Best Places To Stay In Mallorca
Mallorca, the stunning Balearic Island, is a dream destination for travelers and is one of the best places to visit in the Mediterranean. It offers a perfect blend of beautiful sun-soaked sandy beaches, charming historic Spanish towns, stunning mountain landscapes, and a beautiful, vibrant city. It has something for everyone, no matter what you are looking for in a holiday destination. Here, I will take you through the best places to stay in Mallorca.
When planning your stay in Mallorca, the choice of region plays a crucial role in shaping your holiday experience. Each area has a unique appeal, from the vibrant capital city to relaxing beach resorts. There aren’t any bad places to stay, but it’s essential to get a location that matches the type of holiday you are looking for, as that can easily spoil a holiday. Let’s run you through the best regions of Mallorca to help you choose the perfect base for your visit.
Palma de Mallorca: The Capital City
Palma, the capital city, is a vibrant hub that seamlessly combines rich history with modern energy. Explore the enchanting back streets of the Old Town, or wander through the trendy La Lonja district. Sit and have a drink in a picturesque square, or take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Paseo Marítimo on Palma’s seafront and take in the beauty of Palma Cathedral. For a vibrant but less touristy atmosphere, head to Santa Catalina, which has a fantastic indoor market. It also has a fabulous offering of cool bars and restaurants, and a thriving nightlife scene. If you enjoy shopping, streets are lined with small boutiques, independent shops, and premium brand stores along Avenida Jaime III and Paseo del Borne. Whilst not forgetting the must-visit iconic department store El Corte Engles.
Where To Stay – North
The northern regions of Alcúdia and Pollença are steeped in history and culture and have long been considered one of the best places to visit in Mallorca. Explore the stunning medieval charm of Alcúdia’s Old Town, one of my favorite places to visit; the evening atmosphere in the streets of the old town is wonderful; there are plenty of lovely shops here and many bars and restaurants to choose from.
Alternatively, venture into the picturesque Pollença, again with cobbled streets and historic squares, or if you prefer to stay by the coast and head to Port de Pollensa. A lot is happening here, with great restaurants, shops, bars, and a beautiful sandy beach. Walk along the famous Pine Walk, a peaceful promenade stretching D’Albercuix beach. There are some beautiful long sandy beaches with shallow waters on this corner of the island, all round great for families and lazy beach days.
Alcudia also has a lively strip of bars and restaurants if you like a high-energy atmosphere. It is absolutely worth taking a trip to the Cap De Formentor for stunning views from the famous lighthouse, where the Mediterranean meets the Traumuntana mountain range.
Where to Stay – Northwest
Historically, Mallorca has been famous for its extensive sandy beach resorts; however, its beautiful mountain villages should not be missed. Escape to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Serra de Tramuntana, where charming villages are nestled in the beautiful mountain landscapes.
Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, and Fornalutx all have an upmarket feel and are perfect retreats for a quieter stay. They provide the ideal location to explore the mountain region; whether you like hiking or cycling. You won’t be disappointed with the breath-taking views and picturesque towns. Maybe you prefer to relax and wander the cobblestone streets, pop into a boutique shop or gallery, or sit with a café con leche; they are worth a visit.
Sóller is a beautiful mountain location famous for its citrus groves. If you aren’t staying in this area, it is worth a day trip; it is one of my favorite towns. To make the most of it, step back in time and take the rustic train ride from Palma through the mountains, enjoying the views along the way. Be sure to book ahead and arrive early, as it gets very busy; there isn’t usually a seat to spare. From Sóller you can also take a short tram ride through the town to Port de Sóller. Here, you will find a promenade with a lovely stretch of sandy beach and many restaurants, bars, and shops to while away your afternoon.
The northwest coast of Mallorca is a playground for adventure enthusiasts. Port de Sóller, Banyalbufar, Estellencs, and Sa Calobra offer hiking trails, iconic cycling routes, scenic landscapes, and opportunities for water sports. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mallorca away from the bustling crowds.
Where to Stay – South
Playa de Palma is a go-to destination for those craving sun, sea, and sand. Stretching along the coast, Playa de Palma, Can Pastilla, and El Arenal offer pristine beaches, vibrant promenades, and many water-based activities. It has a similar vibe to Palma, although on a much smaller scale. It feels more Spanish here than some of the other big beach resorts on the island while still having a holiday atmosphere, lively nightlife, and great restaurants.
Still in the south, but on the other side of Palma, you will also find Cala Major. It is a popular resort with many locals, as it is one of the closest beaches to Palma. This location is a good base for proximity to Palma and other popular areas in the Southwest. This area feels very authentic with plenty of life all year round, while other resorts are entirely shut down from November to March.
Where to Stay – Southwest
Indulge in luxury and leisure in the southwest region of Mallorca. Portals Nous is a luxury marina where you are likely to spot a celebrity or two in the summer months. Sit in one of the many luxury restaurants overlooking the port here and while away the evening. It is an exquisite spot that never disappoints. If golf is what you are looking for, you can’t go wrong in this corner of the island. There are numerous luxury golf resorts in Bendinat and Santa Ponsa. Port d’Andratx, while not famed for its beaches, is a picturesque working port. It boast upscale accommodation, exclusive amenities, and world-class golf courses. Take in the sunset at Tim’s with a cocktail; it never disappoints.
There are some well-known large beach resorts in this corner of the island. Santa Ponsa and Pama Nova have beautiful sandy beaches and promenades. Both are very family-friendly and have a fantastic selection of bars and restaurants. There are some delightful smaller resorts offering a quieter holiday setting, such as Camp De Mar, Illetas, and Cala Vinyas. These are all set in lovely bays on a smaller and more modest scale.
The southwest is the most popular region of the island, and many argue it is one of the best places to stay in Mallorca, as this location alone offers something for everyone.
Where to Stay – East Coast
Cala d’Or and Porto Cristo are nestled along the island’s eastern coast. Explore Cala d’Or, with its charming marina, Porto Cristo’s enchanting caves, Cala Mondragó‘s natural beauty, and the quaint fishing village of Cala Figuera. Cala Figuera is somewhere I only recently discovered; it has a beautiful romantic feel, almost like you are stepping back in time. This region promises a blissful Mediterranean escape.
The East Coast offers some of the island’s most beautiful and peaceful calas, away from the hustle and bustle of more built-up beach locations. This is the spot for you if you prefer to explore a quiet, more remote, undeveloped beach experience.
Inland Villages
Head to the tranquil inland villages for a taste of authentic Mallorcan life. As mentioned above, the inland mountain villages of Valldemossa and Sóller offer a rural charm with cobblestone streets, local markets, and a slower pace of life. Alternatively, venture further afield to Selva and Orient for an off-the-beaten-path experience surrounded by nature.
Summary
Mallorca’s diverse regions cater to every traveler’s desires, from cultural exploration to beachfront relaxation and outdoor adventures. Undoubtedly, there are so many beautiful places to stay in Mallorca. Choosing the right base allows you to tailor your stay to match your preferences and create lasting memories on this beautiful Mediterranean island. If you are anything like me, you will be enchanted by this magical island, return time and time again, and discover somewhere new every time.
