Travelling is one of the best investments we can make, but let's be realistic: inflation and the global economy have changed the rules of the game. The myth that "Mallorca is unaffordable in summer" circulates widely, but the reality is much more nuanced. The problem is often not the destination itself, but the lack of a clear strategy when planning and booking. A poorly planned holiday can end up costing much more than expected.

But it doesn't have to be that way. It is time to open our spreadsheet and be transparent. In this guide, we are going to break down the real cost of a trip to Mallorca, analysing flights, accommodation, meals, and all those "ant expenses" that usually unbalance any budget. We will focus on the real operating calendar of the hotels, from March to November, to give you the keys so you can make the smartest decision for your pocket and your peace of mind.

Factor no. 1: choosing the exact month (the savings calendar)

Choosing the month is, by far, the decision that will impact your final budget the most. Prices in Mallorca are not static; they fluctuate drastically according to demand. At Hotels VIVA, the season extends from March to November, offering different opportunities at each stage.

Opening season (March - April): sport and calm

• Traveller Profile: This is the ideal time for cyclists, triathletes, hikers, and anyone looking to enjoy the island with a mild climate and without crowds.
• Price Level: Low/Medium. Hotels launch opening offers and flights are usually cheaper. It is a golden opportunity to get quality at a reduced price.
• Weather: The weather is cool, perhaps not for long swims in the sea, but perfect for practising sport or exploring the Serra de Tramuntana.
• Important Fact: Keep in mind that world-famous sporting events like the Mallorca 312 or the Ironman 70.3 can trigger price spikes in specific areas like Playa de Muro or Alcudia. Planning in advance is key.

Mid-season (May, June, and October): the smart traveller's sweet spot

• Traveller Profile: Families with pre-school children, couples, and groups of friends who have flexibility with dates.
• Price Level: Medium. Here you find the best value for money of the year.
• Key Advantage: You enjoy an excellent climate, ideal for the beach, and all hotel services (including slides, water facilities, and entertainment) are running at 100%, but without the crowds of July and August. It is the best-kept secret of expert travellers.

High season (July - August): the market reality

• Traveller Profile: Families with school-aged children, whose only option is the summer holidays.
• Price Level: High. Demand is at its maximum across Europe and prices reflect this.
• Winning Strategy: In this season, "last minute offers" are a myth. The only effective strategy to control the budget is Early Booking. Booking in January or even earlier is the only way to secure a good price and, more importantly, availability for the room type you need.

Transport breakdown: arriving and getting around (without breaking the bank)

Transport is the second most important part of the budget.

Flights: the golden rule

The general recommendation is to book flights approximately 8 weeks in advance to find the best balance between price and availability. Using flight comparison sites can be very useful, but always check the final price directly on the airline's official website. This way you avoid surprises and possible additional charges.

The taxi "tax": how to avoid it

This is where many budgets break as soon as you land. A taxi from Palma airport (PMI) to the north of the island (Alcudia, Playa de Muro, Cala Mesquida) can easily cost between €90 and €110 per journey. This means that more than €200 of your budget can disappear just going to and from the airport.

Smart Solutions:

• Shared Transfers: Specialist companies offer this service at a much lower cost.
• TIB Bus: The Aerotib bus line connects the airport with the main tourist hubs efficiently and economically. The ticket costs approximately between €9 and €12, a substantial saving.

Car hire vs. public transport

The key question is: do you really need a car for the 7 days of your holiday? If you are staying at a hotel like VIVA Blue, which has the beach opposite and the s'Albufera natural park next door, it is possible that the car will stay in the car park for several days.

Saving Tip: Instead of renting a car for the whole week, consider renting it for only 2 or 3 days to make specific excursions to the interior of the island or to more remote coves. The rest of the days, you can move around on foot, by bike, or with local public transport.

Accommodation and food: the calculator battle

This is the largest expense and where the choice of travel model makes the difference. Let's crunch the numbers together.

Model 1: holiday rental + supermarket + restaurants

At first glance, a rental flat might seem cheaper. But let's analyse the hidden costs of food.

The real cost of "eating out" in Mallorca in 2026 (average prices):

• Coffee: €2.50 - €3.50
• Basic lunchtime menu: €15 - €20 per person
• Dinner in an average tourist restaurant: €30 - €50 per person

Quick Calculation: A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) eating one main meal out and having a "light" dinner from the supermarket will spend a minimum of €150 - €200 per day. In a week, that is more than €1,000 just on food.

Model 2: hotel with breakfast

This is a popular option, but it has a danger: drinks and extras. A bottle of water in a restaurant, a soft drink by the pool, or an ice cream at a beach bar have notably inflated prices. Those small daily expenses end up adding a surprising amount to the end of the stay.

