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Mallorca is the biggest of the Balearic Islands in Spain. It has been a popular tourist spot in Europe and around the world for a long time.
It has beautiful beaches, picture-perfect landscapes, lively nightlife, and a lot of cultural history.
In this post, I’ll discuss my honest, up-to-date Mallorca travel guide, as I recently visited. Before visiting this Mediterranean island for the first time, here’s everything you need to know.
If you are planning your first trip to Mallorca, Spain,? Look no further! This comprehensive Mallorca travel guide is ideal for first-timers who want to maximise their stay.
But before I start, let me clarify the confusion of the question, “Are Majorca and Mallorca the same place?”
They both mean the same place, so the answer is yes. Mallorca and Majorca are both names for the same island.
Don’t let the various spellings confuse you! “Mallorca” actually comes from the Catalan language spoken on the Balearic Islands, while “Majorca” comes from Spanish.
The island of Mallorca is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s part of Spain, not a separate country. If you think of Mallorca, you should also think of Ibiza, which is right next door.
Also, it’s not far from most of Spain’s big cities, like Barcelona and Valencia. Later in the post, I’ll discuss how to get to Mallorca from the cities I mentioned above.
Is Mallorca worth visiting?
Absolutely! Mallorca is not, despite popular belief, merely a party-loving tourist trap in Spain, like its neighbouring island, Ibiza.
Firstly, the island is so big that it’s almost impossible to see everything on your first visit, especially if you are only there for a short time.
With its beautiful beaches, charming villages, lively nightlife, and delicious food, this Balearic gem has something for everyone, no matter what time of year you go.
I was in Mallorca not long ago, from the end of December 2023 to the beginning of January 2024.
If you’re interested in history and want to visit historic sites or nature and want to have fun in the great outdoors, continue reading—I have all the most recent information, recommendations, and suggestions!
This Mallorca travel guide for first-timers will help you have an amazing trip as you discover the island’s many landscapes and rich cultural history.
Travel Guide to Mallorca: Best Time to Visit and Duration of Stay
A lot of people from all over the world love to visit Mallorca because of its beautiful beaches, villages, and landscapes, as well as its lively Spanish culture. But timing is everything when you’re making plans for your visit.
The summer months of June through September are the busiest for travellers to Mallorca due to the pleasant year-round weather, with highs of 25–30°C (77–86°F).
But going in the spring, autumn, or even winter can be just as fun because the island isn’t as crowded and prices are usually lower.
As I already said, I recently went there with my family on a trip that wasn’t during the busy season.
In the following section, I’ll talk about the pros of visiting outside of peak season. If you’re planning to visit during peak season, things will be very different.
When is the best time to visit Mallorca? Benefits of Visiting Off-Season
Lower prices: I agree that Mallorca is one of the more pricey places to go on holiday in Spain. But that doesn’t mean that budget travellers like you and me can’t visit this beautiful island.
You can get good deals on almost everything when you visit the island outside of peak season.
We booked a two-bedroom flat with a balcony that was close to Palma City and cost less than a thousand pounds for four people.
A good hotel room can cost anywhere from £900 to £1500 for a week during the busy season in June, for example.
This makes lodging the most expensive part of a trip to Mallorca. Also, these prices are for bookings made about three to four months ahead of time or so.
Guide to Mallorca: Other Pro of visiting off-season
Fewer crowds: Like any other popular European holiday spot, these places will have fewer people visiting during the off-season, which will make the trip much more enjoyable.
Also, if you go to Mallorca outside of peak season, you won’t have to worry about booking your rental car four weeks ahead of time.
By the way, you have to rent a car in Mallorca. Read on; later in the post, I talk more about how to get around the island.
How many days in Mallorca are enough?
Mallorca is not a small island as you might think, which is something most people don’t know. It’s the biggest island by size in Spain, according to the World Atlas.
That being said, I would say that you need at least one to two weeks to fully explore the island, no matter when you go.
For travellers outside of Europe, I think this is especially important. But for people like me who live in Europe, four days would also be enough to see at least a few of the most important sights.
Even though we were there for eight days, we still couldn’t see everything.
But we did see most of the main highlights, and we can easily go back to see other important sites or places we may have missed.
PRO TIP: Cities and towns are a long way apart. It could take you two to three hours to get from one city to another, like Palma to Deia. It can be tiring to drive long distances every day. Unlike other European cities, you can’t visit multiple towns in a day. Consider that when deciding how long to stay on the island.
