Majorca holidays

There are a million and one reasons why so many people go on holiday to Majorca – knockout beaches and a trendy capital are just a couple of them.

King of the Balearics

The biggest of Spain's Balearic Islands, Majorca has long been a favourite with the world’s travel pack. It’s got extremely good looks on its side, after all. We’re talking tiny inlets, sweeping bays and sandy coves, all lapped by turquoise waters. And away from the coast, it’s a case of sweet-smelling pine forests, hidden hamlets and jagged mountain peaks. Not to mention almond groves that burst to life with powder pink blossom each February.

Popular resorts

Resort-wise, families flock to the shores of Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona, which are brimming with restaurants, shops and cafés. Ca’n Picafort is another favourite. This former fishing village has got a 13-kilometre ribbon of sand to its name. Sa Coma, meanwhile, is great for couples thanks to its tree-lined prom and romantic eateries.

Bars and boutiques

Things get lively over on the island’s west coast, with the peppy duo of Palma Nova and Magaluf, which are known for their neon-lit bars and bass-pumping clubs. Palma, Majorca’s boutique-brimming, tapas-loving capital city draws a cosmopolitan cocktail crowd, too. It's not just eating, drinking and shopping that draws people here, though. The city's iconic cathedral, bustling port and charming old town deserve spots on your sightseeing list, and, if you're coming here in October 2024, you can even run in the TUI Palma Marathon.

Run in the TUI Palma Marathon 2024

The TUI Palma Marathon’s taking place on 20th October this year, and you could be a part of it while you’re on holiday. Put your endurance to the test in the full marathon, test the waters by running the half marathon, or take it easy and join the 9km race. The routes start at the iconic Palma Cathedral, and take you past the city’s bustling port. Plus, don’t miss the chance to mingle with your fellow runners at the breakfast run and pasta party the day before the race, and the afterparty in Mega Park.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MAJORCA

How long does it take to fly to Majorca?

Flights from the UK to Majorca take around two hours and fifteen minutes, depending on which airport you fly from.

What is the time difference between the UK and Majorca?

Majorca is an hour ahead of the UK – so when it’s 9am here, it’s 10am there.

What is the best time of year to visit Majorca?

The weather in Majorca is at its hottest in the summer months, during July and August. Temperatures can get as high as 30°C in July. If you prefer things a little cooler, average temperatures are still above 20°C in June and September.

What currency should I take to Majorca?

Just like mainland Spain, you’ll need to take euros to pay for things in Majorca.

What’s the best area to stay in Majorca?

Majorca has a little something for everyone – for city vibes head to the capital, Palma, which is crowned by a huge cathedral. Families head to the likes of Alcudia and Cala Bona, and secluded getaways are Sa Coma’s forte. Party people, meanwhile, opt for Magaluf and Palma Nova.

Popular hotels in Majorca

Top things to see and do in Majorca

Beaches

The best of the Balearics

Majorca serves up some of the best beaches in the Balearics. There are hundreds of them, running the full spectrum from long, golden and sandy to hidden, tiny and pebbly. At last count, 32 of them had been awarded a coveted Blue Flag award.

The big beach

Alcudia Beach is a huge hit with families, thanks to its easy-access facilities. Seafood restaurants, ice-cream shops and milkshake parlours hug its 10-kilometre-long arc of sand. If you want a more secluded patch, wander down the beach in the direction of neighbouring Playa de Muro – the crowds die down the further along you get.

The secret beach

To slip away from the crowds, catch a boat from the port of Alcudia to Cala Truent. It’s a half moon-shaped stretch of shingle on the northwest of the island, and is framed by steep cliffs fringed with pine forests. There aren’t any beach bars or restaurants here, so it’s worth bringing a picnic basket if you’re planning to stay a while.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Every Thursday, Majorca’s biggest market hits the streets of Inca – a town about 25 minutes’ drive from Alcudia. Stalls line up along the road, selling everything from quality leather to bespoke jewellery. Another option is the Andratx market on a Wednesday – it’s the best place on the island to pick up local produce like fish and cheese. The seafront promenades in Cala Bona and Sa Coma, meanwhile, do a roaring trade in souvenir T-shirts and jelly sandals.

Mid-range buys

Majorca’s capital, Palma, is home to high street favourites like Mango and Zara. Prices tend to be cheaper than at home, too. A good place to start is the jumbo shopping mall, Porto Pi, down by the seafront. Alternatively, head for El Corte Ingles – Spain’s answer to Selfridges. Elsewhere, Cala D’or is a good place for perfume and make-up.

Designer buys

Palma’s Avenida Jaume III is the city’s premier shopping street. It’s a wide avenue bordered by chic boutiques selling jewellery, clothes and designer handbags. Big names to look out for include Gucci, Cartier and Jimmy Choo. A clutch of Spanish designer boutiques line Alcudia’s harbour area, too. Look out for Agata, a jewellery store famous for incorporating beautiful birthstones into its designs.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Places like Alcudia, Cala Bona and Ca’n Picafort are great for leisurely dinners and late-night strolls. Lots of the restaurants in these resorts put on live music, and jewellery and henna stalls line up along the seafront promenades, so you can get some late-night retail therapy in, too. Elsewhere, the tree-lined boulevard of Sa Coma strikes a romantic note for couples. Try one of the open-air restaurants, where you can share plates of tapas over an incredible sunset backdrop.

Lively evenings

For a full-on night out, look no further than the island’s nightlife capital, Magaluf. The main strip is bursting with pubs, karaoke bars and mega-clubs like BCM. Over in Palma, meanwhile, the waterfront is the place for swanky clubs like Tito’s, while the tangled streets of the old town play host to jazz joints and cocktail bars. One of the better-known bars here is Abaco, which is set in a Medieval palace courtyard. Drinks are pricey, but the interiors are worth it. Come here on a Friday night and you’ll get to witness rose petals falling from the ceiling.

Food & drink

Tumbet

Steaming plates of this warm vegetable stew are often served at Majorcan get-togethers. It’s a layered dish of fried potatoes, sweet peppers, and soft aubergine. The vegetables are baked, and then smothered in a thick, garlic-infused tomato sauce. You’ll usually get some chunks of crusty bread and a crisp green salad on the side.

Paella

Paella is Spain’s signature dish. Sizzling plates of rice are tossed with the likes of mussels, prawns and clams, and the whole dish is scented with saffron, which gives it its yellow colour. For something a bit different, try the Majorcan version, fideua, which is made with chunky noodles instead of rice.

Serviola a la mallorquina

Net-fresh fish is a staple on most menus in Majorca, and this is one of the most popular ways of cooking it. The fish of choice is baked, and then smothered in a rich tomato sauce, before being sprinkled with pine nuts and raisins.

Pa’amb oli

In its simplest form, pa’amb oli is Majorcan bread drizzled with olive oil and covered in a tomato sauce. That said, it’s often served with cured ham, cheese and the Majorcan sausage meat, sobrassada, as well. A few fat dollops of garlic mayonnaise finish things off nicely.

Hierbas

Make like the locals and take a shot of hierbas once you’ve polished off your dessert – this after-dinner liquor is perfect for washing a meal down. It’s infused with herbs and has an aniseed-like taste, and you can choose from dry, medium, or sweet varieties.

Average Weather in Majorca

Facts about Majorca

Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Language
Spanish
Time zone
GMT +1
Flight duration
2 hours 15 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

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