ABOUT THE COUNTRY

Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain and located in the Mediterranean. The capital of the Island, Palma, is also the capital of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands. The Balearic Islands have been an autonomous region of Spain since 1983. There are two small islands off the coast of Mallorca: Cabrera (southeast of Palma) and Dragonera (west of Palma).

The name derives from Classical Latin insula maior, “larger island”. Later, in Medieval Latin, this became Maiorica, “the larger one”, in comparison to Menorca, “the smaller one”.   

Mallorca is the most populous island in the Balearic Islands and the second most populous island in Spain, after Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. It had an officially estimated population of 896,038 inhabitants at the start of 2019.  Total area 3,640.11 km2 (1,405.45 sq. mi)

Curiosities

• Mallorca is a luxury destination that moreover serves as the home base of Spain’s Royal Family
• Mallorca tops the list of Spain’s best islands, and it is ranked always between the TOP 3 best islands in Europe withgreat climate, 300 days of sunshine and over 200 beaches with long stretches of golden sand and crystalline waters. 
• Serra de Tramuntana Mountains have been awarded as a World Heritage Site.
• The island has received international personages from the worlds of culture, politics and even royalty. Mallorca boasts the historical imprints left behind by the composer Chopin and the poet George Sand, as well as those of Robert Graves, Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly, and actors such as Charles Chaplin, John Wayne and Claudia Cardinale. The peaceful and discreet nature of the local people has moreover enabled the island of Mallorca to become a holiday retreat for countless celebrities including Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Claudia Schiffer, Annie Lenox and Eva Longoria.
• Mallorca has its own history, its own language, its own accent, and a distinct personality of its own.
• Mallorca is the quintessential land of craftsmanship, with a wide array of traditional local products. In fact, the visitor can purchase authentic hand-made wonders that range from leather footwear to blown glass, the famous pearls of Manacor and rustic pottery.
• Gastronomically speaking, the island boasts its own production of mixed herb, thyme, and orange liqueurs. Not to be forgotten is the island’s olive oil: liquid gold with a tradition dating back to the 15th century, produced by pressing Mallorca’s own olive varieties, the empeltre, arbequina and picual.
• Places of extraordinary beauty and picturesque little corners sit just alongside other more cosmopolitan areas, where shopping, culture and great architectural masterpieces come together.
• Mallorca is trend, nature, gastronomy, business, sailing, light and warmth. In a word, it is unique in every sense. Singular and once-in-a-lifetime. Welcome to the island of peace and tranquillity.

Language

People in Mallorca speak Spanish (also referred to as “Castilian” or “Castellano”, a variety of the Spanish Language spoken in central Spain) and Mallorquí, a language with the same root as Catalan which can change slightly depending on the location. However, due to the large number of foreign tourists visiting the island, English and German are widely spoken.  

Religion

Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Spanish Constitution. Religion in Spain is characterised by the predominance of the Catholic Church with high levels of secularization as of 2021. Additionally, Catholic Spaniards usually refer to themselves as either “practising” or “non-practising” depending on their level of religiosity, with practising Catholics accounting for just 20% of the population. However, many cultural aspects of Catholicism remain strong among the population, including the younger population.

According to the Spanish Center for Sociological Research, 58,6% of Spanish citizens self-identify as Catholics, (38,7% define themselves as not practising, while 19,9% as practising), 2,9% as followers of other faiths (including Islam, Protestant Christianity, Buddhism, etc.), and 36,5% identify as atheists (16,1%), agnostics (10,5%) or non-believers (9,9%) as of June 2021.

Time & Weather

Spain has two time zones and observes daylight saving time. Spain mainly uses Central European Time (GMT +01:00) and Central European Summer Time (GMT +02:00) in Peninsular Spain, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Melilla. In the Canary Islands, the time zone is Western European Time (GMT±00:00) and Western European Summer Time (GMT +01:00). Daylight saving time is observed from the last Sunday in March (01:00 GMT) to the last Sunday in October (01:00 GMT) throughout Spain.

Mallorca enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, sunny summers and mild winters. The Tramuntana mountains that form the western coast of Mallorca have a major influence on the weather here. The mountains protect most of the island from the worst of the winter weather. This also means that many of the western towns and villages in these foothills also have more rain that the interior and eastern parts of Mallorca. It also means that the west coast is slightly cloudier than the rest of Mallorca. The pressure systems form clouds here when moisture from the sea rise up the mountains after being at sea level. The weather in Mallorca remains warm throughout the year with average night-time lows dropping to around 10ºC in December and January. The summer months can see temperatures reach 40ºC / 104ºF, although the averages are around 30ºC / 86ºF. With sunshine hours reaching double figures, sea temperatures in the mid-20ºC´s / 68ºF and barely and rainy days, it´s no wonder that Mallorca is the perfect choice for a summer holiday.

Mallorca Weather September Averages:

Min. temperature: 19º9C-68.00ºF / Max. temperature: 27º1C-81.00ºF / Hrs of sunshine per day: 10 / Nº of rainy days: 5.

