Palma de Mallorca (PMI) → Athens (ATH): cheap fares overview
This route has a rhythm to it, and once you learn it, you stop overpaying. Direct flights between Palma and Athens run just over two hours — operated by Aegean (A3) and easyJet (U2) — which keeps prices relatively competitive in shoulder season. The fare curve spikes hard in July and August, when both the Balearics and Greece are at peak demand simultaneously, meaning you're fighting two tourist seasons at once. Spring and October are where the value lives. Connecting itineraries occasionally undercut direct fares, but rarely by enough to justify the extra four or five hours.
Why travel from Palma de Mallorca to Athens?
Greeks and Spaniards share more than a Mediterranean coastline — there's a genuine cultural curiosity that runs in both directions, and travelers from the Balearics tend to arrive in Athens already knowing what they want: the Acropolis, yes, but also the food markets in Monastiraki, the tavernas in Psirri where a meal feels like an argument and a celebration at the same time. Some make the trip for family — the Greek diaspora in Spain is small but real. Others come for business, since Athens handles 179 non-stop destinations and functions as a serious commercial hub for southeastern Europe. And honestly, some people just want to eat grilled octopus somewhere that isn't a tourist menu. Athens delivers that, if you know where to walk.
How to find a cheap fare on this route
Book in April or early May for summer travel — prices on this route climb steeply once school holidays begin in either country, and Greek public holidays in August compound the problem. October is quietly excellent: Athens is warm, crowds have thinned, and fares drop noticeably. Check both A3 and U2 separately rather than assuming aggregators catch every fare. Palma's airport (PMI) serves 175 non-stop destinations, so if you're flexible, positioning via Barcelona or Madrid occasionally opens up better-priced connections on fuller network carriers. Set a price alert three to four months out and treat anything outside peak summer as negotiable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest month to fly from Palma de Mallorca to Athens?
Shoulder seasons like April-May and September-October typically offer the best fares, as they fall between peak summer tourism and winter travel. Avoid July-August and December-January when prices are at their highest.
How far in advance should I book to get the cheapest flights?
Booking 4-6 weeks in advance generally offers competitive prices for this route. However, setting up price alerts allows you to monitor fares and book when prices dip, which can happen unpredictably.
Should I book a direct flight or a connecting flight to save money?
Direct flights on this route (approximately 2 hours 10 minutes) are often competitively priced and save you time; connecting flights may be cheaper but add 3-5+ hours of travel time and hassle, making direct flights the better value for most travelers.
What currency and payment information should I know when booking between Spain and Greece?
Both Spain and Greece use the Euro (EUR), so no currency conversion is needed—simply pay in euros when booking. Most airlines accept major credit cards and digital payment methods without additional fees.
What should I know before booking a cheap flight on this route?
Check baggage allowances carefully, as budget carriers like U2 (Ryanair) charge for carry-ons and checked bags; also verify that your booking includes seat selection and confirm the exact airport terminals (Palma de Mallorca and Athens) to avoid surprises.