Helpful Mallorca Travel Tips You Should Know (2025)

(Updated May 2024)

Before you visit one of the most sought after resort destinations in the Mediterranean, you need to know some helpful Mallorca travel tips. This stunning island is a paradise nestled in the Mediterranean Sea. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, steep rocky coastlines, and charming villages, this Balearic gem has become one of Spain’s most popular travel destinations. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous exploration of quaint villages and historical sites, Mallorca offers something for every type of traveler. 

In this Mallorca travel guide, I share essential travel tips to help you make the most out of your visit to this enchanting island. From insider recommendations on where to stay and what to eat, to must-see attractions and hidden gems off the beaten path – get ready for an unforgettable journey through Mallorca!

DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

Mallorca Map

Where Is Mallorca?

Surprisingly, many people are unfamiliar with where Mallorca is located. Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands off the Southeastern coast of Spain. The Balearic archipelago is made up of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and two small islands Formentera, and Cabrera. 

Although it is the largest island in the chain, the size of Mallorca is relatively small. According to recent estimates, the population of Mallorca is just over 950,000 people. Mallorca road trips circumnavigating the entire island only take 6 hours. Despite that fact, Mallorca offers many activities to fill your itinerary. 

How to Travel to Mallorca

International Flights to Mallorca

At first glance, it may seem a bit complicated to reach Mallorca. However, it’s highly accessible from many international cities. You want to search for flights that arrive at Palma de Mallorca Airport  (PMI). Conveniently, the U.S. recently added a non-stop flight to Mallorca via United Airlines.

Regional Flights to Mallorca

Additionally, you have the option to fly to Mallorca through regional airlines such as Air Europa, Easy Jet, Iberia, Ryanair, and Vueling from larger Spanish cities. If you have a Spain itinerary with other destinations, price out a multi-city ticket to get you around the country.

Flights from Barcelona to Mallorca are under one hour and flights from Madrid to Mallorca take about 1.5 hours. For cheap flights to Mallorca, book tickets early. The fares are generally very reasonable. For the time it saves you, flights are the best way to begin your Mallorca vacation.

Seeking Stamps Tip: When flying on regional airlines, consider upgrading your ticket to include Fast Track if it is available. Fast Track is similar to TSA PreCheck® in the US where you have a separate line for security and check-in which “should” expedite your time waiting in line. 

Travel to Mallorca by Ferry

Another option to reach Mallorca island is by ferry. There are several companies to choose from. Ferries depart from Denia, Valencia and Barcelona. Prices are typically lower than flights, but travel by ferry is time consuming. Here are some sites for options to reach Mallorca by ferry on Balearia or Trasmediterranea.

The trip is to Mallorca by ferry is approximately:

• 5 hours from Denia
• 7-9 hours from Valencia
• 7.5 hours from Barcelona

Mallorca Travel Tips

The Best Time to Visit Mallorca

Summer months bring the high tourist season in Mallorca. As a result, crowds are plentiful and accommodations fill up. It’s understandable if you have to visit in summer, but avoid it if you can.

Weather in Mallorca over the winter months can be cool and windy, so it’s not an ideal time to visit if you are hoping for a beach vacation. 

Shoulder season in April/May or September/October is ideal for visiting Mallorca because the weather is pleasant, but there are fewer crowds. We visited in late September and it was the perfect time of year to enjoy the beaches and skip the chaos. 

The Language in Mallorca

Although the official languages of Mallorca are Castilian Spanish and Catalán, English is widely spoken. Locals also speak Mallorquin, a local dialect.  We had no language barriers that proved to be difficult during our Mallorca, Spain travel. Nonetheless, it’s polite (and fun) to learn a few Spanish phrases before you go.

How Long to Stay in Mallorca

Although the island is compact, there is so much to do and see in Mallorca. We stayed for 4 nights and honestly didn’t feel like we could experience everything we wanted. If you have time in your Mallorca Spain itinerary, I recommend at least 5-7 days in Mallorca. 

Keep Reading To Learn Why You Need More Time To Visit Mallorca Beaches . . .

Is Mallorca Safe?

