Mallorca on the Map: Where It Is and How to Get Here
What and Where Is Mallorca?
Mallorca (Majorca) is Spainโs largest island and the crown of the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean Sea. It sits off Spainโs east coast, with its capital Palma as the gateway for flights and ferries. From Palma city centre, you can be on Tramuntana mountain roads or sandy bays in under an hourโone reason the island works brilliantly for short trips and longer stays alike.
๐บ๏ธ See Mallorcaโs Location
Use the map to zoom from Europe down to Palma. Save it to your phone so โDirectionsโ picks up your current location.
๐ Mallorcaโs Position in the Mediterranean
Mallorca anchors the Balearic archipelago alongside Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
- Country: Spain (Autonomous Community: Illes Balears)
- Sea: Western Mediterranean
- Capital: Palma (southwest of the island)
- Nearby points (approximate straight-line distances):
- Barcelona โ Palma: โ 200 km
- Valencia โ Palma: โ 260โ270 km
- Ibiza โ Mallorca (SW tip): โ 150 km
- Menorca โ Mallorca (closest points): โ 35โ45 km
โ๏ธ Getting to Mallorca by Air
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is the islandโs main entry point with extensive European connections.
Typical Non-Stop Flight Times (when available)
| From | Time | Notes |
| Barcelona | ~45โ50 min | High frequency, great for connections |
| Madrid | ~1 hr 10โ20 min | Year-round |
| London | ~2 hr 20โ35 min | Multiple airports seasonally |
| Frankfurt | ~2 hr 10โ25 min | Strong hub links |
| Paris | ~1 hr 45โ55 min | Often daily |
| Stockholm | ~3 hr 30โ45 min | Strong summer schedule |
For airport tips and transfers, see Mallorca Airport Guide and Public Transport Mallorca.
โด๏ธ Reaching Mallorca by Ferry
Ferries carry foot passengers and vehicles; overnight crossings are popular in summer.
Main Routes at a Glance
| Route | Typical Duration | Good To Know |
| Barcelona โ Palma | ~6โ8 hr (overnight/day) | Cabin options; scenic arrivals |
| Valencia โ Palma | ~7โ9 hr | Car-friendly; seasonal day/night sailings |
| Dรฉnia โ Palma | ~5โ7 hr | Quicker on some fast services |
| Ibiza โ Palma | ~2โ4 hr | Handy island-to-island hop |
| Ciutadella (Menorca) โ Alcรบdia | ~1.5โ2.5 hr | Useful if youโre touring the north |
For driving from docks, see Driving in Mallorca.
๐งญ Palma as Your Orientation Point

Most visitors base in or pass through Palma. Distances below help frame the island.
Drive Times from Palma Cathedral
| Area | Time | Why Go |
| Valldemossa | ~25โ35 min | Stone town, ridge walks |
| Sรณller / Port de Sรณller | ~30โ45 min | Tramuntana base, bay swims |
| Alcรบdia Bay | ~50โ60 min | Long family beaches, boat trips |
| Pollenรงa / Port de Pollenรงa | ~55โ70 min | Old town charm, Formentor access |
| Santanyรญ / Cala dโOr | ~55โ70 min | Southeast coves & natural parks |
| Sa Calobra (via Ma-10) | ~75โ90 min | Canyon views, dramatic coast |
Trip-planning help: What to See in Mallorca, Beaches of Mallorca, Hiking in Mallorca.
๐งฉ Quick Facts & Coordinates
- Coordinates (Palma): ~39.57ยฐ N, 2.65ยฐ E
- Time Zone: CET (UTC+1), CEST in summer (UTC+2)
- Languages: Spanish & Catalan (Mallorquรญn dialect widely spoken)
- Island Size: ~3,640 kmยฒ (largest in the Balearics)
- Highest Peak: Puig Major, 1,445 m (Tramuntana range)
๐๏ธ When to Visit
| Season | Weather & Vibe | Our Take |
| MarโMay | Mild, wildflowers, fewer crowds | Great for hiking & cycling |
| JunโAug | Hot, lively, warm sea | Beach time; book early |
| SepโOct | Warm sea, softer crowds | Best all-round balance |
| NovโFeb | Cool, crisp ridges, calm city | Culture, food, value stays |
Deep-dive with Palma de Mallorca Weather and our Palma by Month guides like Palma de Mallorca in April, May, June, September.
๐ถ Getting Around Once Youโre Here
- Base in Palma for buses/trains and easy car rentals (Car Rental in Mallorca, Public Transport in Mallorca).
- Day trips radiate from Plaรงa dโEspanya by car or TIB buses.
- Road trips: Ma-10 (Tramuntana) is the islandโs bucket-list driveโpair with Road Trips in Mallorca โ The Ultimate Guide.
โ FAQ
Is Mallorca part of Spain or a separate country?
Spain. Mallorca sits within Spainโs Balearic Islands autonomous community.
Where is Palma in relation to the island?
Palma lies on the southwest coast and is the capital and main transport hub.
How far is Mallorca from Barcelona?
Roughly ~200 km across the Mediterranean; flights take ~45โ50 minutes.
Which is closer to Mallorca, Ibiza or Menorca?
Menorca is closer (โ 35โ45 km at the narrowest) than Ibiza (โ 150 km).
Do I need a car?
Not strictly, but a car makes exploring coves and mountain villages much easierโsee Driving in Mallorca.