MA-10 Mallorca Road Trip – A Photography Guide
Mallorca might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a dedicated photo trip, but trust me, this island has it all.
Beautiful landscapes and the poetry of real, everyday mundane life. Nature, charming villages, and picturesque towns. The hustle and bustle of Palma, alongside quiet mornings in the countryside. Plus, the chance to enjoy typical holiday pleasures on local beaches.
I had been to Mallorca once before, back when I wasn't yet interested in photography. It had won my heart. So, when the opportunity arose to visit in the middle of the Dutch winter, I didn't hesitate. I knew that, alongside beautiful landscapes, I would find great light there. Mediterranean, Spanish sun that rarely disappoints.
What is MA-10
During my first trip to Mallorca, I got around on a scooter. Due to the significant elevation changes (and my questionable riding technique), I ended up exploring the eastern part of the island, which is relatively flat and accessible.
This time, I opted for a car. That allowed me to plan a drive along the Ma-10 - the most scenic route, running through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range along the western coast.
The MA-10 comprises well over 100 km of steep and, at times, tight roads winding through some of the most beautiful parts of western Mallorca, offering views of cliffs, mountains and the sea. I’d say that, by definition, it’s the perfect place for a road trip - and especially a photography road trip.
MA-10 road trip photography wise - what to expect
The MA-10 road trip takes you through some of the most charming towns on the western side of Mallorca, including Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Fornalutx and, with a detour down the mountain, Sa Calobra.
They are tiny, with very few parking spaces. I have no idea where all the tourists - and their rental cars - fit when the season is in full swing.
Public transport can get you there, but it probably takes ages, considering these narrow, winding roads.
Since most of the traffic comes from Palma, heading northwest along the famous MA-10 road, it’s worth setting out early. Reaching the first village while everyone else is still sipping their morning coffee at the hotel makes a surprisingly big difference.
These villages offer endless opportunities for postcard-kind of photography, which I sometimes like too. The houses are beautifully maintained, the streets are clean, and there seems to be an almost ridiculous amount of attention to detail. Add stone walls, colourful doors, plants growing everywhere and the mountains in the background, and you could probably fill a memory card without trying very hard.
When to Visit Mallorca for a Photography Road Trip
For a photography road trip along the MA-10, I'd avoid the height of summer if you can.
The Serra de Tramuntana is beautiful year-round, but as I said, in July and August the narrow roads and tiny villages can get very busy, and finding somewhere to park can become part of the adventure.
I visited Mallorca several times outside the main season, when the island felt considerably quieter and I could pull over anytime, without constantly thinking about the traffic behind me. Spring and autumn seem like a good balance: the weather is generally pleasant, there is still plenty of light, and you can explore the MA-10 without quite so many people competing for the same viewpoint.
Winter can also be interesting if you don't mind less predictable weather - and personally, I'd take changing light and a few clouds over endless blue skies any day.
What I’d Do Differently—and What I Wouldn’t
Renting the car in Mallorca
I’d make sure the rental car was on my name, not my partner’s. We had originally planned to go together, but life had other ideas. As a result, I had to rent another car on-site, though, luckily, it wasn’t too expensive - €35 for four days with an automatic SUV (can’t recommend it enough).
I won’t recommend the rental company, though - it was a bit of a weird experience that left me with mixed feelings. The process itself was frustrating, but the car was great, and I got my deposit back fairly quickly.
Different route
I’d head straight from Palma airport toward Valldemossa, skipping the detour through the island’s southwest, which cost me a good hour. I actually did it on my third trip to the island and it turned out to be a much better choice. The road to Andratx isn’t particularly scenic compared to more middle and northern part of MA-10.
Accommodation
I chose the accommodation on the eastern side of the island - a former monastery atop Sant Salvador. It felt like a questionable decision the first night when I drove back to the hotel along a steep, narrow and dark road. But later, I thanked myself for that choice.
The monastery is a pretty significant spot for a solo trip, with stunning views across half the island. Plus, from a practical standpoint, it was kind of a halfway to places I wanted to visit.
West vs east Mallorca
While the western part of the island and the mountains are incredibly charming, it’s the eastern part of the island that won my heart, especially photography-wise. Next time I would most likely put more focus on that (edit: I actually did when visiting Mallorca for the third time).
Can you drive MA-10 in one day?
The MA-10 route, including the descent to Sa Calobra, can probably be done in one day. But I decided to split my Mallorca road trip into two. I didn't want to rush around with my camera, ticking places off a list. I preferred to wander through these towns at my own pace, stopping here for a coffee, there for lunch, and occasionally just getting out of the car because something caught my eye.
The descent to Sa Calobra can also take longer than you might expect. The road is narrow, steep and full of tight bends, so it’s not exactly a drive you want to rush. If you're not used to mountain roads, give yourself plenty of time and take it easy, especially on the way down.
One thing I definitely wouldn't overlook is engine braking. On the steeper sections, it is worth using a lower gear rather than relying entirely on the brakes. The descent is long enough for your brakes to heat up, and constantly riding the brake pedal isn't a great idea.
Is the Ma-10 worth a photography trip
If you like travelling slowly, getting out of the car without knowing exactly what you're going to photograph, and allowing the landscape to surprise you, the MA-10 is a pretty good place to spend a couple of days.
I enjoyed it mostly because I didn't have to know what I was looking for. Sometimes I stopped for the view, sometimes for a village, and sometimes for something that probably wasn't worth stopping for at all. That's usually how these trips work for me.
Two days felt about right. One day would have been possible, but I think I would have spent too much time looking at the clock and not enough time looking around.
