Majorca Travel Guide

Majorca, the largest island in the Balearic archipelago, is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Spain and the entire Mediterranean, thanks to its beautiful beaches, rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous activities.

I visited the island with my sister during an eight-day road trip, during which we covered most of the island. Whether you’re planning a backpacking adventure, a road trip, or an all-inclusive vacation, you’ll find plenty of useful tips and insights in this guide to help you plan your trip to the fullest.

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Capdepera lighthouse.

When to visit Majorca

While the island welcomes visitors year-round, the tourist season can be divided into two distinct periods: the swimming season, roughly from April to October, and the non-swimming season from November to March.

Peak season generally falls between June and September, with July and August being particularly busy. These months boast clear skies and high temperatures, but prices also surge. Accommodation costs can be exorbitant during this time, so booking well in advance or hoping for last-minute deals is recommended. The island is notably crowded during July and August.

In my opinion, the ideal time to visit is during the shoulder season, encompassing April, May, and October. Prices are considerably lower than during peak season, beaches are less crowded, and temperatures remain pleasant. October, in particular, offers warm seawater from the summer months, unlike April and May. This period is also popular with cyclists who flock to the island, especially along the northern coast’s mountainous roads.

Conversely, November to March marks the low season. Many hotels close, but for those who enjoy quiet beaches or hiking, the island remains a temperate destination compared to much of Europe, with daytime temperatures ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius.

Formentor peninsula.

Documents and vaccinations for going to Majorca

Majorca and more generally the Balearic Islands are, for all intents and purposes, part of Spain, and therefore, like any other country within the European Union, Schengen Area visa policy applies.

What to do and see in Majorca

N.b. Several times throughout the guide you will find links to https://www.alltrails.com/. If you want to use offline navigation directly from the Alltrails app you need to upgrade to the pro version. However, you can get around this by downloading the coordinates from the desktop version of the site in “Google Earth KML” format and then uploading them to Organic Maps, which is by far one of my favorite travel apps.

For your convenience, destinations are listed clockwise, beginning with the capital, Palma de Mallorca, where you’ll find the airport and main port. However, if you choose to rent a car, this might not be the most efficient order for exploring the island.

To save money and avoid the hassle of driving and parking in the city, consider returning your rental car at the airport when you plan to visit Palma. From there, you can easily take the frequent shuttle buses. This not only eliminates rental fees for those days but also parking costs, which can be quite high for city center accommodation.

For instance, we spent our last two nights in Palma, relying on foot for transportation. However, our car remained parked in the hostel’s partner lot, costing €15 per night. Combined with the two-day rental fee (€35 per day), we spent a total of €100. We could have returned the car earlier and taken the bus, which costs €8 for a round trip. The EMT No.1 bus runs every 15 minutes and goes directly to Plaça d’Espanya in the city center; you can find more information on their website.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital, is a delightful city to explore. Its historic center, brimming with charming buildings, is easily navigable on foot, and getting lost in the labyrinthine streets is a wonderful way to spend a day.

What to do and see in Palma de Mallorca

I highly recommend the free walking tour offered daily in English and Spanish. I found it to be engaging and informative, providing valuable insights into the city’s history. Our guide was knowledgeable, and I encourage leaving a tip, though the tour is indeed free if you prefer. It lasts two hours and covers all the major points of interest. You can find the official website and make reservations (though not strictly required) on this page.

Palma cathedral.

The Cathedral of La Palma

The Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca (Google Maps) is considered the number one attraction in the city. To enter the beautiful Gothic-style cathedral you pay an 8€ ticket but all in all I really think it is worth it.

Opening times seem to vary so I recommend checking out the official website. Technically it is possible to buy tickets online thus avoiding standing in line at the entrance. In any case, I recommend visiting it in the morning to have a chance to see the play of light created by the sun’s rays passing through the colored rose window facing east and projecting it onto the wall on the opposite side of the cathedral (video). The peak of this phenomenon occurs on two dates: Feb. 2 and Nov. 11, but even during my visit, on Oct. 21, it was a treat for the eyes that lasted several minutes.

