Top Tips for safely booking your Holiday Home on Mallorca

With its well-maintained beaches, beautiful landscapes, idyllic villages, and vibrant cities, all just about three hours’ flight away, Mallorca offers the perfect holiday experience for everyone. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, golfing on one of the 24 courses, or simply relaxing on more than 140 beaches, Mallorca has something for every taste.

A 560-kilometre coastline awaits you, perhaps best explored with a rental car, allowing you to discover the picturesque island at your own pace. The capital city, Palma, with its historic old town, iconic cathedral, and numerous bars and restaurants, is a must-visit and deserves much more than just a day trip.

Holidays in a finca on Mallorca

For those seeking privacy, flexibility, and a genuinely Mallorcan experience, renting a finca, a countryside holiday home, is an excellent option. Spending a holiday in a finca offers the freedom, nature, and tranquillity that many seek when visiting Mallorca.

Although the term “finca” evokes rustic charm, today these homes are modern, well-maintained, and equipped with spacious grounds and a private pool, combining comfort with the beauty of the Mallorcan countryside. Many options are available online, and good deals can often be found. However, caution is advised, especially during the high season from June to September, to ensure a smooth and safe holiday experience.

Five tips for booking your holiday home or finca safely on Mallorca

To ensure a stress-free holiday and to arrive at the holiday home you booked online, here are five important tips:

1. Valid rental licence
   Since August 2018, every holiday home offered for rent on Mallorca must display its official tourist rental license number. You can verify the license using the free “Holiday Rental Check Mallorca” app. This app, developed by the Balearic Islands Ministry of Tourism, is available in German, English, Spanish, and Catalan. It helps you check if the license number displayed truly belongs to the property listed online.
2. Who is offering the home?
   It is important to verify who is offering the property. Booking portals usually host a mix of private advertisers and professional agencies. Keep in mind that these portals are generally not responsible for the accuracy of the listings. If you book through a professional holiday home agency, you can feel more secure, especially if properties are marked as “personally verified,” meaning the agency has visited the property to confirm its description. Private rentals may offer price advantages but have different legal regulations and risks compared to professional companies.
   To be on the safe side, choose a company with a local presence, ideally one you can visit if you need to clarify anything on-site. Agencies with an office in Mallorca can provide peace of mind, as you’ll have a reliable point of contact during your stay.
3. Secure payment methods
   Be wary of any request for full payment at the time of booking. Many fraudulent schemes offer discounts for full advance payment, which should raise a red flag. Typically, you should only make a booking deposit, paying the balance closer to your arrival date. Avoid payment methods like MoneyGram or Western Union, which can make the recipient anonymous and difficult to trace. Safer payment methods include direct debit, credit card, or bank transfer, especially if dealing with a reputable company.
4. On-site service
   In a hotel, there is always a reception available to handle issues like broken amenities, but in a holiday home, you need to be prepared. Reliable rental companies usually provide a contact number for emergencies in such situations. Before booking, ensure that the contact person is available and speaks your language if necessary, so that you don’t face communication barriers in emergencies.
5. Membership of an association
   There is no official industry standard for holiday home rental agencies, meaning technically anyone can become a holiday home intermediary. However, serious agencies are often members of major industry associations. In Germany, for example, the German Travel Association (DRV) is the largest organisation for travel agents and operators. Membership in these associations adds credibility and ensures the agency adheres to certain standards.

The perfect finca holiday on Mallorca

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your holiday is as perfect as you imagine it. At Top Villas Mallorca and Balearic Villas, we want you to have the best time possible on what we believe is the most beautiful island in the world. Renting a finca on Mallorca means immersing yourself in the island’s natural beauty, enjoying privacy and flexibility, and creating unforgettable memories.

Whether for a family reunion, a holiday with friends, or a romantic getaway, taking the right precautions when booking will help guarantee a hassle-free and pleasant stay. Remember to look for a valid rental license, choose reputable agencies, check secure payment options, and ensure on-site support is available. With these precautions, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your holiday on stunning Mallorca.