What is the ecotax in Mallorca and why is it applied?
Everything you need to know as a traveler (and how to make the most of your stay)
If you are planning a trip to Mallorca, you might notice an additional charge on your hotel or accommodation bill: the ecotax. Although it may seem like an unexpected expense, this tax has a clear and increasingly important purpose: to protect the natural and cultural environment of the Balearic Islands.
The ecotax, officially called the Tourist Stay Tax (TST), was introduced to finance projects that preserve the environment, restore natural spaces, improve sustainable tourism infrastructure, and promote cultural development. On an island like Mallorca, where tourism is massive, it is vital to find a balance between visitors and sustainability.
This tax reflects a growing trend among the world’s most visited tourist destinations: making tourism directly contribute to the well-being of the places it explores.
Who has to pay the ecotax and how much does it cost in 2024?
The ecotax applies to all tourists over the age of 16 staying in any type of tourist accommodation in the Balearic Islands: hotels, apartments, hostels, rural houses, campsites, and even vacation rentals such as Airbnb.
💶 Updated rates for 2024:
- 4- and 5-star hotels, luxury villas: up to €4/night per person.
- 3-star hotels, hostels, rural houses: between €1 and €2/night per person.
- Campsites and youth hostels: between €0.50 and €1/night.
- Cruises: also subject to the tax if docked for more than 12 hours.
In the low season (November to April), the amount is reduced by 50%, and starting from the ninth night of stay, another 50% discount applies to reward long-term tourism.
Where and how is the ecotax paid?
One of the most common questions is how the payment is made. The good news is that it’s very simple: the accommodation itself manages it. In most cases, the amount appears itemized on the final bill provided at check-out.
For vacation rentals, the owner or the platform (such as Airbnb or Booking) must clearly inform you of the ecotax cost at the time of booking. It’s important to check this to avoid surprises.
👉 Tip: Always verify whether the final accommodation price includes the ecotax or if it will be added upon arrival. Some establishments mention it only in the fine print.
What is the ecotax money used for in the Balearic Islands?
Many travelers wonder if the money is truly used correctly. According to the Balearic Government, the funds are allocated to:
- Conservation of the natural environment: reforestation, beach cleaning, protection of native species.
- Sustainable infrastructure: improvement of rural roads, eco-friendly transport, waste management.
- Restoration of cultural heritage: renovation of historic buildings, support for festivals and local traditions.
- Water management and renewable energies.
Every year, an official report is published detailing the projects funded by the ecotax, providing transparency and traceability regarding the use of the funds. Although there is always room for improvement, this tax has made many previously unfeasible initiatives possible.
Real travelers’ opinions about the ecotax in Mallorca
Opinions vary, but most travelers accept the ecotax once they understand its purpose. That was my case too: before traveling, I didn’t know it existed, but after seeing the improved trails, cleaner remote coves, and better conservation efforts, it made perfect sense to me.
In fact, when we rented a car with Autos Mallorca, we were pleasantly surprised by how clean and well-maintained less-visited areas were: hidden coves, small village routes, and secluded viewpoints. I realized that, in some way, that money was coming back to travelers through an enhanced experience.
How to avoid surprises with the ecotax when booking accommodation
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is not reading the fine print when booking. Here are some tips to avoid misunderstandings:
- On Booking, Airbnb, or Expedia, check whether the tourist tax is included or not.
- Some hosts require cash payment upon arrival; make sure you know this beforehand.
- In luxury hotels or chain accommodations, the tax is usually included in the final price. However, in tourist apartments or privately managed rentals, it’s more common to be charged separately.
Properly planning your budget means factoring in this tax. It’s not a huge amount, but for a 7-day stay as a couple, it could add up to between €20 and €50 extra.
Ecotax and freedom of movement: how you organize your trip makes the difference
While the ecotax is unavoidable when staying on the island, one way to make the most of it is to maximize each day you pay to be in Mallorca. How? By ensuring you have mobility and flexibility.
Renting a car with Autos Mallorca was one of the smartest decisions we made. From the moment we landed and picked up the car directly at the airport, we were already saving time, money, and gaining complete freedom.
This allowed us to avoid crowded areas, discover off-the-beaten-path villages, and choose authentic local restaurants instead of typical tourist spots. Every euro spent on the ecotax felt like an investment in a better, richer travel experience.
Exploring Mallorca beyond the hotel: rent a car and discover the island at your own pace
Mallorca is much more than Palma or the southern beaches. With a car, you can discover the true soul of the island:
- Hidden coves like Cala Tuent or Cala Mitjana, far from the crowds.
- Routes through the Serra de Tramuntana, stopping at Valldemossa, Deià, or Fornalutx.
- Rural wineries in Binissalem, where we enjoyed an impromptu tasting without any time constraints.
With Autos Mallorca, we enjoyed unlimited mileage, which was key to exploring without restrictions. We didn’t have to worry about “how many kilometers we had driven”—we simply enjoyed the journey. We also highly appreciated their full-to-full fuel policy and the free cancellation option up to 24 hours before pick-up.
Practical tips to save money and enjoy your stay in Mallorca even more
Here are some practical tips to combine the ecotax experience with smart travel planning:
- Book your rental car in advance, especially during the summer season.
- Bring cash to pay the ecotax if staying in vacation rentals.
- If traveling with family or a group, consider the total ecotax cost when choosing accommodation.
- Avoid overcrowded tourist spots during high season: the ecotax is the same, but the experience can be very different.
- Make the most of each day: the tax is charged per night, not per activity.
The ecotax: more than an expense, an investment in your travel experience
The ecotax in Mallorca is not just another tax. It’s a tool to help preserve what makes the island so special. When combined with smart planning and total freedom of movement, it doesn’t become a burden—it enriches your experience as a conscious traveler.
Make the most of every corner, every hidden cove, every solitary viewpoint, and you’ll see that this small daily contribution becomes an investment in well-being, nature, and living culture. So plan carefully, stay informed, and experience Mallorca with respect, love… and movement.
