Go Expat In… Moving To Mallorca

Enjoy this latest in the series from Matthew, an introduction for anyone thinking of moving to Mallorca.

Move to the Balearic beat by setting up house in Mallorca

Ups
OK it’s not the party island, that would be neighbour Ibiza. But it’s a land where fiesta plays as an important role as siesta. Where the Autumn fiestas pay tribute to specific foods (olives, honey, myrtle, wine, melons etc), the January fiestas celebrate San Antoni and animals. The Mallorcans go big on explosions too, so go to a Corre Foc and be prepared to be scared silly by the Dimonis.

Downs
Tourism is not quite so all year round as the Canary Islands, for example. So if you come with a business plan, make sure it’s not going to be affected by the seasons. Although there’s a healthy expat community, Mallorca is definitely not the Costas so English will only get you so far.

In and out
Palma de Mallorca airport (PMI) aka Aeroport de Son Sant Joan is Spain’s third largest aiport. It lies a convenient 8km to the east of capital, Palma de Mallorca. To get around the city, use the Metro or bus system.

Education
Your children will definitely have to mind their language. At the international schools, they’ll receive lessons in English, Spanish and Catalan. They’ll also become acquainted with the local dialect of Mallorqui.

Shop until you drop…
There’s nothing better than a day’s shopping in Palma de Mallorca’s historic centre. You’ll find both boutiques and high-street clothes shops. And you’ll be able to give your feet a holiday by stopping off at the many centrally-located bars and restaurants.

Property types
Mallorca’s not the place to pick up a bargain, unless you’re considering relocating to the agricultural zone of Es Pla Central. Prices for properties are high. If you’ve just inherited a windfall, look to buy in the exclusive north west of the island, in Soller Valley, Deia, or Valldemossa.

Market watch
One-three bedroom apartments, €150,000-€1,000,000. Detached Villas, €300,000-€10,000,000. Country fincas €250,000-€15,000,000.

In Praise Of

“There are many reasons why expats choose to make Mallorca their home, but for me the main appeal is the island’s vibrancy and vitality all year round. Aside from it’s fantastic infrastructure, flight connections, and balmy climate for much of the year, Mallorca is a Garden of Eden, culturally stimulating and the locals warm and inclusive.” Anna Nicholas (author and journalist)

“The island has a real cosmopolitan vibe and you’re likely to make friends of lots of different nationalities here. It’s a great place if you want to enjoy an outdoor life, with more than 260 beaches, 23 golf courses, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tramuntana mountain range to explore. I’ve lived here nearly ten years and couldn’t imagine returning to the UK” Jan Edwards (journalist/broadcaster)

“The warm weather and the lighter sky make Mallorca such a great place to live. I’ve never regretted moving here 26 years ago. Mallorca is not cheap, so make sure you have at least enough money to survive for your first six months, but offers a better quality of life.” Susanne Hougaard Nielsen (life coach/personal trainer)

“Mallorca’s a great place to relocate to because it’s large enough to have its own identity but small enough that you feel part of a community. Mallorca is almost like a country in its own right. I don’t feel as if I am living in Spain, as they don’t do the typically Spanish things such as flamenco and getting obsessed with bullfighting.” Vicki McLeod (blogger)

• Are you an expat in Mallorca? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.