Mallorca Tourist Information

Mallorca (or Majorca) is a Mediterranean island of stunning natural beauty. Its early reputation for cheap mass tourism emerged from the large scale developments on the island’s south west coast. Early resorts which remain popular today include Magaluf and Palma Nova to the west of Palma and Can Pastilla to the east. In more recent times Mallorca has reinvented itself with an emphasis on more upmarket tourism with visitors encouraged to explore the island’s beautiful coastline and interior. The east coast of Mallorca consists of more than fifty secluded coves of enormous beauty. Cala Millor or Cala Bona are ideal bases from which to discover this region.

Getting to Mallorca

Flights to Mallorca

Mallorca’s Son Sant Joan airport lies just 8km east of the city of Palma de Mallorca. With around 23 million annual passengers it is Spain’s 3rd busiest airport. There are many flights to Mallorca from the United Kingdom and Germany all year round thanks to the popularity of the island as a holiday destination. All the well known budget airlines offer extensive services to Palma, including Ryanair and Air Berlin which have made the airport one of their key hubs. Many additional flight services appear during the summer months and the airport is well connected with the rest of Spain by domestic flights. There are plenty transfer options to destinations all over the island.

Mallorca Airport Transport Options

Private Transfers: The most hassle free way of arranging a transfer into Palma city, further west to the popular resorts of Palma Nova and Magaluf or anywhere on the island is to pre-book a private transfer and have a have a vehicle waiting for you outside arrivals. Private Transfers are available to resorts all over the island.

Taxis from Mallorca Airport: There’s a huge taxi rank outside the arrivals lounge with taxis available for all arriving flights. Whilst their service is convenient you’ll generally find that pre-booked transfers to the popular resorts work out a little chaper.

Public Buses: There are buses running from outside arrivals into Palma from 06:10am through until 01:10am which are very cheap. Then you can get buses from Palma bus station to almost anywhere on the island. This option is most inconvenient after a long journey but is an option if you’re on a low budget.

Mallorca Airport Car Hire: For many visitors the best option is to collect a hire car at the airport which provides your airport transfer and gives you access to transport during your stay. A hire car allows you to get off the beaten track and discover more of the island. For instance the drive along the north-west coast of Mallorca is one of the most beautiful drives you’re ever likely to do. Unfortunately, the amount of traffic during the summer months destroys the experience so try to do this during an off-season holiday if possible. If you do decide to rent a car in Mallorca then we’d recommend that you get a quote from Zest Car Rental who tend to offer very good deals all year round.

Flight to Mallorca

Ferries to Mallorca

If you’re already in Spain you can get to Mallorca from the mainland using one of the two main ferry companies serving the Balearics. Transmediterranea Ferries operate ultra-modern ferries which connect Palma with Barcelona, Valencia, Ibiza and Mahon. The journey from Barcelona takes about seven hours but there is also a high speed catamaran which only takes 3 hours 45 minutes. Another company called Balearia Ferries offers the same routes as Transmediterranea plus a connection between Palma and Denia which is south of Valencia. Approximate journey times to Palma are 7 hours from Valencia and 5 hours from Denia (this service goes via Ibiza).

Best Time to Visit Mallorca

The weather in Mallorca is pretty much what you would expect from one of the Mediterranean’s premier beach holiday destinations. Every summer millions of tourists from all over Europe fly into Palma’s Son Sant Joan Airport in anticipation of long, hot days and lovely, warm nights. They won’t be disappointed. The peak summer months see temperatures rising above the 30ºC in the afternoons with rainfall highly unlikely other than the odd summer storm which is usually most welcome after enduring such heat. From the rainfall and temperature figures presented below you’ll see that July and August are both the driest and the hottest months. They are also the most expensive for holidays and the busiest time for all the resorts.

Balearic Landscape
Cycling Through Typical Mallorcan Countryside – Photo Credit: CC MollySVH

If you are flexible on travel dates and don’t need to be on holiday during these peak months then I’d strongly recommend that you consider visiting Mallorca on either side of them. Personally I love being on the island at anytime in May or June as well as during the month of September. It’s still busy with plenty going on all over the island but without the scorching summer temperatures and the masses of people tied to school holidays from all over the continent. Daytime remains really nice and warm with pleasant evenings for dining outdoors.

