My name is Cristiana, better known as @cris_simoes_silva on Instagram. I’m a flight attendant and travel lover from Portugal, originally from a beautiful little village by the sea called Vila Praia de Ancora. I now live on the Balearic Island of Mallorca. In this article, I will share my experiences living the expat life in Mallorca and provide a few tips for your move there.
In 2010, I left my country to start my career in cabin crew. Firstly, I was based in Madrid and then in 2012 I had the opportunity to move to Palma de Mallorca. I fell in love with this Mediterranean pearl and the rest (as they say) is history. It has been nine years for me on this amazing island and I’m certain that I will stay here forever. The lifestyle is just too good to pass up.
Mallorca offers something for everyone: incredible beaches, mountains, culture, some nice shopping and it’s located near the mainland of Spain with many connecting flights to other European destinations. In summer, a typical day for me when I’m not flying is to start the day at the beach and finish with a nice dinner in the city of Palma or enjoy a BBQ with friends.
Here we can choose from more than 300 beaches and calas to spend our days lounging in the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. During winter, we organize hiking adventures in the mountains like at Serra de Tramuntana (a mountain range which forms the northern backbone of Mallorca) and we also like to explore the small villages around the island.
The weather in the Balearic Islands is fantastic! The warm climate is one of the main reasons why people choose this place as a holiday destination. Whether you are spending the summer or winter here – there is never a shortage of things to do. Moving to Mallorca as an expat gives you the chance to experience all of the different seasons year-round which is great!
My Favorite Destinations in Mallorca
Every little nook and cranny of Mallorca is magical but I do have a few favorite spots which take the cake! I will list them here to get you a little bit inspired to move to Mallorca. As an expat, you will be able to experience these destinations on a daily basis. And these places are just the beginning.
- Sa Foradada: This peninsula offers the best sunset on the island in my opinion. There is a trail where you can hike down to the rock and have a swim. On the way up, there is a “chiringuito” (bar) where you can enjoy some drinks and take in one of the best sunsets in the Mediterranean!
- Cap de Formentor: You can experience another amazing sunset here from the viewpoint or from the lighthouse. Possibly the second best sunset spot in Mallorca in my opinion. If sunrises are more your cup of tea then head to Lighthouse Capdepera for an early morning gem!
- Cala Mesquida & Cala Agulla: These two spots – known locally as “calas” – are my favorite beaches in Mallorca. Both have crystal-clear waters and bright white sand that shines in the Mediterranean sun. You can walk a connecting trail that takes about 30 minutes for each beach.
- Valldemossa & Deia: Historic towns set in the mountains that are close to each other. Both Valldemossa and Deia have spectacular scenery! I could be naming more fantastic places but these would be my top spots. You will have to come to Mallorca yourself to find out more.
What Expat Life is Like in Mallorca
I have to say that I was warmly welcomed when I first arrived in Mallorca. The locals are kind and friendly, and I found it easy to establish myself as an expat – partly because I have been able to speak Spanish since I was a child, so I didn’t have any language barriers or real difficulties communicating.
The food in Mallorca is a difficult topic for me as Portugal has one of the best cuisines in the world. Some Mallorcan dishes that I love are Arros Brut, Frito Mallorquin, Sobrassada and Ensaimada. Most of the restaurants on the island are for tourists, usually they have typical Spanish food and tapas. You have to know the local restaurants to have a great meal!
As I mentioned before, summer is an epic time in Mallorca with many amazing beaches to explore. One of the main things an expat to Mallorca should know is that winter is a nice time to be here too. There are many things to do and the island is quiet (with less tourists). The weather in winter is normally sunny, so even if it’s cold you get great light.
Best Memories from my Time in Mallorca
My best memories from Mallorca are the great times I spend with friends and family. Every year I have guests come from Portugal to visit me and I can share with them what this island has to offer. Also, we have a fantastic aviation family here. My colleagues became friends that became family! It’s wonderful to have so many friends to share daily experiences with.
Tips for Expat Life in Mallorca
If you plan to move to Mallorca as an expat, it’s recommended to have a good knowledge of Spanish. This will help you integrate into Mallorca life. Also, there are two big expat communities in Mallorca: British expats and German expats. If you can speak either English or German this could help.
You should know that it’s hard to find accommodation in summer. Most of the best apartments are rented by tourists and they book them months in advance. The best strategy to secure an apartment is to start looking in February or March, especially if you need a place for a few months.
Mallorca is one of the safest places to live in the world. This island in the Mediterranean offers you a phenomenal lifestyle. You can expect 300 days of sunshine each year and some of the best beaches in Europe. If you are planning on moving to Mallorca, you will have the best time of your life!
