From pristine white sandy beaches to some of the most beautiful villages in the world and picturesque countryside, there are plenty of things to do in Mallorca, the crown jewel of the Balearic Islands of Spain. The island is also home to sunny & charming beach towns in Spain. It is a world-famous destination loved by all kinds of tourists, including presidents, artists, musicians, and adventurers.
However, to have the most fun, unforgettable vacation experience in the largest of the Balearic Islands, tourists need to know more about the local culture and what it has beyond its magnificent beaches.
In this article, we are going to discuss the common mistakes that most travelers make when they visit this Balearic crown jewel and how best they can avoid them. Read on to have an understanding of some misconceptions and challenges visitors face in planning an incredible trip to the island.
10 Summer Is Not The Only Time To Visit Mallorca, Try Spring, Autumn, And Winter As Well
Summer months, between June and September, are considered the best times to explore Mallorca. This is mainly because the temperatures are warm enough, and one can enjoy spending time on its beautiful beaches. But being the most popular time to visit, the cost of flights, accommodations, and excursions tend to hike. Also, the summer heat can be unbearable to many tourists.
Visiting in spring, autumn, or winter gives travelers an opportunity of enjoying the island without interference by crowds and the extreme summer heat. There are plenty of things to do during these months as well. The temperatures are milder, the streets are quiet, and one can score the best deals on hotels, flights, and excursions.
9 Don’t Underestimate The Summer Heat In Mallorca, It gets Quite Hot
Summers can get heated in Mallorca, with temperatures reaching up to 44 °C in the hottest month, July. Hiking or taking sightseeing strolls in summer can sometimes be a problem when the hot weather is unbearable. The Balearic Sea temperatures average 25 °C.
Vacationers should never underestimate the summer heat in Mallorca and pack the right clothing. Don’t forget to come with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. When going hiking in the mountains, one should have enough water to stay hydrated throughout.
8 It’s Not All About Sun, Surf, And Sand: Don’t Just Think About The Beach
Visiting Mallorca is always worth it, but travelers should know that the island has a lot to offer beyond its magnificent beaches. For this reason, when packing, don’t just think about the beach. One is going to need some casual or fashionable clothing when exploring the cosmopolitan areas of the island, where beach wears won’t fit. While this is not a requirement, it is always good to know how people dress in areas on the island.
When visiting a cathedral, for instance, more appropriate clothing is necessary. One may need to put on decent attires and include light scarves for ladies.
7 Be Careful When Swimming In Mallorca: Obey The Beach Warnings, Even If You Are An Excellent Swimmer
Vacationers should avoid swimming in areas with red flags, as this will not only result in paying hefty fines but also risk their lives. It is vital to listen and obey warnings from the lifeguards because ignoring them can result in as much as a $3,000 fine. In addition to the red flag, one should also note that Jellyfish can sting, so one should avoid touching any, even if they seem dead. It is important to put on special creams that come with jellyfish repellent to avoid suffering the burn and pain they cause when they bite.
6 Avoid Expecting To Rely On Uber To Get Around Mallorca, Either Use Public Transportation, Rent A Car, Or Hop Into Taxis
Public transportation is the cheapest way to get around Mallorca, and there are options to choose from, including train lines, bus routes, or a metro line. But they don't offer the convenience and privacy that come with renting a car, hopping into a taxi, or even using an Uber. Unfortunately, Uber doesn't operate in Mallorca. For this reason, tourists can only drive or use taxis.
5 Avoid Falling For Tourist Scams In Mallorca, Spain
One of the negative sides of visiting Mallorca is suffering scams, which despite being popular, some travelers still fall for them. It is so unfortunate that some locals still take advantage of innocent tourists. But knowing some of these scams can help one avoid them.
One of the most popular scams in Mallorca is a local requesting to take their pictures. An innocent tourist will innocently take the local's camera to snap some pictures of them. The problem comes when a visitor returns the camera or phone back. Some locals intentionally drop the camera and blame the traveler for destroying it. What follows is the visitors being asked to pay for the item. It is important to avoid accepting to take a picture of someone unless they are fellow tourists.
Another popular scam is the one suffered in the hands of taxi drivers, who sometimes intentionally ‘forget’ to turn on the meter and then ask for more money than they should at the end of the journey. Whenever hopping into a taxi, visitors should ask the driver to turn on the meter to avoid paying extra charges that they shouldn’t pay. Also, one should be familiar with their destination first before calling for a taxi. This helps tourists to have an idea of where they are going and how long it should take.
4 Expect A Laid-Back Atmosphere; Things May Not Be As Fast
The atmosphere in Mallorca is always relaxed, and the locals are not always punctual in everything they do. So, when ordering some food at a restaurant or requesting a hotel service, it may take longer than expected, which is exactly the opposite of how New Yorkers and other cities like the UK operate. Here, things won't run precisely on time, and events may start up to 30 minutes later than the scheduled time. When invited to a party, don’t get there right on time because, chances are, there won’t be anyone. Arrive at least 15 minutes later.
3 Have Enough Cash In Euro; Credit Cards Are Not Accepted Everywhere
While Mallorca is an international tourist destination, one can't use credit cards in all places. It is advisable to have some spare change in Euro to use in smaller stores or pay for services like taxi rides. Even when visiting the beach, one will need to purchase something to munch on from the vendors. One may also decide to have everything they need, including snacks, but anything can happen, and having some cash in euros may be the only solution.
Looking to exchange money for Euro? Visitors can only do this at bureaus de change, at certain hotels, travel agencies, and banks.
2 Avoid Not Exploring Areas Outside Palma; Try The Off The Beaten Track To Discover Hidden Attractions
Being the capital, many travelers focus their trip within Palma, which is good because it’s one of the most amazing cities to visit in Spain the first time one visits. But Mallorca is huge, and there are plenty of things to do beyond its vibrant capital. The city boasts some of the prettiest locations on the island, but getting off the beaten track can reveal some of the most beautiful places, including cobbled streets, hidden bays, old sanctuaries, and some of the most picturesque villages in Spain. Visiting for a couple of days? Well, there is always something to do in a week in Mallorca, Spain's largest island, besides Palma.
1 Don’t Forget To Explore Mallorca’s Top World Heritage Site, Serra De Tramuntana Highlands
Mallorca is famous for its beaches, but what's there is more to see, and its Serra de Tramuntana Highlands is one of the spots to not miss. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which spreads across the island’s north-western coast, from Andratx to Cap Formentor. The mountain range’s highest point is Puig Major, which boasts an elevation of about 1,445 and is not accessible to the public. It is also the highest point on the island of Mallorca. Vacationers will find some of the most scenic drives in this location, leading them to plenty of bucket-list-worthy spots with endless breathtaking vistas.