular scenery: Expect stunning views of lakes, cliffs, and coastal coves that make for memorable photos.
• Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews praise the guides, like Carmen, for their multilingual skills and local insights.
• Active, full-day itinerary: The trip covers a lot—from lakes to mountain roads—making it ideal for those wanting to see many facets of the island in one go.
• Weather-dependent activities: The boat ride can be canceled due to bad weather, but alternatives are offered.
• Limited free time: Some stops, like Soller and Sa Calobra, involve a couple of hours of free time—enough for a quick bite or a sunbathe, but not a full exploration.

An In-Depth Look at Mallorca’s Scenic Tour

Starting Point and Pickups: Convenient and Flexible

You can be picked up at one of six locations, including Palma, Magaluf, and Santa Ponsa. The experience begins early, with pickup times between 8:00 and 9:20 A.M., depending on where you’re staying. The vans or coaches used are air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable even on warmer days. The flexibility to arrange a nearby pickup spot is a plus, especially if you’re staying outside the immediate city center.

First Stops: Lakes Cuber and Gorg Blau

The day kicks off with a visit to Cuber and Gorg Blau Lakes, two emerald-green bodies of water nestled high in the mountains. Here, I love how the views immediately set a tone of peaceful natural beauty, with majestic hills rising around the lakes. Many reviewers mention the “breathtaking scenery” and the “majestic hills,” making these spots perfect for photos and soaking in the fresh mountain air.

The Drive Through Lluc Valley to Sa Calobra

Next, the bus takes you through the winding valley of Lluc—a scenic drive I’d recommend bracing yourself for if you’re a bit sensitive to mountain roads. The route is narrow and twisty, but it’s part of the adventure. From here, the highlight is the descent to Sa Calobra Beach and the Torrent of Pareis—a dramatic gorge carved into the coastline.

You get about two hours of free time at Sa Calobra, which many travelers use for a quick swim, sunbathing, or grabbing a bite (lunch isn’t included). It’s important to note that the beach can be crowded, especially during peak season, and the parking can be tricky. Still, the rugged cliffs and the clear waters make it worth a visit.

The Boat Ride: A Coastal Cruise

One of the most praised parts of this tour is the boat trip from Sa Calobra to Soller Harbor. Expect views of rugged cliffs and hidden coves, with many reviewers describing the coast as “beautiful” and “stunning.” The boat ride lasts about 50 minutes. Unfortunately, as some reviews mention, if the weather isn’t cooperative, the boat trip gets canceled, and the guide will substitute a bus route through Puig Major.

The boat experience is a highlight because it combines relaxing scenery with the thrill of being on the water. It’s a chance to see Mallorca’s coast from a different perspective—ideal for photography and enjoying the sea breeze.

Soller: A Historic Town and Its Vintage Tram

Arriving at Port de Soller, you’ll have a brief photo stop. Then, the fun begins with the vintage tram ride from Port to Soller. I love how this part brings a nostalgic feel, and many reviews praise the beautiful views along the route. The tram is one of Mallorca’s last historic lines, adding an authentic touch to the day.

Once in Soller, you have about 40 minutes of free time. This is enough for a quick walk around, a coffee, or a snapshot of the charming town square. Some travelers mention the tram being crowded, so arriving early helps.

Soller Train: A Scenic Ride Back to Palma

Next, you board the vintage train for a 50-minute ride across the island back to Palma. The train’s route is full of scenic views of hills, orange groves, and small villages. Many reviewers rave about the “beautiful views” and the “breath-taking” ride. You can even stand outside the carriage for fresh air and better photos—tip for photo buffs.

Final Return: Bus and Drop-offs

The tour wraps up with a coach ride back to your starting locations. The entire trip, from start to finish, is about eight hours, making it a full but rewarding day.

