How to plan an affordable trip to Mallorca?

Mallorca is the largest island off the east coast of Spain and one of those destinations that has something to offer every traveler, from beachgoers and food enthusiasts to hikers and cyclists. When you travel to Mallorca, you'll discover the beauty of the island in many forms, so be prepared to be impressed by rugged mountains, crystal clear coastlines, picturesque villages, rich history, and a cosmopolitan capital city. Ready to explore? Here's everything you need to know about planning a trip to Mallorca.
Mallorca, the largest island group off the east coast of Spain, is also the most diverse of the Balearic Islands. While it's true that the same aquamarine water that flows through Ibiza - its southwestern neighbor - also flows along the pristine shores of Mallorca, the island's landscape holds many more treasures. For example, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which lines the north coast and drops into the rocky Cap de Formentor, or the green inland bathing areas wrapped in olive, almond, and carob trees. And the medieval city of Palma with its soaring cathedrals and palaces, and its picturesque streets and squares, is equally enchanting in its own way. Combine that with Mallorca's local culture that cherishes good food, good wine, and fun - summer is a non-stop party! - and you'll wonder why budget Mallorca vacations wouldn't be the best option?

Why is a budget vacation in Mallorca affordable?

If you want to spend a budget vacation in Mallorca, pay attention to the following tips. From Palma de Mallorca Airport, it's best to take the bus. Bus number 1 goes from the airport to Palma and from Palma to the airport, and the journey takes only about 15 minutes. A one-way fare costs 5 euros. There are signs for the bus as soon as you leave the airport, and when you're at the bus stop, look out for bus number 1, which comes every 15 to 20 minutes. Get off at Plaza de Espana, in the center of Palma, the capital of Mallorca. From here, you can either start exploring or continue by bus or train.
Taxis are available for travel to Mallorca at any time of the year, right outside the exit door after leaving the airport. The distance traveled will be measured and will cost around 30 euros to the city center. You can book your taxi online in advance and get a good discount (e.g. with Balearic Transfer). The booked taxi drivers will welcome you at the 'meeting point' of the airport, right in the arrival hall. Some hotels and tours offer a private transfer service for their customers. You can contact your hotel to ask if they provide this type of service.
Public transportation is affordable in Mallorca, but Palma de Mallorca city center is too small for buses, so it's best to come to the center by bus and, once you're there, you should be able to explore the city on foot. It's also possible to take a taxi, but the city center is small enough to mainly move around on foot. This is the easiest way to get from point A to point B when you're in the capital.2

Mallorca affordable with every trip

If you're not in the easily accessible center of Palma, you can take city buses (EMT) or use the metro with two lines: M1 and M2. A single bus ticket costs 1.50 euros, and a metro ticket costs 1.60 euros. If you want to travel further in Mallorca on a budget, you'll need to get to Plaza de Espana, the main transportation hub on the island. Here, you'll find the bus station, the train station, and a metro station (intermodal station). Costs and times vary depending on the destination. You can check the schedules for buses and trains and book affordable travel options in Mallorca.

Traveling in Mallorca with many activities

You'll want to spend a good part of your time exploring the capital of the island, Palma. About half of Mallorca's population lives here, and there's a variety of things to see, do, buy, and eat. No matter where you land in Palma, spend some time in the old town - you'll know you've arrived when the massive and imposing Gothic cathedral, the Cathedral La Seu, comes into view. From here, get ready to wander aimlessly (and take tons of photos). The streets here are too narrow for cars, so you won't have to share the winding cobblestone alleys with vehicles while traveling in Mallorca. In an area not much more than a square kilometer, you'll find a variety of cute cafes, quirky boutiques, bookstores, museums, bars, and restaurants.
Art is also not hard to find in Palma, so save some time to visit some of the museums and galleries in the area. Make your way to and through the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Es Baluard, where you can admire works by Picasso, Miró, and Magritte, among others. If Miró piques your interest, visit the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca, which displays a permanent collection of the artist's works. Aren't you interested in booking a budget vacation in Mallorca?