Mallorca

Mallorca is the largest and most visited island of the Balearics and an ideal destination for holidays in the Mediterranean. Find all the information you need about your vacation in Mallorca: stunning beaches, activities on the island, nightlife, and ferry schedules. Book cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees! Your dream holidays in Mallorca are just a few clicks away.  

The impressive Gothic Cathedral of Palma, La Seu

Vacation in Mallorca

Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is the largest island in the Balearic islands. It's located between the islands of Ibiza and Menorca. The capital of the island, Palma de Mallorca, is on the west coast of Mallorca and it has a population of more than 400,000.  

For anyone who travels in pursuit of seaside destinations, mixed with a bit of socializing, Mallorca is the perfect stop. If you are wondering how many days to spend in Mallorca, five days is an ideal length of time for a visit here, as that will allow you enough time to tour the crown jewel of Spain's Balearic Islands. 

The island offers nearly perfect weather all year round, since it has an average annual temperature of around 17°C. The best time to visit Mallorca is in May, if you prefer moderate and cool temperatures rather than heat and wish to spend a few relaxing days on the seaside. 

If, on the other hand, you wish to party on the beaches of Spain’s biggest island, then the best time to visit is in peak-season, that is July or August. 

How to get to Mallorca

Traveling to Mallorca is easy and convenient. You can get to the island by ferry or by plane from Spain, as well as several other European destinations. Reaching Mallorca from the neighboring islands of Menorca and Ibiza is also something you can consider. 

The Palma de Mallorca International Airport (Son Sant Joan) is located 8km east of the capital and is one of the busiest airports in Spain.

You can find more information about ferry schedules and tickets to Mallorca here. 

What to do in Mallorca

Mallorca is known as one of the hottest resort destinations in the Mediterranean. In addition to its rich culture and history, there are many different natural attractions on this island. 

We recommend that you spend a few days in Palma de Mallorca and enjoy the city's vibrant lifestyle, beautiful neighborhoods and superb local food. The historic quarter of the island’s capital is an architectural and cultural marvel, with its strong Modernist influence. In Mallorca, you can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and water sports. 

Sounds exciting? Read on to find out all you need to know about your vacation in Mallorca.

Tip: we recommend traveling by ferry with your vehicle or renting one there in order to explore Mallorca's nature, remote beaches and villages.

The lighthouse at Cape Formentor in the northeast tip of Mallorca

Beaches in Mallorca

Mallorca has a long sandy coastline with plenty of beautiful beaches, coves and secluded bays. Many of the beaches in Mallorca have umbrellas and sunbeds. No day at the beach is complete without a visit to one of the island’s famous chiringuitos (beach bars, restaurants or canteens typical of the Balearic Islands). 

Moreover, the island features many secluded beaches, which offer a wonderful contrast to the island's celebrity swimming spots. These beaches don’t usually have any amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas or any facilities to buy drinks, so bring some with you if you can. 

The best beaches in Mallorca are:   

• Cala Mesquida: long and sandy shore in the north-eastern part of the island. After your swim, head to the beach bar or the popular restaurant called Mirablau for some good local food.
• Cala Mondragó: wide sandy beach situated within Mondrago National Park. It's easily accessible (6 minutes walk from the free parking space) and it has a chiringuito, sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach can become quite busy during summer weekends.
• Playa S´Amarador: located next to Cala Mondragó, Playa S’ Amarador is a long and wide beach with fine, white sand and turquoise waters. It is accessible via a 400m long mountain path from Cala Mondrago. There are umbrellas and sunbeds available to rent, and if you find yourself needing a break from the sun, you can head to the beach bar.
• Playa de Es Trenc: known as Mallorca’s most untouched beach, it's located in a national park on the south coast between Colònia de Sant Jordi and Sa Ràpita. The clothing-optional beach has soft white sand and shallow water, making it a family-friendly option. There are no water sport activities, but there are a few restaurants and cafés along the shore. 
• Cala Pi: a natural harbor on the south, with a small sandy beach, sandwiched between two natural cliff sides. The waters are crystal-clear and the access to the beach is via 147 rocky steps. It is located on the south coast of Mallorca and is ideal for relaxation and quiet moments.
• Cabo de Formentor: the Formentor peninsula is located on the northeastern tip of Mallorca. The narrow sandy beach is set in one of the wildest and most dramatic of landscapes and it is surrounded by pine trees and oaks. It’s one of the most popular beaches on the island, partly due to its restaurants and the iconic Formentor hotel. 
• Cala Varques: located inside a beautiful cove full of pine trees on the east side, Cala Varques is a sandy beach with turquoise waters close to Manacor. The beach is nude-friendly and a perfect place to unleash your inner hippie. There are no services at all on Cala Varques, so make sure to bring with you plenty of food and drinks. 

The beach of Cala Pi, a beautiful natural harbor on the south coast of Mallorca 

Sightseeing in Mallorca

The island of Mallorca has been inhabited since prehistoric times. There are numerous historical and cultural sights in Mallorca and we urge you to add them to your list.

