Boasting a rugged coastline, azure blue waters, incredible cuisine, and gorgeous architecture, Mallorca is everything you could hope for in a Mediterranean island.
If you’ve ever considered visiting this dreamy island, you might have noticed that it’s no easy feat to determine the best areas to stay in Mallorca.
Deciding where to stay in Mallorca was something I found much more overwhelming than I’d initially anticipated, so I’m hoping I can make this process a little less stress-inducing for you!
I’ve rounded up all the best places to stay in Mallorca, categorizing them based on who each area is best suited to and what you can expect in terms of things to do, price points, and the overall vibe of each spot.
Below, you’ll find my detailed guide on where to stay in Mallorca for your next visit.
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*
Table of Contents
Overview of Where to Stay in Mallorca
Some of Mallorca’s most dazzling features are the magnificent beaches (often referred to as calas), which you’ll find all over the island.
While many of these beaches are a part of bustling towns and resorts, there are some quieter spots with secluded beaches and coves. This makes Mallorca a great option whether you want to totally switch off or party until the early hours and nurse your sore head by the sea!
Palma is the island’s capital and the largest city. It’s where you’ll come across mesmerizing Moorish and Spanish-style architecture, colorful streets, and a vibrant shopping scene. Outside of the capital lies smaller, old-school towns where you can really immerse yourself in local culture.
Not only does Mallorca have breathtaking shorelines and charming villages to its name, but it’s also home to unique caverns, limestone mountains, and hidden canyons.
With so much to see and do, I recommend renting a car and doing a road trip around Mallorca to truly make the most of your time here.
| Area | Rcommended Hotels |
|---|---|
| Palma (sightseeing, shopping, first-timers) | Nixe Palace |
| Ca'n Pastilla & S'Arenal (nightlife, budget travelers, relaxation) | Hotel Las Arenas |
| Soller & Port de Soller (nature, adventure, quiet beaches) | Hotel Esplendido |
| Valldemossa (hiking, culture, history) | Mirabó de Valldemossa |
| Port de Pollenca (couples, relaxation) | Club del Sol Aparthotel |
| Port d'Alcudia (family-friendly, history, beaches) | INNSiDE by Meliá Alcudia |
| Magaluf (all-inclusive options, nightlife, watersports) | Sol Barbados |
| Cala d'Or (luxury accommodation, couples, scenery) | Inturotel Cala Esmeralda Beach Hotel & Spa |
| Cala Millor (beaches, relaxation) | Iberostar Cala Millor |
Map of the Best Places to Stay in Mallorca
Below you can find a customized map that includes the best places to stay in Mallorca, including our recommended hotels for each town for every budget.
How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.
Best Areas to Stay in Mallorca
For a more in-depth overview of the best towns to stay in Mallorca, you’ll find a breakdown of each area below. I’ve included a rundown of the best things to see and do for each spot and the pros and cons to be aware of.
1. Palma
As it’s the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca is unsurprisingly among the most popular places to visit and offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities, particularly for first-time visitors.
Some of the must-see attractions here include the spectacular Santa Maria Cathedral, the hilltop Castell de Bellver, and the beautiful Royal Palace of La Almudaina.
I don’t think there’s anywhere on the island that can rival Palma for its shopping. Head to Paseo del Borne for a mix of high-end designer brands and favorites like Zara and H&M, Via Veri for boutique stores, and San Miguel for local shops filled with handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Palma is less than a 15-minute drive from the airport and has excellent transport links to neighboring towns and resorts. It also happens to be a popular stopping point for cruises, so it can get very crowded during the day during the summer months.
That being said, if you’re not planning to rent a car and want to be based in a busy, central location with easy access to everything you need, Palma is the perfect choice for you.
