About the Alicante → Palma de Mallorca route
Alicante to Palma de Mallorca is about as short as flying gets — 317 kilometres, roughly 22 minutes in the air. You'll barely finish your coffee before you're descending over the Balearic Sea. This is a pure leisure route, almost no suits, mostly people chasing a long weekend or island-hopping between two of Spain's sunnier corners. Vueling (VY) and Ryanair (FR) both work this corridor, keeping prices competitive and frequency decent through the warmer months. It's the kind of flight where you wonder if the bus might've been easier, but then you land and remember why you didn't take it.
Why travel from Alicante to Palma de Mallorca?
Palma isn't just a beach stop — it earns its reputation as one of the Mediterranean's more interesting cities to actually spend time in. The old town, especially around the Arab Quarter and La Lonja, has serious architecture and some of the best restaurant-per-street ratios I've encountered anywhere in Spain. From Alicante specifically, a lot of travellers make this hop for family visits — the Balearics draw Spanish mainland residents who've settled there for work or retirement. Others come for the cycling culture (Mallorca is genuinely world-class for road cycling), or to eat at spots that take their sobrasada and ensaïmada as seriously as any Michelin-starred kitchen. Summer brings festivals. Spring brings quieter streets and lower prices.
Quick stats
- Distance: 317 km
- Estimated flight time: 0h 22m
- Operating airlines: FR, TB, UX, VY
- Direct route: yes
Practical tips for ALC → PMI
May, June, and September hit a sweet spot — warm enough to swim, cheaper than August, and PMI airport isn't at full chaos mode. Speaking of PMI, it's a busy airport with a well-organised arrivals hall; ground transport into Palma city is easy via the EMT bus line 1, which runs frequently and costs a couple of euros. Currency is euros, language is Spanish (and Catalan). Since both Ryanair and Vueling operate here, watch your baggage — cabin bag allowances vary by fare tier and the fees for oversized carry-ons at the gate are real. Book bag allowances upfront. No jet lag on this one, at least.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Alicante to Palma de Mallorca?
The flight is approximately 22 minutes for a distance of 317 km, making it one of Europe's shortest commercial routes. You'll spend more time at the airport than in the air.
Which airlines operate the Alicante to Palma de Mallorca route?
Four airlines service this route: Ryanair (FR), Tunisair (TB), UX (Air Europa), and Vueling (VY). Flight frequency and schedules vary by season, so check directly with carriers for current availability.
What's the best time of year to fly this route considering weather and fares?
Late April through May and September through October offer ideal conditions with pleasant Mediterranean weather and moderate prices, avoiding peak summer crowds. Winter months (November–February) are cheaper but rainier on both islands.
Do I need a visa to fly from Alicante to Palma de Mallorca?
No visa is required as both cities are in Spain and within the Schengen Area; EU/EEA citizens need only a valid ID or passport. Non-Schengen travelers should verify their Spain entry requirements before booking.
What should I know about luggage and practicalities for this short flight?
Luggage policies vary by airline—budget carriers like Ryanair and Vueling have strict cabin bag limits, so check allowances beforehand. Given the 22-minute flight time, there's no jet lag concern, and you'll land quickly enough that arriving early isn't as critical as on longer routes.