Among the most beautiful attractions to discover in Palma de Mallorca, as well as across the island, we recommend:

• the Cathedral-Basilica de Santa Maria de Mallorca (or La Seu), the most emblematic building in the old town of Palma and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
• the old town of Alcúdia, a medieval gem in the north of Mallorca.
• the gothic-style Bellver Castle, built in the 14th century. It’s located a few kilometers west of the city of Palma and is one of the few circular castles in Europe.
• the Cuevas de Artà, an extensive network of caves with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. You can access the cave via a 400m path and there are guided tours lasting half an hour.
• the Cuevas del Drach, four stunning interconnected caves with rock formations and an underground lake (Lake Martel), considered one of the largest in the world. Guided tours are available, while classical music concerts often take place inside the caves.
• the medieval village of Pollença in the north of the island, with narrow streets, beautiful decorative elements and the iconic chapel of El Calvari on the top of the hill (accessed by climbing 365 steps). It has gained a reputation as an artist’s colony.
• the picturesque village of Valldemossa, located in an idyllic valley in between the Tramuntana mountains.
• the natural reserve of S'Albufera de Mallorca, an ideal location for hiking and bird watching.
• the Formentor Lighthouse, a peninsula at the easternmost end of the island with a breathtaking landscape and views to the Mediterranean. It is one of the most photographed places in Mallorca.
• the Aquarium of Palma, with the deepest shark tank at 8.5 meters and the largest collection of live corals in Europe.
• the contemporary art museum of Palma, Es Baluard, houses over 600 amazing modern day works of art. Make sure you visit its terrace.
• the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró in Palma, a beautiful museum dedicated to the work of artist Joan Miró, who felt incredibly inspired by the light on the island.

Detail from the medieval castle of Bellver, one of the few circular castles in Europe 

Activities in Mallorca

Mallorca is a holiday destination that caters to all types of travelers. The warm-summer Mediterranean climate, as well as the stunning natural beauty of the island makes it ideal for outdoor activities.

During your stay in Mallorca, we recommend that you try:

• hiking at the Dry Stone Route (Ruta de la Pedra en Sec) in the Tramuntana mountains
• cycling and mountain biking at the routes around Sóller valley
• coasteering along the incredible Mallorcan shores
• sailing or catamaran excursions along the island coast
• horse-back riding at the north of the island
• scuba diving in the deep blue sea

Moreover, the island is actually a pretty pet-friendly destination, so there are many great activities to do with your dog in Mallorca.

View of the Pollença Bay from La Victoria hiking path (close to Alcúdia) 

Nightlife in Mallorca

The capital of Mallorca is a vivid city bursting with life 365 days of the year - it offers several options for pleasant and fun evenings. The city center is full of bars and clubs, mainly concentrated between the Old Town of Palma and the neighborhoods of La Llonja and Santa Catalina. 

During summer, if you're looking for a truly wild night out in Mallorca you can dance till dawn at the beach resorts in the lively areas of Magaluf, S’ Arenal and Alcúdia. 

Food in Mallorca

As in most islands of the Balearics, the cuisine in Mallorca is mouth-watering, with local traditional dishes made from fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Here are some of the most delicious local delicacies to try during your stay in Mallorca: 

• the ensaimada pastry (a spiral pastry that gains its incredible texture from lard)
• traditional soups
• the sobrasada sausage (a spreadable cured sausage)
• almond slush 
• El Palo (a traditional Mallorcan liqueur) 

Villages in Mallorca

The capital on the island is Palma de Mallorca. Renowned for its exciting nightlife, the lively city has something for everyone. 

If, however, you want to enjoy the more peaceful side of Mallorca, you can visit the island’s pretty towns and villages to marvel at the beautiful architecture, visit local markets, restaurants and shops. 

Ferryhopper suggests visiting the following villages in Mallorca: 

• Fornalutx
• Valldemossa
• Deià
• Port Sóller
• Capdepera
• Pollença
• Sineu
• Orient

The picturesque fishing village of Port Sóller 

Tips for Mallorca

Here are some Mallorca travel tips that we hope will be useful to you during your stay in the island: 

• If you feel like exploring the island on foot, we would recommend hiking instead of driving or taking the bus to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca. 
• Mallorca is actually one of the global pioneers in sustainable tourism. Discover the top eco-friendly activities to try in Mallorca on Ferryhopper.
• Another idea is to plan a boat cruise from Palma de Mallorca to the west coast of the island and its magnificent beaches. 
• If you haven’t decided where to go for Easter holidays, you should definitely consider Mallorca. The island comes alive with traditional rituals and processions during Holy Week. You will also get the chance to try traditional recipes such as panades, coques and robiols.  
• At the local markets, you can buy fresh local products and get your hands on unique souvenirs. The best local markets in Palma are Mercat de Santa Catalina and Mercat de Olivar.

Useful information for Mallorca

Mallorca is a large island offering its visitors various things to do and see. There are supermarkets, shops, ATM machines, gas stations, hospitals and medical centers, car rental services, and tourist information offices. 

