How to Plan a Palma de Mallorca Vacation

Planning a Palma de Mallorca vacation sounds easy. Book a flight, grab a hotel, find a beach and done.

Except… It’s not quite that simple after 20 open tabs on your phone or computer.

Mallorca isn’t just Palma. And Palma isn’t just beaches. There’s the Old Town, mountain villages, hidden calas, seasonal events, restaurant culture, and subtle differences between neighbourhoods that can completely change your trip.

If you plan it properly, Palma becomes unforgettable. If you don’t, you’ll only skim the surface.

Here’s how to do it right.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Palma de Mallorca (And What Each Season Feels Like)

One of the most common questions is: when is the best time to visit Palma de Mallorca?

If your priority is beach weather and warm sea temperatures, late June through September is peak season. July and August are hot, lively, and busy — the marina buzzes, beach clubs are full, and evenings stretch past midnight.

But if you prefer sunshine without peak crowds, May, early June, and October are arguably better. It’s warm enough to enjoy the sea, but you’re not fighting for restaurant reservations.

Winter (November to March) surprises people. It’s mild, often sunny, and much more local. It’s not swim season — but it’s ideal for exploring the Old Town and enjoying the slower rhythm of the island.

If you want a proper month-by-month breakdown of temperatures, sea conditions, and crowd levels, you’ll find that in our detailed guide on the best time to visit Palma de Mallorca, which helps you choose the right season based on your travel style.

⏳ How Many Days in Palma de Mallorca Is Enough?

Another big planning question: how many days do you need in Palma?

For Palma city alone, two to three days works perfectly. You can explore La Seu Cathedral, wander through Casco Antiguo, spend an afternoon in Santa Catalina, and enjoy the waterfront without rushing.

But here’s something many travel sites gloss over — Palma is just one part of Mallorca.

If you want to experience the mountains, villages like Valldemossa or Sóller, and some of the island’s quieter beaches, five to seven days is ideal. Otherwise, you’re missing half of what makes Mallorca special.

If you’re unsure how to structure your time, our realistic what to do in Palma for one day walks you through a balanced plan without overloading your schedule.

🏨 Where to Stay in Palma de Mallorca (Choosing the Right Area)

Where you stay shapes your entire experience.

If you want charm and walkability, stay in the Old Town. You’ll wake up to narrow stone streets and be steps from cafés and historic landmarks.

If food and nightlife matter more, Santa Catalina has that relaxed but social energy — great wine bars, independent restaurants, and a younger vibe.

For something calmer and more residential, Portixol and El Molinar give you sea views and long promenade walks without the Old Town crowds.

When comparing hotels, I usually suggest checking options on Tripadvisor first so you can filter by neighbourhood and read recent guest experiences before booking. Palma leans heavily toward boutique hotels rather than large resorts, so rooms fill quickly in summer.

✈️ How to Get to Palma de Mallorca (Flights & Smart Booking Tips)

Most visitors fly into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), which connects to major European cities year-round.

Flight prices fluctuate heavily depending on the season. If you’re travelling between June and September, booking early makes a noticeable difference. Comparing airlines through Booking.com’s flight search tool makes it easier to see multiple routes and pricing in one place before committing.

The airport is only about 15–20 minutes from the city centre by taxi, and there’s also the A1 airport bus that runs directly to Palma.

One practical tip: during peak summer mornings, allow extra time for security when departing. It gets busy quickly.

🚗 Do You Need a Car in Palma de Mallorca?

This depends entirely on your plan.

If you’re staying within Palma city, you don’t need a car. Everything in the Old Town is walkable, and taxis are easy to find.

But if you want to explore beyond the city and honestly, you should, then renting a car makes a huge difference. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains, hidden calas, and villages like Deià aren’t easily accessible by public transport.

Rental prices rise fast in summer, so checking availability early through Discover Cars can help you secure better rates before peak demand hits.

Think of it this way: Palma is beautiful. The island is next level.

🧳 Things to Know Before Visiting Palma de Mallorca

Sundays are quieter outside tourist-heavy areas. Smaller towns observe siesta hours. Beach parking fills early in summer — arrive before 10 am if you’re driving.

Tap water is safe, though many locals drink bottled water. Tipping isn’t mandatory but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated.

And perhaps the most important planning advice: don’t overpack your itinerary. Palma works best when you leave room to wander.

So, How Do You Plan the Perfect Palma de Mallorca Vacation?

• You choose the right season.

• You stay in the right neighbourhood.

• You book flights early.

• You secure accommodation before summer spikes.

• You rent a car if you want to see the real island.

Do that and Palma will absolutely deliver.

Looking for more Mallorca tips?

Check out these posts you’ll love:

• Best Beaches in Mallorca

• Where to Stay in Mallorca

• Things to Do in Mallorca

• Travel Guide

Happy holidays and ¡nos vemos en la isla! 🌞