traveldk.com

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….

If Grand Prix-style driving is not to your liking, it’s best to keep driving to a minimum along Mallorca’s most challenging mountain roads – especially if any of your passengers suffers from carsickness or panic attacks. Though most roads are well-maintained, they can be exceedingly narrow, subject to hairpin bends around yawning chasms. The state of roads is noted throughout this book.