Mallorca

Mallorca: Everything you need to know about Spain's most beautiful island

Mallorca is an island that does something to you. It has something to do with the light, with the scent of lavender along winding roads, and with the turquoise Mediterranean Sea sparkling between the cliffs. Spain's largest Balearic island is much more than charter beaches and sun loungers. Behind the bustling resort towns, you'll find mighty mountains, vineyards and some of Europe's most charming small towns and villages scattered around the island.

Places you must experience in Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is worth spending plenty of time in. Explore the charming streets of Casco Antiguo, be impressed by La Seu Cathedral and experience the city's vibrant restaurant and café life in the port area.

Valldemossa in the Tramuntana Mountains is one of the island's most beautiful villages, known for its cobbled streets and the Royal Carthusian Monastery, originally built by King James II in the 1300s. Today, the monastery is perhaps best known as the winter home of composer Frédéric Chopin and the writer George Sand in 1838–39, and now serves as a museum.

Alcudia to the north combines a well-preserved old town surrounded by medieval city walls with some of the island's finest beaches and the Albufera Nature Reserve close by.

Sóller is best reached by the old railway from Palma, a trip that is an experience in itself. Port de Sóller is a small port town with a crescent-shaped bay that is hard to forget.

Weddings in Mallorca

Many couples choose to make their dream of getting married abroad a reality here. In fact, surveys show that one in four couples choose to experience their big day in another country, and Mallorca is one of Europe's most sought-after choices. The traditional farmhouses in natural stone, the lush gardens and the warm Mediterranean climate create a setting that is hard to beat. With family and friends gathered in a beautiful place in the sun, the celebration often extends over several days, like Ina and Helge experienced.

Must-try food and drink

The food in Mallorca is simple, local and good. Pa amb oli is perhaps the most typical dish from the island: toast rubbed with tomato and olive oil, preferably topped with sobrassada, the soft spicy sausage that is a trademark of the island. For breakfast, an ensaïmada, a sweet spiral-shaped pastry, is almost mandatory. End the day with a glass of wine from Binissalem or the herbal liqueur Hierbas, and you have a real taste of Mallorca.

Plan your Mallorcan holiday

Best time to visit: May, June, September, and October are the best period for most people. Warm and good without the summer heat at its worst, the temperature in the sea is pleasant and the price level is significantly lower than in the high season. July and August bring maximum sun and a full holiday atmosphere, but also full beaches and higher prices. November to April is quiet and nice for hiking and cycling, but with sea temperatures between 13 and 17°C, few people swim.

Getting around: renting a car is by far the most flexible option to explore the island properly. It is affordable compared to many other European destinations, and many of the most beautiful places are difficult to reach without a car. There are also buses and trains between the main cities.

Budget: Mallorca is suitable for most budgets. A dinner at a local restaurant usually costs roughly 20 to 20 Euro per person with wine. Holiday homes in Mallorca, especially farmhouses with swimming pools, are popular with families and groups of friends and good value when shared among several people.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best time to visit Mallorca? May, June and September offer the best combination of weather, price and quiet beaches.

What is Mallorca's temperature in summer? Typically, between 28 and 34 degrees Celsius from June to September.

Do I need to rent a car in Mallorca? To get to the most beautiful and quiet parts of the island, car rental is clearly the most convenient option.

Mallorca is an island that justifies its reputation and surprises those who thought they knew what they were getting into. You'll probably want to go back again as soon as you are seated on your flight home!