🍻 What is the Legal Drinking Age in Mallorca? The Local’s Guide to the Rules

If you’re planning a trip to the Balearic Islands, one of the most common questions is about alcohol: specifically, what is the legal drinking age in Mallorca?

The short answer is simple, but the rules for where and when you can drink, and importantly, when you can drive, are more complex than ever, especially in 2026.

Here is the essential information you need to know about the drinking age in Mallorca and the strict new laws designed to promote responsible tourism.

1. The Legal Truth: 18 is the Legal Drinking Age in Majorca

Across the entire country of Spain, including all its autonomous communities and islands—from Barcelona to Ibiza—the legal drinking age in Majorca is: 18 Years Old

This age applies universally to:

• Purchasing: Buying any type of alcohol (beer, wine, spirits) in supermarkets, off-licences (shops), bars, and clubs.

• Consuming: Drinking alcohol in any licensed establishment (bars, restaurants, clubs, or at home).

Important Note: Unlike some other European countries, there are no exceptions for drinking with parents or guardians in public in Spain if you are under 18. Total prohibition for minors is strictly enforced, especially when selling.

2. Crucial Driving Laws: Drink Driving Mallorca Limits

If you plan on driving at all during your holiday, knowing the drink driving Mallorca limits is non-negotiable, as penalties are severe (heavy fines, license revocation, and potential jail time).

The legal limits are significantly lower in Spain than in many other countries:

For Standard Drivers (those with over two years of experience), the legal Blood Alcohol Limit (BAC) is 0.5 g/L (grams per liter), which is equivalent to a Breath Alcohol (BrAC) reading of 0.25 mg/L (milligrams per liter).

For New Drivers (those with under two years of experience), the legal limit is even stricter. The maximum Blood Alcohol Limit (BAC) is 0.3 g/L (grams per liter), which corresponds to a Breath Alcohol (BrAC) reading of 0.15 mg/L (milligrams per liter).

Local Insight: For safety, and given the low limits, the local recommendation is always to abstain completely if you are the designated driver. Even a single beer can put you close to the limit, especially for new drivers.

3. The Biggest Misconception: The Crackdown on Public Drinking

The legal drinking age in Mallorca may be 18, but the most important rule to understand is the ban on drinking in public places—often referred to as botellón.

I grew up here, and I know that botellón (the Spanish tradition of young people gathering in public spots to drink their own alcohol) has always been part of the youth culture. However, the Balearic government is now imposing major fines to curb anti-social behaviour fueled by excessive drinking in tourist areas.

🛑 The Strict New Rules (Fines up to €1,500)

It is now illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces, including streets, promenades, and beaches, outside of licensed terraces or designated areas.

• Penalties: Tourists caught drinking outside of authorised areas face fines ranging from €500 to €1,500.

• Targeted Hotspots: This law is most strictly enforced in areas deemed "of excessive tourism," including:

  • Magaluf (Calvià)

  • Playa de Palma (El Arenal/S'Arenal)

  • Llucmajor

• The Message: Authorities are sending a clear message: the relaxed public drinking culture is over in these specific zones.

4. The "Six Drink Rule" for All-Inclusive Holidays

If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort in one of the specific tourist hotspots listed above (Magaluf, Playa de Palma, S'Arenal), you must be aware of the "Six Drink Rule" implemented by the Balearic Islands government.

• The Rule: Guests at all-inclusive hotels in affected areas are capped at a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per person per day as part of the package.

• How it Works: This allowance is typically split: three drinks allowed at lunch and three with dinner. You can purchase additional drinks, but they will not be included in your all-inclusive price.

• Sales Ban: In these same areas, local shops and off-licences are prohibited from selling alcohol between 9:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

💬 Final Thoughts

While the legal drinking age in Mallorca is 18, the real takeaway is that Mallorca is actively changing its reputation from a "party island" to one that focuses on quality, responsible tourism. Enjoy a cerveza or a glass of local Majorcan wine on a beautiful terrace, but keep your drinks out of the streets and respect the local regulations—especially if you're driving!

Also check out our post on if cannabis is legal in Mallorca? and is Mallorca safe? since you are here!

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! 🌞