Mallorca Facts

Mallorca's History really worth more than just a lines, but for now and following some quick answers to these common questions everybody has.

However, if you have one it's not listed below, please feel free to contact us and post your question, so we can quickly add it to the list. We will pleased to update this page with as many querys you could have so please do not hesitate to ask.

Mallorca Facts

How many people live in Mallorca?

The population of Mallorca is 702.000. From those, more than 300.000 pertain to Palma. However you have to keep in mind that, as a tourist resort, more than 5 millions people visit the island every year.

How big it is?

The surface is 3.640,16 square kilometres, and it has more of 554 kilometres of coast.

What is the average temperature?

The annual average temperature is 15'8 Celsius degrees. The average of sunshine hours for a year is around 2.900

Which are the typical dishes of food?

The most known are the "sobrasada", not a sausage but look like, which made of pork, species and paprika, and the "ensaimada", a pastry made with lard and with a large amount of fine sugar. The most typical dishes are the "frito mallorquin" (fried pig liver with red pepper, fried potatoes and other vegetables, the "arros brut" (which means dirty rice, a rice soup with pork, rabbit, onion, mushrooms and sometimes slightly spice) or the "suckling pig", which is delicious and available nearly in every mallorcan restaurant during Christmas. Please despite those who say that this last one a typical Christmas dish. Although it is typical on Christmas, I really would like to mention that this is just only for one main reason: Mallorca has been a place of poor people until the tourist revolution and they had no money at all, so dishes like this one (or the lamb), where only for special occasions.

Is smoking allowed on restaurants?

By now, smoking is allowed nearly everywhere, but not in public transports, planes and governmental places. However, and from the 1^stof January on 2006 this is going to change and the most of the places will must have a non-smoking area. Now, there is simply no such difference in the majority of the bars and restaurants.

Do I need a visa if travelling to Spain?

No if you are coming from a country pertaining to European Community. Also those coming from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel can stay up to 90 days without any visa.

And what about the electricity?

Plugs will supply 220 volts. Keep in mind to buy some adaptors if you ae coming from the UK or the US.

What do I do if I get a fine from the police?

I should not say this, but if you find a fine on your rental car just go and forget it. It is really difficult for them to track every visitor and you will have no problems. However, if they stop you while driving, you must pay it at the moment and in case you do not carry any money you will have to go to the police office and find a solution. Also, be aware on where you park as sometimes you can find a lock in one of your wheels. You will then have to go a pay the fine.

I parked my car but now it is not there!

Look around the floor for an orange triangle sticker. Most probably your car has been taken away by the police for parking in a non allowed place. the sticker will have a phone number: call them to know where to pick up your car. As a general rule, do not park where you see a yellow line.

Which are the alcoholic limits when driving?

Two beers. But two Spanish beers, which are 33 cl., also known as a "mediana" (ask this way for a beer at any bar), not paints. And be careful as now police is being really serious with this. You could end up sleeping at the police office behind the jails if they the stop you when driving quite drink.

What are the opening hours for shops?

Shops are open normally from 10 am until 13:30, then time for a "siesta" and open another time from 17:00 until 20:00. Opening days are from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays al shops are closed.

And for bars & restaurants?

Bars are usually open during all day. Night clubs do it from 23:00 to 04:00 am and discos till 06:00. Most of the restaurants open from 13:00 until 16:30 and by 20:00 until 01:00, but note that most of the people usually eat late, like at 14:00 for lunch and at 22:00 for dinner.