The largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Majorca is renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery, limestone cliffs, Roman ruins, and sheltered beaches. With a capital city steeped in history and sparkling resorts peppered all over, you might be wondering, is Majorca expensive?
If Ibiza’s anything to go by, it’s easy to assume that a holiday to Majorca isn’t within everyone’s budget. The two islands might have a lot in common, both equally appealing with white sands, exciting nightlife, and idyllic villages, but Majorca is considerably cheaper than its glitzy Balearic neighbor and you can still travel the island on a budget – if you know what you’re doing that is.
From accommodation to food and how to get there, our guide looks at all the costs of a holiday to Majorca in 2022, so that you don’t have to. Stick around until the end and we’ll even throw in our top money-saving tips. Let’s get into it.
The average cost of a holiday to Majorca
Spain is a great country for a budget holiday. Basic accommodation and cheap local food can be found all over, especially in the untrodden rural inland and touristy beach resorts. Majorca, or Mallorca, might not be the cheapest destination but it still beats Ibiza, Madrid, and Barcelona on price and there is no reason for a holiday to this sparkling Mediterannean jewel to break the bank.
According to travelers, the average cost of a holiday to Majorca is €1,030 ($1,135) for a solo trip, €1,850 ($2,038) for a couple, and €3,470 ($3,822) for a family of four. But a budget trip can cost you far less and you only need around €50 ($55) a day to cover your food and attractions comfortably in Majorca.
Better yet, inclusive holidays are much the norm on the island, especially in the resort areas. If you’re willing to sacrifice on sampling all the sumptuous local food, many travel companies will give you the option to go full-board at your hotel. This means getting your meals, flights, and room rate included for as little as €700 ($770) a week.
Before we get into the different costs of a trip to Majorca, let’s take a look at a breakdown of some daily expenses you can expect from your holiday:
| Price (EUR) | Price (USD) | |
| Inexpensive Meal (restaurant) | €12.50 | $13.70 |
| Fast Food Combo Meal | €8 | $8.80 |
| Takeaway Cappucino (restaurant) | €2.02 | $2.20 |
| Coke Bottle (supermarket) | €1.85 | $2.04 |
| Water Bottle (supermarket) | €1.33 | $1.46 |
| Snorkeling Boat Trip (half-day) | €35 | $38 |
| Palma Cathedral (skip-the-line entrance) | €10 | $11 |
Is Majorca expensive to visit? Getting there
The first big cost you need to consider before any holiday is how you’re going to get there. Where you are coming from makes a huge difference, and long-haul flights can instantly make the prices for your so-called budget holiday soar.
Fear not, if you’re coming from Europe, Majorca is relatively inexpensive and hassle-free to reach. It might be an island but it has its own international airport that you fly to from anywhere on the continent. However, if you’re coming from further afield, you might have to catch a connecting flight in Barcelona or Madrid, as some airlines won’t fly direct to the island. This is where our first money-saving hack comes in handy. If you’re coming from across the pond, find a flight with multiple transfers, this can be a lot cheaper than getting a direct one, despite the extra time it takes.
You can also get the ferry to Majorca from mainland Spain. There are six ferry ports along the southeastern coast that operate routes to and from Majorca. The journey will take some-three hours but can cost as little as €25 ($27) each way from Denía, Valencia, and Barcelona. If Majorca is the next stop on your Spanish road trip or European backpacking adventure, the ferry could be a great option to keep costs down.
There are also a number of bus routes that operate in Majorca, connecting most of the major towns. The buses are cheap and efficient, but they don’t serve every village and are limited in rural areas. If you want to explore, the best way is to rent a car to get yourself around. The metered taxis are notoriously expensive and Majorca is too large to explore on foot. You can hire your own vehicle for €20 ($22) a day and pick it up from the airport on arrival. Otherwise, aim to stay somewhere busy with lots to do and book day trips so you don’t feel limited.
Accommodation prices in Majorca
Accommodation is your next big expense on any holiday. But how does Majorca square up when it comes to getting a great deal on your hotel or holiday rental? As public transport isn’t Majorca’s strongest point, you might want to stay somewhere well-connected to keep costs down. Palma de Mallorca, the island capital, is your best bet. With tons of options and so much to do, you’ll have an endless choice when it comes to eating out and it’s cheap to reach from the airport.
There’s also Alcudia, a quiet rural area in the north of the island. If you’re renting your own vehicle, heading to the sticks can mean halved accommodation costs and cheaper amenities. Better yet, you get to escape the tourist crowds.
Average accommodation costs for three and four-star hotels range from €56 ($61) to €130 ($143) in Majorca. But if you want to pinch pennies, even more, opt for a vacation rental and cook your own meals at home. Airbnb’s in Mallorca range between €60 ($66) and €400 ($440) a night, averaging at €160 ($176). We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite hotels on the island to suit any budget:
Petit Hotel Hostatgeria La Victoria ($) – Escape the crowds and hide out in this quaint rural hotel in Alcudia. Flanked by forest and overlooking the bay of Pollensa, prices start at €67 ($74) a night.
Catalonia del Mar ($) – Located in the resort area of Cala Bona, this four-star adults-only hotel with a large private pool and stylish grounds is just €80 ($88) a night, with breakfast included.