Pros and cons of staying in Palma
PROS
- Many cultural and historical landmarks
- Excellent shopping options
- Convenient location for transportation and airport access
CONS
- Can get crowded with tourists, especially during summer months
- Limited beaches and outdoor activities compared to other areas
- Tends to be expensive
- Lacks the alluring, small-town vibe of other areas
Best places to stay in Palma
- Luxury in the Old Town | Hotel Can Cera
- Luxury on the beach | Es Princep – The Leading Hotels of the World
- Mid-range hotel | Nixe Palace
- Budget hotel | Meliá Palma Marina
- One-bedroom apartment | Palma Suites
- Two-bedroom apartment | The Boc Suites
2. Ca’n Pastilla & S’Arenal
Just east of Palma de Mallorca are two resort towns, Ca’n Pastilla and S’Arenal, which sit just 10 minutes apart from one another.
Ca’n Pastilla is a quintessential seaside town that’s popular with families looking for a chilled-out getaway. Home to long stretches of sand and a ton of great restaurants, this is where to stay in Mallorca if you’re keen to kick back and spend most of your time by the beach.
The town sits right below the airport, making it a convenient base for anyone who wants to be close to the airport but still have access to a beach. The Palma Aquarium is another big draw for families here.
Just down the coast is S’Arenal, a seafront town that’s best known for its fabulous beach, buzzing nightlife scene, and affordable accommodation. It’s also the home of Aqualand, a huge water park that’ll excite visitors of all ages.
Each of these towns is located a short drive from both the airport and Palma de Mallorca, making them incredibly accessible and convenient.
You will find lots of all-inclusive resorts in and between Ca’n Pastilla and S’Arenal, catering to families and budget travelers. Although a heads up that many of these require a 4-night or even a 7-night minimum stay.
Pros and cons of staying in Ca’n Pastilla & S’Arenal
PROS
- Convenient location close to the airport and Palma de Mallorca
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Direct beach access
- Wide range of accommodations, including all-inclusive and budget-friendly options
- Good range of restaurants and nightlife options
CONS
- Very little sightseeing or cultural experiences
- Can be noisy and congested at times
Best places to stay in Ca’n Pastilla & S’Arenal
- All-inclusive | Hotel Riu Playa Park
- Luxury | Hipotels Playa de Palma Palace&Spa
- Adults-only | AluaSoul Palma
- Mid-range | Hotel Las Arenas
- Budget | whala!fun
- One-bedroom apartment | Helios Mallorca Hotel & Apartments
3. Soller & Port de Soller
If you’re hoping to explore the majestic nature of Mallorca while still squeezing in some beach days, you’ll fall in love with the village of Port de Soller and the nearby larger town of Soller.
Both the port and the town are full of old-world charm and are super picturesque, and the beaches are noticeably less crowded than many other parts of the island. However, the mountainous landscape is what really draws adventure-seekers to Soller.
There’s a mix of easy and challenging hiking trails in the area, including the short walk to the cute village of Fornalutx and the day-long trek to the hidden beach of Cala Tuent.
Soller and Port de Soller are connected by a cute wooden tram that takes about 25 minutes to make its way between the two towns. It’s a really scenic ride and it was one of my favorite things to do in Mallorca!
For a quirky and memorable experience, visit near the beginning of May to coincide with Soller’s Orange Festival, where everyone from street vendors to chefs at upscale restaurants celebrates all things fruit. It’s a really fun, unique event.
Pros and cons of staying in Soller & Port de Soller
PROS
- Beautiful scenery with mountains and beaches
- Quieter and less crowded compared to other areas
- Great for outdoor activities such as hiking
CONS
- Limited shopping options
- Can be pricier than other areas
- Not many sightseeing options
- Not as convenient for airport access
Best places to stay in Port de Soller
- Luxury | Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa
- Adults-only | Bikini Island & Mountain Port de Soller
- Mid-range | Hotel Esplendido
- Budget | Hotel Marina
- One and two-bedroom apartments | Agroturismo Muleta de Ca S’hereu
Best places to stay in Soller
- Luxury | Gran Hotel Soller
- Adults-only | The Salvia
- Mid-range | Ca’n Abril
- Budget | Can Moragues de Soller
- One and two-bedroom apartments | Ca’n Puig de Sóller
4. Valldemossa
If the hiking opportunities in Soller caught your eye, but you’d prefer to visit somewhere with a richer, more traditional culture, Valldemossa is just that.
