10 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Mallorca
Being a part of the Spanish Balearic Islands just off the east coast of the mainland, Mallorca is a popular holidaying spot for tourists around the globe. Mallorca is special though, because for such a small space, it caters to all demographics.
This article will have 10 insights into Mallorca that you should know, especially if you’re weighing up whether or not to book a trip there.
Mallorca isn’t just a party island
Mallorca, along with its neighbour Ibiza, has a reputation for being a party destination. This is most certainly true — if you want to dance the night away, Palma is incredible and has many top DJs performing there.
But where many are mistaken is that Mallorca is far from being a party island. There really is only one big party place, which is on the south west coast. The rest of the island has much more to offer.
Getting around is extremely easy
Being a relatively small island, Mallorca is extremely easy to get around on. You will most certainly fly to Palma, where you can get a taxi in Palma de Mallorca. Bus services also operate to most villages and towns, which there are many of! Of course, being relatively small, getting something like a ROIG Taxi is not going to set you back much money. This would be faster than the buses, but ultimately it’s up to the person and situation.
Caters to all budgets
Mallorca does a good job in catering to different budgets. If you’re looking for extremely cheap all-inclusive hotels that are vibrant, Malaluf has you covered. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something more luxurious, Cala d’Or offers fantastic 4* and 5* hotels and resorts. Likewise, Palma also offers hostels for under 30 EUR for those on a very tight budget.
Different coasts for different needs
Mallorca has everything. From mountain peaks to small villages to luxury tourist hubs. How do you know where to go? You can kind of split the island into different sections. The north and north west has towns that are surrounded by huge mountains and incredible landscapes. The southwest is Palma, which is best known for its nightlifes. The south east is another popular holiday part of the island, but it is a little more expensive and low-key. The north east has many old villages and very few tourists.
There are tons of endemic species
Mallorca is home to many endemic species (over 300!), of which the Dragonera lizard is the most well-known. Bird watchers are perhaps in the biggest luck here, with over 2,000 species and constant migrations. The first thing on your mind when thinking of Mallorca isn’t nature, but that’s why it’s on this list!
Mallorca has a rich history
Mallorca was inhabited in 7000 BC onwards. Because of its presence on the east coast, Mallorca has been subject to many attempted invasions. The Romans in fact did claim the island in 123 BC, and as a result, Mallorca has a lot of stunning architecture and history. If you’re staying in a hotel on one coast, it’s advised to take a trip over to other regions and visit the old towns. There are also some excellent museums and galleries too.
It’s busy!
Spain is the second most visited country in Europe after France. Mallorca, being one of its most famous regions, has a lot of seasonal visitors. This is something to be mindful of when booking in the summer, as traffic and such can become quite busy, particularly in Palma. Hotels are quickly sold out too, although there are usually enough alternatives for accommodation for even a last-minute visit.
It’s not the same as the other Balearic islands
In the same way that Mallorca has a bunch of different sites and scenery, the other islands do too. You would be mistaken if you travel to Mallorca thinking it will be like Ibiza for example, because it is vastly different. Ibiza’s reputation as a party island is somewhat accurate, whilst Menorca offers serenity and tranquility. Mallorca would somewhat be in between these two, as is arguably the most versatile.
Spanish (castilian) isn’t the first language
This is a surprise to many, but native residents of Mallorca actually speak Catalan as their native tongue. Natives also speak Castiliano, and the dialect of Catalan actually varies somewhat between the islands. However, given that the island is relatively dependent on its tourism income, most natives have learnt enough English to get by with the onslaught of visitors it receives.
Local produce
It’s highly advised that when you visit, you make the most of the excellent, high-quality local produce in Mallorca — something that goes unappreciated. Products that you can find as being locally made are: wine, sausages, olive oil, salts, cheese and gin. Arguably the most notorious local product here is the sandals (although this is more relevant to Menorca).
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