Travelling to Mallorca for the First Time: Mistakes You Should Avoid

You’ve surely seen those incredible photos people show of Mallorca, and suddenly felt the urge to come.

And it’s completely understandable.

Every year, the island becomes one of the favourite destinations both nationally and internationally.

And this is no coincidence.

It’s the result of our postcard-worthy beaches, villages full of character and a Mediterranean culture that hooks you instantly.

But it’s also easy to slip up if you don’t know the island well or if you come with the wrong idea of what you’re going to find.

That’s why we’re going to tell you about the most common mistakes first-time travellers make—and how to avoid them so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.

 

Not planning transport on the island

One of the most common mistakes when travelling to Mallorca for the first time is thinking you’ll be able to get around easily without a car.

The island is bigger than it seems and, although there are buses, connections are not always convenient or frequent, especially if you want to visit coves or small villages.

Basically, renting a car in Mallorca is almost a must if you want the freedom to move around without depending on timetables.

Driving around the island is simple and the roads are generally in good condition. You just need to bear in mind that during high season, car parks in tourist areas can fill up quickly and it’s better to leave early, as the motorway can become congested at times.

There are many car rental companies; we recommend checking their Google reviews and choosing the one that gives you the most confidence.

 

Choosing the wrong accommodation for your type of trip

Another common mistake is not thinking carefully about where to stay.

Mallorca has many different areas and each of them offers something different. It’s not the same if you’re looking for peace and quiet as if you want nightlife or to be right in the centre of Palma.

Many tourists stay only in Palma, which is fine for a short break, but if you’re spending several days on the island, you’ll miss the authentic character of other areas.

For example, the north (Alcúdia, Pollença) is wonderful for visiting beaches and villages with history. Meanwhile, the south has more well-known coves and tourist areas such as Cala d’Or or Colònia de Sant Jordi.

Without a doubt, the best option is to stay in a Mallorcan finca or a charming house, where you can enjoy the rural landscape without giving up comfort.

For years, at Fincas Mallorca Charme we’ve been helping travellers find accommodation with that authentic touch that so many people look for but so few find.

Our professionals analyse your expectations, what you want to visit, your needs and your available time to offer you the best luxury accommodation in Mallorca.

 

Underestimating the Mediterranean heat and sun

In Mallorca, it’s practically always sunny.

We have one of the best climates in the world: the Mediterranean climate.

But this can turn against you if you’re not prepared.

Many travellers arrive thinking that “a bit of sun won’t do any harm”, and end up burnt on the first day.

In summer, temperatures can easily exceed 35 degrees, and the sun is strong even when it’s cloudy.

Protect yourself properly, always carry water, and avoid the hottest hours of the day if you’re planning walks or excursions.

We also recommend bringing a cap or hat in your suitcase (or better yet, buying one here as a souvenir), and keeping sunscreen in your beach bag. It seems obvious, but every year there are tourists who end up in the health centre due to heatstroke or sunburn.

In addition, air conditioning in some accommodations doesn’t always work as it should, so make sure your booking includes it—and that it works properly.

 

Not booking restaurants or activities in advance

Mallorca is a very popular destination, and that means many restaurants and activities fill up quickly.

If you come in high season and don’t book ahead, it’s easy to miss out on a table or a place on popular excursions such as boat trips, winery visits or tickets to the Caves of Drach.

In areas like Deià, Sóller or Portals Nous, the best restaurants are often fully booked several days in advance.

If you like improvising, at least try to plan your first evenings or the activities with the highest demand.

 

Trying to see everything in just a few days

You can’t explore Mallorca properly in two days—don’t let anyone fool you.

Although the map may trick you, the island has many corners, and travelling from one end to the other can take longer than expected. Trying to see everything only leads to tiredness and to feeling like you haven’t really enjoyed anything.

The best thing is to choose your priorities wisely: beach, mountains, villages, culture or gastronomy.

If you focus on one area per day, you’ll make much better use of your time.

For example, spend one day in the north (Pollença and Formentor), another in the Serra de Tramuntana, and another on the beaches in the south.

Enjoying Mallorca isn’t about ticking places off a list, it’s about savouring every moment. Sometimes sitting on a terrace with a good ensaimada is worth more than rushing from cove to cove without stopping.

 

Not learning about Mallorcan culture and traditions

Another big mistake is coming without informing yourself beforehand about the island’s must-see places, its history, its typical pastries or its famous dishes (like frito mallorquín, sobrasada or coca de trampó).

Mallorca is not only beaches and leisure.

It has an amazing past and traditions that are still alive today, such as weekly markets, patron saint festivals and much more.

It’s also worth visiting less touristy villages like Petra or Alaró, where you can breathe in the most authentic Mallorca.

 

Not checking rental and parking rules properly

Some travellers rent a car without reading the small print and later find unexpected charges.

Always check the fuel policy, insurance and deposits. We recommend recording the exterior and interior of the car when you’re given the keys, in case anything comes up later. And if you can choose, opt for unlimited mileage so you can explore the island freely.

In some areas there are traffic restrictions or regulated parking, especially in high season.

In Palma, for example, many streets in the centre are for residents only, and fines are not cheap.

If you’re visiting beaches with restricted access, check the timetables beforehand or whether you need to book in advance.

A little planning can definitely save you from unpleasant surprises.

And if you use GPS, make sure it’s taking you to an accessible point, not to a closed secondary road (which happens more often than you’d think).

 

Enjoy without rushing and book your ideal stay in Mallorca

Now that you know the most common mistakes made by people visiting the island for the first time, it’s time to make the most of your experience.

Turn this place into an unforgettable memory by staying in a luxury finca or charming house with the true Mallorcan spirit.

Everything you need for your stay on the island can be found at Fincas Mallorca Charme.

Contact us and experience the island as it deserves to be enjoyed: at your own pace.