Palma de Mallorca is a straightforward city to navigate, but there are practical details that make a trip smoother: which terminal your airline uses, how much a taxi from the airport costs, whether you can drink the tap water, and what the tipping customs are. This Palma travel tips and FAQ guide covers the essential practical information you need before and during your visit.
Palma de Mallorca Travel Tips: Getting There and Transport
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
See also our Palma weather by month guide for more detailed information.
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is Spain’s third-busiest airport, handling 33 million passengers in 2024. It’s located 8km east of the city center. There are four modules (A, B, C, D) all connected airside. Module A handles domestic Spanish flights. Modules B and C handle Schengen-area flights. Module D handles non-Schengen international flights, including the UK. If you’re flying Ryanair, easyJet, or other budget carriers from Europe, you’ll arrive at Module B or C. Major airlines like British Airways and Lufthansa use Module D.
Airport to City Transport
See also our best time to visit Palma guide for more detailed information.
The Airport Bus (Line A1) runs from all modules to the city center every 15 minutes from 6:00 AM to midnight (every 30 minutes from midnight to 6:00 AM). It stops at Passeig Mallorca, Plaça d’Espanya, and the port. The journey takes 20 minutes and costs EUR 5 one-way (pay the driver in cash or card). A taxi from the airport to the old town costs EUR 20-25 and takes 15 minutes. Rideshare services like Uber and Cabify operate in Palma but must pick up from designated areas outside the terminal. There’s no train connection from the airport.
Getting Around Palma
See also our things to do in Palma guide for more detailed information.
Palma’s old town is compact and best explored on foot. For longer distances, the EMT bus network covers the entire city and surrounding suburbs. Single tickets cost EUR 1.50 (pay the driver in cash), and a 10-trip card (Targeta Intermodal) costs EUR 10. Buses 1, 3, and 25 are the most useful for visitors, connecting the city center with the port, Cala Major, and Playa de Palma. The Palma Metro (Line M1) runs from Plaça d’Espanya to the university campus (UIB), useful mainly if you’re staying in the northern suburbs. BiciPalma is the city’s bike-share system with 40 stations; a 7-day tourist pass costs EUR 15 and gives you 30-minute free rides (EUR 0.50 per additional 30 minutes).
Palma de Mallorca Travel Tips: Practical Information
See also our Palma events calendar guide for more detailed information.
Tap Water and Food Safety
See also our Palma neighborhoods guide for more detailed information.
Palma’s tap water is technically safe to drink but has a high mineral content that gives it a noticeable chlorine taste. Most locals drink bottled water; a 1.5-liter bottle costs EUR 0.50-1.00 at supermarkets. Ice in restaurants is made from filtered water and is safe. Food safety standards in restaurants are high. Palma doesn’t have issues with food-borne illness that travelers need to worry about beyond standard precautions.
Tipping Customs
See also our where to stay in Palma guide for more detailed information.
Tipping in Palma follows standard Spanish practice: it’s appreciated but not expected at US levels. In restaurants, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving 5-10% for good service is common. Leave coins on the table rather than adding a tip to a card payment, as card tips don’t always reach the server. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest euro is standard. Hotel porters expect EUR 1-2 per bag. There’s no need to tip in bars if you’re just having a coffee or a beer at the counter.
Language
Both Spanish (Castellano) and Catalan (spoken locally as MallorquÃ) are official languages. Street signs, menus, and public information appear in both. In tourist areas, English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and shops. In residential neighborhoods like El Terreno and away from the old town, Spanish is more useful. A few basic phrases in Spanish (hola, gracias, por favor, la cuenta) go a long way. Attempting Catalan is appreciated but not expected of visitors.
Money and Payments
Spain uses the euro. Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere in Palma, including small shops and taxis. American Express acceptance is lower, especially outside hotels and upscale restaurants. Carry EUR 30-50 in cash for market stalls, small bakeries, and bus fares, as some EMT buses don’t accept card payments. ATMs (caixers) are plentiful; use bank-affiliated ATMs (CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander) rather than standalone Euronet machines, which charge EUR 3-5 in fees per withdrawal.
Safety
Palma is a safe city by European standards. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main risk is petty theft: pickpocketing around the cathedral, in crowded markets, and on the A1 airport bus. Keep your phone and wallet in front pockets, don’t hang bags on chair backs at outdoor cafés, and be alert in crowded areas during festival periods. The area around Plaça Gomila in El Terreno can feel sketchy late at night, though physical danger is low. Emergency number is 112 (pan-European).
Visa Requirements
Spain is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens can enter with a national ID card. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most Latin American countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. From 2025, non-EU travelers who don’t need a visa will need to register with the ETIAS system (EUR 7, valid for three years) before travel. Check the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest requirements based on your nationality.
Palma de Mallorca Travel Tips: Weather and Packing
Summer (June to September): pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Temperatures reach 31°C (88°F). Air conditioning is standard in hotels but less common in budget accommodation and some old-town apartments; confirm before booking. Winter (December to February): bring layers and a warm jacket for evenings when temperatures drop to 5-7°C (41-45°F). Rain is most likely October through December; a compact umbrella is useful during these months. Shoulder seasons (April-May, October): pack a mix of warm-weather and cool-weather clothing; daytime temperatures around 19-23°C (66-73°F) mean you’ll want shorts during the day but long sleeves in the evening.
Suggested Hotels in Palma de Mallorca
Castillo Hotel Son Vida, a Luxury Collection Hotel
A 13th-century hilltop castle turned five-star resort in the exclusive Son Vida enclave, with panoramic views over Palma Bay and three golf courses on the estate. Best for golfers, honeymooners, and travelers who want a secluded luxury retreat with old-world character. Check rates and availability
Hotel Saratoga
A stylish four-star on Passeig Mallorca with a rooftop pool and live jazz bar, located exactly between the old town and the seafront promenade. Best for couples and groups who want a central location with evening entertainment on site. Check rates and availability
Hotel Abelux
A clean, no-frills hotel 10 minutes’ walk from the seafront with a small courtyard and basic but well-maintained rooms. Best for solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors who want a quiet location within reach of both the beach and old town. Check rates and availability
