Find out how to order coffee in Mallorca Spain in 2025 this handy guide for your morning, afternoon or evening caffeine fix.
Spanish coffee culture is vibrant, social, and a little different from what you might be used to in the UK, the United States or if you’re visiting from another Northern European Country.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to order coffee in Spain, what the Spanish equivalents of UK, American, and Italian coffee styles are called, and a few tips to make your café experience even better.
If you’re visiting Mallorca soon, don’t forget to check out other Top Tips for Visiting Mallorca here.
Table of Contents
Understanding Spanish Coffee Culture
Coffee in Spain isn’t just a quick pick-me-up; it’s a ritual, a way to relax, and a time to catch up with friends. Whether you’re stopping for a mid-morning break or meeting after dinner for a chat, coffee is deeply woven into daily life.
Unlike in the UK or USA, where takeaway culture is growing, most Spaniards still prefer to sit down at a café (cafetería) and savour their coffee slowly.
While you can ask for your coffee “para llevar” (to take away), it’s much more common to sit and enjoy the moment, preferably outdoors in the sunshine!
Also, it’s important to know, the size of your coffee in Spain will be smaller than you will get in the UK or the USA. I’m often horrified when ordering coffee on my trips to the UK to be presented with almost a goldfish bowl-sized coffee!
Also, you’ll find the coffee is often much stronger. This may not be the case in the hotels if breakfast is included in your hotel stay. But make sure you get your caffeine hit, stop off at the many cafes in resorts at some point during your stay.
So in my guide on how to order coffee in Mallorca Spain, I’ve included the Italian translations here, too, just because the Starbucks coffee culture has overtaken expectations of what you may expect when ordering coffee.
Spanish Coffees vs. UK, US, and Italian Coffees: How to Order Coffee in Mallorca Spain
Here’s a simple breakdown of how popular UK, American, and Italian coffees translate when you’re in Spain:
Black Coffee / Americano: If you normally order a black coffee or Americano, ask for a Café Americano in Spain. This is the same as the Italian Caffè Americano — an espresso diluted with hot water.
Espresso: A straight espresso is known as a Café Solo in Spain, very similar to an Espresso in Italy. It’s a small, intense shot of strong coffee.
Latte: What you know as a Latte is closest to a Café con Leche in Spain — a 50/50 blend of espresso and hot milk. In Italy, a similar drink would be a Latte Macchiato.
Flat White: For a flat white-style drink, order a Café Cortado. This is like an Italian Espresso Macchiato — a strong coffee “cut” with just a dash of milk.
Cappuccino: No surprises here! You can ask for a Capuchino in Spain, which is just like the Italian Cappuccino — espresso topped with steamed milk and a generous layer of foam. In the UK it will include a sprinkle of cocoa powder which you’re less likely to get in Spain.
Mocha: If you enjoy a mocha, look for a Café Mocha or sometimes just Chocolate on Spanish menus. In Italy, a similar drink would be a Mocaccino, combining coffee and chocolate.
Iced Coffee: In warm weather, you might want an iced coffee. In Spain, order a Café con Hielo — a shot of espresso served with a glass of ice. You can also ask for (my favourite “café con leche con heilo” on a hot day. Just pour your hot coffee over ice and stir.In Italy, a similar drink is called Caffè Freddo.
Latte Macchiato: If you prefer more milk than coffee, you can still order a Latte Macchiato in Spain — steamed milk “stained” with a shot of espresso, very similar to what you’d get in Italy.
Tip: Prefer plant-based milk? Ask for “leche de soja” (soy milk) or “leche de avena” (oat milk). It’s becoming more common, especially in bigger towns and cities.
Quick Note:
In Italy, a “latte” just means milk! So asking for a “latte” in Spain (un café con leche) will safely get you coffee with milk, but always better to be specific!
Want to brush up on your Spanish before you go? Check out Spanish Phrases for Travellers to prepare for your café visit.
How to Order Coffee in Mallorca Spain Like a Local
Here’s how it works when you sit down for a coffee in Spain:
- Find a table or stand at the bar – It’s normal to grab a seat first and wait for the waiter (camarero) to come to you. Some locals prefer standing at the bar for a quick coffee.
- Be specific with your order – Saying “un café” could mean different things depending on the region. Always specify: “un café con leche,” “un café solo,” or “un latte macchiato.”
- Pay at the end – In Spain, you usually pay after you’ve finished. Just call the waiter and say, “La cuenta, por favor” (the bill, please).
Other Coffee Variations to Try in Spain
Feeling adventurous? These lesser-known Spanish coffee styles are worth a taste:
- Café Bombón: Espresso layered over sweetened condensed milk — a real treat!
- Café Carajillo: Coffee with a shot of brandy, whisky, or rum — perfect for an after-dinner drink.
Want to know where to eat in some of Mallorca’s most stunning locations? Check out our Restaurants with a View in Mallorca for more ideas.
Best Places to Enjoy Coffee in Mallorca
Mallorca has endless beautiful cafés to enjoy a perfect Spanish coffee:
- A sunny terrace overlooking the water in Port de Pollensa.
- A hidden courtyard café in the winding streets of Palma’s Old Town
- Beachside in any of the resorts – check out where I film my news updates on Magaluf Beach here
Wherever you go, take your time — coffee in Spain is never rushed.
Final Tips for Coffee Lovers
- Don’t rush – Coffee is social time here, so relax and enjoy it.
- Expect smaller sizes – Spanish coffee portions are smaller but stronger than those in the UK or USA.
- Time matters – Milky coffees like café con leche and latte macchiato are usually drunk before midday. After lunch, many locals switch to black coffee.