Unfortunately, I doubt that in the middle of summer the cathedral opens early enough to see this phenomenon, which may not happen at all because the angle of the sun does not allow it. But I recommend the visit regardless, the interior of the cathedral is really beautiful.

The royal palace of Almudaina

The Palacio real de la Almudaina (Google Maps), adjacent to the cathedral, is probably the second tallest building in the city. Built in the 14th century, it is the official residence of the Spanish royals when they are visiting Palma. I have not personally visited the building but apparently for many it is an even more interesting place than the cathedral so it is definitely worth considering a visit. Admission costs 7€, you can find the official website here.

Bellver Castle

Built on the ruins of a Muslim site, the Castell de Bellver (Google Maps) is certainly another iconic building in the capital. Inside is a museum with some archaeological finds and classical sculptures, and it offers fantastic views of Palma Bay. Admission costs 4€. On this page you will find the official website.

Palma port.

Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo

In conclusion, if you are fond of contemporary art or even just out of curiosity, I recommend visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art. Among the many artists, there are also some Picasso sketches. Personally I am not attracted to this kind of art, if it were not for my sister dragging me there I doubt I would have gone! In any case, admission is completely free so you have nothing to lose. Official website and location on Google Maps.

Where to sleep in Palma de Mallorca?

My sister and I, to sleep in the center without having to spend a crazy amount of money, opted for a hostel, more specifically at El Josemari Youth Hostel. Great location and all in all a good hostel that I recommend.

Camp de Mar

This was the first stop on our trip in Mallorca (Google Maps). It is a beautiful bay with a wide beach with all the amenities and a spectacular islet where there is a bar/restaurant. There is not much to do except sunbathe and swim but I think it is the ideal stop especially if, like us, you arrive at the airport in the afternoon and don’t feel like going too far before you start exploring the island.

Another interesting destination around Es Camp de Mar before continuing north is Cala Llamp.

Es Camp de Mar.

Where to sleep in Es Camp de Mar?

We slept at Apartamentos Villa Real, a short walk from the beach. Cheap (at least in October) and really spacious rooms with a living room and kitchenette.

Torre del Verger and Mirador de Ricardo Roca

Continuing north, before reaching beautiful Valldemossa, there are at least a couple of points worth stopping at. The Mirador de Ricardo Roca (Google Maps) is the first on the list, it is simply a roadside viewpoint from which you have beautiful views of the coast. Nothing exceptional but considering that no detour is necessary I definitely recommend stopping.

Next comes the Verger Tower (Google Maps), an ancient watchtower in a spectacular location that not surprisingly provides excellent views.

Finally, before continuing on to Valldemossa, you pass through the village of Banyalbufar; we decided not to stop and just take a few photos from the road but if you can find parking it seems to be a pleasant place to take a stroll through the streets of the small old town.

Mirador de Ricardo Roca.

Banyalbufar.

Valldemossa

The city’s main attraction is the former Carthusian monastery, Cartuja de Jesús Nazareno (Google Maps), which became particularly famous because Chopin stayed there with his mistress. Admission costs €9.5 per person but there is a small discount if you leave your car in the city’s paid parking lot (just show a photo of your receipt) or you can book online and receive a 10 percent discount. The ticket gives access to the monastery, the church and some rooms/museum, plus you can attend a concert that takes place every hour or so. However, to gain access to Chopin’s rooms and the museum you have to pay 4€ extra.

We opted for general admission because, frankly, we were a bit disappointed with what we saw, and paying extra to see a few more rooms seemed excessive. However, I’m sure others might feel differently; the choice is ultimately yours.

Inside the monastery.

What I absolutely recommend doing instead is getting lost in the city streets. There are a lot of beautiful viewpoints like the Mirador Valldemossa. The historic center in general is absolutely a pleasant place to walk around.

Although it is sometimes recommended to go down to Port de Valldemossa before continuing in the direction of Valldemossa, I advise against it. The road down, about 5 km long, is really narrow in places and once you get there there is only a restaurant and a few houses, nothing special.

