A Mallorca travel guide is not just about the beaches of the Bay of Palma. The largest of the Balearic Islands combines a historic capital dominated by its cathedral, the Serra de Tramuntana on the UNESCO World Heritage list, stone villages such as Valldemossa and Deià, and turquoise coves on the east coast. What to do in Mallorca, when to go, where to stay and how much to budget: this guide covers the essentials, with official AEMET climate normals.
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Mallorca at a glance
- Main town Palma, capital of the Balearic Islands
- Languages Catalan and SpanishEnglish and German are widely used in tourism
- Currency the euro (€) · currencies
- Time zone UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer: 1 hour ahead of London, 6 hours ahead of New York · detailsLocal time now: –:–
- Airports Palma de Mallorca (PMI) · details
- Entry Schengen area: no visa for UK citizens for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; US citizens need a passport valid 3 months beyond their stay · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
- Electricity check voltage and plug types before you go · plugs
- Budget see our budget section
- Tax a tourist tax(sustainable tourism tax) is charged per night, depending on the type of accommodation and the season
When to go to Mallorca
The best time to go to Mallorca is May to June and September: 23 to 27 °C (73 to 81 °F) in the afternoon in Palma, little rain and a pleasant sea, without the summer crowds. July and August are the hottest and driest months, but also the most expensive. For hiking in the Tramuntana, aim for February to May and October-November. Winter is mild for Europe, but many beach hotels close. To compare these seasons with the quieter neighboring island, our comparison to choose between Mallorca and Menorca uses the same criteria.
When to go to Mallorca: the essentials
- Best periods: May-June and September
- Beach: June to September (warmest sea in August-September)
- Hiking and cycling: February to May, October-November
- Hottest month: August, average high 30.2 °C (86 °F) in Palma
- Wettest month: October, about 73 mm (2.9 in) in Palma
- Cheapest: November to March, but with many closures
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.7 (60) | 8.5 (47) | 44 (1.7) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Mild but off-season, many hotels closed |
| February | 15.7 (60) | 8.4 (47) | 37 (1.5) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Almond blossom, ideal for hiking and cycling |
| March | 17.6 (64) | 9.9 (50) | 29 (1.1) | Low to medium | Low | ⚠️ Cool spring, cold sea |
| April | 19.7 (67) | 12.2 (54) | 38 (1.5) | Medium (Easter) | Medium | ✅ Hiking, Palma and villages |
| May | 23.0 (73) | 15.5 (60) | 32 (1.3) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Very good month, swimming possible late in the month |
| June | 27.0 (81) | 19.4 (67) | 14 (0.6) | High | High | ✅ Hot, dry, sea warming up |
| July | 29.7 (85) | 22.4 (72) | 5 (0.2) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Ideal beach weather, but crowds and prices at their peak |
| August | 30.2 (86) | 23.0 (73) | 22 (0.9) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Hottest month, packed beaches |
| September | 27.4 (81) | 20.1 (68) | 61 (2.4) | High | High → medium | ✅ Warm sea, fewer visitors late in the month |
| October | 24.0 (75) | 16.8 (62) | 73 (2.9) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Mild, some storms, end of season |
| November | 19.5 (67) | 12.4 (54) | 68 (2.7) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Quiet, autumn rain |
| December | 16.8 (62) | 9.9 (50) | 49 (1.9) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Mild, Christmas atmosphere in Palma |
These normals are for Palma port, sheltered at the back of its bay. The Serra de Tramuntana, in the north-west, rises to over 1,400 m (4,593 ft): it gets much more rain, its winter nights are cold and its peaks can be snow-capped. Autumn is the rainy season, often with short but intense storms; in summer, heatwaves are possible.
The seasons in Mallorca
- Spring (March to May): 18 to 23 °C (64 to 73 °F) in the afternoon, green countryside, trails without the heat. The sea stays cool until late May. Ideal for hiking, cycling and visiting Palma.
- Summer (June to August): 27 to 30 °C (81 to 86 °F), almost no rain, warm sea. High season: packed coves, busy roads, high prices. Head to the beaches early in the morning.
- Autumn (September to November): September keeps summer weather with the sea at its warmest; October is mild but stormy; November marks the end of the season.
- Winter (December to February): 15 to 17 °C (59 to 63 °F) in the afternoon, ideal for Palma and hiking. Almond trees blossom in January-February in some years, but many beach hotels are closed.
Mallorca month by month
- January: 16 °C (61 °F), quiet; ideal for Palma and hiking, out of the beach season.
- February: almond blossom in some years, pleasant trails.
- March: 18 °C (64 °F), little rain (29 mm / 1.1 in), cold sea.
