TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE ISLAND OF MALLORCA | A MEDITERRANEAN PARADISE
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Mallorca is part of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its picturesque coves with inviting turquoise waters, dramatic mountains, breathtaking coastal scenery and historic villages full of character.
For those dreaming of a European summer, Mallorca is the ultimate destination that has delicious food, long warm summer days filled with sandy beaches to relax on and charming narrow village streets to discover the rich history and culture of the island.
With over 555km of coastline to explore and over 170 beaches to choose from, Mallorca is the ultimate summer destination with everything to make yours a summer to remember.
We’ve put together more Mallorca guides, including a Mallorca campervan trip guide and a list of the best beaches on the island.
If you’re looking for more inspiration on where to visit in Spain then we’d recommend you add Bárdenas Reales to your itinerary, located on mainland Spain this unreal, barren landscape would be a great addition to a trip to the Pyrenees.
Other Spanish islands worthy of mention and perfect as a winter getaway include the hidden treasure of La Graciosa, volcanic Lanzarote and wild beaches in Fuerteventura.
Where is Mallorca?
Floating in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca is located between the southeast coast of Spain and Sardinia and is the largest island of the Balearic archipelago. The nearest Balearic islands to Mallorca are Ibiza to the west and Menorca to the east.
What is Mallorca known for?
The island of Mallorca also known as Majorca, is known for its wonderful sandy beaches with shallow crystal clear water. Many beautiful coves and caves are dotted along its impressive and extensive coastline giving an opportunity for both relaxation and adventure.
Mallorca is also home to an impressive mountain range called the Serra de Tramuntana which extends across the north of the island. These mountains offer a choice of hiking and cycling routes and also make a destination to take your car on a memorable road trip.
How to get to Mallorca?
By Air
To get to Mallorca by plane, you will arrive at Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is located 10km east of Palma city centre and is the main airport on the island.
There are many airlines that offer direct flights to Palma de Mallorca from across Europe, including North America and Asia. We flew direct from London Luton Airport which took 2.5 hours to reach Mallorca. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi, bus or rent a car to your accommodation on the island.
We used both the buses and rented a car whilst exploring the island and would recommend both. The buses and trains are both affordable and easy to use whereas renting a car gives you the most freedom to go on an adventure and find more off-the-beaten-track locations.
By Ferry
If you plan to drive to Mallorca from mainland Europe, there is the option to catch a ferry from either Spain or Italy. The quickest and most direct route by boat is to take the ferry from Valencia which takes 4 hours in total, whereas from Barcelona 7 hours and Naples 8 hours.
We would recommend booking your ferry in advance as these slots can book up quickly, especially in the summer months.
How to get around Mallorca?
By Car
Several international and local companies have car hire offices at the airport, making it a convenient option and prices are from £23 per day in the summer season.
Prices are competitive and we used Top Gear Mobility which gives unlimited miles, and insurance for two drivers when you arrive at the airport they will pick you up and take you to your rental car.
It takes around one hour from one side of the island to the other, which illustrates how easy it is to travel around Mallorca by car when you can drive coast to coast in no time at all.
By bus
There is an extensive bus network across the island which connects to places across the island from the airport. The system is convenient, easy to use and an affordable option to get around Mallorca.
The buses are located at the airport past the taxi stand and just outside the main car rental terminal. Some buses accept cards and to pay for your ticket you have to tap your card when you get off.
To reach Sa Polbla, catch the A32 it cost us €11.25 for 2 people. Make sure to bring change if you plan on using the buses, as not all buses accept cards or have the correct change.
It’s worth noting that there are two main bus companies in Mallorca. Firstly EMT buses provide services across Palma including nearby areas and are recognised by white and blue branding. Whereas, the TIB buses, easily identified by the yellow and red exterior serve the villages and towns to Palma and across the island.
If you are planning to get the bus back to the airport from Palma, there is an express service known as the A1 bus which you can take from outside Palma station and costs €5 per person and only takes 15 minutes.
Trains
The train service across the island is easy to use and efficient, we got the train to get to Palma from Sa Pobla and were really impressed with the service and price.
There was a train every hour and was recently refurbished with EU funding, we really enjoyed the experience of using the train. It was much quicker getting the train and had air con which was a welcome addition on a hot day.
It was easy to purchase train tickets at the station from a self-service machine, if you are buying tickets from Palma station then you can buy tickets at the ticket desk. There are three main rail routes, T1, T2 and T3 which depart from Palma and take you across the island.
Most of the trains run with a regular service Monday to Friday and a reduced service at the weekends, make sure to check the current timetable online for your journey.
Bikes
There is a great choice of cycle routes across Mallorca, many know the island as the mecca of European cycling with a large number of cycling enthusiasts arriving on the island. Many come to tackle some of the impressive climbs most notably, Cap de Formentor which finishes at the lighthouse with some panoramic views of the island.
The Cap de Formentor is closed to vehicles during the summer months (June till September) making it the perfect spot for cyclists to enjoy this incredible route all to themselves and of course other cyclists!
Regardless of whether you are a keen cyclist, Mallorca is a great place to explore the beautiful countryside by bike as many of the country roads are quiet leading to some exciting discoveries.
When is the best time to visit Mallorca?
The weather in Mallorca is warm and has a mild climate throughout the year. The best time to visit for the warmest weather is from May to October. In the summer months, temperatures reach the highest average daily max in August at 31.5°C.