If you don’t want to stress yourself out by trying to see all the important things in one day, I suggest that you carefully plan your schedule. It will be harder to enjoy your trip if you do that.
Ultimately, when you go depends on why you’re travelling and what you like. That being said, I hope this brings things into perspective and helps you decide when the best time is to visit this Mediterranean paradise.
Travel Guide to Mallorca: How to get to Mallorca
The fastest and easiest way to get to Mallorca is by air, with many international flights daily to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI).
You can then take a taxi, rent a car, or use public transport to get to anywhere on the island you want to go.
You can also take a ferry from the mainland of Spain or from nearby islands like Ibiza to get to Mallorca.
There are direct flights to Palma de Mallorca from North American countries like the US and Canada for people who are not from Europe.
Since they are far away, though, you can expect them to be pricey. Unfortunately, for travellers from my homeland (Africa), there are no direct flights to Mallorca.
There are, however, direct flights to cities on Spain’s mainland, such as Barcelona. This is the closest airport to Mallorca and is where you would then fly to get there.
Getting to Mallorca Travel Guide: Tips for booking tickets
If you decide to fly to Mallorca, the most essential thing I can tell you is to book your flight early. There are direct flights to the island from northwest Europe, but they can be pricey if you wait until the last minute to book.
It surprised me how pricey flights from London on low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet are. By the way, I was searching two to three months away.
Jet2holidays was cheaper, and Mallorca is one of their main airline hubs, so we booked with them. So, if you want to book, I’d also suggest looking through them. Sometimes they have huge sales.
You could also look for cheap flights to Barcelona or Valencia and then either take another flight or a transfer to get to Mallorca.
Once you get to Mallorca, make sure you plan how to get around using the local transport upon arrival.
We hired a car through Wiber, a private car rental service. You don’t pick up the car at the airport with Wiber, though, but their pickup spot isn’t too far away.
At the airport, Wiber does offer free shuttles that will take you to your rental car. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the shuttle pickup spot, so we took a taxi for £15 for a 10-minute drive, which sucked.
They did, however, offer us a free ride back to the airport after we returned the car. I would still recommend Wiber because their cars are newer, faster, and cheaper than most airport car rentals.
First-timers Mallorca Travel Guide: Accommodation Options
You can find a place to stay in Mallorca that fits your budget and your tastes. All over the island, there are a lot of different types of hotels, from high-end resorts with views of the sea to small, cosy hotels hidden away in cute villages.
Mid-Range Budget Accommodations in Mallorca
We stayed at this reasonably priced place, which is great if you’re travelling with family or friends. It’s in Can Pastilla, not far from the Aquarium of Palma and only 200 metres from both Playa de Palma and Can Pastilla beaches.
It was very nice, had a balcony with a view of the sea, and wasn’t too expensive—for a week in Mallorca.
One thing we didn’t like was how noisy it was at night because it was right next to the main road across the beach.
After a day or two, we were fine, and it didn’t cost us more than £1K. There were lots of stores and restaurants nearby, and getting around was quick and easy.
Some people have recommended this as the best place to stay if they want to be close to everything. It’s in the old part of Palma de Mallorca, which is the island’s main city.
Plus, it has a large roof terrace from which you can see the whole city. The main sights in Palma are easy to get to on foot.
Quick Tip: If you book this place to stay five or six months ahead of time, you can get it for less than £500 for a week, which is a great deal considering where it is.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Mallorca: Hostal Bonany
This is the best choice for people who are travelling alone or who are on a tight budget but still want to be in the centre of Palma city.
Also, keep in mind that Palma might be a better place to stay if you’re not going to rent a car. The city has more things to see and do. Soon, there will be more on this. Keep reading!
In the end, the type of accommodation you choose will depend on your budget and how you like to travel. Please keep in mind that Mallorca doesn’t have a lot of very cheap places to stay.
That’s why it’s very important to book your lodging well ahead of time if you want to find a great, cheap place to stay.
Don’t let high hotel rates ruin your wonderful Balearic Island holiday. Book your stay TODAY! ⤵️
How To Get Around on Mallorca Island: Rent a Car
If you want to see more of the island than just the common tourist spots, you should rent a car.
It’s highly recommended, and I agree that having a car gave us flexibility and convenience while discovering hidden gems along scenic drives.
