Practical Info A-Z

Mallorca has a good medical infrastructure — both public and private facilities. For a holiday destination with 14 million visitors annually, the healthcare system is well-equipped.

Public Healthcare

• Hospital Universitari Son Espases — Palma's large university hospital (Carretera de Valldemossa 79), the most modern in the Balearics. Emergency room 24/7
• Hospital de Manacor — for the east of the island
• Hospital Comarcal d'Inca — for the center and north
• Centros de Salud (health centers) are in all major towns — they are the first point of contact for non-acute complaints

With the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, on the back of the German health insurance card), you are entitled to treatment in public facilities under the same conditions as Spanish insured persons. Note: Waiting times can be long, especially in high season.

Private Doctors and Clinics

Mallorca has a dense network of German-speaking doctors — an advantage of the large German community. In Palma, at Playa de Palma, in Alcudia, Cala Millor, and Santa Ponsa, there are practices with German-speaking staff for general medicine, dentistry, pediatrics, and more. The Clinica Juaneda and the Clinica Rotger in Palma are private clinics with a good reputation and multilingual staff.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (Farmacia, green cross) can be found in every town. Many common medications (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, antihistamines, mild antibiotics) are over-the-counter and cheaper than in Germany. In the season, pharmacies in tourist areas often have extended opening hours. Night and weekend duty pharmacies (Farmacia de Guardia) are posted at each pharmacy.

A rental car is the best way to explore Mallorca beyond the tourist centers. The road network is well-developed, the distances short — from Palma to the north (Alcudia) is only 55 kilometers.

Rental Car

• Booking: Best in advance through comparison portals (Check24, billiger-mietwagen.de). All major providers (Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Goldcar) are represented at the airport, local providers (Hiper, OK Rent a Car, Roig) are often cheaper
• Prices: From about 15–25 €/day in the off-season, 35–70 €/day in high summer. Fully comprehensive insurance without excess (including tires/glass/underbody) is a must
• Refueling: Gas stations (Gasolinera) are plentiful. Gasoline (Gasolina) and diesel (Gasoil/Diésel) cost similar to Germany. Many stations have self-service with card readers

Traffic Rules

• Speed: In town 30–50 km/h, country roads 90 km/h, highway (Autovia) 120 km/h
• Alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille (novice drivers: 0.3 per mille)
• Lights: Daytime running lights recommended, mandatory in tunnels
• Phone: Only with hands-free — fines from 200 €
• Parking: Blue lines = fee required (ORA zone, parking meter), white lines = free, yellow lines = no parking. In Palma and tourist areas, parking is a nightmare — use a parking garage

Special Routes

The Ma-10 (Tramuntana coastal road from Andratx to Pollenca) is one of Europe's most beautiful roads — but also one of the most challenging: narrow hairpin bends, steep drops, tour buses in oncoming traffic. Drive this route only in daylight and calmly. The road to Sa Calobra (Ma-2141) with its famous "tie knot" bend is an experience in itself — but only for more experienced drivers. The Autovia Ma-13 (Palma–Alcudia) and Ma-19 (Palma–Llucmajor–Campos) are fast and stress-free.

In Mallorca, there are honorary consulates of the German-speaking countries. The embassies are located in Madrid but are also reachable from Mallorca in emergencies.

German Consulate Palma

• Address: Carrer de Porto Pi 8, 3D, 07015 Palma
• Phone: +34 971 707 737
• Emergency number (outside office hours): +34 91 557 9000 (Embassy Madrid)
• Web: spanien.diplo.de
• Office hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–12:00 (appointments recommended)

Austrian Honorary Consulate Palma

• Phone: +34 971 725 560
• Emergency: +34 91 556 5315 (Embassy Madrid)

Swiss Consular Agency

• Emergency: +34 91 436 3960 (Embassy Madrid)
• Helpline EDA: +41 800 24 7 365 (from Switzerland, 24/7)

For passport loss, the consulate is the first point of contact — a replacement travel document can be issued on-site (for a fee). In serious emergencies (arrest, accident, death), the embassy in Madrid is involved.

