Tourism in Spain has its long and interesting history, but the island of Mallorca seems to be the place where it all began – way back in the early 1950s.
This beautiful Balearic island has simply enchanted everyone from the very beginning, with its warm climate, beach resorts, sheltered coves, limestone mountains, and rustic countryside. Visitors were attracted from all over the world, and the number of tourists, travelers, and ex-pats has only risen with time. In 1964 Mallorca proudly celebrated one million tourists – in 2022 the island had more than 16 million visitors. People come here for a relaxed time on the beach, to swim in the turquoise waters, soak up the sun, or enjoy a wide variety of water sports. They come to climb the mountains, hike the rugged countryside, do bird watching, or bicycle on the island’s many excellent cycling routes. Visitors come to get the vibrant and historic feel of the capital Palma de Mallorca with its majestic cathedral and its charming streets and buildings. Food and drink are exquisite and this is an island where you will find a great variety in gastronomy, from fresh fish and seafood to local delicacies as well as international cuisine. Mallorca is a destination with character. The island has something for everyone and visitors are met with high-quality tourist amenities and a warm-hearted local population. Maybe
that’s why so many people have come here, not just to visit, but to stay long term – or maybe even forever. Known ex-pats that chose Mallorca to settle down, or to buy a house, include Actor Michael Douglas, Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal (native to the island), German footballer Toni Kroos, Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, the novelist Jeffrey Archer and the architect Jørn Utzon, to name just a few. So, watch out – you might be enchanted too – and fall in love with this remarkable island.