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Mallorca has mild, humid winters, and hot, dry summers. Expect daytime temperatures in winter to be above 12°C (53°F), and in summer not to fall below 30°C (86°F).

Summer is high season in Mallorca. Autumn is thus a better time to visit, when the weather is still great, the water at its warmest and prices lower. Hiking and cycling are best in April. Nature lovers should come in spring or autumn, when birds are on the move and wildflowers are blooming.

EU citizens can enter Spain with just their valid ID card. Britons, Americans, Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians need only a valid passport for automatic permission to stay 90 days. All other nationalities must get a visa from their consulate. Some hotels will request your ID card or passport.

Spanish embassies or consulates in your home country can provide information about visiting, studying, working and retiring in Spain.

This service will load you up with maps, pamphlets and brochures upon request. Contact them in your home country or, better still, pay them a visit if possible.

The Foment del Turisme in Palma is staffed by multilingual people who are a fount of knowledge about the island.

Mallorcans are not heavy users of the Internet, but there are some good multilingual web guides, as listed in the Directory.

The local language is Mallorquí, a dialect of Catalan, but Castilian (Spanish) is also spoken everywhere. Signs can be a confusing mixture of both. Many islanders who work in the tourist industry can also speak German and English, and often French, Italian and more.

It is a good idea to take out private medical insurance, even if your country has reciprocal medical arrangements with Spain. Then, should you require treatment while on holiday, you will simply pay for the care, keep the receipts, and be reimbursed according to the terms of your policy. General travel insurance to cover flight cancellation and theft is also strongly recommended.

Scheduled flights and charters connect with all major Spanish and European cities. Visitors from the US will have to make the connection somewhere in Europe. Mallorca’s airport is located 10 km (6 miles) southeast of Palma, with taxis and buses transporting visitors to the city and resorts.

Iberia has the monopoly on inter-island flights and operates scheduled runs daily from both Ibiza and Menorca to Palma. There are often last-minute places available, but try to book ahead in high season.

Cheap charter flights are readily available (as are flights from the “no frills” airlines), but dates and times are fixed, and a refund unlikely if you can’t use the ticket. From Spanish cities, you can check out Spanair; their one-way tickets are fairly priced.

Many travel agents offer packages including full- or half-board lodgings as well as flight and transfers, usually to the crowded, mass-market resorts.

Ferries and jetfoils run from Barcelona and Valencia (via Ibiza). The best bet is Transmediterránea’s jetfoil (a huge catamaran) that in season does the trip twice a day in 4–5 hours (the other ferries will take up to 10 hours). The ride is generally comfortable and offers great previews of the mountainous western coast as you circle around the island to berth at the port of Palma. Buying a return ticket saves money.

Transmediterránea and Balearia offer a regular ferry service from Ibiza and Menorca to Palma. Cape Balear de Cruceros offers a passenger-only service to and from Cala Rajada, while Iscomar serves Port d’Alcúdia.

Fast ferries can be taken from Barcelona and Valencia. Inter-island ferries also carry cars, but some must be booked in advance in summer. (Hire cars cannot be transferred between islands.)

Many cruise ships stop at Mallorca as part of a typical 10- or 15-day tour of Mediterranean ports. Cruise passengers rarely have enough time for any more than Palma’s top sights and shops.

Marinas are dotted around the Mallorcan coastline, with no spot more desirable than Port Portals near Portals Nous (see Portals Nous and Bendinat), where members of the Spanish royal family usually moor their yachts. Port d’Andratx is also well thought of, but there are many cheaper options.

Mallorca has an extensive network of buses. The central station is at Plaça Espanya in Palma; get a general timetable from any tourist agency. Palma also has a good urban bus system (EMT). Buy tickets on board.

There are two railway lines: one from Palma to Sóller, the other Palma to Inca (now continuing to Sa Pobla and Manacor). They have separate stations in Palma’s Plaça Espanya. The delightful Sóller train, “Red Lightning”, is first-class and offers special tourist runs in the morning, at extra cost. The utilitarian Inca train stops everywhere. An attractive tram runs from Sóller to Port de Sóller (see Tram from Sóller to Port de Sóller).

