About the Palma de Mallorca → Alicante route
Palma to Alicante is about as short as commercial flying gets — 317 kilometers, roughly 22 minutes in the air once you've climbed to cruise altitude. You'll spend longer in the boarding queue. This is a pure leisure route, connecting two of Spain's most popular coastal cities, and the carriers reflect that: Vueling (VY) and Ryanair (FR) dominate, which tells you everything about the fare environment. It's not a business corridor. It's sun-seekers, weekend-breakers, and Spaniards visiting Spaniards — which is a genuinely underrated category of traveler to be.
Why travel from Palma de Mallorca to Alicante?
Alicante earns more than its reputation as a package-holiday launchpad. The old town, the Barrio de Santa Cruz, climbs the hill beneath Castillo de Santa Bárbara in a way that's genuinely disorienting — you forget you're in a city until the Mediterranean reappears between the buildings. From Palma, you're probably coming for one of three reasons: family connections along the Costa Blanca, a long weekend that doesn't require a passport, or the food. Specifically, the rice dishes. This is the region that takes arroz seriously in ways that even Valencia occasionally fumbles. Alicante also runs quieter than Mallorca in shoulder season, which for repeat Spain visitors is reason enough.
Quick stats
- Distance: 317 km
- Estimated flight time: 0h 22m
- Operating airlines: FR, TB, UX, VY
- Direct route: yes
Practical tips for PMI → ALC
May, June, and September give you good weather without the August crowd surge — fares tend to soften outside peak summer too. ALC is a small, functional airport; arrivals are quick. The TRAM L1 line runs from the airport into central Alicante for a few euros and takes around 25 minutes (far better than a taxi in summer traffic). No visa needed within the EU, and you're staying in euros throughout. If you're flying Ryanair or Vueling, check your baggage allowance before you pack — both charge meaningfully for hold bags on short routes, and carry-on size rules get enforced.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the flight from Palma de Mallorca to Alicante take?
The flight is approximately 22 minutes, covering a distance of 317 km. This is one of the shortest domestic flights in Spain.
Which airlines operate the PMI to ALC route?
Four airlines serve this route: Ryanair (FR), Tunisair (TB), Air Europa (UX), and Vueling (VY).
What is the best time of year to fly from Palma to Alicante?
May to June and September to October offer pleasant weather on both coasts with fewer crowds than peak summer, and typically feature better fares than July-August.
Do I need a visa to fly from Palma de Mallorca to Alicante?
No visa is required as both cities are in Spain; this is a domestic flight within the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens only need a valid ID or passport.
What should I know about luggage and logistics on this short route?
Luggage policies vary by airline—budget carriers like Ryanair and Vueling typically charge for checked bags, so verify your airline's policy beforehand. Given the 22-minute flight time, you won't experience jet lag, and ground time is minimal, so arrive early and travel light if possible.