It’s more difficult to suggest when you visit Mallorca in winter as the weather is far less predictable. As a rule winters are quite mild and mainly dry with many sunny days with beautiful clear skies. Whilst daytime temperatures seldom fall below 10ºC or 15ºC you can certainly feel a certain chill in the air. It may not be hot enough to go to the beach but sunbathing in a sheltered spot should be fine. It can become quite chilly in the evenings so you’ll need to pack accordingly. January and February tend to be the coldest months. There is rainfall during the winter months but it rarely lasts more than a few days (hopefully not the few days when you’re there!). October to December tend to be the wettest months.

Where to Stay in Mallorca

Hotels: Thanks to the perennial popularity of Mallorca there are hotels all over the island to suit all tastes and budgets. In addition there are traditional farmhouses which have been converted into rural retreats as well as a great selection of villas and apartments available all over the island.

Packed Magaluf Beach
Packed Magaluf Beach – Photo Credit: CC Chris

Holiday Rentals: Renting a holiday villa or apartment in Mallorca provides a fine option for family holidays. Although villas are available for rent in stunning locations all over the island it would be fair to say that some of the most exclusive properties can be found in the region around Puerto Pollensa and Alcudia on the north coast. Prices for Mallorca villas with pools obviously peak during the summer period and finding good deals is very difficuly, however, if you’re not tied to these months you might find some good offers. Self-catering holiday apartments are widely available all over the island.

Package Holidays: All of Europe’s big tour operators feature year round holidays to Mallorca.

Things to do in Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca: Spending a day in the island’s capital is one of the best things you can do in Mallorca as it is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Some of the highlights of the city include the La Seu Cathedral which took almost 400 years to build, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the circular Bellver Castle which overlooks the Bay of Palma. Time permitting it’s well worth taking a full-day vintage train journey from Palma to Soller.

Palma de Mallorca Cathedral
Palma de Mallorca Cathedral – Photo Credit: CC Gatanass

Serra de Tramuntana: This the mountain range runs parallel with Mallorca’s north-west coast. Its landscape has been recognised by UNESCO which named it a World Heritage Site. The rugged terrain and mountain peaks present quite a contrast with the gentle east coast. It’s well worth renting a car driving the stunning north-west coast from Alcudia in the north to Andratx in the south. Highlights of the journey include the Monastery at Lluc, Soller, Deia and Valldemossa.

640-banyalbufar-mallorca-01

Theme Parks: With a selection of waterparks and theme parks in Mallorca there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained when they’re looking for a change from the beach or hotel pool.

Caves of Drac: Located near Porto Cristo on the east coast, the Caves of Drach are one of the island’s top tourist attractions. There’s a large lake inside the caves where a short classical music performance takes place during visits.

Vintage Train Journey: One of the island’s most popular activities is the Palma to Sóller train journey which runs from the railway station in Palma de Mallorca to Sóller on the rugged north coast. The one hour journey travels through some beautiful rural landscapes.

Cap de Formentor: If you’re staying in the north of the island you really must take the short drive to Cap de Formentor for spectacular views at the northern tip of the island. In fact, if you’re looking to do more than sitting on a beach for the duration of your holiday then it’s well worth hiring a car and taking some road trips into the interior of the island or driving the epic west coast.

Mallorca Beaches: Few major tourist destinations are blessed with the range of fabulous sandy beaches which Mallorca has to offer. As well as some outstanding ones located right at the main resorts there are many secluded ones scattered all around the coast.

640-mallorca-beach-01

Country Markets: There are some great markets around Mallorca which are more than just tourist traps. You’ll find the majority of people there are locals buying fresh produce whilst typical Mallorquin products are available to visitors including ceramic and leather items.

Golf Courses: With around 20 courses scattered around the island Mallorca is a perfect golfing destination blessed with stunning scenery and an idyllic climate for many months of the year.