Overall, Mallorca is a very safe Spanish destination. Similar to many cities in Spain, pickpockets can be a problem for tourists. Be aware of common tricks and distraction techniques. To avoid being a target, leave expensive jewelry and purses at home.  Be particularly aware in public transportation.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Ladies, never leave your purse on the back of the chair or floor unattended. 

Where to Stay in Mallorca

Undoubtedly, one of the most common questions when traveling to Mallorca is where to stay. Unless you prefer to stay off the beaten path,  I recommend staying in Palma. There is no shortage of luxury hotels and restaurants here. From Palma you can also plan day trips around the island.

• If you plan to stay for a week or more, consider booking a hotel in Deia for a couple nights to make exploring the northern part of the island easier. 

• For nature lovers, Soller is a popular place to stay if you want to cycle or hike. 

• Are you interested in an active nightlife? Then Magaluf is the place to stay and let the party begin. 

Keep reading for my Mallorca hotel recommendations …

Mallorca Travel Tips for Visiting Beaches

The number one tip in this Mallorca guide is to give yourself more time than you think to reach the beaches in Mallorca. First, it takes a considerable amount of time to find beach parking. Additionally, finding the beach access point can take another 20-30 minutes after parking. Then, at some beaches a hike down rocky terrain is required to reach the shore.

One of the biggest mistakes we made during our trip was not allowing enough time to visit the sandy beaches in Mallorca. Unlike my San Diego hometown, the beaches of Mallorca often have limited parking and beach access. Therefore, if you plan to go to Mallorca beaches, give yourself the full day and do not plan another afternoon activity.

Seeking Stamps Mallorca Tip: The night before, check out the specific beach you plan to visit for details about parking and access. 

What to Pack for Your Mallorca Trip

Are you wondering what to pack for Mallorca? Just like any beach destination, women will want to pack casual attire for daytime such as bathing suits, swim covers, and shirts. People tend to dress up for dinner, so bring sundresses or nice pants for the evening. Men can wear polo style or dress shirts and pants for dinner. You don’t need anything specific for your Mallorca Spain outfit, so relax and pack what you love!

Seeking Stamps Tip:  Importantly, remember to bring sturdy shoes. I regretted wearing cute flip flops to the beach and then struggled on the hike down. Definitely bring some decent running shoes. Many streets have cobblestones and uneven pavement, so leave the heels at home.

Getting Around Mallorca in a Rental Car

The easiest way to get around Mallorca is driving. If you are wondering whether you should get a rental car in Mallorca, the answer is YES. There are so many cool things to do in Mallorca and public transportation is time consuming. Therefore, to maximize your vacation in Mallorca, rent a car.

I understand if you feel intimidated to drive in a foreign country.  I was hesitant to drive here also. Other than feeling nervous about missing turns on roundabouts, getting around the island on your Mallorca road trip is simple. To discover hidden places and take scenic drives, it is worth it!

Rental Car Tips

Importantly, book your car RIGHT away! If you are traveling in peak season, it can be difficult to secure a Mallorca car rental. 

• Choose the smallest car that you can find. Parking is tight and roads are narrow.

• Make sure to get a car that has an automatic transmission. Even if you are skilled with manuals, some of the hills are tricky.

• Just like the U.S., there are several familiar car rental companies to choose from. I suggest pricing a few out to compare, but the ones I researched seemed similarly priced. 

Seeking Stamps Tip: For Mallorca cheap car rentals, it’s fine to try sites such as Expedia or Kayak. During peak season, I recommend booking directly with reputable car rental companies and reconfirm reservations before you arrive.  

How to Get an International Driver’s Permit

It should be noted that you need an international driver’s permit to drive on the island. Before you panic, there’s no testing involved (PHEW!). Simply get two passport sized photos, fill out the application, and mail it in or go to your local AAA office. Additionally, you need to pay a $20 fee and have a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Tips for Your Mallorca Road Trip

Do as I say . . . not as I did. Familiarize yourself with roundabouts and a few road signs before you drive. Watch out, Google maps will occasionally direct you down one way streets (we learned the hard way . . . oops!). We also struggled to get the car GPS to work, so hopefully you will fare better than we did. Despite those few mishaps, the driving was pretty easy. 

