Are you planning a beach holiday in Spain and wondering if you should go to Majorca or Mallorca? Perhaps you’re wondering what the proper spelling is or how to pronounce the island’s name so you don’t look to be a tourist!
Caleb and I, Taylor, want to ensure that you respect the culture and do not feel foolish, therefore we’re here to answer any questions you have about the differences between Mallorca and Majorca!
We spent a week on the gorgeous island of Majorca, and I can honestly say that we left our hearts there, and it is worth a visit! We had time to chat with the locals about their culture and learnt a lot.
Whether you’re a couple wishing to unwind on the beach, swim in the warm, blue Mediterranean Sea, or hike up the breathtaking Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca has something for everyone, no matter how long you stay!
Let’s get started and check if Mallorca is the same as Majorca, beginning with a little pronunciation video I created for you!
Too Long Didn’t Read: The Key Points
I understand you’re busy and don’t have time to read 1000 pages about Majorca or Mallorca when all you want to know is which is correct, so here’s the cliff notes version:
- Majorca and Mallorca are two different spellings for the same place in Spain’s Balearic Islands.
- Mallorca is the correct Spanish spelling, whereas Majorca is the UK spelling.
- To avoid seeming like a tourist, make sure you spell the name “Mallorca” correctly.
- The name is derived from Rome’s capture of the island in 123 BC.
Continue reading to learn more about spelling differences and how to respect Mallorcan culture.
Is Mallorca and Majorca the same location?
Mallorca and Majorca are in the same place. The distinction here is not geographical but in the spelling of the island’s name. British visitors typically spell the island “Majorca” with a J, but American tourists spell it “Mallorca” with double ll’s.
It’s worth mentioning that the Spanish speak to and spell the island with double ll’s as “Mallorca.”
Is Mallorca Or Majorca Correct?
Is it Mallorca, or Majorca? Because we’re talking about a Spanish island, it stands to reason that the Spanish name is appropriate. Regardless of where you are travelling from, the correct spelling of the island is “Mallorca.”
What Do Spaniards Call Mallorca?
Many tourists assume that the only difference between the two spellings is that “Mallorca” is Catalan and “Majorca” is Spanish. This is incorrect.
Mallorca is spelt with twos, whether in Catalan, Spanish, or the island’s dialect, Mallorquin. As a result, the Spanish call the island “Mallorca.”
Why Is This Important – Do Not Be An Unattractive Tourist
You might be wondering, “Well if it sounds the same, why does it matter whether I call it Majorca or Mallorca?” To be honest, it makes no difference if you don’t care about respecting the cultures you visit, which I don’t believe is the case. People will understand what you mean, no matter how you spell it.
Locals, on the other hand, think the island is already overcrowded and want visitors to leave. We saw banners hanging from balconies across Palma that said: “Tourists go home” (seen below).
Locals, on the other hand, think the island is already overcrowded and want visitors to leave. We saw banners hanging from balconies across Palma that said: “Tourists go home” (seen below).
When we travelled to Banyalbufar for a paella-making lesson, we spent the entire day with a Mallorcan local. She was telling us how Mallorcans view visitors, and it was upsetting to hear their thoughts.
Locals say that travellers exclusively associate Mallorca with sun, sand, and drinking in Spain. Locals want to eat their own culture’s food and take anything they can from the island, with little respect for the people, culture, or land. Continue to spell “Mallorca”.
Locals say that travellers exclusively associate Mallorca with sun, sand, and drinking in Spain. Locals want to eat their own culture’s food and take anything they can from the island, with little respect for the people, culture, or land. Continuing to spell “Mallorca” with a J perpetuates residents’ perceptions of visitors as disrespectful and greedy. Not good.
So, please do not be an unpleasant tourist. Simply learn how to pronounce and spell the double l correctly. It’s the simplest way to avoid being part of Mallorca’s terrible tourist problem.
Majorca and Mallorca Pronunciation
Mallorca is pronounced the same regardless of spelling.
You should pronounce it MAH-YOUR-KAH. The top of this website features a little video of the pronunciation as well as a picture of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea in Llucmajor, Mallorca!
Where Did the Name Mallorca Originate?
We need to know where the name comes from now that you know it’s not just an issue of two distinct spellings in separate languages. Let’s go in a time machine and travel back to 123 BC.
During this time, the Romans moved across to the island, conquered it, and dubbed it “Insula Maior,” which is simply Latin for “larger Island.” Mallorca was given its name because it was the biggest of the Balearic islands.
As the island was contrasted to the tiny island of Menorca, the name eventually became “Maiorca,” which meant “larger one.” Catalan writers eventually fixed the spelling in the sequel.
However, early British visitors altered the name to “Majorca” because they couldn’t pronounce the double-l in “Mallorca,” which is a “y” sound. Since then, the spelling “Majorca” has been the most common in the UK; however, this is changing, and Mallorca is gaining popularity.
Some people in the United States use the letter J, however, it is less popular than in the United Kingdom.
In Mallorca, what languages are spoken?
We were surprised at how many different languages we heard while touring Mallorca. The island’s two official languages are Castilian Spanish (a variant of Spanish used in Central and Northern Spain) and Catalan Spanish, which is most common along the Costa Brava and is a cross between Castilian Spanish and a dialect of French spoken in Southen Farce. When driving or walking through the airport, the signage will be in Catalan (together with English, do not worry!)
Locals will also speak their native language, Mallorquin. Because of tourism, English is commonly spoken among those working in the tourism sector, such as at restaurants and hotels.
We got along well with English and tried our best with traditional Spanish instead of Castilian Spanish! If everything else fails, Google Translate is always available.
Conclusion
Should you say Majorca or Mallorca, and is the place the same? We’ve looked into the origin of the island’s name, as well as why it’s so important to respect the culture and spell Mallorca right when visiting this stunning island!
We hope you are prepared to answer the question, “Is Mallorca the same as Majorca?” and are looking forward to your next Spanish adventure!