Driving here can be fun, so long as you’re in no hurry. The Palma– Sóller and Palma–Inca roads are the only major highways. Other roads, though narrow and twisting, are in good repair for the most part, though you will need nerves of steel in some areas (see Hair-Raising Roads). Driving is the only way to see some of the sights and to fit a lot into one trip (see Walks and Drives).

This is a popular option as most of the roads are ideal for scooting around on a two-wheeler. Motor-bikes and scooters can be rented in most towns.

Car hire is quite cheap. Most big agencies are represented at Palma airport, or you can contact some directly to make comparisons. You’ll need to be 21 or over, with a driver’s licence and a credit card. Smaller cars are better for the narrow lanes.

Taking a boat is the only way to see some of Mallorca’s most beautiful coves and cliffs that are inaccessible by road.

Getting around by taxi – at least within the city of Palma – is quite a reasonable proposition. Fares are moderate, and there are enough taxis in circulation to give you a good chance of flagging one down at any time of day or night. A taxi ride across the whole island will cost from €60.

Cycling along country lanes and mountain roads is an excellent mode of transport. Tandems and all sorts of other pedalling options are available for hire.

Some of the bigger port towns offer lovely promenades right along the water’s edge. One of the best is the pedestrian-only Passeig Anglada Camarassa–Voramar in Port de Pollença. Port de Sóller also has a broad path that loops around much of its beautiful bay.

You can dial the free number 112 in any type of emergency; they speak English and will alert the appropriate service. There are also free direct numbers for the fire brigade, ambulance service, national police, Guárdia Civil or the local police. Be ready to give precise information about what is needed and where you are.

An alternative source of help if you have an accident of any sort is the Creu Roja (Red Cross), who will send an ambulance and paramedics.

No inoculations are required or advised prior to your visit. Sunburn and heatstroke are the main sources of discomfort for visitors – use sunscreen, wear a hat and take it easy in the heat. Some people experience a minor stomach upset, which is more likely to be from exposure to different bacteria in the food and water than real food poisoning (see Tap Water, Rancid Food).

Bring any prescription medicines you might require, packed in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. This is because Spanish pharmaceuticals may differ from those in your home country in name, dosage and form.

Pharmacists are well trained and a good source of advice for minor complaints. Some speak very good English and might be able to sell you medicines that would normally be available only by prescription in your home country. In Palma, many pharmacies ( farmàcias ) are open 24 hours.

If you are seriously ill and need a doctor who speaks your language, ask your local consulate, hotel, pharmacy or tourist office for contacts. If you need someone who works under the EU health plan, make sure that the doctor is part of the Spanish healthcare system; otherwise, be prepared to pay on the spot and later be reimbursed by your insurance company.

Condoms need no longer be smuggled into Spain, as they had to be during the Franco era. Find them in pharmacies, bars and even vending machines on the street.

Unfortunately, Mallorca is not well set-up for visitors with any sort of disablity. However, the law now requires that all new public buildings have disabled access – the newest hotels are your best bet (see Tips for Disabled Travellers).

In any crowded area, there are bound to be pickpockets about. Often working in pairs, they create distractions – sometimes very elaborate ploys – then fleece the unwary. The best solution is not to carry valuables in purses, bum bags or outside pockets, and not to leave your bags unattended for an instant.

Water is a problem on the island, which, having no rivers at all and entire seasons without any rain, suffers from quasi-drought conditions most of the time. You’ll see huge tank trucks transporting drinking water all around the island, but in general it’s better to drink only bottled water, since much of the potable water sits in cisterns for quite a long time.

In the heat of summer, check the freshness of what you consume. Tapas dishes that look as if they have been around a day too long, anything with mayonnaise that’s been sitting out of the fridge, and shellfish served in less than fastidiously hygienic establishments – all are probably best refused.

Dress respectfully when you visit Mallorca’s churches, and don’t visit at all during services unless you genuinely want to join in. Note that nudism is officially illegal across the island, but there are beaches where it is tolerated by the authorities.