Mallorca Travel Tips for Palma de Mallorca

Things to Do in Palma City Center

There are many exciting things to do in Palma de Mallorca.  It’s the perfect place to walk along the oceanfront or wander through shops. After sunset there are restaurants, beach clubs and nightlife to occupy you. Keep reading to find out more!

VISIT THE CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA OF PALMA (LA SEU)

As you drive into the city, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma is striking in the distance. Perched above the road, you will marvel at its beautiful gothic architecture. Visiting the cathedral, affectionately called La Seu, is definitely one of the best things to do in Palma. This 13th century cathedral happens to be one of the tallest in Europe.

Hours of Operation for Palma Cathedral: 

April-October (Summer Hours): 

• Mon-Fri 10:00 am to 5:15 pm
• Sat from 10:00 am to 2:15 pm
• Closed on Sundays

November to March (Winter Hours):

• Mon-Fri: from 10:00 am to 3:15 p.m
• Sat from 10:00 am to 2:15 pm
• Closed on Sundays

Palma Cathedral Entrance Fee: 10 Euros for adults

TOUR THE ROYAL PALACE OF LA ALMUDAINA

Following La Sue, visit another Palma de Mallorca landmark, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina.This 14th century palace is the residence of the King and Queen when they visit the island. 

Royal Palace of La Almudaina Opening Hours:

April-September (Summer Hours):

• Closed on Mondays and holidays
• Thurs-Sunday 10 am to 7:00 pm (last entrance 6:00) 

October to March (Winter Hours):

• Closed on Mondays and holidays
• Thurs-Sunday 10 am to 6:00 pm (last entrance 5:00) 

Entrance fee for the Royal Palace of La Almudaina:

• 7 Euros for adults
• 4 Euros for students, senior citizens, and ages 5-16
• Free for children under age 5

ENJOY SAILING ON A CATAMARAN

One of the best Mallorca travel tips is to book a catamaran tour to enjoy the stunning Mallorca landscape. Sail around the island and stop to snorkel in the crystal clear water. Snacking on tapas, listening to music and sipping cocktails on a boat in the Mediterranean is one of the best things to do in Mallorca, Spain!

Palma de Mallorca Hotels

There is no shortage of gorgeous hotels and resorts to choose from while staying in Palma de Mallorca. We picked one of the best luxury hotels Palma, in the heart of Mallorca’s city center.

Posada Terra Santa has 26 unique rooms and is conveniently located within walking distance to many shops and restaurants. We loved the quaint rooftop pool too! It’s truly a hidden gem in the city with exceptional food and service.

Palma de Mallorca Restaurants

Undoubtedly, finding an amazing Palma de Mallorca restaurant won’t be a challenge. However, deciding which ones are the best Mallorca restaurants might prove to be difficult (because they are ALL delicious)! Palma is a foodie paradise and the options are limitless. 

One of our favorite upscale restaurants in Palma de Mallorca is Fervor. The ambiance is lovely and the food and service are top-notch.

For the best tapas in Palma de Mallorca, consider visiting Bar Espana. This is a casual tapas restaurant serving Spanish food, wine and beer.

Mallorca Travel Tips for a Road Trip to Soller, Deia and Valldemossa

Without a doubt, a vacation in Mallorca is not complete without venturing to the idyllic towns of  Valldemossa, Deia and Soller. The surrounding Serra de Tramuntana cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site that needs to be included on your Mallorca bucket list. Get lost wandering around cobblestone streets. Soak in the scenery dotted with citrus groves and almond blossoms. 

From Palma, it’s an easy thirty minute drive on the scenic highway to your first stop of the day. Plan to spend an entire afternoon visiting these three lovely areas in the west coast.

Seeking Stamps Mallorca Tips: Parking is very limited, so make sure to arrive before 9 am (or earlier in peak season). The towns have machines to pay for parking, then place the receipt on your dash. Bring euros (coins) to pay for parking. 

