8 Mistakes To Avoid When Visiting Mallorca

Updated February 2025

Lush Gardens of Alfabia Spain Summer Vineyard

When planning international travel, it can be costly to make silly mistakes. Luckily, I’ve made plenty so you don’t have to. I spent four nights in Mallorca during the Spring season, and while I enjoyed my trip, there are a few things I’d do differently next time. Learn from my experience – here are 8 mistakes to avoid during your trip!

1. Choose the right season for your trip

The activities you can enjoy in Mallorca heavily depend on the season. From December through March, a majority of the outdoor activities like sailing and beach clubs are closed for the winter. Unfortunately for me, this put a damper on my experience since I traveled to Mallorca mid-March and missed out on those fun outdoor activities. Traveling to Mallorca in the early springtime meant experiencing occasional rain showers, chilly winds, and cold temperatures during the mornings– far from the sunny, beach-filled days I imagined. 

Gothic Architecture Dramatic Arches Mallorca Spain

If you detest crowds, the off-season (November to March) may be the best time for you. The temperature ranges from 50 to 60 degrees with higher chances of rain, overcast skies, and cool winds. Resorts and hotels tend to be cheaper during the off-season, so this may be the best time to lock in great rates. When I return to Mallorca, I’ll travel during the summer and winter shoulder seasons. Think early May or mid to late September. The shoulder season offers warm weather without the peak season crowds and inflated prices.

2. Know airline baggage rules

Flying internationally, especially in Europe, comes with different baggage rules than domestic flights within the U.S. When flying to Mallorca with Vueling airlines, the staff weighed my carry-on luggage and personal handbag. This was something I hadn’t experienced when traveling within America, the Caribbean Islands, or some countries in Africa. 

Additionally, liquid restrictions differ from other regions. In Europe, all hand held liquids must fit into a ziploc bag, any products outside of that bag were over the allowed liquid limit. On the other hand, I’ve been allowed to carry liquids under  3-4 oz individually when exploring other countries (Jamaica/Qatar/Indonesia/Kenya). To be best prepared, read the baggage policy for the airline that you are traveling with.

3. Stay for at least five nights 

To fully experience Mallorca’s beaches, towns, natural wonders, and beach clubs—I recommend visiting Mallorca for at least five nights. The island has lots to offer, and I wish I had more time to explore other towns like Soller, natural wonders like the Drach Cave, and local wineries. Due to my poor planning and limited time (albeit I stayed a day less than I’m recommending) I didn’t get to explore Mallorca’s full offerings. 

4. Explore beyond Palma

As I mentioned above, there’s more to Mallorca than the center of Palma or the resort coastlines in Magaluf. Mallorca is enriched with stunning green pastures, limestone cliffs, golden sand beaches, and scenic coastal trails. Plan to visit at least two regions in Mallorca to get a sense of the natural beauty the island offers. The ideal pairing for me would be the beaches of the coasts paired with the mountainous region in Deià, located 45 minutes North of Palma.

Beautiful home with arches Mallorca Spain

5. Rent a car—you’ll need it

Mallorca doesn’t have rideshare services like Uber, Bolt or Grab which can make transportation around the island feel restrictive. While local taxi services are available, they can be expensive and limited depending on the distance you want to travel. For optimal flexibility, I highly recommend getting a rental car, especially if you plan to hop around to neighboring towns. If you’re concerned about finding a trustworthy rental car company HERE is a helpful resource that explains the car rental business in Mallorca in detail.

6. Learn the parking rules

Familiarize yourself with Mallorca’s parking rules before renting a car. Nothing sucks more than being fined or having your car towed, especially while on vacation. HERE are some basic parking rules you can expect to follow when visiting Mallorca.

7. Bring sneakers for hiking

Palm Trees and Flowers in Spanish Garden

Mallorca has a plethora of scenic trails – on my next trip I will definitely be prepared for a sunrise hike. Imagine hiking along the golden coast as the sun rises over the blue shoreline, truly a sight to see! HERE is a list of trails you can trek while visiting Mallorca.

8. Support small locally owned businesses 

In countries that rely heavily on tourism, buying from locally owned businesses. Directly support the people who live there. Plus,you’re more likely to experience authentic food and services! In Mallorca, rising tourism has created tension between the residents and visitors. Supporting local businesses helps them maintain their livelihoods. Here is a list of some locally owned businesses in Mallorca worth checking out!

Whether you’re choosing the best season, planning your transportation, or exploring beyond palma, some preparation goes a long way. Happy Travels!