Mirador Valldemossa.

Port de Valldemossa.

Cala de Deià

This beach nestled inside a cove halfway between Valldemossa and Sóller is particularly popular (Google Maps), and looking at photos online you can quickly see why. Unfortunately, on the day we went, although the sun was shining, the sea was rough, it was high tide, and the water was full of seaweed. We left quite disappointed after spending half an hour reading sitting on the rocks but in optimal conditions it is certainly very pretty.

The road down is quite narrow in places, and once you get to the bottom, the only paid parking lot was quite full even in mid-October so as you’ll often hear me say, I imagine it can be a problem in the high season.

Cala de Deià.

Sóller

Nestled in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, Sóller boasts another well-preserved historic center. The mountains provide a stunning backdrop to many views of the town, making it a scenic delight. Wandering through the narrow streets is a lovely way to spend a few hours, perhaps enjoying a coffee in the main square, home to the Iglesia de Sant Bartomeu (Google Maps), designed by a student of Gaudí. Alternatively, you could take a ride on the charming streetcar that connects the town to the Port de Sóller.

Lastly, inside the train station that links Sóller to Palma, you’ll find one of the island’s best art galleries (Sala Picasso y Sala Mirò). Unfortunately, as we experienced several times during our trip, it was closed. However, admission is free when it’s open.

Sóller.

Port de Sóller

The old port has over the years become a giant resort, in my opinion much less charming than other destinations on the island but depending on what you are looking for it can still be an interesting stop. We spent the night there and all in all the waterfront full of bars and restaurants had a lively and pleasant atmosphere even in October. So I imagine that in the high season there is no shortage of nightlife. The town’s beach (Google Maps), although adjacent to the harbor, is not that bad and undoubtedly has the advantage of extremely calm waters and all the appropriate facilities.

Where to sleep in Port de Sóller?

We slept at Hotel Eden Nord Soller. Even in October, not exactly cheap but certainly the best option we could find in the area and between the pool and the EXCELLENT breakfast buffet you certainly can’t complain.

Port de Sóller.

Sa Calobra

Along the road from Sóller to Sa Calobra I recommend stopping briefly at the Mirador de Ses Barques: this viewpoint is literally along the road and offers beautiful views of the Port de Sóller in the distance.

Returning to Sa Calobra, the bay is reached at the end of a 12-kilometer-long stretch of road made of tight curves and lots of hairpin bends. But with a few rare exceptions there are no bottlenecks, the traffic is fairly smooth. I recommend stopping here where there is a large parking lot with a nice view. You can see the road going down to the sea, which is very scenic.

Mirador de Ses Barques.

Upon arriving in Sa Calobra (Google Maps), you’ll find several bars, restaurants, and a single paid parking lot. While the lot is large, it seems like it could fill up quickly during peak season, so I suggest arriving early. Another reason for an early arrival is that the popular Cala de Sa Calobra, a short walk away, is nestled within a gorge where the sun disappears behind the rock walls relatively early in the afternoon.

Alternatively, the less crowded Cala Tuent (Google Maps), located a few miles away, offers a less picturesque but equally enjoyable beach experience with more sunlight hours in the afternoon. However, the paid parking there has limited spaces, so finding a spot during peak season might be challenging.

Road to Sa Calobra.

Sa Calobra.

Cala Tuent.

Pollença

Before even reaching Pollença, a popular stop is undoubtedly the Lluc Sanctuary (Google Maps). We were not particularly impressed but at least you can visit much of the complex and the botanical garden for free. You have to pay for parking, however, which costs a whopping 6€ no matter how long you stay.

Lluc Sanctuary.

Once you reach Pollença, enjoy the town. The small historic center is gorgeous and literally postcard-perfect. Walking its streets is a real pleasure. There are no real attractions other than walking around the main square (Plaza Major) and climbing up the iconic stairs to El Calvari along which you have beautiful views of the city.