Many travelers choose to visit Mallorca with a holiday package as the island has some great resorts and villas that offer special prices. If you prefer to organize your holidays on your own, there are several different accommodation options for different budgets. 

One of the best places to stay in Mallorca is the capital, where you will have access to all the amazing bars and restaurants, attractions, shops, museums, and galleries. It’s also close to many beaches and well connected to most parts of the island by public transport. 

If you are looking for a family-friendly area, we would recommend finding accommodation at the bay of Alcúdia, thanks to its big wide beach and range of activities (waterparks to adventure parks). If you are traveling with your partner, a great place to stay is the village of Cala d'Or with its sublime beaches or the town of Portocolom.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Mallorca

Here are some useful contacts to keep handy during your trip to Mallorca:

• Central Tourism Office: +34971173990
• Palma de Mallorca Hospital (Son Espases): +34871205000
• Manacor Public Hospital: +34971847000
• Local police: 092
• Red Cross, Ambulance: +34971202222
• Mallorca bus services: +34971214444
• Mallorca airport information: +34971789000
• Mallorca radio taxi: +34971201212
• Palma de Mallorca Port Authority: +34971228150
• Alcúdia Port Authority: +34971545076
• European emergency number: 112

Colorful patio in a traditional Mallorcan house

Transportation in Mallorca

The public transport network in Mallorca is efficient and integrated, consisting primarily of buses and a metro system in Palma. Of course, touring Mallorca with your own or a rented vehicle is the best choice to be able to visit more places. 

Moving around Palma de Mallorca on foot or bike is also highly encouraged thanks to pedestrianized areas and dedicated cycle paths. 

If you prefer to travel by bus, it’s good to know that the TIB Islandwide bus route connects almost every town, village or resort throughout Mallorca. When in Palma, you can get around by EMT buses. As for the train, the main services connect Palma with the town of Inca, where two further routes continue to Sa Pobla and Manacor. 

Tip: Ferryhopper suggests purchasing the Intermodal Card for use on the train, metro and bus services. 

Ports in Mallorca

Mallorca has 2 main ferry ports: Palma de Mallorca on the west coast and Alcúdia on the east coast, which is located around 1.5km from the old town. Mallorca ferries usually depart daily from the port of Palma to get to mainland Spain (ports of Dénia and Valencia) and the neighboring Balearic islands of Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. Ferries from Mallorca to Barcelona usually depart from the port of Alcúdia. 

Island hopping from Mallorca

Mallorca has a key position in the Balearic archipelago, ideal for island hopping in the Mediterranean. There are frequent ferries to Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. 

Here are some more travel info for your island hopping in the Balearics: 

• Ferry from Mallorca to Menorca: ferries currently connect 2 ports in Mallorca with 2 ports in Menorca. Every day, there are 7 ferry crossings. The fastest ferry route lasts 1.5 hours on average.
• Ferry from Mallorca to Ibiza: you can catch the ferry daily from the port of Palma to both the town of Ibiza as well as the port of San Antonio on the west coast of Ibiza. The duration of the ferry trip from Mallorca to Ibiza ranges between 2-4 hours. 
• Ferry from Palma de Mallorca to Formentera: the route is usually served daily and the trip duration is about 3.5 hours.

On Ferryhopper's Map of ferries, you can see all the available ferry routes from Mallorca, so that you can easily organize your island hopping in the Balearics.

Quiet morning at the beach of Alcudia

Mallorca ferry: schedules and tickets

In this section, we have collected some useful information about the ferries to/from Mallorca. For more detailed information about how to get to Mallorca this summer check our relevant blog post. 

Are there ferries to Mallorca?

Yes, there are regular ferry connections from the east coast of Spain to Mallorca and the Balearic Islands. Getting a ferry to Mallorca from mainland Spain is a great option if you want to transfer your vehicle to the island. In the summer months, there is also a direct ferry to Mallorca from the south of France (port of Toulon). 

How long is the ferry to Mallorca?

The duration of the ferry trip to Mallorca depends on the port of departure. Indicatively: 

• The ferry trip from Barcelona to Alcúdia lasts approximately 6 hours.
• The ferry crossing from Dénia to Palma de Mallorca lasts around 6 hours. 
• The ferry journey duration from Valencia to Palma de Mallorca is about 8 hours. 
• The ferry trip from Toulon to Alcúdia lasts approximately 10.5 hours. 

Can you get a ferry from the UK to Mallorca (or Majorca)?

At the moment there is no direct ferry from the UK to Mallorca and the Balearic Islands. The direct ferries from the UK to Spain travel mainly to the ports of the Basque Country. The best way to get from the UK to Mallorca is either via a direct flight to the airport of Palma de Mallorca or via a direct flight to Barcelona or Valencia and then a ferry to Mallorca. 

Panoramic view of the port and city of Palma de Mallorca 

Where to book ferry tickets online to Mallorca

On Ferryhopper, you can book cheap ferry tickets online to Mallorca. Find all you need to know about Mallorca ferries, including available connections, time schedules, companies, prices and offers, and book your tickets with just a few clicks! Don’t forget to keep this guide handy for the best Mallorca travel info.