Total novice going abroad - Majorca

[CopperBolt]

Hi all

Should be getting my passport back anytime soon and the idea of getting it was to go to Majorca on a little birdwatching/sight seeing visit.
In May ideally if its not too late to sort. June probably ok but second best.
Would like to fly from either bournemouth or southampton, stay for minimum 2 days, ideally 3 or 4, hire a car and return to either of above airports.

Would like to stay in a smallish pad, definitely not a lounge around the pool with the kids type place. If there's on foot access to a bar or something for evening use all the better. North east of Majora I fancy staying as there's a big bird reserve up that way.

What's my best bet online to start looking for flights, where to stay, sorting a hire car?

If anyone's been that way and stayed in a nice B&B or something grateful to hear about it.
Grateful for any tips/advice really.

Thanks all.

[gregch]

Not really a B&B, but can recommend Jardi d'Arta, a tiny hotel in Arta in N/E Majorca. It's very relaxing, the people that run it are really helpful and friendly, it's a good base to head out in the car from, and Arta itself - while not a particularly exceptional place - has plenty of options for eating etc a few steps from the hotel.

[LuS1fer]

I start by looking at the cheapest flights using skyscanner.net.

Then look for an apartment on VRBO, Holiday Lettings etc for a reasonably priced place. Many will have a minimum stay. If you use Booking.com, it's often easier and if you join their Genius programme, it's discounted.

Car hire is more a lottery in Majorca. Shame it's not as easy as the Canaries.

[Pilotguy]

Skyscanner is usually my starting point, however for Majorca it’s just going to point you at Ryanair, EasyJet or Jet2. Depends what your nearest airport is. EasyJet’s own site can give some good ideas for car hire and accommodation and I’ve found some decent deals there in the past.

[CopperBolt]

Thanks all plenty to follow up on.

[goingonholiday]

Had a holiday home on the island for 12 years. Different part so can't help with where to stay.

Flights, there is little difference so you are looking purely at price and time.

For car hire avoid the on the airport goldcar, record etc, you will queue for hours and then either pay up for insurance, argue you already have excess insurance then argue again on return when they want 1200 euros for some damage underneath the car! I would be trying the following:

Terrys (you have to email for a quote) or vanrell, they meet you in the car park.
Or a short shuttle bus away:
Hiper, Autos Roig, centauro

I found Terrys cheapest this year but worth checking them all.

[Cupramax]

I'd stick with Ryanair from Bournemouth, always ended up cheapest as thats my usuall route on holiday, looked at Southamptoon who were doing a BA codeshare before Covid but always ended up way more. If youre looking to stay around Alcudia be aware its a massive mozzie fest around that area, fine if they dont go for you, but boy if they do... so go prepared with some DEET. Theres a direct coach from the airport as i guess if your only going for a few days you'll struggle to get a package deal. Car hire has been insane prices since the pandemic eased, probably twice the previous daily rate.

https://www.tib.org/en/linies-i-horaris/autobus/-/...

[drmike37]

Not long got back from Mallorca. We got a car through Budget, via BA. They are in the car park opposite the terminal.
No problems at all. No hard sell on insurance, cursory look over the car on return, forms signed, on my way.

The island is absolutely swamped with cyclists. I can see why; it's hilly, roads are good and the weather's nice.

Pollenca is very nice and chilled. We stayed in a villa just outside the town and had a lovely time. Unheated pool was a bit chilly until you got used to it but give it a few weeks for the weather to get hot and it'll be just the ticket.

[craig1912]

For flights just book direct with Ryanair from Bournemouth around £150 with bags. BA from Southampton is £400ish.

[Mr Magooagain]

Here are some hotels near to Albufera bird reserve.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/HotelsNear-g580284-d...

[LuS1fer]

Mat be worth checking out the solo traveller thingy on Jet 2 https://www.jet2holidays.com/solo-holidays

[hellorent]

Maybe have a look at Easyjet holidays as well, as said above avoid Goldcar & Interent car hire like the plague

Edited by hellorent on Friday 21st April 15:16

[CopperBolt]

Some great help there. Thanks all so much.

[037]

North Majorca is one of our favourite places and im looking forward to visiting again later this year. Puerto Pollenca is lovely. Not to busy and no idiots. Lots of great restaurants too. The drive over Cap de Formentor for some spectacular views and amazing roads . Some fabulous coves there to explore too

[iwantagta]

Car hire - https://www.terryscarhire.com/

You pay what you see - none of this "goldcar" pushed to buy more insurance etc as its included.

Literally go up to car and drive away.

I got the recommendation from somewhere on pistonheads!

[Douglas Quaid]

037 said:

North Majorca is one of our favourite places and im looking forward to visiting again later this year. Puerto Pollenca is lovely. Not to busy and no idiots. Lots of great restaurants too. The drive over Cap de Formentor for some spectacular views and amazing roads . Some fabulous coves there to explore too

I hope she’s yours and not some random bird you started photographing! If she belongs to you then fair play. She has a great tan.

OP make sure you get a car and drive round. Last time I was there I did it on a motorbike and it was fun. Very nice place once you leave the touristy areas.

[MBVitoria]

Douglas Quaid said:

037 said:

North Majorca is one of our favourite places and im looking forward to visiting again later this year. Puerto Pollenca is lovely. Not to busy and no idiots. Lots of great restaurants too. The drive over Cap de Formentor for some spectacular views and amazing roads . Some fabulous coves there to explore too

I hope she’s yours and not some random bird you started photographing! If she belongs to you then fair play. She has a great tan.

OP make sure you get a car and drive round. Last time I was there I did it on a motorbike and it was fun. Very nice place once you leave the touristy areas.

The fella sat on the rocks opposite looks pretty content as he admires the view

[Shappers24]

North Mallorca is delightful. We hired a car from puerto pollenca and it was hassle free. Plenty of free parking near the hotel. Mountains worth a visit. Would highly recommend.

[craig1912]

hellorent said:

Maybe have a look at Easyjet holidays as well, as said above avoid Goldcar & Interent car hire like the plague

Edited by hellorent on Friday 21st April 15:16

Although EasyJet don’t fly from Southampton or Bournemouth

[CopperBolt]

gregch said:

Not really a B&B, but can recommend Jardi d'Arta, a tiny hotel in Arta in N/E Majorca. It's very relaxing, the people that run it are really helpful and friendly, it's a good base to head out in the car from, and Arta itself - while not a particularly exceptional place - has plenty of options for eating etc a few steps from the hotel.

Not room 11? Thanks for that certainly a potential. I also looked up Casal d'arta, similar prices and is in my rough guide. Apparently there's construction work going on in town centre (March 23) so that may make local environs not so nice at present.

Anyone know what luggage you can take on ryanair? Need to look it up I guess. Also I only need to rock up with my passport and Im good to go?

Will I need a travel plug in order to charge mobile phone, camera batteries etc ? Imagine so.

Hoping to go for 4 nights so should be able to get to see a few sights around the island assuming hire car works out ok.

flights plus 4 nights plus hire car will be around £430 I think. Probably not too bad for short-ish notice.

Return flights times - I assume the times are the majorca local times so 22.35 back in uk will really be 21.35.

Cheers all