It gave us a relaxed holiday vibe because we didn’t have to worry about missing a bus or train to see or do something. Everything was done at our own pace.
After renting a car and driving around for a day or two, you’ll quickly understand why renting a car is popular in Mallorca—it’s the best way for both locals and tourists to get around.
There are also a lot of underground parking lots, mostly in Palma City. There are public parking lots almost everywhere else on the island, even in villages.
You can park for just €2 to €3 for two hours, which is also quite cheap. As someone who lives in London, I thought that was nothing compared to the ridiculous £5 they charge to drop someone off at the airport in London.
GET AROUND MALLORCA: Mallorca Travel Guide
Last but not least, European Union nationals renting a car in Mallorca do not need an international driver’s licence if they are there for less than three months. Alex’s (my husband’s) father, who is an EU citizen, booked our rental car.
But I do think it’s important to point out one thing. Although Alex has a British driver’s licence, he wasn’t allowed to drive a car.
It was unclear to me whether this was because rentals usually only let the person who made the reservation drive or if something has changed for British citizens and residents since the UK left the EU.
That being said, I would suggest that any British citizen in possession of a valid driver’s licence verify in advance whether an international licence is required. For those outside Europe, check with your local driver’s licence authority as well.
Get your rental car for your trip to Mallorca NOW! ⤵️
Getting Around Mallorca Without a Car
If you would rather not drive, there is public transport available, such as buses and trains, that connects major towns—wondering if there is a train service in Mallorca, though, and if it’s like in other Spanish cities.
Then I think you might be a little let down because Mallorca’s train service only refers to a small train that goes from Palma to the smaller villages.
But Mallorca does have a small metro system. Palma de Mallorca has a metro system, but it’s not very big. The metro line does not yet reach Palma Airport.
The only other lines on the island, to Inca and Manacor, leave from Placa Espana in Palma.
Find more infor on Soller Train Schedule, Costs, and Route, on Click Mallorca blog
You can take the Tren soller to Soller and Port de soller for a day trip. If you’re on a tight budget, though, I wouldn’t suggest this because the train rides from Palma to Soller could be pricey.
Also, keep in mind that if you go in the winter, the train may not run from Palma to Soller. However, we saw it work from Soller to Port de Soller.
Finally, from what I saw, the bus is another way to get around Mallorca without a car. I believe that the bus system is the main form of public transportation. But I think you should check their schedule to see when you can visit.
Palma de Mallorca: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off A bus tour might be another great way to see the city without a car.
The Best Mallorca Travel Guide: Top must-see/do in Mallorca
Honestly, how you see Mallorca’s most interesting sights and towns will depend on how long you stay and whether you rent a car.
As I already said, the island isn’t small, and believe it or not, it’s a long way between cities and villages. Here are my suggestions for the best places to see in Mallorca to help you plan your trip well and make the most of it.
Palma, which is the capital of Mallorca, is where most tourists start their first day. This was not the case for us, though, because we stayed pretty close to Palma—in fact, it only took us 10 to 15 minutes by car to get to the centre of Palma. So where we began didn’t matter.
RELATED: A Complete Guide to Things to do in Barcelona for the First-Time Visit!
PRO TIP:
As long as you have a rental car, the best place to stay is in Palma city or close by. The city has a lively Spanish atmosphere and more restaurants, attractions, and activities than anywhere else on the island. It’s also the closest to the airport. So explore it on your last day or two before leaving the island and save your holiday energy for beautiful places you don’t want to miss.
PORT DE SOLLER
Explore Port de Soller harbour to start your trip. We started our adventures here. Port de Soller is on the northwest coast of the island of Mallorca. It offers breathtaking views of the azure water in a mountainous backdrop.
There are sailboats, cafes, gelato shops, shops, and beach clubs along the waterfront, which we enjoyed exploring. By the way, this is where the trans-Soller line ends. So, you can ride the historic tram that runs between Port de Soller and Soller town. The ride goes through beautiful scenery.
We didn’t stay long, though, because that day we had more places to see. We also didn’t need to take the train because we had our car and were already going to Soller.
Must-Visit Destinations in Mallorca
SOLLER
The charming town of Soller is only a short tram ride from Port de Soller. Explore its narrow cobblestone streets with boutique shops and cafes to admire its well-preserved architecture.