Explore Valldemossa

From Palma, start your road trip to Valldemossa first. As you drive you will enjoy gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Valldemossa is tiny, with a population of approximately 2,000 residents. It is my favorite place of the three we visited that afternoon because it is so charming! Highlights of this quaint town are the lovely Carthusian Monastery Valldemossa, the Parish Church of Saint Bartholomew and the Chopin Museum.

Seeking Stamps Tip: When you arrive, there are a few small parking lots near the town center. Make sure to get there early!

Day Trip to Deia

After a 20-30 minute drive from Valldemossa, you will arrive in the quaint town of Deia. One of the top things to do in Deia is go to Cala Deia beach. This beach is located at the bottom of a long winding road. Since the beach is rocky, you might want to bring water shoes if you plan to enter the water. Normally, the beach is beautiful here (at least according to Instagram photos). Unfortunately, we visited on a windy day, with huge waves and brown, churned seas. If it’s windy when you visit you might want to check the conditions first. 

Luckily, we ended up dining at Ca’s Patro March restaurant, despite not being able to make an online reservation. Ca’s Patro March is one of the best Mallorca restaurants and has a waitlist months ahead of time. It’s no wonder why it’s so popular- it’s literally right next to the gorgeous ocean and offers stunning views. For reservations, make sure to book very early.

If you plan to stay overnight and are wondering where to stay in Deia, La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel Mallorca is the most luxurious hotel in the area. It is definitely a place that oozes romance, but it comes with a hefty price tag. 

Seeking Stamps Tip: We made the mistake of assuming parking would be full near Cala Deia, so we parked near the top of the hill and walked down. Do yourself a favor, if you are visiting in the off-season, check the bottom to see if there are spots and save yourself an hour. In peak season, the road might be inaccessible without a restaurant reservation.

Stroll Through Soller

Following Deia, drive another  20 minutes to Soller. This seaside town is adorable! It offers a large sandy beach, a historic tram, and a plethora of shops and restaurants along its beautiful  boardwalk area. 

If you would like to ride the historic wooden tram in town, or reserve the 1 hour train from Palma de Mallorca to Soller.

We didn’t plan where to eat in Soller, so we picked Nunu because of its proximity to the beach. Thankfully, the food, service and surroundings were lovely. It’s a great spot to relax and watch the waves lap the shore.

Seeking Stamps Tip : If you have additional time make a road trip to Ses Salines and Colonia de Sant Jordi another day.

Places to Visit on Mallorca

Go Underground in the Drach Caves

If you are looking for unusual things to do in Mallorca, check out Cuevas del Drach.  These Mallorca caves are over 75 feet deep with intricate stalactites and stalagmites throughout.

Inside the cave, you can see Lake Martel which is one the world’s largest underground lakes. During the tour, you are ushered along at a decent pace to keep the crowd moving through the caves. At the conclusion of the tour, you will experience musicians playing lovely classical music while rowing through the canal. It takes approximately one hour to view the caves and the concert at the end. 

Drach Caves Opening Hours: (closed between Christmas and New Years)

• November- March: 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. 

• Mid March to October 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Caves of Drach Entrance Fee: Tickets for adults start at 16 euros.

Seeking Stamps Tip: These tickets often sell out, so buy them early if you need a specific entrance time. If you need things to do in Mallorca when it rains, visiting the Caves of Drach is an excellent option. The Drach Caves are family friendly too.

Cap de Formentor

Absolutely make the trip to the north coast to see the phenomenal sunset views and historic lighthouse at Cap de Formentor, located in Pollenca. Depending on the time of year, the road may be closed off to traffic. To visit when the road is closed you have to park in Port de Pollensa and visit by bus.

If you have the opportunity to make the drive up, don’t let the rumors of “harrowing” roads and “hair-pin turns” deter you. The road is winding, but we never felt nervous on the road trip to the top. On your way up the hill, make sure to stop at Mirador Es Colomer, which is a scenic viewpoint on the roadside with amazing ocean views. 

Construction of the Formentor lighthouse began in 1857. Now, you cannot enter the lighthouse but it makes an epic backdrop for gorgeous photos with the sheer cliffs, pines, and panoramic ocean views.

