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To avoid making some mistakes during your stay in Mallorca, you simply need to know a little more about the island’s culture and what it has to offer beyond its beautiful beaches. It’s a popular summer destination, but did you know the island is worth a visit all year round?
This guide lists some common misconceptions and pitfalls that visitors often face, with the aim of helping you plan your stay in the most popular of the Balearic Islands. We hope that this little information will help you have a good time on the island.
Consider coming only in summer
Fall, winter and spring are also good times to go!
Mallorca is known for its numerous beaches which regularly attract crowds, especially during the summer period, from June to September. However, other seasons offer often more competitive hotel rates and plenty of activities and adventures without the stifling heat of summer. This is a great year-round island destination.
Off-season stays in Palma are particularly pleasant, with the streets of the capital offering milder temperatures and a calmer atmosphere. This will allow you to take unobstructed photos of beautiful sights such as the Santa María Cathedral, and it will be much easier to bargain in the markets. Inland, the hikes are charming and picturesque villages can be discovered in the peaceful countryside.
Underestimating the heat
The Mallorcan summer sun can be unforgiving
Summers in Mallorca can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching 40°C and seas reaching around 29°C on some beaches. Even when the mercury remains in the 30°C range, the heat can still be unbearable for sightseeing walks or inland excursions. The island has suffered heatwaves in the past, during which authorities urged visitors to refrain from hiking in the mountains.
Remember to protect yourself from the sun on the beach and wear light clothing suitable for your activities. It is also important to always have enough water on hand to hydrate yourself during your stay on the island.
Save the shorts and sandals for seaside days
When packing your bags before enjoying the beaches of Mallorca, you should keep in mind that this destination is not just about sun and sand. In cities like Palma, which are quite cosmopolitan, an “unofficial” dress code applies, which can simply be described as neat and casual. Elegance is required in most places.
So, by wearing your swim shorts or sarong around town, you would easily be labeled as a tourist. Your stay will also most likely include a visit to an important historical site or cathedral, where appropriate attire would be essential. Women will be happy to have brought a light stole to cover themselves in such cases or just when walking.
Often, tourists traveling to Mallorca (and almost everywhere in Spain) have to get used to the local, somewhat offbeat meal times. Establishments in more touristy areas serve times closer to your likely schedule, but authentic dining experiences are served a little later.
We often eat little in the morning, although we have two snacks before noon. The main meal of the day is generally served at 2 p.m. rather than midday. In the evening, the aperitif time varies but is generally around 8 p.m. The meal itself is not served until 9 p.m.
It’s best to always have enough cash with you when traveling to Mallorca, especially for small purchases and taxi bills. While most registered taxis accept card payments, there’s no telling when you’ll come across an irresistible deal.
On the other hand, for greater safety at the beach, it is best to bring just enough change to pay for drinks and other refreshments as well as the rental of a deck chair or parasol.
Getting scammed by timeshare sellers
Timeshare scams in Majorca follow a classic pattern: someone approaches you on the beach or along the promenade with a simple scratch game, almost always winning. The catch is that you have to go to a specific location to claim your prize. There you have to sit through a presentation that can last half an hour or more, wasting a lot of your precious free time.
If the “prizes” are often too good to be true, it’s because they are. Any “free” stay at a sublime establishment or an “exclusive” vacation club often involves unnecessary additional purchases. Simply refuse any offer and any contract signing.
The trendy destination of Mallorca is trying to restore its image
Magaluf has the reputation of being the essential party destination in Mallorca, due to its nightlife. The evenings are feverish there, often more than they should be. This Majorcan “party town” attracts thousands of summer visitors every year.