It´s time to get back to enjoying outdoor pursuits as the weather in Mallorca during September has temperatures at a very pleasant mi 21ºC´s – 70.00ºF. Be aware that the Tramuntana mountains can create their own micro-climate and you may find it´s slightly cloudier and wetter here that in other parts of Mallorca.

Currency

The official currency in Spain is the Euro.

One Euro is made up of 100 cents, and there are eight different coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 Euros), and seven notes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros). 

If you are not a resident of the European Union, you´ll be pleased to know you can claim a refund of the VAT (Value Added Tax) you paid on purchases in Spain which you are taking back to your country. You simply need to fill in the Tax-Free form in the shops where you buy your purchases. Then, get the form validated at Customs within 3 months of the purchase date.

The electronic VAT refund procedure (DIVA) makes the validating process quicker and easier. You just have to ask the shops offering this service to provide you with the DIVA form and validate it directly at the automatic terminals installed in Spain´s main ports and airports.

Also, remember that if your next destination is another country in the European Union, you will not be able to reclaim VAT in Spain, but in the last airport before leaving the EU.

If you leave the EU from other Country: Don’t scan your Tax Free Form in the kiosk in Spain and proceed to validate your Tax Free Form in your last exit point prior to leave the European Union.

For more information you can download this information leaflet:

https://www.agenciatributaria.es/static_files/AEAT/Aduanas/Contenidos_Privados/Viajeros/Viajeros/Vers_ingles.pdf  

The Spanish government has removed the minimum amount of €90,26 that previously applied to Tax Free Shopping transactions made in the country. This means that, whatever the value of the goods you purchase, you now have the right to claim back the VAT. The new regulations came into effect in July 2018

For information on Tax Free Shopping in Spain, please see here: https://www.globalblue.com/tax-free-shopping/minimum-purchase-amount-removed-in-spain

Electricity

Electricity supply is 220 volts throughout Spain with a two-round-pin plug. UK travellers will require a plug adapter that will convert the standard 3 pin socket into a two-pin socket. In the US where the electricity supply is 110 volts a voltage transformer/converter would be required to step down the voltage to 110 volts. Damage to the electrical appliance can occur if you attempt to use a 110-volt rated electrical appliance with a 220-volt supply.  Always check that the electrical devices that you are going to use work on this voltage.

Most laptop computers are automatically multivoltage but would need an adapter if from countries using a different type of plug.

Visa & Passports

U.S. citizens can enter Spain visa-free for periods of up to three months. Spanish government regulations may require a return or on-going ticket or proof of funds. Check the expiration date on your passport carefully before travelling to Europe. Entry into any of the 26 European countries in the Schengen area for short-term tourism, a business trip, or in transit to a non-Schengen destination, requires that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure. If your passport does not meet the Schengen requirements, you may be refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes. You could also be denied entry when you arrive in the Schengen area. For this reason, we recommend that your passport have at least six months’ validity remaining whenever you travel abroad.  

For more information visit the US embassy site:  https://es.usembassy.gov

What to Pack?

In summer: bring light clothes, a sun hat, sunglasses, a light scarf for the sea breeze, a sweatshirt for the evening; a sweatshirt and a light jacket for the north and the mountains and comfortable shoes to enjoy the most of our city.

Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) are cooler too. Clever layering is the key to dressing for changeable weather.

If you are going to visit any churches, then be sure to cover your shoulders and bare legs – your pashmina can come in handy for this as well.

Palma is a very cool city with many business people around; so, dress more smartly if you want to fit in.

Transportation

The best way to get around Mallorca is by car. Having your own set of wheels give you the most freedom to explore the island on your time. You´ll find car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Six Rent.     

Buses are an option, too, but they run on limited schedules, especially on weekends. Prices for bus tickets vary depending on the departure point and the destination.

Taxis are metered, but for trips beyond the city fix the price in advance. These taxis, are usually cream and black color. A Green light indicates a taxi is free to hail or you can head for one of the taxi stands in the city centre, such as those on Passeig dés Born. The minimum fee is €4,20 thereafter you pay €1,16 per kilometre (more on weekends and holidays). There´s a supplement fare from the airport, and a supplement to visit Castell de Bellver. 

Phones/Wi-Fi

Internet access is available at Hotel St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca / Castillo Hotel Son Vida  and is included in your hotel fee (Speed of 5Mbps). For the best roaming/international rates contact your cell phone provider before traveling.

Tipping & Gratuity

It is not obligatory to give tips in Spain, as all establishments include the service charge. However, it is common to give tips in bars and restaurants, hotels, and taxis. The amount of the tip depends on the amount of the bill and the generosity of the client, although it usually varies between five and ten percent of the total amount.

Healthcare

Emergency treatment is guaranteed for everyone and is provided in hospitals and some health centres. Care at private centres will always be charged. We recommend always travelling with international medical insurance, especially if you are not a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or a country with a bilateral healthcare agreement with Spain that covers assistance.

