Where is the best place to stay in Mallorca?
By Jasmine Spavieri. October 09, 2024
If you’re planning a Mediterranean holiday, the island of Mallorca has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re after buzzing nightlife, romantic hideaways or a great family-friendly holiday, the island can make your wishes come true, if you know where to look.
Looking for culture and nightlife? The capital city of Palma offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, shopping, art, and history. Stroll along the gorgeous marina by day and enjoy wine and tapas at sundown in Santa Catalina’s trendy bar scene.
The Tramuntana area is famous for its singular beauty, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Charming villages like Pollença or Valdemossa are nestled within the mountains and surrounded by orange groves and olive trees, perfect for a romantic getaway. For those looking for family time, the bay of Alcúdia is filled with sandy beaches, open-air markets and outdoor activities where children can play while parents enjoy a drink at the beach bar.
Illetas and Portals Nous are great options if you’re looking for a luxury Mediterranean experience with stunning sea views, but still a short taxi ride away from Palma city or the airport. Want to party from dusk til dawn? Magaluf has you covered. During the summer season (May to October) enjoy cocktails on the sand and a variety of DJs with some epic all nighters!If you are interested in where to stay in Mallorca, you may also be interested in where to stay in Menorca, where to stay in Ibiza and where to stay in Barcelona.
Deciding where to stay in Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca (for a weekend)
Shopping / Culture / Nightlife
Palma city is the perfect mix of Mediterranean charm and modern vibes. It’s a walkable city filled with bars, boutiques, live music and trendy restaurants. Colourful and full of energy, it’s well known for its thriving art scene and nightlife.
Get lost in the cobblestone beauty of the historic centre and stroll down the swanky Passeig d’es Born for some window shopping. In the evening, walk along the glistening seafront and explore the gardens of the iconic “Catedral de Mallorca”.
The buzzing neighbourhood of Santa Catalina offers a huge selection of both local and exotic cuisines. After dinner, enjoy excellent cocktails at Agabar and soak in the rooftop views at Hostal Cuba Sky Bar, watching the sun set over the bay of Palma. The city has accommodation that will appeal to every type of traveller, from happening hostels to five-star luxury stays.
Tramuntana mountains (to explore)
Nature / Eco-resort / Romantic
The Tramuntana mountain range has a special place in the heart of Mallorcans. With charming mountain villages steeped in culture and tradition, it’s perfect for travellers who are looking for culture and a more upscale vibe than a package holiday by the beach. Here you can discover the island’s authentic heritage while still enjoying stunning scenery and dazzling sea views.
Surrounded by nature and striking landscapes, the town of Valdemossa has gorgeous hotels and buzzing restaurants, offering local ingredients and cuisine. Nestled on a mountainside, Deia oozes style and elegance. With upscale restaurants and romantic coves, it’s perfect for an evening dip and a seafood paella with a view.
And of course, a trip to Sóller is a must, one of the island’s most beautiful villages, sitting in the heart of a valley of citrus groves. It offers a variety of accommodations, including grand hotels, eco-resorts and boutique stays.
Hotels in Tramuntana mountains
Portals Nous and Illetes (to relax)
Luxury / Beach bars / Seaview
Known for its calm and turquoise waters, Portals Nous is lined with luxurious resorts that offer sea views and access to beaches.
The neighbourhood offers a variety of upmarket restaurants and trendy beach clubs, with young couples and professionals picking this location for its relaxing, romantic, yet sophisticated atmosphere. You can sit on a lounger and sip local wine, then dive into crystal clear waters, all without leaving your hotel. The accommodation is mainly four star and above, including an adults only hotel, and package holiday companies don’t use this resort.
Illetes is punctuated by beautiful coves, perfect for snorkelling and discovering sea life. For golf enthusiasts, the Real Golf de Bendinat is nearby. Chill out at the Beach Club in Platja de ses Illetes, which offers Mediterranean delicacies, sun loungers, cocktails and a resident DJ. Get lost in the soundtrack and dance away your worries under the stars.
Magaluf (to party)
Clubbing / Beaches / Bars
Located in the southwest of Mallorca, only a 25 minute ride from the airport, Magaluf has a reputation as the party spot of the island. Music lovers and clubbers flock to the sandy beaches of Playa de Magaluf to join the summer party scene.
At the heart of the nightlife is the famous Punta Ballena strip, packed with bars and restaurants that offer flowing beer and affordable menu deals. If you’re planning some late nights, check out the Magaluf Club Pass, which gives you fast track entry into five of the biggest clubs on the main strip. Close by are all-inclusive resorts and package deal hotels that cater to the party scene, offering pool parties and waterslides. Not advisable if you’re looking for a quiet night’s sleep!
But Magaluf has more to offer than foam parties. You can explore the gorgeous underwater landscapes of “El Toro” nature reserve with snorkel and scuba diving tours from the nearby Port Adriano.
Alcúdia (for families)
Beach / Family / Sports
With its long stretches of white, sandy beaches, the bay of Alcúdia is a Mediterranean paradise perfect for family holidays and water sports. The area is filled with open air restaurants, vibrant beach bars and fun activities. Along the coastline there is a wide range of hotels and accommodations that cater to all budgets.
Port d’Alcúdia boasts a beautiful marina surrounded by clear water and waterside restaurants, where families can unwind with live music and sea views. Farther inland, the Old Town of Alcudia offers traditional artisanal markets with village accommodations and historical boutique hotels.
Lined by fragrant pine forests and nature reserves, the stunning Playa de Muro is a gem of Mallorca. Known for its warm, aquamarine waters, it was recently voted the third Best Beach in Europe. After a day of paddle boarding or kayaking, enjoy a delicious meal with your feet in the sand at the amazing Ponderosa Beach bar near Can Picafort.
Cala Millor and Artà (for couples)
Art / Beach / Shopping
For couples who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, the eastern coast of Mallorca is your haven. With its rolling green hills and golden beaches, this tranquil area of the island will sweep you off your feet.
Art lovers will delight in the charming village of Artà, filled with art galleries and boutiques selling artisanal wicker and ceramics. Overlooking the town is the stunning Santuari de Sant Salvador, a walled fortress bult in the 14th Century. If you’re in need of some adventure, visit the magnificent Cuevas de Artà, a spectacular network of ancient caves that open onto the sea.
Perfect for a romantic getaway, Cala Millor boasts a long, sandy beach and spacious seafront hotels. Walk along the promenade or enjoy the many leisure activities the area has to offer, including horseriding, golf and shopping. Further down the coastline, you can explore picturesque fishing villages and discover hidden coves with turquoise seas.
Pollença and Formentor (for nature)
Nature / Cycling / Luxury
Prefer something off the beaten track? Mallorca’s wilder northern shores offer stunning hikes and coastline walks, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike. This area is also home to some of the world’s best cycling routes, with country roads, mountaintop monasteries and luxury hotels surrounded by nature.
The seaside town of Puerto Pollença offers a variety of hotels and self-catering apartments along the picturesque bay, with access to the iconic Formentor peninsula and its lighthouse. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy scuba diving or visit the Black Vulture Conservation Foundation to learn about the island’s protected species.
Finally, the beautiful village of Pollença is a must-see. Take 365 steps up the famous Calvari staircase and enjoy a picture-perfect view of the town. The town’s Sunday market has delicious local produce and delicacies like almond cake and Sa Cabreta goat cheese. At night, enjoy top quality tapas and the buzzing atmosphere of Can Mir 45.
Our recommended hotels in Mallorca
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in MallorcaNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
