Holidays in Mallorca

Mallorca is the largest and most striking island of the Balearic archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea and attracts thousands of travellers every year. The island is quite distinct from continental Spain. The first people arrived here various thousand years before Christ. Mallorca has often been the subject of wars and invasions.

The change of each era and of the nations that have ruled the island has left its unique mark on the way of life of the locals and has created a special atmosphere on Mallorca. But the island has not always been a popular tourist destination; at the turn of the century only elite travellers could afford a holiday in Mallorca. This all changed from the 1950s onwards, when flights became available and the tourist infrastructure began to develop.

Mallorca owes its popularity to the extraordinary nature, the large number of national nature reserves, the picturesque bays and the white sandy beaches. In the interior there are fruitful olive and almond groves, windmills and old villages. The capital, Palma de Mallorca, is the oldest city in Europe.

Mallorca is unique in the sense that it is the perfect destination for any type of holiday. Mallorca is perfect for families with children as well as for active young people. The island is considered to be one of the most democratic and hospitable in the world. The inhabitants of Mallorca speak Catalan and Spanish and many speak several foreign languages.

What is Mallorca famous for?

The island is famous for its seaside resorts, picturesque bays and Roman and Moorish architecture. The capital of Mallorca is a large, modern city that has preserved its historic buildings.

If you like fine art, head to the town of Polens, famous for its art galleries. Music festivals are also held here. On the north coast of Mallorca is the picturesque cape of Formentor, which is home to an old lighthouse and viewpoint.

The weather in Mallorca

Mallorca is open all year round, with temperatures hovering around 15-16C even in winter. Mallorca is at its best in late spring and remains a joy throughout autumn. The bathing season starts in May and lasts until October, with hot summers and little rain. Temperatures often exceed 30°C and the water temperature can rise to around 25°C.

Many people like to visit Mallorca between October and November, when the weather is still warm and sunny and there are fewer tourists. Mallorca becomes very busy during the tourist season with many colourful celebrations and festivals. In August, for example, Mallorca celebrates the patron saint of the sea for a week. The week ends with a big fireworks display on 15 August.

Transport in Mallorca

You can get around Mallorca comfortably by bus, train or hire car. The island’s capital has a metro system. The transport system is managed by TIB and information on routes, timetables and ticket prices can be found on their website.

Bus routes in Mallorca

The bus service in Mallorca is very good, both local and long distance. There are more than 30 local and intercity bus lines all over the island. From the capital, you can reach the main tourist centres of Mallorca by bus. Most of the buses are permanently parked at the Intermodal Station in the Plaza de Intermodal de España.

At the kiosks you can buy “bonobus” discount vouchers and take advantage of the reduced fares. A ticket for 10 journeys saves you a lot of money. Fares vary depending not only on the day of the week but also on the time of year. Bus fares range from 1 Euro in the city to 10 Euros in neighbouring towns. All bus stops are painted yellow and green. Use the front door to enter the bus and the button above the seats to get off.

Mallorca metro

The Mallorca Metro connects the capital with the town of Marrachí, with a line of 9 stations. Palma de Mallorca’s main metro station, the Intermodal Station, is located in the heart of the city. The metro opens at 6 am and runs until 11 pm.

Rail services in Mallorca

All trains depart from the main railway station, the Estación Intermodal, with three lines departing from the island’s capital to the north and east. The Sóller vintage tourist train stands out, a train that is not only a landmark of Mallorca, but also travels a very beautiful route.

Every day, the historic train with its wooden interior leaves the capital and heads north. The scenic route winds through plains and mountains, passes through 13 mountain tunnels and stops in the town of Sóller. Please note that the line closes for annual maintenance in December and January.

Car hire in Mallorca

We always recommend renting a car in Mallorca, especially if you are travelling in a group. Not only do you save good money, but also a lot of waiting time and unnecessary stops on public transport. You can rent a car in Mallorca in advance on the internet or as soon as you arrive on the island. Booking in advance will allow you to compare prices and choose the best option.

Major international car hire brands such as Hertz, Sixt, Avis and others can be found at Mallorca airport. There are also hire companies in the island’s capital and other cities. The approximate cost of a rental car in Mallorca will be around 25-40 euros for a day’s stay.

To rent a car, you will need a passport, a credit card (not a debit card) and a driving licence. Read the rental conditions carefully. If you are not fully insured, the rental company may freeze large sums of money on your credit card account. This sometimes comes as a surprise to many tourists, as they depend on these funds.

If you are travelling by rental car, check local regulations beforehand. There is very little free parking on the island, so don’t park on the yellow lines unless you want to lose your car. Blue lines indicate paid parking and free parking areas are marked with white lines or no signage.

Taxis in Mallorca

Getting a taxi in Mallorca is easy, you can order one by phone or catch one on the street in the busiest areas. Look for cars painted white with a red and yellow line down the centre of the bonnet and on the front driver’s door. All taxis are metered, and fares are higher on weekends and at night.

Where to stay in Mallorca?

Mallorca’s tourist industry means that you can find accommodation to suit all tastes, from budget hotels to luxury flats. Meals in hotels are rarely included in the price. There are many cafes and restaurants on the island with a wide variety of cuisines and supermarkets offering everything you need.

When choosing a hotel in Mallorca, it is important to look at the type of holiday you are planning. The resorts of Cala d’Or and Illetas, for example, are great for families with children, and Arenal and Magaluf are great for young troublemakers looking for fun.

When choosing accommodation in Mallorca, consider renting a flat or flat. This is a good option if you are travelling with family or friends. You can rent flats in Mallorca for both short and long stays. Booking a hotel or flat in Mallorca in advance will allow you to find an economical option from 60 euros, and in high season the average cost per night can exceed 200 euros.