Mallorca Travel Guide: Top Things To Do & See

Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is a Mediterranean paradise perfect for travellers seeking sun, sea, and culture. In this Mallorca travel guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit.

Discover the best things to do in Mallorca, from exploring the vibrant nightlife in Palma and the charming villages of Valldemossa and Deià, to lounging on pristine beaches like Calo des Moro.

In this guide, you’ll also find information on the best ways to get around Mallorca, how many days to spend on the island and the best months to visit.

Best time to visit Mallorca?

The best months to visit Mallorca are late April to May and September to early October. During these months, you will experience good weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the island comfortably.

Peak Season (June to August):

Average temperatures: 19-31°C / 66-88°F
This is when the island is most vibrant, with hot, sunny weather perfect for beach-going and swimming. It’s also the busiest time, so expect crowded beaches and tourist spots, along with higher prices.

Shoulder Season (April to May, September to October)

Average temperatures: 10-28°C / 50-82°F
During the shoulder season months, the weather in Mallorca is still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and swimming but without the intense heat of the summer months. During this period you’ll potentially find lower prices for accommodation and activities.

Off-Season (November to March)

Average temperatures: 10-28°C / 50-82°F
The winter months are ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed trip and are interested in exploring local culture and scenic landscapes without the crowds. However, it’s worth noting that some places may close for the winter, particularly beach resorts and clubs.

How Many Days in Mallorca is Enough?

Short Stay (3 to 4 Days):

I recommend spending at least 3 days in Mallorca, using the capital city, Palma de Mallorca, as your base for exploring.

This trip length is perfect for a long weekend and you won’t need to bother with hiring a rental car. You’ll only need one full day to explore the best attractions in Palma.

On the other days, I suggest visiting nearby beaches like Cala Blava or Cala Major (both 30 minutes from Palma). As well as a day trip to either Valldemossa or Sóller – both easily reached by bus from Palma.

Longer Stay (5 Days or more):

With a few more days in Mallorca, you can visit more areas of the island like Cap de Formentor and Pollença.

You will definitely want to have a rental car to explore Mallorca on a longer trip so you can more easily access the famous beaches Calo des Moro and Cala Llombards.

Be sure to include a visit to Deià and Santanyí for their famous Saturday markets.

If you’re visiting Mallorca for more than 7 days I would recommend splitting your time up and staying half of your week on the east side of the island and the other half on the west to cut down on driving.

How to Get to Mallorca?

Mallorca’s main airport is Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). It serves numerous international and domestic flights.

If there are no direct flights from your location, you can fly to major Spanish cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, and then take a connecting flight to Mallorca.

From the airport, it’s only a 15-minute drive to the city centre of Palma de Mallorca and will cost around €25 to get to your accommodation.

For a more affordable option, you can get the A1 bus from the airport to the Palma city centre. This bus runs every 15 minutes and costs €5 each way or €8 for a return ticket.

Ferry to Mallorca from Spain

Ferries to Mallorca are available from several ports in mainland Spain. The most common routes are from Barcelona, Valencia, and Dénia.

Ferries are operated by companies like Balearia and Trasmediterranea.

The journey typically takes 6-8 hours, depending on the port of departure and type of ferry (standard or high-speed).

How to get around Mallorca?

What’s the best way to get around Mallorca?

RENTING A CAR: The best way to get around Mallorca is by hiring a car, especially if you want to easily reach those jaw-dropping beaches and villages you’ve no doubt seen on Instagram – or within this post ;).

I recommend using Discover Cars to book your car rental in Mallorca. I always get the best deal on car rentals on their site as they compare hundreds of providers and give you the best price available.

Can you get around Mallorca without a car?

There are a range of affordable public transport options available in Mallorca. The best way to get around Mallorca is by bus, as it’s a lot more affordable than taxis.

Please note: Uber is not available in Mallorca.

BUSES:

The island has an extensive bus network operated by two companies: EMT in Palma and TIB for intercity routes. Buses within Palma’s urban zone cost €2 per journey and tickets can be bought on board.

To get across the island, I recommend using Google Maps or the TIB website to look up timetables and plan your journey. For an idea of costs, you can get a 30-minute bus from Palma to Soller for €2.70.

TIP: Bus tickets are more expensive when you purchase them onboard, you will save 40% on fares when you use your contactless bank card to tap in and out.

TRAINS:

There are a few train routes operated by SFM. The most popular route is the T1 line from Palma to Inca (30-minute journey, 3.60€ fare).

There is also a historic 110-year-old wood-panelled train that runs from Palma to Sóller. While the 1-hour journey takes longer than the bus, the stunning views along the journey are so worth it.

I recommend booking your tickets in advance online at trendesoller.com. A return fare from Palme to Sóller will cost €28 – or €35 with a tram ticket.

TRAM

In Sóller you can also get the island’s only tram – another historic experience on the 1912 tram that runs between Sóller and Port de Sóller, offering scenic views – definitely an activity to add to your Mallorca bucket list.