Valldemossa lies on the northwestern part of the island and consists of a picture-perfect village filled with stone monasteries, cobbled streets, and local eateries. The surrounding mountains are as magical as the village, and trekking around Sierra de Tramatona is a must here.
Taking you above Valldemossa, through old towns, and along the rocky coastline, the trails here are magnificent but not for the faint of heart. As most of the routes are relatively difficult, Valldemossa is best for experienced hikers.
Less than 20 minutes away is the Port de Valldemossa, where you can take a dip in the water and even do some snorkeling. However, the drive here is an expedition in and of itself, so keep this in mind if you’ve decided to rent a car!
Another must-visit place just outside of Valldemossa is Son Marroig. This gorgeous estate houses a museum and gardens that are open to the public, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Pros and cons of staying in Valldemossa
PROS
- Rich traditional culture
- Beautiful mountainous landscape
- Great for experienced hikers
- Charming village with local eateries
CONS
- Limited transportation options
- Limited beach access
- Lack of nightlife
Best places to stay in Valldemossa
- Luxury | Mirabó de Valldemossa
- Mid-range | Ca’s Papà
- Budget | Allotjaments Serra de Tramuntana
- One-bedroom apartment | Residencial Suites Valldemossa – Turismo de Interior
- Holiday home | Casa Vell de Valldemossa
5. Port de Pollenca
Tucked away near the northern tip of Mallorca is Port de Pollenca, one of the best areas to stay in Mallorca for couples looking for a peaceful and romantic retreat.
This small town has a different vibe from many of the other tourist hotspots, as it’s a perfect blend of traditional buildings and modern resorts.
Although Port de Pollenca is an ideal place for a quiet vacation, there are plenty of top-notch restaurants and bars to check out in the evenings. During the day, you’ll spend your time lounging by the beach, checking out the Sunday market, and wandering around the enchanting streets.
If you do happen to want a taste of adventure, Port de Pollenca is a hub for cyclists and is home to some wonderful biking routes.
It’s also just a stone’s throw away from Platja de Formentor, one of my favorite beaches in Mallorca. You also can’t miss watching the sunset from Cap de Formentor, the lighthouse at the northernmost point of the island.
Pros and cons of staying in Port de Pollenca
PROS
- Peaceful and romantic atmosphere
- Ideal for couples
- Stunning beaches and coves
CONS
- Limited nightlife options
- More expensive due to being a less touristy area
- Very far from the airport and Palma de Mallorca
Best places to stay in Port de Pollenca
- Luxury | Hoposa Uyal
- All-inclusive | Club del Sol Aparthotel
- Adults-only | La Goleta Hotel de Mar
- Mid-range | Hotel Illa d’Or & Club Apts
- Budget | Aparthotel Bahia Pollensa
- One or two-bedroom apartments | Aparthotel Duva & Spa
6. Port d’Alcudia
Another one of the best places to stay in Mallorca for families and couples alike, Port d’Alcudia is a beautiful beach town located on the northern coast.
The long stretch of sand and crystal-clear water at Playa de Alcudia makes it a perfect spot for families with kids. It’s also home to many resorts that cater specifically to children, offering activities and entertainment throughout the day.
Port d’Alcudia also has a charming old town area, filled with traditional Spanish restaurants and shops selling local goods. It’s an ideal place to spend the afternoon wandering around and taking in the culture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head over to S’Albufera Natural Park, just a short drive away from Port d’Alcudia. This nature reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a great destination for bird watching and nature walks.
Pros and cons of staying in Port d’Alcudia
PROS
- Family-friendly beach town
- Wide sandy beach with water sports activities
- Plenty of activities and entertainment for kids
- Charming old town area with local restaurants and shops
- Close proximity to a nature reserve
CONS
- Limited public transportation options
- Not as upmarket as other resort towns
- Limited nightlife options
- Far from the airport
Best places to stay in Port d’Alcudia
- Luxury | Sofia Alcudia Beach
- All-inclusive | Bahía de Alcudia Hotel & Spa
- Adults-only | Hotel Astoria Playa
- Mid-range | INNSiDE by Meliá Alcudia
- Budget | BQ Delfín Azul Hotel
- One-bedroom apartment | Bonavida Apartments
7. Magaluf
Known primarily for its vibrant nightlife and party scene, Magaluf is the ultimate destination for those looking to let loose and have a good time.