From the lively market hall to the designer boutique — Mallorca offers shopping opportunities for every taste and budget.

Supermarkets

• Eroski — the largest Balearic supermarket, good selection of local products
• Mercadona — Spain's most popular supermarket, good value for money
• Lidl and Aldi — yes, also in Mallorca, for those feeling homesick
• HiperCentro — the large shopping centers, e.g., Fan Mallorca Shopping (near Palma) or Alcampo

Typical Souvenirs

• Ensaimada — in the round cardboard box, available at the airport
• Olive oil — DOP Oli de Mallorca, from about 15 € per bottle
• Hierbas/Palo — Mallorcan liqueurs
• Sobrasada — soft paprika sausage (caution: only vacuum-packed allowed in hand luggage)
• Wine — from Binissalem or Felanitx
• Flor de Sal — sea salt from Ses Salines
• Ceramics — traditional "Siurells" (clay whistles) and painted bowls
• Leather goods — from Inca, Mallorca's leather town (Camper, Lottusse, Barrats)

Markets

Mallorca's weekly markets (see chapter Food & Drink) are not only good for food but also for crafts, leather, ceramics, and clothing. The largest: Inca (Thursday), Sineu (Wednesday), Alcudia (Tuesday and Sunday), Santanyi (Saturday).

On holidays, banks, authorities, and many stores are closed. Supermarkets have reduced opening hours or are completely closed. Restaurants and tourist facilities usually remain open during the season.

Additionally, there are local holidays — each municipality has its own patron saint's day when shops are closed.

Mallorca is part of Spain and thus the Eurozone — travelers from the DACH region do not need to exchange currency.

Cash

• ATMs (Cajero automatico) are available in every town and at every airport. Preferably use ATMs from Spanish banks (CaixaBank, BBVA, Banco Santander, Bankinter) — they usually do not charge fees at the machine itself
• Beware of the DCC trap: If the ATM asks whether you want to withdraw in euros or another currency, always choose the local currency (Euro) — for DACH travelers, this is already euros, but some ATMs offer a "guaranteed conversion" that hides a worse rate
• You need cash at weekly markets, in small countryside bars, at parking meters, and for tips

Card Payment

• Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere — even in small restaurants, taxis, and beach chiringuitos
• Contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) works excellently, Mallorca is very advanced in this regard
• EC card/Girocard: Yes at ATMs, but mostly no for payments in stores — a Visa or Mastercard debit card is a better choice

Costs in Mallorca

Mallorca is no longer a budget destination — prices have noticeably increased in recent years, especially in Palma and along the coast. Benchmarks: Espresso in a bar 1.50–2.50 €, beer 2.50–4 €, Menu del dia (daily meal) 12–18 €, dinner in a good restaurant 30–60 € per person, liter of gasoline about 1.50–1.70 €. In the interior and off-season, everything is 20–30% cheaper.

Mallorca has an excellent digital infrastructure — fast internet and good mobile coverage almost everywhere on the island.

EU Roaming

Since 2017, Roam Like at Home applies throughout the EU. You use your German or Austrian mobile package in Mallorca without extra charges — calls, SMS, mobile data at home rates. Attention Switzerland: Switzerland is not in the EU — Swiss rates may include roaming charges in Mallorca. Check with your provider in advance!

Wi-Fi

• Hotels and Holiday Apartments: Almost everywhere offers free Wi-Fi, quality varies
• Cafes and Restaurants: In Palma and tourist areas, most places offer Wi-Fi — ask for the password
• Public: Palma has free Wi-Fi in many public places (Passeig des Born, Placa Major). There is also 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi at Son Sant Joan Airport

Local SIM Cards

For long-term stays or Swiss travelers: Prepaid SIMs are available from Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and the budget provider Lycamobile. Available in provider shops, airport kiosks, and many tobacco shops (Estancos). Cost: from about €10 with 5–10 GB of data. Passport or ID card required for registration.

Mallorca and especially Palma are among the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the Mediterranean. Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 as the third country worldwide.

