From Vienna to Mallorca by Car – Our Journey

Sometimes the journey itself feels just as magical as the destination. Thursday morning we started our journey all the way from Vienna to Mallorca – with two dogs, two bikes, and a car packed with snacks and excitement.

We started on Thursday morning at 5am, leaving Vienna in the dark to catch those quiet early hours on the road. After two hours we arrived in Linz to install our bikes on the car – an important step for all the rides ahead of us on the island. Coffee break included, of course. Around 8:30 we were back on the road, this time heading west.

Instead of driving through Switzerland, we chose the Italian route. The drive took us through the Alps and down to Innsbruck, where we had to make a quick stop to get the red-and-white striped signs for our bike rack. (We completely forgot ours at home – a typical us-moment.) With the bikes fixed and the tank filled, we continued towards Milano. Somewhere along the way, we stopped at an Autogrill for a panino and coffee – a childhood ritual of mine whenever crossing Italy. The dogs enjoyed their little walk, and we stretched our legs before heading back on the road.

By late afternoon we were already passing Genoa, still determined to cover as many kilometers as possible. After nearly 1360 km and more than 15 hours of driving, we finally pulled into a rest stop. Luckily, my mum has a camper van, so instead of booking hotels, we just turned the car into our little overnight base and slept right there.

The next morning started with pain au chocolat and tea, before making our way to Aix-en-Provence. I had visited last year and loved it so much that I knew I wanted to go back. Parking was easy at the train station, and we spent the morning strolling the center, sipping coffee, and buying a few things at the bakery.

We wanted to stop at a small antique shop nearby, but unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived – so we just let the road guide us further towards Spain. With a couple of stops for coffee, tea, and to play with the dogs, we arrived in Barcelona around 19:20. Straight to the port, where check-in was smooth and easy, and we had some time to walk around the harbor with the dogs before boarding.

The ferry left at 22:45. As our dogs are too big to go inside or in a bag (the rules are very strict unless you book a pet-friendly cabin), we spent the night on deck – something we’ve done before. It might sound uncomfortable, but actually, sleeping with the ocean breeze and the stars above you is something unforgettable. After two long days of driving, we fell asleep quickly and woke up with the sunrise as the ferry approached Palma.

By 6:45 we were on the road again, making our way straight to Sa Ràpita to watch the sunrise by the coast. The early morning light, a quiet walk to the lighthouse, collecting seashells with salty hands – it was the perfect welcome back to Mallorca.

Driving from Vienna to Mallorca might not be for everyone. It’s long, yes – but for us, it’s worth every hour. We love taking the dogs, stopping in little towns along the way, and letting the road become part of the adventure. With enough breaks, snacks, and curiosity, the journey itself becomes its own little story.

Tipps for the Journey

• Create your soundtrack: With a good playlist, a podcast, or even a cabaret on YouTube, the hours fly by.

• Snacks are everything: Bring plenty of water, fruit, sweets, and whatever else you crave during long drives.

• Break it down: Plan your route with little stops and goals along the way so the drive doesn’t feel endless.

• Discover a town on the way: Pick a place that excites you and make it your halfway treat – a stroll, a coffee, a moment to soak it in.

• Rest when you need it: Don’t push through tiredness. Take a nap, stretch, or even sleep overnight. The road will still be there in the morning.

✨ And just like that, Vienna to Mallorca turns into an adventure on its own – filled with Italian panini, French pastries, Spanish sunsets, and the promise of island days ahead.