Yacht Charter: As well as hosting prestigious sailing events such as the King’s Cup and the Princess Sofia Cup, Palma de Mallorca is a major hub for sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. Popular destinations around the island include the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park off the south coast and Sa Dragonera off the west coast. Also, within a day’s sailing are the Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera.

The coast of Mallorca is home to a number of stylish marinas offering the high standard of facilities that one would expect from such a prominent sailing destination. Yacht charters can be arranged from some of the larger marinas on the island.

Best Holiday Resorts in Mallorca

When planning your visit to Mallorca you can consider the island according to four geographical areas which are quite distinct in terms of what they have to offer:

South-West Coast: Mallorca’s south west coast is the top destination for package tourism. There are plenty attractions for all age groups including families but this is certainly the place to go for 18-30s looking for a good time. Top resorts are Magaluf and Palma Nova.
North-East Coast: There are great beaches along this coast and controlled tourism development has led to some very attractive resorts such as Puerto Pollensa and Alcudia. Many activities are available and the are is popular with walkers, birdwatchers and cyclists. This is an ideal choice for families and visitors looking for a quieter time.
East Coast: Mallorca’s east coast is populated with dozens of small coves and beautiful bays. Tourism is well developed here and is geared towards family holidays in resorts such as Cala Millor, Cala Bona and Cala Ratjada.
North-West Coast: There aren’t really any resorts as such along the rugged northwest coast. This is an area of beautiful mountains and rocky cliffs dropping down to the wild sea below. The area is popular with day trippers and there’s plenty accommodation available if you prefer to be away from the traditional resorts.

Mallorca Map

Magaluf
With a great beach and enough entertainment for everyone Magaluf is the island’s most popular resort for package tourism. Although its nightlife is a little on the wild side during the peak summer months it remains a popular choice for family holidays.

Palma Nova
Just down the road from Magalluf and within walking distance is the ever popular resort of Palma Nova which is lower key on the nightlife yet still a popular choice for all age groups.

Palma Nova Beach
Palma Nova Beach – Photo Credit: CC Chris

Santa Ponsa
Santa Ponsa is a popular resort for family holidays which overlooks a lovely bay. It is only 8km from the many tourist attractions of Magaluf.

Puerto Pollensa
Located near the island’s most northerly point at Cap de Formentor this resort has long been established as a favourite with holidaymakers. This whole area is very popular with cyclists, walkers and birdwatchers. It offers a fine of hotel and apartment accommodation.

Alcudia
Alcudia on Mallorca’s beautiful northwest coast is a fine destination for holidays all year round. Development has been sensibly controlled leading to generally low rise hotel developments over a large area.

Cala Millor
Cala Millor is the premier resort of Mallorca’s east coast thanks to its magnificent beach and tourism infrastructure. A well maintained resort with a fine selection of accommodation.

Cala Bona
Cala Bona is a quaint little resort neighbouring Cala Millor on Mallorca’s east coast. There are many British visitors who are keen to avoid the mass tourism resorts.

Playa de Palma
This resort area has a 6km beach near the airport which stretches all the way from Can Pastilla to Arenal.

Can Pastilla
C’an Pastilla is a popular resort lying right on the coast next to Palma de Mallorca’s international airport. Its accommodation infrastructure is well established with newer ones slightly east on the main Playa de Palma.

Cala d’Or
Cala Dor is a pretty little resort on Mallorca’s east coast with nice beaches and a stylish marina. There are a few nice hotels around and a good selection of private apartments.

Cala Ratjada
Cala Ratjada is a pleasant resort with many beautiful beaches nearby. Older properties line the seafront whilst better quality options are set back a few streets on the way up to the Alcudia road.

Can Picafort
C’an Picafort is a low rise resort on the north coast with a good selection of self-catering accommodation. It has a busy port from where a number of boat trips depart.

More Resorts in Mallorca

Arenal
Cala Mayor
Cala San Vicente
Calas de Mallorca
Camp de Mar
Capdepera
Paguera
Porto Colom
Sa Coma
Sant Elm