- April: 20 °C (68 °F), lively Holy Week; a good month for the Tramuntana.
- May: 23 °C (73 °F), one of the best months: dry, in bloom, swimming possible late in the month.
- June: 27 °C (81 °F), the sea warms up, crowds still reasonable before July.
- July: 30 °C (86 °F), almost no rain; peak season.
- August: the hottest and busiest month; book very early.
- September: 27 °C (81 °F), warm sea, fewer visitors late in the month; first storms.
- October: 24 °C (75 °F), the wettest month (73 mm / 2.9 in), good for hiking between showers.
- November: 20 °C (68 °F), quiet; seasonal closures.
- December: 17 °C (63 °F), Christmas markets in Palma.
To compare with Menorca and Ibiza, see our page when to go to the Balearic Islands, or when to go to Spain for the rest of the country.
Things to do in Mallorca: the highlights
Palma
The capital is best explored on foot. La Seu cathedral dominates the bay; next to it, the royal Almudaina Palace recalls the city’s Moorish and then royal past. The old quarter hides patios, Arab baths and Gothic churches. Circular Bellver Castle offers a view over the whole bay. Palma is also a city of museums, markets (Olivar, Santa Catalina) and restaurants: it deserves at least a full day, even on a beach holiday. Our guide to Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital, covers the cathedral, the neighborhoods and the museums.
The Serra de Tramuntana
This mountain range along the north-west coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape of terraces, dry-stone walls and irrigation systems. The Ma-10 road runs its full length, with viewpoints over the sea. The long-distance GR 221 trail, known as the “Dry Stone Route”, crosses it in several stages with mountain refuges. Puig Major, the island’s highest point, is a military site closed to the public.
Valldemossa and Deià
Valldemossa is known for its charterhouse, where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-1839. Its flower-lined lanes are very busy during the day: arrive early. Further along the coast, Deià, a stone village clinging to the mountain, has attracted many artists; there is a small cove below.
Sóller and its train
The Sóller train, in service since the early 20th century, links Palma with Sóller through the Tramuntana in wooden carriages. In Sóller, a tram runs down to the port. The orange-grove valley, the neighboring village of Fornalutx and the surrounding trails justify spending a night there. The train ticket is expensive: compare with the bus depending on your budget.
Sa Calobra and the Torrent de Pareis
A spectacular road with tight hairpin bends winds down to Sa Calobra and the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis, a canyon that opens onto a small pebble beach between two cliffs. The site is very busy in summer; boats also arrive from Port de Sóller. The full descent of the canyon is a technical hike, to be avoided after rain.
Cap de Formentor, Pollença and Alcúdia
In the north-east, the Formentor peninsula ends in a lighthouse above the cliffs, with spectacular viewpoints; in high season, access by private car may be restricted. Pollença is known for its Calvari stairway and its 365 steps. Alcúdia has kept its medieval walls and, nearby, the remains of the Roman town of Pollentia. The Bay of Alcúdia offers long, family-friendly sandy beaches.
The Caves of Drach
Near Porto Cristo, on the east coast, the Caves of Drach contain an underground lake where the visit ends with a short classical music concert on the water. The Caves of Artà, further north, are a less crowded alternative. Book your tickets in summer.
The coves of the east and south coasts
Between Cala d’Or and Santanyí, the coast is cut into clear-water coves: Caló des Moro, the most photographed, Cala Llombards, Cala Figuera and its fishing port, or Mondragó natural park, with its coves and pine forest. In the south, Es Trenc is a long white-sand beach in a protected natural area. In summer, these sites are very busy: come early, use the designated car parks and bring water.
Cabrera
From Colònia de Sant Jordi, boats sail to the Cabrera archipelago, a maritime-terrestrial national park. Visits are regulated and visitor numbers are limited: book ahead.
Itinerary: suggested routes in Mallorca
7 days: the essentials
- Day 1: Palma (cathedral, old town, Santa Catalina)
- Day 2: Valldemossa and Deià along the Tramuntana road
- Day 3: train or road to Sóller, Port de Sóller, Fornalutx
- Day 4: Sa Calobra and Cap de Formentor
- Day 5: Pollença and Alcúdia
- Day 6: Caves of Drach and the east-coast coves
- Day 7: Es Trenc or Mondragó, back to Palma
10 days to 2 weeks: the whole island and hiking
- Days 1-2: Palma and Bellver
- Days 3-6: the Tramuntana (Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, stages of the GR 221)
- Days 7-8: the north (Formentor, Pollença, Alcúdia)
- Days 9-11: the east coast (Drach, Santanyí, Mondragó, Caló des Moro)
- Days 12-14: the south (Es Trenc, trip to Cabrera), back to Palma
To combine with Menorca or Ibiza, see our Balearic Islands guide. Mallorca is also a frequent port of call on Mediterranean cruises. Torn between Mallorca and the White Isle? Our page Ibiza or Mallorca: which to choose helps you decide.