In the land of Miró, Dalí, Picasso and other greats, it’s wise to be wary of supposed “originals” by any of these masters. Copies, prints, forgeries and outright fakes do a brisk business. To avoid them, check your dealer’s credentials and ask for certificates of authentication and guarantees.

Especially in the heavily touristed zones, you might be offered a tour that, on the face of it, looks like something for nothing. It might be a daytrip to an interesting sight at a cut-rate price, or an offer of cash or a lavish meal just for going to inspect a new condo project. These are not promotional bargains in the usual sense, but hard sales ploys that should be steered clear of.

Most of the snack bars you find along the popular beaches are over-priced and low quality, with a few exceptions. Just use them for a drink and simple snack, such as a pa amb oli . For real meals, head to our recommended eateries.

These gypsy women appear friendly enough when they hand you a flower or a sprig of “lucky” rosemary. If you accept, however, they suddenly transform into indignant creatures demanding a lot of money for their cheery “gift”. Do your best to dodge them and their little scam.

Most pavement peddlers will do little more than call out a word or two about their merchandise. But as soon as you show an interest, you may be in for a lot of pressure to buy. Make it clear that you’ll decide what, if anything, you’re going to buy. Check all merchandise, especially clothing, for defects, then offer half of the asking price.

You’ll see this age-old gambling con in busy pedestrian areas. The main man shuffles three little cups, showing you how easy it is to follow the one that covers the pea, or whatever. Usually, there’s someone among the onlookers who’s working with him and who makes it appear very easy to win. Then the gullible onlooker steps up to play….

Now that the euro is the coin of Spain and many other realms, life is much easier for most visitors. Admittedly, the changeover from pesetas to euros has resulted in some price inflation, but, for the most part, it’s now easier to tell how much you’re spending.

If you want to opt for this safety precaution, get your cheques in euros. That way you won’t have to pay any commission to cash them, and in some places you’ll even be able to use them as cash.

For proper cash, ATMs are the very best option: readily available and reliable. Spanish banks do not charge transaction fees, though your own bank is likely to charge a fee for using a non-branch machine. A good procedure is to get the maximum each time (usually €300), in which case the fee will probably be only about 1% on your money drawn out. But keep your cash hidden.

Credit cards can be used for most transactions: only the smallest places in the most remote out-posts will be a problem. However, be aware that your own bank may charge you a 2% conversion fee for every card purchase you make – a sum that can add up shockingly.

Only as a last resort. You can have your bank send money to a bank on the island, but expect it to take an indeterminate number of days, and for high charges to be levied.

Post offices ( correus ) are open only in the morning, except for the main post office in Palma. You can also get stamps ( sellos ) for letters and postcards at tobacco shops and newspaper stands. Spanish mail is usually reliable, but inevitably sometimes even priority mail fails to reach its destination.

Phones provided in hotel rooms are convenient but expensive. Most public phone booths accept credit cards, phonecards and coins, and can be used for local and international calls. Mobile phones work well almost everywhere, but check with your provider before leaving your home country.

Many hotels have Internet facilities, and there are many cafés and bars in the larger towns (see Cafés and Bars) that offer the service, as well as a few specific Internet points in Palma (see L@Red Cyber Café).

In hotels and kiosks in larger towns you’ll find a good selection of the international editions of major North American and European newspapers and the free English-language weekly Mallorca Today . Mallorca Daily Bulletin published every day except Monday, publicises what’s on and lists the island’s markets.

Mallorca is exceptionally well geared to families and also has a number of thriving ex-pat communities. The majority of visitors are German, as evidenced by the German-language signs, radio stations and satellite channels. Colònia de Sant Jordi is virtually a German enclave, while Portocolom has a greater concentration of Britons. Other corners of the island (such as Port de Pollença) have a thorough mix of nationalities.

Unless they specify “adults only”, most places in Mallorca truly welcome families. Hotels often let you include any number of children up to a certain age – sometimes as old as the teens – at no extra charge, except perhaps a nominal fee for the extra bed or two. The best option for most families is a self-catering apartment.

