Mallorca or Majorca: Tourists Want the Truth!

(updated July 2024)

Travelers to Spain often ask, “Which is correct; is it Mallorca or Majorca?” Perhaps you are confused whether Mallorca and Majorca are the same place? While these questions seem mundane, no one wants to travel abroad and look like a fool! Don’t worry, I had similar questions before my recent trip to Mallorca, Spain.

You might wonder whether Majorca is the same as Mallorca? In fact, Majorca and Mallorca are the same city in the Balearic Islands of Spain. Spanish and American travelers use “Mallorca”, while “Majorca” is often used by British tourists. Yet, the official name and correct spelling is “Mallorca”.

This travel blog shares information about the Balearic Islands of Spain. I recently returned from a vacation in Spain where I learned about the pronunciation of Mallorca. Keep reading to learn the difference between Majorca vs Mallorca, and other helpful facts about this gorgeous Mediterranean destination.

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Where Is Mallorca?

Mallorca is a Spanish city on the European continent. In fact, it is the largest Balearic Island, 125 miles off the southeastern coast of Spain in the western Mediterranean Sea. Mallorca is east of Ibiza, 112 nautical miles off of the coast of Barcelona and 137 nautical miles from Valencia. 

Seeking Stamps Tip: Mallorca is not a part of the Canary Islands of Spain, which are further southwest, near Africa.

Read This Blog Post For Plane Sleeping Tips Before You Travel to Mallorca!

Map of Mallorca (or Majorca)

Are Majorca and Mallorca the Same Place?

You might be wondering, is Majorca the same as Mallorca? First things first, YES. Majorca and Mallorca are the same place. The two names are interchangeable. “Majorca” is often used by British tourists. Yet, Spanish and American travelers use the name “Mallorca”. 

Mallorca Is One of the Balearic Islands

Importantly, Mallorca is one of the Balearic Islands which are 50-180 miles off the coast of mainland Spain. The Balearic archipelago comprises several beautiful islands in Spain.  Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza are larger islands and popular tourist destinations. Additionally, the two smaller islands are Formentera, and Cabrera. 

Of the 150 islands of the chain, only 5 of them are inhabited. According to Worldatlas.com, “The Balearic Archipelago comprises four major islands and several other islets in the Mediterranean Sea.  The islands are grouped further, the Gymnesian Islands (comprising Cabrera, Menorca, and Mallorca) and Pityusic Islands (Formentera and Ibiza).”

Find Travel Tips For Your Mallorca Travel Itinerary in This Blog Post!

Facts About Mallorca

As the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Spain has an area of 1,405 square miles and boasts 334 miles of coastline. Yet, it only takes 6 hours to circumnavigate the entire island. The population of Mallorca is approximately 950,000 people.

Despite its compact size, there are plenty of things to do in Mallorca. Explore charming countryside villages or soak up the sun on 262 stunning beaches. From sailing, hiking, and cycling there are a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.

How Do You Pronounce Mallorca or Majorca?

Before you decide on how you want to spell Mallorca or Majorca, you need to know how to pronounce Majorca. Click the link to hear the recording or watch the video for the correct pronunciation. Either way you spell Majorca or Mallorca, you pronounce it the same way.

Pronounce Mallorca and Majorca: mah-yohr-kah

Etymology of Mallorca

The name Mallorca comes from the Latin insula major, meaning “larger island”.  Over time, this became Maiorca, meaning  “the larger one”, in comparison to Menorca, “the smaller one”.  Finally, this changed to “Mallorca” which is the standard spelling today. 

What Languages are Spoken in Mallorca?

Importantly, the two official languages in Mallorca are Castilian Spanish and Catalan Spanish. In addition, residents speak a local dialect, Mallorquí. Due to tourism, German, French and English are also common languages in Mallorca. During our travels in Mallorca we did not experience any language barriers.

Is Using Mallorca or Majorca Related to the Spanish Pronunciation?

Travelers often ask, “Is using Mallorca or Majorca related to the Spanish pronunciation?” Although plausible, many people mistakenly believe that the reason for both names, “Mallorca” or “Majorca”, is due to the different pronunciation in the Catalan language. 

Yet, this is false. Expres.co.uk states,  “According to this theory, it is pronounced Mallorca in Catalán and Majorca in Spanish (Castilian). However, this is not true and in fact it is also Mallorca in the Castilian Spanish language too.”

