Mallorca: Canada's New Favourite Mediterranean Destination With Direct Flights From Montreal

With new direct flights from Montreal, we jumped at the chance to explore Mallorca, a little paradise in Spain's Balearic Islands. In just eight hours, you could find yourself surrounded by white-sand beaches, turquoise water, charming villages and mountains to explore, all with a Spanish flair.

Think Caribbean-style beaches, but with tapas, sangria and a Mediterranean twist!

In Mallorca, people speak both Spanish and Catalan, and the island has a culture of its own. It even had its own kingdom during the Middle Ages!

Like elsewhere in Europe, prices can climb quickly, especially with the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the euro. But with a few tips, you can enjoy this little paradise without blowing your budget.

1. Visit at the Right Time to Avoid the Crowds

Mallorca is far from being a well-kept secret. It's a super popular destination in Europe! The island attracts many European tourists in summer, and hotel prices rise quickly during high season. If your schedule allows it, avoid July and August and aim for June, late September or even October instead.

We went at the end of September, and honestly, it was the sweet spot! We had sunshine every day, no rain and temperatures between 26 and 28°C. The sea was still warm enough for swimming, although the unheated pools were starting to get a little chilly. In the evenings, with temperatures around 22°C, it was just right for enjoying the outdoor terraces!

2. Where to Stay on the Island

Mallorca might look small on the map, but there's enough to fill a whole week between the beaches and the villages! The capital, Palma de Mallorca, is stunning, but it's also very expensive and packed with tourists, especially with all the cruise ships stopping there.

If you're spending a week in Mallorca on a budget, I'd recommend staying in one place rather than switching hotels every couple of days. You can easily explore different parts of the island from there.

Two places worth looking into are Cala Millor on the east coast and Port de Pollença in the north.

In Cala Millor, you've got a big sandy beach, a long promenade by the water and plenty of restaurants you can walk to. You can spend the day at the beach and head out for a walk in the evening without needing a car.

Port de Pollença is another good option, especially if you like having mountains as a backdrop while you're enjoying the beach.

If you're landing late, you could also spend your first night in El Arenal, near the airport, before heading to your hotel the next day.

3. Compare Prices Directly on Hotel Websites

If you're organizing your trip on your own, don't automatically book through Booking.com or Expedia!

One thing worth checking before booking: hotel chains like tent Hotels and Protur Hotels have free loyalty programs that can get you a better rate.

For example, we paid between CAD $150 and $170 per night for a room for two at the end of September, around 40% less than the rates listed on some booking platforms.

Some hotel groups, like tent Hotels, offer a pretty modern concept with an all-you-can-eat brunch served until 1:30 p.m. It's a buffet that combines breakfast and lunch, so you can eat a little later before heading out to explore the island. Pretty practical if you like taking your time in the morning, and it can also save you from paying for a second meal!

4. Rent a Car to Discover Mallorca's Most Beautiful Spots

To explore Mallorca's beautiful coves, it's really worth renting a car. You can stop in different villages like Portocolom (one of our top discoveries!), visit several beaches in the same day and explore the island at your own pace.

And renting a car isn't necessarily as expensive as you might think.

With Enterprise, we paid about CAD $300 for seven days in September by booking at a rental location just a few minutes from the airport. A shuttle took us there in about five minutes.

Gas wasn't a big expense either: around CAD $25 for the week, even with several day trips by car.

One thing to remember: compare rental agencies located directly at the airport with those that offer a shuttle service. A few extra minutes of travel can save you quite a bit on your rental.

One small detail to plan for is parking. In S'Arenal, for example, finding a parking spot in the evening can take a little patience.

5. Explore Mallorca's Famous Calas

What makes Mallorca so charming is its calas, those little coves with turquoise water that you'll find all over the island. Some are hidden between rocks and cliffs, like Cala Petita, while others open onto big sandy beaches, like Cala Mesquida.

For some of the most beautiful ones, head to the east and northeast of the island. With light-coloured sand, dunes, mountains and crystal-clear water, it's hard to believe you're still in Europe!

Many of the beaches and calas we explored had shallow water and sandy bottoms, making them a good option for families with kids and less experienced swimmers.

Still, bring hiking shoes to reach some of the calas where the parking lots are farther away, and try to arrive early!

6. Enjoy Long Walks Along the Seafront

Another thing we loved about Mallorca is its long seafront promenades, something you'll find in many Spanish beach destinations. In several tourist areas, you can walk for kilometres along the water, with restaurants and cafés just steps away.

In Cala Millor, for example, the promenade stretches along the beach, making it easy to explore the area on foot.

You can spend the whole day swimming, then head out for an evening stroll or grab a bite to eat without having to get back in the car.

Enjoy the Calas, Tapas and Spanish Vibe in Mallorca

Tapas, paella, sangria and beautiful beaches. Mallorca has all the ingredients for a Spanish getaway!

And now, with Air Canada's new seasonal direct flight between Montreal and Palma de Mallorca, you no longer need a layover to reach this Mediterranean island.

Plan your getaway in advance by checking Spain's entry requirements and choosing the right travel insurance. With soNomad, you can get a quick quote for travel insurance that fits your needs for your next trip to Europe.