Mallorca Through American Eyes - Celebrity Homes, Tourist Trends & Flight Connections

Introduction

Imagine stepping off a plane after a long flight from the U.S. East Coast and being greeted by the warm Mediterranean breeze of Mallorca. This sunny Spanish island has quietly become a favorite escape for Americans seeking a mix of European culture, beach relaxation, and even a touch of Hollywood glamor. From Hollywood stars who own villas on the island to everyday travelers discovering Mallorca’s charm, the American connection to Mallorca runs deep.

Famous Americans Who Call Mallorca Home

Mallorca isn’t just a destination for American tourists – it’s also a home (or second home) to some famous Americans. One well-known example is Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas, who fell in love with the island decades ago. Douglas purchased the S’Estaca estate (nestled between Valldemossa and Deià) back in the 1980s and has called it “the place he loves the most in the whole wide world”.

Along with his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, he has spent many summers on the island, enjoying the privacy of their 250-acre seaside finca. Another Hollywood connection is Brad Pitt – one of the world’s most famous actors is often found at his country house in Port d’Andratx, an impressive seafront villa he owns on Mallorca.

It’s not just longtime homeowners either. In recent years, actress Amber Heard made headlines for retreating to a small Mallorcan village. After her high-profile court case in 2022, Heard settled for a while in the quiet rural town of Costitx, Mallorca, to get away from the spotlight.

Even former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has been spotted vacationing on the island’s gorgeous beaches, and media icon Oprah Winfrey enjoyed a Mallorcan holiday – showing that Mallorca’s appeal spans all walks of American life. These celebrity stories give a glamorous sheen to the island, but they also highlight a genuine love affair between Americans and Mallorca. (After all, it goes back decades – Grace Kelly honeymooned here in 1956.

Knowing that stars find refuge on Mallorca adds a sense of magic for American visitors: you could be wandering the quaint stone streets of Deià or browsing a local market in Palma and literally be walking in the footsteps of Hollywood royalty.

American Tourists: A Growing Presence

Americans are still a relatively “new” tourist group in Mallorca compared to the Europeans who have flocked here for ages – but their numbers are rising fast. In fact, just in the first eight months of 2023, over 204,000 Americans visited the Balearic Islands (which include Mallorca).

This was an increase of more than 20% from the previous year, making the USA the 8th largest foreign tourism market in the region (after European countries like Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and the Netherlands).

While Americans still make up a smaller share of visitors, local tourism officials are excited about this growth. Why? Because Americans tend to stay longer and spend more during their Mallorca trips. On average, an American visitor spends about €2,528 per trip, which is over twice as much as the average German or British tourist spends.

This means American travelers are highly valued – their love of splurging on nice hotels, restaurants, shops, and activities gives a big boost to the island economy. It’s gotten to the point that Mallorca’s tourism board is actively courting more U.S. visitors, seeing the American market as one with “one of the best profiles” for spending and growth.

To put it simply, each year a few hundred thousand Americans are now discovering Mallorca, and that number is climbing. Local businesses have noticed the trend – you’ll find more English-language tours and even menus catering to American tastes in Palma. Don’t be surprised if a Mallorcan shop owner tells you they’ve had more Americans come through lately! The word is out that this island is a must-visit.

Getting There: Flight Connections from the USA

One reason more Americans are coming is that it’s getting easier to reach Mallorca. For a long time, visiting meant a connecting flight in a European city. (A typical trip might be New York to Madrid or Barcelona, then a short hop to Palma de Mallorca.) But now there are direct flights from the U.S. to Mallorca, making travel much more convenient. In 2022, United Airlines launched a nonstop route from Newark (New York) to Palma de Mallorca – the first ever regular direct flight linking the US and Mallorca

The route has been so popular that United continued it in 2023 and 2024, offering three flights a week from New York during the summer season.

This roughly 8-hour flight means that an American traveler can have breakfast in New York and be strolling Palma’s medieval old town by the next morning. Because of the success of the New York connection, there’s even talk of expanding flight options. Mallorcan officials are hopeful to establish year-round service to the U.S., possibly by involving more airlines beyond United

There were reports that American Airlines considered a Miami to Palma route, which has many sun-seeking Americans crossing their fingers. Even Canadian airlines are on the radar, which could open Mallorca to North American travelers from other cities.

For now, outside of the summer direct flights, Americans typically reach Mallorca via major European hubs. The good news is Palma’s airport (PMI) is one of Spain’s busiest, so there are abundant connecting flights from Madrid, Barcelona, London, Frankfurt, Paris, and more. Travel logistics are straightforward – U.S. citizens don’t need a special visa for short tourist stays in Spain, and Palma airport is just a 15-minute taxi or bus ride from the city center. In short, Mallorca is more accessible to Americans than ever before.

Pro-tip: Many Americans bundle Mallorca into a larger Europe trip. For example, you can fly into Madrid or Barcelona, enjoy a few days there, then hop a one-hour flight to Mallorca. It’s like getting two vacations in one!