Model 3: the flat rate (VIVA all inclusive)

This is where financial intelligence lies. The initial price you pay when booking may seem higher, but the key is that it is the final price.

• Total Transparency: An All Inclusive board basis at Hotels VIVA covers breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks between meals, ice creams for the children, and drinks (including cocktails for adults).
• Added Value: If you also opt for the Selection Club category, you have access to premium drinks brands.
• Financial Conclusion: If you add up the supermarket bill, restaurant receipts, drinks, and coffees from Model 1, the All Inclusive usually turns out to be between 20% and 30% more profitable in the overall calculation of the holiday. You eliminate the stress of constantly getting your wallet out.

The invisible expenses: eco-tax and extras no one tells you about

For a budget to be realistic, it must include those items that do not appear in the big headlines but are mandatory.

• Tourist Tax (Ecotasa): Still valid in 2026. It is a Balearic government tax paid per person (+16 years) and per day directly at the hotel. The hotel acts only as a collector. It is important to know that this cost exists and is not part of the hotel rate.
• Sunbeds on the Beach: The spectacular beaches have public access. However, renting two sunbeds and a parasol to enjoy the day has a cost that generally ranges between €15 and €20.
  • VIVA Advantage: Within the hotel grounds, all sunbeds, parasols, and pools are free to use for guests.
• Medical Insurance: Especially for travellers from outside the European Union (such as the UK), it is essential to have travel insurance.
  • VIVA Advantage: When booking directly through the official VIVA website, free medical assistance insurance is included.
• Park Tickets and Activities: This is the great silent expense for families. The scenario is classic: the children get tired of the beach and ask for more action. You decide to go to an external water park (like Hidropark Alcúdia). The shock comes at the ticket office: the average entry can be €30 per adult and €20 per child. A family of four spends €100 in a single afternoon.
  • VIVA Saving: Hotels like VIVA Blue or VIVA Sunrise have their own water attractions, splash zones, and a complete entertainment programme. It is, in practice, a mini water park inside the hotel, and its use is totally included in the rate. The saving on entertainment can easily exceed €300 in a week.

Real budget scenarios (practical examples)

To make it more tangible, let's create three traveller profiles.

• Scenario A: "Thrifty" Family (June)
  • 2 adults + 1 child. They stay in an aparthotel at VIVA Sunrise.
  • They book in January taking advantage of an Early Booking discount.
  • They fly mid-week and use the TIB bus from the airport.
  • Estimated Budget: Medium, with the peace of mind of having the cost of food and entertainment under control thanks to All Inclusive.
• Scenario B: "Relax and Sport" Couple (April)
  • 2 adults. They stay at VIVA Cala Mesquida Suites & Spa.
  • They choose a Half Board basis, as they spend much of the day exploring the island by bike.
  • They take advantage of season opening offers.
  • Estimated Budget: Low/Medium, optimised for their active travel style.
• Scenario C: "Splash Out" Family (August)
  • 2 adults + 2 children. They choose VIVA Eden Lago in the Selection Club category.
  • They look for maximum comfort and not worrying about anything. They choose All Inclusive.
  • They booked in December of the previous year to ensure availability and the best possible price.
  • Budget: High, but the most important thing is that it is a closed budget with no unpleasant surprises.

Visual table: the spending traffic light

FAQ: frequently asked questions about prices in Mallorca

Is it cheaper to book flight and hotel separately or as a package?
Generally, it is better to book the flight through comparison sites and the hotel directly on its official website. However, Hotels VIVA also offers the flight + hotel option, in addition to advantages such as better cancellation policies or free medical insurance.

How much does the Ecotasa cost in 2026?
The exact amount may vary, but as a reference, for 4-star hotels, it is usually around €4 per day per person over 16 years old (with bonuses for long stays). The exact figure should be confirmed closer to the date.

Do children pay the full price at the hotel?
No. Hotels VIVA's policy includes significant discounts for children and even free stays for babies, depending on the season and the hotel. This significantly reduces the total cost for families.

Conclusion: the value of peace of mind is priceless

At the end of the day, cheap can turn out to be very expensive. Above all, if you spend your holiday adding up restaurant receipts, controlling every expense, or worrying if the budget will last until the end of the week. True financial intelligence consists not in finding the lowest price at all costs, but in getting the maximum value for your money.

An All Inclusive package at a quality hotel like VIVA gives you something that an apartment can never offer: the peace of mind of knowing that, once the booking is made, your only concern will be to relax and enjoy yourself.

Use our online booking search engine. Enter your preferred dates in May, June, or October and see for yourself that accessible luxury and stress-free holidays are just a click away. Book now with the Early Booking rate and secure not only a good price, but the peace of mind you deserve.