The Balearic Islands charge a sustainable tourism tax, usually called the eco-tax or ecotasa. It applies on Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, per person and night.
The eco-tax at a glance
In high season (1 May to 31 October) the amount is between 1 and 4 EUR per person and night depending on the accommodation, plus 10 percent VAT on that amount:
- Hostal and guesthouse: 1 EUR
- Holiday rental, rural hotel, 1 to 3-star hotels: 2 EUR
- 3-star superior and 4-star: 3 EUR
- 5-star and luxury: 4 EUR
From November to April the rate is much lower. From the ninth day in the same property it is halved. Children under 16 are exempt. The property collects it at check-out and shows it separately on the bill. A couple in a four-star hotel for ten nights in July pays about 60 EUR plus VAT, and children pay nothing. Package tours often leave the tax out of the price, in which case it is due at the hotel.
From Palma airport into town
- Bus A1: about 3 EUR by card, about 5 EUR in cash, roughly every 15 minutes to the centre.
- Taxi: about 20 to 28 EUR by day, about 37 EUR at night, plus an airport surcharge of about 4.65 EUR and about 0.60 EUR per extra bag.
- Transfers to the resorts: 40 to 70 kilometres by taxi gets expensive. A fixed price booked in advance or a rental car is often cheaper.
Renting a car on Mallorca
A rental car is common on the island for day trips. Look at the fuel policy: full-to-full is the one to pick, you collect the car full and return it full. Buying a tank from the rental company usually means an inflated price per litre. Check the card deposit and whether the insurance comes without excess before you book.