Beaches of Mallorca

Mallorca is a beach-lovers paradise with 262 postcard-worthy beaches to choose from. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide where to go. I know I felt overwhelmed with all the options when I was planning my Mallorca vacation. We didn’t have a chance to even scratch the surface to determine the best beaches in Mallorca, but I will share where we went and try to help you narrow down your choices. 

As I mentioned previously, visiting the top beaches in Mallorca can be challenging. These glorious beaches tucked into the steep cliff make for stunning scenery, but they can be challenging to find and access. 

Seeking Stamps Tip:  Many of the beaches of Mallorca do not have facilities such as food or bathrooms. Make sure to research the beach you plan to visit. Consider bringing a picnic and plenty of water with you.

PLAYA DE FORMENTOR

Unlike many beaches in Mallorca, Playa de Formentor (or Cala Formentor) is a lovely stretch of sand with easy beach access, close parking and facilities. It has calm water, chaise lounges for rent, and a beach bar.

Playa Formentor is in the far northeastern part of the island, about an hour from Palma. If you have time in your itinerary, make the drive to the beach to relax for the day and then make your way up to Cap De Formentor at sunset. The gorgeous turquoise water with the Tramuntana mountains in the background is breathtaking and certainly worth the drive. 

CALA D’OR

We stumbled upon Cala d’Or in a happy accident when we entered our GPS incorrectly (we were trying to visit Caló des Moro). Fortunately for us, it was another beautiful beach to enjoy! Here the calm water splashes against the rocky outcroppings. Interestingly, ladders are built on the rocks with steps into the water for swimming. For reference, Cala d’Or is on the southeastern side of the island about an hour from Palma de Mallorca. 

The main beach, Cala Gran, has a sandy beach area next to the Hotel Cala d’Or. If you are looking for a place to relax and sunbathe, set your GPS for the hotel. Hotel Cala d’Or offers facilities and dining as well. There is ample parking along the street and an easy walkway to reach the beach.

CALÓ DES MORO

Just 30 minutes from Cala d’or, is the MUST SEE beach on Mallorca, Caló des Moro. The water at this picture perfect beach is just awe-inspiring. Of the beaches we visited, this was the best Mallorca beach. 

Reaching Caló des Moro is much more of a challenge. Understandably, parking at this popular beach is difficult. Once you park and walk to the access point, you have an easy hike down to the water. There are no facilities here other than a cart vendor selling snacks and drinks.

Cala S’Almonia is also located in this same area. If you have time, make sure to visit both spots.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Wear athletic shoes for the hike down to the water- it’s dusty and slippery. 

CALA ROMANTICA

Cala Romantica is located in close proximity to the Drach Caves. Enjoy swimming in the calm waters or grab a bite to eat at one of the small beach bars nearby. The food here is average at best, but the view is to die for. One of the best things about Cala Romantica is that the beach is much more accessible than many we visited. Ample parking is available in a lot and along the street. There is a large sandy area for sunbathing and the water is calm for swimming. 

OTHER TOP MALLORCA BEACHES

The list of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca is a long one! See why you need more time on the island to visit them all! Here are some other top Mallorca beaches to check out if you have time: 

Es Trenc– a stunning wide, sandy beach on the southern coast.

Cala Pi– visit this stunning secluded beach in the southern region that tends to be less crowded.

Cala Mesquida– a large northeastern beach excellent for swimming and snorkeling.

S’Amarador- This beach in the northeast is known for its stunning natural surroundings.

Sa Calobra beach– in the western part of the island this beach is engulfed by gorgeous cliffs.

Is Mallorca Worth Visiting?

Whether you are seeking breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, or simply relaxing on picturesque beaches, Mallorca is worth visiting. Its capital, Palma de Mallorca is known for its rich history and charming architecture. Serra de Tramuntana is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with hiking trails through rugged mountains offering panoramic views of the sea and lush valleys dotted with quaint villages. Last, but not least, Mallorca boasts an impressive coastline with exquisite beaches.

Mallorca Travel Tips: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Mallorca is a captivating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, exploring charming towns and villages, or indulging in delicious cuisine, this Mediterranean gem has it all. By following these Mallorca travel tips, visitors can make the most of their time on the island and create unforgettable memories. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an incredible journey travelling in Mallorca!