Palma: The Complete Guide

The best area to stay is in the Old Town, where luxury hotels and boutique stays offer proximity to the cathedral, historic streets, and lively tapas bars. For a more seaside experience, accommodations near the Paseo Marítimo or Portixol provide beautiful harbor views and easy access to beaches.

A 3 to 4-day stay is perfect for exploring Palma’s cultural sites, shopping, and enjoying its food scene. A 5-day stay allows for day trips to the Tramuntana mountains, Sóller, or the stunning beaches of Mallorca.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Palma. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

The most favourable time to visit Mallorca is during the shoulder seasons, particularly in May, early June, late September, and October. These months offer a perfect harmony of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, with the advantage of either avoiding or post-summer crowds while still enjoying warm and sunny conditions.

Palma in the Spring

During spring, which includes the end of April, May, and the beginning of June, Mallorca experiences warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius. This season is conducive to outdoor activities, making it an excellent time for activities like hiking. It’s worth noting that if you plan to visit the beaches, timing your trip for June or September may be more suitable, as May can vary in terms of warmth.

Palma in the Autumn or Fall

Autumn, spanning the end of September, October, and the beginning of November, is another appealing time to explore Mallorca. With reduced crowds, warm temperatures persist, and the water remains inviting enough for a swim. Additionally, fall brings lower prices, offering better deals on flights and accommodations. The grape harvest season from August to October adds to the attractions, providing an opportunity to explore vineyards and indulge in the local wines.

Palma in the Summer

Conversely, July and August mark the peak of the summer season, attracting a significant influx of tourists. While the atmosphere is lively, these months come with downsides such as long lines, crowded streets, and elevated prices. Visitors who prefer a more relaxed experience may find it beneficial to avoid Mallorca during this period.

Palma in the Winter

Finally, winter, from December to February, is the quietest time on the island. However, this tranquillity is accompanied by potential closures of tourist attractions and restaurants, particularly in beach towns. While winter offers a peaceful and budget-friendly visit, it may not be suitable for those seeking vibrant nightlife or cultural events due to possible closures.

Travelling to Palma by Plane

Palma Airport, also known as Son Sant Joan Airport, is located 8 kilometres east of Palma. As a major international airport, it stands as the third largest in Spain, following Madrid and Barcelona. Particularly during the summer, it ranks among the busiest airports in Europe, well-equipped to handle the millions of tourists passing through annually. The airport is efficiently connected with excellent bus services linking Palma and various destinations across the island.

While certain international flights are seasonal, operating between May and October, there is a growing trend of airlines extending their services throughout the year. Mallorca is evolving into a year-round destination, with increasing international routes available even during the winter months. Notably, major airports in the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia are seeing more frequent connections. Additionally, domestic travel to mainland Spain remains accessible year-round, with destinations including Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Ibiza, Menorca, and Seville.

Upon arriving at the airport, various transportation options are available to reach your accommodation:

• Bus: Exit the airport from the “Arrivals” area, where you’ll find the bus stop (blue buses). Line A1 of the EMT connects to the city for 5€, and line A2 connects to the El Arenal area. In the summer, Aerotib (yellow buses) provides connections to other parts of the island (lines A11, A32, A42, and A51). Additional information can be found [here](link to information).
• Taxi: The taxi rank is also located in the “Arrivals” area. The approximate cost of a ride from the airport to Palma is €20. If you’re heading to another part of the island, be sure to confirm the price with the taxi driver before departing.
• Private Transfer: For a comfortable and fast option, you can book a shuttle from Mallorca Airport to your accommodation. This service eliminates concerns, picking you up at the airport and transporting you directly to your hotel. It’s a recommended alternative, especially if you don’t plan to travel around the island extensively or if you intend to use alternative means of transportation, such as a bicycle, later on.
• Car Rental: Renting a car is the optimal choice to ensure you don’t miss anything in Mallorca. Public transport on the island is limited, making a car essential for discovering all the island’s secrets and beautiful corners, away from purely touristy areas.

Travelling to Palma by Ferry

For those considering travel to Mallorca by car, coach, or train, ferry transportation to the island is often a part of the journey. The primary ferry companies serving Mallorca include Baleària, Trasmediterranea, and Corsica Ferries. The main departure points in Spain are Barcelona (with a sailing time of 7.5 hours), Valencia (8 hours sailing time), Dénia (near Alicante, with an 8-hour sailing time), as well as the nearby Balearic islands of Ibiza (4 hours sailing time) and Menorca (1.5 hours sailing time). Express services are available to reduce travel time.

Additionally, Corsica Ferries offers a route from Toulon, located in southern France near Marseille, to Port d’Alcudia in approximately 10 hours. These ferry options provide alternative and scenic travel choices to reach the picturesque island of Mallorca.