Legal Situation

• Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005 — with full adoption rights
• Anti-discrimination laws protect sexual orientation and gender identity
• The Baleares have an additional regional LGBTQ+ protection law (2016)

In Practice

• Palma has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, concentrated in the Santa Catalina district and the area around Placa Gomila. Bars and clubs change frequently — current info at GayPalma.com
• Playa de Palma — some hotels and bars specifically cater to an LGBTQ+ audience
• Cala Mayor and parts of Playa de Palma have sections unofficially known as gay beaches
• The Pride Parade in Palma (end of June/beginning of July) is colorful, loud, and well-attended
• Outside of Palma, society is more conservative, but generally tolerant. Public displays of affection are occasionally met with glances in smaller towns, but assaults are extremely rare

In Mallorca, you can easily get information in German — the island has its own German-language media landscape.

German-Language Media

• Mallorca Zeitung (mallorcazeitung.es) — the most important German-language daily newspaper, part of the Diario de Mallorca publishing group. Online and in print. Indispensable for current info, events, and restaurant tips
• Mallorca Magazin (mallorcamagazin.com) — weekly newspaper with a lifestyle focus
• Inselradio Mallorca (95.8 FM, inselradio.com) — German-language radio, 24/7. News, music, event tips. The station known by 90% of all German Mallorca vacationers

Spanish-Language Media

• Diario de Mallorca and Ultima Hora — the two major daily newspapers on the island
• IB3 — the Balearic public broadcaster, in Catalan

International Media

German daily newspapers (Bild, Welt, FAZ) are available at kiosks in tourist areas. In hotels, you can receive the usual German TV channels via satellite.

In an emergency, the European standard emergency numbers apply. All are free, available around the clock, and work even without a SIM card.

In doubt, always dial 112 — the control center will connect you to the right service. The 112 is answered in Spanish, often English or German is possible. Clearly state your location: "Estoy en [place], calle [street]" (I am in..., street...).

Theft/Loss

In case of theft or passport loss: Report to the Policia Nacional (Denuncia, at the Comisaria). Without a Denuncia, no replacement passport, no insurance coverage. Online Denuncia possible at denuncias.policia.es (but only in Spanish).

Spanish opening hours differ significantly from German ones — the Siesta is not yet a dying tradition in Mallorca.

Correos is the Spanish postal service, recognizable by the blue-yellow logo. Post offices are available in all larger towns.

• Postcard to Germany: about 1.65 € (Standard-International), delivery time 5–10 business days
• Letter to Germany: from 1.65 € (standard letter up to 20 g)
• Stamps (Sellos) are available at the post office and in tobacco shops (Estancos/Tabacos) — often faster than at the post counter
• Mailboxes (Buzones) are yellow and located on many street corners
• Packages: Correos offers international parcel shipping, but DHL, UPS, and Hermes are also present in Mallorca — often faster and more reliable for heavy souvenirs

Mallorca is a very safe travel destination. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The biggest threat is — as in almost all southern European tourist destinations — pickpocketing.

Pickpocketing

Hotspots: Airport, Playa de Palma, Palma's Old Town (especially Passeig des Born, Placa Major, cathedral area), markets, public transport. Tips: Leave valuables in the hotel safe, keep your wallet in the front pocket, carry your handbag close to your body, do not leave hand luggage unattended on the beach. In rental cars: leave nothing visible — break-ins in rental cars (recognizable by the sticker) are unfortunately common, especially in parking lots at hiking trails and attractions.

Beach and Sea

The biggest real danger in Mallorca is currents and waves. Pay attention to the flags: Green = safe, Yellow = caution (only for experienced swimmers), Red = swimming prohibited. Especially on the north and west coasts, currents can be treacherous. Cliffs: Do not climb on slippery rocks, especially not in rough seas.

Nature

• Sun: UV radiation is stronger than in Central Europe — SPF 30+ always, SPF 50 for children
• Jellyfish: Rare, but possible in midsummer. Portuguese Man o' War (very rare, but dangerous) is occasionally washed ashore
• Snakes: The viperine snake (Natrix maura) is the only more common snake — non-venomous and harmless
• Wildfires: Serious risk in midsummer. Open fires, cigarettes, and barbecuing in nature are strictly prohibited (fines up to 60,000 €)

Mallorca/Spain uses 230 V AC, 50 Hz — exactly like in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The sockets are Type C (Europlug, two-pin) and Type F (Schuko with grounding). Travelers from the DACH region do not need an adapter.