What the Tour Gets Right

This experience offers an excellent way to see Mallorca’s diversity—mountains, coastlines, lakes, and historic towns—without the stress of planning each leg yourself. The guides, like Carmen and Antonio, are lauded for their multilingual skills and knowledge, making navigation and storytelling seamless. Many reviews mention how smoothly the day runs, which is key on a complex itinerary.

The value for money is clear when considering the included transportation, guides, and tickets for train, tram, and boat. It’s a packed day that covers a lot of ground, providing a good overview of Mallorca’s scenic spots.

Who Will Love This Tour

This trip is perfect for travelers who enjoy varied scenery and are comfortable with a fairly busy schedule. It’s well-suited for those who want to see the highlights in one day and don’t mind being on the move. If you love photography, nature, and authentic transport experiences, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also a good fit for first-time visitors wanting a broad taste of Mallorca.

Who Might Want to Skip It

If you prefer a slow-paced trip with more free time in each location, this might feel a bit rushed. People over 70 or those sensitive to mountain roads and narrow cliffs should be aware of the driving conditions. Also, if you’re hoping for a boat ride with guaranteed good weather, keep in mind that the trip can be canceled, and no refunds are offered for weather-related cancellations.

Price, Logistics, and Practical Tips

The tour costs represent a solid investment considering the transport, guide, and tickets included. It’s a full-day commitment but offers a lot of value for those wanting to see the island’s highlights efficiently.

Book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. The early pickups are helpful for fitting this tour into a busy Mallorca itinerary. Bring comfortable shoes and clothing, especially since there’s considerable walking and outdoor exposure. If you’re prone to seasickness, note that the boat cruise is a calm, scenic ride, but weather can change quickly.

Weather Considerations

The boat ride is weather-dependent. If the sea is rough or conditions aren’t suitable, the boat will be replaced with a bus through Puig Major. While some travelers find this substitution less charming, it still allows you to see the mountain scenery. Be prepared for potential changes and check the weather forecast before booking.

Food and Drinks

Lunch isn’t included, so consider bringing snacks or planning to buy something during your free time at Sa Calobra or Soller. The tour does not allow alcohol in the vehicle, so pace yourself accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Mallorca full-day tour offers a well-priced, diverse snapshot of the island’s best scenery—mountains, lakes, coastlines, and charming towns—all within a manageable day. The mix of vintage transport, natural beauty, and authentic towns makes it stand out from more typical sightseeing options.

The experience is best suited for travelers eager to pack as much visual impact into one day as possible, especially those who enjoy learning on the go from guides who are praised for their multilingual skills. Yes, it’s a busy schedule, but many reviews confirm that the spectacular views and seamless organization make it worthwhile.

If you’re looking for a flexible, scenic, and culturally rich way to explore Mallorca’s highlights with comfort and variety, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, with pickups between 8:00 and 9:20 A.M. and drop-offs afterward.

Where does the tour start?
Pickups are available from six locations including Palma, Magaluf, and Santa Ponsa, with exact times varying by location.

Is food included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan your own meal during the free stops.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended; bring sun protection and a camera. No alcohol is allowed in the vehicle.

What if the weather is bad?
The boat ride may be canceled, and a bus through Puig Major will substitute for the coastal cruise.

Who is this tour suitable for?
Ideal for travelers who want an active, scenic day and don’t mind a full schedule. Not suitable for those over 70 or sensitive to mountain roads.

How is the guide?
Many reviews praise the guides, especially for their multilingual skills and local knowledge—Carmen and Antonio receive high marks.

Is it worth the price?
Considering transportation, tickets, and guided commentary, the tour offers good value, especially for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, the booking allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later, offering flexibility.

What’s the main highlight?
Most travelers mention the stunning scenery of the lakes, coast, and mountain views—a feast for the eyes and camera.

In short, this Mallorca full-day tour is a curated, scenic journey through some of the island’s most beautiful spots—perfect if you want a taste of everything without the hassle of multiple bookings. Just be ready for a busy day, and you’ll leave with plenty of memorable sights and stories.