Puig de Maria (Google Maps), on the other hand, is a sanctuary on a hilltop just outside Pollença. From our research we understood it was possible to go up by car at least in part but at the base of the road leading to the shrine there is a ban on unauthorized vehicles. So the alternative was to do it on foot but the weather was not the best and my sister did not feel much like walking so we preferred to skip it. However, if you are willing to put in some effort, the view from the top looks great and even starting from the center of Pollença in an hour at most you should be at the top (All Trails).

Finally, if you are looking for a restaurant where you can eat at the right price just outside the tourist center, I recommend Bar Ristorante Romanì.

Pollença.

Where to sleep in Pollença?

We slept at L’Hostal Pollença – Turisme Interior. Again, not exactly a cheap option but given the location a stone’s throw from the central square and the lack of alternatives if you want to spend the night in town, I can only recommend it.

El Calvari.

Cala Sant Vicenç

Cala Sant Vicenç is actually a collection of coves, four to be precise and all very beautiful: Cala Carbò, Cala Molins, Cala Clara and Cala Barques. The beaches are literally side by side, walking from Carbò to Cala Barques takes no more than 15 minutes so you can take a look at all of them and choose the one you like best. There is ample public parking where you can leave your car for free.

Cala Sant Vicenç.

Formentor Peninsula

This peninsula offers in my opinion the best views the island has to offer. The road leading to the iconic Faro de Formentor (Google Maps) is a pleasure to drive, and not surprisingly it is an extremely popular destination. So much so that access for a few years now has been banned from June 15 to September 15 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm to any kind of unauthorized motorized vehicle. All this was done to avoid the endless queues of cars and wild parking that had been created over the years.

Basically, during this period, in the time windows when the road is closed, the only way to reach the lighthouse is by bicycle, on foot, or by taking the bus that shuttles every 30 minutes departing from the Port de Pollença (official website with all the relevant information and public transport website).

Although we visited the island in October, a time when driving to the lighthouse for sunset was technically possible, we decided against it due to reports of heavy traffic even during that season. Instead, we chose to experience the sunrise. The area was incredibly peaceful, with only a dozen or so cars present. Therefore, regardless of whether it’s peak or off-season, my recommendation is to wake up early and visit the peninsula in the morning to avoid crowds and traffic congestion.

Formentor lighthouse.

In addition to the famous lighthouse, there are at least two noteworthy viewpoints: the Mirador d’es Colomer, which is located along the main road, and the Talaied d’Albercutx, which dominates the entire peninsula from above and can be reached at the end of a secondary road that turns right near the Mirador d’es Colomer, strongly recommended.

Finally, Platja de Formentor, which is located halfway between the port of Pollença and the Faro de Formentor. It is a beach as beautiful as it is popular. Of course, the road access restrictions still apply, so if you want to spend the day at the beach, you don’t have much alternative but to take the bus, taxi, or one of the boats that shuttle between Pollença harbor and the beach.

Mirador d’es Colomer.

Talaied d’Albercutx.

Alcúdia

Alcúdia is another town on the island with a beautiful historic center ripe for exploration. While there are no specific must-see attractions, wandering through the narrow streets and small squares of the center, with its characteristic stone buildings, is a delightful experience. The one thing I highly recommend is climbing to the top of the imposing medieval walls that encircle the town (Google Maps). It’s a chance to step back in time and immerse yourself in history.

Where to sleep in Alcúdia?

We spent the night at Apartamentos Carlos V. The apartments are a bit dated but they are really spacious, clean, and most of all cheap (at least in October). A stone’s throw from the walls that border the historic center. I think they are a great option.

Alcúdia.

Artà

Perched on top of a hill this medieval town certainly has its charms and I think it deserves a visit. I particularly recommend going up to the Santuari de Sant Salvador, the fortress that dominates the town from above. From its walls you have fantastic views of Artá and beyond. The town’s main church, Transfiguració del Senyor is also worth seeing if only from the outside. The small old town is in my opinion less charming than other destinations such as Alcúdia and Pollença but a short walk through its narrow streets certainly does no harm. Finally, there is ample public parking a short walk from the center where you can leave your car.

Santuari de Sant Salvador.

