Be Prepared with these Top 12 Tips when Holidaying in Majorca

Majorca belongs to the three Balearic Islands located along the southeast coast of Spain. It is the largest of the three islands and has become a very popular holiday destination since the sixties. Holidaying in Majorca is popular particularly due to its beautiful sandy beaches, good accommodation, restaurants, bars, car hire companies – in fact, everything you need for a unforgettable holiday. Here are a few tips to make your holiday on the island more memorable.

1. Although most of the people on the island speak good English, it can be a good idea to learn a few Spanish phrases such as: good morning/ evening, hello, thank you, how are you, and please. Making the effort to say at least a few thing in Spanish will impress the friendly locals and is a fun way of communicating.

2. The people of Majorca are used to eating late suppers (unlike us Brits) so do not be surprised to see the restaurants quiet at tea time and then getting busier from 8pm onwards. This is due to the afternoon siesta when many locals shelter from the harsh sun during the hottest part of the day. Spending a few days there will soon have you understanding why – it’s just too hot to do physical work during the afternoon. Most people in the Med work during the cooler early morning or evening hours.

3. The island offers a huge selection of accommodation ranging from private apartments, lodges or luxurious villas with pools. Accommodation choices that cater for those with a disability are on the increase nowadays, making the island even more accessible to all. Rates are discounted during winter.

4. There are several care hire companies on the island and if you really want to enjnoy your holiday to the max it’s worth taking advantage of this. You can pick up a car from the airport on your arrival by booking online in advance. If you don’t want to hire a car for the whole of your holiday, it’s definitely worth considering hiring one for a few days at the very least. This will give you much more choice as to where you can go and you will be able to travel around the island and see much more than the average tourist – Majorca is a really interesting place with stunning scenery and g reat beaches. Hiring a car for your holiday will give you the freedom to come and go as you please without depending on public transport

5. The sun in Majorca gets dangerously hot so make sure that you are well-protected with an excellent sun protection cream.

6. The Marineland at Portals Nous near Palma holds a regular dolphin show - but children are picked at random during the shows and placed on a small inflatable “float” and pulled around the pool.

7. The Information Service provides leaflets containing the 12 well-known hiking areas and is available in any of its offices on the island. The best hiking area in Majorca is Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains along the northwest coast.

8. There are several animal parks and zoos in Majorca. The most famous are Marineland at Portals Nous close to Palma on the south coast, the Safari Zoo near Sa Coma and Palma Aquarium in Playa de Palma.

9. Aqualand El Arenal is the biggest waterpark on the island, there is also the Western Park in Magaluf on the southern part and the Hidropark in Alcudia on the northcoast of the island. You can join a group tour which run daily or hire a car to get there in your own time.

10. Shopping in Majorca is enjoyable and you can either go to the shops or the market. Famous brands are available although most products are locally made. The Alcudia market is open on Tuesdays and Sundays while Andratx market opens on Wednesdays and Inca opens on Thursdays. The markets open at 8 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. To get a good bargain have a go at haggling on price. Do not be easily hoodwinked by illegal peddlers claiming their items are original brands. Just say “no” politely if you do not intend to buy from them.

11. Public phones are aplenty and instructions are written in various languages. International calls are cheaper between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. and the whole day on Sunday.

12. Giving tips is common practice in Majorca, 10% of your total bill is a good amount.

When visiting a holiday island destination like Majorca, you’ll want to see as much of the place as you possibly can. Public transport is a great way of getting about, but it limits you as to times and destination. Car hire Majorca is surprisingly reasonable and will give you the freedom you need to enjoy your holiday at your own pace in your own time.