Which destination attracts you the most when Spain is mentioned? Majorca? Then you are in the right place! You will find out about the things to do in Majorca and when is the best time to visit. You’ll learn what to be cautious about during your visit and what interesting attractions Majorca offers that you shouldn’t miss.
Majorca is the seventh-largest island in the Mediterranean and a heavily frequented tourist destination. Its name is derived from medieval Latin: Maiorca, originally insula maior, meaning “larger island” in comparison to its neighboring Menorca, the “smaller” island. Both Majorca and Menorca are the largest among the Balearic Islands, which fall under Spain; hence, Spanish is the official language in Majorca, but the so-called Mallorquí (“Mallorcan”), a local dialect of Catalan, is spoken. It’s quite common to encounter both variants, for example, in signs or city names.
Weather in Majorca
If you are considering a visit to Majorca, before diving into the tips themselves, familiarize yourself with the local climate, which is typically Mediterranean. This means primarily hot, sunny, and dry summers, followed by mild and relatively humid winters. As for the mentioned humidity, the most rainfall in Majorca occurs during October and November.
A slightly different situation prevails in the mountains and higher-altitude areas of Majorca; naturally, it’s cooler there, and precipitation is significantly higher. Occasional snowfall in the winter months is not uncommon in these areas.
When to visit Majorca depends on your preferences—whether you prefer higher air and water temperatures or a lower number of other tourists. Unfortunately, it’s challenging to combine both. The period between May and October is considered the tourist season, with the peak season from June to mid-September. The highest temperatures can be expected between July and August, which is also when Majorca sees the most tourists. Even in early October, the sea is pleasantly warm, and there are significantly fewer tourists. However, be prepared for a higher probability of rainfall.
The period between November and April is the least crowded in terms of tourists but forget about swimming in the sea during this time unless you plan on toughening up. If you don’t mind rain, this period is suitable for hiking.
Car hire in Majorca and other transportation options
Hiring a car in Majorca provides you with the freedom to travel and explore anywhere. However, keep in mind that, especially during the tourist season, the island is full of visitors. Therefore, we recommend reserving your car ideally 1–3 months before the start of your stay. A valid Czech driver’s license is sufficient for driving motor vehicles in Majorca. As in any other foreign destination, make sure to thoroughly read all the provisions and conditions, including payments, before signing the rental agreement and ensure you understand them.
If the idea of driving on winding mountain roads (where it’s advisable to honk before each sharp turn) doesn’t appeal to you, or if you plan to visit Majorca primarily for relaxation by the sea with occasional excursions, bus transportation is a clear choice. Buses are reliable, and tickets are relatively inexpensive.
In Majorca, you can also make use of trains, although, excluding the relatively modern metro in the capital city, Palma de Majorca, it’s more of an experiential mode of travel. We recommend taking a ride on the historical train Ferrocarril de Sóller, which travels from Palma (unsurprisingly) to Sóller. Along the way, you can even pick oranges or lemons from the open windows, although for safety reasons, we definitely cannot recommend this.
Of course, you can also utilize maritime transportation; during the season, around 80 ferries set sail each week between Majorca and various destinations, with most heading to mainland Spain but also to the neighboring Menorca.
What to watch out for in Majorca
While Majorca may seem idyllic overall, there are a few things to be cautious about:
- Protect your personal belongings, especially on the beach. Unfortunately, thefts are a daily occurrence in tourist-heavy areas.
- Drink only treated water that is bottled or filtered. Never consume tap water unless it has been through a filtration system.
- Legislation: You are, of course, not allowed to export endangered species of animals and plants from the country or unusual souvenirs. If you want to take something unusual with you, make sure in advance that it is legal. Also, be mindful of the “regulations for civilized coexistence,” which include over 120 prohibitions (such as excessive noise, walking in swimwear in the city, spitting on the street, littering outside bins, etc.). In general, though, behaving according to Western European standards of decency should be sufficient.
Caves of Majorca and Other Attractions Worth Visiting
In addition to mountains, Majorca boasts various caves both above and below sea level. Two of them (Coves dels Hams and Coves del Drach) are enchanted with underground lakes and enchanting limestone formations. You can visit them, as they are located near the town of Porto Cristo on the eastern coast. Other caves in Majorca will take you up to the famous Sa Calobra beach.
In the capital city, we recommend its landmark, the over 400-year-old Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, also known as La Seu, which captivates visitors with its magnificent play of light and space.
About beaches, we could write for several hours, and still, we wouldn’t cover them all. Just to name a few:
- Mago Beach and Cala Fornells,
- Illetas Beach and the Balneario Illeta restaurant,
- Beach near the Port of Portals Nous,
- Azure Es Trenc Beach.
Majorca: Experiences for a lifetime
Have we missed any places that you would personally recommend? Write to us and share your experiences. If you haven’t visited Majorca yet, you certainly won’t regret it. Enchanting experiences await you, memories you’ll cherish, and perhaps reasons to happily return.