Capdepera

Castell de Capdepera (Google Maps) and the small village of the same name below are reminiscent of nearby Artà in a much more compact format. The castle is one of the best preserved on the island, and there is also a small museum and church inside. The views are great. Admission to the castle costs 3€. The small village can be visited in under 10 minutes. I recommend parking here and walking up.

Capdepera.

Cala Agulla and Cala Moltó

Both beaches are really nice and if you plan to spend a few hours or days at the beach in the northeast of the island they are definitely good options. Cala Agulla (Google Maps) is a wide sandy beach with all the amenities while Cala Moltó (Google Maps) is mostly rocky but also much less crowded. In any case to get from one beach to the other is no more than a 10-minute walk so I recommend taking a look at both. There is only ample paid parking that costs 5€ no matter how long you stay.

Cala Agulla.

Cala Moltó.

Cala Ratjada

The town isn’t particularly beautiful, and although more compact, it shares a lot in common with Port de Sóller in terms of atmosphere—a classic “resort destination” that’s not very interesting, filled with bars, hotels, and restaurants on every corner. In short, it’s the typical seaside spot overrun by hordes of tourists, bustling with nightlife.

Like Port de Sóller, we chose to stay overnight here because of its advantageous location very close to Cala Agulla and Cala Moltó, and because lodging was significantly cheaper compared to nearby options.

In my opinion, the most beautiful aspect of the town is the Far de Capdepera (Google Maps). Situated on the easternmost tip of the island, this lighthouse is particularly impressive at sunrise, offering a stunning view of the sun rising over the horizon and even a clear sight of Menorca in the distance. It’s easily accessible on foot from the center of Cala Ratjada or by car without any restrictions.

Far de Capdepera.

Where to sleep in Cala Ratjada?

We slept in Hostal Port Corona. Rooms are not exactly spacious but still more than enough, in October cheap prices and great location.

Cala Ratjada.

Coves del Drac

The Drach Caves (Google Maps) are a limestone cave complex considered the most beautiful on the island. The Coves del Drac can only be visited by guided tour lasting about an hour at a cost of 15€. At the end of the tour, when you reach a natural amphitheater, a short classical music concert is offered. We were somewhat tired but mostly eager to head straight to the beach for the afternoon so we didn’t visit them. However, I believe it could be an attraction worth considering.

Castell de Santueri

Santueri Castle (Google Maps) was also included in the program for the afternoon that we preferred to go and spend on the beach also because we had already seen quite a few castles in the previous days! In any case it can definitely be a stop to consider. The entrance fee is 4€.

Santanyì and surroundings

The small old town of Santanyì (Google Maps) is definitely worth a visit; the stone streets and historic buildings give it a charming atmosphere typical of Mallorca’s old villages.

Around Santanyì there are a lot of other points of interest. Cala Figuera (Google Maps) is a really cute little fishing village. A deep inlet on the coast has created this beautiful natural harbor, where most of the fishermen’s houses overlooking the harbor are accessible only by sea.

Cala Figuera.

Platja Santanyì and Cala Llombards are two beautiful coves that are within a short distance of each other and from what I understand there is also a coastal path that connects them. In any case, unfortunately, both beaches are extremely popular and not exactly spacious, parking even in mid-October was not exactly easy, adjust accordingly.

Finally, I recommend dropping by the Mirador des Pontàs, a viewpoint from where you can admire the fascinating natural bridge, especially recommended at sunrise.

If you want, you can reach it on foot starting from Platja Santanyì but for the lazy ones there is the possibility of parking where the road ends at this point or in case the small parking lot is full, in one of the laterals.

Where to sleep in and around Santanyì?

We Stayed at Apartaments Marina Sol i Pins. Spacious apartments, friendly owners and a nice pool, all at a great price.

Platja Santanyì.

Mirador des Pontàs.

Cap de Ses Salines

This is the southernmost point of the whole island, from here you can clearly see Illa de Cabrera in the distance, there is a lighthouse but nothing more (Google Maps). It is certainly not a bad place but neither is it something not to be missed in my opinion but given the amount of cars and people there at the end of October, maybe I am missing something but I remain of the opinion that one can easily spend one’s time elsewhere. That being said, if you don’t mind walking, you can reach Platja Es Caragol (Google Maps) which is not bad at all (All Trails).