Larger hotels and resorts may have a programme of activities for guests of every age. These may run from water aerobics, water polo or other exercise regimes, to crafts classes for adults and organized games for pre-schoolers. Most such activities are scheduled on a weekly basis, with a monthly calendar posted in some conspicuous spot in the hotel lobby.

Many hotels offer babysitting services, especially those that cater primarily or exclusively to package tourists. The cost of the service is usually included in the package. There may also be a supervised play area for kids aged 4–8 or so.

Most restaurants are happy to cater for children. Some offer a separate menu to please a child’s palate, and many will prepare special foods for infants, so that you don’t have to depend on commercial brands all the time.

There are shops galore focusing on kids’ needs and wants – toys, beach gear, clothes and gadgets. International brands of nappies and babyfood are widely available. Most of the merchandise is cheap enough for you not to fret about leaving it behind in preference to lugging it back home.

Many of Mallorca’s theme parks and museums have exhibits and activities designed entirely with children in mind. Nature parks are of interest to many children, and Mallorca’s caves are very likely to be a big hit with your youngsters (see Family Attractions).

Besides the obvious family attractions of building sandcastles and splashing around in the sea, Mallorca also has some great commercial water-parks. The whole family can participate at these, with your children burning up a full-day’s worth of energy. Outdoor zoos and aquariums are incorporated into some (see Family Attractions).

In addition to the family-oriented theme parks, there’s plenty of high-energy action for your teenage children, such as windsurfing, snorkelling, boating and hiking (see Outdoor Activities and Sports).

Historically lagging in providing for people with mobility problems, Mallorca has finally begun to catch up in recent years. At Palma airport you should find adequate facilities if you have a disability – as long as you notify your travel agent and/or your airline of your needs well in advance, and then reconfirm a week or so before departure.

The older hotels – often refurbished medieval structures – rarely have facilities for the disabled. The best bet is to book into the newest hotel you can find, where elevators should be big enough and bathroom sizes etc will comply with EU laws. But double-check the details before booking.

All buses in Palma are now able to handle wheelchair-bound travellers, including those going to and from the airport. Contact the municipal transport authority, EMT, for more information.

Unfortunately, specially-equipped vehicles are a rarity on the island. Taxi-drivers, on the other hand, generally do their best to help disabled passengers.

Mallorca’s trains are old and in no way accommodating to independent wheelchair users. The only way to use them is to board with assistance and stow your wheelchair for the duration of the journey.

Many restaurants present the problems of lots of steps and levels. Then again, staff are usually very willing to help, so you can generally manage to dine at any restaurant of your choice.

Public buildings in Palma and other cities are being brought up to speed with EU regulations on accessibility. Many museums, for example, are being completely remodelled to allow for ramps and large elevators. Still, there are just as many sights that, due to their age and decrepitude, remain off-limits to those with limited mobility.

Again, in museums and other public buildings, toilet facilities are being remodelled to allow for wheelchair access. But most other public toilets have tiny cubicles.

The Spanish National Tourist Offices can give you the latest update on disabled facilities. There is also a good national organization for the visually impaired, ONCE, which can provide Braille maps and arrange aspects of your trip.

Coming out of season is by far the best way to make your holiday money go further in Mallorca. Prices plummet as the throngs of July and August become only a faint memory in the minds of hoteliers and restaurateurs. Low-season prices for everything can delight the budget-minded traveller, plus you have the luxury of being one of only a few, rather than one of uncountable thousands.

If you choose the location carefully, an all-inclusive package can mean excellent value. Make sure that transfers, taxes and other extras are also covered.

If you can book far in advance, you should be able to secure one of the cheaper self-catering apartments in a pretty seaside town with good facilities (see Self-Catering Apartments).

There are two camp sites – the better one is Club Sun Picafort, 9 km (6 miles) southeast of Port d’Alcúdia. Reserve well in advance. Camping rough is prohibited within 1 km (half a mile) of the official camp sites, in urban areas and in zones prohibited for military or other reasons. You are allowed to camp rough elsewhere, but try to obtain permission from the landowner first.

Given the wealth of natural beauty on the island, much of it now given over to reserves, picnicking is a great proposal generally. There are also plenty of grocery stores out of which you can construct a memorable pastoral repast on the cheap.