If you want to eat there, just make sure you call ahead of time. I don’t know if this is because we went in the winter, but most of the restaurants were either fully booked or closed.
Quick Tip:
Take the time to find out which towns or villages are close to each other when you are planning your Mallorca Travel Guide Activities. This is important so you can plan day trips around it. A route that goes to Soller but skips Port de Soller and then to Deia on the same day is not what you want.
PALMA CITY
A great mix of history, culture, and lively nightlife can be found in Palma City. Here are some of the best things to see and do in the city:
- Visit Palam Cathedral – The Gothic-style building is a famous landmark that dominates the skyline of the city. Do not miss the chance to see its beautiful interior, as we did! We went on after 3 p.m. when it was closed during the week. Read about opening hours here.
- Visit Bellver Castle: This round castle has a history museum inside and a view of Palma that you can’t get anywhere else. The castle requires an entrance fee, but the hop-on bus ticket also grants free access. This is another budget-friendly tip. You should go early, though, before the castle closes. We felt sad about not visiting inside. On the other hand, the views from outside the castle were great.
- Take a stroll through Old Town – The narrow streets are lined with cute buildings, small shops, cafes, and restaurants. I would highly recommend taking the Palma First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour. You will learn so much about the city and see some hidden gems that you wouldn’t normally see.
- Relax at Playa de Palma – Playa de Palma is a famous beach on Mallorca that runs along Palma Bay and is a great place to spend time relaxing or taking a stroll.
Mallorca Villages—you can’t miss it!
VALLDEMOSSA
Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca, and it’s only a short drive from Palma de Mallorca. I thought I was going to have an “Instagram vs. reality” moment, but I was pleasantly surprised by how cute and beautiful this village is in real life.
Explore its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with pretty flower pots and cute shops that sell crafts and goods made in the area. Everyone visiting Mallorca must see this village. I don’t know how busy it is in the summer, but when we were there, it was so quiet and not crowded at all.
Seriously, it felt like walking into a fairy-tale movie. You can also enjoy tasty local food in one of the cosy cafes or restaurants while taking in the beautiful scenery.
DEIA
I remember thinking Deia was the most beautiful Mallorcan village when I was researching village visits. After seeing both, though, Valldemossa is my favourite.
I also liked Deia’s unique landscapes. The village of Deia is a magical place with stunning views, just a 10-minute drive from Valldemossa. It is tucked away in the beautiful Tramuntana Mountains.
Walk leisurely through its charming streets, lined with stone houses decorated with flowers. As a downside, most of the restaurants in this village will be closed during the winter. Unlike Valldemossa, where restaurants were open and we had coffee and treats at a cafe, sadly for Deia, this turned us off.
Don’t miss Cala Deia, though, a beautiful pebble beach surrounded by rocky cliffs. It’s a great place to relax, even in the winter. We loved watching the sunset from the beach.
An Experience You can’t miss in Mallorca
DRACH CAVES
These caves are the most amazing ones I’ve seen so far! It is located in Porto Cristo, which is a bit of a drive from Plama, but the trip was well worth it. You will embark on an underground adventure through the famous Drach Caves.
These mysterious limestone caves are like nothing else on Earth.
You can have an amazing time in these mysterious limestone caves that are unlike anything else.
The part where we sat in what looked like an arena to watch the classical music performance along the riverbank was my favourite. The show began on a boat, with the lights turned off.
It was lovely and soothing to watch. No filming or taking pictures during the performance is allowed, but you can before and after. Our cave exit included an optional free boat ride. I highly recommend it!
A Day Trip I'd Recommend in Porto Cristo ⤵️
THE BEST BEACHES IN MALLORCA
Beautiful beaches and clear blue water are what Mallorca is known for. There are more than 200 lovely beaches on the island, so it can be hard to choose the best one.
We went to the island at a time when it wasn’t convenient to be at the beach, but we still had a lot of beaches we wanted to see. We did see some of them, but not all of them.
These, along with the others on our list, were the most beautiful options we saw. I hope your trip takes you to all of them. Don’t worry if you don’t see them all—you can always return. I hope to visit Mallorca soon.
SA CALOBRA
In a quiet spot on the western coast of Mallorca, you’ll find Sa Calobra, a cute group of two beaches separated by a river gauge.
Pick which of the two sets of beaches you want to see. We only saw the Torrent de Pareis because we got there a little late.
