Our Palma de Mallorca Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Spain. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips.
It’s all compiled in this Palma de Mallorca Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Palma de Mallorca.
When is the best time to travel to Mallorca?
Palma de Mallorca has a Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C in winter to 26°C in summer.
- The rainiest time of the year is between September and April, with a modest average of 5 rainy days per month.
- The warmest time of the year is between May and October.
- June–September is the most popular time to visit Palma de Mallorca, but it’s peak season, so hotel and flight prices rise accordingly.
- March–May and October–November are the best times to visit Palma de Mallorca. The Weather and temperatures are good, you’ll avoid the summer crowds, and hotel and flight prices are lower.
Palma de Mallorca basics
- Languages: Primary: Spanish
- Plug types: C and F
- Electricity: 230 V
- Currency: Euro (€)
- International dialing codes: +34 971
- Emergency telephone number: 112
How to get to my hotel in Palma de Mallorca?
Palma de Mallorca Airport
Palma de Mallorca Airport is 8 km east of the city center. Palma Airport has 4 passenger terminals served by 2 runways. The terminals are home to a good choice of dining and shopping options as well as facilities like free Wi-Fi, banking and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to help you to reach Downtown Palma de Mallorca:
- A taxicab takes around 15–20 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found outside the Arrivals hall.
- An EMT city bus – Route 1 – takes 20–30 minutes. The bus stop is right outside the Arrivals hall. You can also get to S'Arenal for the same price on an EMT city bus – Route 21.
- Intercity buses to most destinations in Mallorca are also available.
- Car rental agencies can be found within the terminal.
photo by Marc Ryckaert (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
How to get around Palma de Mallorca?
Travel tips
Covering less than 2 sq km, Palma de Mallorca city center is compact enough to be explored on foot. You’ll find many landmarks and attractions within walking distance of each other, such as the port, the Paseo Maritimo, and Palma Cathedral, among others. The city center is also home to a great choice of dining, shopping and nightlife entertainment options. For longer journeys, Palma de Mallorca features a good choice of public and private transportation services.
EMT – Municipal bus networks
EMT – Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Palma de Mallorca – is in charge of public transportation in Palma de Mallorca. It operates 46 bus lines that cover the entire city and neighboring towns. Night buses are also available. The main bus station is located next to the train station in Plaza España.
- Tickets are bought on the bus.
- Children under 5 travel for free when accompanied by an adult with a ticket.
- Routes 15, 20 and 25 are the most popular sightseeing routes. In addition to Route 3, they are also the routes to the main beaches.
photo by Chixoy (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
Palma metro
Metro UIB and Metro Marratxi are the 2 metro lines available in Palma de Mallorca. The former connects the city center to the university – Universitat de les Illes Balears – and the latter links the city center to the municipality of Marratxi. The length of the ride defines the fare.
photo by Javier Leiva (CC BY 2.0) modified
Sóller Railway
Locally known as El Tren de Sóller, the Sóller Railway is a vintage wooden train designed for tourists. It departs from Plaza España in Palma city center and goes to Sóller on the northwest coast of the island. It offers a picturesque 24-km journey in breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
Scooters
Scooters can be rented to allow you to independently explore Palma de Mallorca and its surroundings. Note that driving a scooter can be hazardous, especially if you’re not used to it.
Taking a taxi
Taxis can be hailed on the street in Palma de Mallorca. There are also cab stands in the city center, at the bus station, outside many hotels and near the main attractions.
- You can directly call popular companies such as Taxis Palma Radio (971 40 14 14), Radio Taxi Ciutat (971 20 12 12) or Taxi Mallorca 365 (659 16 06 28), just to name a few.
- Rates are slightly higher at night (between 9pm and 7am) and on weekends.
- Taxis usually accept the payment of the fare by credit card, but it’s better to ask the driver before you get in.
- It’s not common to give a tip to taxi drivers in Spain, but you can round up the bill if you’re happy with the service.
photo by Frank Vincentz (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
Cycle around Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca’s climate is just right most of the time, and the city and immediate surroundings are flat enough to allow everyone to comfortably cycle around. The Paseo Maritimo (seafront promenade) is especially nice to cycle. You’ll find many bike rental shops and companies across the city center. Some of the most popular of them are Nano Bicycles on Carrer de la Mar (971 66 73 60), Speed Bike Mallorca on Avinguda de Joan Miró (648 14 88 27), and Bikehead on Carrer de Caro (699 45 28 69).
MapWhat are the main annual events in Palma de Mallorca?
Nit del Foc – Night of Fire
- What: One of the major festivals in Palma de Mallorca, Nit del Foc brings fireworks, bonfires and people dressed as devils running through the streets with firecrackers.
- When: June
- Where: Throughout the city
Copa del Rey Sailing Regatta
- What: The Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) is a prestigious sailing regatta in which some of the finest sailing yachts race in the Bay of Palma. Besides the race, expect live music as well as food and drink stalls set up in Sa Feixina Park.
- When: August
- Where: Bay of Palma and Sa Feixina Park
Mallorca Carnival
- What: Mallorca Carnival celebrates the start of Lent with street parties, music, food and drinks. You can join the colorful costumed parade that marches down Palma de Mallorca’s city center.
- When: Start of Lent weekend in February/March
- Where: Downtown Palma de Mallorca
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