Travelers from the UK, USA, or Australia need an adapter (Type C/F) — available at any electronics store or supermarket.

Tip: In older fincas and apartments, sockets can be loose — a power strip with surge protection is practical. USB charging stations are available in most cafes and restaurants.

The country code for Spain is +34. In Mallorca, landline numbers start with 971, mobile numbers with 6xx or 7xx.

From Germany to Mallorca

+34 + number (e.g., +34 971 123 456). For Spanish numbers, the zero at the beginning is NOT omitted — there is no leading zero.

From Mallorca to Germany

+49 + area code without leading zero + number (e.g., +49 30 123456 for Berlin).

In Mallorca

Within Spain, you always dial the complete number including area code — for example, 971 123 456, even if you're calling from another 971 connection.

Costs

Thanks to EU roaming, you can call, text, and surf with your German/Austrian tariff in Mallorca without additional charges. However, for calls to Mallorca from Germany, you pay the normal international rate of your provider (often 0.09–0.29 €/min).

Mallorca has a well-developed network of tourist information offices (Oficina de Turisme/Oficina de Informacion Turistica).

Important Locations

• Son Sant Joan Airport — Arrival hall, well signposted. Here you can get city maps, bus schedules, and free brochures
• Palma Old Town — Placa de la Reina (near the cathedral), Passeig des Born, Placa d'Espanya (station)
• Alcudia, Pollenca, Soller, Valldemossa, Manacor, Cala Millor — seasonal offices in all major tourist areas

Online Resources

• infomallorca.net — official tourism website of the Consell de Mallorca (also in German)
• spain.info — Spain's official tourism site with a Mallorca section
• mallorcazeitung.es — German-language news and event calendar
• seemallorca.com — a good English-language Mallorca guide

Tipping (propina) is not mandatory in Spain, but appreciated. There is no fixed rule, but the following guidelines:

Important: Tips are always given in cash on Mallorca — even if you pay by card. Leave the tip in coins or small bills on the table or in the tip dish (platillo).

The tap water in Mallorca is generally drinkable — it meets EU standards for drinking water. However, in many parts of the island, it tastes strongly of chlorine and lime, which is why most locals and tourists buy bottled water.

In the Tramuntana and in Soller, the tap water is significantly better (spring water from the mountains). In the plains and along the coast, partially treated desalinated water comes from the tap — drinkable, but with an acquired taste.

Tips

• Bottled water: 1.5-liter bottle in the supermarket from 0.30 €. Agua con gas = with carbonation, Agua sin gas = without
• In restaurants: Explicitly order "agua del grifo" (tap water) if you don't want to pay for bottled water — although some waiters may look puzzled
• Refillable bottle: More environmentally friendly than constantly buying plastic bottles — especially in Soller and the Tramuntana, the tap water tastes good enough

Mallorca is part of the EU and the Eurozone — for travelers from Germany, Austria, and other EU countries, there are no customs checks and no quantity restrictions for personal use.

Within the EU (DACH → Mallorca and back)

You can freely import and export goods for personal use. Guidelines (not limits, but control thresholds): 800 cigarettes, 10 liters of spirits, 90 liters of wine. If you bring more, you must be able to prove it is for personal use.

From non-EU countries (Switzerland → Mallorca)

Swiss travelers entering the EU via Mallorca must comply with EU import regulations: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits, goods up to a value of 430 €.

Special Features

• Cash: When entering from or leaving to non-EU countries, cash amounts over 10,000 € must be declared
• Food: No problem within the EU. Sobrasada and Ensaimadas can be brought to Germany
• Plants: Some plants and seeds are subject to import restrictions — when in doubt, ask at the garden center
• Counterfeits: Buying counterfeit branded goods (Louis Vuitton bag from a beach vendor) can lead to problems and fines upon entry