How to do Majorca on a budget

Where to stay in Majorca on a budget

As visitor preferences evolve, many Majorcan resorts are stepping up, transforming to offer modern amenities without losing their charm. If it's been a while since your last visit, you're in for a pleasant surprise.

For a blend of value and comfort, consider these options, all offering rooms well under £100 a night.

See Palma from above: Hotel Amic Horizonte in Palma stands out for its panoramic views and proximity to the city's vibrant heart. With rooms starting from just £43 per night, it's an unbeatable deal for those wanting to explore the city's rich history and lively nightlife.

Stylish Can Picafort retreat: The BQ Aguamarina Boutique Hotel in Can Picafort provides chic accommodation and a prime location just across the street from a serene cove, all from just £63 per night. There’s also a rooftop pool with stunning views.

Lively Magaluf nights: For a fun-filled getaway, consider Hotel Samos in Magaluf, known for its vibrant atmosphere and great deals from just £56 per night. This modern four-star hotel caters to a lively crowd with its evening entertainment, including live music, and is perfectly situated near Magaluf's renowned beaches.

Family-friendly Playa de Muro fun: Eix Lagotel in Playa de Muro is an affordable family-friendly option. With spacious rooms starting around £65 per night, it's ideal for those travelling with children, offering various on-site activities and easy beach access.

Modern vibes in Cala d'Or: Inturotel Cala Azul Garden in Cala d'Or offers a stylish stay with modern comforts from £61 per night. The outdoor pool is among extensive gardens filled with pine and palm trees, just steps away from the beautiful Cala Esmeralda Beach.

Couples coastal in Cala Millor: The adults-only Iberostar Cala Millor is right on the beach in the popular resort of Cala Millor, with rooms from just £87 per night. There’s the added luxury of an on-site spa including a range of wellness treatments, from saunas to aromatherapy.

Where to eat in Majorca on a budget

Tapas crawl

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, mingle with locals on La Ruta Martiana (‘The Martian Route’) in Palma's Sa Gerreria area around Plaça d’en Coll. Enjoy bars offering a drink and a tapa for a budget-friendly evening out.

Michelin bargain

For a taste of Michelin-recognised cuisine without the hefty price tag, try Aromata in Palma, by chef Andreu Genestra. Its lunchtime menú del día is a steal at just €38,00 (£32.49) for three courses. Keep your eyes peeled for other restaurants offering a menú del día, a multi-course lunch with drinks for a set price – fantastic value!

Market delights

Vibrant local markets (search for "mercat" plus the neighbourhood) are treasure troves for flavourful Majorcan produce and snacks. Grab fresh fruits, artisanal cheeses, and delicious cured meats for a picnic or to make your own meals.

Street food finds

Forget chain eateries. Explore kiosks and small food stalls for delicious bites like panades (savoury meat pies) or the spiral-shaped ensaïmada pastry (savoury or sweet varieties). These are affordable and often more authentic than tourist-trap restaurants.

What to do in Majorca on a budget

Beaches

You’ll never have to pay to use a beach in Majorca, but loungers and umbrellas cost around €10 per day, so it is worth checking whether hotels offer them free on the beach, rather than just around the pool.

Playa de Muro is a great family resort in the north of the island with a long stretch of golden sand where the water is shallow and safe for kids. Parts of the Blue Flag beach are backed by dunes where there are picnic tables – perfect for a bargain lunch of local cheese, charcuterie and fruit in the shade of the pine trees. Paths lead from the beach into the Albufera nature reserve, the largest wetland area on the island.

For something more low key, head to Cala Torta, near the small resort of Cala Ratjada on the northeast coast, an idyllic cove with turquoise water. There’s no facilities here, so stock up with supplies at a supermarket in your resort before you set off.

Waterparks

If you are planning on going to one of the waterparks, it is always worth buying tickets online in advance to save money and avoid queues. An adult ticket for Aqualand El Arenal costs €32 online, for example, which is €2 off the regular price.

Culture

Palma's contemporary art museum, Es Baluard, offers pay-what-you-wish Fridays and a reduced €2 entry for cyclists every day, making for an affordable cultural experience.

Adventure

Head underground to explore the 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.

How to get around Majorca on a budget

By bus

Getting around Majorca using public transport is very reasonable. From the airport, there is a bus service to Palma and the resorts along Playa de Palma. From Palma, you can get to all the resorts and most of the larger beaches by bus, but check timetables as services are sometimes infrequent.

Avoid paying for your bus ticket with cash, as it costs significantly more. Purchasing online or using contactless payment on the bus offers the same lower price. Buses take Visa, Mastercard or Maestro contactless payments. Unlike London’s TfL network, which has a one passenger per card limit, you can use the same card for up to five people. Simply tap in when you get on the bus and a second time when you get off.

By train

Many people don’t realise that there is a train line across the island from Palma to Inca and Manacor, which is cheap and easy to use and a good way to see the countryside with no hassle. Take the train to the town of Sineu in the centre of the island on a Wednesday to go to the large outdoor market, which is a mix of local produce and the usual tourist stalls, but feels more authentic than some of the others in Majorca.

The narrow-gauge, wooden train from Palma to Sóller passes through orange and lemon orchards and olive groves as it winds northwards. It is quite an experience and gives you an idea of just how gorgeous inland Majorca is – it does cost €28 return, though, so you might prefer to take the bus for just €5.40.

By car

Hiring a car gives you a lot more freedom and is the only way to reach some of the quieter beaches. It is advisable to book as far ahead as possible in summer to get a better price, especially if you want a particular kind of car.

Insider tips

• For the best hotel deals, consider visiting in May, early June, or from mid-September to mid-October. The weather is still pleasant, and prices are significantly lower than in peak summer.
• Look for accommodation with kitchen facilities to prepare some of your own meals and save on dining out costs. Booking apartments or holiday rentals can often be more cost-effective than hotels, especially for longer stays or group travel.
• Take advantage of the many free activities Majorca has to offer. Hike the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range for breathtaking views and a chance to explore the island's natural beauty. For a glimpse into local life without any cost, check out free festivals and markets hosted by various towns throughout the year.

Please note: All prices correct at the time of writing.