Not all pubs and clubs are pricey. Some of the best, in fact, do not impose a cover charge or minimum fee. And most pubs are so busy that no one will notice you nursing your brew all night.

If you buy anything that has a hefty sales tax tacked onto it, keep the receipt, fill out the paperwork, then get a portion of it reimbursed at the airport. Another option for avoiding the 7% IVA is to have your purchases shipped directly home, thus making it an out-of-country sale.

The daily lunch menu in most restaurants can save you a lot of money – as much as 75% of the à la carte cost (see Menú del Dia). Portions are often generous, too, so you can make this your major meal of the day. It’s also a great way to savour the cuisine of some of the top restaurants without forking out their top prices.

Unfortunately, regular laundries and tintorias (dry-cleaners) are quite expensive, and hotel services even more exorbitant. However, some hotels (eg Villa Sirena) offer clients the use of their washers for a nominal fee. A few lavanderías automaticas can be found in Palma, but don’t bother looking anywhere else.

Both lunch and dinner hours tend to be late. Lunchtime is certainly no earlier than 1:30pm, and even 2:30pm is perfectly normal. Dinnertime can be no earlier than 8:30pm, and sitting down at 11pm is not unheard of. A reservation is never a bad idea, but don’t worry about dressing up.

Throughout most of the Mediterranean, breakfast is little more than a wolfed-down coffee and pasta (pastry). As a visitor, however, you are of course free to linger and add yogurt, cheese, fruit etc to the meal. Foreign-run venues may offer a full English or American breakfast, and many hotels cater to international taste with a full buffet.

Tapas are a Spanish institution. What began in ages past as a free slice of ham laid across a drink has turned into small portions of anything you can think of, some of it very creative. Locals eat them as appetizers before heading off to dinner, but a few well-chosen tapas can easily make a full meal (see Top 10 Tapas Types). Racions are normal-sized portions.

Many places offer a menú del dia (daily menu) at lunchtime, which is usually cheaper than à la carte prices. You get a limited choice of a first course (typically soup or salad) and second course (fish or meat, with sides) and dessert, with water and wine included. Coffee is usually extra, or offered in place of dessert.

Pork in all its guises is the central meat in the Mallorcan diet, with roast suckling pig considered the crowning glory. Duck, rabbit, quail and other game are more common than beef and veal. Goat and lamb feature on many Mallorcan menus.

The waters around the island were fished out long ago, so fishermen go further afield to haul in the Mediterranean bounty. A local favourite is rape (monkfish), as well as lobsters, crayfish, prawns and mussels.

Favourite side dishes include asparagus, both green and white, and mushrooms sautéed with garlic, as well as whatever vegetables may be at their seasonal best. Fresh fruit is always an option for dessert, along with almond cake and almond ice cream, but one of the most characteristic is crema catalana , a kind of crème bruleé or custard with a crispy, caramelized sugar topping.

Wine and beer are the top choices, usually accompanied by a small bottle of mineral water, either still or sparkling. Note that the sparkling is very fizzy indeed and tends to be salty. Sangria is prevalent on the island, too, and you could try a cava (sparkling white wine) for special occasions. A good aperitif choice is vino de jerez (sherry), or a host of mixed drinks, often involving rum. Finally, coffee can be either café sol (espresso) or cortado (“cut” with either cold or hot milk). Ask for it descafeinat if you don’t want the jolt.

Tumbet , a local vegetable stew, features on many traditional menus, but even the vegetable soups are usually enhanced with a bit of pork. One good recourse would be to have the chef compose a salad for you, leaving out the non-vegetarian ingredients. Or head for one of the fine vegetarian restaurants (see Places to Eat).

Several of these bargain-hunters’ dreams are sprinkled around the island, mostly in the Central Plain. Prominent on the list are Inca for leather goods, Santa Maria del Camí for traditional textiles and Manacor for artificial pearls (see Cafés and Shops). Gordiola, near Algaida, is good for glass-ware (see Gordiola Glassworks).

