The Spanish island of Mallorca, sometimes spelled Majorca, is a popular vacation destination for people looking to enjoy the waters, tan, and party. Nearly 30 million people visit the island each year, making it one of the top vacation destinations in Europe.
The beautiful beaches, such as Cala d’Or, are definitely the main draw of visiting Mallorca. Many tourists head straight for resort towns such as Magaluf, with their pristine beaches, resorts packed with amenities, and thumping electronic clubs.
However, there’s plenty to see in Mallorca even if you don’t want the typical tourist experience.
You can check out the unique historic architecture of the capital, Palma de Mallorca, or visit the rugged, remote north coast, where you will have sights such as the rock formations of Es Pontas practically to yourself.
Mallorca has something for everyone, but you may be wondering if is it safe for everyone? This travel guide will help you decide if visiting Mallorca is safe or not. Keep reading for detailed information on everything you might encounter, including crime!
Is Mallorca Safe to Visit in 2024?
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Yes. Mallorca is a safe place to visit, so book your trip without any concerns in mind! However, it has the same problems most tourist destinations in Europe have, such as high levels of petty theft.
You also want to be mindful of the drunk crowds, which can sometimes get rowdy. Overall, Mallorca is a safe vacation destination. It helps that the country of Spain overall is a safe place to visit.
Most countries issue a Level One travel advisory for Spain. For example, Australia just tells its citizens to exercise normal precautions in Spain. Many of the problems present in Spain’s other popular tourist destinations are also present in Mallorca.
These problems include:
- Pickpocketing
- Bag snatching
- Scams
- Drink spiking
- Alcohol-related crime
Tourists are often targeted for petty offenses because they are perceived by criminals as making easier targets than locals. However, besides these minor problems, Mallorca (and all of Spain) is safe to visit.
Some countries are a bit more fearful in their travel advisories for Spain. For example, the United States issued a Level Two travel advisory for Spain, citing the risk of terrorism and civil unrest in the country.
However, these risks mostly apply to other parts of Spain and are not present at all in Mallorca. After all, it is a small island community with little political significance, making it an unlikely target for terrorist attacks.
The last major terrorist attack on the island was in 2009 and was committed by the Basque separatist group ETA. The risk of an attack occurring now is very low.
There are occasional protests in Mallorca, especially in the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca. For example, in 2018 there were a series of anti-tourism protests against the unsustainable nature of tourism on the island, and these protests flare up every so often.
They are usually peaceful and don’t affect people staying in towns outside of Palma.
You should prepare for extreme weather if you are visiting in the summer. The Balearic Islands can get very hot, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius regularly.
Follow medical advice for heat waves, such as this tip sheet from the British NHS. Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, apply (and reapply) sunscreen regularly, and drink plenty of water.
The UK government warns about the risk of heat waves in Spain, including Mallorca, in its travel advisory for the country. The extreme heat has also caused forest fires in the past.
If you are visiting during the summer, which is the riskiest season for forest fires, make sure you follow the news and any alerts.
Avoid activities that could cause a fire, such as lighting a barbecue outdoors, as Spanish authorities heavily punish offenses like this. In the fall, the risk of forest fires is lower, but there is a risk of flooding.
Mallorca and the rest of the south of Spain can get hit by heavy rains, and flash flooding is common, especially in the fall. Follow the weather reports while you are in town.
Crime in Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca, Spain – June 22, 2022: people have party at the Schinkenstrasse, engl: Ham Street at Ballermann – engl: fun man in Palma./travelview/Shutterstock
Crime is the primary concern for most visitors to Mallorca (when they bother being concerned about anything at all). Although rarely dangerous, crime in Mallorca is definitely inconvenient.
Nobody wants to have to cancel all their credit cards and hunt down a new ID while on vacation. To figure out how concerned you should be about crime, let’s look at the crime statistics for the island.
At first glance, they are alarming, but don’t worry — you need to look at the big picture before cancelling your trip.
According to official data from the Spanish government, the Balearic Islands of which Mallorca is a part have the highest crime rate of any region in Spain, at 1638.75 incidents per 100,000 people!
Crime in Spain, including in Mallorca, has also increased over the past few years. According to local news, Mallorca has the second-highest crime rate within the Balearic Islands (Ibiza has the highest crime rate).
The crime rate in Mallorca is 64 incidents per 1,000 people. However, this crime rate is not as scary as it seems at first glance.
The way crime is calculated is a bit unfair to Mallorca, which has a low permanent population but a high influx of visitors each year. Crimes against tourists get counted in the crime statistics, but the tourists don’t count in the population statistics, which drives the rate up.
Many crimes are targeted against tourists. This is clear from the crime statistics for the Balearic Islands as a whole. The crime rate skyrockets in the summer, which is the high season for tourism.
During the winter, fall, and early spring, the crime rate hovers at the national average. Finally, it helps to look at the breakdown of crimes overall. Most criminal incidents are petty crimes such as theft.
The rate of violent crime is fairly low. According to Numbeo, which gathers public opinion data to form its crime index, Mallorca residents report low levels of concern about violent crime.
Although crime does happen in Mallorca, basic precautions (and common sense) are usually enough to keep you safe.
Petty Theft
Petty theft is the most common crime you might encounter in Mallorca. Thieves often operate in Spain’s major tourist destinations, according to travel advisories from countries such as Canada.
