Mallorca on the Map: Where It Is and How to Get Here
What and Where Is Mallorca?
Mallorca (Majorca) is Spain’s largest island and the crown of the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean Sea. It sits off Spain’s 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 hour—one reason the island works brilliantly for short trips and longer stays alike.
🗺️ See Mallorca’s Location
Use the map to zoom from Europe down to Palma. Save it to your phone so “Directions” picks up your current location.
🌍 Mallorca’s 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 → Palma: ≈ 200 km
- Valencia → Palma: ≈ 260–270 km
- Ibiza → Mallorca (SW tip): ≈ 150 km
- Menorca ↔ Mallorca (closest points): ≈ 35–45 km
✈️ Getting to Mallorca by Air
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is the island’s main entry point with extensive European connections.
Typical Non-Stop Flight Times (when available)
| From | Time | Notes |
| Barcelona | ~45–50 min | High frequency, great for connections |
| Madrid | ~1 hr 10–20 min | Year-round |
| London | ~2 hr 20–35 min | Multiple airports seasonally |
| Frankfurt | ~2 hr 10–25 min | Strong hub links |
| Paris | ~1 hr 45–55 min | Often daily |
| Stockholm | ~3 hr 30–45 min | Strong summer schedule |
For airport tips and transfers, see Mallorca Airport Guide and Public Transport Mallorca.
⛴️ 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 ↔ Palma | ~6–8 hr (overnight/day) | Cabin options; scenic arrivals |
| Valencia ↔ Palma | ~7–9 hr | Car-friendly; seasonal day/night sailings |
| Dénia ↔ Palma | ~5–7 hr | Quicker on some fast services |
| Ibiza ↔ Palma | ~2–4 hr | Handy island-to-island hop |
| Ciutadella (Menorca) ↔ Alcúdia | ~1.5–2.5 hr | Useful if you’re touring the north |
For driving from docks, see Driving in Mallorca.
🧭 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 | ~25–35 min | Stone town, ridge walks |
| Sóller / Port de Sóller | ~30–45 min | Tramuntana base, bay swims |
| Alcúdia Bay | ~50–60 min | Long family beaches, boat trips |
| Pollença / Port de Pollença | ~55–70 min | Old town charm, Formentor access |
| Santanyí / Cala d’Or | ~55–70 min | Southeast coves & natural parks |
| Sa Calobra (via Ma-10) | ~75–90 min | Canyon views, dramatic coast |
Trip-planning help: What to See in Mallorca, Beaches of Mallorca, Hiking in Mallorca.
🧩 Quick Facts & Coordinates
- Coordinates (Palma): ~39.57° N, 2.65° E
- Time Zone: CET (UTC+1), CEST in summer (UTC+2)
- Languages: Spanish & Catalan (Mallorquín dialect widely spoken)
- Island Size: ~3,640 km² (largest in the Balearics)
- Highest Peak: Puig Major, 1,445 m (Tramuntana range)
🗓️ When to Visit
| Season | Weather & Vibe | Our Take |
| Mar–May | Mild, wildflowers, fewer crowds | Great for hiking & cycling |
| Jun–Aug | Hot, lively, warm sea | Beach time; book early |
| Sep–Oct | Warm sea, softer crowds | Best all-round balance |
| Nov–Feb | 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.
🚶 Getting Around Once You’re Here
- Base in Palma for buses/trains and easy car rentals (Car Rental in Mallorca, Public Transport in Mallorca).
- Day trips radiate from Plaça d’Espanya by car or TIB buses.
- Road trips: Ma-10 (Tramuntana) is the island’s bucket-list drive—pair with Road Trips in Mallorca – The Ultimate Guide.
❓ FAQ
Is Mallorca part of Spain or a separate country?
Spain. Mallorca sits within Spain’s 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 ~45–50 minutes.
Which is closer to Mallorca, Ibiza or Menorca?
Menorca is closer (≈ 35–45 km at the narrowest) than Ibiza (≈ 150 km).
Do I need a car?
Not strictly, but a car makes exploring coves and mountain villages much easier—see Driving in Mallorca.
🔒 Related Guides
