Mallorca Through Dutch Eyes – Part 1: The Island & Its Enduring Bond with the Netherlands

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Imagine boarding a plane in Amsterdam and landing on sunny Mallorca in just two and a half hours. For Dutch travelers, this Mediterranean gem has long been a beloved destination—almost like a second home. Whether you’re a family who visits the same bay every autumn, a young adventurer in search of sun and excitement, or a retiree enjoying a casa under the Spanish sun, the bond between the Netherlands and Mallorca is truly unique.

Famous Dutch on Mallorca

Mallorca has attracted many international celebrities, and several Dutch figures are among those lucky enough to call the island home.
- Joop van den Ende, one of the wealthiest and most influential names in Dutch entertainment, owns a house on Mallorca. He enjoys the island’s tranquility and good life—just like many other well-off Dutch.

• In exclusive coastal areas like Port d’Andratx and Portals Nous, you often find clusters of Dutch residents. These quiet enclaves, with their stunning and serene beaches, sometimes even create a “Little Netherlands” feel, with Dutch conversations heard on terraces and in the marina.

Beyond business and media, the sports and entertainment worlds also show strong Dutch connections. Many Dutch cyclists and sports teams train on Mallorca during the winter, and even the nightlife in places like Playa de Palma and Magaluf often features bars run by Dutch locals. This vibrant presence is a testament to the enduring love between the Dutch and the island.

Dutch Tourists by the Numbers

Mallorca is extremely popular with tourists from Germany and Britain, but the Dutch are no small players either.
- In 2022, approximately 635,000 Dutch tourists visited the Balearic Islands (including Mallorca).

That’s comparable to the population of Rotterdam and a significant contribution to the island’s tourism.

• Many Dutch visitors are repeat travelers; those who visited as children now return with their own families, making their loyalty a cherished part of the island’s story.

• Even outside the peak season, in early spring and autumn, many Dutch seniors and sports enthusiasts choose Mallorca, helping to extend the tourist season—a fact greatly appreciated by local businesses and hotels.

Easy Transportation from the Netherlands

One of the biggest draws for Dutch travelers is how easy it is to reach Mallorca.
- Direct Flights: During the high season, there are daily direct flights from Amsterdam. Airlines such as KLM, Transavia, TUIfly, easyJet, and Vueling offer multiple flights each day

• For those outside the Randstad, charter and low-cost flights also operate from Eindhoven and Rotterdam. With a flight time of about 2 hours and 20 minutes—shorter than a train ride from Amsterdam to Maastricht—spontaneous getaways are very feasible.

This superb connectivity makes even a long weekend feel like a mini-vacation, strengthening the special bond between the Dutch and Mallorca.