yuko Are you itching to explore Mallorca‘s beautiful landscapes and charming villages but don’t want the price tag to put a damper on your trip? Well, fret not because we’ve got your back with some top budget-friendly tips to help you explore the island without breaking the bank. Whether you want to hike hidden trails, sample local delicacies or simply relax on pristine beaches, we’ll show you how to spend your pesetas wisely and stretch your euros further. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a budget-friendly Mallorca getaway that won’t blow your travel fund!
What to do in Majorca on a budget
Have a beach day in Majorca
All the beaches in Majorca are free to visit. However, loungers and umbrellas will set you back around €10 per day. If you truly want to save, just bring a beach towel and go early in the day when the sun isn’t too scorching hot yet.
Playa de Muro is family favourite. This golden paradise in northern Majorca has calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for little ones to splash around in. For a picturesque picnic spot, head to Blue Flag Beach – it’s nestled within sand dunes dotted with picnic spots under shady pine trees. And if you wander along the paths from the beach, you’ll discover the lush Albufera nature reserve, the island’s largest wetland.
If you prefer to be away from it all, head to the cove of Cala Torta near Cala Ratjada on the northeast coast. Turquoise waters are as far as the eye can see, and there are no large crowds to spoil the view. Pack everything you need from the supermarket and have a nice picnic here enjoying the freshest local cheeses, fruits, and meat.
Explore the natural wonders of Majorca
Head underground to explore the jaw-droppingly beautiful Cuevas de Arta, a breathtaking natural wonder. These caverns, adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, are a fascinating glimpse into the island’s geological past. A budget-friendly experience, it’s also the perfect way to escape the heat – the caves offer a refreshingly cool retreat on hot summer days. Adult tickets are €16, with reduced rates for children.
Visit museums
For a low-cost cultural experience, check out Palma’s contemporary art museum Es Baluard. They offer a “pay-what-you-wish” scheme every Friday, so you decide how much to donate at the door. Plus, cyclists get in for a mere €2 daily. It’s the perfect budget-friendly way to explore Majorca’s artistic side between beach days.
Splash around at the waterpark
If you plan on visiting one of Majorca’s waterparks, I recommend purchasing your tickets online. You’ll save a couple of euros per ticket and avoid queuing upon arrival. For example, an adult day pass for Aqualand El Arenal is €32 when bought online, which is €2 cheaper than the standard walk-up price. Advance booking helps beat the crowds and save your hard-earned cash.
Stroll through the orchards
Spend a summer afternoon walking through the idyllic Ecovinyassa citrus orchard. This attraction welcomes visitors all year round for guided tours, giving you the chance to pick fresh fruit straight from the trees. Whilst admission isn’t free, the rates are very reasonable – with kids under 3 having free admission. It’s truly a delightful excursion that even the most budget-conscious family will enjoy.
Eat local food
Local markets and street stalls are great spots to pick up fresh, local produce and snacks on a budget in Mallorca. The vibrant mercats (markets) are treasure troves for flavourful Majorcan fruits, cheeses and cured meats – perfect for picnic fare or cooking your own meals.
Rather than pricey chain eateries, seek out food kiosks and stalls for tasty, affordable treats. These include panades (savoury meat pies) and the spiral-shaped ensaïmada pastry, available in savoury or sweet versions. Street food is often more authentic than the tourist trap restaurants too.
Where to stay in Majorca on a budget
*All these villas are under $100 USD.
Voramar Apartment
- Located in Port de Pollença
- 1 bedroom
- Sleeps up to 3 guests
- 92 USD / night
Nestled in the heart of Pollensa, Mallorca, Voramar Apartment has everything you need for a relaxing beach holiday. It is just a 5-minute walk from the beautiful sandy beaches of Pollensa Bay. Voramar Apartment is cosy and comfortable, perfect for up to 3 guests. Its dreamy location and calm atmosphere make it ideal for honeymooners or anyone wanting to escape it all.
Can Paco
- Located in Ca’n Picafort
- 3 bedrooms
- Sleeps up to 6 guests
- 74 USD / night
Can Paco is situated perfectly in the charming village of Muro, near Can Picafort and Alcudia Beach – you’ve got easy access to sea views, cute towns to wander and local markets for supplies. Inside, there are tastefully done bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, satellite TV, aircon, and heating. But best of all is the courtyard – bursting with colourful flowers and trees. You can also chill out on the huge terrace, soaking up rays on the sunbeds!
Cas Padrí Teco
- Located in Santa Margalida
- 3 bedrooms
- Sleeps up to 4 guests
- 96 USD / night
Cas Padrí Teco is found in the quaint rural town of Ariany, with a population of just 850, providing guests an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and into a more relaxed pace of living. A few local places of interest include the historic Nuestra Señora de Atocha Church nearby and the weekly market in the main Plaza Mayor every Thursday offers a great opportunity to explore local produce and artisan goods.
Villa Delfin III
- Located in Port d’Alcúdia
- 1 bedroom
- Sleeps up to 2 guests
- 67 USD / night
If you’re looking for a romantic Mallorca getaway on a budget, Villa Delfin III is a cosy one-bed apartment in popular Port d’Alcudia. Perfect for couples to reconnect under the Balearic sun, it has an open living space, full kitchen and private balcony – with all the home comforts to truly relax on this island paradise.
How to get around Majorca on a budget
By Bus
Getting around Majorca using public transport is the best way to be cost-effective. The bus service from Palma Airport to Palma city centre and the resorts along Playa de Palma is reliable and has a regular schedule. From Palma, you can access all the main resorts and most large beaches by bus, but make sure to check timetables as services can be infrequent in some areas.
It’s best to avoid paying for your bus ticket in cash, as fares can be more expensive if you pay this way. Purchasing your tickets online in advance or using contactless payment directly on the bus offers the same lower price point. Buses accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro contactless payments. And a big bonus is that on Majorca’s buses, you can use the same card to pay for up to five people travelling together.
By Train
Many people are unaware that there exists a railway line across the island connecting Palma to Inca and Manacor. The train provides a cheap and simple way to see the countryside without hassle. Take the train to the inland town of Sineu on a Wednesday to visit the large outdoor market. The market offers a mixture of local produce and typical tourist stalls, though it feels more authentic than some others on Majorca.
The narrow-gauge wooden train from Palma to Sóller winds north through orange and lemon orchards, as well as olive groves. The journey provides quite an experience, giving you a sense of just how beautiful inland Majorca is. The return fare is €28, so the bus may be preferable at just €5.40. However, the train ride is a memorable way to travel and a great experience in itself.
By Car
Renting a vehicle provides significantly more freedom and is necessary to access some of the quieter beaches. And if you’re travelling with family and little ones in tow, then renting a car definitely makes the most sense. It is best to book car hire well in advance during the summer season to get a better price, especially if you want a specific car type. If you book a villa with us, we can arrange the whole thing for you. Just message our concierge team!
Budget-Friendly Tips for Majorca
Tip # 1: For the best accommodation deals, consider visiting in May, early June, or from mid-September through mid-October. The weather is still pleasant during these times, and prices are significantly lower than during the peak summer season.
Tip # 2: Look for accommodation that has kitchen facilities so you can prepare some of your own meals and save big time on dining out costs. Booking apartments or holiday rentals are often more cost-effective than hotels, especially for longer stays or group travel.
Tip # 3: Be sure to take advantage of Majorca’s many free activities. Hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range offers breathtaking views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the island. For a glimpse into local life without spending a penny, check out the free festivals and markets hosted by the various towns throughout the year – it doesn’t get more authentic than that!