Mallorca and Majorca in the English Language

Now you might wonder who actually calls Mallorca, “Majorca”? According to the Telegraph, there are rumors that “the British invented the j in Majorca because they couldn’t get their tongues around the double L, pronounced y. ” Perhaps that explains why Mallorca is called Majorca in the English language.

In my hometown of San Diego, we are all too familiar with challenging Spanish words. For example, words like “calle” (pronounced Kah-yeh) or “La Jolla” (La- HOY-a) that use the double LL sound. I confess, it can be tricky so I don’t blame the British for creating an easier way to remember the pronunciation of their favorite vacation spot.

Is There a Difference Between Mallorca or Majorca?

So let’s cut to the chase; is Majorca and Mallorca the same place? Yes, they are the same place. The only difference between Mallorca and Majorca is the way the words are spelled.

Which is Correct: Mallorca or Majorca?

In summary, which is the correct spelling, Majorca or Mallorca? Technically, Mallorca is the correct name of the city.

Are You Continuing Your Travels in Spain? Read These Blog Posts About Things to Do in Barcelona and Things to Do in Granada, Spain!

Majorca or Mallorca: FAQ’s

1. Is Mallorca a Country?

Mallorca is not a country. It is part of Spain and the European continent. It is the largest Balearic Island in the western Mediterranean Sea. This archipelago consists of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera and other islands which are autonomous provinces. The capital and largest city is Palma.

2. How Do You Spell Majorca?

I think this is an obvious one, but you spell Majorca M-A-J-O-R-C-A. 

3. Is Mallorca in Europe?

Mallorca, Spain is on the European continent. It is one of the Balearic Islands off the coast of mainland Spain and is part of Europe.

4. Why Is Mallorca Popular?

Mallorca is a popular destination because it has clear turquoise water, and amazing rocky coastlines. In addition, it offers a variety of outdoor activities, fabulous beach resorts, gourmet restaurants, and exciting nightlife. Mallorca is considered a playground of the uber rich and famous, yet even “regular” people can have a fabulous time!

5. Is Mallorca in Majorca?

The city of Mallorca is not “in” Majorca. Mallorca and Majorca are the same city in Spain (just spelled differently). 

6. What Should the Other Spanish Island Be Called- Menorca or Minorca?

If we aren’t puzzled enough already, there is another Balearic island with two names, Menorca or Minorca. Menorca is the “correct” Spanish name and the equivalent English name is Minorca Island Spain.

7. Is Majorca or Mallorca Better?

Both “Majorca” and “Mallorca” are the SAME place, so neither is better than the other. It’s an amazing city no matter what you choose to call it. 

8. What Is the Difference Between Mallorca vs Menorca?

It should be noted that Menorca is a completely different island than Mallorca. Menorca, Majorca, Mallorca, all sound so similar that this leads to confusion, right?!  Both Menorca and Mallorca are Balearic Islands in close proximity to one another. These islands are 42 miles away from one another. Therefore, it’s simple to get from Menorca to Mallorca.

9. Is Palma de Mallorca the Same as Mallorca?

Palma is the capital city of the island of Mallorca. The name changed from Palma de Mallorca to Palma in 2016. The terms are synonymous and refer to the busy city center of Mallorca island. Although Palma de Mallorca and Mallorca get used interchangeably, they are different from one another. In fact, Palma is the busy city center of the island and Mallorca refers to the entire island.

10. When Is the Best Time to Go to Mallorca?

Mallorca Spain is a population destination year-round. Peak season is June to September. Honestly, the island is packed during the summer which limits beach access and makes prices higher. I recommend visiting Mallorca in the fall shoulder season.  The weather is pleasant with fewer crowds. In December,  Mallorca has charming Christmas markets and holiday festivities. January and February the weather is cool, but there is still plenty to do on the island. 

Final Thoughts: Is Majorca and Mallorca the Same Place?

In conclusion, I hope this article highlighted some facts and misconceptions about Mallorca. You are now prepared if someone asks, “Is Majorca and Mallorca the same place?” Clearly, Mallorca is a popular holiday destination in the Mediterranean. It’s beloved for its glorious turquoise water, steep rocky coastlines, and idyllic villages. So whether you use Mallorca or Majorca, you will have an amazing time when you visit this stunning Spanish island!