Overview

The Spanish island of Mallorca is located along the Balearic island chain in the Mediterranean Sea. The name is sometimes spelled Majorca because it is the largest island in the chain. Mallorca has long been a popular European vacation destination and it’s not hard to see why. With close to 350 miles (555 km) of coastline ranging from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs surrounded by contrasting shades of blue water provides a picturesque backdrop for your trip. The protected coves are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or just sitting back and enjoying the view.

Mallorca Things to Do and See

Let’s start by saying that Mallorca is not the place you go to spend the day visiting museums and taking in cultural sights, although they do have them. It’s more relaxing all day with your feet in the sand, partying all night, and eating some delicious food in between types of places.  But don’t worry, there are still things to do when you find some free time.

Magaluf

Magaluf is a popular resort area located west of Palma. The area has tons of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife along the half-mile (1Km) beach. Magaluf is geared towards tourists so don’t expect a uniquely Spanish experience, but virtually everything you need is right within walking distance. There’s also plenty of places to find tours to other parts of the island as well.

Magaluf is probably best known for its nightlife. With lots of bars and nightclubs offering low priced drinks, visitors flock to this part of the island. However, with all of the alcohol and partying, Magaluf can get a little rowdy, particularly during the peak season.  If you’re looking for rest and relaxation, you may want to look into staying in another area.

Palma

Palma isn’t only the capital of Mallorca, but the capital of all of the  Balearic islands.  The city is the most cosmopolitan part of the island. This is where you will find some of the more cultural activities that the island has to offer. Fully named Palma de Mallorca, you can find tons of cafes, bars, galleries, and shops. Make sure to take some time to visit the Palma Cathedral in the old city.

Go by Boat

It’s hard to fully appreciate Mallorca without seeing the island from the sea. By boat, you can get a better view of the rocky parts of the shoreline. There are cave systems on the sides of the rock face that you would never know were there from the land. Then, when you go around another corner you could find protected coves with a beach that’s hiding in the shadows of the cliffs. There are many options to choose from if you want to book a boat tour including catamarans, sailboats, party cruises, and even glass-bottom boat cruises.

Mallorca Nightlife
Like its sister island Ibiza, Mallorca is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. Magaluf is probably the best-known party area on the island because there are so many bars and clubs packed into the area. This is the place for a younger crowd and wild theme parties. But you can find bars that are more reserved all around Palma. The nice thing is that there is something for every mood. There’s even a casino if the bars and clubs aren’t for you.

Mallorca Food

The food in Mallorca is nothing short of amazing. The cross of Spanish dishes, Mediterranean flavors, fresh and vegetables make every dish an adventure. And seafood lovers will not be disappointed. If you stay in Magaluf, keep in mind that the area is geared towards British tourists and so are many of the restaurants. The food is still awesome, but I feel you get a more authentic dining experience away from the touristy areas.

Mallorca Cost

For an island in the Mediterranean, Mallorca is pretty affordable. The Palma de Mallorca Airport is the third-largest in Spain, and there are a lot of inexpensive flights from within Europe. Hotels and food are pretty reasonable as well, outside of July and August. This is the peak season, and it’s hard to get around supply and demand. But even during the peak season, rooms aren’t ridiculous.

Mallorca Safety
Mallorca is generally a safe place to visit. However, like any tourist destination, you still need to keep an eye open and be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets and scammers can be a problem if you aren’t careful. Also, a lot of people visit the island to party, especially around Magaluf. So, there’s always the chance of people drinking too much and becoming belligerent. Most trouble can be avoided by keeping tabs on how much you drink and using common sense.