Cap de Ses Salines.

Illa de Cabrera

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the pleasure of visiting the island, which, along with a number of smaller islands totaling 10, represents the only national park in the Balearic Islands. Illa de Cabrera happens to be the largest and the only one open to visitors, as the other islands are used for research purposes.

Due to limited entry, visits must be booked in advance. Several companies offer excursions, and if it interests you, a few simple Google searches should provide options to compare. Here you can find one. While I can’t speak from firsthand experience, if you’re seeking unspoiled nature, there’s likely nothing better to do in Mallorca.

Platja de Cala Pi

This was the last stop on our road trip before we reached Palma where our trip would end. It is a really nice cove about a 40-minute drive from the capital (Google Maps). Calm and crystal clear water but also less crowded than most of the other popular beaches mentioned so far, or at least that was our experience.

What I’ve covered so far are essentially all the destinations I’ve personally visited. However, the island offers much more, particularly in the interior. For those interested, Mallorca also presents numerous opportunities for hiking, ranging from short walks to extended treks. Below, you’ll find some additional information I’ve gathered on this topic.

Platja de Cala Pi.

Other activities to do on the island

As mentioned earlier, the roads along the north coast, within the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, are a cyclist’s paradise and a motorist’s nightmare. While these roads offer stunning scenery, they are often narrow, posing a significant challenge for the road system. However, if you’re an avid cyclist, I doubt you’ll be disappointed with what the island has to offer.

Hiking in the same region also offers many opportunities: from half-day hikes to multi-day treks. Due to time constraints, I did not have a chance to test the island’s trails firsthand, but on this page you will find an excellent selection. The more motivated can get to tackle the GR221, info at this page. It is a trek that can be completed in 4-7 days and basically crosses the entire Serra de Tramuntana. There are also some mountain huts along the way. On the island there are opportunities for Canyoning, particularly along the Torrent de pareis and the Gorg Blau Sa Fosca (some info on this page).

The fantastic thing about Mallorca’s mild temperatures, even in winter, is that the activities mentioned so far can be enjoyed year-round, with the added benefits of lower prices and fewer crowds during the off-season. If cycling or hiking is your preference, March-April and October-November are ideal times to visit.

Lastly, for those who love diving, the southern part of the island is the place to be. Illa de Cabrera and Illa de Sa Dragonera, in particular, are said to offer exceptional diving sites.

Cala Sa Calobra.

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Suggested itineraries in Majorca

The following is exactly the itinerary we followed, and I think it is all in all a good starting point for planning your trip if you have about a week to spare.

If, on the other hand, you are lucky enough to have more time, such as ten days or perhaps two weeks, my advice is to move more slowly by spending a few days at the beach, incorporate some special activities or perhaps delve toward towns like Sineu, Petra and Els Calderers in the interior of the island.

Itinerary of about a week in Majorca

If you have exactly one week to spare, depending on your arrival time on the island, you could start your itinerary directly from day 2.

Es Camp de Mar (1 night)

Day 1:

Arrival at the airport and rest of the day at the beach in Es Camp de Mar.

Port de Sóller (1 night)

Day 2:

Start driving along the north coast, stopping at Mirador de Ricardo Roca and Torre del Verger before reaching Valldemossa and visiting the town. Rest of the day at the beach in Cala Deia or Port de Sóller.

Pollença (1 night)

Day 3:

Visit Sóller briefly in the morning and then stop at the Mirador de Ses Barques before continuing to Cala Sa Calobra where you can spend a couple of hours on the beach. Reach Pollença in the late afternoon with an optional stop at Monasterio de Lluc.

Alcúdia (1 night)

Day 4:

If you feel like walking, in the morning you could climb to Puig de Maria before continuing to Cala Sant Vicenç where you can spend a relaxing day at the beach. In the late afternoon, reach and explore beautiful Alcúdia.

