This leisurely half-day drive takes in several family attractions close to the northeast coast. It can easily be done as a day trip from Palma, adding 1 1/2 hours to the time.
Scenic Drives in Mallorca
Discover the top Mallorca scenic drives
- Begin by the OlivArt factory shop, as you enter Manacor on the C715 from Palma. Follow signs to Porto Cristo, leaving Manacor along a boulevard with palm trees down the middle.
After 13km you see the Coves dels Hams - choose between stopping here or continuing to Porto Cristo for the Coves del Drac.
- The road continues to Porto Cristo, where you turn left at the seafront up a steep hill, following signs to Son Servera and Cala Millor.
The road leads through orchards divided by drystone walls, reaching Auto-Safari where you can drive around the zoo.
- Continue north, bypassing Cala Millor and turning left into Son Servera. Turn right towards Capdepera.
Long before you get there you see the castle crowning the village on a hill. Stop here for lunch and a climb to the
castle, then if you feel like an afternoon on the beach take the side road to Cala Mesquida.
- Otherwise take the C715 to Arta.
Again you see the town long before you get there. After exploring Arta, take to the coast.
- Follow the C712 coast road around the bay of Alcudia.
You pass the S'Albufera nature reserve before finally reaching Alcudia.
- Return to Palma in under an hour by taking the C713 and joining the motorway at Inca.
What to see
Sights in Mallorca
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Esglesia de Nostra Senyora dels Dolors
Church of our Lady of Sorrows is found in the centre of Manacor
The construction of the church began at the end of the 19th century. It was overseen by priest Rubà and the builder Gaspar Bennà ssar, who directed the works and built the bell-tower, the highest building in town known as Torre RubÃ.
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Rafa Nadal Sport-Xperience Museum
An immersive experience in the world of sports
This recently renovated museum has opened its doors for a second year with a renewed image and many new developments.
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Manacor Museum of History
Museum of the history of Manacor and the eastern area of Mallorca
Originally the Archaeological museum of Manacor, it has changed its philosophy over the years due to the variety of its collections. The museum is now a true historical museum and showcases many different periods throughout the areas history.
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Museum of Juniper Serra Fray, Petra
Birthplace of the founder of the California Missions of San Francisco & Los Angeles
Museum located in the house where the famous friar spent his childhood. It shows the typical way of life in Mallorca in the 18th century.
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Ermita de Bonany, Petra 
Ermita de Bonany, Petra
Church with views over the plains of Mallorca
This hilltop hermitage a few kilometres from the town of Petra is where Junipero Serra preached his last sermon in Mallorca before leaving to found the Mexican and Californian missions.
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Cuevas dels Hams
Impressive cave system and event venue
You cannot miss these caves as you drive from Manacor to Porto Cristo. Most people only want to visit one set of caves during their time on Mallorca and the giant billboards and flags at the entrance are an attempt to ensure that this is the one. In fact you are better off continuing to the 'Cuevas del Drach' or up the coast to the 'Coves d'Arta'.
What to do
Things To Do in Manacor
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Rafa Nadal Sports Centre
State-of-the-art sports centre with an impressive range of services
The Rafa Nadal Sports Centre is situated just outside Manacor and is the perfect destination for those who love health, sports and wellness.
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Caving
4hr trips exploring Mallorca's underground caves
Caving is a fantastic mystical world where you can see ancient formations, stalactites and stalagmites.
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Rafa Nadal Tennis Club
26 Tennis Courts both Indoor and Outdoor, plus various surfaces
This tennis club is situated just outside Manacor and offers state-of-the-art sports facilities alongside a fantastic tennis club and academy.
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La Reserva Rotana Golf Course
Private 9-hole golf course in Mallorca - for hotel guests, north of Manacor
This is a private 9-hole golf course just a few meters from the Rotana Hotel. The course is reserved for hotel and restaurant guests.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Manacor
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Son Amoixa Vell Hotel
Charming rural hotel in East Mallorca with a fantastic restaurant
This hotel is set in charming 16th century buildings and grounds which were lovingly restored and added to by the family who own and operate it.
