Mallorca

Mallorca, Spain

As well as being a very popular destination for sun worshippers with a love of cocktails and clubbing, this Balearic jewel has a long and rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and an irresistible charm. Mallorca’s beaches, however, with their golden sands and crystalline waters, remain the island’s biggest draw.

Population:

923,608 (2019)

Currency:

1 Euro, € = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

112

Opening Hours:

General opening hours are 9am–2pm and 5pm–8pm or 9pm on weekdays. Some shops stay open during the siesta (2–5pm). Banks are open 8am–2pm.

Newspapers:

Majorca Daily Bulletin (English)
Ultima Hora
Diario de Mallorca

The Island

Known for its picturesque beaches, sheltered coves, limestone mountains, charming villages, and Roman and Moorish remains, the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca, boasts scenery that is as diverse as it is ravishing.

Its capital Palma de Mallorca — or simply, Palma — is a vibrant, bustling city, rich in history, culture, and impressive architecture. The imposing La Seu Cathedral is its standout feature.

A mere 20 minutes away, in the mountains to the northwest, is the sensationally beautiful Valldemossa — a village that composer Frederic Chopin once called home. A further 10 minutes away is the village of Deià, the former home of poet Robert Graves.

Southeast of Palma, you can find picturesque fishing idylls and magnificent fjord-like bays near the village of Portopetro. A slice of the West Indies in Mallorca — the vast beach of Es Trenc — lies a few miles to the west.

Head north towards Capdepera to be amazed by the medieval castle built over a crumbled city wall. Golden sandy beaches are flanked by lofty mountains straight out of a fantasy film. The golf courses here gleam, and the sea is its deepest turquoise.

Every corner of this island hides forts, monasteries, beautiful beaches, treasures, myths and legends waiting to be discovered.

Do & See

There is so much more to do in Mallorca than party and soak up the sun – but be sure to indulge in some of that too. Explore historical and impressive Palma, visit tiny coastal villages and remote mountain monasteries, hike the Serra de Tramuntana, take a dip in any of the picturesque coves surrounding the island, or go wine tasting in the Binissalem Wine Village. Mallorca offers a truly notable variety of sights and activities, and those who take the time to explore this small and very manageable island in depth will be greatly rewarded.

Dining

As is to be expected, tapas, montaditos, and pintxos abound in Mallorca. But for a truly authentic Mallorquin gastronomic experience, visitors will want to avoid those easy options and go instead for some of the many local specialities. On the coast, bistros serve the freshest seafood with beautiful ocean views, while inland, heartier meals are on the menu — a spit-roast pig with fresh seasonal vegetables grown just a few miles down the road — and the sea-breeze is swapped for mountainous landscapes. All of this, of course, is accompanied by fine local vintages and the warm companionship of local chefs and fellow diners.

Cafes

Every corner of this island begs its visitors to relax over a cup of coffee in the afternoon — from the boulevards of Palma to the mountain roads to the beach-side establishments.

Luckily, there are plenty of cafes offering just that, along with ice cream, hot chocolate, light snacks, and stunning views from their terraces and outdoor seating options.