Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €20–40 | €80–150 |
| Food | €15–25 | €35–55 |
| Transport | €4–8 | €15–30 |
| Activities | €0–10 | €15–30 |
| Drinks | €5–10 | €15–25 |
| Daily Total | €44–93 | €160–290 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone — 90 days visa-free for most nationalities. Palma Airport (PMI) is 8km from centre
- Bus A1 from airport to Plaça d'Espanya (€5, 20 min). Taxis: €20–30 fixed fare to city centre
- Ferries from Barcelona (7.5 hrs) and Valencia (7 hrs) via Baleària or Trasmediterránea
Health & Safety
- No special vaccinations required. EHIC covers EU citizens. Spanish public healthcare is excellent
- Tap water is safe but locals often drink bottled. Sun protection is critical — UV is intense May–September
- Palma is very safe. Minor pickpocketing in tourist areas. Beach thefts — never leave valuables unattended
Getting Around
- EMT buses cover Palma — single ticket €2, 10-trip card €12. Routes to beaches, airport, and suburbs
- TIB buses connect to all island destinations — Sóller, Valldemossa, Deià, east coast beaches. Very affordable
- Palma is compact and walkable. Bike-share Bicipalma (€9/week). Car rental from €25/day for coast exploration
Connectivity
- EU roaming included for European SIMs. Local SIMs from Vodafone, Orange, or Movistar (€10–15 for 5–10GB)
- Free WiFi in most cafés and restaurants. Coverage is excellent across the island
- Download the EMT Palma app for bus routes and the TIB app for island-wide transport schedules
Money
- Euro (€) everywhere. Cards accepted at almost all businesses — contactless is standard
- ATMs from Spanish banks (CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA) have lowest fees. Avoid Euronet ATMs
- Tipping is not expected but appreciated — round up or leave €1–2 at restaurants. 5–10% for excellent service
Packing Tips
- Swimwear, sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, and sunglasses — the Mallorcan sun is fierce from May to October
- Light layers for mountain villages — the Tramuntana is 5–10°C cooler than the coast
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestoned old town and mountain trails. Water shoes for rocky coves
Cultural tips
Catalan & Castellano
Mallorca speaks Mallorquín (Catalan dialect) and Castellano (Spanish). Signs are in Catalan. Locals appreciate "Bon dia" (good morning) or "Gràcies" (thank you). Don't call it a dialect — it's a language.
Meal Times
Lunch is 2–3:30pm, dinner from 9pm. Most restaurants don't open for dinner before 8pm. The menú del día (set lunch) at many restaurants is €10–15 for three courses including wine — extraordinary value.
Island Pace
Mallorcans live at a Mediterranean pace — don't rush. Shops close 2–5pm for siesta. Sunday is family day — many shops and some restaurants close. Markets are morning-only. Embrace the tranquilo lifestyle.
Environmental Respect
Mallorca is environmentally conscious — eco-tax of €1–4/night is charged at all accommodation. Don't take sand, disturb Posidonia seagrass (it keeps beaches clean), or anchor boats on protected seabeds.
Beach Culture
All Spanish beaches are public by law — you can walk through any beach, including in front of hotels. Topless sunbathing is common and accepted. Nudist beaches are clearly marked. Don't shake your towel into the wind near others.
Drinking Culture
A caña (small draft beer, 200ml) is the standard order — not a pint. Hierbas (anise herbal liqueur) is the traditional Mallorcan digestif. Pre-dinner drinks start at 8pm, going out starts at midnight.