Who is Mallorca for?
Here is our view by profile, based on the stops, budget and conditions presented in this guide to Mallorca.
| Profile | Our view |
|---|---|
| Beach | ✅ East-coast coves (Caló des Moro, Mondragó), Es Trenc beach; they are very busy in July-August. |
| Hiking and cycling | ✅ Serra de Tramuntana and the GR 221, renowned road cycling, especially in spring. |
| Families | ✅ Long sandy beaches of the Bay of Alcúdia, Caves of Drach, Sóller train. |
| Couples | ✅ Stone villages such as Deià and Valldemossa, Santanyí coves, inland fincas. |
| Culture | ✅ Palma, its cathedral and Bellver Castle, Valldemossa charterhouse. |
| Budget travel | ⚠️ Roughly €70 to €125 per day, excluding tourist tax; prices peak in July-August. |
| Partying | ⚠️ Concentrated in the Bay of Palma (Magaluf, S’Arenal), very touristy in summer; GOV.UK notes local restrictions on alcohol sales in Magaluf and Playa de Palma. |
Budget for a trip to Mallorca
Indicative amounts per person per day, excluding flights:
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared double room) | roughly €35 to €60 | roughly €80 to €160 |
| Meals | roughly €20 to €30 | roughly €45 to €80 |
| Transport (shared car hire, fuel, parking, bus) | roughly €10 to €20 | roughly €20 to €40 |
| Sights and activities | roughly €5 to €15 | roughly €15 to €40 |
| Total per day | roughly €70 to €125 | roughly €160 to €320 |
For a week, that means roughly €500 to €850 per person on a budget and €1,100 to €2,200 for comfort, excluding flights. All-inclusive packages in the resorts of the Bay of Palma or Alcúdia can be good value outside school holidays; to explore the island, independent accommodation with a car is more flexible. Our page on car rental in Mallorca sets out the rules and what to check before booking.
Getting around Mallorca
- Car: the most practical option for the coves and the Tramuntana. Mountain roads are narrow and shared with many cyclists; car parks at popular sites are often paid and full in summer. UK photocard licences can be used in Spain (GOV.UK); US drivers should check the Transportation section of travel.state.gov.
- Bus: the TIB network links Palma with most towns and villages; Palma city buses serve the airport.
- Train: a line links Palma with Inca, Sa Pobla and Manacor; the historic Sóller train is a tourist line.
- Bike: Mallorca is a renowned road-cycling destination, especially in spring.
- Boat: ferries link Palma with Ibiza, Menorca and the mainland (Barcelona, Valencia).
Mallorca airport transfer: bus, taxi and private transfer
From Palma airport (Son Sant Joan), the cheapest way to reach Palma is the EMT A1 bus; for the rest of the island, TIB bus lines leave from the terminal, and official taxis wait at arrivals. Here are the options.
EMT Palma A1 and A2 buses
Line A1 links the airport with central Palma and line A2 with S’Arenal. According to the EMT Palma fares page (checked 26 October 2026), you can pay on board in cash or by card, with a group discount for up to five people, and lines A1 and A2 are reserved for trips to or from the airport. Check the current fare on the EMT website before you travel.
TIB buses to the rest of the island
Several TIB interurban lines leave from the airport for resorts around the island. Timetables and fares are published by the TIB network; they vary by line and season.
Official taxis
Always take a taxi from the signposted rank at the terminal (arrivals level), avoid drivers offering their services elsewhere and ask for a receipt in case of a complaint. Fares are metered according to the official municipal rates.
| Option | Where to catch it | Fare | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 bus (central Palma) | Terminal | Cash or card on board; check the fare on the EMT website | EMT Palma |
| A2 bus (S’Arenal) | Terminal | Cash or card on board; check the fare on the EMT website | EMT Palma |
| TIB buses | Terminal | Depends on the line (TIB website) | TIB |
| Taxi | Signposted rank, arrivals | Meter, municipal rates | – |
| Private transfer | Provider’s meeting point | Price fixed at booking | – |
Booking a private transfer in Mallorca
A private transfer (a driver waiting for you on arrival, price agreed at booking) makes most sense if you arrive late in the evening, as a family or group, with lots of luggage, or if your accommodation is poorly served by public transport. It is also handy for going straight to a town far from Palma without changing. Before booking, check what the price includes (luggage, child seats, tolls, night supplements), the free waiting time if your flight is late, flight tracking, the exact meeting point in the terminal and the cancellation terms.
