Majorcans (or Mallorcans) speak two distinct languages – Spanish and Mallorquin. Mallorquin is related to Catalan, and indeed the islanders see themselves as cousins to Barcelona. Majorca is a compact island, easy to travel around, and there are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from. If you don’t speak Spanish, then German and English are the most common foreign languages, and you will often see signs written in them.

Holiday weather – the best time to come in June through September.

Here are a few words to learn, so you can really get in to the local culture. You should also buy a phrasebook:

Hello – Hola

Good morning is Buenas dias

Good night is Buenos noches

Por Favor is please.

For thank you, it’s Gracias

You’re welcome is De nada

Donde Esta? Where is it?

Habla ingles? means do you speak english?

A few tips – watch out for mineral water that is not mineral water. Make sure you see the waiter open it on your table, do not accept an already opened bottle. Yes, you can drink the tap water, it’s passed all the regular health regulations – but for sensitive tummies stick to mineral. Also, you will find most shops shut in the afternoons for the famous Spanish siesta time. Typically Siesta time lasts from 1.30 to 4 or 5pm.

The best way to get cash is via the cash machines. Banks can have long queues, and in any case are open just up until siesta time – they don’t reopen later.

If you need to do laundry, avoid the hotels – they are expensive. Unless your mum is paying! Otherwise you can find laundrettes in many locations, mostly good value, and for the anthropologists amongst you, they are a great way to meet the locals, if you are of a chatty disposition.

For weather and climate charts on Majorca, to plan the best time of year to visit, see Majorca weather, or visit weather in Palma for charts broken down by destination.

Recommended Reading

• overseas property
• Education in Spain: Teachers and students vs government
• Internet, learning and Selling: Is Europe ready for this?
• Europe: Economy, learning and future
• Enjoy Your Spanish Vacation At Nerja Hotels
• Education in Spain: early college leaving
• What Is The Purpose of Your Visit To Tenerife?
• Unemployment in Spain: Problems and solutions
• Just What Exactly Do You Really Need When Traveling?
• Places To Travel This Time
• Points To Consider If You\’re Heading To A Journey

Tags: balearic islands, holiday weather, majorca, Mallorca, palma majorca, palma mallorca, Spain