Located on the southwest coast of Mallorca, Magaluf boasts some of the best clubs and bars on the island, as well as beautiful beaches and plenty of water activities.
But don’t be fooled into thinking that Magaluf is only for party-goers. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as the Katmandu Park theme park and the Western Water Park.
If you’re looking for a fun-filled vacation with a mix of relaxation and excitement, Magaluf is the perfect place to stay in Mallorca.
Pros and cons of staying in Magaluf
PROS
- Exciting nightlife
- Beaches and water activities
- Variety of attractions for all ages
CONS
- Can get very crowded and noisy during peak season
- Not ideal for those seeking a peaceful vacation
- Limited cultural experiences
Best places to stay in Magaluf
- Luxury | Meliá South Beach
- All-inclusive | Sol Barbados
- Adults-only | Hotel Florida Magaluf
- Mid-range | INNSiDE by Meliá Calviá Beach
- Budget | Hotel Spa Flamboyan – Caribe
8. Cala d’Or
An upmarket resort town nestled on the southeast of Mallorca, Cala d’Or has grown into an increasingly sought-after destination thanks to its jaw-dropping coves, laidback vibes, and elegant hotels.
Though Cala d’Or is a lively spot during the summertime, it rarely feels like it’s overcrowded and has still managed to retain its easygoing, Mediterranean way of living. For this reason, it tends to attract couples who are after a chilled vacation but is becoming a hub for families, too.
The beaches here are Cala d’Or’s biggest selling point for sure, but there’s also an 18th-century fortress and a glamorous marine to discover while you’re here.
For something a bit different, join one of the many boat trips operating in this area or make the 30-minute journey to the dazzling Drach Caves.
It’s located around an hour from Palma de Mallorca and the airport, but this has helped the town avoid congestion, and it’s a little less visited than some of the more central spots.
Pros and cons of staying in Cala d’Or
PROS
- Upscale and elegant resort town
- Peaceful and laidback atmosphere
- Stunning beaches and coves
- Plenty of water-based activities
- Superb bars and restaurants
CONS
- More expensive than other resort towns
- Limited nightlife options
- Far from the airport
Best places to stay in Cala d’Or
- Luxury | Inturotel Cala Esmeralda Beach Hotel & Spa – Adults Only
- Mid-range | Hotel Cala Dor – Adults Only
- Budget | Inturotel Esmeralda Park
- One-bedroom apartment | Inturotel Sa Marina
- Two-bedroom apartment | Apartamentos Parque Mar
9. Cala Millor
Cala Millor is a gem on the northeast coast of Mallorca and is where you’ll want to be if you’ve been craving a break to really decompress.
Much loved by both families and couples, Cala Millor is pretty quiet and low-key but has enough going on to keep the little ones or adventurous travelers happy. If you’re having trouble deciding where to stay in Mallorca, Cala Millor is always a safe bet.
Hanging out on the beach and taking a dip in the shimmering waters are undoubtedly the best things to do here, but venture a little outside of town, and you’ll stumble upon impeccable golf courses, jeep safari tours, and hiking trails.
Even though it’s continued to grow in popularity, Cala Millor has managed to stay under the radar compared to its neighboring resorts. As a result, you’ll get everything many of the other towns boast, but with a fraction of the footfall.
Pros and cons of staying in Cala Millor
PROS
- Beautiful and spacious beaches
- Serene and peaceful atmosphere
- Easy access to nature
- Much less crowded than similarly-sized resorts
CONS
- More limited nightlife and evening entertainment
- May be too small for certain travelers
Best places to stay in Cala Millor
- Luxury | Hipotels Hipocampo Palace & Spa
- Mid-range | Iberostar Cala Millor – Adults Only
- Budget | Marins Playa
- One-bedroom apartment | Protur Atalaya
- Two – Bedroom apartment | Aparthotel Club Simó
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