If you want to enjoy both warm weather and fewer visitors, plan your visit to Mallorca from April to June and September to October with fewer visitors to Mallorca and pleasantly cooler days.
We visited Mallorca in June and felt that though many popular spots were relatively busy, you could escape the crowds to many quieter spots on the island. June benefits from long warm sunny days and a gentle coastal breeze is able to keep you cool.
What to bring with you when visiting Mallorca?
In the evenings, the temperature can be quite cool and it's worth bringing a jumper or something to keep you warm. We took our snorkelling gear with us to make the most of the clear water and was worth sacrificing a bit of extra luggage room to bring them along.
What do you need to know before visiting Mallorca?
When visiting Mallorca you will need to budget for paying an eco-tax, which is charged to all tourists who are staying in hotels, apartments or if arriving on a cruise. This tourist tax is charged by the government to go towards funding the conservation of the environment.
Eco-tax is payable when you arrive at your accommodation and the total amount is calculated on the number of nights you stay, how many people, the type of accommodation you are staying in and a 10% sales tax.
The typical costs will be around €2-4 per night per person (over 16 years), and if you are staying in a luxury hotel then you should expect to pay the higher end of eco-tax.
What are the best things to do in Mallorca?
Beautiful Coves and Beaches
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic islands and has over 179 beaches to choose from along the beautiful coastline. The island is well known for its stunning beaches and sheltered coves, many with golden sands and turquoise clear water making them perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Take a look at our comprehensive Mallorca beach guide to give you some inspiration on which beaches you should visit during your stay.
Take a road trip around Mallorca
A great way to see the changing landscapes across the island is to take a road trip around Mallorca. Take the mountain passes in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains for stunning scenery and hiking trails. Drive along the coast for wonderful views of the dramatic Mallorcan coastline speckled with charming coves and exquisite beaches.
On your road trip, you’ll pass many authentic Mallorcan villages full of charm and character tempting you to stop and wander the streets where you will get a glimpse into traditional life on the island. Take your time to discover hidden corners of Mallorca and enjoy exploring at your own pace.
Drive from Port de Pollença up the mountain pass road to Albercutx Watchtower, on your way you’ll pass the parking Mirador de Es Colomer, and follow the road up the watchtower and enjoy wonderful views of Mallorca from above.
Explore Mallorca by Campervan
One of our favourite ways to explore a country is by campervan, especially for those who enjoy getting outside and being immersed in nature. Travelling by campervan is a simple way to travel and road trips are a great way to get off the beaten track and discover local culture and experiences.
Mallorca is a great place to experience van life, with many locations offering spectacular views has some limited services for campervans, however, most places are easily accessible and the attitude towards campervans is relatively relaxed by the locals.
When exploring Mallorca by campervan it is crucial to be responsible with disposing of waste properly at designated sites and leave no trace by leaving places better than you found it and recycle where possible.
Stay tuned for our 4-day campervan itinerary exploring the east coast of Mallorca including the best routes to take, parking and useful information.
Visit an Orange and Lemon farm in Mallorca
Learn about the importance of oranges and lemons in the Sóller Valley at Eco Vinyassa, an eco-orchard growing a variety of citrus fruits all set within a stunning location and with the chance to enjoy some delicious organic orange juice all whilst supporting the local community.
Surrounded by the Traunmentera mountains, Eco Vinyassa is an essential place to visit if you want a taste of traditional Mallorcan life and flavours. When you arrive you will be left to explore the grounds following a self-guided tour until you find a resting area to enjoy organic oranges amongst the orchard.
To finish the tour you will be served a snack including fresh orange juice on a beautiful terrace. Reservation is required before visiting the site and prices are €15 per adult and €7 per child, there are toilets and ample parking onsite. Eco Vinyassa is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm.
Visit a charming Mallorcan village
Despite the tourism boom in the 1950s which caused the building of high-rise hotels which many have since been replaced, however many of the Mallorcan villages have kept their charm and character. Mallorcan towns and villages feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set, with rustic beauty set amongst rolling green valleys and majestic mountains.
Step into the natural harbour of Porto Colom, where traditional fishing and sailboats are beautifully complimented by the pastel-coloured fishermen's houses that line the harbourfront. The village of Pollença has a laid-back feel, with fresh produce shops, cafés and restaurants lining the streets which is a must-visit when in Mallorca.
Stay in a traditional Mallorcan villa
Staying in a traditional Mallorcan villa gives a local experience of life on the island, truly immersing you into the authentic charm of this enchanting Mediterranean island. Mallorcan villas are typically designed with outdoor living in mind, cool shaded areas, beautiful design, natural elements, tranquil courtyards, citrus orchards and sparkling swimming pools.
A traditional Mallorca villa is a serene and peaceful escape, these spaces feature timeless beauty that simply blends into its natural surroundings. We stayed in Sa Caseta Mallorca which is a little slice of paradise and a beautiful villa close to Palma, we rented the studio space, however, you can rent out the entire villa.
Stay tuned for more articles on Mallorca soon, sign up to our newsletter to be notified of new articles and insider updates from us and travel tips. We love to hear from you, if you are planning a trip to Mallorca let us know in the comments or if you’ve been lucky enough to visit already let us know your favourite spots on the island!