Make sure you secure your valuables at all times and never leave them unattended. A second of inattention is usually enough to ensure you don’t see your wallet again.
Most thieves in Mallorca prefer to strike during moments of inattention instead of using direct confrontation. One common tactic is to steal unattended items at beaches, from wallets to expensive shoes.
Some beaches such as Cala d’Or even offer safety deposit box rentals to prevent this crime! If your sunbed doesn’t come with a locked safety deposit box, take other precautions to keep your items safe.
Invest in a waterproof dive bag or fanny pack so you can take the essentials with you into the water. If you’re traveling with a group, have one member of your group watch your things.
Of course, the best way to prevent theft from the beach is not to bring valuables to the beach in the first place but leave them in the safety deposit box at your hotel room.
Pickpocketing is another common form of petty theft, especially in the crowded streets of Palma de Mallorca. This area’s airport even has an official page dedicated to warning visitors about this problem!
Hotspots for pickpocketing in town include:
- Around the Cathedral
- Near the Arab Baths
- The Mallorca Museum
- Avinguda d’Alexandre Rosselló
- Mercat Olivar
- On the buses
In crowded areas, make sure that you keep a firm grasp on your bag at all times. Don’t put valuables in places where they are easy to steal, such as a back pants pocket or on top of a child’s stroller.
Be wary of classic distraction tactics, such as someone spilling something on you and offering to clean it up or a flower seller pinning a flower to your clothing, then demanding payment.
Alcohol-Related Crimes
Mallorca has a reputation for partying that attracts many young tourists. However, the hedonistic atmosphere of the island sometimes leads to negative consequences.
Criminals often take advantage of young, inebriated tourists because their reflexes are impaired, so criminal incidents increase around popular partying and resort areas such as Magaluf.
These areas have a higher rate of robberies than elsewhere in Mallorca, so take precautions to protect yourself. Don’t flash valuables or walk home through deserted streets late at night.
Unfortunately, female tourists are at additional risk of alcohol-related crimes. There have been cases of drink spiking and sexual assault, often perpetrated by fellow tourists. If you are a female traveler, only go to the bars and clubs with a trusted buddy or a group.
Don’t head off alone with a stranger, no matter how charming he may seem. You can still check out the Mallorca nightlife, just make sure that you do so safely.
Don’t overdo it with alcohol or other substances since you will need to be less impaired while abroad than you might feel comfortable with at home. Never, ever leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers as drink spiking in the local clubs is common.
The UK government also warns its citizens not to attend illegal parties in private villas or homes, even if they are commercially promoted, and to stick to licensed bars and clubs.
These parties often don’t have safety precautions, including basic structural safety such as emergency exits, and people have been hurt before.
Avoiding Bad Areas
PALMA DE MALLORCA, BALEARIC ISLANDS, SPAIN – JUNE, 2019: Lively tourist-filled streets of the old town with picturesque architecture, alley full of people/Sergey Sivkov/Shutterstock
There are no parts of Mallorca that are so dangerous that you need to avoid them completely. However, be careful in popular nightlife areas such as Magaluf as they have higher crime rates than other places on the island.
Things to Consider
Palma de Mallorca, Spain – June 22, 2022: people have party at the Schinkenstrasse, engl: Ham Street at Ballermann – engl: fun man in Palma./travelview/Shutterstock
Here are a few additional safety tips for visiting Mallorca:
- Alcohol laws are strict. Don’t be fooled by the hedonistic reputation, Mallorca’s authorities are strict when it comes to alcohol consumption. Don’t drink alcohol on the street or outside of licensed establishments.
- Drugs are illegal in Mallorca. Sentences are strict if you are caught with illegal substances. Again, the hedonistic reputation doesn’t always match the legal reality.
- Be respectful of locals. Locals are often frustrated with the mass tourism on the island and the way it affects their lives, so don’t add to their frustrations. Avoid making noise late at night in residential areas or getting too intoxicated. Don’t wear beachwear outside of the beach, especially not in religious buildings.
- Theft from vehicles is common. If you are renting a car, make sure that you don’t leave valuables unattended in your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are a few common questions people ask before visiting Mallorca:
How safe is Mallorca for tourists?
Mallorca is fairly safe for tourists. However, tourists are often targeted for petty crimes, so you will have to use basic precautions to keep your valuables safe.
Is it safe to walk at night in Mallorca?
Most of Mallorca is fairly safe at night. However, you should be careful near popular nightlife areas, as crowds tend to be rowdy, and criminals tend to be lingering to prey on drunk victims. Use precautions you would take anywhere else in the world when walking at night, such as avoiding poorly lit alleyways.
Is it safe to walk in Mallorca?
Yes, it is safe to walk in Mallorca, and many of the towns are very walkable. However, you will want to take basic safety precautions when walking at night.
Are Mallorca’s beaches safe?
Mallorca’s beaches are generally safe and well-guarded by lifeguards. However, petty theft is rampant at popular beaches, so try to leave valuables in your hotel room when you can.
How many days in Mallorca are enough?
If you want to spend a lot of time on the beach, then you’ll want to spend up to a week in Mallorca. However, if you just want to see the highlights, then two or three days is enough.
So, Is Mallorca Safe to Visit?
Mallorca is a safe holiday destination, but you do need to take some precautions while you are here. As long as you don’t overindulge while partying or be careless with your valuables, you should have a great time on vacation. Happy travels!