Cala Ratjada (1 night)

Day 5:

Sunrise at the Cap de Formentor lighthouse. On the way back you can stop at viewpoints along the way: Talaied d’Albercutx and Mirador d’es Colomer. Rest of the day at the beach in Cala Agulla. Reach Cala Ratjada in the evening.

Cala Figuera (1 night)

Day 6:

Sunrise at the lighthouse de Capdepera. Visit Castell de Capdepera and morning Artà and continue to Cala Figuera with an optional stop at Coves del Drac. Spend the rest of the day at the beach at one of Cala Santanyi or Cala Llombards. In the evening enjoy the beautiful and picturesque Cala Figuera.

Palma (2 nights)

Day 7:

Sunrise at Mirador des Pontàs. Visit Santanyi and then spend the rest of the day at Playa de Cala Pi with an optional stop at Cap de Ses Salines. Reach Palma in the evening.

Day 8:

Visit the cathedral in the morning and then join the Free walking tour. In the afternoon you could climb Bellver Castle or just enjoy the city before watching the sunset from the waterfront overlooking the cathedral.

Day 9:

Return home.

Port de Sóller lighthouse.

How to get around Majorca

As mentioned several times in this guide, unless you plan to spend a beach vacation without moving around too much, having a car during your trip to Majorca—or at least renting one for part of your stay—is highly advisable.

Rent a car in Majorca

From my pre-departure research, Vanrell turned out to be significantly cheaper than other car rental companies on the island. We rented a Fiat Panda for 35€ per day, compared to 50€ or more charged by other companies. The car was practically new, and our overall experience was excellent.

However, experiences can vary, and it’s advisable to check out other car rental options through platforms like Discover Cars. In any case, I strongly recommend opting for a small car, not only for the price but also because navigating and parking on the narrow roads of the island is considerably less stressful with a smaller vehicle.

Buses in Majorca

While traveling by bus doesn’t offer the same flexibility as renting a car, it can be significantly cheaper, especially for solo travelers. In some instances, it may even be more practical, as finding parking can be challenging (even in late October, so I can’t imagine how difficult it must be during peak season!). Not to mention, parking lots are often metered, with rates that can sometimes be outrageous.

On this page you will find all the information for Palma and the surrounding area while on this other page are the intercity lines. With a little planning you can reach practically all the main tourist destinations on the island.

Port de Pollença.

Travel to Majorca: costs

Generally speaking, Mallorca isn’t a budget destination. Accommodation prices, particularly during peak season, can quickly strain the budget of those seeking a low-cost trip. However, the island isn’t exorbitantly expensive either. Even in the center of Palma, it’s possible to find a menu of the day at a restaurant for €10, and prices tend to be even lower outside the main tourist areas. For example, in Cala Figuera, I enjoyed an excellent menu del dia for just €5.50!

Our eight-day trip to the island cost around €1200, or €600 per person, excluding flights. The car rental, significantly impacted our expenses. Additionally, we frequently dined out. It wasn’t exactly a backpacking trip, as I usually write about on this blog, but we did try to be mindful of our spending. If you’re looking for tips on how to save money, check out this article.

If you prefer to spend most of your time in one location without renting a car, or if you’re traveling solo and relying on public transportation, you can certainly save a considerable amount of money.

Cathedral of Palma.

Travel to Majorca: safety

Mallorca is undoubtedly a safe destination, making it suitable for a family vacation with children. The numerous beaches, often located in coves, are generally protected from strong currents, and lifeguards are on duty during peak season. As with any travel destination, it’s wise to exercise caution and follow basic safety precautions.

The only caveat I’d mention is for those planning to rent a car. While the situation might differ during the summer months, if you visit during the off-season like we did, be prepared for hordes of cyclists on the roads that traverse the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. These narrow, winding roads with limited visibility can become a challenge, so exercise caution and drive carefully for everyone’s safety.

Are you planning a trip to Majorca? Check out these posts:

The best cards for traveling

What to bring on your trip

Do you have any questions? Updated information? Feel free to leave a comment or message me on Instagram!

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