Where to stay in Mallorca
| Base | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Palma | Culture, restaurants, short stay | No car needed for the city |
| Sóller and the Tramuntana | Hiking, villages | Car or bus, few beaches |
| Pollença and Alcúdia (north) | Families, sandy beaches, cycling | Long beaches, calm atmosphere |
| Santanyí and the east coast | Coves, couples | Car essential |
| Bay of Palma (Magaluf, S’Arenal) | Partying, budget, all-inclusive | Very touristy in summer |
| Inland fincas | Peace, pool, nature | Car essential |
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025): Schengen rules apply. Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay, and you need sufficient proof of funds and a return ticket.
- UK citizens (GOV.UK, updated 12 August 2026): no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) means fingerprints and a photo may be taken at your first entry, free of charge.
- Lost passport: according to GOV.UK, you cannot use a police report to leave Spain: you need a new passport or an emergency travel document.
- Health: UK travellers can use a GHIC or EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare, which does not replace travel insurance; whatever your nationality, take out insurance covering medical costs. Emergency number: 112.
- Safety: the U.S. Department of State notes that pickpocketing and theft are very common at tourist spots, airports, train stations and beach destinations. GOV.UK warns of extreme heat in summer, wildfires and flash floods (follow AEMET warnings), and of strong undercurrents on some beaches: never swim when the red flag is flying.
- Balearic alcohol rules: according to GOV.UK, local laws limit alcohol sales in parts of some resorts, including Magaluf (Calvià) and Playa de Palma in Mallorca and San Antonio (Sant Antoni de Portmany) in Ibiza: no happy hours, open bars, vending-machine sales, pub crawls or party boat trips, and no off-licence sales between 9:30 pm and 8 am. Drinking in the street is illegal in some areas and can bring an on-the-spot fine.
- Balconies: GOV.UK reports serious, sometimes fatal falls from balconies; hotels can evict you and you may be fined for dangerous behavior, and travel insurance may not cover such incidents. It also notes serious accidents at illegal commercially promoted parties in villas on Ibiza and Mallorca.
To compare policies, see our travel insurance guide.
Practical tips for Mallorca
- Money: cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep some cash for markets and car parks.
- Mobile data: check your roaming charges before you go, or use a travel eSIM.
- Meal times: lunch is around 2 pm and dinner is late, as in the rest of Spain.
- Respect local rules: drinking alcohol in the street is illegal in some areas and can bring an on-the-spot fine (GOV.UK).
- Coves: arrive before 10 am in summer, or visit late in the day.
- Food: try ensaïmada, sobrassada, tumbet and pa amb oli.
Further reading: to compare Mallorca with Menorca and Ibiza, see when to go to the Balearic Islands and our Ibiza guide. For the most balanced months, our selections where to go in May and where to go in September let you compare with other destinations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to go to Mallorca?
May-June and September: 23 to 27 °C (73 to 81 °F) in the afternoon in Palma, little rain and fewer visitors than in July-August. For hiking, choose February to May and October-November.
What to do in Mallorca in 7 days?
Palma, the Tramuntana road (Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller), Sa Calobra and Formentor, Pollença and Alcúdia, the Caves of Drach and the east-coast coves. Our 7-day itinerary above sets out the order of the stops.
How much does a week in Mallorca cost?
Excluding flights, roughly €500 to €850 per person on a budget and €1,100 to €2,200 for comfort, plus the tourist tax. Prices are much higher in July-August.
What are the downsides of Mallorca?
Crowds and prices in July-August, traffic and full car parks near famous sites, and the closure of some hotels and restaurants in winter. Traveling in May, June or September limits these drawbacks.
Do you need to rent a car in Mallorca?
It is advisable for the coves and the Tramuntana. For a stay focused on Palma, or with simple journeys, the TIB bus network and the train are enough.
Is the weather good in Mallorca in winter?
It is mild, around 16 °C (61 °F) in the afternoon in Palma in January according to AEMET, with a few rainy days. It is a good time for Palma, hiking and cycling, but not for the beach.
Our sources
- Entry requirements, health and safety read on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Spain country information (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Spain (GOV.UK, updated 12 August 2026)
- Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET): provisional 1991-2020 normals for the Palma port station
- EMT Palma, fares page (airport lines A1 and A2), checked 26 October 2026
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To continue, see our Balearic Islands guide, our Spain guide, our Barcelona guide and our other destinations in Europe.