Medical care for illness or accident is free to citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein as long as they have a European Health Card (EHIC) and the reason for the trip is not to seek specific medical treatment. If you forget your certificate, you will have to pay all the costs and request reimbursement back in your country.  

United Kingdom citizens will receive medical care from the Spanish National Health System until 31 October 2021 under the same terms and subject to the same conditions as established before 1 January 2021.

Before travelling, we strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and in particular that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  

The emergency telephone number is 112. It is free to call, and available throughout Spain. The emergency services can track the location of the call, and there is a tele-translation service in multiple languages. This number is used to coordinate all calls to ambulances, fire brigades and security forces to ensure a rapid and effective response to all types of emergency situations.

The mobile app Alertcops  (https://alertcops.ses.mir.es/mialertcops/ ) also enables you to contact the police directly and alert them to any abnormal situation or violence. It is available in English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish. 

Spanish regulations do not permit the international shipment of medication, so please do not ship medication from the U.S.

U.S. citizens who plan a lengthy trip to Spain should bring enough medication for their stay or obtain a prescription for that medication from a Spanish physician. For inquiries regarding what type of medications can be brought to Spain, please contact the Spanish Embassy in the United States. In order to avoid problems with the Spanish customs office, it is recommended that the patient travelling with medication to Spain brings a doctor´s prescription/medical report that justifies the treatment. The Spanish Embassy should give you guidance on the necessary paperwork and if your medication is permitted into Spain. See this link. 

( http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/WASHINGTON/en/Embajada/Pages/Frecuently-Asked-Questions.aspx )

For emergency treatment go straight to the urgencias (casualty) section of the nearest hospital. The island´s main hospital is

Palma´s Hospital Universitari Son Espases (State Hospital)  
Carretera de Valldemossa, 79
07210, Palma de Mallorca, Islas Baleares
Tel: +34 871 205 000

Emergencies: 061

Clinica Juaneda Palma (Private Clinic)
Carrer de Company, 30
07014, Palma de Mallorca, Islas Baleares
Tel: +34 971 731 647   

Clinica Juaneda Miramar (Private Clinic)
Camí de la Vileta, 30
07011, Palma de Mallorca, Islas Baleares
Tel: +34 971 767 000

Farmacias (Pharmacies) offer advice and sell over-the-counter medication. When a pharmacy is closed it posts the name of the nearest farmacia de guardia (duty pharmacies) on the door.

Farmacia Portals
Ctra. Andratx, 30
07181 – Portals Nous, Calvià
Tel: +34 971 675 136
Open: 09:00am – 09:00pm

Farmacia Porto Pi
Avinguda de Joan Miró, 186
07015 Palma
Tel: + 34 971 909 015   
Open 24 Hours

Farmacia Balanguera
Carrer de la Balanguera, 15
07011 Palma
Tel: +34 971 45 87 88
Open 24 Hours

Tap water is safe to drink across Mallorca, but is often unpalatable because of high sodium or chlorine levels, bottle water is cheap to buy.

The major threat involved in travelling to Mallorca:

Spain is one of the safest countries in the world. As in any other country, there are minimum safety measures based on theft prevention. In this regard, it is advisable to only carry with you the money that you will need, to pay attention at times when there are large crowds of people in transport or shopping centres, and to avoid passing through empty places.   

If you are a victim of a crime while in Spain, report it to the local police immediately by calling the emergency services on 112, responding operators all speak English.

Make sure you get a copy of the “denuncia” (Police report) when you report the crime.

You will need the report for insurance purposes and to obtain a replacement travel document from the Consulate

Beaches and swimming

Deaths by drowning occur every year on Spanish beaches and in swimming pools. Local Policy have the authority to fine bathers who disobey the lifeguard´s warning flags. Take warning flags on beaches seriously. 

The beaches in Mallorca have a flag system to inform swimmers and visitors of the regulations and facilities available, it´s a way to state sea weather conditions.   

These beach flags can be changed during the day and they can be different throughout the length of the beach. This is normally managed by Red Cross or Civil Protection volunteers. 

They indicate the safety for swimming, as well as areas where swimming is not allowed as they are reserved for water sports.

The green flag: swimming is safe in the area, keep children under adult supervision.

The yellow flag: swimming is allowed under precaution. No swimming past your waist depth. Use of lilos forbidden. If the sea is calm keep an eye for jellyfish.

The red flag: swimming is not allowed. It can be due to sea conditions, change of currents or other dangers (i.e. jellyfish)

The orange flag or no flag: Lifeguard is not on duty. Swim at your own risk, beware of currents and other risks.      

Blue and red flag: Between these flags, swimming is not allowed. This area is for water sports use, such as surfing, kayaking, Ski-Doos. Note sometimes this area is demarcated by buoys in the water instead of flags at the coast.

Black: The beach is closed due to the state of sea and sand. There could be serious risk to health.     

Don’t swim at beaches that link to/from rivers, or those without lifeguards. Don’t dive into unknown water as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion. Falling rocks are a hazard, and the authorities can fine those who ignore warning signs.

The sun may be too strong for guests who are not used to it – we recommend using sunblock, sunglasses and cap.