Mallorca Travel Guide

Some facts about Mallorca

Mallorca is the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands. Its Mediterranean location means the sun shines all year round, so it's hugely popular with tourists from all over the world. The island has a population of just over 900,000 people, but a staggering 28 million pass through Palma de Mallorca airport every year.

Tourism began to boom in Mallorca around the 1950s and the island has hosted many famous faces. The poet Robert Graves lived in Deià from 1929 and Rafael Nadal was born in Manacor, where he opened the Rafa Nadal Academy for aspiring tennis players.

A short hop from the coast and Mallorca's famous sandy beaches are two mountain ranges – the Serra de Tramuntana in the west and the Serra de Llevant in the east. You'll be in good company taking a scenic bike ride through these ranges, as Mallorca attracts 150,000 cycling tourists every year.

Practical Info

Culture and etiquette

Religion

While there's no official religion, most of the population is Roman Catholic.

Tipping

Service is included in most bills, although a tip of around 10% is appreciated for good service.

Smoking

Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces including restaurants, bars and public transport.

Language 101

The main languages are Catalan – spoken as the local dialect Mallorquí – and Spanish. English and German are widely spoken in tourist areas too. Here are some helpful Spanish phrases:

Hello - Hola

Goodbye - Adiós

How are you? - ¿Qué tal?

Yes - Sí

No - No

What's your name? - ¿Cómo te llamas?

My name is - Me llamo

Please - Por favor

Thank you - Gracias

How much is it? - ¿Cuánto cuesta?

Where is? - ¿Dónde está?

Numbers:

• One - Uno
• Two - Dos
• Three - Tres
• Four - Cuatro
• Five - Cinco

Jabs, visas and other advice

For up-to-date advice on jabs, visas and more, we recommend following the government's website.

Emergency numbers

For any emergency, call 112.

What's the weather like in Mallorca?

The island enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate so you can expect mild winters and scorching summers (temperatures can reach 40°C in the height of summer). The heat is rarely uncomfortable thanks to the cooling influence of the sea, but you'll definitely need sun cream.

Temperatures in spring and autumn usually stay in the comfortable mid-to-high twenties, and winters see average highs of 15°C and just the occasional drop of rain.

When's the best time to visit Mallorca?

For the hottest weather Mallorca has to offer, July and August are your best bet. It's the perfect time for sun-seekers looking to relax in beach resorts and party animals heading for Mallorca's notorious nightlife.

The height of summer is the busiest and priciest time of the year though, so consider heading out in spring or autumn to avoid the crowds and save some money. The weather will be warm enough to get your tan on but cool enough to explore the island and enjoy outdoor activities.

Mallorca makes for a great winter holiday destination too. The cooler temperatures are ideal for wandering the streets of Palma, and there's plenty of life in the capital without the massive crowds. You'll discover the beauty of the city and its culinary delights in peace.

Getting to Mallorca

Mallorca's only commercial airport is Palma de Mallorca, which is around 2 hours and 30 minutes from London. The airport is 5 miles away from Palma and you have plenty of options to get to your accommodation:

1. Buses leave from the airport regularly, with Route 1 leading to Palma city. It's the cheapest way to get to Palma, setting you back €1.85 per adult, but not the most convenient if you have lots of luggage.
2. A taxi will take you directly from the airport to your accommodation, with ranks outside of arrivals. Generally, taxis are charged per kilometre with a minimum charge. The prices can change depending on the time of day and whether it's a public holiday.
3. An airport transfer is perhaps the most hassle-free way to get to your accommodation, and you can save yourself some money by booking one with Holiday Extras.

Mallorca is also a popular cruise destination. The island's cruise ship terminal is in Palma, making it easy to see everything the capital has to offer and explore the rest of the island.

Getting around Mallorca

Hiring a car is a great option for exploring the island. You can save yourself some money by booking ahead with Holiday Extras, but taxis are also widely available if you forget.