Driving to Sa Calobra is hard because the main road goes through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, which is already a big adventure. Yet, the trip was worthwhile because you will see one of the world’s most beautiful and winding roads.
CALA LLOMBARDS
Cala Llombards is a popular beach on the southeast coast of Mallorca, close to the village of Santanyí. It can get crowded in the summer, but we went during the off-season and had the whole place to ourselves. It gives people a beautiful piece of paradise to enjoy.
This tiny beach is tucked between two rocky cliffs that protect it from strong winds and make it feel cosy. It’s great for families with kids because the water is shallow and clear.
Must-visit Beaches in Mallorca
CALO DES MORO
Caló des Moro is 15–20 minutes from Cala Llombards. It’s a beautiful natural hidden gem that will take your breath away. It’s a small beach, but the water is clear and great for swimming.
I enjoyed visiting Mallorca during the off-season because of how serene it was to be surrounded by cliffs that were covered in beautiful greenery.
PRO TIP:
I’d suggest you visit the Drach caves and Caló des Moro and Cala Llombards on the same day. They are all on the southeast coast of the island. You’ll also save time this way.
CALA DEIA
Cala Deià is a beautiful beach that is right below the cute village of Deià. High cliffs surround this paradise, which offers more tranquillity than any other place on Earth.
The fastest and easiest way to get here is by car on a narrow road. There are two places to park at the bottom, right before you reach the beach. Use the visitor parking lot, not the resident one. If you take a taxi, make sure you arrange a pick-up time, preferably with the same taxi, or don’t expect it to come down.
This beach doesn’t have any sand at all, like most of the beaches in Mallorca. But the water is clean and the views are beautiful, making it a great spot to watch the sun go down.
There also looked to be restaurants nearby, but most of them were closed again. In the off-season, this looked like a big issue. But I think you could enjoy tasty seafood from the area while taking in the view in the summer.
Other beautiful beaches recommended by many travellers includes the following:
Note that Calas are small, sheltered bays or inlets with clear waters and rocky shores. This is why most of the beaches in Mallorca are called cala.
- Cala Pi
- Cala Marmols
- Cala S’almunia
- Es Pontas
- Es Trenc
Mallorca Travel Guide: Where to Eat in Mallorca
Marina di Manù: This Italian restaurant in Can Pastilla is a hidden gem. It was only 5 minutes from where we were staying. We came here twice because the food was great and the staff was nice. The prices are low—you can expect to pay about £97 for four people, including drinks, and the portions are huge. I recommend it, especially in the off-season when most restaurants are closed.
Bodega Mayor: A beautiful middle-range restaurant right in the middle of Plaza Mayor, Palma’s main, most colourful square. They have the biggest platters of seafood. There was Christmas decor up at night, which made it feel nice to sit outside on the terrace.
TIP: Note that Google Maps currently shows this location as temporarily closed, but it’s not. The restaurant was open when we were there not long ago.
Ostras – a popular spot inside the Olivar market, is known for serving the best oysters and other seafood in Palma. I tried oysters here for the first time.
Olivar Market Palma: This market is a food lover’s dream. It’s in Palma City’s historic district. This busy market has sold fresh produce, seafood, meats, spices, and more to locals since 1951. You have to see it in Palma!
La Cuadra Del Mano – This was at the top of my list because I had done a lot of research on it and was excited to eat here. In terms of food, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
Traditional Spanish flavours are mixed with new cooking methods at this restaurant to make dishes that are both familiar and interesting. Unfortunately, it was closed the whole time we were there, which made me sad.
Quick Disclaimer
Most of the restaurants I’ve suggested are only in Palma and Can Pastilla, as you may have noticed. We chose these spots because it was close to where we stayed and had a lot of food options. This is because off-season Mallorca visitors are fewer. Many restaurants outside Palma closed early or closed completely. Our trip’s only drawback was this. I recommend researching this to avoid disappointment.
Other Best Restaurants in Mallorca ⤵️
Wrap-up: Mallorca Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
I hope this Mallorca travel guide helps you start planning your trip. The place is beautiful and has something for everyone. Mallorca has it all—beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, rich history and culture, and delicious local cuisine—whether you visit in the off-season or not.
As a first-time visitor, follow this guide to maximise your trip and make memories. Most importantly, Mallorca is affordable with proper planning; we are not special.
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