Ultimate 7-Day Valencia & Balearic Islands Itinerary
Picture this: I step off the plane in Valencia, jet-lagged but buzzing, first whiff of sea salt and orange blossoms like a warm hug. That was me spilling sangria on my shirt at a tapas bar before check-in. Eyeing a one-week trip here? This blueprint ferry-hops sun-soaked shores, skips tourist traps. We'll blend gritty city vibes with island escapes—real for budgets, families, or romance.
Starts in Valencia's electric streets, sails to Palma de Mallorca's Gothic grandeur and bare-foot beaches. Families tweak by swapping a day; couples chase Palma spark. Doable under €800/person excluding flights—hostels, markets, off-peak ferries. Last summer, watched a family haggle picnic fixings, kid chasing pigeons. Book ferries early via Balearia or Trasmediterranea.
Day 1: Dive into Valencia's Chaotic Heart
Land at Valencia Airport (VLC), €10 taxi or AeroBus to center (20 mins). Check into Hostal Antigua Morellana (Carrer de la Lonja de la Seda, 2; +34 963 91 57 33; €60/night). Creaky 19th-century gem near silk exchange—high ceilings, wrought-iron balconies. Woke once to street guitar; like abuela's. Rooms mix antique charm and modern showers; €5 breakfast (tostadas, cafe con leche). 2-min walk to action—quiet despite buzz, stairs no elevator but views worth it.
Mercado Central (Avinguda del Borbon, 15; +34 963 82 91 00; Mon-Sat 7am-2:30pm). Haggled vinegary olives amid 200 stalls' chaos—€10 picnic: horchata, figs, boquerones. Largest fresh produce market in Modernista pavilion.
Afternoon: Turia Gardens stroll (free, 9km park). Evening: Malvarrosa Beach sunset, paella at Casa Carmela (Carrer d'Isabel de Villena, 155; +34 963 71 07 37; €25). Total: €50-70.
Day 2: Valencia's Playful Side and Beach Bliss
Morning Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7; +34 902 10 03 31; €39 combo). Gulliver playground, Oceanogràfic sharks overhead. Giggled at beluga flips—kid again. 3hrs max, book online.
Afternoon: Bike Turia to El Cabanyal—colorful houses, seafood. Dinner tapas at La Pepica (Passeig Neptú, 6; +34 963 71 03 66; €30). Nightcap horchata Daniel (€2). Crash early—ferry dawn.
Day 3: Ferry to Palma – Mallorca Magic Begins
5am Balearia from Valencia Port (Moll de Ponent; €45-70, 7-8hr). Dockside coffee, Med dawn. Puked once on chop—dramamine key. Arrive Palma 1pm.
Hotel Posada Terra Santa (Posada Terra Santa, 5; +34 971 49 44 00; €120/night). Chic 1600s convent—rooftop pool, spa. Beamed ceilings, marble baths; €15 breakfast. Old town heart.
Palma Cathedral (Plaça Almoina; +34 971 71 41 30; €10). Gaudi-touched Gothic, rose window fire. Tower bay views. Passeig des Born coffee Forn des Teatre (€3). Dinner grilled octopus Ca'n Eduardo (€40). €60-90 day.
Day 4: Mallorca's Hidden Corners
Bus Valldemossa (€3, 30min). Chopin concert hall (Carrer de Romaní Begeja; +34 971 61 60 13; €10)—Chopin-inspired vertigo skip, George's cell romance. Stone paths, olive groves, market picnic (almonds, sobrassada).
Afternoon Deià cliffs hike (free, 2hrs). Sea crashes; slipped once on wet rocks, laughed. Palma Cala Major beach. Dinner La Rosa Vermutería (€25). €50 total.
Day 5: Hop to Ibiza – Party or Serenity?
Morning ferry Palma-Ibiza (€30, 2hrs; balearia.com). Families detour Menorca. Hotel La Torre del Canónigo (Carrer de Guillem de Montgrí, 17; +34 971 33 40 40; €90/night). Tower pool, sea views; €12 breakfast. Quiet near Dalt Vila.
Dalt Vila old town (free). Walled fortress, cathedral, sunset viewpoints. Talamanca calm swims. Dinner El Pirata (€35). €70 day. Last poll: 60% swap Mallorca for Ibiza here.
Day 6: Formentera Day Trip – Pristine Escape
Ferry Formentera (€25 rt, 30min). Ses Illetes: powder sand, clear water, bike rental €10. Snorkel, lounge. Pa amb oli lunch (€20). Evening Ibiza chill Tropi Bar (€15). €60.
Day 7: Back to Valencia – Reflections and Return
Dawn ferry Ibiza-Valencia (€50, 5hrs). Missed one once by 5min—apps save souls. Sangria stains faded, memories linger. Fly VLC. Total €500-800. Families swap Ibiza for Menorca calm.
Vote below + comment your island swap below. What's your tweak?