Hotel and Spa Ferrer Janeiro ($$) – Ferrar hotels are dotted all over the island. Offering four-star rooms complete with their own kitchenettes and a great value buffet breakfast, you can enjoy the large pool and spa facilities while saving on your meals. They even offer a free shuttle service from the airport.
Hotel Amic Horizonte ($$) With a swanky terrace overlooking the harbor, this ocean view hotel in Palma de Mallorca is the best of all worlds. Strategically located close to the beaches and vibrant town center, this hotel exceeds its three stars for €100 ($110) a night.
Hotel Brismar ($$) – Enjoy sea views, clean rooms, and a great town center location from western Mallorca. The sea-facing terrace is perfect for sun-bathing and the in-house restaurant boasts an impressive wine list.
Hotel Miramar ($$$)- Overlooking a sheltered cove, perfect for snorkeling and kids’ days out, this family-run hotel in Puerto Pollensa on the northwest coast is a great base for exploring nature. Hike or cycle the Tramuntana Hills and check out the nearby Moorish ruins from €150 ($165) a night, with breakfast included.
Is Majorca expensive for food and drink?
Restaurant meals might cost more than the national average in Majorca, but prices for eating out are far more competitive than in Spain’s major metropoles and on the neighboring island of Ibiza. So what does this mean for your budget?
Inexpensive meals average at around €12.50 ($13.70) in Majorca, but you can eat for far less. The truth is, you can dine at almost any price level on the island with the vast variety of options from local tavernas to international fast-food restaurants and swanky dining haunts. You can grab mains for €8 ($8.80) to €10 ($11) in bars and basic restaurants, while a dinner generally comes to €20 ($22) to €25 ($27) per person at mid-range establishments. Tapas plates cost €3 to €9 across the island and you can get a large paella for sharing at around €18 ($19).
You can get imported beer or lager for €3 ($3.50) in most bars and restaurants, and a glass of wine with your meal for €5 ($5.50). A bottle of local vino will cost around the same from a supermarket and cigarettes are also €5 a pack on average.
Majorca is nothing like Ibiza when it comes to the superclub culture and world-class music events, but the nightlife does attract the crowds, and drinking when you’re out can add up. Expect to spend upwards of €12 ($13) to €15 ($16) for the same mixed drink or cocktail that you could get for €8 ($8.80) in a restaurant. This is why drinking at home or at a cheap bar before you go out is the best option if you want to save money.
Majorca on a budget: Our Top 7 Money-Saving Tips
Visit out of season – This is always our first and foremost piece of money-saving advice. When the summer holiday crowds dissipate and the scorching days start to cool down, the prices of hotels and airlines plummet in Majorca and you get the best chance of snapping up an amazing deal. We’re talking €10 ($11) return flights and half-priced hotels. Make the most of the warm climate and head to the island for some winter sun.
Cook meals at home – Sampling some of the local cuisines is a must wherever you go on holiday, but bag a vacation rental or a hotel with a kitchenette and cook some of your meals at home to save on eating out.
Pre-drink for your night out – Like Ibiza, Majorca’s clubs charge extortionate mark-ups for imported alcohol, and you’ll find your drinks are often watered down. Buy alcohol from a local supermarket, at the airport, or in cheap happy-hour bars. Better yet, keep the partying to a minimum if you’re really trying to save.
Hire a car – Metered taxis are expensive in Majorca, and while transport is cheap, the island could be better connected. Hiring a car to get around could be the least expensive option in the long run, especially if you want to stay in rural budget accommodation.
Take the ferry – If Majorca is another stop on your Spanish holiday, or even if you’re backpacking through Europe, taking the train to Valencia or Barcelona and hopping on the ferry to Majorca could be much cheaper than flying, especially in the high season. Compare prices before, and sit back and enjoy the scenic ocean views.
Eat local – Tourist dives and upscale international restaurants will always have higher prices. Escape the hotels and resort towns and head to quiet areas of the island for local prices, and delicacies.
Go all-inclusive – This might cancel out our previous point, but if local food isn’t at the top of your agenda, going full-board at your hotel can work out very cheaply. Some companies throw flights into the mix, too, so you could have a hassle-free holiday for €100 a day. And if you don’t want to completely miss out on Majorcan cuisine, find a deal with just breakfast included to spare some pennies.
How much should I budget for one week in Majorca?
To stay comfortably in Majorca, you’ll need a minimum of €700 ($770) a week to cover all your food, travel, and sightseeing expenses. Still, most visitors spend closer to €1,400 ($1,540) in seven days with all things included. Although with endless variety, the island can be as cheap as you make it. Majorca isn’t a budget destination by any means, but it is a cheaper alternative to Ibiza and there’s no reason for your vacation to break the bank.
When is the best time to visit Majorca?
Majorca is warm and pleasant all year round, benefitting from Spain’s temperate Mediterannean climate and little rainfall. Temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and you can find blue skies even in winter, but June to August when average highs hover in the late 80s is the most popular time to visit the island. If you want to escape the summer holiday crowds and high season prices, consider visiting from March to May, or early autumn to catch the sun and a good deal.
How many days do I need in Majorca?
There’s so much to do in Majorca, it won’t take long to realize you’ll never discover it all. The island could easily become home and the vibrant ex-pat community would agree. Still, if you’re looking to book your next short break, try and give yourself at least five days to really explore and get a taste of the island. The capital, Palma de Mallorca, deserves three days itself, but the rural towns and hidden coves on the other side of the island shouldn’t be left out.