Traditional markets abound on the island. Every day of the week, you’ll find at least a couple of them going on somewhere, and sometimes as many as 15. In Palma, there’s also a flea market, Rastrillo, every Saturday morning, 8am– 2pm, on Avenida Gabriel Alomar I Villalonga. For Mallorca’s best markets, (see Top 10 Markets).

Bargaining, especially if you buy more than one of something, is perfectly acceptable, not only in the markets but in shops too. In fact, most shopkeepers and market stall holders will automatically round your final bill down without your even asking for a deal. So feel free to practise your negotiating skills to the fullest.

The 7% IVA is automatically included in the price of most goods and services. However, establish in advance if it is included when you are buying a more expensive item, as it may make quite a difference.

In general, shops and other public institutions keep old-fashioned Mediterranean hours: they close for several hours for lunch and a siesta. Expect most places to be open 9am–1:30pm, 4–7pm Monday to Friday, though there will be plenty of variation, such as closing at 2pm and opening up again at 5pm for three hours. On Saturdays, most shops are open morning only. Many tourist places and department stores will stay open late into the evening. Public and religious holidays occur throughout the year and number about 15.

Price reductions are commonplace throughout the year, but special end-of-season sales are indicated by “rebaixes” signs in shop windows.

Olive-wood carving, lace-making, embroidery, weaving, basketry, pottery and glass-blowing are all going strong on the island. There are many direct outlets and stores that carry a range of crafts; the best of them are represented in the Around the Island listings in this guide.

Inevitably, you’ll see blankets laid out on the pavements with all sorts of merchandise: clothing, African sculpture, hippie accessories … whatever sells. Each town has its own area where such entrepreneurs display their wares, much of it at ridiculously low prices compared to the shops. But caveat emptor – check the goods carefully and look out for signs of shoddiness! All may not be what it first appears.

Palma has several bookshops that carry literature of all sorts in foreign languages – we’ve listed one that specializes in secondhand books and has loads of great holiday reads (see Imaginarium). Travel books about Mallorca in all languages are readily available just about everywhere, and booklets about specific sights are usually for sale in gifts shops.

This really rather small island offers a tremendous range of climes and terrains, from sophisticated city life to nearly alpine mountains, and from lush subtropical beaches to remote and wild plains. If you have the time, sample the diversity.

Its worth thinking about what you require of your accommodation. A conventional hotel room with private bath and balcony, possibly with meals included in the price? Or would a self-catering apartment be more suitable, especially if you are travelling in a group or with family? Do you plan to stay in one area or do you want to see many of the island’s sights? If the latter, you may want to consider renting a car.

Where do you want to base your stay? In one of the bustling areas, a smaller village or a remote location? Such options exist by the sea, up in the mountains or on private fincas (ranches), either working farms or those that have been transformed into resorts.

The cost of accommodation varies widely. You don’t have to spend a great deal to find your desired location, but if you want to add luxuries and superb cuisine to your locale, there are far more costly choices too.

If you plan to visit in the warm months or during holidays, make reservations as far in advance as possible. The good-value accommodation fills up quickly, and even high-end gems can be booked solid in July and August. Confirm exact dates and type of accommodation with hotel management via email or fax.

Unless you want to spend hours casting about for a room, and possibly not finding anything in your price-range, this is not recommended, except in low season. Even then, bear in mind that many establishments close in winter. Also remember that there are no official tourist agencies that handle reservations, so your search may involve lots of footwork.

As elsewhere in Europe, tipping is not absolutely necessary. Workers are paid living wages and should not depend on tips. However, a few coins for services rendered by the hotel staff are never amiss. You can tip porters and bellboys on the spot, and leave something for the maid in your room – or a general tip for all staff at the check-out desk.

A tax of 7% may or may not be included in the quoted price of your room; it is always best to ask or you could end up paying more than you expected. Parking, phone use and breakfast may or may not be charged as extra; determine what you are liable for in advance.

Mallorca is well set up for family travel. With very few exceptions, children are more than welcome at hotels and resorts, and those under certain ages may even stay free. Many hotels have a full schedule of special events and activities for kids, often at no extra charge. (see Tips for Families)