Holding its own against the more popular tourist cities in Spain and the rest of Europe, Mallorca, or Majorca as known among locals, is a must-see destination in the Mediterranean. The destination is the largest island in the Balearic Islands, with Palma as the capital of the island and the autonomous community of the archipelago. Visitors are charmed by Mallorca’s unique personality, owing to its combination of pristine beaches and golden sands, breathtaking landscapes, quaint and picturesque hill towns, and a colorful capital city.

How to Get There

Mallorca is well connected to Spain and the rest of Europe. Travellers can access the island by planes or boats. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, located just eight kilometres from the capital, is only a 20-minute drive. The international airport carries different airlines but is also a base for Spanish and budget carriers, like Air Europa, Ryan Air, and Vueling.

By boat, Mallorca is accessible through Baleària and Trasmediterránea, with the former servicing from Dénia, Valencia and Barcelona, and the latter, Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and northern Africa's Spanish territories.

Getting Around

Be it by rail, metro, bus, tram or bicycle, getting around Mallorca is easy and comfortable. Servicing three lines to the north and east from Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca Rail Network is an important tool in touring the island. It has stations from Estació Intermodal to Plaça d'Espanya.

Alternatively, Palma Metro has two lines: M1, which runs from Plaça d'Espanya to UIB (University of the Balearic Islands) and M2, which runs from Plaça d'Espanya to Marratxí. Different destinations are accessible through the Transports de les Illes Balears, the bus system operating in Mallorca. However, medium to long-distance services is seldom.

Top Things to Do

Mallorca is the perfect destination for different reasons and types of travellers. Whether it’s to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere, to relive the past traditions by roaming the streets of the vibrant capital of Palma, or to challenge the island’s breathtaking Serra de Tramuntana by bike, the island provides them all. Visitors of Mallorca will find it near impossible to resist its charm and unique personality.

A guide to Mallorca would not be complete without talking about its beaches. Among the 262 beaches that lay scattered in the area, Cala Agulla, Portal Vells, and Formentor are some of the must-see ones. Although quite far from the capital, Cala Agulla offers a scenic view with pine trees and mountains and sparkling blue water. Meanwhile, Portal Vells is a popular destination among locals and families for its sand, turquoise water and caves, perfect for spelunking.

For those looking to break a sweat, Cap de Formentor, Cala de Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent, and Serra de Tramuntana are sure to reward the traveller’s effort. Located on the northernmost point of Mallorca, Cap de Formentor involves going through 18 kilometres of winding roads and hairpin turns, but the view from Finisterre has no price. Perched on a 400-meter high cliff, the panoramic scene of Mallorca’s coast is breathtaking and inspiring, to say the least.

Lastly, to fully experience the city’s culture and architecture, a tour of Palma de Mallorca, Deià and Valldemossa is highly recommended. Visitors do not have to go far - Palma de Mallorca, with its centuries worth of history and culture, is sure to impress. Travellers can roam the streets and find something to write home about - be it the Gothic cathedrals and churches, restaurants, tapas bars, crowded markets, and vibrant neighbourhoods.

What to Eat

Spain is known for its gastronomy, and the same applies to Mallorca. The tapas scene in the city and on the coast being night and day. Restaurants in the former tend to offer heartier dishes, like suckling pig, while those on the coast, offer dishes that showcase the wealth of the sea. Local cuisine is similar to those found in Spain and the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on bread, pork and an overflowing amount of olive oil! Pa amb Oli, Trampó, Frit Mallorquí, Sobrassada, Ensaïmada, and Gató are just some of the specialties of the area.

Nightlife

Owing slightly to longer days in the country, Spanish people tend to stay out quite late. As a result, it would not be unusual to find locals in a watering hole until two o’clock in the morning. For guests looking to make full use of the night, Magaluf is the ideal location. Known for being the centre of clubbing on the island, it houses the likes of Banana Disco and BCM Empire Disco. Other clubs include Abraxas and Tito’s along Paseo Maritimo.

Where to Stay

Travellers have different accommodation selections in Mallorca. Agrotourism is slowly becoming a trend on the island, where farm owners are converting and refurbishing their homes to accommodate guests. Similarly, former mansions and manors in smaller towns are being converted. As for hotels, those looking for a 5-star experience should look no further than Palma’s shopping district, which is littered by excellent hotels. Likewise, apartments and villas are also great ideas for quality and luxurious accommodations, but with a tinge of a homey atmosphere.

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