If you'd prefer to use public transport, buses run to most towns and villages and are relatively cheap and reliable. You can also catch a train from Palma to Inca, which passes through quaint towns and villages on the way.

Make sure to catch the Sóller express – this antique wooden train runs from Palma to Sóller through pretty countryside and the olive groves of the Serra de Tramuntana World Heritage Site.

Cyclists love the island's beautiful landscapes and quiet roads so definitely consider this scenic, environmentally friendly way of getting around.

Top

What to eat in Mallorca

If you're craving something traditional (and sweet) for brunch you have to try an ensaïmada, a Mallorcan pastry dating back to the 17th century. With a choice of chocolate or fruit fillings, these are so good they've been awarded protected status by the EU.

No trip to Mallorca would be complete without an orange-based dessert. First brought to the island from the Middle East during the middle ages, oranges have become a staple of not only the Mallorcan palette but also the landscape – Sóller's Valle de los Naranjos (Vale of the Orange Trees) is a sight (and scent) to behold.

You really can't go wrong with your choice of dessert, but an Orange Sóller takes some beating. It's a cocktail of fresh orange juice, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

Mallorca for families

Resort towns like Alcúdia in the north or Palma Nova in the south make for a great budget-friendly family escape. The waterparks, crazy golf and sandcastle building will keep the kids entertained, while grown-ups can relax on the wide sandy beaches and enjoy all-inclusive drinks.

Self-catered villas are another popular choice for families, with options available across the island. Families looking for an active holiday will be spoilt for choice with lots of hiking and cycling routes through national parks and activities like rock climbing and sailing to enjoy.

Nightlife in Mallorca

Mallorca makes for an excellent night out, whether you want to wine and dine in Palma's sophisticated bars or go wild in lively Magaluf.

A night in Palma often starts late and finishes in the early hours of the morning, with hardcore clubbers heading out no earlier than 2am. You'll find trendy cocktail bars, famous mega-clubs like Pacha and Tito's and live music ranging from jazz and pop to rock and heavy metal.

For the opposite of a quiet holiday, head to Magaluf's Punta Ballena strip. You can expect an infectious party atmosphere from its booming bars and clubs, lively resort hotels and booze-fuelled activities like party boats and bar crawls.

Mallorca for LGBTQ+ travellers

Spain scores particularly well in our Good Trip Index for LGBTQ+ rights and is considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. While Spain was a dangerous place for this community during Franco's dictatorship, same-sex relations have been legal since 1979 and same-sex marriage was legalised in 2005.

Mallorca is no exception, and you'll be welcome wherever you go. The LGBTQ+ scene centres around Palma, where you'll find lots of bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels that are popular with both LGBTQ+ locals and tourists.

Accessibility in Mallorca

You'll find that most major resorts in Mallorca have been designed with accessibility in mind. Beaches at Alcúdia, Magaluf and Palmanova to name a few are wheelchair accessible, and there are lots of accessible hotels and facilities to choose from.

The old cobbled streets in places like Palma can be more difficult to navigate, but many of its main attractions are accessible. The Cathedral of Palma, Bellver Castle and Palma Aquarium have been adapted for wheelchair users, as have many galleries and museums. It's worth checking with the venues before you travel.

Sustainable tourism in Mallorca

Those who love Mallorca's pristine beaches and stunning landscapes will be keen to keep them that way, and Mallorca has been leading the way in making itself a more sustainable tourist destination.

The Balearic Government introduced a tourist tax in 2016 to raise funds to protect the natural beauty and infrastructure of the island. Tourists pay between 1 and 4 euros per day depending on the type of stay. There is a discounted rate during the low season to encourage travellers to visit at other times of the year and take pressure off the environment and resources.

Mallorca's climate and geography make it a great place to walk and cycle, particularly during the low season. Choosing other ways to get around over a car will reduce your impact on the local environment and allow you to see more of Mallorca's beautiful scenery.